The Journey Inward

I have so many physical activities and exercises that I love that I can’t choose just one!

I walk every single day. In good weather, I walk outside. morning, noon and/or night. I walk around my neighborhood, around town, and drive to paths and trails. When I visit a new place, I get to know it more intimately on foot. Walking does wonders to settle my mind and regulate my body, but I also find inspiration in the scenery, natural and human made. When the weather is too cold or nasty, I walk on the treadmill, but it’s not my favorite, but I make it more enticing by talking on the phone or listening to a podcast.

I also like to run, but running doesn’t care much for me. I pulled my hamstring a few years back and have never really gotten back into great running form. As long as I don’t go too fast or do hills, I can run an easy 2 miles, which I do several times a week, but only on a treadmill while listening to upbeat music.

Being outdoors biking or kayaking with friends is another joy. I mostly use bike paths for riding. In terms of water, I have a whole flotilla: two hard shelled kayaks, two inflatable kayaks, one inflatable double kayak, plus an inflatable paddle board. I like to explore lakes, ponds, canals and sometimes rivers.

A few times a week, I lift weights. My main goal is to keep my bones healthy and strong as I grow older.

Finally, as of October, I have started taking body pump fitness classes with low weights and a lot of repetitions. I am really enjoying the camaraderie of a group of women and feeling in sync as we run through the program.

I like to swim, do yoga, pilates and other activities, but these are all secondary to my favorites!

Photo: my favorite running sneakers as babies. 1.3.23