A New Bridge

One of the trail loops in my favorite parks had been unavailable for several months due to the condition of one of the foot bridges.  Kris and I had been monitoring the rebuilding of the bridge all Winter.  We were thrilled to see the recently reopened bridge this past weekend.  It's a little thing, but we are delighted by all the trails at this park and to have one blocked off was disappointing.  So, now, we are able to approach the bluff overlooking the interstate via this bridge.  The other bluff overlooks a bend of the Meramec River as it turns from its East/West course to its North/South course heading for the Mississippi River.  At this point, it is about 12 miles from its confluence with the Mississippi

Kris kindly took this picture of me and my best four-legged friend, Lizzie, who is the most avid walker I know.  It was the rare day of about 60 degrees surrounded by days in the 40's and worse.  We had sun and clear skies.  That combination makes heading out for a walk that much easier.  A favorite trail makes it easier too.

I suggest you find a good walking friend or two and a great trail near your residence and forge onward, walking for your mental and physical health..



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

It's Almost Spring!!!

Despite the mostly terrible weather in these parts, I have kept up a regular walking routine.  It so helps to have friends to walk with, who count on me for motivation as I count on them.  One friend, Kris, and I have fallen in love with Emmenegger Park which I've written about before.

We walked there this afternoon.  I'm mostly retired but Kris still has a full time, very demanding job.  Nevertheless, I have been known to nag her via text to flee the office and meet me on the trails at the park.  She's usually game.

We have walked in this park for three seasons.  This will be our first Spring there and I can't wait.  Fall was lovely in the woods - all those rustic Fall colors, the crisp air, and the hint of snow in the air.  Winter was challenging, but when the paths weren't icy, we trooped on.  Once all the leaves had fallen, we crunched them underfoot and continued to find new trails.  Summer was pleasant under the canopy of tall trees near the Meramec River.  Cooler than most places, sheltered from the sun, and meeting lots of other walkers/hikers on the trails.  Now, Spring brings the best promise of all!  Spring is my favorite season - so much to look forward to with Daylight Savings Time and more opportunities to walk outside without risk of ice or bitter wind.

So Emmenegger is our Go-To walking paradise.  Another plus for us is that there are no bikes on these trails.  While I'm happy to share the trails with bikers, they don't tend to announce themselves and we have had some near misses, so we prefer bike-free trails.  Best of all is that it's a place Kris and I both look forward to meeting any day we can!



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

Creating Motivation

 If the weather is not perfect or if you have too many items on your To-Do List or you don't feel fantastic, you might be in need of motivation.  Here's a great way to find some.  Make it yourself.

No, this is not really a crafting project unless you want it to be.  I found this picture of some decorated Mason jars, but any kind of container will work for this project.  You want to create a Motivation Jar for yourself.  That way, every day you need some motivation, you'll have it at your finger tips.

Make the jar something attractive and keep it somewhere you will see it every day - on the kitchen window, next to your toothbrush holder, or beside the TV.  Someplace you can't miss it. 

You must fill it with motivation!  How?  Keep reading.  Take each one of the lines written below, copy, cut each one into a strip, fold each strip, place in the jar.  Use paper in different colors to make it prettier.  Even better, cut out heart shapes and write (or glue) each slogan to a heart, fold, and place in your jar. 

Voila!  Motivation at your finger tips.

Here are your motivational quips:

Taking care of myself is #1 on my To Do List.

First things first - and I'm first.

One step at a time.  Start now!

Every journey begins with a step - or a thousand.

I won't give up.  I'm worth it!

It's gonna hurt anyway.

Progress not perfection.  Five minutes is better than no minutes.

Sweating is for Sistas.

Move!  Now!

One small step for mankind.  More steps for me.

I am beautiful just the way I am.  But, I can be even better.

Walk, don't run, right out the door.

Who's the most important person in the room?

Because it's good for me.

Sitting on the couch gets me NoWhere.

Step on it!

I get better, one step at a time.

I'm worth it every day!

Ok, that's enough from me.  Readers, please feel free to add your own motivators - and share them with us.

Open jar, take one strip daily, move!

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