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After my little diversion, I decided it was time to get to the task at hand. I walked half the length of the mall on the bottom level, and was stopped 4 times! I had enough of the hard sell skin care, 30 minute masseuses, & cell phone barkers, so I took flight to the upper level. Much better, and also carpeted. The immediate thought I had was "Gosh, this mall is empty!". There was no one shopping! This economy was being protrayed dismally on the 5 0'clock news, but it really didn't hit me until my stroll that day in the mall. I have worked in retail over 15 years and I don't think I have seen it that dead in a mall EVER - times have definitely changed!!!
I told myself I would walk non-stop for 2 hours. But I only could manage 1 hour and 40 minutes. Boy am I out of shape! Half way through the walk, my left hip started aching so I stopped. I left the mall a little deflated and pessimistic. In order for me to do the pilgrimage properly, I will need to walk at least 15 miles per day. I didn't even make 3 miles. But I remained positive and remembered that at least I wasn't sitting at home snacking mindlessly, or Facebooking, or Twittering!!! I actually had a smaller meal that evening, and I seemed to rest at night a little better.
The following day and still felt a few creaks in my leg, so I decided to wait a day before I gave it another try. The last thing I want to do is injure myself.
Today I woke up to sun-filled windows. The rain broke, and I could actually walk outside. I proceeded to get dressed and set my sights to Blue Oak Park that is just behind my house, not even a block away. The day was immediately optimistic with clear blue skies dotted with puffy white clouds and I was hoping for a little meditation while on my walk. I was so happy to see that the circumference of the park was paved in smooth cement walkways, and no one was there. I had the whole place to myself. Then I was taken by the blooming plum tree branches and wondered how great they would look in a huge vase on my kitchen counter, and that I needed to bring some pruning shears to collect a few later. Why did I not bring my iPod?! Then I noticed the grass was overgrown and wondered when the maintenance crew was coming by to trim the lawn. It was also a little nippy - why didn't I bring a sweatshirt! Then I noticed how my foot started to ache...why am I wearing these slippers again? I need to break in those new boots!!! So much for meditation. I was able, however, to do 5 laps around the park for about an hour and 15 minutes and my hip wasn't bothering me - yaaayyyyy!!!
So I figure I will continue to do my walks every other day and try to work my way up to 2 hours per day. Once I get my pedometer, I will know better the total distance I cover in a single workout. I am glad I have started and I am positive that I will gain endurance and hopefully drop some weight as my fitness regimen progresses. If any of you out there want to walk with me, let me know - I would love the company!!!
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