National Walking Day
Yesterday was National Walking Day. Did you make it outdoors? I sure did!
I definitely had to practice what I preach – walking, walking and more
walking, especially on its official day of commemoration.
For those who need an extra incentive, the American Heart Association says 30 minutes a day of exercise, five days a week can provide better heart health, and walking can be a significant part of that exercise regimen.
What really motivated me outdoors was looking back at my blog from April of last year to see I had walked the Stony Run, Wyman Park and Jones Falls trails on the same day to check on the herons. I was surprised to find so many nests.
Unfortunately, there were no nests or herons to be found yesterday. Needless to say, I was disappointed. Of course, I’ll check back weekly.
Year after year, herons are known for returning to their nests in February/March, spending several weeks in courtship to select a mate for the season. The female typically lays three to five eggs, which both parents alternate incubating for about 28 days. Heron chicks typically fledge in two months, usually in June or July. (I learned all this from walking, meeting friends along the way.)
While herons have the ability of flight, we are limited to walking, but there are so many wonderful things to see while walking and so many reasons to walk. Activity is important for everyone, regardless of age, and as we all know (or should know) there are many benefits to living an active lifestyle. There are many ways to be active and get exercise, but walking is one of the best, and my personal favorite. I love the easiness of it!
It’s important to walk at a comfortable pace. I like to keep it interesting, so I do my walking outdoors, trekking through neighborhoods, parks, gardens, trails, etc.
For those who need an extra incentive, the American Heart Association says 30 minutes a day of exercise, five days a week can provide better heart health, and walking can be a significant part of that exercise regimen.
What really motivated me outdoors was looking back at my blog from April of last year to see I had walked the Stony Run, Wyman Park and Jones Falls trails on the same day to check on the herons. I was surprised to find so many nests.
Unfortunately, there were no nests or herons to be found yesterday. Needless to say, I was disappointed. Of course, I’ll check back weekly.
Year after year, herons are known for returning to their nests in February/March, spending several weeks in courtship to select a mate for the season. The female typically lays three to five eggs, which both parents alternate incubating for about 28 days. Heron chicks typically fledge in two months, usually in June or July. (I learned all this from walking, meeting friends along the way.)
While herons have the ability of flight, we are limited to walking, but there are so many wonderful things to see while walking and so many reasons to walk. Activity is important for everyone, regardless of age, and as we all know (or should know) there are many benefits to living an active lifestyle. There are many ways to be active and get exercise, but walking is one of the best, and my personal favorite. I love the easiness of it!
It’s important to walk at a comfortable pace. I like to keep it interesting, so I do my walking outdoors, trekking through neighborhoods, parks, gardens, trails, etc.
A daily, 30 minute walk (15 minutes will work, too) will do you a world of good, and is much better than an apple a day to keep the doctor away. There are many reasons to walk, so why wouldn’t you give it a try?
Here’s to your Thursday, everyone! Take a break from what you’re doing and incorporate a walk into your routine. You’ll be glad you did. Cheers! – paerki
