It’s 1.15 miles to town. I came up with that number last week, and with my Apple Watch on Exercise mode, I confirmed it earlier. My walk — a New Year’s resolution turned routine — has become a journey in itself.
Down our country road, past Keith and Charlene’s house on the left and a heavily wooded stretch on my right. Past a newly plowed field, John David worked a couple of weeks ago, then at the primary and elementary school. It was cold — not much above freezing — and windy. Me in my heavy winter coat, move at a swift pace, a cross-breeze whipping across my face. I could see why I didn’t bend down to pick up the metal fork near the top of the ditch.
This trip is settling into muscle memory. The quick crossing of the street — out of the oncoming traffic lane with no sidewalk, over to the side where one finally begins. A sidewalk is nicer, but not by much. The deep cracks, like mini earthquakes splitting the concrete and leaving one slab higher than the next, mean one lazy glance could lead to a twisted ankle — or worse.
In my headphones: anything from Españolistas, a conversational Spanish-learning podcast, to a walking meditation, to Stephen Pinker talking about common knowledge and its social influence.
Having a queue of podcasts ready feels like a little cherry on top of walk time. I’m glad I stumbled onto How To Do Everything, especially an episode where casual conversations with Kevin Bacon and Kenny G revolved around helping a caller with motion sickness. The whole thing was an absolute pleasure, and I’m looking forward to more. It’s a perfect blend of funny, educational, lighthearted, and fun.
Beyond exercise, I get me time — a space to fill with thoughts and feelings, to observe myself and the world around me. Seeing the man on the corner with his dogs again, I remembered him. Did he remember me? Likely not. But with continued walks, I hope so.
I’m turning into the walking girl — not a stranger anymore, but a fixture. And I love that for me.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 