Thursday, July 1, 2010

A Walk in the Park

Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day! After quite a long spell of very hot and humid days, and more to come in the near future, yesterday was a welcome relief. We went to bed Tuesday night when it was still 86 in the park and woke up to see it was 64, and there was even a little chill in the air as we went to the gym. Awesome!

Fast forward to 6pm and I just couldn't stay indoors. While I was really dying to enjoy a nice run through the park, I'm not ready for that yet so I settled for a power walk. When I run in the park, I tend to stick to the main road and do loops. Last night I took a different route and enjoyed the paths along the east side and around the Great Lawn where tons of people were the softball leagues were out in full force. The park was packed: commuters, runners, bikers, tourists, picnickers, people enduring strenuous fitness classes, birthday parties, kids enjoying the playgrounds, and even a Bagpiper, kilt and all. I loved it.

I'm not sure how far exactly I walked, but I think door to door is was about 3 miles. I walk a lot in this city, but usually with a specific destination in mind. It was great to just get out and walk in the park. My mind wandered like it always does when I run, but never has the opportunity to when I'm on the stationary bike. While I'd rather be running, walking is also a great fitness activity. The most recent issue of Fitness Magazine features a woman, and power walker, who finished 77 marathons and ultras last year alone! This year her goal is 101. Now, that can bring up the whole NY Times debate, but I don't want to go there. I'm just saying, walking is a great way to get and stay healthy - for mind and body!

Do you spend all your time running or do you ever take time out to go for a walk?

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my special 4th of July edition of 5 for Friday!
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workout stats -
17mile bike
3x12 cable pull twists
3x15 single leg cable pull reverse crunch
3x10 weighted side bends
150 crunches
1x40 seconds plank
stretching

11 comments:

abbi said...

I enjoy walks too. I take my dogs for a walk every day and last night my husband and I went for a walk in the evening as well.

Heather (Where's the Beach) said...

I usually run. But you make a good point to slow down and enjoy the outdoors more!

Unknown said...

That sounds like a wonderful time. I used to love walking. Have gained so much weight this year...now I am discouraged about even going for a walk.

Good for you getting out there and enjoying life : )

NY Wolve said...

It was an unbelievable day for sure. Days like that make me glad I live in New York. Can't get them anywhere else.

Katie @ Health for the Whole Self said...

Would you believe that just last night I wrote a post about walking and scheduled it to post tomorrow morning?!?! We are on the same wave length!

Robyn said...

It was SUCH a lovely night and I'm looking forward to a walk tonight. Glad you took advantage.

Barbara said...

I walked quickly pushing a stroller for 25 minutes this am while my other Day Care kids played at a local pocket park. Nice sidewalk , just enjoying the cool weather here in Michigan. I'm not a runner , do recumbant bike some , but walking is good for me.
Have walked 2 5Ks and 1 10 K in the last year. I know walkers are not runners , but at least we're out and moving. Every step counts in the calorie battle.

J said...

I have not been walking too much lately but I really should be. I like to go out after dinner but its been really hot. Last night (and yesterday in general) was so nice out and cool but I didn't get out.

Fit Chick in the City said...

I saw that in Fitness Magazine also. How amazing is she!

Jennifer said...

I am so jealous of your weather! Have a great weekend!

The Laminator said...

This great weather has been incredible! Glad you got to enjoy it!