Perfect 10

The sunshine on my face felt splendid this morning. It was like a loving caress, gentle and hopeful, the likes of which I haven’t felt in a long time. After a 2-week hiatus due to extremely poor weather conditions and a little laziness on my part, I walked 3 miles, to and from and around the park, both yesterday and today. Yesterday was cloudy and misty, but today was all sunshine and calm. Honking geese flew overhead, and squirrels scattered underfoot, skipping and zig-zagging and…stop. A squirrel stands frozen ten feet away, completely still, watching me, thinking he’s invisible. There he goes–zipping around the tree and up, out of sight.

I walked alone yesterday and today, needing the mental space, not wanting to tend even the dog. I’m struggling a bit right now with life and its expectations. Nothing seems to be coming to fruition, although when I analyze my individual activities, lots is being accomplished. I feel like everything is a battle, which makes me wonder if I need to let go of some of those battles. Maybe its time to move on, re-focus, re-prioritize, really question my status quo. What’s important? Or maybe the question should be, what’snot?

I’ve walked 10 miles so far this year, 490 to go. Right now, I’ll focus on that. No battle there, just one simple goal, achieved by putting one foot in front of the other.

Inside-Out Peppermint Patty

That’s what I felt like while walking today. About a half mile into the walk, I became very aware of the contrast between my warm insides and frosty extremities. It was a chilly 16 degrees outside and the ground was still covered in ice and snow. But we were not to be discouraged, Shadow and I. OK, not that Shadow really cared. He gets so excited when he sees the leash he would probably put it on himself if he had opposable thumbs, so he’s pretty much game for anything.

Remembering the sweatiness of yesterday, I didn’t bundle up quite so warmly, which I immediately regretted. I had not taken into account the lack of sunshine and the increased winds, and was rather uncomfortable. By the time we reached the park, I told myself we would turn around and go home after one lap. But, lo and behold, after one lap I was warmer and we walked a second lap before sliding back home. 2 more miles down, and as I unhooked Shadow’s leash in the backyard, I smiled, thinking that if I accomplished nothing else today, at least I’d done that.

And Off I Go

Today was day one of my 2010 New Year’s resolution. I’m really not a big resolution type of person, but after a crazy 2009, I decided I needed to get my feet back on the ground, both figuratively and literally. I’m trying to touch base with that in-charge, on-top-of-the world, no-problem-too-big person I like being, and I remembered that when I’ve been that, regular exercise has been an integral part of my life. So, goal-oriented and analytical that I am, I set myself an outdoors walking goal for the year–500 miles. This breaks down to a mere 9.6 miles per week, and I can easily walk a fast-paced 2 or 3 miles at a time, so physically this should not be a problem.

I have high hopes for my new commitment. Walking is good for my muscle-tone, weight control, mental clarity, and immune system. But I’m also looking forward to the challenge of getting my miles in, no matter the weather or craziness of life and work. I can see this one simple healthy habit becoming my rock, the one steady thing I accomplish, just for me.

So I set out today in the snow and ice with a goal of 2 miles. Old ski pants worked well to block the cold 20-degree-air from my legs, but otherwise I was over-dressed and sweat-soaked by the time I got home. Or maybe that’s just how out-of-shape I am. Anyway, I took Shadow, our shelter-rescued, hyper, border collie mix and he was very good company. He politely refrained from running after squirrels, which could have been catastrophic, considering the ground is covered with ice and when he takes off at a dead run, he almost jerks me off my feet. So, 2 miles down, 498 to go. And tomorrow’s another day.