WALKING THROUGH PAIN

Walking through pain is unpleasant, but not impossible.  In fact, it always, ALWAYS, makes things better.  Pain can be physical or emotional.  In either case, walking will be a benefit.  There are several strategies to make it easier for you to take a walk when you're in pain.

First, if you're in physical pain and you can use any sort of analgesic (pain reliever medication from Tylenol to prescription), take it about an hour before your walk - or other activity like physical therapy. This gives your body the best chance for a walk or workout that will have the most beneficial effect on both your body and mind - releasing serotonin in the brain and lessening any pain after exercise.  

Second, start slow.  Even if you're used to walking three miles, if you're having physical pain anywhere in your body, you may need to lower your distance, your speed, or your time.  Sometimes a stroll can be just as effective as a sprint.  

If you don't know the source of the pain, don't push it.  Seek medical advice.  

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

KEEPING IT UP. WALKING FOR A LIFETIME.

I'm back.  In fact, I just returned from a neighborhood walk with my trusty 4-legged sidekick Alaska.  He's always ready for a walk or hike!  I must spell those words if he's not going with me.  Kinda funny.

Since the pandemic, I've gained a very reliable walking buddy, my longtime friend Lori, who since retirement has saved her Tuesdays for me.  We've known each other for over 50 years!  But, we're just two gals who like the woods and so we hike Tuesdays and most weekend days when our kids don't get in the way.  

I'm also still dancing!  I dance two days a week if I'm lucky.  Linedancing is one of life's joys.  The gals (mostly) who choreograph these dances and upload them so dancers all over the world can learn and enjoy them for free are better than caped crusaders!  If you want to learn one or just take a look, head to youtube.com and search for 'linedancing' or 'slide dancing'.  From the Electric Slide to the latest Beyonce hit, there are thousands of dances there you can learn.  

This dreary winter, we've suffered a lot of gray days and rain.  Cold rain.  Slippery mud and slippery leaves.  That forces us to 'hike the mall'.  And there aren't too many malls.  Menards and Home Depot aren't swamped with Christmas shoppers - but the malls aren't either, at least not on week days. 

Since I last blogged, I've had a hip replacement (to join my two knee replacements), an emergency appendectomy, and two bouts of Covid (both brief due to my being totally vaxxed).  I've recovered from all of that in record time.  I amazed my orthopedist and PT with my recovery after hip replacement.  I never couldn't do the maximum they required.  I was not down for long.  Take that!-you bone surgery.  

So, if you're reading or if no one's reading, I'll be blogging.  If you need motivation to move, have questions about how to get started, etc., this is the place for you.  Ask me about it.

FYI, you can search for my earliest blogs 'Walk It Off-A Walker's Rambles' on WordPress.

 

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

Change Of Address - Walk On Over Please

For the few but faithful followers of this blog, I want to let you know that the blog will continue on a different site.  You can click your way on over to my new wordpress site:

https://awalkersrambles.wordpress.com/

I was enlightened by several friends that they would not read a blog on the google platform as this one is.  So, the move has been made.  The articles on this site will be archived as I migrate them over to the new site.

Please encourage me in this tedious task by posting a comment here or on the new site.  I thrive on reader's feedback.  I hope you'll take the time to visit the new site and bookmark it for future reference.

Thanks for your continued support!





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

Winter Sucks!

I'm a trooper when it comes to walking outside in all kinds of weather. But.....lately, it's been so cold and windy here that I just can't bear it.  No amount of layers, or bundling up, of psyching myself will get me out the door.  I'm walking every day - at the mall.  It doesn't take long before I'm completely bored of all the malls I have available to me - and that's four of them.   There was no real Holiday Crush at the malls this past Christmas, so I was able to walk at the mall when I would otherwise have been forced to a treadmill somewhere.  Bad news for the retailers at the mall;  Good news for mall walkers.

My poor dog is suffering from a serious case of Cabin Fever.  Typically, if we go a few days when she doesn't get a walk, I take her off leash in our large back yard to keep an eye on her so she won't jump the fence.  She enjoys a good romp, lots of sniffing, and ogling dogs in other yards near and far, tempting her to want to jump that fence.  But, after about 10 minutes of hard running, jumping to chase squirrels up trees, and barking at those bad dogs that force her to respond to their barks, she's ready to return inside.  This past two weeks, it's been even too cold for me to force myself to the middle of the back yard to make sure she doesn't bolt out of my yard.  Poor baby.

Worse weather is predicted for the coming weekend.  Mother Nature is not being kind to us right now.  The only thing that gives me hope is that the days are noticeably longer, if only by a few minutes each day.  That means, Spring WILL appear.  I must just be patient.  And, patience is not my long suit.

So for now, the mall is my new best walking friend.  Fortunately Kris and Sally are as devoted to walking as I am, so we persevere at the mall.  Gosh, I was even lowered to actually shopping at the mall this evening!  Wearing my walking clothes from the 1970's, I stepped right into this millennium and purchased a cute hooded sweater and shell that will look nice over a pair of dressy black pants for a dinner out.  I'm not a shopper, so this is new behavior for me.  Maybe if this cold spell lasts long enough, I'll actually purchase an entire new wardrobe.  Unlikely.......


That turquoise sweater up there is not being modeled by me - but it is the sweater I purchased!


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

Walkability

Walkability is a term used to describe an area and its relative friendliness to walking.  Are there sidewalks or paths?  Are there vehicle free areas?  Can a walker access all the amenities of an area?  Like that.

This subject has been a hot topic in some areas recently - but it's not really about walkability but about how friendly an area is for biking.  I'm down with that - but the bikers I routinely encounter on the streets and trails where I walk are only about 10% well-mannered.  Most do not announce themselves when coming upon walkers from the rear - and that's just not okay!

When I went looking for information about walkability, I found an article about walking on wikipedia.org that contains a section on the topic.  I had to laugh - an article about walking on Wikipedia!  How basic.  How simple.  But, it's there and it contains lots of information that is of interest to us walkers.  You can read the entire article here.  The section about Walkability is about about halfway down the page.  Then there are headings that cover how animals (other than humans) walk.  Four legged and two legged walking are vastly different - and not always in the same ways.  Did you know that?  Well, now you can read all about it.

So, back to walkability.  What would make an area walkable for you?  Do you require sidewalks on every street.  The right answer here is 'Yes' because unless we have safe walking 'lanes', we can't teach our children to walk anywhere safely.  Do you want trails and places to rest along the way?  Do you want to be able to get to restaurants and retail outlets on foot?  Do you want to compete with cars and trucks all the time or should some areas be vehicle free?  What impact might that have on local businesses?  Would you vote for a tiny tax increase to pay for safe walkways and access to all the amenities in your town's main business district?  How about mass transit?  In many cities, walkability is highly increased by having access to a broad-ranging transit system like subways or buses.

I don't have answers for you here.  I do have opinions.  Where I live (a western suburb of a major Midwest metropolitan area), I can walk safely to only a few retail outlets such as a grocery store.  To walk to a bank, a post office, or a shopping center with a variety of stores, I must walk about a mile (not a problem) and then cross a (up to) six lane major thoroughfare that has no pedestrian crosswalk.  There's a traffic light, but no pedestrian crossing light.  So, shopping in my home 'town' is not walkable.  I have done it in off peak traffic hours, but I know I'm risking my physical well being by doing so.  At a minimum, an improvement to the area would be a crosswalk with a pedestrian cycle.

Last summer, I decided to walk to a bank to drop off a deposit because that walk would give me about a two mile trek.  Trek turned out to be the right word since for the last half of the walk to the bank, along a main road, there was no sidewalk!  I passed two bus stops, including one that was sheltered from the wind - but no safe way to walk to either!  Whose plan is this?  BTW, taking a bus from my zipcode to a zipcode where most of the fast food workers live (the ones who use the bus) is about three hours ONE WAY.  I would not like to have to work that hard to get to and from work.  Doesn't sound right or fair to me.

My evaluation of my town's walkability would give my town about a 40% out of 100%.  That's a failing grade - a really failing grade.  Adding that one stretch of sidewalk would raise it to at least a 50%.  Adding the pedestrian crosswalk - we'd actually need three of those - would raise the score to about 75% if we got all three.  That would be awesome!

We can't take away the huge hill I'd have to walk and we have no control over the weather.  Those things figure into the walkability equation for those who would be giving up a car.  But, for those of us who just want the area where we live or work to be more accessible by foot, small changes create amazing outcomes.  I could take a grocery cart to do my midweek grocery shopping.  I could walk to the office supply store and the post office to take care of business.  I could walk to banks, to get coffee, Chinese food, frozen yogurt, and soccer supplies, troll through two thrift stores, and walk to pick up my car or vacuum from the repair shop - and lots of other things.  That's walkability.

The picture of the St. Louis Arch and Skyline is about 15 miles almost due East of my suburb of Manchester, Missouri.


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

Sometimes A Trooper....

I must give kudos to my friend, and frequent walking partner, Kris.  Last week, she had arthroscopy on her right knee for some internal derangement of the joint with removal of some 'joint mice'.  I swear that's how orthopedists refer to this stuff in their own jargon.  'Internal Derangement' covers a variety of arthritis 'sins' and 'joint mice' are those little pieces of debris that break off in joints and float around only to be trapped in muscles and tendons from time to time - just often and painful enough to make you wish that you didn't have a knee at all!

I picked Kris up after surgery and dropped her into a comfy recliner with the TV remote and an ice pack a couple hours later.  She was not herself - but sedation and anesthesia will have that effect on ya'.  I speak from vast experience!

So, two days later, we were walking - slowly and not our usual 2-3 miles and not in the woods - but, we were walking!  I think that's pretty impressive!  That's a motivated walker.  That's a person who 'gets' that it's gonna hurt anyway so you may as well do what you have learned is good for you and go do it anyway.

She drove  her car.  She climbed up and down stairs (a sight to behold).  She walked.  Now, she's ready for her physical therapy.  I have no doubt that she'll be back up to speed in another week!

So, she's a trooper.  I walked with a PIC line in after my carpal tunnel surgery and she walked after knee arthroscopy.  Two tough chicks moving in the right direction!

So, what's your excuse for not walking today?

That picture above shows a single joint mouse.  Usually, like real mice, they hang out in groups.



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

A Christmas Walk

Christmas was a very busy day at my house.  We had our annual (now in its 30th year) Christmas morning brunch.  As the children have gotten older (all now fully grown adults), scheduling becomes more difficult.  And, they don't want to get up at O-dark-thirty to celebrate a holiday or eat my brunch.  No kids of their own at this point.

We had to work around a friend heading to Mass before brunch, a girlfriend who had to leave for the airport at 1:30, and two other of my kids who had to make appearances at the homes of the families of their significant others.  Someone must pick up 92 year old grandma to get her here - usually me.  Someone has to keep the food coming - usually me.  Someone has to orchestrate eating, gift exchange, and clean up - usually me.

This annual affair began 30 years ago when our now 36 year old first born had no Christmas celebration.  Next door to us on one side lived an Irish Catholic family with 7 kids.  On the other side were some elderly Buddhists.  Across the street were Orthodox Jews.  What's a mom to do when the kid asks why we don't have Christmas.  Dad said - give him Christmas.  I asked around and discovered that several friends had nothing special to do with their kids either.  So, our 'stray, abandoned, and orphaned' Christmas Brunch was born.

But, today, it was too beautiful outside to not take advantage of the weather.  So, after all the eating, entertaining, transporting, and gifting, I grabbed the leash and took Lizzie for a little walk.  It wasn't a long walk, but it was worth the effort.  What better way to celebrate Peace On Earth by doing a nice, peaceful activity like walking?  

That cute picture can be found at this blog.   It's a great picture, but i would never let my dog 'walk' herself.

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

Ready For Something More?

If you've been walking a while, you may be looking for more ways to fit simple exercise into your life.  If so, take a look at this site.

Don't scroll down to far at that site cuz you might get intimidated.  Remember, you just do what you can, start a the level you are comfortable at, and progress at a reasonable rate if you want.

If you still just want to walk, that's fine too.  Walking works best for me.  As you probably know, I also dance (linedancing, sliding) twice a week.  That's so much fun!  'We don't bark and we don't bite. You can't dance and stay uptight.'  That's from a great old tune, Dancing In The Moonlight.





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

Sometimes You Feel Like A Hamster

You know those little ferris wheel type things that people put in the cages of hamsters and gerbils to let them exercise?  There is one mall in the area that pretty much makes me feel like a hamster.  And, I hate hamsters, gerbils, and other rat-like creatures.  But, I do like having a free place to walk even if it is a smallish mall.

Plaza Frontenac is the mall.  It's got two levels, both covered mostly with wood which is easy to walk on.  The other surfaces there are carpet and some sort of textured tile.  There are some broad staircases so we can get in a few ups and downs.  There are two real pluses about Plaza Frontenac.  First is the covered, heated parking.  Second is - no strollers and no teenagers.  While I love both babies and teens, when I'm walking, I hate having to navigate around moms pushing strollers and teens window shopping.

So, I'm a mall snob.  I regularly walk at both West County Center and Chesterfield Mall.  But, in these weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, these two malls are just too crowded and the weather outside is usually unwelcoming.  So, we are stuck with Plaza Frontenac.

It's very much a Cadillac problem, right?  We have a mall to walk at and it's free and has covered parking and a nice wood floor.  The window shopping is a bit esoteric as I am unlikely to purchase an Omega watch, a Coach bag, or furniture from either of the two specialty stores there.  No Lucky jeans for me either.  While I occasionally shop at some of the other stores there, there is nothing from any of them on my gift list this year.  But, I'll take advantage of their welcoming atmosphere and be grateful for it.



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

Walking The Eleventh Step

Al-anon's Eleventh Step says:
 Sought through Prayers and Mediation to Improve our Conscious Contact with God, As We UNDERSTOOD HIM, Praying Only for the Knowledge of His Will for Us and the Power to Carry That out.

For me, walking is a good time for me to pray and/or meditate.  For me, walking outside makes me feel closer to my Higher Power (HP).  If you're not a 12 Step person, you'll still understand the meaning and impact of the words of this step.  Maybe you don't feel the need for closer contact with a HP or maybe you don't believe in a HP.  Then, just ignore my musings here and continue on your walk.

My journey through the 12 Steps has coincided in time and space with my beginning and continuing to walk.  The two are closely intertwined in my life.  Maybe that's why it has been fairly easy for me to find the time - force the time - for my walks as a priority over most other things in my life.  It's very valuable that my sweet husband both supports and encourages my 12 Step work as well as my walking.  Or maybe he just likes the positive changes he's seen in me over these past 16 years!

So waking and meditating.  When I walk with another person, there is less meditating as I'm busy carrying on a conversation with my walking buddy.  In my case, most of my walking buddies are either in program (al-anon) or they 'get' the concept of seeking closer contact with a HP.

If the idea of walking and meditating appeals to you, read this article that has specific guidelines for doing just that.  When I first began the process, I just figured it out on my own as I had no idea that anyone else was doing it.  That's also the main reason I began writing this blog as there was almost no information online about the benefits of walking - the noncompetitive type walking.  If you want to walk competitively, go for it!  But, this blog and my walking are for my heart, mind, and body and is not a competition.  

Wonderful weather outside aids in the process, but it is not necessary.  Today was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, so I took advantage and walked twice for a total of about 5 miles.  But even on rainy and dreary days, you can often find me outside, braving the elements, to feel that connection to my HP and to keep myself feeling better.  It works for me.


(This article was written on November 29, 2014, a sunny, wonderful day for walking outside.)





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

Can A Box Get You Motivated?

Are  you familiar with the God Box?  In simplest terms - and it's a simple concept - you have a container into which you put slips of paper on which you've written things you want.  The idea is that you write down your wants, desires, hopes, etc., put them in the God Box, and forget about them.  Having put them in the God Box, you have offered them to God, your Higher Power, and/or the Universe.  And, in that funny way the Universe has of responding to such 'requests', many of your wants will manifest in your life.

This is not new age hokum or voodoo or any such thing.  It's half affirmation and half mindfulness.  It's a quick moment to crystallize what's in your mind, write it down, and trust it to your Higher Power.  I know this works.  I'm not sure it works with every little thing because once I've put that slip of paper in my God Box, I really do get it off my mind (forget it) and I don't keep track.  I do know that having put that thought out into the Universe makes it possible for the Universe to respond.  You might liken an unrecorded wish or goal as a song that no one ever sings.  A song that remains unsung is a poem - but not a song.  Why write a song that no one ever sings?  Instead, take positive action and write your song (your desire) and put it into words (on a slip of paper), then put it where it can find an audience to sing it.

This simple concept is also easy.  It's an example of a KISS (keep it simple, stupid).  It's also one of the few simple concepts that is also easy.  It's letting go at its most basic level - on a sticky note, for instance - and turning it over to God (HP, Universe, whatever you call yours).  If you are unsure, it won't take much of an investment of time or money to test the hypothesis.

In this case, we'll say that you would like to have more time to walk.  Or, you'd like to be better motivated to walk/exercise/  Or you want to feel better and you have come to believe (cuz you've ready my blog) that movement will make you feel better.  You write that down on a sticky, put it in a Mason jar, and go about your business.  Once it's written down and put into the box or jar, your 'work' is done.  Now, you wait, totally unaware - or maybe a bit more mindful - because you put it into the care of your HP.

In my case, I like to craft so I want a really pretty God Box.  I can decorate a shoe box, oatmeal container, or  Mason jar with my favorite colors and images.  I set it where I'll see it every day (how about the kitchen counter if it's a jar or a bedside table if it's a jar or box) so I will remember to use it.  I keep a small pad of sticky notes or scrap paper and a pretty pen nearby.  See, write, put in container, close container, forget about it.  See?  I told you it was easy.

Here are a few suggestions to put in your box/jar:

I'd like to walk for 10 minutes every day.
I'd like to have 20 minutes of down time in my busy day so I can exercise.
I'd like to feel better.
I'd like an energy boost that only exercise can give me.
I'd like a simple way to de-stress for a few minutes every morning.
I'd like to remember to meditate every day.
I'd like to get a walking buddy.
I need some comfortable walking shoes.
I need to come up with a good place to walk in bad weather.
I want to turn over a new leaf and take care of myself.

I'm sure you'll come up with many more.  And, it doesn't have to be limited to walking or exercising.  It can be about finances, relationships, your job, a cure for chronic lateness.  There are no rules here except that the slip of paper should contain a positive statement.  So, if you want to get an energy boost, you would not write down that you're tired.  That's a negative.

I hope this makes sense to you.  It's such a useful and positive tool that you'll be pleasantly surprised if you try it.

Remember - whether we like it or not, every thought is a prayer.





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

Holiday De-Stress

 I have no idea what this blog is about (will have to read it) but I love the image.  This is how I often feel about the holidays.  Any holiday!  There are minefields and since I'm a walker and a dancer, it might feel like I'm walking or dancing through that minefield, just waiting for the misstep.

One remedy for me is to walk away from all the chaos.  Both of my dance classes were cancelled this week.  Boo!  Hiss!  But, I understand.  Those dance teachers have lives off the dance floor, I assume, and need time to do all those things that we all must do to prepare for an onslaught of family, friends, new recipes, old recipes, traditions, too much food, too much work, too little serenity.  School was even cancelled so I have no Math In Motion to occupy my mind with those funny kids I love so much.

I am a rotten housekeeper - like, um, you know that by now if you've read any of my blog posts before.  So, when I know people will be coming to my house, I feel compelled to dig through the rubble to unearth the chairs and table, dust off the dustables (um, collections), clean bathrooms, and generally make the house so guests do not question the possibility of food poisoning or worse upon entry to this particular zoo.

So, I clean.  I dig out old recipes that must be prepared and served.  I shop at a gazillion grocery stores to get the perfect supplies.  I insist on using china and real flatware.  I really do enjoy having people over to my home.  I just need another house for that purpose alone.  One to live in and one to entertain in.  Maybe someone should float that idea to a new home builder.  I'd buy one - well, two.

Along with the holidays and all the work come a mountain high stack of expectations.  Who must have what pie or form of cranberry sauce?  What pie besides pumpkin will be well received?  Real whipped cream or the aerosol can stuff?  Stuffing and gravy?  White potatoes AND sweet potatoes?   I aim to please.

And, this doesn't even address the long Christmas Wish Lists which will soon adorn refrigerator doors all over America. Talk about expectations!

For me to please - and it's me I'm really trying to please because the world will continue to spin if I opt for the wrong whipped cream stuff - I must work some then de-stress some.  To de-stress, I must find places to walk when the weather and timing are less than cooperative.  I have come up with a couple of new options.

First, the hospital where DH and I have worked for years has 9 floors to walk.  I know most every nook and cranny of this place.   There is covered parking.  The parking is free. It has lots of staircases.  It's only about a 10 minute drive from my home.  And, it's open every day of the year.   Voila!  My own private walking course - at least until visiting hours are over.  And, no one even knows me there anymore. I'm just another citizen wandering around, lost, dazed, and in need of redirection.

Other ideas include big box stores and the mall, of course.  But, one must do a lot of people and stroller dodging to walk at those places.  I've given up on the gym because, well, I just hate it and its treadmills.

I can also use my laptop to pull up dances I know on youtube and dance away in the privacy of my own home.  I become the Dancing Queen, young and sweet, only 17.  That's a stretch, ok.  But, I can dream.  And, I can dance the dances I love the most over and over without annoying anyone except maybe the dog who keeps trying to dance along with me but is even worse at it than I am!

So, with your holiday supply of chores and expectations, find a few minutes each morning and afternoon to boogie somewhere so you don't lose your mind or your temper.  De-stress using the tools and locations you have available to you.  Walk or dance in front of the TV.  Dance in the laundry room.  March in place to your favorite MoTown tunes.  You'll feel so much better.  And, your expectation pile will never overwhelm you.  I promise.

Thought For The Day - I was busy all day, but I walked TWICE - both times at the mall with friends.  If I can, you 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.

Walking In The Rain, Oh, ....you know the rest

These pictures pretty much tell it all.  It was so gray, dreary, and rainy today - but not cold - so we decided to hot one of our favorite trails.  We walked our usual 1.5 miles there, dodging all kinds of puddles, slip-sliding up and down small hills, and generally having a fantastic time.  Try it!

Pretty sure in that top pic, at least one of that puddles goes all the way to China.

Despite the puddles and small 'lakes', Lizzie had not complaints.  I took brief refuge on a rock.

In this pic, it doesn't even look like it was raining!  I can assure you it was.  I was completely wet from my toes up to my knees - and beyond.

As usual, Kris took the pix - and she got as wet as I did.  But, it was a fantastic walk.  I'd do it again right now.  Tomorrow, it's supposed to continue raining and I must attend a graveside funeral.  Maybe an umbrella s called for.

Written Nov 23, 2014




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

Walking At Work

A study at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) evaluated a bunch of students and faculty to see how well they worked on computers while seated, standing, cycling, or walking.  I've written a bit about this before.  This time, researchers were looking for a variety of indicators, including workers' boredom, stress, performance, and more.  Their work stations had been adapted for the various forms of movement tested.

The walking work stations produced the best results even if the workers on these stations performed no other kind of exercise or what their body mass index was.  You can read the entire study authored by Michael Siter in the American Psychological Association's Journal of Occupational Health Psychology - or you can just take my word for it.

I'm pretty much retired now, but if I were still in the work force full time, especially if I were tied to a desk, I'd be lobbying my boss for a work station modified to include a treadmill traveling at 2 MPH.  That is the sweet spot - where the user quickly becomes accustomed to, and even unaware, of the presence of, the treadmill or the need to walk at 2 MPH while performing work chores on the computer, phone, or paperwork.

What do you think?

I got this info from an article in the Novermber 19, 2014, Vof 19, No 31 issue of West Magazine - a freebie in my neighborhood.



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

A Smart Chick Walks

Wow!  This blog has been called 'inspiring'.  What is better than that??  My friend, Kathryn Vercillo about whom I wrote recently has mentioned this blog in another of her articles.  Like me, she is both a walker and a crocheter.  Like me, she is devoted to both and convinced of the health benefits of both.

To read her latest article and to see other inspiring information on walking she has there, go visit her Diary Of A Smart Chick blog here.  Like me, you'll probably learn of some new resources to help boost your motivation to move.

Thanks for the shout out Kathryn!  Your Smart Chick blog is aptly named.

Don't forget to check out Kathryn's books 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.

Math In Motion

So I have figured out another way to remain active without even trying.  It's the math classes I teach which the kids have named Math In Motion.  You see, I don't let them sit down during math class!  I have discovered that there are a number of motion techniques that can assist kids in learning rote facts like their multiplication tables and other math facts.

I got this idea a few months ago, cogitated on it for a while, then came up with my plan.  I am on A MISSION to prevent kids from counting on their fingers.  I can't stand it!  I especially can't stand it when they are trying to figure out a multiplication problem by counting on their fingers.  It just can't be done - well, certainly not in an efficient or timely manner.  They might eventually come up with the right answer, but just as often they will give up since they don't have those basic math facts under their belts.

So, I purchased a few inexpensive toys, printed off a multiplication grid for each kid, and began pulling small groups of kids out of their regular classes to work on math.  Originally, I called them Mathaletes or Mathamagicians or Matheists.  None of that stuck.  Finally, one kid complained that I never let them sit down (for say, oh, 12 whole minutes) and out of my mouth came the words, "No, you'll learn better if you remain in motion."  Math In Motion was born.

So, in addition to standing to work on their math facts and doing work on the blackboard, they also do push ups, sit ups, toe touches, claps, snaps, running in place, marching - anything they want to have fun and make math easier.  I don't think that all of school is or should be 'fun'.  I think that kids can do hard things - hard work, learn hard facts.  I know they can.  The key part is convincing them of that.

Moving while learning is a good way to pull this off.  These kids are in grades 3 through 6 so there are a number of absolutes:
1. they love getting out of regular class
2. they love attention
3. they love showing off
4. they love learning - even when they don't know it
5. they take pride in learning - and demonstrating - new skills
6. they love moving.

Is that enough for you?  Six reasons to move while learning math.  One day, I happened to be near the office where kids were dismissed for the day as parents signed them out.  I saw one of 'my' kids and asked her if she'd told her mom what her math homework was.  She told her mom it was her threes.  Her mom got right on board with that, stating they'd have to get out the flashcards.  I told mom that flashcards were great but that Jordan had to do them standing on one leg.  Mom gave me the strangest look.  So, I gave her the short version, knowing that Jordan would fill her in.  I said I didn't care how she practiced the threes so long as she was moving while she did it - standing on one leg, tossing a ball, clapping her hands - since that would engage all her learning skills.  Mom said okay.

So far, Math In Motion has been a great success.  We started off focusing on multiplication, only to learn that they needed their addition and subtraction facts too.  Wow!  Lots to learn.  But, they are engaged and, when the kids set their own homework - say the threes - for when I return the following week (Tuesday or Wednesday), they'll have those facts down pat.  So far, the kids have not let me down.  They are proud to demonstrate their mastery of their newest facts.  Hooray!

Now, I'm planning to set up some sort of Math-olympics for later in the year so I can acknowledge and let them show off their skills - and give prizes.  For now, their prizes are oatmeal cookies from the dollar store and my attention and praise.

And, what am I getting out of it.  As a teacher, I'm, of course, gratified that this technique is working.  But, I'm also getting some great exercise.  You see, I stand up all day, walk up and down about a million stairs in the two 100 year old school buildings, and demonstrate the physical activity I want the kids to do.  I'm tired when the afternoons are done!

PS - I'm certain I'm not the first person to come up with this learning technique.  And, I won't be copyrighting it or anything. 




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

Winter Moves In, We Move On

Today was our first real snow.  It didn't stick much on the roads, but the trees and grass were well coated.  There was about 2 inches of total snow fall on my husband's car and all the trees at the park looked like someone had dusted them with powdered sugar.

Despite the grayness and the damp snow, the temperature wasn't too bad.  Kris and I decided to drive to Castlewood to walk a bit.  As we left the under-trees trail and entered this open area, Kris was taken with the beauty of the snow against the trees and grass.  It doesn't show particularly well in the picture, sadly.  But, Lizzie had a nice frosting on her black fur and the air was completely full of snow flakes.  We met only a few other walkers and a single biker.  It was really nice to be in the woods almost alone.

On the trail we often walk, we had not realized how very close we come to the edge overlooking the river.  It's a pretty long fall down.  Should have taken a picture.  The normal undergrowth covers just how close we walk to the edge of the precipice.

The river was lovely but far too low.  It has been a dry year and the number of fallen trees in the park speaks to the drought.  Still, the park is a gem and we are delighted to have it so close to home.


Written Sunday, November 16, 2014


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

Back To The Mall

With the advent of rotten weather in these parts, it's back to the mall many days if we want to get in a walk.  Life has been especially harsh the past two weeks - only had dance class once each week rather than twice.  I mean, one must have her priorities and I just don't think the dance class should be cancelled because of the room being a polling place.  Those darn voters could just dance around us.  I had to dance through the rain drops to cast my vote!

But, with all that - and the arrival of Santa way too early at one of the malls - I am grateful that we have malls to walk in.  The strollers, toddlers, and those silly people who use the mall for actual shopping are in the way of us walkers, but we persevere.

I feel like I should sit in Santa's lap and ask him to bring me a private mall for Christmas.  What could be wrong with that?  It should be temperature controlled, have lots of windows, covered parking, and be free.  Further, its use would be limited to me and my walking buddies, including the four legged one.  She would not be a bother to anyone as she only does her 'business' in her own back yard and loves to walk more than she loves her food or treats.

So, what's wrong with joining a gym again this winter?  Nothing except that I just cannot get over my dislike of the gym and I'm not fond of treadmills either.  This winter, I will focus on finding more dance opportunities, dancing and walking in front of the TV, and being really kind to all the stroller mom's at the mall.  I've been a stroller mom and I know that time in a mom's life has its own set of challenges.

BTW, there is this ancient couple who walk at the mall and they are an object case in the benefits of walking as well as the benefit of having a spouse who is long lived.  The woman uses a walker and she's pretty bent over.  Her sweet husband puts his hand over hers on one side of the walker so they are holding hands as they stroll the mall.  They get lots of encouragement from other walkers as we are all in awe of their relationship and their devotion to walking.  I need to take a picture.



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

Like Minds Make Good Walkers

Kathryn Vercillo is an online crochet friend of mine.  She has written a great book about the healing benefits of crochet.  She firmly believes, and I concur, that crocheting can actually save lives.  I know that walking can!  And has!

Now, Kathryn has written a blog post, referring to this blog among other resources, about the health benefits of both crocheting and walking.  It's kind of her to recognize my blog.  I've had a hard time breaking out of my little corner of the internet to reach a broader audience.  I'd love to be able to spread the word to more people about the benefits of walking (and crocheting) and how easy it is.

So, please read Kathryn's article - and consider reading her book if you want to learn more about the benefits of simple, repetitive, positive activities.  It's amazing how such small activities and changes can result in such large benefits!



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

Trudging Through The Rain

Because I'm probably crazy, I volunteer two afternoons a week at an inner city Catholic School.  I facilitate reading circles of 3-5 kids on Wednesdays and teach small groups of students in grades 1 through 6 math facts - Math In Motion - named by the kids themselves.

The Math In Motion is physically demanding.  I'm standing for hours, keeping the kids moving around while learning multiplication, addition, and subtraction.  In addition, this school is almost 100 years old so it has very high ceilings and thus very long staircases.  Up and down I go, from class to class, pulling out my small groups of kids every 20 minutes or so, toting my huge bag full of small toys, books, math grids, and lots of treats.  It's fun but taxing.

On Wednesdays, I facilitate several reading circles.  So, I have homework (gotta read those books), practice crowd control, and try to show the enthusiasm I have for reading by attempting to bring the stories to life with words and some physical activities.

And - AND - the school has 2 buildings that are across the street from each other.  Most days, the 100 yard dash between buildings, across a street, through two playgrounds, and up more stairs, is not very challenging.  On days like we have here so often in the Fall, walking between buildings in drizzle, rain, downpours is NOT FUN!  It's the one time I really don't want to take a walk.  Who would?  Only my dog and some ducks.

But, trudge across that street I do.  I'm on a mission.  At first I thought my mission was to help with reading.  But after almost 3 semesters at this school, it has become clear that my mission is to work with kids on their math skills - and to be a resource for teachers with kids that need to leave their classrooms because of behavior problems.  I love it!

This is another case of baby steps.  I have to start slow to assess the kids' levels of competency AND I have to earn their trust because I'm going to be helping them with things that are hard for them and they just simply do not want to do.

There's magic here!  When we move the kids out of their desks to learn their multiplication tables both their attitudes and their mastery improve.  I was calling them Math-letes and Math Stars when they began calling my little classes Math In Motion.  I love that name.  It embodies two major elements they require to become successful at math.

Further, the lead classroom teachers seem receptive to this idea.  Now, instead of making a kid sit out if s/he misbehaves, they are more likely to have the kid to jumping jacks or push ups!  It really works.  Get that Serotonin pumping in their brains.  Give them an alternative to sitting down most of the day.  The kids are taking it well - viewing it less as punishment and more as a logical consequence of not paying attention or not doing their work.

One day, I shared an article I had read about a smart gal who put an exercise bike and a treadmill in her office to make her feel better and keep her on track with her plan to lose weight.  A light bulb went off in my head so I am now seeking permission to freecycle some of that exercise equipment in each classroom for the kids to de-stress and give themselves attitude adjustments in a mere few minutes of biking or walking.  I know this will be a good idea and there is plenty of room in those huge old classrooms for several pieces of exercise equipment.  The lead teacher I was originally assigned to also likes the idea and will float it to the principal.

Can I help kids from underprivileged neighborhoods learn better, work harder, be more positive and enthusiastic about school?  I'm no Pollyanna.  That road is a steep uphill incline that goes on and on.  But, if I can make it better for a couple of kids, I'll have done my job.

Consider using such equipment in your own home for yourself and for your family members, especially kids.  Include such activities as a normal part of life.  Make life easier for them and yourself by allowing natural activity to enhance their ability to learn and grow emotionally.  It's a small thing.  Baby steps can change lives.

The top picture is fantastic Ms.Hogan teaching her second grade class last year.  The other photo is one I ran across on line - a dream that might be fulfilled!


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