Well, I finally did it. I bought myself a treadmill. A really nice one. And I love it!!! For the past few years I have been staying in shape by power walking, which, for me, means walking at a fast pace such that it is difficult to hold a conversation. It is just below breaking into a run. I went out in cool mornings of spring, only to have some birds dive-bomb near my head in an effort to protect their young. I have endured the blazing sun of summer and some days were so hot I simply could not go outside and exert that kind of physical effort without taunting a heat stroke. In the winter time, the fierce winds and bone-chilling temperatures made me want to stay indoors (which began to happen with greater frequency).
Now I can go on my power walk, no matter the weather! I can measure my distance and speed, adjust the incline, program my own workouts, or use any of the nine pre-programmed workouts. There is a hill course, interval training, and a whole bunch of others I can’t remember.
While I don’t get the pleasure of a change in scenery, I am able to use my treadmill time to do some thinking. This morning I thought of a design for a knitted blanket. I mapped out the size, the number of squares, and the motifs I would like to knit into the squares. I though of the bananas I have that are ready to be made into yummy banana nut bread. I also planned our dinner menu for the upcoming week.
So, today I walked 2.5 miles and I feel great. Now I can spend the rest of the day lounging in my La-Z-Lady chair, knit, and watch football. That is how I manage to make myself hop onto the treadmill each morning. I earn my knitting time only after I have had a power walk! Our bodies were meant to move and I hope I have inspired you to do whatever it is that you love for your body. The rewards are tremendous!
