WALKING AND DANCING

I dance most Sunday evenings. There's a great DJ, Larry, who, with his wife, Tracey, host a social dance at their studio most Sunday's from 6 -10:30 PM. Larry also teaches a lot if the dances and is the only teacher at the Wednesday night 'Beginnner' class that my friend Debbie and I attend most weeks. We're not any good at dance, but we're not beginners. We just enjoy it and don't mind going over some of the 'oldies' when a newcomer joins us (which is not often enough!).

The group that gathers to dance on Sunday is diverse - but mostly women. In addition to Larry, there are only two other men who are regulars. But, the women span ages from (I'm guessing here) 36 to 86. That's quite an age span. Plus, we have varying skill levels. Many of the women have been dancing for years and some are even teachers of their own groups on other days. Most of them are far more accomplished at dance than I am, but few of them have more stamina than I have. And, they let me know!

I'm always rarin' to go when we get there. I lace up my dance shoes (slick soled for turning) and dance every tune I know the steps to. Now, that's AFTER I've walked my three miles earlier in the days. After only a few dances, many of the women are complaining about being hot, being tired, hurting feet or knees. Well, yes, my feet hurt too. But, it's time to dance! Who cares if their feet hurt? And, who can be tired when a calypso beat comes up or my absolute favorite Wonderland Waltz.

That waltz usually does it for most people. It's a longer dance than most - and quite energetic, requiring longer strides than most dances too. It simply tires out most of the dancers. Not me! I wanna do it again!

It occurred to me today - while I'm taking a day off work to cook and clean in anticipation of the holidays - that my walks actually give me energy. That wasn't the case from Day 1. I had to work up to it. When I first started walking, I didn't walk 3 miles - closer to 1 mile. And, I was tired when I was done. Now, 3 miles is my norm. Some Thursdays, I'll walk 5 miles in two sessions - 3 in the morning then 2 more when I get home if the weather is nice.

Now, a walk doesn't fatigue me. It actually gives me energy. I need all the help I can get with that! Don't you?



***************************Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude. You can trust the information you find here. It's from a dedicated walker. Trust me and your life will get better! I promise.

YES, I HAVE BEEN WALKING

and not writing - again. The weather has been wonderful, for the most part. Also, on September 11, I participated in an all day (and all evening) dance workshop at Crestwood Court. There were linedance teachers from all over the US and at least one from Canada. It was so much fun!! I highly recommend a good linedance as an alternative to walking - and to mix it up a bit.

My friend Debbie and I are having fun with the linedancing. We even taught a group of women (and two guys and a bunch of kids) two linedances for a talent contest at Debbie's church. Well, not sure how much talent we demonstrated, but the women there are interested in continuing to linedance, so we're trying to find a place and time to get together once a week so I can teach them the linedances I know.

If you know me personally, this won't surprise you - that I'd be teaching linedancing. I'm not any good at it, I'm sure I'm not graceful and not much fun to watch doing it, but I LOVE it. At least, I can teach the specific steps AND pass along my enthusiasm for the activity. LOL.

But, I won't be giving up my walking. I'll be doing that every day, including most days that I dance for 1-3 hours. The only thing that gets in the way of these activities are those irksome things like work and housekeeping. And, if you know me, you know the housekeeping activities will just have to wait.....


***************************Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.