A little perspective. I do not normally walk 7 or more miles. Hubby and I do walk about 3 to 4 miles when we take a hike in our local parks and woods during the warmer weather. I do run between 3 and 4 miles on the elliptical in my basement about 5 or 6 times each month. So, the 7 miles, while strenuous, was not a super challenge. We started about 11:30 in the morning and got back to our cars about 4:30 P.M. stopping frequently for photography and once for lunch. You can do this. Perhaps not on a tree root covered path, but on a sidewalk around your town. I think you would be surprised. Even if you have serious health issues, just walking a little ways is good for you. Just add a quarter or half mile each time and breathe sweetly the good air.
The only thing, that I have observed about walking, is those who walk long distances, and by that I mean more than two miles a day, tend to eventually have hip and knee problems requiring surgery. I think steady and consistent walking is probably better for us than long distances. Once in awhile, not a big deal; but whether regularly doing a LOT of miles will hurt your joints depends a lot on genetics. Some could do it and run marathons in their late 70s. For others it would have them in surgery for a new knee. For general health, the two miles or so a day is probably best for blood sugar, heart and emotional balance. It doesn't take too long and it's not too hard on the body.
ReplyDeleteThe contrast of colours in this image are just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI should precede this by saying I did not have a good relationship with my mother. But. I watched her get old and demented because she would not make the effort to stay mobile. I would encourage her to just walk down to the next house and back, then the next house after that but she would not make the effort. After a while she really couldn't. It is so important to stay mobile and active because if you stop, it's really hard to start again.
ReplyDeleteI routinely walk 5 miles on trails now, but when you start, you must just go a mile and feel good about it. Today, I hiked strenuously with a friend for 6 miles, and I'm tired tonight. But, I'm also feeling great. I used to run, but I generally only walk now. I'm 70 and my knees/hips are fine. Movement is a good deterrent to age-related joint and balance problems as well as chronic diseases.
ReplyDeleteSame as Ellen, my mom would not walk or exercise, Dad bought her a Cadillac of an exercise bike but no go. She's gone many years now but the bike is still around. My sister uses it regularly. Out of four sisters, the one who won't get up and go is the one going downhill swiftly.
ReplyDeleteI know I'd benefit from turning off the TV and walking, but at least I swim three times a week.
ReplyDeleteWell this sounds kind of lame, but after my surgery my doc told me to set my phone for 6 minutes, and walk 6 minutes away from my house, turn around at the timer and return home. He suggested adding 2 minutes to the timer every day. No more. No less. As someone who has always been a strong walker, I thought this was way too slow and said so. However, It was truly the very best way for me to return to normal distances. The first day I was totally amazed that I was utterly relieved when 6 minutes were finally up, and very glad to be heading home. Over time gradually adding time worked for me. Now, if I find myself unmotivated, I just make myself do the old 6 out 6 back walk. Just being out there and moving does the trick!
ReplyDeleteMotivation follows action. That sounds backward, but it isn't. That's why getting out there at all gets you moving again.
ReplyDeleteSlowly and steadily building up certainly does beat trying to get back into the swing of it all at once, and getting hurt, and quitting.
Walking is so good for you and have always walked. Not as far or as long now. Sometimes morning and afternoon if even for 30 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI wondered about the distance you shared. Walk daily but maybe not quite as much and where it is safer...
I'm getting better but not seven miles better. I do walk half an hour in the pool before I go to work. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I always feel better when I walk even just a bit but making myself do it is the hard part. Plus I never seem to have the right shoes.
ReplyDeleteOh I agree. Just being as active as you can is important. We like our hikes in the park. Tip: If you hike on uneven ground, take a walking stick!
ReplyDeleteAnd gentle yoga is a great addition to my regime. It keeps me limber!
Perfection, I love it.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Just walking a little ways is good for our health. And a bonus is to enjoy such a beautiful scenery.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fun day!
ReplyDeleteI run 2 or 3 miles sometimes and do other exercises, too. Hopefully, it will benefit me in the long run - no pun intended.
I just read "Wild," about a woman who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. That "really" made me want to find some nice trails and walk more - as opposed to staying in the neighborhood.
I hope you've encouraged your readers.
What a gorgeous autumn image you have shared. I'd walk a good distance to see that.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean by the pulse of the city; except I think of it as the buzz of the city. It's great in small doses, but as you say, you gotta get away, too.
ReplyDeleteYes! It is SO good for you. My mom walks miles and miles in the woods. I believe this is what has kept her healthy enough to fight off all the life threatening illnesses she has come down with. The doctors are in awe at her resilience and wonder how she does it but she has always been outdoorsey, active, and a hiker and she still is. The walking is great exercise and just being outside is good for the soul. :)
ReplyDeleteSeven miles is a pretty good hike. You're in great shape!
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