I’m not much of a recreational walker. I’d rather go to the gym and jump on the fancy cardio equipment or a stationary bike, parked in front of the Today show to make the time pass more quickly. Eager to get it over with so I can get on with my day.
But my writing work space is our dining room table, with two large windows providing a great view of the street in front of our house. I recognize the walkers. Diligent. Step by step, day in and day out, one foot in front of the other. “My” street is part of their regular route. Some are walking dogs. Many are alone. Occasionally there is a pair of walkers, hands gesturing wildly as they carry on a conversation in the midst of their exercise routine. Multi-tasking, I suppose.
I admire their consistent efforts. Secretly wonder if I’m missing out. Then I wave as I pass them, driving my SUV a half-mile to the gym to knock out my minimalist commitment to exercise on the cardio equipment.
I know that walking outside is good for the soul. Physical activity stimulates the mind and leads to more productive thinking. I know this because many walkers swear by it as a means for busting through writer’s block.
I know it yet I just haven’t become one of them. I’m starting to wonder if I’m missing out.
Last week, we brought a new puppy into our family. He isn’t a big fan of the leash but needs to spend a lot of time outside to cope with his, well, puppy-ness. So we are walking together, lap after lap, around the house. He is so in awe of his surroundings. Every leaf, every stick, every mysterious element of the yard is their for his exploration and sometimes enjoyment.
I’m seeing glimpses of my future already. In time, the yard won’t be enough for him. We will graduate to larger opportunities. Longer routes. Soon I’ll be ‘one of them’. The walkers of the neighborhood. I have to say, I’m looking forward to seeing what this ‘walking’ thing is all about.
Your turn: are you a walker? Does exercise inspire your creativity? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.
This is day one of October 2016’s Write 31 Days and the Five Minute Friday Free Write challenge. There’s still time to link up if you’d like to join us. All the details here.
Photo credit: Brian Mann via Unsplash
Haha I thought I was the only one who didn’t love walking! Glad to see I’m not alone 😉 so great to discover your blog!
Hi, Emma! Great to discover your blog, too. Happy October!
I do most of my walking for my dogs’ sake, too. I do enjoy it, but walking with them tends to take a fair amount of my attention, so I’m not sure how much I really break through writer’s block while I’m walking. Still, I hope this walking thing turns out to be enjoyable for you! I’m sure your dog will love it 🙂
Yes, I’ve noticed there is a lot of redirecting going on and not much writer world pondering when I’m walking the puppy. Hmmm…the things I’ve forgotten since the last time we had a puppy. Thanks for visiting, Emily.
Hi Heidi. I prefer crosstraining. Walking on a regular basis for exercise doesn’t cut it for me. However, a friend and I commit to Monday night walks so that we can exercise and socialize at the same time. There are days when I am tired and I’m secretly hoping she is too but then I get the text asking if I want to go and I push myself to do it. I know I will be glad I did. Accountability is a good thing. Thanks you for your words.
Oh, accountability. I like it. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Stephanie.
Heidi, I’m glad you know where you like to move:) Maybe the puppy will change it up. Either way, I’d love to sit in your window and walker-watch too. Excited you joined us in the challenge!