Well, it’s July 31st and it’s been four months since I last reported on my miles walked to date. That occasion was National Walking Day (April 1st) when I crowed about how far I had walked toward my goal (323 of 1,255 miles/519 of 2,020 kilometers).
I have walked a lot of miles, taken a ton of photos and written endlessly about my treks so far in 2020. Those walks and writing about them have been a wonderful distraction from our “new normal” existence.
The beginning of this year, before the COVID-19 crisis, we had a mild Winter, but there were some mornings I still didn’t walk as we had dealt with freezing rain, which left an icy glaze, so I didn’t venture out, except perhaps to run the car. I rallied back on weekends when they were clear and dry and recouped those lost steps, sometimes walking six or seven miles each weekend day.
Then the Coronavirus came knocking at the door. I wavered on whether to walk at all at the Park, though it was hardly what you’d call crowded. So my angst over whether to continue my walking regimen there, or in the ‘hood, or not at all, caused me to lose some steps to my total as well.
Luckily we had the sunniest June on record, so I was just a walkin’ fool during that month. We also had one of the hottest Julys to date. In the past, oppressive heat would have sent me scurrying to the aisles of Meijer, the grocery store where I shop. This store is big enough to walk huge laps around the perimeter of Meijer to get my steps done. But, like most everyone else, I’ve tried to stay clear of public places, unless it’s a necessary trip. So, I soldiered on, in the heat and humidity, garnering steps along the way.
We have a beautiful and cool, almost crisp, Friday morning, so I plan to walk six miles and will reach 725 miles (1,166 kilometers) walked to date. I still hope to reach my goal (1,255 miles/2,020 kilometers) by year end. I will push forward this next five months. From mid-November to year end is never a sure bet for walking due to potential ice and snow, and, believe it or not, on occasion, there has been slipping and sliding on the perimeter path due to black ice as early as October. October brings the beautiful Fall colors, but rain-slickened leaves on concrete while walking through the hood gives one cause for pause as well.
Fall and Winter are on the horizon … ugh!
On July 21st I was walking at Council Point Park and saw the first tinges of yellow and red in some bushes lining the Ecorse Creek. Oh no – say it isn’t so!
No worries … I was not surprised as these raggedy-looking bushes start to turn color every Summer and I’ve noted them in my blog before. I took some photos of my watch and the colorful leaves, but then decided a few days later, I should really document the colors in the background while wearing the watch to be more accurate. That is the image you see up top.
I’ve been watching squirrels squirreling away peanuts since the Park reopened on June 2nd, but I have a theory that they worry the walkers will disappear again, leaving them to fend for themselves. I hope their nut-burying diligence is not a precursor of a horrid Winter and they know something that the meteorologists do not. The year has wreaked havoc enough.
As a side note, I turned 7,700 miles on my car this week – I think that is worth noting since my car will be 11 years old in September!
Onward and upward!! P.S. – Check out these well-worn shoes, which feel like slippers to me.
Linda Schaub
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY 
Your dedication to walking is inspiring. I have to get up now and go for my measly walk to the creek.
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Thank you Anne. When I first started setting a goal back in 2012, I would be frantic in December if I was lagging behind my mileage goal, so I would go walk laps in the snowy grass at a nearby park, or at a parking lot at a nearby church just to get it done. The next year I sought to eliminate that mindset by bulking up during the year, weather permitting. I sometimes wonder how I would do if I lived somewhere there was no snow/ice? Before I started working from home, for years I would stand and wait for the bus and see all the walkers going past me on their daily jaunt. I told myself that some day I would be like them. I did not know it would be sooner, rather than later. Your miles to/from the creek are worthy and enviable – my first few years were the same as yours at year end. I know that if there were no parks around this City and the surrounding area, I would be hard pressed to accumulate so many miles in the neighborhood. I have worked hard this week to reach 725 miles and yesterday/today/tomorrow we have cool and rain-free weather so I must get out and get steps in. We have a all-day rain Sunday – that’s too bad, but we need the rain. .
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I have added a few stretches and some strength training to my morning program. That won’t boost my miles, but I think it’s good for me. Meanwhile, you are seeing lots of things to write about, and that’s a benefit to all your readers.
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Are you using the exercise bike that Logan sat on too or is that John? I have an exercise bike downstairs – way back in the day, after I got it in 1987, I used to ride 20 miles every evening after dinner. I continued that through the 90s too, but have slacked off and never rode it last Winter like I usually as the weather was so mild.
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My brother gave me the bike when he was getting rid of it. I’ve used it once. My knees don’t bend as much as they might, so the seat is too high. I’m afraid to get on it unless someone is in the house with me. John wants to give it away. I should try it again.
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It did look kind of high when I watched Logan trying to get on it, but figured he was just short. The handlebars that move would worry me. I like my bike, but I should ride it more than I do. I did ride it more before the walking regimen.
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You’ll need new shoes soon…
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You are right Ellie. A few years ago, when I debuted a new pair of walking shoes, I showed the new ones and had added up the miles I put on the old ones. I don’t remember the exact mileage, but it was around 1,000 miles (1,600 k) and the old shoes looked worse than they felt while wearing them. I kept them as a spare pair and still have them.
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As long as they support you and are good for you.
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Yes, they are very comfortable, though they are rather heavy shoes with the sole portion.
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Congratulations on persevering despite all the obstacles this year. I’m sure you’ll meet your goal and we’ll enjoy every update you share. I’m thinking Eliza is on to something about the shoes. 🙂 Happy Trails to you!
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Thanks Shelley. I’ve really pushed myself this last two months to make up for earlier in the year. I will keep pushing hard through August and September, then the later sunrise will mess me up. Since I don’t have a treadmill, I am at the mercy of Mother Nature to get ‘er done. We’re having an all-day rain Sunday so those miles won’t happen. I have a new pair of shoes waiting in the wings. The shoe store where I bought all my shoes for decades went out of business last year, so I will have to find another place to buy them or get them online. They are Easy Spirit Punters. The shoe store owner recommended this style back when I started walking almost 10 years ago and also the lug-soled hiking boots I wear … she is also a walker, but prefers an indoor track. I hope Easy Spirit does not discontinue this style … I should be smart and get a few pair ahead. Hope you have the same coolish day as we have.
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You’re welcome. Yes, you’re wise to get the walks in while you can. And doubly wise to have bought spare shoes too! It’s nice to find a brand that works well.
It’s a lovely cool morning here, I’m heading out now to get my 4 miles in before work!
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Hope you got your four miles in today too Shelley. They said it was “crisp” out, but it was a little warmer than that, but tomorrow will be cool so that will be nice. Had I known she would be closing the store after 50+ years, I would have bought a few more pair.
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Yes, we got our walk in. Maybe again today – you’ll enjoy the weather that is coming your way. I wish I would’ve bought an extra pair of the shoes I have too. You’re lucky to have a backup pair.
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I did have a longer outing planned but they were calling for rain earlier than usual and I was doing two parks, one of them a large nature preserve/marsh I’ve not been to before, so I tabled it and stuck close to home. I am glad I got the extra pair, but I looked online and they are available at Macy’s and Amazon … they are very comfortable and never required “breaking them in” first.
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I have low mileage on my car but you beat me by far! Can’t believe it’s almost August. I feel like I missed the summer. Well, I did. Everything was cancelled!
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When I first began my walking regimen at Labor Day weekend 2011, I decided I was going to walk more than I drove. I did that until 2016 and it was not difficult. I’d post my stats every so often, careful to never go above my walking miles, and then the mechanic where I go when I get a new battery told me I had to drive it more, or it would have electrical problems, like my car before (it had 84,000 miles and was 21 years old but got quirky and kept dying in the middle of the street so I had to get rid of it). So, I’ve had to abandon that idea, but it still has very low mileage on it – it’s just a baby!
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I admire your commitment and perseverance. Seems like you may have more mile on your feet than your car. It must be close. Hoping and praying that nice weather holds out as we get later into the year. It will benefit us both.
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Up to a few years ago when I went to more and more larger parks, I always was neck-in-neck with the car mileage. But when I had it in for a new battery a few years back and then I went out one day and the car was dead as a door nail, he told me I had to drive it more, so my “game” was over. 🙂
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You must wear out your shoes before your tyres Linda. Keep on walking.
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You are right about that Andy – thank you. I hope to finish with 2,020 miles this year and picked that number to match the year 2020.
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Good heavens, I just bought a pair of Easy Spirit walking shoes that look very much like yours. I hope that you reach you goal. You seem to have the right spirit to do so. 😉
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Thank you – I hope to finish too Ally. It is more miles than last year that I tacked on, but hopefully doable. This style of shoe is Punter by Easy Spirit. I have put on new shoes, not a blister or anything, but sheer comfort, I hope you have the same style as you are in for a treat for your feet.
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I love my Easy Spirit’s too….they may be old and ugly but they are comfortable. Wish I could find another pair as good…
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I see my style ({Punter) is available at Amazon and at Macy’s. I have not gone into the new ones at all (I have a pair waiting in the wings, but should have another pair) … they have never caused a blister or abrasion from them.
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We don’t have Macy’s and I don’t order from Amazon…I haven’t seen Easy Spirits here in any shoe store in years…..so I just keep wearing my old ones. Of course I don’t walk any where near as many miles as you! I’m way behind in Reader again…..was 4 days behind, now just a day but too tired tonight so it will have to wait until tomorrow. I’ll check Amazon….I should open an account, but you have to watch the site carefully so there’s not duty and taxes added if it’s shipped from the US.
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I just looked on Easy Spirit’s website and it says if you sign up for e-mails, you get 10% off your first order. I have the extra pair … probably should have another pair in case they discontinue the style – hopefully not. All the walking I do and I’ve never had blisters. Last year I got some waterproof walking shoes … I haven’t used them yet as I don’t want to wear them in torrential rain and used my regular shoes. I got caught in the rain last week – got soaking wet. Here is Easy Spirit’s website and the shoes. You can order online (more below the link):
https://easyspirit.com/products/punter-athletic-shoes-in-white-grey-leather
So I looked on Easy Spirit in Canada – very strange that they don’t have very many styles there for athletic shoes.
https://easyspiritcanada.com/shop/
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Thanks Linda….I did see one pair of walking shoes on the Canadian sight, 50% off and my size 5 1/2. What I currently have is a walking shoe. I’m surprised they have 5 1/2 as most places start at 6.
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You’re welcome – it is your lucky day!
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Noooo…not autumn signs yet 😦 lol
Your pmoutpacing that car for sure!
Keep on keeping on 🙂
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Yes it is funny that I’m doing that Michael, but up until a few years ago, I walked more than I drove, then was advised that wasn’t good for the car, so I changed my ways.
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Dear “Onward and Upward”,……………………………………Congratulations! on the 725 miles that you have walked already this “famous” year…………………………….those shoes don’t look too bad to me…………………………………………and ……………………………………..your car probably is looking in tip top shape………………………..knowing you and how you take care of it
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A year like no other Ann Marie – my goal is 2,020 kilometers (picked for the year) … I heard on the news today that our first snowfall could be by November 1st, so must bulk up more miles than ever now. Nah, I got lots of miles left on the shoeleather and hopefully the car as well.
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Are you kidding me 7,700 miles is awesome Linda! I have been wondering about your total miles walking and how you were doing. Knowing you, you will get it done. About time for new shoes. lol
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Yes, I e-mailed you the other day when I figured it out but you’ve been busy with your folks and didn’t see it. You and Anne, another blogger, had asked me. I used to be so organized and had a spreadsheet … now I have things written here and there and on the computer I’ve got a list as well, so I had to add them all up. I walked a lot the past week; tomorrow we have an all-day rain and no walk likely. Yes, my shoes look beat-up but they are comfortable, like slippers. I hate to give ’em up.
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So sorry haven’t been able to get to my emails. Happy I am keeping up with my reader…lol
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No worries Diane – you had asked me so I figured it out, but had (finally) planned to post on it. I am going to try to post once a month again like I used to do. I have been doing a lot of my posts ahead of time and scheduling them, so that was part of the problem too. After I had the issue of posts publishing but not going to Reader for 8-10 hours later, I just try to do ahead of time now. I never seem to catch up in Reader – will try to do so tonight unless we have a storm. We had two inches of rain here – hope you got some of that for your garden.
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Goodness, that car should last you for the rest of your life, as long as you are over 45. 🙂
Not sure what happened but I stopped getting your blog via email.
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Yup, I am over 45 😉
When I first started my walking regimen, I thought it would be fun to walk more than I drove, so many times I would post on December 31st that I walked “X” more miles than I drove that year. I have a mechanic where I take my car … I get a new battery every three years since I run it daily, but don’t drive it daily, especially in Winter. I told him I walked more than I drove and he said “Linda, that’s not good for the car.” So I’ve been going on bigger road trips to help keep it humming, or I drive to the Park and just walk more laps there instead of the two-mile round trip I walk to get there.
I wonder what happened that you stopped getting the blog? WordPress issues I’m assuming. I am behind here due to the weather.
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Good for you for 725 miles so far this year, Linda! Way to get those miles in. I dread seeing signs of autumn approaching too (not as much as when I was a teacher, though)! You have a lot of miles on those shoes!
We will put almost 4000 miles on our car just with this one trip to Colorado!
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Thanks Laurie – I must push hard now with only five months left. Yesterday I heard we will have our first snowfall by November 1st (the annual NOAA prediction), but they are wrong a lot also. Snow is not so bad as the ice as to walking. Those shoes are getting beaten up, but are so comfy. That is a lot of miles for one trip. It probably took me five years or more to reach 4,000 miles on my car odometer!
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You are doing so well Linda, just amazing. And your car is still like new then. It will last a long time, you take very good care of it. Your shoes do look worn, that is a lot of miles. Congratulations and here’s to many more, Healthy, Exciting Adventures. I look forward to seeing all of them. Have a great afternoon Linda.
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Thanks Sandra – five months left to get it done and every mile is important now. I do count when I go grocery shopping and errands, especially grocery shopping, when I put the shopping cart in one spot, then run around the store to retrieve my items. That’s to rack up more miles. I could switch to the new shoes, but these are so comfy and not run down yet, so I will keep them awhile longer. The heels don’t run down as they are very heavy soles and all one piece. Yes, more adventures – unfortunately the weather today kept me from my scheduled two treks, but there will be other days to do these trips.
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“These boots are made for walking!”
Also, 7,700 miles! That’s a wonder. How long does a tank of gas last you, Linda? Like a year??
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I usually fill it up once a month Pam – even if I go to bigger parks on the weekends, my car gets pretty good mileage. But when I fill it up monthly, rarely do I ever reach 1/4 tank of gas. 🙂
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That’s awesome. You’re the poster girl for sustainability, Linda. 🤓😍
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Thanks Pam. 🙂
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Good for you to keep the mileage up on your shoes and down on your car! I usually have very low mileage on my cars too, but you would definitely win that comparison!
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Thanks Janis! The first three or four years of my blog, I prided myself on walking more miles than I drove. I usually get a new battery every three years to keep it humming, since it sits so much and the mechanic said I had to drive it more … alas, I have been better about driving it but not this year due to the pandemic. I try to stay away from stores and consolidate errands into one trip. I do walk, more than drive, to the Park.
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All things considering, you’ve made excellent progress with your miles so far Linda, and should be able to meet your goal. I’m hoping for a mild fall. It’s starting to look and feel like August….esp the clouds in the sky.
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Thanks Joni – I hope we have a nice Fall as it’s something to look forward to. The day-after-day of hot and sticky weather is not my cup of tea.
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you put more miles on your shoes than your car……are you from Pasadena?
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I know Wayne – I amaze myself sometimes! For years I prided myself on the fact that I walked more than I drove and that was when my mileage averaged about half of what I walk now. The mechanic told me that wasn’t good for the car though, even if it was good for me. I wish I was that little old lady from Pasadena as I would not have to worry about late Fall, Winter or a late Spring messing up my walking schedule, especially on black ice.
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I wish more people practiced what you do Linda! We’d all be more healthy and the environment would be cleaner! Like during the shut down with the virus!
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I just read a story earlier today about a local guy who is an avid walker and took his one millionth step since June. He says his job has him walking around most of his 8-hour shift, and he is on City Council and so he walks, not drives, to see what constituents have issues with and he walks every evening after dinner So, I had to see how many miles a million steps would be … it is 500 miles. I thought I was doing great but 500 miles in two months – that is amazing! I wouldn’t try doing that … that’s a lot of miles … maybe too many. I have about 500 miles left to reach my goal and that’s just shy of 5 months. Our world was cleaner with less pollution on land, sea and skies … too bad it was just a temporary thing.
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remember that people are not the same height,so the number of steps to make 500 miles will be different for each person.
A person who is 7 foot would have a greater stride than someone 5 foot tall and so after one million steps would be further than 500 miles.
You need to measure out a distance (say 100 yards,use a football field) and count the number of steps it takes to cover that distance. Do it 5 times and average.
Each persons stride is different. In Geology we actually had a class on this. You need to know your stride to measure distances and most times the land isn’t flat like a football field I might add!
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That’s interesting – I never thought of that Wayne. I’m 5′ 9″ tall and I have long legs. I am going to do that experiment – need to find a football field, which they are likely closed down now as high school sports are cancelled right now due to the pandemic and probably the area is locked up, but maybe people are allowed to use the track around the field for walking. I just went back and took another look at the guy who did this … he is not very tall in my opinion in these two pics of him in the news story.
https://www.thenewsherald.com/news/allen-park-man-walks-1-million-steps-in-less-than-two-months/article_1bfb3604-d803-11ea-9616-83964c88aa5e.html?fbclid=IwAR3uY0_6T7NtmLxGhhKmcz8bDxtnSrtvPX8Kw6P7KiewKrglWL1QiP_Wogs
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tell me how many steps and what distance and I will give you your stride length !
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OK, I will do that … I will stop and see if the football field is open while I am out with the car. Thank you Wayne!
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my stride is 0.92 metres.
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Just converted it … just about three feet. I will stop by the high school on the way home and if they are not open, I’ll look for another local high school to test it out.
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