Walking Shoes - Walking and Other Exercise

[Guest_1055]

Hey to anyone reading this.

Last night I had an idea about starting a new thread about exercise especially walking. I am aware that walking is very beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical well being. And by actually doing it....well it can make a huge difference to how we cope with the storms that we face in life.

OK, I am not real good at disciplining myself to walk, and have to really push myself to do it. And sometimes it is even hard to leave this bedroom. Anyway I am not a beginner walker, as I have stuck to sort of a plan before. So I know that it does make me feel somewhat better. But I only stayed on the plan for a couple of months, then gave up.....for whatever reason. So here I am again wanting desperately to not fail this time.

So I guess this thread is for anyone that does walk, anyone that is struggling to walk because of depression or anxiety issues. And anyone else really......

I am unsure of the outcome of all this. But my ideas included: Sharing about things we have found out about exercise especially about walking. Writing down the reasons that one would chose to walk ( like something to help motivate). Being accountable in same way. Sharing about the places where we actually do walk, like the beach, gym, around the block, with the dog, out to the clothesline and back. And any other useful tips that could help others. So here we go......

[Guest_1055]

Hi Elizabeth

I was wondering how you set out your chart for the week. Like what does it look like. Does it have columns. Do you make a new one each week?.I am not that good at making charts, so any suggestions would be good. Sometimes my brain gets very scattered and it is hard to stay focused. So I am thinking a chart my be beneficial for me also.

Much love

Shell xx

[Starwolf]

Hi Shelley,

Hmm... watching ants in public may draw a bit of unhealthy attention, although I did come to the conclusion a long time ago that whatever people think of my antics is none of my business.

Tracking with dogs is mainly about following a person's trail. Not many are keen to play the role of that missing person in my area, so this service is mostly exchanged with other enthusiasts. More often, I set up a track (without dogs), dragging along dirty old clothing, shoes etc...in a bag with string attached. These are borrowed from a "volunteer". I later return to square 1 with the K9s. It can also be done with guinea pig bedding, another dog's coat etc...as tracker dogs can seek and find whatever has gone missing, from lost bush walkers to someone with Alzheimer who's lost the way, a criminal, a lost pet, a wandering child...anything or anyone who needs to be found. Very useful too if -as I often do- you can't remember where exactly you have forgotten a tool or discarded a jumper somewhere at the other end of the paddock....but where exactly? It is not about hunting animals. This is actually not allowed, (unless you're a hunter of course) or else a dog could easily be distracted from the job...Multi-purpose trackers must be livestock and wildlife proofed to start with.

Like watching ants, not everyone's cup of tea. It can be quite an adventure. You may  come upon a protective wild sow and her babies, or some indignant lone boar on a narrow wild goat track with nowhere else to go. Wild pigs have poor eyesight and sense of smell. When focused on grubbing, they have no idea what else is going on. Startling them can be unhealthy ! Once we came across an abandoned dingo pup in poor shape, already surrounded by waiting crows. I carried her home and looked after her until she was able to fend for herself.

You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Sometimes it is a blessing...sometimes it may not be so good for the old blood pressure ! But after all, the same also applies in any "civilized" environment.

Happy walking to you all beautiful people.

[Starwolf]

Hi Elizabeth,

Wouldn't it be nice if imagination was available on tap ? But it has a mind of its own, doesn't it ? Sometimes it takes us for a wild ride at the most unexpected time. Other times is is just inaccessible. Its own requirements must be indulged before it comes to play.

Good to know you could go walking your husband.  Both of you must have enjoyed this rare treat. I hope you all enjoy a break next week-end. We all need a change of head space sometimes.

Hugs to you.

[Guest_5218]

Hi Starwolf.  That sounds like such fun with all the tracking stuff that you do with your 'pack'.  I would love that.  Although I suggest I would not be able to keep up with you and your pack very well and left way behind.  

Unfortunately I did not get out for a proper walk today, I was just too tired this morning to do anything.  Then this afternoon I had a medical appointment which seemed to take up most of the afternoon.  But I finally got home around 5pm and the weather had cooled down a little by then.

Then at about 6pm the thunder rolls in, a lovely breeze springs up and I decided to take Holly for a walk around out block.  We have only 3 acres, but its nice and quiet with no near neighbours.  And we have lots of gum trees, pines, fruit trees, etc.  So I told Holly that we were going for a walk.  She instantly got all excited thinking we were going rabbiting, but we didnt find any today.  She was dissapointed but happy for our litte explore anyway.  So I wandered around the block and listened to the thunder as it rolls closer, I love that sound.  Listened to the wind in the tops of the trees.  To the excited chatter of the little birds in the trees as we passed them by.  Checked our fruit trees as we passed them by.  I picked 2 mangoes and 2 figs and brought them back to add to our fruit bowl.  Hubby likes mangos, I like figs.  Finally beat the birds to something!  There are not many macadamias on the trees this year as we cut them back quite savagely last year.  They needed it.  Lots of nice citrus on this year though.  But they are still a fair way off being ready.  I picked up all the fallen limbs which have dropped out of the gum trees.  That will save me doing it next time hubby wants to mow!

So although I didnt go for a proper walk, I did do something outside for about 15 mins.  I have to work tomorrow, so may not get the chance to go tomorrow.  So I'm glad I did something today.

Does my virtual swim at the Cafe swimming pool count as exercise?    ( - :

Sherie xx

[Guest_1055]

Hey Sherie

Yes I think the "virtual swim" does count in a way.

Especially if you use your senses. You may not be physically swimming. But your mind can . Well it does for me. I also just went for a swim in the cafe pool. So I close my eyes and my imagination takes over in a good way. I see an image of a rectangular pool, with refreshing clear water. It is crystal clear. I see myself climbing in down the ladder. I can smell a soft scent of salt. Because in my imagination this is a salted pool. I think about how cool in feels on my skin. I then can swim the length or just float on my back. Staring upwards at the sparkling stars that are seen through the glass roof. My pool was indoors. 

So I am pretty sure there is some benefits to a" virtual swim", as it can take your mind on a little holiday. A rest from troubling thoughts , a method of distraction or whatever.

Hugs to you my dear friend

Shell xx

[Elizabeth CP]

IHe Sherie, I thought the rules for this thread was to walk the distance, pace & place that suits you at the time so the walk around your block definitely counts. It gave you exercise, a pleasant break from negative thoughts while you listened to the sights & sounds and a feeling of satisfaction from being productive picking fruit & clearing away logs. A win every way. The swim gives a needed break from negative thoughts so it is healthy as well in my opinion so I agree with Shelley.

[Guest_1055]

Love to us all

I am just about to leave on a walk around our block. It is so much cooler now, so it should be more pleasant. OK, my shoes are on and I have my torch. It is now just about 8:30pm.

See you when I return.

xxx

[Guest_1055]

 Hi all

Just reporting back from my walk tonight. So I decided to go around the block. I tried to use all my senses. So as I set out, I noticed the stars and a few clouds, as I looked up. I couldn't look up for long as you have to keep a lookout for pot holes. I thought I would do a little deep breathing. Inhale......exhale.......Inhale.......exhale. Smelt someones cooking, but I didn't recognize the scent. I also smelt a fishy smell. This aroma was coming out from the open backdoor of a seafood truck. As I was walking, I felt a tiny breeze in my hair and on my skin. I could hear bats, and I have to be honest, I don't like hearing there noise. Nor thinking that they might be peering out at me from the branches in the tall trees. So I walked a bit faster for a bit. I spotted a office chair poking out from someons curb side collection. I shone my torch on it, but no....no good it looked like a doggie had chewed on the leather seat part. You never know, some people do throw out good stuff..... Heard people coughing from inside there house, as there front door was wide open. I could also hear the trains in the distance. So that is about it for my walk.... Thankful I ventured out.

Much love to everyone

Shell xx

Just keep going, just keep going.......

[Guest_1055]

Hello Elizabeth

You are right Elizabeth one of the intentions for this thread is there is complete freedom to choose whatever you are able to manage. So you are free to choose the place you walk, the distance you walk, the pace you walk. And even the type of exercise you chose to do. WE ARE FREE. I think it is all beneficial for us... So Sherie good on you for walking around your block....

Hugs

Shell xx

[Starwolf]

Hi Sherie,

Feeling tired yesterday morning means you probably had another restless night. I hope you could relax a bit better last night...

Thanks for sharing your time out on your acres with Holly.  What matters is the quality of our walks, not the  distance traveled. Your place sounds lovely. You're so lucky to be able to grow mangoes. It gets far too cold here over winter to grow all that lovely sub-tropical stuff. I really miss it at times....Plenty abandonned fig trees dating back to old gold digging settlements but yeah, it's hard to beat the birds to it. They enjoy unripe fruit better than we do ! Wild pigs love fallen figs so the dogs come in handy to fend them off, leaving me free to have a glut and take as many back home as possible. Since the K9s make it clear they're a protective barrier, not a hunting party, pigs usually get the message and trot off, although with much indignant grunting.

Aren't dogs great motivators to get out and about ? They're usually much keener to go exploring than their humans. There are days when only their reproachful glare can penetrate a  lazy mood. Like with everything else, the first few steps are the most difficult, aren't  they ?

Another scorching day today so the walk will be brief (and the dogs won't give me a hard time). We might aim for a nearby rock pool in one of the creeks and enjoy the relaxing sound of rushing water. Good excuse to sit around a while and listen to night life waking up.

Have a good day !