Day 5 Wintery weather

Day 5 A winter storm

Snow and cold ... not the best for walking ... but it can be done.

Just a quick note to say that most of my walk30 was back and forth in front of our home shoveling snow.  We are having a 'snow event' ( as described by the city of Kitchener), and so I was shoveling up and down the sidewalks after talking Annie for a walk. Lots of fun!
Everyone is hoping for a snow day tomorrow.

Walk on Strong!
Sue

Day 4 Walking On Strong

The Walk On Strong group at the last KW Walking Classic

Today was our regular Saturday walk so it was easy to get out the door this morning and meet the group at Waterloo Public Square to start our walk.  In spite of the cold we had a good sized group heading out for a 10K.  We did a favourite walk of mine that involved a lot of hills.  The sun was shining and the temperature was rising to -4 C by the time we finished ... it seemed balmy compared to the cold this week!
Come join us for a walk sometime ... or find a group to walk with where you live ... it will make all the difference.

Time for bed and a well deserved rest!
 Hope you had a great walk30 today!

Walk On Strong,
Sue

Day 3 Memorable Walk30's

Day 3 Who could forget a walk down Banff Avenue in December?

This is a picture I took last week in Banff ... what a walk!

Dave and I and our 2 children went out to Banff last week to experience the mountains and what a day it turned out to be. On our way from Calgary it looked as though it was going to snow and that we would miss seeing the scenery all together but by the time we made it to Banff it was a little sunny and a little bit warmer ... lucky us!   It is always good to keep track of the walks that make a difference. There is something special about walking in such an amazing place with your family.

Today I had a walk with Annie and a lot of walking from one place to another while getting some errands done in the afternoon. I decided that if I parked far enough away I would get a good deal of my 30 minutes covered before I got all my groceries.  I parked about a kilometer away from Costco but it was tough walking back with all of the things I purchased that I hadn't planned on. At least I got my walk30 in!
I hope your walk was a good one too!
Walk On Strong!
Sue

Day 2 A Very Chilly Walk

Baby it's cold outside!

Day 2 and the weather is a challenge!
We are definitely experiencing a deep freeze this week and the temperature today was about 16 to 18 below and in the minus 20s with the wind chill. Ouch!! I decided upon 2 shorter walks to make sure that I did my walk30 and did not completely freeze, just partially.

Actually cold weather is a challenge but there is a lot to be said for conquering the weather and getting out when it is easy to feel shut in.
Remember to:
- cover your face with a scarf or balaclava
- three 10 minute walks are equal to your walk30  and just as beneficial to your health
- take smaller steps to keep your center of gravity close and to have more control if you slip or slide
- layers are warmer than one big jacket or coat
- top off your winter layers with something that will break the wind
- if you are walking at night use reflective clothing or lights to keep you safe and visible 
- the faster you walk the warmer you will feel

That's all for now ... enjoy your walk!
Walk On Strong,
Sue

Day 1 The Best Resolution ... Walking every day!

Annie is 2 years old and today is the anniversary of her first day with us in 2012

Day 1 of 2014 and I finished my very first walk30 ... as a matter of fact I barely made it under the wire because it is 12:01 and I am just sitting down to write. I was out the door with our Newfoundland Annie after spending a lazy evening watching TV.  It seemed especially difficult to even think of getting myself into action and dressed for the bitter cold we have been experiencing here in southern Ontario. But after 2 years of walking30 I just knew that it was going to happen!

It was a special walk today because it was exactly 2 years ago that we picked Annie up from the kennel on New Years Day. I am quite grateful for Annie as she is the reason I manage to get out the door on the days that I feel like staying in my chair. There is something about the commitment to your dog that just makes it easier to do that walk.

I hope you join me in my resolution to walk 30 minutes every day in January and maybe even for the whole of 2014! It will make a difference in your life in so many ways. I am going to highlight this YouTube video by Dr. Mike Evans that will give you a multitude of reasons to make a resolution to walk30.  I have featured it in my blog a few times but it really is fantastic!

If you really get the walking bug you can also come walk with me at the Minds In Motion KW Walking Classic in May! Training for a goal is a super motivator ... try the 5K, 10 K or the 21K Half Marathon.  We even have a 10 K Nordic Pole event! Walkers only of course!
You can register at: www.kwwalkingclassic.com

Happy New Year Everyone!
Walk On Strong,
Sue

Day 4 Walking into December

Day 4 Walking into December
I have been attempting to walk every day for at least 30 minutes for just over 2 years now and it has been a real gift.  No matter what the weather I make an effort to get out the door every day. There are a few times that it has been really difficult to do my walk30 ... this weekend we were in the Montreal area at a hotel that just didn't really have access to a sidewalk or street lights.  We were at a 50 year memorial for the crew and passengers of the Trans Canada Airlines Fight 831 ... my husband's father was on that flight and we were there to remember.  I have to say that I could have figured out a way to get my walk in that day but I gave up ... every so often that is okay. 

We need to be understanding of ourselves and that there are times when we have to ease up a little and just let it go.  That being said I also know that the Christmas holidays can be the worst time for letting go of habits that will keep us healthier and ultimately happier.

I suggest that you try to make it out the door every day .... even for 10 minutes ... no matter what.  You might surprise yourself and get in a walk30.

 I would also like to suggest that you register for the Minds In Motion K W Walking Classic in the spring a give yourself a goal to walk toward! Come and walk with us on May 11th!

Just go to www.kwwalkingclassic.com and register for the 5K, the CMHA 10K or the Waterloo Regional Homes Half Marathon. Having a goal to work toward can be magical.

I am walking30 into December and I hope you can join me.

Walk On Strong!

Sue

Day 2 Rainy walks in November

Day 2 Rainy Walks in November

Saturday was another soggy day!

I don't know about you but I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to walking in the rain. Don't get me wrong I walk all through the winter with our Walk On Strong group here in the Waterloo area and this is CANADA after all! ... if you know what I mean.
I am leaving for my walk in a little while and I can hear the pitter patter out the window and I am reluctant to leave my cozy computer spot ... but I will because I promised myself to walk30 everyday in November and that is that. 

These are the days that it is the hardest to get out but just make sure you have some kind of waterproof shell to go over your regular jacket ... if it isn't too windy just grab the umbrella and walk.

That's it for today ... I am going to post more often this month which usually is a great motivator in itself!

Hope you have a dry walk30 today where ever you happen to be!
I am taking my camera on the walk and will add a walk30 November 2nd picture to go with this ... cheers!

Walk On Strong,
Sue