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Confession: I'm addicted to walking

Posted 12th December 2010 by Nataly, tagged exercise, walking

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Yes, you read that right:) I'm addicted to going outside for a walk.

I'm no addiction specialist but I think of addiction as something you absolutely positively really NEED to have and are miserable without. Something that is VERY hard to give up. Something that makes you feel good.

OK, I'm stretching this concept a little since most addictions are thougth of as bad things (smoking, drugs). I know walking is a really good addiction to have. It's my main way of staying in shape and clearing up my mind. Some people meditate, I walk. Music or NPR in my ear, sneakers on and I'm off.

Most days during the week I get up at 6am to go for a 40 min walk before my kiddo is up for the day. This is not very fun in Boston in the winter, but I bundle up and by the time I get home I'm refreshed and hating the cold just a bit less.

But here's the downside of my walking addiction: On days when I can't get a walk in, I'm kind of a mess. Like today. It's rainy -- really really rainy -- and cold and windy and on top of that, we've had a crazy busy day which hasn't left time for a walk. I did consider going out a few minutes ago but it's just too horrid outside. And boy, does this get me down:)

So there you have it -- even good addictions have a downside, I guess.





5 comments so far...

  • I LOVE walking too and usually walk daily. Feel like crap if I don't. But what I'd really like to get addicted to is an after walk FOOT RUB! My feet ALWAYS hurt! :-(

    Try YOGA when it rains....I do yoga a few times a week. Feels GREAT

    Have fun

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Debra Ferrie on 27th September 2011

  • there is a one quick way of distressing yourself....inhale for 20 counts and exhale for another 20 counts...that exercise helps a lot...

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by ana micaela p.babao on 12th September 2011

  • I need to get out and walk more.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by dorinda on 6th March 2011

  • You are fortunate to have a HEALTHY addiction!. A few years back, I was in something called The Fitness Challenge. You basically agreed via the honor system to adhere to this program 6 days a week. They increased the intensity from time to time to get people to drop out. you donated a small amount like $25 and the winner got to keep 25% and 75% went to the charity of your choice. There were over 70 i think when it started and lasted about 2 years with just 3 of us left. Myself, a triathlete and a cancer survivor. Pretty heavy competition to say the least. On the day it ended, we were up to 1000 sit ups 6 days a week, 120 push ups 6 days a week and 45 min of cardio 3 days (I did 5 days). Anyway, when it was over, I actually had withdrawal symptoms! On crappy days, maybe find an indoor activity that you like. I have this step bench that works well for me and if you watch an interesting show, the time goes pretty quickly.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Rick Fingerman CFP, CDFA on 28th February 2011

  • I wish I had your addiction to walking. I'm the complete opposite. I have an addiction to sitting. I need to find a way to motivate myself to start walking.

    By the way I liked you as a part of the Momversation panel. Why are you not a part of it now if you don't mind my asking.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Andrea on 20th December 2010

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