Jump Start Your Day

It's been almost a year since I stopped working my almost full time job.  I have never been a 'morning person' and I would not get up an hour early to work out.  No way!  I know that for a lot of people, the only way they can gouge out a bit of time to work out is by arising early each day.  For me, that is nothing but sheer torture and I won't sign up for that.  For me, 8:30 AM is plenty early.  So, when I found myself walking this morning at 9:00 AM, it was mainly to avoid the heat and humidity that was coming our way and give my aging dog a short walk.

I know that a walk is a great way to start my day.  It jump starts my energy and keeps me revved up to get my chores done quickly.  Since I have the luxury of not having to hit the bricks at 5:00 AM to care for kids, make lunches, fix breakfast, and head off to the office, I can sleep in a bit and devote my own personal 'early morning' to a quick cup of coffee and breakfast and a nice walk.

I also have the luxury of being able to go for more than one walk each day if I want.  So, after Kris got off work today, we walked a couple miles in the shade at Castlewood Park.  That was a hot and humid walk, but worth it.  The joy of walking outside in the woods is unparalleled.

If you are one who is still among the out of the door to work brigade, I hope you can find a good time every day to devote to yourself and your own well being -  walking, at the gym, swimming, yoga, whatever.  Taking care of yourself is job one!  Doing it in a way that is fun and energizing is job wonderful.


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

This Is What I Did Today ....

What did you do?

 I walked on the Al Foster Trail in Glencoe, MO.  This is off the paved trail up to the bluff looking over the Meramec River.

 Up top where there used to be a rope swing, there was just a fantastic view looking South across the Meramec to fields and a golf course.

We met another couple of hikers at what was once a house place at the top of the bluff.  There are pieces of the foundation all over the place and a bunch of yucca plants that do not pop up in these parts on their own.  They were planted, probably many years ago.

Nearing the end of our three mile walk, we Kris was impressed with this limestone overhang.  Parts of it had been removed for use elsewhere or to prevent parts from falling off.

The minute we got back into the car, the Heaven's cut loose and started a nice rain.  But, we had a great hike!  What did you do today?

Thanks to K for these great photos.


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

You'll have to look quickly (and closely) to see this little critter.  K and I saw during a walk at Longview Farm Park in St. Louis County. I think it's a skink.  It has an orange head with an orange stripe down its sides over a mostly gray-green body.  It would blend in really easily into the wood's leaf and mulch covered ground cover.  Once it heard K's camera click, it scampered off into the underbrush.

If you have not walked at Longview Farm Park, you're missing a treat.  We first walk around the circumference which is along Clayton Road, Mason Road, and Mason View Road, then we walk the interior of the park which is a black top walkway that funnels down to a small, lovely pond at its lowest point.  Shady and nice in the 'funnel'. 

The park is the site of a previous estate that had two paddocks for their horses.  The original house is a meeting facility and the barn is used for its original purpose of housing the horses that still graze in the paddock.  Attached is a covered pavillion and rest rooms with a nice playground a few steps away.

Clayton and Mason Roads are both very popular with cyclists, so give them a wide berth when you drive to the park.


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