One of my personal goals for the year is to venture out of my activity box. I seem to do the same things over and over. Earlier this year I created a list of things I'd like to do, and they had to be free. On this list was to take walks or hikes in the numerous forest preserves in the Chicagoland/Naperville area. There are quite a few benefits from this idea.
1. Exercise (which is good for the heart + hips)
2. Sunshine (which is good for the mind + skin)
3. Human Interaction (smiling at others on the path + they smile back)
4. Free (which is good for the bank account)
Add all these benefits up and you have yourself a productive afternoon. Especially when you follow it up with an hour of relaxation at the nearest Starbucks. A little frappucino and good book are like icing on the cupcake.
Today, I went to Springbrook Prairie in Naperville. It has several different walking/running/biking paths in varying lengths. As I reviewed the map, I said to myself, do the 5.5 mile walk. It shouldnt be a problem at all, I mean you crank out 3.5 miles on the treadmill three days a week, what's another two? We'll see what the legs have to say about the 5.5-er tomorrow.
*at the starting point.
*about a mile into it.
*a little creature seen in its natural habitat. I thanked it for sharing its home for me to walk today.
*at last.
Comments