Note: I have a very special guest tomorrow. Please stop by to meet C. Hope Clark, author and Funds for Writers blogger.
Now about my walking habit:
It has been almost two years since I last walked more than a block or two for exercise or pleasure. With that really bad knee, just getting around the house or doing the grocery shopping was a battle. Even with cortisone shots and a cane, I was hobbled.
And then on top of that, I broke a bone in my foot and was sidelined in even worse shape.
Now I’m ready to rock and roll, and the physical therapist told me I need to start walking to build up my endurance…but we still have cold temperatures, snow and ice.
So today I’m off to our local Senior Center which has an amazing new gym and a wonderful walking track with an easy-on-the-joints surface. I’d like to build that endurance back to at least three miles, although I’ll have to push myself to stick with it. The walking track is kind of boring. I just go round and round, round and round. Anyway…
By the time spring arrives, I want to hit the outside trails which are a lot more scenic and fun. Back when I was a regular walker, I surprised a fox in a dry river bed early one morning. I saw three mule deer near another trail. A beaver busy trying to block the water flow in a natural area creek. And, of course, lots of geese and goose poop due to the unfortunate desire of some to convince geese to winter here in Northern Colorado. They’re aggressive little beasts, too, so when they block the trail, I walk way, way around the gaggle.
What is your favorite outside exercise or fun activity? Can you do it outside all year round where you live?
I am lucky that I can walk outside for most of the year here in East Texas. I even walked in the fog and drizzle this morning. Good luck with reaching your goal. One step at a time. (smile)
One careful step at a time — it snowed again and all the parking lots are slick so even going to the grocery store is a risk. Another good reason to hang out at the Senior Center.
I’m glad you are walking again. You’ll find your endurance will come back quicker than you might think. I prefer to walk for exercise too. A foot surgery at the end of last October meant no walking for about 6 weeks and I nearly went stir-crazy trapped in the house. Snow can be a problem here in North Idaho’s long winter months, but snowshoes normally remedy that problem in a jiffy.
I totally sympathize with that stir-crazy feeling, Cassandra. I am so ready to get back to my normal level of activity. I can imagine North Idaho winters are a lot rougher than my part of Northern Colorado. We’ve had more snow than usual so far this winter, but we still get nothing like the states north of us.
Hi Patricia,
Glad to read you are healing, and good luck with your exercise plan.
I also suffer from a bum knee, but I manage to get some walking in. My favorite outdoor activity is walking the dog or walking through the woods in our place in the country. Living in Missouri means the weather is unpredictable, so when it’s nasty outside I go to our city’s rec center, which offers wonderful classes for active older adults (anyone over 50).
Hope you have a healthy and happy new year filled with peace and prosperity.
Good to see you, Donna. I grew up in Illinois and lived a lot of years in Indiana so I know all about unpredictable weather and those rains that seem to go on for days. I know a lot of folks walk in malls when the weather is unfriendly, but I’d be too tempted to waste time window shopping. A place devoted to exercise will keep me focused.
I prefer to walk or jog outside. I often see deer, hawks and there’s even a peregrine falcon that I occasionally see. Sometimes the cold defeats me and I use the treadmill. Good for you that you’re walking again.
Jogging was always too hard on my knees so I gave up on that a long time ago. I have used a treadmill from time to time, but find it even less satisfying than the track. As soon as the ice and snow go away, though, I’m heading outdoors (and taking my camera) just in case i spot one of those wild critters. We even have bald eagles nesting around town although none close to my house so far.
Walking and biking are my favorite outside exercises, especially walking on the beach. We’re extremely lucky here in FL to have such wonderful weather most of the year. Of course, that doesn’t mean I actually do those things as often as I want to or should….
Good luck with your new walking regime!
Thanks, Madeline. I used to ride my bike in Florida but haven’t had one since I moved here to Colorado. I’d probably wreck and break something unless I got one of those nifty three-wheelers. 😀
I think walking is a terrific way both to stay in shape and to explore the world, Pat. I’m owned by two dogs, so I do my share of walking. As I do, I always find myself noticing something. And sometimes, that something sparks a great idea. I’m glad you’re getting back into that habit; I think it’s restorative for physical and mental health.
I agree, Margot. There’s a uplifting and joyful feeling that comes with exploring the outdoors, and here in Colorado, there’s always a beautiful view in at least one direction.
Walking is definitely my favorite exercise activity. Right now I’m too cold to walk and it’s been raining, but usually L.A. weather is conducive to walking and I need to get back to it as well.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
It would be hard to come up with good excuses not to walk every day in California, but rain sure would do it. When I lived Florida, I’d try to walk early in the morning before the heat and humidity sent me running for air conditioning. I guess there’s always something.
I, too, like to walk outdoors best, but Rock Springs isn’t the easiest to traverse in winter either. At our rec center we have a lazy river that is fun to walk around. Some people even walk against the current. I am not that strong. Walking in the water is easier on my joints/bones and breaks up the monotony of the upstairs track all the time. I’m glad you’re feeling a little better and up to walking some.
Kari, I often think about walking in the pool and then using the hot tub at our Center but haven’t shopped for a bathing suit yet. For now, that walking track is going to be my home away from home.
Walking is a great form of exercise. Glad you can do it again. Maybe if that indoor track is boring, you could take your phone and listen to either music or a book?
Audiobooks and I don’t have a good relationship, Alex. My mind wanders if I’m active, and if I’m sitting or lying down, they usually put me to sleep.
Music, however, works well. I don’t have a fancy phone with music, so I carry my old Walkman that still works just fine. Somewhere around the house I have a little Shuffle I received as a gift for opening a bank account. I need to find it, charge the battery, load some new songs, and use it. It’s less bulky and I can clip it to my shirt. I’ll get it done one of these days.