WalkBlog Introduction

Fri, Jul 5, 2013

It would be an understatement to say the last four months have been eventful. From buying a new home, to adopting a (then) three-month-old puppy, a lot has unfolded in such a relatively short amount of time.

Assuming so much responsibility has significantly accelerated the amount of work I voluntarily put into my home, my family, and myself. Chores no longer carry the usual negative connotation as everything I do to maintain and improve life for my family gives a sense of pride and accomplishment. I feel strong ownership of action, more than ever before, and I’m compelled to make the best out of every moment.

In doing away with passing time just for the sake of passing time, I’ve focused immensely on eating less, exercising more and, ultimately, losing weight. Exercise of choice, as of this writing, is walking, and each walk will be summarized and posted here.

(Note: While I’ve long held that life is better lived than meticulously documented, this blog will serve as a component of my routine - a way to keep records and later reflect on progress made.)

Why walking?

• It’s a simple workout - No training or fancy equipment required.
• Our dog Goose joins in, also getting exercise.
• Treadmills are boring. Neighborhoods are not!
  • I meet and/or chat with at least one person each walk.
  • Georgia isn’t flat, so the inclines provide more of a workout.
  • Vitamin D, produced through sun exposure, is something I apparently am deficient in.

Tools and Gear

• Dorky Outfit (see right)
  • Gym shorts
  • T-Shirt
  • Sweatband…
• Dog Walking Kit - A backpack with:
  • 2 bottles for ice water
  • Water bowl
  • Rag
  • Poo bags
  • Sunblock
• Smartphone Apps
  • RunKeeper - GPS logging for location, distance and pace.
  • MyFitnessPal - For tracking calorie intake and exercise
  • Pandora - None of that! Listen to the environment.

Each post here should contain an overview of the walk, a very brief written comment, and possibly a picture or two of anything interesting seen. As of this post, I’ve taken several three mile walks, and it seems like a good distance for both me and Goose. Round-trip from the house, it leaves a 1.5 mile radius to explore. This includes downtown Marietta and quite a few parks.

I’m excited to make this part of a routine, both for my sake and for Goose’s. So far, it’s proven to be a great way for us to bond and appreciate the new neighborhood we live in. The first report will be up soon.

Filed under Notes