NATURE WALK BEGINS WITH OPEN DOOR AND OPEN MIND

A nature walk is one small step for man, a giant step for whoever needs it.

And, dear reader, we all need it.

But there are hurdles and distractions to getting out.

That’s where focus comes in.

What’s the difference between a nature walk and exercise? Can it be both?

I hear criticism for the way I walk: Head down and plowing along in stride, with pace.

Whether outdoors or inside on some treadmill, my focus is the same: hit the marks whether it’s time or distance.

Since it’s easier and more relaxing to find a comfy chair to park in, that’s the first obstacle.

If a body in motion tends to stay in motion, a body at rest is the same?

Americans walk less than people in any other industrialized country, preferring to sit in cars to get around. And at the end of the day, 80% of Americans don’t get enough exercise, according to the CDC.

If Walking Is The Answer, What’s The Question

What’s it take to start a walk?

Too many times people feel the need to gear up.

Fitness Tip: You’re taking a nature walk, not a walk on the moon.

You don’t need a rocket, a space suit, a lunar lander. Or oxygen tanks.

You don’t need a new outfit, new shoes, or a perfect setting.

Walk around your block. If that’s not enough, do it twice.

No one says, “If you don’t run a marathon in 3:32 you’re a loser so just give it up.”

This baby boomer blogger did just that at age twenty-nine and I’m still catching my breath.

Was it a good experience? No. Would I do it again? No. Do I recommend it to others? No.

I told a non-runner my time and he said, “3:32? So you didn’t really run did you?”

Since I didn’t set a world record, a national record, and age group record, or win the Seaside Marathon, it was a waste of time?

That’s not an attitude that works for anyone finding their exercise groove.

The man who said it should have known better. If anyone runs a marathon, walks it, or crawls it, they have my respect.

And here’s why: It’s not a casual endeavor for most of us. We don’t say, “I’m bored. I think I’ll run a marathon this afternoon.”

For today’s boredom there’s a huge TV, a recliner, and order out food delivered to the door.

And stretch pants.

Nature Walk History

I’m an Oregon guy by choice, an Oregon history guy by vocation, after twenty years of historical agency work.

Along with my Portland State University history degree with an emphasis on western history and a minor in Latin American history, I’m saying this with a high degree of certainty:

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, their Journey of Discovery, was not a nature walk.

But they paid attention.

Was the Oregon Trail a nature walk?

Fresh fruit was particularly sought after and would be baked into a huge variety of different pies. They also foraged for Yucca plants, a fibrous potato relative that grew across the continent and provided easy carbohydrates for the pioneers.

What began as two ruts headed west expanded over time. The early wagon trains were closer to nature; as time passed the trail turned barren from thousands of wagons spreading out from the original ruts.

If their enthusiasm for the natural world ebbed crossing the plains, it flowed once they got to Oregon and started farming their land claim in a ‘use it or lose it’ deal.

The land might be free, but it came with conditions.

To gain legal title to property, claimants had to reside and make improvements on the land for four years.

Conditions For A Good Life? Dive Right In

If someone says they are ‘In Training,’ don’t ask what they’re training for.

That they say it says enough.

They are aware of conditioning and keeping up a routine.

They are in training for whatever life puts in front of them.

With the proper training you can get up after you get knocked down.

And, my lovelies, you will get knocked down.

More than once.

Adapt the attitude of ‘In Training’ whether you’re an Iron Man competitor, powerlifter, body builder, or just doing enough to feel good about yourself.

That’s my advice. Does it work?

I walked the long loop on Ten Falls Trail. By the time I’d finished it was Eleven Falls Trail.

This was my theme song after my slip and slide:

I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down, but I get up again
You are never gonna keep me down

He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink
He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink
He sings the songs that remind him of the good times
He sings the songs that remind him of the better times
(Oh Danny Boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy)

What’s yours?