Talking about the way we walk in L.A.

I appreciated the push for walking exercise programs in the paper [“Special Issue: Walking in L.A.,” March 12]. I understand that the Health section diligently works to promote better health, so I assume that the photos of good-looking Anglos in beautiful settings which accompanied the articles were designed to make walking more attractive.

However, many of us live (and hopefully walk) in less glamorous neighborhoods and the effect of your projection is to make it appear that only beautiful, white and wealthy people -- who live near beaches and large floral gardens -- are targeted as your audience. The images in your other articles, including the weekly stretching and strength exercise demonstrations, are much the same.

Where are the black, Latino, poor or sturdily built Angelenos? Surely, Los Angeles is sufficiently diversified to allow images of the rest of us to appear in your section and be part of the movement for better health.

ALAN MYERSON

Culver City

*

Thanks for the article, “Even This Most Basic of Exercises Has Its Fads.” Hopefully, the section on racewalking will bring more people -- young, old and in between -- to this beautiful and beneficial sport. We have so many racewalking clubs -- please join us!

BARBARA KOWALSKI

Alhambra

*

Marnell Jameson’s article on running/walking shoes [“These Shoes Were Made for Walking”] was very informative and well-written. However, there was one aspect of running/walking shoe fit that has all but disappeared from the shoe fit discussion in recent years. And that’s how shoe last shape relates to foot shape.

About 15% of the population have straight feet, while the remainder have what have been termed “banana”-shaped (also called “C-shaped”) or “dog-leg”-shaped feet. Shoes today are mostly designed for this majority. Pro shops have gotten very good at identifying pronating and supinating issues, but often are ignorant of foot shape and how it affects foot movement.

Because it’s very difficult to tell if a new shoe pinches, especially a soft running/walking type shoe, the best way to find a shoe that fits is to make an outline of each of your feet while standing on a piece of paper, cut out the patterns and take them with you when you buy shoes. Before trying on a pair of shoes, place the pattern on the sole of the shoe. If the pattern overhangs, the shoe is not for you.

TOM ENGLEZOS

Pilot Hill

*

I felt you left out one good way to get started on a walking routine. I had felt for a long time that I needed to do some walking but could always find an excuse not to: It’s too cold, I’m too tired, it’s too late, any number of reasons.

Then last March my husband and I adopted a dog. Now there is no excuse that will keep me from walking Zoe. Rain or shine, she gets a 20-minute walk in the morning and 45 minutes to an hour in the evening. It has become my favorite part of the day.

I feel better, my legs and rear look better, and in a month I met more people in my neighborhood than I had met in the 20 years I have lived here.

SALLY CARROCINO

West Hollywood

*

Before we all go out walking for health, somebody better alert the drivers. I walk every day and it is not only my general health that has improved: My reflexes have gotten quicker.

L.A. drivers don’t stop at stop signs, they don’t stop before turning on red, they speed in residential neighborhoods and they generally do not see pedestrians in crosswalks.

ROB HILL

Los Angeles

*

How could you leave out the book “Walking L.A.: 36 Walking Tours Exploring Stairways, Streets and Buildings You Never Knew Existed” in your special section on walking in Los Angeles? It is the main authority on walks in Los Angeles. I see it on display at bookstores all over the city!

TONY HARRIS

Hollywood