Why Walking?
Walking, a great tool for health, happiness and sanity! For me walking has proven to be all three. In 1985 I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue. People did not know about why or what that really was, there was some stigma leaning toward laziness and there was not a lot of help. We also did not have the internet at that time. It was a chore to do research. I started with my chiropractor, who approached most things from a nutritional standpoint. I ended up with a neurologist who told me to take my meds and let him run the show. What was a girl to do?
I found a nugget of truth in the chiropractic world in that nutrition was the real key, I changed my diet. I felt better in some ways, but the debilitating fatigue was puzzling. At some point I found out that our body’s energy supply is like a battery in some ways and to recharge it you must use it. That presented a dilemma in that I had no energy, but it appeared that I needed to expend energy to build energy. Counterintuitive at best. I decided that walking was the way to accomplish this. Every day my husband would drive me to the local school where I would drag myself around the track until I just could not walk anymore, and he would take me home where I would pass out in fatigue. Oddly after about a week or two, I could not go to sleep at the end of my walks. Soon I was walking daily alone, and the fatigue was lessening. As this proved to be effective, I was then scared to stop walking. I became an avid walker in all kinds of weather and over the years have staved off illness, depression and weight gain. I have logged a ton of miles and made many friends along the way. Aside from the time to carve out, one needs a great pair of shoes.
SHOES
I have had a lot of shoes in my walking life.
• A few tips to share, go get a fitting done and have one great pair of professionally fitted shoes. The difference is amazing. I use those shoes for long walks.
• Get a great pair of inserts for comfort.
• Use the right shoe for that walk you are taking. I have cross trainers for trails and hiking boots for rugged areas. I am amazed at the number of women who are seen in the woods with fashion shoes on or flip flops.
SOCKS
Socks are just as important as shoes. Our feet are worth the time and effort we need to protect them. Socks keep you from friction, blisters, and unnecessary sweat and pain. I like light socks with a good, padded sole for most of my cross trainers. Regular socks or athletic footies for my running shoes and wool socks for hiking. Temperature for my feet is a real concern so I usually have heavier socks for wintery days and lighter fare for the spring summer and fall. This is a trial-and-error kind of thing so you must spend some time in the store looking carefully, but no matter what you must wear them for good foot health! Compression socks need careful consideration as they are not active wear.
MUSIC, CHATTER or SILENCE
I love to walk with a friend, listen to my music or just be silent and all of that is appropriate at one time or another.
If I am feeling really stressed I don’t like intrusion, this is my time to listen to nature and walk in silence for me, I love the sounds of the wind, rain, water or birds. It is soul cleansing.
Sometimes I get the feeling of monotony if I walk alone too much so taking a friend, laughing, talking and really connecting is an important rejuvenation. One word of caution, make sure you take the friend who has the same energy level and can walk as far or as fast as you. Otherwise, FRUSTRATION.
Sometimes I combine service for others with a walk. These may be slower and require a different pace mentally. It is important to remember that walking can serve two purposes and it does not always have to be about you!
Music is the real rejuvenation of my spirit. Sometimes the music adds to the walk, sometimes it motivates it and sometimes it just adds a wonderful backdrop. Have a playlist for all of your different walking styles.
WEATHER
• Don’t be afraid to walk in the weather. Well not in the lightening!
• I love the wind, it blows my hair and feels free.
• I love rain and puddles it stimulates my inner child and it is beautiful all on its own
• I love the snow, there is nothing like the silence of the snow to really make you get quiet.
• I love the leaves in the fall and the smells of them, the colors and the preparation for winter.
• Just remember to dress appropriately. A good wind breaker and a wonderful raincoat or a water proof windbreaker are all good things to have and keep them in your vehicle. Layering for warmth is an important principle.
No matter how you approach it, there is no right way except your way. JUST GET OUT THERE!