Why You Need a Rage Walk (and How to Start One)

When I was a kid, I’d hear that my Maw-Maw was always “out walking” with her friend Claudia. In Louisiana, they somehow found time to walk a couple of times a week, through sweltering summers, storms, and even hurricanes.

To me, it just sounded nice: she has a friend, and they walk. End of story.

Fast-forward to age 38, and I suddenly understood. I was missing a friend I used to see nearly every day at childcare pickup. Once our kids landed in different schools, our paths stopped crossing. One day, I suggested:

“Hey, want to meet at the park and walk?”

And just like that, a tradition was born.

At first, nearly 4 miles felt like a marathon. Cold weather kept us inside. Schedules were messy. But over time, things shifted. Now, those miles fly by. We rarely miss a walk, no matter the temperature. Even during the pandemic, we kept going.

Because here’s the thing: this isn’t just walking.

This is therapy.

It’s rage release. It’s working through marriage hiccups, kid challenges, family secrets, and professional frustrations—all while logging steps and getting cardiovascular points before the day even begins. It’s one hour, twice a week, to unload and move forward lighter.

And here’s the best part: with so many people working remotely, a rage walk has never been more doable. Morning before work, at lunch, or even at night after dinner are all viable options now.

If you want to start your own walking group, here are some lessons I’ve learned:

1. Schedule it.
We have two standing calendar appointments each week. Before that, our walks were sporadic. Now, we protect those times and schedule life around them. It is always the same place. Decision fatigue is not allowed in the logistics of this walk.

2. Gear matters.
“There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.” A crossbody bag is a must. Sunglasses (Goodr are my fave), hair ties, and a ponytail-friendly hat are basics. I’ve linked everything I use here if you want to make your own Rage Walking kit to get started fast.

3. Level up for winter.
Good gear makes cold mornings tolerable. My MVPs: insulated gloves, Athleta pants (I rotate two winter tights and one bootcut pair so I’m never “out” on laundry day), and a hat or ear cover (depending on the weather). For me, cold ears are a dealbreaker, so I always protect them to keep my walks comfortable.

4. Be known on the trail.
You’ll start to notice the regulars—the speedy runner, the twins, the dog walker blasting ’90s grunge. We decided to be “the ones with Bala weights.” Ankle or wrist weights instantly transform a 4-mile walk into a 4-mile workout. We are debating adding a weighted vest. It’s a whole thing that we have been discussing for a year. Stick around to see if we add it in. Let me know if you like yours, please!

5. Bring whimsy into the mix.
We keep a shared iOS Notes account to remind us of things we want to discuss when we're not walking. Something that started as a quick way to keep things organized has become such a fun treat when I get a notification, “Walking Buddy has updated ‘rage walking’ note,” and I don’t look at what she added because I want it to be a surprise. The joy in knowing there is something juicy waiting for me gets me up and out the door!

After six years, rage walking has become a pillar of my week. I even miss my friend in the summer when we take breaks; we end up calling each other while folding laundry just to keep the rhythm.

Maw-Maw’s walking buddy, Claudia, passed years ago, and Maw-Maw still talks about missing her. I get it now. You don’t just walk beside someone for miles; you share the small intimacies of life. You do life together, step by step.

Cheers to using our resources wisely,

Andrea

P.S. If you like this, you’ll enjoy this comedian’s take on the necessity of a walking group! I had such a giggle fit when someone shared this with me recently, knowing I am a self-proclaimed rage walker.

P.P.S. If you enjoyed this story, please tap the little heart ❤️ below. It helps more readers discover these stories and keeps the community going!