Walking is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside. Elizabeth von Arnim

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Tuesday, August 03, 2021

Walking tips and a mailbox


55 degrees
☁️ Cloudy and a little sun 🌥
Sunrise - 6:19 
Walked 6 miles 

A bit of a different post today.

Want to get started walking for exercise?
Here's a few suggestions and tips I've learned along the way.
Of course make sure you are healthy enough TO walk
and take it easy in the beginning.

First, you have to like to walk, a little bit anyway.  
If you hate walking and dread going for a walk maybe walking 
is not the exercise for you.  
It will be hard to stick to a walking routine if you hate it!

A good pair of shoes is a must.  
I've worn different brands throughout the years.  
Sometimes I've found a brand that was great and then it was discontinued 
so now when I find a shoe I really like, I buy a few pair at a time. 
Keen shoes are the ones for me - they are the best ones I've ever had.
I like that they have a wide toe area.
Another thing about shoes - if they don't feel great in the store
don't buy them.  You should not have to 'wear in' shoes.

Until recently I wore regular old socks.
Different people have told me how important socks are but I never listened.
I should have because they do make a difference.
I now wear Bambas socks - a bit pricey but worth every penny.
They give you extra cushion and just make my 
already comfortable shoes even better. 

You can walk in any kind of clothes that are comfortable.
Wearing layers is great and keeps me warm on those cold mornings.

I don't take water with me but you might like too.
(I drink when I get home)
What does come with me is my phone/camera, pepper spray, 
and sometimes a walking stick.
I also take a stick of sugar free gum - like to chew it if my mouth gets dry.

Find an area to walk in.
Your neighborhood is one place.
Sometimes that is not possible and you might have to drive somewhere.
Most areas have some kind of trails or walking paths.
If you are lucky you may live near a lake with walking paths.
I've walked in all kinds of places and if you really want to walk
you will find a place to go.

Now you are all set, you have the desire, socks and shoes,
comfortable clothes, and a place to walk.

It is good to have a time set aside for your walk.
I happen to like mornings but anytime is fine.
I find if you go the same time each day it becomes a habit
and you are more likely to stick to it.
Doesn't have to be every day - maybe for you every other day would work better.
Finding a friend to walk with you may be good for you.
(I prefer walking alone)
You will more likely go if someone is waiting for you.

Don't worry about how far or fast to walk.
Just start out walking at a normal pace, maybe a mile to start.
Or maybe just a half mile.
Another way would be to walk say for 15 minutes or half hour.
Do that every time you walk. 
Then increase the distance and time when you feel comfortable.
Consistency is more important than how far and how fast you go.
Distance and speed will come as you continue walking.

Taking pictures of things along your walk will keep things
interesting and you will be surprised at the things you see
while walking that you have passed many times and never saw before.

It's always nice to meet new people along your walk,
people who you would never know if you didn't walk.

It won't belong before you are enjoying your walk and when you see
and feel the benefits, it will encourage you to keep at it.
I've been taking morning walks for over 30 years now and
it has become part of who I am.

Hope this has encouraged someone to start walking.

😀 HAPPY WALKING 🚶‍♀️

Mailbox Number 2 is Dave and Joy's mailbox.
(not the walking Joy)
He like cows, milk bottles and milk cans.


Thanks for stopping by.
A happy day to you.
👩🏻‍🦳 happyone ❤️

Comment Replies:
Victor - I really do find all the gloves.  I usually find them on the main road that runs north and south in the county.  A lot of people in work trucks drive it.  I think the workers put their gloves on their trucks and forget about them. The gloves then fall off the trucks.  That's my theory anyway.

19 comments:

Granny Marigold said...

I definitely agree with your suggestions for anyone starting out with a walking routine. Except for the socks..I must check those out. I also prefer walking alone or just with my DH.

Jeanette said...

I love walking and have walked at least a few times a week for several years! I prefer to walk alone too because I like to listen to podcasts and that's really the only time I can.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Oh I love this post! And you know I love to walk! I will look for those socks. I wear Wigwams but they are getting harder to find. I wear Montrail shoes and love the way they fit me. I always tell everyone just to get out there. It doesn't matter how long or how far, just make it a habit. You can increase as you get into better shape. It makes me happy...and I know it does you too! Happy walking!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Are they Bombas socks? I'm doing a search!

Deb J. in Utah said...

I love your walking tips - Karen! Thank you! I LOVE Keen shoes too - thanks to you! I usually double sock when I am going for a hike, but I am going to look into those Bombas socks. I love walking - I don't go as far as you do every day, but I figure that Charly and I walk about 11-12 miles every week. It is a rare day when we do not take our walk and we love it! Thanks again. See you again tomorrow. :-)

Hootin Anni said...

I've been walking many years ...I started out with counting steps, then timed myself. This past year tho, I've become lax Going Anywhere because of flooding, freezing, and now extreme heat index. But I will pick up and get back into routine. Will also register for heart 5k walk in October 2021. I missed it last year 'cause of covid cancellation.

Yep pictures are always good.

Love the mailboxes.

Tom said...

...they need to paint the mailbox with some white to make it look like a holstein.

susan q said...

A wonderful walking post, Karen. I started walking by myself and now my husband is available to walk with me. Our street/road has too much traffic to safely walk so we drive to a local park for our daily walks. I think walking provides a mind clearing time for me. I search for the right socks too. I get stones in the low cut ones but I will try Bombas next time. I wear New Balance shoes but need a winter trail shoe for the ice and snow. I like your idea of those traction cleats for ice and I will try them this winter. Hopefully your post will encourage everyone to give walking a try especially during this pandemic and improve their well being and enjoy nature like you do.

Lowcarb team member said...

Great walking tips, many thanks for including them here.

I like the mailbox :)

All the best Jan

The Furry Gnome said...

Very thoughtful advice. I'd still be out there every day if I could!

William Kendall said...

The deer is a sweet sight.

Debi said...

Great tips. I enjoy walking but I'm not regular about it!

Unknown said...

We walk four times a week for one hour. We have a nice walking park near us. Three laps at 20 minutes each gives us our hour. My husband loves to walk and has been a walker all his life, even well before he met me. We go at night though, not early like you. It is quite addictive, and oh so many health benefits to walking.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Thanx for your reply to my question; and for your walking tips.

Enjoy and God bless.

eileeninmd said...

Great advice and suggestions!
Hubby and I enjoy walking on our local fire roads.
Take care, enjoy your day and week ahead.

ellen b. said...

Great tips Karen! You are the best person I know to get walking tips from. We got a double mailbox treat today.

Hill Top Post said...

I enjoyed your walking post today. I also walk in Keen shoes. Like you I need the extra room in the toes. I also am going to check out Bambas socks.

Kathie said...

Hi! Love your blog! How do you keep track of the miles you walk?

Retired Knitter said...

Great post! And if anyone should know about walking ... it would be you. I agree with everything you said.