If I make myself go for a walk in the morning...

[marbel]

everything goes better the rest of the day.   I've started paying attention to this because I enjoy walking and need the exercise, but so often it's just a struggle to get up and out the door in the morning. But I am sure to go on the days my daughter works - she works about 1/2 a mile away, early in the morning, and in the winter when it was dark when she left I would walk with her because I didn't like her going in the dark alone.  Then, it became a habit to go with her even when it's not dark.  I don't walk her to the door (embarrassing!) but about 3/4 of the way there.  Last week she did not work due to oral surgery, so I didn't walk in the morning.  And it became really obvious that I need that morning walk.

 

On days I walk first thing:

 

- I usually end up taking another walk or two at some point in the day/evening.

 

- I don't eat until I'm actually hungry, instead of eating just because it's time to eat.

 

- I eat better throughout the day.

 

- I will lose weight if I am consistent (but it will come back if I slack off for several days).

 

- I am more productive and not sluggish or lazy.
 

Just posting this because people talk about weight, exercise, etc., here.  Walking is so simple for most of us.

 

[Minerva]

I heart walking.

 

I love how clear it makes my head, how it only requires a pair of comfy shoes, how in touch with my neighborhood it makes me, how it sets a good tone for anything I do afterwords, how my doggies love it...So many things.

 

Why oh why did i not go this morning? Thanks for the kick in the pants. 

[regentrude]

I love walking; I walk every evening with DH.

I find my days go really well when I bike to work in the morning; I feel more alert and full of energy. Now, the only thing is not finding an excuse ...

Edited June 14, 2016 by regentrude

[TammyinTN]

I actually love a good 5 mile walk...I feel alive, refreshed and ready to tackle the day.   I can't wait until this move is over and I can get back on track.  I'm seriously missing my walks and eating a certain way.  

[SparklyUnicorn]

I enjoy walking, but I don't feel safe doing so around here especially in the early morning or evening.

 

 

[marbel]

I enjoy walking, but I don't feel safe doing so around here especially in the early morning or evening.

 

Sparkly, I liked your post because I like it when people respond.  It's sort of a "thank you for playing" like.

 

But I'm sorry  you don't have a safe place to walk.  If there a place you can drive to that's safe?  I know that sounds weird but sometimes I drive to a park with a walking path 'cause I get tired of walking my neighborhood. There are always people walking at the park so it feels very safe.

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

Sparkly, I liked your post because I like it when people respond.  It's sort of a "thank you for playing" like.

 

But I'm sorry  you don't have a safe place to walk.  If there a place you can drive to that's safe?  I know that sounds weird but sometimes I drive to a park with a walking path 'cause I get tired of walking my neighborhood. There are always people walking at the park so it feels very safe.

 

 

No not really.  Except maybe an indoor place.  Which I might try, but not now.  Maybe in the fall.

 

Of course I'll have to pay for it too.

I do sometimes take a walk around the block with my kids.  That's not so bad.

[regentrude]

No not really.  Except maybe an indoor place.  Which I might try, but not now.  Maybe in the fall.

 

Of course I'll have to pay for it too.

 

That is horrible. No safe place to walk within driving distance? I cannot imagine living in such an area.

(My DD lives in Chicago on the South Side and can walk even there)

Edited June 14, 2016 by regentrude

[Happy]

Thank you for posting this today--I love walking and I'm so out of the habit.

 

Changing my shoes, grabbing the dog, and going for a walk right now. (The dog says thank you, too!)

[Alice]

I totally agree! And it's the best perk of having a dog. :) Someone's got to walk her.....

[ILiveInFlipFlops]

Thanks for this thread! I've been telling myself for weeks that I'm going to do something about our diet and exercise when we got back from vacation, but we've been back for a few days and I've kind of been in denial. Our weather here has been absolutely gorgeous, so your post inspired me to get up off my rear and get out there before the kids woke up! I just finished a 3/4 mile figure 8 in our neighborhood. Pathetically, it was almost more than I could handle--I knew I was really out of shape, but I didn't realize it was quite THAT bad  :crying: I guess that's a good wakeup call. I hope I can keep my habit going the way you've kept yours!

Edited June 14, 2016 by ILiveInFlipFlops

[marbel]

Thanks for this thread! I've been telling myself for weeks that I'm going to do something about our diet and exercise when we got back from vacation, but we've been back for a few days and I've kind of been in denial. Our weather here has been absolutely gorgeous, so your post inspired me to get up off my rear and get out there before the kids woke up! I just finished a 3/4 mile figure 8 in our neighborhood. Pathetically, it was almost more than I could handle--I knew I was really out of shape, but I didn't realize it was quite THAT bad  :crying: I guess that's a good wakeup call. I hope I can keep my habit going the way you've kept yours!

 

Oh, I can't say I've kept it yet.  I go up and down.  Part of my reason for posting the thread was to remind myself, publicly.  Even though this thread will vanish, somehow it helps to go public. 

 

[J-rap]

I feel so much better when I walk every day too.  My favorite time is at night though.  Our town is small, and I love walking to the downtown and down Main Street at 11pm when there's just the glow of the street lights and insects buzzing.  It's so much more fun to walk with a partner though...

 

I feel badly when people say they don't have a safe place to walk.  I have lived in areas like that though where as long as I'm outside and there's a lot of neighborhood activity, it's fine, but as soon as things quiet down I wouldn't want to be out alone.

[happi duck]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[AmandaVT]

DS and I have been going for a morning walk before we start school in the mornings. It's been a really nice way to start our day. We live on a dead end dirt road that ends at a really busy road, so we can only walk on our road. We can get a good mile and a half in though, so it works out well. I think it helps start the day on a good note!

[SparklyUnicorn]

That is horrible. No safe place to walk within driving distance? I cannot imagine living in such an area.

(My DD lives in Chicago on the South Side and can walk even there)

 

I can walk here.  But I don't feel safe walking alone here. Nope.  Not to mention just trying to cross the street is stressful.  It's a very unfriendly place towards pedestrians despite the fact there are many pedestrians. 

[Evergreen State Sue]

Thanks for the encouragement with this thread!  I've got to find a way to make myself go walking in the morning.  My dh will walk with me in the evening, but for some reason we most often find an excuse not to go.  You listed some great benefits (reasons) to make walking a priority.  Thanks!

Edited June 14, 2016 by Evergreen State Sue

[aggieamy]

Wow.  This is the kick in the bum I needed.  I love walking.  I need to lose a few pounds.  My life just feels more "put together" if I get a nice long morning walk in.  I'm going to do it! 

[Peach]

We walk a lot too but when it's 100+ degrees we have been known to go to the air conditioned mall and do our laps there :)