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we're walking, we're walking...
Nov. 28th, 2007 09:38 pmFor years I'd resolve to go for a walk each day, do it for a few days or weeks, then stop.
A few months ago I got some free bus tickets and started taking the bus, which drops me off a bit over a half-mile from work. This is working well because my good intentions really only have to last long enough to get me onto the bus -- after that, I'm kinda stuck :)
When I started I was badly enough out of shape that I would drive to work one morning, walk+bus home that night, and reverse it the next day. I did this all while recovering from a pulled muscle and found it really helped.
Now the walking is easy enough I occasionally get off a stop early :) Sometimes it's pleasant to be walking and alone with my thoughts - or jazzing to music. And sometimes I really don't like it. I'll be sore and cold and tired and don't wanna. But that doesn't usually hit until I'm off the bus, at which point I don't have much choice beyond walking. (Or calling someone and asking for a ride. I'm not willing to be that much of a wuss.) So I walk on anyway.
I will say that having walked usually does feel good. Even if I'm sore, I arrive at work feeling more awake and relaxed. And I'm much less stressed if I bus home than if I drive.
Does this add more time to my commute? Yes. The time spent on the actual buses is about the same as if drove, only I get to read :) The walk? Is additional, but less time than going to a gym. Waiting for the bus? That can get old, and is sometimes long. I'm fortunate that I can usually wait at a lighted shelter where I can read.
How about cost? I started with incentive Metro tickets from the city, free. I've since bought a 3-month 1-zone peak pass for $162 and my company reimbursed me half that cost ($81). I've also bought a more visible coat; a more comfortable, waterproof, & stylish backpack; and a light folding umbrella.
Bottom line: I'm feeling better, I have more endurance, and I've stuck with this longer than most gyms I've joined. So I think it's for the best.
A few months ago I got some free bus tickets and started taking the bus, which drops me off a bit over a half-mile from work. This is working well because my good intentions really only have to last long enough to get me onto the bus -- after that, I'm kinda stuck :)
When I started I was badly enough out of shape that I would drive to work one morning, walk+bus home that night, and reverse it the next day. I did this all while recovering from a pulled muscle and found it really helped.
Now the walking is easy enough I occasionally get off a stop early :) Sometimes it's pleasant to be walking and alone with my thoughts - or jazzing to music. And sometimes I really don't like it. I'll be sore and cold and tired and don't wanna. But that doesn't usually hit until I'm off the bus, at which point I don't have much choice beyond walking. (Or calling someone and asking for a ride. I'm not willing to be that much of a wuss.) So I walk on anyway.
I will say that having walked usually does feel good. Even if I'm sore, I arrive at work feeling more awake and relaxed. And I'm much less stressed if I bus home than if I drive.
Does this add more time to my commute? Yes. The time spent on the actual buses is about the same as if drove, only I get to read :) The walk? Is additional, but less time than going to a gym. Waiting for the bus? That can get old, and is sometimes long. I'm fortunate that I can usually wait at a lighted shelter where I can read.
How about cost? I started with incentive Metro tickets from the city, free. I've since bought a 3-month 1-zone peak pass for $162 and my company reimbursed me half that cost ($81). I've also bought a more visible coat; a more comfortable, waterproof, & stylish backpack; and a light folding umbrella.
Bottom line: I'm feeling better, I have more endurance, and I've stuck with this longer than most gyms I've joined. So I think it's for the best.
