Walk Your Way to A Better Life

Of all the things I've done to better my life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, walking... and I mean consistently walking has evaded me. Not sure if it was a masculinity thing or what, but I'm onboard now and loving the results.

As the rest of the world has embraced the 10,000 steps routine (for a  long time), I didn't... until the second half of 2024 month.

I moved back to America from Taiwan in the Winter of 2023. 

When I was in Taiwan, I had a motorbike. Most people in America call them scooters, but they aren't the same. My "scooter" in Taiwan could top out at 70 mph.

Having said that, they make you a little lazy. 

It's so easy to pop on, and run down to the store. A lot of people walk in Asia, but most drive scooters, or as they're called in Vietnam 'moto-by".

Living in the States with a dog has been different. 

In Taiwan, I lived on the side of little mountain overlooking the Pacific ocean. My "girl" would ride for a few hundred yards, then jump off and sprint ahead of me. That's one way to save on nail clippings at the vet. Files them down nice. Another way, is to take them to the tennis courts and throw the ball with them.

I've been back in Eastern North Carolina for just over a month now, and I walk the dog first thing every morning, then 2-3 times a day after that, and it's completely changed my physical well-being.

A few reasons why I've come to love walking in the morning:

1. Direct sunlight first thing in the morning is a good way to reset your circadian rhythm.

Having trouble sleeping?

Get outside first thing in the morning. I used to go out and meditate. I now prefer walking. 

Before I started walking, I had been having A LOT of problems sleeping. Some from stress. A LOT from a failed relationship. I'd toss and turn in bed and be lucky if I got a few hours. 

I'm passing out at 10-11pm now and sleeping a solid 7-8 hours waking up minus an alarm (HUGE BONUS) feeling fresh and ready to take on the new day.

Dr. Andrew Huberman has some great scientific info on the benefits of getting your vitamin D first thing in the morning. Check out the link for more info.

2. Better mood.

Life got you down?

It happens. Couldn't have ups if we didn't have downs.

I've never been big on exercising, or at least lifting, early in the morning. I need my quiet time and I like easing into my day.

Early in the morning, the birds are singing, there's not much traffic on the road, and the only people you tend to see are a few other's walking dogs or walking. Walking is a great way to wake up and usher in the new day.

3. Boosts your metabolism.

Obviously, any time you're exercising, you're burning calories. 

This has been a double edged sword for me as I'm trying to put on more weight. That's not something to be jealous of. I have as hard a time of gaining weight as some people do losing it. The good is that I'm gaining weight VERY SLOWLY, while still staying mega lean.

4. Kicks of the rust.

At 48 years old, I got my share of bumps and bruises. I kicked caffeine when I got down to ENC, and walking in the morning gets the blood flowing. I wake up, wash my face, put on some aloe and peppermint skin serum, then hit the road with the doggo. 

Mid-morning, we tackle a few more blocks, then any time I feel like I need to stretch my legs or need to shake things up from too much screen time.

If you're late to the stepping thing, don't worry. It's never too late to start.

Happy steppin'!

Oh, and this may seem like a silly question, but have you tried backward walking? Did you see any benefits from it? Would love to hear about, if so. I started following the KneesOverToesGuy awhile back and he has some interesting ideas on healing knee pain.