Walking Is the New Running

 Saturday, Ward, Wally, Theo, and I had an enjoyable morning at a local fun run. The event was sponsored by the Rotary Club to raise money for the community food bank. Wally has participated in the race for a few years now, but this is the first time I haven't had to work on the day of the race. (Yay retirement!) Here are a few pictures from our morning. 

People gathering for the race. It was a very friendly atmosphere, and
there were people of all ages and several dogs.

Many local businesses were represented.

Boy Scouts were getting ready for an opening flag ceremony. We said the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the Star Spangled Banner before the race. It's been a while since I have done that, and I found it moving.

Lining up for the start. Since we planned on walking the entire way,
we all went to the back of the crowd, so as not to be in the way of the runners.
Wally changed his mind as soon as the race started and ran the whole way.

The chase truck. The Rotary Club also sponsors a community duck race in September. The duck has become a mascot of sorts.

The race went along Main Street past big trees and Victorian houses. It was quite a pleasant walk. At the end of the race, we enjoyed watermelon and sandwiches. It was a fun event for a good cause, and I plan to do it again next year.

The course was only a mile with some long but gentle hills. It was really a two-mile walk by the time we got back to the cars. We walked at a good pace, but it was not speed walking. But here's the thing. The next day, the muscles in my shins were sore. I was surprised and a little disappointed with that. But it was what it was.

And speaking of exercise, I haven't posted about it in a month, although I recorded one week that I didn't publish. I am successfully continuing with my commitment to regular exercise, so I don't feel the need to do a detailed accounting at this point. Occasionally, I will do some summary updates for motivation, because, to be honest, about half the time, I don't want to go to class. But I go.

At the gym, I am slowly increasing my weights and trying some more challenging classes. It's been 6 months since I started this effort, and I know I've improved in most areas, but I still find the classes hard. So, I try to remember what Theo said to me while we were walking during the race. He said, "Exercise is never easy. You just get so you can do more of it." 

Until next time...