Hello@Oaktree , @Dimity , @Former-Member , @TAB , @Shaz51 , @BPDSurvivor , @pinklollipop15 , @Jimbo2 , @Former-Member , @hanami , @Former-Member , @tyme and other members reading in and walking for this thread Really pleased to hear that the walking is fun @Oaktree , and congratulations on your accomplishment of two weeks, yesterday. From your 'reports', it is exercise, but also the opportunity to meet random people with whom you feel comfortable. And the simple enjoyment of walking will lead to the other health benefits as a natural consequence. The added bonus of virtual gifts for your son with the accumulation of "pokestops" also adds some interest. I had the question in my mind, "what are pokestops?" and then I saw the reference to Pokemon and now I have a vague idea of what pokestops are. If you can look towards achieving a goal doing something that you enjoy, you've had a double benefit. I also noticed that you are improving your time/distance. Getting your son to come along by use of "motherly bribery tactics" is good for you and him too. I also like your comment to @Dimity that, "It doesn’t matter where you walk as long as you are walking!" The expression, ".... pre-contemplation phase of walking." gave me a smile. I also noticed @Former-Member asking about changes in mood as a result of walking. I believe that walking raises endorphins: https://www.healthline.com/health/endorphins "Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers, and they can boost your mood, too. These chemicals are naturally produced by the body during pleasurable activities (e.g., exercise, sex, and laughing), as well as painful experiences, such as twisting your ankle." Don' forget or dismiss the other ways of generating these handy little gizmos that we can produce for ourselves and with appropriate others. @TAB, it sounds as though you shouldn't chastise yourself for not getting your walk in yesterday. The different type of exercise involved in moving of the contents of the storage unit was probably a good balance for the walking, and beneficial in its own way. From what you say, you actually got a reasonable amount of exercise in from the storage unit activity. I notice that you referred to a "national park" nearby - sounds like a pleasant environment in which to walk and enjoy the peacefulness. From some of your reports @TAB , I get the impression that, at times, you go all out and then find yourself suffering afterwards. Though I did notice that you mentioned transitioning from level ground, in the process of getting "half serious." And then I find a reference that might confirm my original suspicion, "its All or Nothing baby". Love the comment about the contents of the backpack (15 kg) not being health food. I notice that @Dimity has been influenced by the thread to get out for some walking too and complimenting you @Oaktree , on re-awakening this walking for exercise thread, which I notice that you started in July '21. I think that I will have to do some walking by going to the shop when I just want a few things that I can also carry in my backpack. So, I'll also say, conditional upon me actually doing so, that you will all have motivated me also. Definitely coat and woolly scarf weather @Dimity , even over here in the Mid-west of W.A. Hi @Former-Member , I noticed that you had mentioned that you had not been well back around the end of June. How are you feeling now? My hope is that your health has improved or is improving. The beach near where you live, of which I have seen photos, sounds pleasant. I hope that your daughter is doing well. @Jimbo2 mentioned enjoying the benefits of his walking around some hilly areas. Sounds good, even if it can be challenging at times. I enjoyed reading @Former-Member' comment "... my favourite thing about walks is noticing the little changes on my normal routes as the seasons change - Magnolias will be starting to bloom soon, which always makes me happy!" For the start of Wednesday Best Wishes to Everyone @HenryX
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