Walking for Wellness and Healthy Habits

Good idea @Historylover

Meggle

"Walk as if you were kissing the Earth with your feet"

@Historylover

@Oaktree

Hi Everyone

Im feeling a bit down.

I went on a big walk yesterday. It had a big ascent and steep downs. Difficult but I did it.

I have always been a slower walker, but I’ve never not completed a walk. I contacted the person leading the walk to check if it would be ok to join the group. He said it would be ok.

My walking in groups is new. From the moment I started the walk the person designated to be at the back started to critique the way I used my poles, asking where I got the advice to do it that way. Through the walk I noticed several other people doing exactly what I was doing.

So then lots of questions ensued, such as checking on my resume of walks. Then ultimately came her catching up with her girlfriends and them subsequently advising me that I shouldn’t be on the walk.

And I was slower and did the walk with only a little bit of help. At one stage another person walked with me as she needed to slow up. There’s no question the walk turned out to be harder than I expected but overall I still enjoyed myself.

I spoke to the leader after the walk and he said he was happy with how I went.

You know I think about other much harder walks I’ve done alone. When I came upon other hikers and they were nothing but positive and supportive.

So this morning I’ve woke up a bit sad. It’s made me feel like I’m not fit for walking. I didn’t know I was so bad at walking. It’s made me feel I shouldn’t continue walking with this group. I get so much out of walking alone and don’t feel like being “set upon” by those “concerned” when I definitely had the support of the leader.

Im about to go on a serious multi day hike overseas. Have madly re-read my notes and have assured myself I can do all of it.

Oh well, sorry for the rant. I guess I just feel hurt.

Hi @Delicatessen,

I'm sorry to read this was your experience. It's never good that another person / people have the ability to make someone question their abilities / enjoyment around anything. At the end of the day this is just a person's opinion - we all have them but an opinion isn't a fact. It sounds like you really enjoy walking and you do it really well - the pace you go at, technique, style etc shouldn't be what is important here in my opinion. It is the joy, experience, and the health benefits you are getting out of it. How good is it that you are so motivated to walk that you are about to go on a serious multi day hike overseas - that sounds like an amazingly dedicated walker to me!

I often tell my kids not to let negative people take up precious real estate space in their minds. It sounds like you have a fantastic journey coming up and that should be what you mind is not only focusing on but looking forward too.

We would love to hear about how your overseas hikes go you have some downtime - no pressure, just if you are keen to share.

Enjoy your overseas adventure - it sounds amazing!

Warm wishes,

FloatingFeather

sending you understanding hugs @Delicatessen

we like going on photography trips but on our own as we can travel at our own pace xox

are you doing your overseas hike in a group or just yourself , you have done this before

@Oaktree , @Kyle1 , @Historylover , @Dimity , @hanami , @FloatingFeather , @tyme

Hi @Shaz51 @thanks very much. I must confess I felt a bit better after posting. Something about putting pen to paper…. I really value your support.

Hi @FloatingFeather thank-you so much. When I was driving home I had a thought that really stayed in my mind. All of my walking (I’m just doing more and more) I realised that I don’t just want to walk - I need to. I need to be in nature and connecting with the earth. I think I’ll just stick with that.

You sound like a certified 'goer' @Delicatessen

Good on you. No matter what this woman or that had to say: you've done it... You did it... You'll do it again!.. You've probably even bought the t-shirt...

All the best with your travels, and your prep.

I think that is a great way to see your walking @Delicatessen - it's a need that not only helps to keep you fit but it also helps to nourish your mind 🙂

Photography trips sound wonderful, @Shaz51. I have only done flower photography around my neighbourhood. It's amazing how lovely a simple flower looks in a photograph. My niece is a hobby photographer. She does nature photography such as landscape, environment and bird, animal and insect life. She is very good and has had many photographs published. I only have my phone camera, but it takes good photographs.