Aarti
Walking has been somewhat of a routine for me since I became a mother and gave birth to my daughter in 2015. I took her pram out for a simple walk, and that led to a far broader change in my routine. The first thing I did to start living a life I could be proud of was to start walking.
There are many ways in which walking improves my mood: It’s a terrific way to unwind from the day while still getting some exercise: It’s so simple that you don’t even realise you’re exercising, yet it has significant physical advantages and is one of the best ways to get in shape.
In 2015, I started going for walks with my daughter and realised that I wanted to start running. So I joined her in her sprinting. Walking helped me lose weight and feel better about my body, but when I wanted to take my weight loss to the next level, I decided to give running a shot. I’ve been including more and more run-walk intervals into my workouts over the past few years. So, I’ll set a timer and run for that long, then walk for that long. This strategy strikes a good balance, allowing me to both rest and challenge myself. And now I’m training for marathons!
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Fortunately, I’ve been consulting with a dietitian to determine which foods will best improve my bloodwork. I used to consume a lot of processed meals, but now I eat mostly fresh produce, with a special emphasis on dark, leafy greens. I won’t pretend I never indulge in unhealthy meals, but I’m trying to cut back on them while increasing my intake of the good stuff. And it’s been a big assistance. Also, I make sure to stay hydrated, and the Nathan Sports hydration packs are my absolute favourite. I originally bought one because of the funky design, but I quickly realised how useful they were for long runs. I’m a convert to all of their wares.
I enjoy getting outside for walks of varying lengths and styles. After a hard day, I like to unwind by taking my dog for a walk—sometimes only a mile or so, and other times an hour or more on neighbouring trails. Evening walks are wonderful, whether I’m taking them with my husband or on my own while listening to a podcast or some music.
The constant encouragement of my loved ones, especially my husband, is another source of strength for me. During a stroll with my spouse, I remember seriously considering signing up for a marathon. I was worried about how I would manage to prepare for a marathon while also attending graduate school for marketing and taking care of my two young children. My husband and I had been strolling along when the subject came up, and he encouraged me to just do it. He assured me that I was capable of accomplishing anything I set my mind to. And he promised to back me up as I went.
For me, social media is an extremely potent instrument. It serves to encourage me and hold me accountable. It’s great to feel like I’m part of a community where people are helping and encouraging one another through blogs like mine.
Taking up walking in 2015 was one of the best decisions I have made because it has led to so many other positive, healthy habits in my life. I’m thankful for the opportunity to walk, and if I could offer advice to anyone else who wants to start walking, it would be this: do it! If you don’t challenge yourself, you’ll never know your limits. If you want to know how you’ll feel afterward, try it. And if it makes you happy, by all means, continue.
