(Mid-August 2020)
Although I had thought my butt had set roots deep into our couch, that forcibly kept me in place, it turned out that wasn’t the case. I’ve been active for three weeks now and I have to say I’m starting to dig the whole walking-thing. At first, I thought walking was a bore but now I’m hooked. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed much change when I step on the scale, that number is still too high, but I must admit I am feeling better. I’m less lethargic and bloated, at least I feel less bloated. I still look like I could be floated down 6th Avenue in a Thanksgiving parade. I’ve also felt pain. This is a sure sign that I’m moving in the right direction. Soreness indicates that I’ve pushed my muscles so much that they’ve been slightly damaged. Now it’s their job to repair and build back better to handle the increased workload. Normally I avoid pain at all cost, but this isn’t real pain it’s just general soreness. I can live with general soreness. It means I’m making progress – painful progress but progress.
I’ve also managed to be consistent for three weeks now. I know that doesn’t seem like much but keeping on track is an issue with me. The big challenge still lies ahead. Four to six weeks usually maxes out my attention span. Knowing this, I’ve implemented two strategies to circumvent this process. The first centers around my dog, Lola
Lola, the wonder dog, is a high energy gal and therefore requires at least two substantial walks a day. Now the “substantial” part is relative. A “substantial” walk to Lola is not the same as a “substantial” walk to me. Lola could run the Alaskan Iditarod and that still might not qualify as a “substantial” amount of exercise to her. As maddening as it is, the more she exercises, the more energy she seems to have. How can I get some of that rocket sauce? Lola has to be walked so I’ve turned those walks into “workouts”. It’s easy. I simply extend the distance and speed of the walks. Lola gets me out the door twice a day and it’s good for both of us. She is the best piece of gym equipment I could ever own.
The second thing I do is listen to something on these walks. I grab my phone, my ear buds and I go. Along the way I listen to podcasts, books and music. It’s remarkable that even the most basic phone can provide a world of listening and learning at little to no cost. While it does take some planning to find the appropriate material it is still a far cry from the “Walkman” days. You remember the big bulky Sony Walkman that was all the rage in the 80’s. While the Walkman was a game changer, it did take a fair bit of planning to use. You had to be sure the batteries were good to go (no recharging back then) and then there were the tapes. Could you really go anywhere without the perfect mix tape? It took hours to make that tape, carefully assembling it from various albums, dropping the needle on your turntable at the exact right point and praying that the record didn’t skip at the one point where it was scratched. Audiophiles love the sound of analog but give me the convenience of digital any day. And could it be any easier? Customized playlists (mix tapes) can be streamed from any number of sources directly to your ears with no assembly required.
Then there’s the device itself. The original Walkman was a handful. While it was cutting edge back in the 80’s it was big, bulky and really single purposed. You listened to music on it and nothing more. Today our phones are computers we carry in our pockets and purses. It’s technology that we couldn’t even dream of back in the day. Phones have replaced our stereos, televisions, board games, cameras and books. We communicate to the world with them through text, e-mail and video. You can even make phone calls on them! All this to say, that my phone adds another dimension to my walks. Not only does it track my every step but it also makes those steps make more fun.
I can still trip back and listen to Van Halen’s 1984 if I want but usually, I listen to a book or podcast. I love to read and learn new things. My phone helps me get some exercise and learn stuff at the same time. I feel like I’m maximizing my time – double dipping in a positive way. Listening while I walk allows me to consume media, I normally wouldn’t make the time for. Through podcasts I’m introduced to perspectives and ideas I might not be exposed to, while there are books I’d never crack open if it weren’t for these walks. On top of it all, these wonderous audio treats help me to pass the time away. I’m usually enjoying the audio so much that I want to keep going. When I stop, I’m sorry that the exercise has ended. How often have you ever said that?
These two simple strategies are helping me stay on track. Making my exercise part of what I’d normally do and making it enjoyable have changed the game. I know there will be lots more that I’ll have to adjust and change. If I really want to get into the shape of my life, there is a ton of work to do. It’ll be a challenge to keep on track as things become increasingly difficult. I realize now that every little thing helps, and you have to do whatever it takes even if that means making the perfect mix tape.