I Go Out Walking

In 2009, some health concerns kickstarted me into action. I started an almost daily exercise program that involved walking, for the most part. I mapped out a nice 45 minute route in my neighborhood, and I walked it, rain or shine. Or snow, for that matter. I turned the route into a 60 minute loop, I added a couple of new routes, and then foot problems made it so that I needed a little variety in my exercise schedule. Sometimes, now, I ride my bike for an hour or so in my neighborhood, I go to the pool occasionally, or I work out at the gym. This exercise regimen has kept a couple of health issues at bay, and it's made me a lot happier. A good walk is a great mood booster and anxiety buster. More than anything else, that's what keeps me moving.

I woke up Monday morning with a big kink in my back, so I've been virtually couch bound all week. My back will unkink eventually. In fact, it's substantially better this morning. I had an acupuncture treatment yesterday to help it along, and I think it did. He must have stuck thirty needles in me, and that can't have been easy. I'm needle phobic, even when the needles don't hurt (and acupuncture rarely hurts). What gets in my way is my overactive imagination. I imagine the needle penetrating my heart or breaking off in my back, and I freak out. I blame this on my ex-husband. When we were married, I was in the room when he had a spinal tap, and the process seemed to hurt me more then it hurt him. There he was, calmly enduring a giant needle in his back, sucking out his spinal fluid, while I turned green and passed out. Well, I made it through yesterday's ancient needle treatment without losing consciousness, so that's a good thing, and today I head to the chiropractor for a tune-up. I'm sure I'll be walking again eventually, but for now, I'm pretty unhappy about this slowdown. With each passing sedentary day, I feel more sluggish and cranky.

Let's face it, I'm not an especially patient person. I want to get back to my routine as soon as possible. My cheery disposition depends upon it.


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