Step One

Some Chinese philosopher once said; "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

What I found out this morning, is that once you reach that 500 mile mark, (metaphorically speaking) you're stuck. Forward or backward, you still have the same distance to cover!

In the book I'm reading, the author states that as she started listening to her gut on the quest to becoming more creative - the first thing it said to her was start running.

She expressed shock at that, but in my mind I thought - no, I totally get it.

Back in the dark days after my heart surgery, walking was the only means I found of battling the depression that naturally comes along with it.
Doing what my kids dubbed "my walkies" around the house, was seriously the only highlight of my day (next to taking a pain pill and going to bed for a few blissful hours of unconsciousness.)

I kept that up for the next couple of years. During that time, I never had blood pressure problems, sugar problems, and was able to maintain a normal weight.
Besides the obvious endorphin perk, walking clears the cobwebs out of the brain and makes more room for positive, constructive thought.

(Incidentally, when my dad passed unexpectedly, I learned that it also helped me cope with the grief of loss.)

The walking ended when I went back to work full time - and the problems began...

Anyway, I totally understand the benefits of physical activity.
(Not to mention the gaining more energy to get-the-butt-out-of-the-chair!)

This morning, I decided to embark on that journey. In the A.M., it isn't too terribly hot yet...

I've gotten bored of the old standard routes I used to take (besides, all the experts say it's a bad idea for a woman alone to be taking the exact same route every day.) And I've been wanting to push my boundaries a little more, so I plotted a course up the hill to the light - along the highway, and down through The Maples.

It didn't seem that far in my head...

*Note to self: this route is 75% uphill, and a lot farther than you think - NOT a good idea for beginners!

...But like I said, once you reach the half-way mark, you're committed.
Forward or back, somehow you've still got to get home!

On the upside - on the way up the hill, I passed a man in a yellow shirt who was headed the same direction. As I rounded the corner to home, I saw him again, and he was limping at a snails pace down the street.

Score one for me, I'm still upright on both appendages!
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