Lets Move

At the onset of the pandemic, April 2020, I began to walk regularly, approximately 2-3 miles, around my neighborhood with a friend. This has become one of the first times in my long life that I can say I have been committed to regular physical activity. I have never been able to say I’ve worn out a pair of sneakers, much less two pairs. Generally speaking, sweating is not my thing. I’ve continued even in the 100+degree summers of Texas three times now. Here are some things found that helped me stick to it:

• Walk when it’s quieter and cooler, I’m a morning person. So heading out at 6:30 helps beat the heat. Even in the summer, when cooler means high 80s. If you are a later in the day person, walk when the sun is lower in the sky. Either way, wear something reflective and some sort of flashing light in the dark.

• It helps to vary the terrain. Around my home, there are hills and a university with stairs. Not only does it help with exertion levels, but there is also always something fun to look at along the way, whether it is gardens or the work people do to their homes. It beats going round and round on a track or in the mall.

• Finally and most important to me, there is no denying that walking with a friend is what works best for me. It keeps me accountable when I don’t feel like it. With the right friend, it can also serve as a mutual therapy talk session.

As fall arrives, ever so slowly here in Texas, I have decided to add another walk session to my day. I’m even considering some sort of hiking trip as motivation to increase distance and stamina. That would definitely be something to be proud of in me.