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]

Your walk sounds absolutely beautiful Eagle Ray. Do you have a dog?

[BeautifulHorse]

I've been reading about some of the beautiful walks here and thinking about my own walking habits. I walk because I have to to get to work, even when I don't want to get up. I start out earlyish in the morning and say hello to all the regular birds that are always in the same bushes. I walk through the suburbs to the bus station, just 15 minutes, but it's enough to enjoy. It's normally fairly brisk and cold, so I keep my hands in my pockets and walk until I'm glad I didn't bring a jacket. At the moment all the autumn leaves make for great fun stomping on. I've begun learning the traffic light cycles and waving to the drivers when they stop instead of scuttling awkwardly across the road. When I get further into the city there are always gulls and crows flying about calling out. It's wonderful to watch while I wait for the bus.

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Shell and Beautiful Horse

Shell, I don’t have a dog but have thought of getting a rescue dog for sometime. I’m waiting to see what future employment I’m doing because I know that will affect which dog will be a good fit. Some dogs don’t like being left home alone much and I’ll just feel better knowing how many hours I’ll be away. If working very close by and not too many hours I may be able to have a dog that would be harder to have if driving some distance to a nearby town and away for longer periods.

Beautiful Horse, I love your name. I enjoyed your description of your morning walk to the bus. It can be such a lovely time of day. I could relate to what you say about not bringing a jacket. I’ve often found when I wear one I’m too hot by the end even if cold to start with, so unless really cold I often go without too as it’s more comfortable as the walk progresses.

 I didn’t walk today but yesterday had a nice walk in nearby bushland. Quite a few families were out enjoying some sunshine after it was cloudy and rainy earlier. The bush is getting a much needed drink. There are a few native plants flowering even though most do so in later months. It was a good walk before returning to working on things on my computer.

[Guest_1055]

Thankyou for sharing about you walk Beautiful horse to the bus station. I love waking through fallen leaves as well, especially those real crunchy sounding ones. And hearing all those bird songs are ,well there is something about hearing those noises, not sure what 

[Guest_1055]

Ah ok that makes sense in regards to getting a dog Eagle Ray. Thankyou for sharing your walk 

[Guest_1055]

I went for a walk tonight. Quite a brisk one, as the supermarket was closing. I wanted to get there before it did. We made it at 7:50 it closes at 8pm.

[Guest_1055]

Hi Beautiful Horse,

Thankyou for sharing your walk to the bus station. I love walking in leaves as well, especially if they are the crunching ones

[Eagle Ray]

I’m glad you made it to the supermarket in time Shell. Sometimes those brisk walks are quite good I think. It kind of gets the body and heart rate going. My walk was brisk also. I met my neighbour near the start who was on her way home. She’s been going through a tough time so I wanted to be there for her so she could chat. After that it was getting dark so I had to go quickly around a nearby bushland trail. Another walker was out with her little white dog who ran up to me to say hello.

[Guest_1055]

So happy the little white dog ran up to you to say hello to you Eagle Ray. Some people seem like magnets to dogs. My son is one of those people.

Yes I agree brisk walks get you heart going for sure. I often feel physically better after a walk like that. 

That is super kind to help your neighbour like that. Sometimes you just want someone to listen. 

Hi Mrs D and Beautiful 🐎 horse

[Guest_1055]

I am here sitting facing the ocean. I came here to walk either on the sand or on the breakwall.

The waves are coming in rough and big. Just looked I couldn't see any swimming flags. So I am guessing it is just too rough out there. Might be interesting to walk on the breakwall actually, as the waves might be crashing over it onto the path.