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Comment by RebeccaGallo on February 8, 2012 at 3:15pm

Hi Linda -

Yes, I totally agree that having the right clothes (and shoes) make the exercise much better!  I'm not only practicing for the Camino, I'm testing out my rain jacket and shoes! 

And having a "buddy" makes exercise (or any other goal we want to accomplish) so much easier.  Since I'm traveling so much, it's hard to find someone to go with me everywhere I go.  But I also find that, for me, another motivator is an end goal of a trip.  E.g. this time I'm walking to practice for the Camino, so that gets me out there.  I once did RAGBRAI (a bike ride across Iowa).  I hadn't ridden a bike since I was 12, but I practiced a lot in the months leading up to that ride (not enough practice on hills though, click here for that story!) 

Without a motivator like a big trip, I really don't have much incentive.  I did that bike ride through Iowa and can count on one hand the number of times I've been on a bike since!

But this time, I can see continuing a practice of walking when I get back.  Maybe not more than a mile or so a day, but something - as I've seen the effects the walk (out in the fresh air) has on me, and what happens when I don't do it. 

Thanks for that blog link. I had a good laugh and now I know never to move to Norway:)

Comment by Linda on February 7, 2012 at 4:31pm

Not so long ago, I heard about this Norwegian saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

I'm not much of a walker now b/c of my body's disabilities, but back in the late 70s, I lived on an Indian reservation in northern Minnesota where the actual temp was so cold through many months, no one even bothered to talk about the wind chill! I walked with a group of 3-4 other girls, which I loved b/c even if someone didn't feel like going or had other obligations/complications, there was always somebody to walk with. It was a great motivator.

I don't know if you have anyone in your life like that, but I find I do much better at any disciplined activity with someone as my partner. Barring that, you'll just have to find it within you to remember how much better you feel once you do get out there, no matter what the excuse. It truly is a great gift to give yourself.

While I was just researching to get the words of that quote right, I randomly came across this blog; you might enjoy reading about the sturdiness of the Norse:

http://jenaconti.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/april-showers/

Comment by RebeccaGallo on February 7, 2012 at 9:12am

Oh my gosh - I feel SO MUCH BETTER having gone for my walk.  I know this about myself, and this was a good reminder how much a day could change:) 

I must confess, Deb, that I didn't know it was a self-give month.  I'll look that up on the home page now to get some more inspiration.  Thanks for letting me know:)

Comment by Deb~ Community Manager on February 7, 2012 at 8:07am

This is self give month! Go out and enjoy yourself. You are off to a fabulous beginning by doing this for you Rebecca~ xoxo