Andy Young: The pros and cons of a healthy walk

By Andy Young

Assuming nothing’s falling from the sky and the temperature is somewhere between 20 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, nothing is more invigorating than taking a brisk walk.

Few easily performable acts nourish the soul more thoroughly than hiking, striding, moseying, or, for thesaurus junkies, perambulating or locomoting. And that’s regardless of whether the hike, mosey, amble, trudge, perambulation or locomotion is done alone or with company.

Rural lanes, city streets, open fields, sylvan forests or, in case of foul weather, indoor shopping malls, are all fine places for a healthy jaunt. Walking is particularly beneficial for those of us who formerly enjoyed running but currently hesitate to do so on account of a replacement hip or knee joint. It’s also advisable when the surgeon who installed said prosthetic joint has threatened to slay any former patient who attempts to go jogging or heaven forbid, running, and thus put his handiwork at risk.

I’ve long since decided, for a variety of reasons, that going for a walk is preferable to running, particularly since it’s getting harder to find disguises that would fool my potentially homicidal doctor. That’s why, on a recent bright sunshiny, not-too-chilly, not-too-windy Saturday, I decided to treat myself to a hearty stroll. I was in an area encompassing sidewalks, residential areas, a business district, and even a glimpse of the ocean. What could be better?

Since I was by myself, I was a little more observant of my surroundings than usual, which meant I couldn’t help noticing a significant amount of randomly strewn detritus along my chosen route. Apparently those responsible for it had decided they couldn’t be bothered to find a trash can for their gum wrappers, energy drink containers, fast-food packaging and/or cigarette butts, and had opted to heedlessly discard them instead. This sort of totally avoidable blight briefly made my blood pressure rise, but then, reminding myself that the cretins responsible for these miniature eyesores probably make up less than one percent of our local population, I calmly soldiered on.

A few blocks later I came to a crosswalk on a heavily traveled street. Making eye contact with the oncoming motorist, I gave a wave of acknowledgement. Then, to show my respect and gratitude, I quickened my pace, though not into an all-out jog, just in case the driver was my hip doctor. I then resumed my leisurely stroll, satisfied I had shown appropriate courtesy to someone who’d routinely done the same for me.

Approaching another crosswalk moments later, I observed two cars that had stopped for a youthful pedestrian. However, not only did the street-crosser (“streetwalker” didn’t sound right) not acknowledge the drivers who had paused for her, she slowed her already snail-like saunter to a shuffle, her body language suggesting she’d have flipped both drivers the bird if only it didn’t require so much energy to do so.

Shortly after that I arrived at a busier section of town, passing a place of business where seven SUV’s, three trucks, and three cars, all with engines running, were waiting in line to pick up overpriced, over-caffeinated, sugar-laden drinks that were most likely going to be served in containers that take 500 years to decompose. I’m not sure which irritated me more: watching that exhaust-belching line of vehicles inch forward every 90 seconds or so or breathing in the foul hydrocarbons they were discharging. I couldn’t help wondering how many folks inside those vehicles waiting for their fixes proudly describe themselves as environmentalists.

I don’t know the precise age someone has to be to officially qualify as a curmudgeon, but I think I’m closing in on it. <

Insight: Growing old gracefully

By Lorraine Glowczak

Running was once a part of my early morning exercise routine. Now, I am taking up walking instead. I’ve been halfheartedly resisting this change because I’m not quite ready to “grow old gracefully.” I’d rather be the type who “skids broadside into the grave all worn out”. But when push finally comes to shove, I decide to stick to my relaxed morning saunter despite the torment I put myself through.

On one of my particularly guilt-ridden days when I was trying to coax myself back into running, it dawned on me why I was enjoying my newfound workout. There is something about slowing down that is calming. The thing I have noticed about my morning walks is that I get the opportunity to stop and talk to other walkers and, often, get to meet their dogs too. I even get to learn about the personality, affections and eating habits of my four-legged neighbors.

I am beginning to realize there is so much I missed when I ran. And, come to think about it, I run all day every day from meeting to meeting, so I could use this time of slowing down end enjoy the scenery. But some mornings, I still think I “should” be running.

Guilt? Why do I feel this guilt about slowing the pace of my daily exercise routine? I can understand feeling responsible for eating too many donuts or being mean to my friends - but this?

It seems guilt can play a role in our lives when it really has no place or serves no purpose. We wonder if we are a good enough parent when we let our children eat French fries for dinner, we feel ashamed when we watch too much TV, we are remorseful when we don’t make a phone call to a friend or when we say “no” to a volunteer invitation.  

But it wasn’t until I read a recent Facebook conversation that I realized that unnecessary guilt can go too far. In a post by my friend, she shared this quote: “When you are resting, because you are worn out, you need to remember that you are not wasting the day doing nothing. You are doing exactly what you need to do. You are recovering.”

A friend of hers responded by saying: “I did that yesterday. I took some time to rest – and then I apologized for it.” Her reply shocked me enough, acting as a lightning bolt – helping me to see my own misconstrued feelings of irrational thinking.

Author and psychologist, Leon F Seltzer Ph.D. stated that unjustified guilt has been linked to needless emotional suffering…. “So, unless guilt feelings are actually necessary for you to take appropriate responsibility for a significant misdeed such feelings don’t really serve you or anyone.”

Seltzer offers suggestions to turn the tide of pointless guilt around and it all boils down to accepting yourself and your own personal successes. Additionally, recognizing the good things that come from what we do and who we are – letting go of perceived perfections is important to our happiness.

So, tomorrow – I will put on my walking shoes and will enjoy the smells, the sights, the sounds, the people and the dogs I will meet along the way – totally guilt-free. Even if it means growing old gracefully.