Walking Shoes - Walking and Other Exercise

Guest_1055 · ‎27-01-2016

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 · ‎28-09-2020

Hey Quirky yes it is a nice way to catch up with others. Especially if the person you are walking with likes looking at historical buildings etc as well. Is there much of that around you, like historical type things?

Hello Elizabeth, I am so glad you were able to get out and walk some. And even have a bit of a car picnic. The quarry that was made into a park sounds quite interesting. Where I grew up on a small property there was a sand quarry quite near. I would often go walking around it. Properly not safe, but I didn't know that back then. It had large bodies of water where if you got too close you would start sinking in the mud. Anyway I am glad you enjoyed getting out there.

This evening I went on a 40 minute walk just over to the next suburb and back. I could smell many peoples dinners cooking away in their homes. And I could also smell a sweet flowery scent coming from some plant. I don't know what plant it actually was. But it was a pretty scent. The cool evening air felt good too. Invigorating.

Elizabeth CP · ‎29-09-2020

Thanks Shell. Yes disused quarries are quite dangerous. This one was fenced off for years but they have gradually opened up more of it so you can get down to the lake. They stocked the lake with fish & put in fishing platforms. Currently unable to be used due to lockdown but hopefully in 3 weeks restrictions will ease further & allow more activities outdoors.

Today my son rang & asked if I could take his 6 yr old for an adventure walk. Legal because we'd be within the 5km limit & now 5 people from 2 households can walk outside. I was told to wear hiking boots & expect to get muddy. I drove to my son's & then headed off with Mr 6 leading the way. He carried a small backpack with water & a snack. My son was working from home so he couldn't come. My grandson was excited to show me his favourite adventure walk including pointing out the things I shouldn't attempt because they were too dangerous. The whole walk he kept up a running commentary on everything which interested him. I was tired particularly on the hills wearing a mask but I made it. He had no difficulty!!! It was nice to get away from home & have something to take my mind off things. It was nice knowing my grandson wanted to go on the walk with me. (It was his request not my son's) I got him to smell a few flowers & he picked a leaf with an interesting texture after I pointed out how I get his grandad to smell plants or feel plants because he can't see them.

It was a nice walk with nice company

Guest_1055 · ‎29-09-2020

Awe that's lovely going walking with your grandson. He sounds like he is really into it. A love of hiking and such past down from perhaps you and your hubby, then your son, and now him. Maybe your parents liked it too. I am thinking you may have mentioned that a while back, but I am not entirely sure. Anyway it's great.

I was so curious about the old quarry turned into a reserve, that I googled it. I knew the rough area where you are in Victoria. So if its the one I came across... well the images looked so beautiful. A gentle sort of grassy slope, with a path going around a bit if a lake. With green trees in the background. I did see an image with like a platform going partly over the water. So I am guessing that is for the fishing you mentioned. Its a really pretty spot Elizabeth and I can see why you would like it. It would be nice to walk around. And even take out a canoe in the lake.

Elizabeth CP · ‎29-09-2020

My parents met through a walking group in England. It was mum's first outing after recuperating from very major surgery. In England we didn't have a car so we walked a lot. When we came to Australia we spent weekends & holidays exploring. My husbands parents met in a youth hostel so they loved walking & climbing. My son's kids take after my son. Very adventurous!!!

Guest_1055 · ‎08-10-2020

Oh that's right I remember you saying before how your parents meet. I like stories like that. I would like to know how your hubby and you met. Hope it's ok to ask, it may not be exercise related. I am just curious.

Hope you are getting along OK Elizabeth with everything

Guest_1055 · ‎08-10-2020

I have been just going on extremely gentle walks, just to keep my body moving. Almost everyday.

Guest_1643 · ‎08-10-2020

Hi Shelll

Good on you - gentle walks seem to me something that can be maintained and very quickly improve mood.
Great idea to use this time for gentle walks.

It is nice to be outside whatever the distance one travels. I like to walk to the end of my street and buy a newspaper and coffee, it definitely helps me. I then sit on a bench for a bit and drink the coffee and read the paper and I really enjoy the sun and being outside.

Elizabeth CP · ‎08-10-2020

Hi Shell, Sorry I haven't been posting much as I'm struggling a bit. I met my husband at church & we went bushwalking with a mutual friend. Later on I taught him to ski because I needed company driving to the snow. I didn't think it safe to drive on my own as I would leave really early so was on the slopes as soon as the lifts opened & didn't leave till thy closed so I was likely to be very tired. At that time I would listen to the snow report on Thursday & then go on the Saturday when ever there was good snow. He wasn't a good skier but willing to learn so that was fine.

I have done a couple of adventure walks with my son & grandchildren. We walk from his house over the hill & down a steep bush track ending up at a creek. We cross over stepping stones or a log. Today the creek was too high to use the stones. It was extremely wet, muddy & slippery so I was worried about sliding down but made it without falling.

I miss being able to go to different places . Unsure when the 5km & 2 hr limits will be lifted due to some recent clusters keeping numbers higher than needed.

Guest_1055 · ‎08-10-2020

Thankyou Elizabeth I did like hearing how you guys met. And I enjoyed reading about your adventure walk.

No sorry needed about not posting or anything. I do understand as I too am struggling with some things

Guest_1055 · ‎08-10-2020

Hey dear Sleepy, I am glad you got out and walked to the end of your street to buy a paper and a coffee and just sit out a bit outside. It's nice. The sun can feel so very nice on us. I like that as well. I wasn't sure if many people buy newspapers anymore.

I should do that, just walk over to the next suburb and buy some healthy drink around there. They have put in a lot of new benches and tables. Well they have been there 6 months or so. I just have never thought to sit on them. So yeah I am going to do that.