I’m going for a walk

One of my 2012 goals is to take our dog for a walk, 52 times this year. It’s a multi-purpose goal. So far, I have done only two walks.

Our dog, Sam, LOVES to go for walks and I have really dropped the ball in this area. She is a much happier, and healthier, dog when she gets to go for walks. I felt making this goal would be good for her. Sam will be 5 years old next week, her birthday is 01Feb2007. If I say “walk”, Sam goes to the door.  

This goal is also good for me. I need more exercise. I complain about my weight, yet I have done nothing about it. I think going for walks is a great start and I hope the walking will lead to more exercise for me. I have also set myself another goal of participating (walking) in the Hornet Hustle 5K in August. I want to improve my time from last year. I was disappointed in myself when I saw this photo of me with my granddaughters (taken last week).

I am now using the “Nike+ gps” app on my phone. It pushes posts to my FaceBook timeline about how long and how fast my walks are. I am hopeful that these public posts will motivate me to be consistent, walk farther, walk faster, and to do more. A few of my FaceBook friends have agreed to hold me accountable, and to encourage me. When my statistics are posted on the internet for all to see, it really makes me want to do a bit more! Lol.

I listen to audiobooks when I walk. I have not made time to read books in recent years, and listening to unabridged audiobooks is very enjoyable to me. I have just downloaded a new audiobook “The Wedding Quilt” by Jennifer Chiaverini. I highly recommend her Elm Creek Quilt series. I have listened to ALL of the audiobooks in this series except the Wedding Quilt and I am looking forward to this book, and saddened that there are no more to download… yet!  I am hopeful that listening to audiobooks will encourage me to read actual books again. I have always loved to read, but five years ago I created a mental block about reading, and I am trying to make myself re-wire my thinking and get back into reading. My oldest son and his wife gave me a Kindle for Christmas and I am going to use that as well.

Walking will allow me to connect with the outside world. I often stay inside my house for days at a time. Walking will get me out of the house, maybe meet some neighbors, observe the beautiful nature around me, get fresh air, bond with our dog, and so forth. The benefits of walking my dog definitely out weigh just sitting on my couch, typing on my computer… humm… So I guess it is time to get up, get ready, and go for my walk. It is only 21° this morning so I’d better bundle up!