Today I’d like to reflect on my fitness journey that I began in earnest five years ago this past May. Since that time, I’ve been working out with a trainer twice a week improving my strength. I’ve also been making healthier food choices (no more ranch dressing or Snickers bars for me!).

I’ve seen real benefits from my efforts, but I have known all along that I’m not moving enough throughout the day. I wore a fitness tracker for a while, but after a couple of months, it no longer inspired me to take more steps. I would tell myself occasionally to go to our awesome neighborhood park and just walk some every day, but did I? Nope.

However, my husband had hernia repair surgery in May, and his doctor told him the best thing to do to recover was walk. We began walking together two days after his surgery, and now I’m hooked! I’ve walking at our neighborhood park 4-5 times a week for three months now, even on days that Ken can’t walk with me.

I’ve had fun keeping track of my miles by recording them in my planner (I know, so 20th century of me, right?) After this morning’s walk I’ve been 202.8 miles since May 7. I can hardly believe it. No way I can quit now! Walking four days a week is the new normal, and it feels great. The best part is how I feel so much better after I walk. I fall out of bed into my walking shorts before the sun comes up, and many days I’m stiff starting out. But the air is clean and dawn is breaking, so I concentrate on breathing deeply and enjoying listening to the birds singing as they gather in the trees. One morning Ken and I even saw a doe and her fawn running down the road after a night of feasting on neighborhood bushes and flowers.

So I want to encourage you to take a walk today. Not only is it great for your mental health, studies are showing how important exercise is for overall health, including our brains! Don’t take my word for it, though. Click out the link below to access a whole list of articles about how exercise boosts brain health!

http://www.nytimes.com/newsletters/2017/08/16/well

Thanks for stopping by. Are you working at staying healthy and fit? If so, leave me a comment. I’d love to hear about your journey.