Walk don't run

It was warm enough for me to walk in just a long sleeved shirt today. That is rare in January, in Illinois.

But really walking is still a novelty for me. I started in 2010 and then stopped again. Now I walk at the mall, at any commercial establishment, and even in the parks when I can summon up the interest.

Up until now I really didn't have to do anything except stick to my eating plan and I could still expect to loose 2-3 pounds a week. Last week I only lost one pound and plateaus are becoming more the norm than the exception.

I don't want to stop losing weight yet, but long range "plans" don't really work for me. Instead of motivating me, they tend to depress me and give me an "excuse" to quit. I think the only long range plan I can really benefit from is that I don't want to gain this weight back, so anything I do to prevent that is good.

If I just go shop-walking at the mall, that is better than sitting in a chair all day. And the longer I move, the better it is. I have to give myself credit for every little thing.

Today I was able to go out and actually walk at a good clip for a mile and a half. That delights me!

It is the variety that keeps me going. Joining a club or gym would never work because I am not a social walker if it means conforming to someone else's schedule. I also don't like the repetition of using a track over and over. Novelty sparks enough interest to get me up and moving and that's about the best I can hope for in the long run.

Er . . . walk.