Friday, March 30, 2012

Walkabout…

Since the official start of this program, my inbox has been overwhelmed with chirpy reports from fellow “ambassadors” that start something like: Wow, what a great start to my day! After Zumba I walked (2,4,6) miles..

That’s not me, folks.

Been there, done that, as is said. Over the decades I have begun one “fitness” program after another—from running, to step class, Pilates, treadmill, elliptical, swimming et al. And yes, of course I walked…and walked. Being lucky enough to live at the Jersey Shore, I took full advantage of the boardwalks. When I moved to Florida 10 years ago, I even strapped a pricy pedometer to my body as I strode about town.

I started to enjoy walking when I stopped measuring and turned my attention to the surroundings…the people, the landscape, the stores, the sand, surf and sky.

Perhaps I should call what I’m doing a “strollabout. My goal is simply to integrate walking into my daily activities. Easier said than done. Walking to the store is easy enough, but how the heck do I carry the stuff home. I am working on it though.

Although I am still hacking away from this virus that won’t quit, I intended to strap on me new shoes and head out for a short turn about the neighborhood after an early dinner. But an overwhelming craving for Chinese food got in the way.

What to do?

I called in the order (just chow mien, hold the rice, hold the noodles) and walked to the restaurant, only several blocks away. I took my time, enjoying the comfort of the shoes. As supported as my feet were, I could still feel the ground, a surprising sense of grounded connectivity.

I REALLY love these shoes—right outta the box.

Tomorrow: back to the beach, methinks.

The adventure continues.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Walkabout: day 3

I can hear you now: What happened to days 1& 2?

It’s like this. I’m kinda playing catch-up for a couple of reasons.

The first has to do with my shoes, which were delivered to an address on the other end of town. The kindly recipient brought them by a day ago.

The second is a wicked virus that has floored me for almost three weeks. I am struggling back but it’s too slow. So I have had to contend myself with wearing the shoes around the condo . However, tomorrow I intend to foray out into the neighborhood for a tour.

I will say I am so far very impressed by the shoes. They are extremely light and very attractive. Since I live in Florida, I can often avoid wearing closed shoes, so this is welcome news. It’s already quite warm and humid down here.

I look forward to long walks along the beach at sunset, as the sun disappears into the Gulf. I’m sure it will work wonders for more than just this ol’ bod...Stay tuned.