I always figured if I put on my tennis shoes I should go for a run. It was the best use of my time: more calories burned and more cardio capacity gained. Life, as it were, has since reminded me that there is great value in "just" walking.
Lesson 1: I've dealt with some chronic health issues over the past ten years. The flare-up episodes were hard for me, and I rarely had the energy to run or go to the gym. But, Bailey always wanted (and needed) to get out at some point during the day. So, even if I didn't feel like it, we'd go for a walk. Fresh air, blood circulation, and some Vitamin D are good for the body, mind, and soul.
Lesson 2: So, apparently it's true that your body goes to heck when you turn 30. Okay, I don't completely believe that, but I did find it ironic that I tore my ACL (for the second time) within a month of my 30th birthday. It's like the soccer gods were telling me "I ain't as good as I once was" (lyric courtesy of Toby Keith). While I waited the two months for surgery, I was only allowed to walk. Running would have likely caused further damage to the meniscus or other ligaments. So Bailey and I settled into a slower pace for our evening outings.
Lesson 3: After I had the surgery, I had to wear a "peg leg" brace to keep the weight off my knee for three weeks. When I finally got the okay to start walking, my gait was definitely not normal. Because my leg had been held straight that long, I had to consciously remember to bend my knee when putting one foot in front of the other. It was a humble reminder of how we often take everyday activities for granted.
Lesson 4: I'm now 3 months post-op and walking feels normal again. The knee is doing well and I'm allowed to ride the exercise bike and do lots of physical therapy exercises, but still no running. So, Bailey and I continue to walk.
I've discovered that walking is refreshing and restorative in different ways than running. Many of you know that there is good research that proves this and/or you've experienced it yourself. I've only recently learned that it is worth taking "just" a walk. Of course, the open-mouthed, tongue-wagging enthusiasm of my walking partner helps too.
