NO NAME CHANGE

A friend who reads my blog suggested I change the name of the blog to 'Your Walking Coach' or something similar. Flattering, but, alas the 'Walking Coach' title has been taken. I guess I'll stick with the current title.

I've been walking a lot these past few days. The bright, crisp, clear Fall air is very tempting now that my seasonal asthma attack has passed. It's really hard to stay in the house or in the office when I look outside and see the sun shining and clear skies, knowing the temperature is perfect for a long walk!

All around me, people are happy to see the hot, muggy days of Summer leave. Not me! Even on those hottest of days, I'm happy walking outside. Admittedly, this is not a good thing for my appearance! After only a brief walk on a muggy Summer day, I look like a dog who has been dunked in the river! It takes some time to rearrange my hair and clothing to something suitable for the office or the presence of other humans. The dog doesn't seem to mind. LOL. In fact, it was the dog who held me back this summer. Now that she's seven years old - pushing 40 in the vet's terminology - she can't walk in the heat wearing her full length black fur coat. We were limited to two miles a day unless we walked early morning.

Do you know me? There'll be no early morning walks! Early morning is good for only one thing - and that's SLEEP. My body clock just will not cooperate - no matter how happy my husband is to be up and bouncing at 5:30 AM.

So, late mornings or about 4 PM is when I typically walk. My wimpy friends who insist on mall walking (okay, me sometimes) push the walk time to 6PM or 7PM. Since I'm a night owl that's not a problem for me.

The point is - be flexible, but keep moving. Find a time that works in your life - doesn't have to be the same time every day. If you work full time and can't fit a walk in any other time, consider taking at least half of your lunch time for a walk. If you are a SAHM, don't put everything else in front of your walk. Make it a priority so that you do it. Put it on your list.

If you're just establishing a walking routine, take it slow but keep it steady if you can. Don't do so much that you get overly fatigued or sore - but DO keep walking. Remember, no matter what shape you're in, your body is designed to walk. A good pair of shoes and a positive attitude are your best assets for establishing a walking routine and realizing the benefits of it.

My 89 year old mom who was my first inspiration for walking, recently admitted to me that she actually has a guilty conscience if she doesn't walk every day! She has outlived most of her friends ( a mixed blessing, of course) but the key is that other than her vision, she's in excellent health. She is one of the reasons that I developed this need to walk. Not only do I want to age in a healthy manner, I want the mental and emotional benefits I get from walking. It FEELS good.

Don't just take my word for it. Try it out. Work up to 20-30 minutes a day and learn for yourself the positive changes that will occur in your life. Then tell us about it here!



***************************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.