E The Holistic View 153
Contrast this with my running through the airport. I run on a
regular basis and never walk the stairs, unless it is in a setting where
people would find running the steps strange or threatening. It rarely
looks out of place for me to do it and I rarely get a second glance
because there is a congruity between my pace and my muscle memory.
Stride
Most people have a natural stride or length of step that falls
somewhere around the 30-inch range (heel to toe) that the Army
dictates for marching. Height and length of limbs dictate this, of
course, as well as travel companions.
With a 36-inch inseam and wearing boots, I have long legs;
Maryann doesn’t. When we launched How to Spot a Liar at the
Capitol in Washington, D.C., we were asked to meet with a news
team from Channel 9. A little confusion about the exact location
sent us several blocks away from the actual rendezvous point. When
we called and found out we needed to travel several blocks, I did
not change my speed, but simply lengthened my stride to what is
normal for me. Maryann had no more length in her stride, so her
only option was to speed; in fact, every five to seven steps she
would jog a few steps in her heels. It’s a fond memory because it
added texture to the day (and her heels no doubt added texture to
the grounds on the West lawn of the Capitol).
This shortening or lengthening of stride will tell you a bit about
the urgency and intent of the person in the situation. In this case,
the urgency and intent were clear. Maryann and I were carrying on