Walking
– a natural activity
”
My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
”
(Psalm 17:5)
What better way to cross train this summer than to take a
leisurely walk on God’s green Earth? My friend and I drove to
Carmel last weekend intending to shop until we dropped in the
lovely art galleries and boutiques. We wound up winding our way
through the back streets of Carmel, sitting and sipping a
cappuccino and then headed down to the ocean.
Walking– a natural activity
“My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.” (Psalm 17:5)
What better way to cross train this summer than to take a leisurely walk on God’s green Earth? My friend and I drove to Carmel last weekend intending to shop until we dropped in the lovely art galleries and boutiques. We wound up winding our way through the back streets of Carmel, sitting and sipping a cappuccino and then headed down to the ocean.
Walking down Ocean Avenue there is the most beautiful stretch of blue green Pacific. Kicking off our sandals, we scrunched our toes into the fine white sand.
Whenever by a shore I always put at least my big toe in, regardless of the weather. We walked for an hour up and down that little crescent of sand.
Children tossed Frisbees; dads built sandcastles with their daughters and sons. An elderly couple held hands while strolling above the water line.
Wherever you take your walk this summer, simply make sure you walk for at least 20 minutes.Go at a pace at which it is still comfortable to talk.
My gal friend who lives up in Oregon began as a 20-minute walker and is now up to 8 miles! She found places in the forest behind her home that are delightful.
Take along a bottle of water. Pre-hydrate. Because our Gilroy area is inundated with 80-, 90- and 100-degree days, walk early morning along the Uvas Creek levee. There is a perfect path paved there. You may park at the little area at the end of Wren Avenue or begin at the top of Third Street near Santa Theresa. This path gifted to us by Mr. Bell has been a blessing. Walk in the cooler early evening when pink sunsets paint our sky.
For the adventurous among us, Pacific Grove also offers a nice walking path by the shores, temperatures cooled by the ocean breezes. Manresa Beach is dotted with sand dollars at low tide.
Wherever you venture this summer, walking remains among the best forms of exercise available to us. We move our limbs, swinging our arms in cadence with our stroll. If we choose to go with a friend or child, there is a delight in discovering the joys of our neighborhoods.
So grab that baseball cap, put on the sneakers and enjoy a leisurely summer stroll. Walking is a wondrous daily form of exercise good for the heart and the soul.
