Let's Go Walking!
I have dreamed of being a long distance walker and just never declared that I am a long distance walker. One draw back for a lot of people is that it takes time (hours plus minutes) to accomplish long distance walking. It takes planning in what your distance will be to accomplish your goal. You must be realistic about setting your goals. If you are a beginner long distance walker, don’t set your goal as walking around the world (in steps). Just begin at whatever level you happen to be at right now and that is based on your time and your fitness level. For example: I am going to start by walking across the State of Indiana. In order to track your miles or steps you walk, invest in a pedometer – it does the work for you.
In order to be a successful walker, you have to think of yourself as a walker. I say everyday to myself “I am proud to be a healthy walker”. Just this one sentence sends a signal to my brain saying “today I am going to walk” and then the brain demands that your body moves and walks every day. One of the reasons most adults adopt a walking exercise is because it is a gentle exercise and we are less likely to get injured. Research has proven that less people drop out of walking exercise than any other exercise available to them.
Step 1: Look up the mileage of the place you want to walk to; such as the width of your state.
Step 2: Figure out how many steps/miles you can do in a day.
Step 3: Set a deadline based on results of Steps #1 and 2 on how long it would take you to walk that distance and write your deadline date down….and review it to recognize your achievement each day.
Step 4: Have a reward waiting for you when you achieve your goal. Have a celebration with friends and family OR purchase a new pair of walking shoes and socks OR just acknowledge you have a healthier body and you will plan your next long distance walking experience.
One of the best things I like is that there are so many types of walking to choose from and this is just one. This type inspires you to keep walking because there is a goal. Be sure to keep a journal recording of your experiences to leave your family or print it for publication for others to enjoy. Make it interesting and inspiring and fun.
President Calvin Coolidge said: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.”
His statement can be applied to many of life experiences, can’t it? I want to inspire you to adapt this thought to your walking exercise. Persistence each and every day to create our healthy bodies will make it easier to achieve our goals. It really isn’t an activity where we say “today I’ll walk” and then do not walk again for a week. Establishing a walking schedule is one way of being persistent. To start off you may want to set up your walking schedule like this:
The remarkable “secret” is: 1) making a commitment; 2) create your motivation paragraph to read each and every day; 3) create your walking schedule; 4) begin immediately and 5) be persistent! You can do this. If you need help, email me-I will help you.
“If we only have the will to walk, then God is pleased with our stumbles”.
C.S. Lewis
I like this quote and reminds me that some days our desire (will) to walk outside may just not be there. We may determine that it is too hot to walk outside or there is a misty rain going on outside. If we pump up the steps we walk around the house it will still keep our muscles working, our blood pumping and our mind active. On those days, I encourage you NOT to just sit around. It is important to your mind and body to continue to get up and move your body. If today is the day you have chosen not to walk outside, for whatever your reason is, do not feel bad and think you have stumbled-get up and start moving your body indoors. You will still reap the benefits of walking toward a healthy lifestyle.
Write It Down
I received a comment from Mary who said after reading my story: “Well done for taking charge of your life and moving…I’m in the process of doing same but get lost sometimes..You’re an inspiration.”
Mary, when we start out taking charge of our life it is a very difficult task to accomplish. I know because when I was crawling around my house in tears rather than walking I felt lost and alone in every movement I would endeavor. It is natural to feel lost and can I say helpless. However, do you know what made the difference in my life? It was a 3 prone process:
1) Why did I want to change this in my life – write down your answer!
2) What is my motivation and what is my commitment – write down your answer!
3) Start at that very moment – don’t say “I’ll start this weekend”. Don’t do that – start immediately at this moment.
I will share my walking motivation statement with you and others. I read this each and every day and it motivates me to get up and move by body by walking:
My motivation is I do not want to ever go back to sitting around and inviting major medical problems to take control of my body and my attitude because I enjoy being the very best person I can be for my family. I never want to forget how I had to crawl around on the floor of my house to get from one room to another because of bursitis in my hips hurt so bad; I don’t ever want to forget how my blood sugar as a diabetic was always high; how breathing was very difficult for me and when I got fluid in my left lung and then getting pneumonia because of my non-activity. I am motivated to never ever let that happen again in my life because it was my fault. Carrie Latet says: “Walking gets the feet moving, the blood moving, the mind moving”. Movement is life and that is my motivation. When you are moving - you are enjoying life.
Mary, I hope this helps you. Let me know how I can help you further. I will help you and inspire you. I’ll be thinking of you and other people feeling lost when I take my walk. You can do it – it takes determine, commitment and motivation – you will be living your healthy life through walking as soon as you start!
