The Beginning

As I begin this new blog , I have seen many recent changes in my life and the lives of others around me . However , there has been one constant in my life now for about two and a half years . The constant has been my 3-4 times a week walk through open fields and Florida oak hammocks , past lakes filled with fish and curious wildlife . I began like I said about two and a half years ago . I had become sedentary and needed an outlet to try to get back in shape . I started slowly at first and found quickly I lacked the proper footwear . So , researching walking shoes I opted for New Balance walkers which gave me not only stability but the cushion support needed for long walking . Today I am on my fifth pair having worn out previous pairs around 500-600 miles each ! My caution to anyone deciding to walk for distance is to get the right footwear and start slowly . My first barrier was the two mile mark and overcoming muscle fatigue brought on by my previous lack of movement . I also continued and expanded a basic stretching routine before and after each walk . Time is an often used as an excuse not to exercise but I overcame this item quickly . My seven mile walk which also includes some intense resistant training on a horizontal bar takes about two hours to complete . I learned patience straight away understanding each barrier I surmounted would take time . In all , it has taken me a little over two years to reach my present level . Hydration is another important step . I drank lots of water anyway but in the SW Florida heat and humidity one will instantly sweat it out . One of my goals was to rid my body of poisons we build up from poor diet and even the slightest alchohol intake . Guys , if you drink beer , sorry you will have to greatly curtail or quit the beverage altogether . Not only does beer clear the body of needed substances like magnisium it , as well as other alchoholic beverages will actually force the body to retain water , a definite no-no . I never smoked but if you do quit . You want your lungs to expand and believe me the feeling is wonderful . This was my physical preparation . The next step was spiritual .