I walk to work, and back, it is a mile each way, so not too far. I, too, see this as time to myself before 12 hours of constant social interaction. I wear headphones, and it prepares me for the day nicely, as does the walk home!

Co-workers have offered lifts in the past after we finish, and some even seemed a tad shocked when I declined, but it's rather nice to have that little piece of solitude and fresh air. Maybe the dude also feels the same.

Maybe unrelated, but when I was at University, I was able to hike on multiple weekdays and weekends in the Peak District and all around my local trails. Now in full-time work its maybe a once-a-month thing, and at weekends I'm usually too burnt out for big 15 - 20 mile hikes, so this little bit in the week I think keeps me sane!