Well, That Was Invigorating

I was determined to do my daily walk outdoors today.  Neither the skways nor the treadmill at home seemed appealing, so I walked outside for about 2 miles at lunch time today.  I shivered for the first ten minutes, but I stayed pretty warm after that...probably because I walked faster and faster as I went along.  I would say that the experience was invigorating because I felt more energetic than foolhardy upon my return.  One thing I like about walking outdoors is that your brief interactions with other people are, well, human interactions, rather than interactions with moving boxes (when you are driving) or taking the road to nowhere (treadmill).  Besides, even in downtown Minneapolis, you do get to see something of the natural world away from the concrete jungle.  There were a few runners and bicyclists out and about, but no other walkers (other than those scurrying from one building to the next).  To be honest, none of them looked pleased to be outside today, but they all did look determined.  I was hoping to see the guy who rides a Surly Pugsley bicycle with huge (3"+ wide) tires that seems so sure-footed on the ice and snow, but I did not.  When the other walkers, runners and bicyclists glance at me, I have often wondered if they view me as a potential threat or if they are curious about a fellow nutcase being outside on such a cold day.  I will admit that it is fun to speculate abut that.  Anyway, I did enjoy my walk despite the chilly weather.

RP

Elmer,

You always amaze me with your words........Your so kind and such a genuine person......I'm so glad I finally got to meet you......

Yay for you & your walk.......I just walked on my treadmill, BORING......Wish someone lived out in the boondocks by me, I'd love to walk outside......Everyone lives in the cities or works, dang........

Kelly

"taking the road to nowhere" - lol - I love that!!

I love walking outside as well, though I often end up taking walks alone... but it's not at all bad. I interact with people, and just get some time to look at the nature around me, though most of it's frozen right now.

Way to go RP! Reading your post made me want to take a nice brisk walk outside. I plan to go skiing tonight, so that'll be my equivelant.

What a great post, it made me want to go for a walk outside, until I looked at the thermometer and decided against it.  It's funny how such a simple thing as going for a walk was such a daunting task before surgery and now it's something we totally enjoy.

Ya know, I truly do believe - from my own experience - that walking in the cold is BETTER exercise & probably burns MORE calories than when you walk in mild or warm/hot conditions! 

(Although I have NOT done it in single digit or negative temps... too damn cold for me!!)

Way to go, RP!!

Good for you! I'm glad you returned from your walk more energetic. I hope you have a great afternoon because of it!

I can't wait for the day I can take walks outside at lunchtime and not worry about coming back sweaty and/or redfaced. (Yes, I get that way even in winter)