And So We Begin.

I’ve been walking for about a month now. 10k steps per day on most days. That is over 5 miles for those of you who don’t count steps. Sometimes I walk less, occasionally I choose more. Every time I set out on my walk I do something different. Some people like routine, I’m not one of them. I’m a visual creature who prefers to feast on beautiful sights, natural views, stunning scenery. My feet take me where my heart leads.

I’ve been given a lot of advice from my 27 year old identical sons. I remember when they were infants I’d push my 3 oldest in a stroller made for two, big sister riding on the back with glee, around and round our small New England village. There was a stunning English woman who worked in The Whitney Shoppe in New Canaan, Connecticut and she would regale me with tales of her 20-something year old identical twin boys. She would tell me how strange it was because her identical twin sons (not her only children) would call from London and Western America within minutes of each other and tell her the same exact thing. She’d laugh and tell me she’d ask if they had spoken to each other, the answer was always no. They even gave their older sister the exact same wedding gift.

I think of this woman often, because 27 year years later, my boys do the exact same thing. They too are in London and the Western, U.S.! When I periodically receive an identical text from these 2 boys within minutes of each other, I too casually inquire “have you spoken to your brother lately?”. They always say no. (Which is code for, “of course, but not about YOU!” LOL)

I’m realizing that both of the twins are my “walking advisors” but I’m not sure they know the other is doing the same….and yes, they tell me a few of the same things.

Podcasts for walking is their primary suggestion. A podcast is perfect because my walks take a little over an hour. I have found that upbeat and lively podcasts set a better pace for me. Other walks are occupied by phone chats with one of the boys, one updates me on life overseas and the other walks with his headphones on while I do the same. Phone calls make my walks go faster.

My biggest challenge is rapidly becoming the heat. As we drift into May the hot drying walks in the sunny mid 80s are slowing me down. In a few days we will head north which will be easier.

My best trick is to wear shorts with stretchy pockets on either side. One pocket holds my much needed water bottle and the other holds my phone. Headphones and a hat my best hack.

A spontaneous walk in the beach. While the sun sets on the other side of the island, the pink glow dances above the Atlantic.