My first walk, kicking and screaming I go.
Well, figuratively speaking only. I finally took a step in the right direction. Why is it so difficult to start exercising again?
I had decided that I would start walking again once I was working from home. Two weeks later I finally held to that commitment. I knew that I HAD to start walking in order to reorganize my life. Sounds so dramatic I know, but walking for me is like the ultimate discipline that affects every other thing in my life that needs constant discipline.
The first walk is always the most difficult. After finally convincing myself it really was time to get back out there, I knew it might be somewhat uncomfortable. Not being in shape shows up very quickly when you to start your exercise program. I planned to only walk about 15 minutes. I’m smart that way. There’s a wonderful back road with very little traffic and lots of nature. I started out with the best of intentions of course, it’s early, it’s not sweltering yet and I’m in the right frame of mind. First thing I notice is how my back hurts, it’s been hurting ever since my dedicated yard weekend. Then I become aware of how much my belly sticks out and how I wouldn’t want anyone to see this. Then I get this pain in my chest and wonder if it’s my heart or just muscle. Then I’m wondering about the benefits of walking, I mean really!
In spite of my discomfort, I feel a sensation that only occurs when I am moving! It’s alertness; a deep awakening that stirs up the familiar. I immediately think back to all the hiking I used to do and how much pleasure I received from that. I’ve always needed movement, a lot of it, as I suppose most of us do, in order to feel really alive! So how come I don’t stick to it? I have never figured out the answer to that and I get tired just trying to figure it out. Life happens and you get out of your routine. It’s so easy to stop and so damn difficult to start again.
So back to the discomfort, this is my first walk after all. I’m walking along and all of sudden there’s an uncomfortable stirring in the belly region. Oh oh, I soon realize that between all that coffee I drank this morning and all this movement something is stirring and making its presence known and I better deal with it. Immediately! But I can’t because I am too far from home! This is ridiculous! Without going into specifics, I hightail it back to the house.
Anyway, I get home, and much to my relief, no pun intended of course, I feel really good. I know I have started something good and I am proud of myself, I also notice that my back pain has diminished quite a bit.
If a little is good, a lot is better is my motto, so I took another walk! I felt cheated because my earlier walk had been cut short by, well, you know… so I decided to take my dog, Dobie this time. (Her name has been changed to protect her anonymity)
This walk was so much nicer; I only walked about 20 more minutes and was able to really enjoy it this time. Paying attention to the wonderful noises and silence of nature, I knew I had taken the right steps toward a better frame of mind and body.
So what ever your reasons are, a need to move, a need to gain control over your life, a way to get healthy, get out there and take that first walk. Then tomorrow do it again! I promise it will get easier and more fun. Hey, it’s not something you don’t already know!
Just make sure you take care of business before you go!
P.S. If you are on the fence about getting back to exercising listen to this little fact. A half hour of moderate exercise a day reduces the chance of all cancers by 50%???? How’s that for incentive!
