… but I did it!!
Today I reached my goal of 1,242 miles/2,000 kilometers walked in 2019! I’m excited, especially since the weather wreaked havoc with my walking regimen multiple times this year. Our Winter lingered into Spring, then Winter had the nerve to encroach on Fall, bringing a dusting of snow back on November 7th. Summer was hot and humid. And, oh yes … I tried to change my mindset about walking in the rain and even bought a pair of waterproof walking shoes and some bright red vinyl boots, though it didn’t make going out on damp days any more pleasant. I did try walking in a gentle rain, on a warm day, a few times, but many more mornings had torrential rain, so I skipped a walk altogether on those days.
I will keep on walking until year end and report on my final tally of steps/miles, but for my next goal I am going to cap my miles and will explain how I’ll do this on January 1, 2020 when I begin anew. [Nutcracker courtesy of Pinterest]
Linda Schaub
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY 
Way to go you old hoofer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha – thank you. I’m happy about it; now to see how many more miles I’ll end up with by 12/31/19.
LikeLike
Congratulations! You worked hard to reach it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kate – I am ecstatic to be done as there were a few times I thought I may not make it, especially after that Veteran’s Day snow and ice storm. Now the rest of the miles will be “gravy” for 2019.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! I’m so proud of you! We have about five miles to go.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Anne! I had my doubts after two bouts of snow so early, but Mother Nature cooperated since. I’d still rather have your snow, a few twinkles in the morning, then done and everything is green and cement again. You’ll walk today and tomorrow and will meet your goal of 500 miles, but your goal, just like mine, was for year end … the rest will be “gravy” as the expression goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s very iffy this morning. Yes, we’ll make our 500 easily. Feels good!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does feel good! You’ll ace it Anne! I’ll bet you walked a lot of miles that were unaccounted for when you traveled so extensively this Summer. All those steps sure add up. As to us, this a.m. they said icy around town and when I looked out there was nothing, but we are getting some freezing rain early Saturday, so I will be “grounded” tomorrow morning. I’m leery to go out later in the day as black ice may linger as the temps are hovering around the freezing mark. I’ll stay in and rest on my laurels. I want to sort through all the pics I took last weekend to make some posts.
LikeLike
We didn’t walk much while traveling. I count only the miles we walk to the creek, nothing for the rest of the day.
We were supposed to have ice on the roads this morning, but everything was dry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I count the grocery store if I do a large shopping as I leave the shopping cart in the middle of the store and run around and get groceries. I have racked up three to four miles that way, but most miles are from walking at the parks and to or from them. They finally finished the neighborhood that was torn up horribly since August and the sidewalks are all new, no uneven pavement, nor potholes in the street.
LikeLike
What a novel way to shop and rack up walking miles!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and sometimes they have moved my shopping cart and I have to go searching for it! (More steps!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOO HOO!!!! I never doubted you for a minute! Congratulations 🎉🍾🎊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Diane – that snow on November 7th and the whopper snowfall, then ice at Veteran’s Day had me doubting I’d complete my goal as I figured the bad weather was here to stay. We got a welcome relief from Winter weather after that, but I am sure it is coming! We are not expected to have a white Christmas which is okay with me; it means another long walk since it is not a work day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How many miles will you add to next year?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Diane – well, what I am going to do is take the new decade/year date, 2020, and walk 2020 miles next year, then add a mile each year to match the year date. I started walking in 2011 and that is what I aimed for every year end, to just add one mile mile each year for a new goal. I never had any WordPress followers until November 2017, just a handful of e-mail subscribers. In 2017 I managed to go 50+ miles over my goal and added it on and 2018 a fellow blogger, who uses the metric system said “go for 2,000 kilometers” which converted to 1,242 miles. But that was 80 miles over what I would have chosen as a goal – I even told this blogger, Wayne (Tofino Photography) that I may have to backpedal at year end and 2019 due to weather and hated to do that. So, until I retire, no more high mileage goals – 80 more miles was a lot given our erratic weather this year. Anyway, I will walk 2,020 kilometers/1,255 miles to match the new year. That is 13 miles over, but going forward, just one mile will be the goal. My dentist knows about my walking regimen and he is a runner (participated in the Boston Marathon a few years ago). He and two running buddies, between the three of them, run the year in miles. So I am going to do that … it is the same as I always did til encouraged to set a new goal. I think when I am retired, I will be able to take on more miles … if it rains or snows in the morning, I can go out anytime, which I can’t now as I have to work. So that is how I’ll do it. I’ll consider any miles over and above my goal as “gravy” but will still mention them – in fact, now I am thinking “can I make it to 1,300 miles just for kicks?” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome Linda!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Miss Liinda………..You Go girl!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ann Marie and I am sure you are still racking up your own miles on the road, and not on the treadmill, not too many miles from me as the wintry weather stays at bay. I thought my goal was not going to happen after that 8.8-inch snowfall back on November 11th. Keep walking Ann Marie; I will and see how many miles I end up with by year-end.
LikeLike
well done. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Andy – our erratic weather in 2019 had me doubtful for a time I could do it. The weather was similar to 2018’s weather … long Winters and day after day of rain in the Spring and snow in the early Fall. Not a fan of this “new norm” for weather at all!
LikeLike
Congratulations Linda! That is quite an accomplishment, especially considering the weird weather year we have had.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Joni and that is why I’ll continue walking til year end, but not try to supersede that amount of miles. We are not expected to have a white Christmas and just a minor accumulation of snow Monday into Tuesday but that is it, so I may be able to continue walking through most of December, and with three weekends left,and Christmas Day, meaning longer walks, I don’t want to go crazy with mileage goals. You are right … you had the same weather as we did and you know how erratic it was. I would like to have the weather I was accustomed to all these years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Rachel and I will keep on walking til the end of this year to see how many more miles I’ll get, but I won’t try to supercede it as the weather has been to wacky this year and I think that is becoming the new norm. I am excited about meeting the goal early.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done!!!
Love, light and glitter
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ellie – I am excited about meeting my goal with time to spare – love, light and glitter back at you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! What an accomplishment! I was hoping this was your announcement when I read the title of your post. Can’t wait to read about the adventures you have planned for next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Laurie – I decided to use WAS in all caps for emphasis and you noticed that. 🙂 Whew, I’m glad I made the goal and can keep walking until year end. I heard no white Christmas for us, so likely with three weekends and Christmas Day, I’ll get more miles in, but no angst if I can’t get ’em in. Now it’s your turn to meet your goal. Anne Mehrling has a goal of 500 miles before year end and she is 10 miles away from meeting it.
LikeLike
Way To Go! So happy for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ruth – I was getting a little apprehensive after that Veteran’s Day snowfall and ice afterward as I was not walking a solid week, highly unusual for early November. Luckily the rest of November was okay. I am happy I met my goal and now if it’s nice, I’ll walk. We’re getting some freezing rain tomorrow morning I heard. Did you know I read on M-Live Weather that in the Detroit area every single day in November was gray and zero sunshine – an entire month! I know it seemed like that, but I was amazed to read it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have really missed the sunshine and now I know why. Even into December we have seen very little of it. These gray days do take a toll on our mood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it sure does – I had no idea that here it was every single day … December has been just as bad and when it is sunshine, it might happen in the afternoon, not when I am walking around. But as long as we don’t have snow and ice, I’ll just roll with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your a real inspiration Linda! Not many people would walk that much! All that walking has not only brought adventure to your days but also great health!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Wayne – you are right in that the past eight years since I began my walking regimen, it has opened up a new world for me, health-wise and also starting a blog in 2013, as well as renewing my interest in photography. It is a win-win all the way around. I was glad I did not have to backpedal on that extra 80 miles I added to this year’s total, though I feared I would due to our wacky weather we had. I can only assume there will be more erratic weather headed our way in the coming decade. I will keep walking til year end with a small goal in my mind of reaching 1,300 miles by year end, but, I won’t attempt to supersede anything after 1,255 miles/2020 kilometers next year. The 2,300 is because I like to round off my numbers – I will reach 1,300 posts by year end as well and my car should reach 7,000 miles by year end. The trifecta!!
LikeLike
congrats and I look forward to the Jan 1st post.
and you know you inspired me to walk more and I am so glad.
I now have a favorite spot out of the 15 places I have walked.
a small park where my hubs will go and do his sprints and I walk this path a few times – it is my “in the zone” walk space and I even pray bit – hahaha
anyhow, congrats again
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Yvette – I know walking is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I used to think it was traveling as I did a lot of traveling earlier in my life, but now I think it is walking. I enjoy the peace and solitude of my morning walks and I use that time, not only to have my mind be a blank canvas and shut out the daily news events, thoughts about work, things I need to do, etc., but I love to interact with the squirrels and birds and enjoy nature, and I, too, say my daily prayers while on the trail or walking in the neighborhood to/from the Park. I have to say of all the parks I have walked in, especially the past few years since getting an annual Metropark pass, Council Park remains my favorite. A few of the parks are bigger and more wildlife, even birds that will come and sit in your hand to take peanuts and seeds and I would love that, but they are not close by, so I stick with the tried and true. Happy walking – next year you and your husband will set a goal too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well my husband does not have a goal – he just tries to walk almost every day – likes t start his day that way – but misses some days and has “sprint” days once a week or every ten days. He is a health coach (part time and his second year) – not sure if I mentioned that – and he encourages all of his clients to walk -and what amazes both of us is how people resist it- one woman even said she knows she was wrong to think it was insignificant but she did – said it was boring –
And I think if folks don’t get out there and see the amazing side it does seem trite –
—
And thanks for sharing more about your favorite park etc
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Yvette – Walking is probably the best exercise you can do for yourself and has the least impact on your bones. I know people run, by the constant thudding is just not good on your bones and you don’t need fancy gear, just a good pair of walking shoes. Even skipping rope is not good as to orthopedic jarring/injuries. I am not bored while walking and leave the house with my mind a blank slate; I never have music in my ears … first I like to know what is going on around me to either enjoy it, or to be aware of my surroundings for safety sake. But, those folks should go to a park as there is always something to see – if nothing else, a change of pace from the ordinary. I could not understand all the hoopla on social media recently about the commercial for the Peloton bike. I Googled to see the ad just to see what it was about … I was not insulted that the guy should insinuate the wife needed a bike to keep fit – she clearly looked fit to begin with. I saw that Peloton’s stock dropped like a rock because of the commercial and the outrage. Maybe I am from a gentler and more forgiving era. My mom bought me an exercise bike in the 80s and I still have it and use it … not as religiously as I should and that is why I bought the book light as you know to read on the bike in the Winter to keep my legs strong. I did not forget about the book … I had to do some work for my boss today and deal with the computer guy this afternoon on some issues and just wrote a very long post.
I have three more Christmas-type posts in my head, which I hope to finish before the holiday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi – I was going to ask you about safety and how you go about staying safe on the walls – so thanks for that.
And saw a little video snippet with the actress that played the girlfriend and she said she blames part of the flop of the commercial for the faces she made (they showed one part where she did look a little off – I guess ??))
—
Cool that gig have your bike – things were made to last back them compared to now where so many are built to fail.
I had the best recumbent bike – a 90s model and I used it for years – but then it got to be I only used it once or twice a yea and was doing yoga everyday! It was so hard to release the bike but glad I did because three years of using it maybe six times – not worth keeping IMHO
And I don’t love the regular bikes and all the sitting – but likely would like it outdoors – I biked a lot in middle school and see the gift that was.
Take your time in the book – Even if it is January or February or whenever – k
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Yvette – I loved riding the bike and after I got it and through the 90s, I used to ride 20 miles each evening unless I had to do something (errands/yardwork or other commitments). I had a TV downstairs then and would watch stuff I taped downstairs or listen to music – never tried reading a book, don’t know how that will work … with big print maybe better as easier to see … the light is not as good downstairs. I would not mind to have a outside bike now, though the roads are not safe here – way too many distracted drivers and it’s bad enough walking. I was hit on my bike in 1976 … the bike was severely damaged and I only suffered minor injuries – didn’t require medical help, bruises mostly. I won’t take that long … thanks for the extension Yvette. I will plan to do over Christmas week for sure.
LikeLike
Sounds great and wishing you a great day my friend 😊🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Walking is such a great exercise. if this old knee of mine ever recovers that is the first thing I’ll do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope your knee does recover enough to begin a walking regimen Bryan. I know you rue the day you did that chin-up. Maybe it will improve enough in advance of your next vacation you mentioned you are planning. Walking is at least kind to your bones, unlike running. I started walking because I work from home and sat too much. Long hours and not moving and I only did gardening as exercise and occasionally riding an exercise bike. I was not limber and so began walking. My new issue, after blogging took off in 2017 (four years after I started my blog), I was at the computer more hours than ever and ended up with frozen shoulder on the left side from sitting in one place for so long in one position. The body needs to be moved … I researched all over the internet as I did not intend to go to physical therapy or take pain pills and elevated the laptop on a riser and use a wireless keyboard now. It is better, but range of motion is not 100% yet.
LikeLike
Hi Linda……gmail has been acting up again. Sigh…. I sent you a couple of emails on Friday but it said sending then the screen went blank, so I don’t know if you got them. Then tonight when I went on, I wasn’t able to load anything. I know you said you weren’t posting as much, just checking in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Joni – I did respond but on Sunday afternoon or evening … I can send again. I should have mentioned it here that I sent it to you. I am not a fan of Gmail as I don’t like the interface. Comcast has its issues where it freezes up and I don’t have regular e-mail configured through Outlook, etc. and just have used Comcast web-based e-mail now for 20 years. I will go ahead and forward it again. Thanks for checking in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s okay – I did get it and responded late last night. If you didn’t get my response let me know and I can resend it.
LikeLike
I’m having issues with Comcast tonight – I can read the e-mail, but not reply to it, nor compose a new e-mail. Computers … the bane of my existence more and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t worry about it Linda….just answer when you can, and when you have time. I see you started a new one, which is good, as maybe the old ones was too large a file to load. I don’t even know how to start a new one there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Comcast web-based e-mail is fickle. Right now it won’t compose a new e-mail, nor reply, yet I can read everything there. I had sent you the nature quote earlier and was going to reply to the other e-mail. But I can’t reply to anyone – and not just for G-mail, so it Comcast does not pick favorites. Crazy – I have never set up my e-mail in Outlook, have been using this for twenty years – I waited until Y2K was done to get my first computer, so it would not crash and burn as they had predicted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never set up Outlook either. Go to bed early, maybe your computer will feel better in the morning! Signing off, Good night!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comcast web-based e-mail was easier to do and I had a computer tech configure my original laptop so he set it up. I am about to sign off as well and head to bed. I was running around getting those errands done – I used to go to a mall and shopping all day with my mom and we’d stop home, drop off purchases, go out to eat, then return home and I’d parade around in the new clothes. Good night Joni!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done Linda x x How amazing x x❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Zena – the great weather through December was a contributing factor for sure!
LikeLike
Heartiest congratulations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sandomina – I thought I had “bitten off more than I could chew” for a while, but it all worked out in the end. I am trying to still walk throughout the pandemic but be careful and wear a mask. In my state we are currently on the Governor’s Order to stay-at-home/safe safe. We have done that since 03/24 and the Order was just extended through the end of April. We are allowed to walk/hike/bike and go to parks as long as we stay six feet apart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are lucky enough. Here in India, the lockdown is stricter. We are allowed to go out only to buy groceries and medicines. In some localities, even that is not allowed. I haven’t stepped out in the past two weeks. If this lockdown gets extended till the end of the month, then I am sure many people would land up with psychological issues. Stay safe, take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They just talked about psychological issues today – for me, I have worked from home since 2011 so that was not an adjustment. I had bought pantry items for Winter as we were supposed to have the severe Winter, and I have no family so no one stopping by the house … I thought things would not be much different, but it is the fear out there – the pandemonium in the grocery stores and hoarding. There was some outrage when the order to stay at home was extended another three weeks. I am used to being in the house (except for the walk/errands), but for people who are always out and about, I am sure it is very frustrating and life-changing. You stay safe as well. May we get through this and not have a resurgence in Fall – another fear to worry about.
LikeLiked by 1 person