Tag: movement

Day 11 – Showers of Gold

On By Margie.MercIn Write 31 Days Challenge1 Comment

red aspens
I had a strange bike ride this morning. I rode about 3 miles and then came to a detour on the bike path. I decided to turn around and head west. I rode for about 2 miles and came upon LOTS of people running. It wasn’t a race – just a running club. There must have been over 70 people, young and old. Some were jogging, some walking, some running very hard. They were on the path for another 2 miles. I realized the Universe had a different plan for me.

I hauled my bike off the path and onto the road. Bike riding in my area is easy to do because we have bike lanes everywhere. And riding on a Sunday made it all the easier. I rode until I happened upon a garage sale. There wasn’t anything I wanted to buy but the seller and I talked for about a half hour about family, children, grandchildren, jobs and the area. It was the reason I was detoured twice on my initial route – just so I could end up talking to her.

After I rode away, the wind started to blow and the trees just let loose with their leaves. I got ofSept aspens in Coloradof my bike and let the leaves wash over me. It was a surreal moment – it looked like it was something from a Hallmark movie. The only thing missing was the puppy dog looking on with love.

I eventually got my hour of movement but it was nothing like I had planned. It was a bike ride, detour, detour, conversation, shower and bike ride.

And, it was all so good!

Other great posts to read:

Day 6 – Shall We Walk?

On By Margie.MercIn Relationships, Write 31 Days Challenge5 Comments

 

Some sort of movement for 31 days has been my challenge since Oct 1 (a mere 6 days ago.) That actually isn’tpath in woods the hard challenge for me – blogging for 31 days is. My movement days – walking, working out, hiking, biking are part of my routine – though this public view will make sure I don’t miss at all this month.

But it’s the blogging part of it that is truly challenging me. I can write about my workout which can be interesting sometimes (like when I am on vacation, or climbing Mt Everest or such) however I feel I have to offer a bit more to you to keep you coming back tomorrow and the next tomorrow and 25 more tomorrows. Right?

So, if I were out taking a walk with you, what do you think we’d discuss? I mean … besides health, jobs, and family? What do you like to do when you’re not on this fantastic hike with me?

Aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, Sept 2014
Aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park

What books have you read lately? You can be sure I’ll listen carefully when you tell me. I love to read and if you’re enjoying a book I might check it out as well and read it. Been anywhere fun lately? Making plans for future trips? Met any interesting people, seen any good or bad movies? Accepted any challenges in the past few months? What excites you?

I’d be sure to tell you about A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman that I read for my book group. It’s a story about a mean old man who follows each and every rule to the letter. And as we follow his story, circumstances around him change and we see his life unfold. It’s endearing.

I’d try to describe the Steward Indian School compound that I visit each time I travel to Carson City. I’d get tangled up trying to explain the beauty behind the stone work on the buildings — most of which are standing empty and boarded up.

unc5I doubt we would wonder what time it was, how much longer we had to walk or when would we finish. Talking while walking is the ultimate workout. I learn, listen, share and move. It’s a win-win and it feels so good.

So, let me know if you’re planning a visit to the area. I will put you on my calendar and wait patiently for our walk.

———————–

 

You are the books you read, the films you watch, the music you listen to, the people you meet, the dreams you have, the conversation you engage in. You are what you take from these. You are the sound of the ocean, the breath of fresh air, the brightest light and the darkest corner. You are a collective of every experience you have had in your life. You are every single second of every single day. So drown yourself in a sea of knowledge and existence. Let the words run through your veins and the colors fill your mind. — Jac Vanek

More reading choices:

20 lbs in 31 Days

Walk 31 Days

31 Days Farm to Table

Carson City walk - write 31 days challenge

Moisture and Movement: a good combo

On By Margie.MercIn Write 31 Days ChallengeLeave a comment

Write 31 Days Challenge — Day 2

Write 31/Walk in Carson City

Some of my readers live in places where the air is full of moisture, clouds, grey skies and rain. I live in a climate that is sunny about 300 days per year. I can see miles and miles of blue sky. I can have a hot summer day but have a blanket on me during the cool summer nights. I love Colorado and enjoy the variation in weather.

I really enjoy rain. I’m from a city in upstate New York that enjoys 60 days of sun per year. The rest of the time, they get clouds, rain, snow, fog, clouds and more clouds. I miss the moisture in the air. So, when it’s a dreary or wet day, I want to be out in it.

On my walk in Carson City, I see mountains in 3 directions. It’s dreary and cloudy here (which I LOVE) and my walk consisted of paved roads and dirt roads, businesses and rural neighborhoods. This is a pretty place to visit and just 20 minutes away is Lake Tahoe and California.

I’m torn between going out for yet another walk or reading my book. And since I’m making a cup of tea, I’d better go and find that book!

Enjoy the photos!

Other Write 31 Challenge blogs for you to enjoy!

A Month of Movement!

On By Margie.MercIn Write 31 Days Challenge3 Comments

Write 31 Days…

You bet I can!

I marge saying yes1got lucky! I learned about this 31 Day Challenge after agreeing to partner up with my sister-friend so we could hold each other accountable for taking good care of our bodies.  My goal during the month of October 2015 is to walk 4 miles daily or move (ride my bike, dance, leap tall buildings, run stairs, hulu hoop, jump rope) at least an hour every day. The hour has to be intense movement – no strolling or lollygagging. Nope.

Intense. Fierce. Rewarding. Energizing. Powerful.

I’ll write about my daily endeavors so you can join in with your own activities.

Yes?

Good!

Day 1 is going to be a delightful walk in the capital of Nevada, Carson City. The city is surrounded by mountains on 3 sides. It’s pretty dry here and today there’s a dark sky with the hope and promise of rain. In fact, with my little eye, I spy raindrops. Perfect for high energy 4 mile walk to begin this wonderful challenge!

If you go to this page, you can find links to hundreds of categories written by bloggers who are writing about ONE thing. Knitting, laughter, kayaking, cooking, reading, children … and on and on. It’s gonna be fun, hold on to your hat – lace up your shoes and stay

More “Write 31 Days” Blogs listed below:

31 Days – Food Health & Wellness

Finding Laughter

The Friendship Project: 31 Days of Saying YES …

All Things Books

I went walking …

On By Margie.MercIn Mental Health, Photography7 Comments

I went for a lovely walk today. It was supposed to be up a hillside to the top of a lovely mountain. The route had to be altered due to the fresh snow on the dirt trail. The trail was snowy in some parts and muddy in others. The hike could have been accomplished however it would have been slow going. No aerobic points, no exertion just careful walking.

IMG_4959
Instead I took a walk around a lake. There were many people out enjoying the air, the sun, the wide open sky and the most amazing view.

The lake was frozen and the mountains were spectacular.

Tomorrow Daylight Savings Time kicks in and the clocks move ahead leading to more sunlight.
And spring is right around the corner. Amen!

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The New Year is Here … Ready or Not!

On By Margie.MercIn Education5 Comments

Tic, tock, tic, tock … 2015 is almost here. Can you feel it? Are you ready to embrace it?

Tic, tock, tic, tock … 2014 is slipping away. Are you ready to release it? Have you said your goodbyes? Have you achieved your goals?

live the life you love-It’s been a fun year, hasn’t it? For me it’s been a whirlwind. I’ve visited family, friends and renewed old acquaintances. I’ve read a bunch of books and continue to visit the library on a weekly basis.  I’ve hiked new paths, visited new sights and am ready to see more.

For the New Year I plan to focus on the things that make me feel alive. Reading, learning, moving and growing.  I’ve read so many wonderful books this year and I want to take a bit of time to share them with you and give credit to the author. I visited some pretty places and put myself out there in ways that surprised me. I’ll do more of that and include you along the way.

I hope you make the most of this year and find the time to stoke your passions.

All the best to you – with hugs and warm wishes – Margekatherine

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

 

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Planning ahead for shorter days

On By Margie.MercIn Mental Health7 Comments

As the days grow shorter I often spend less time walking and exercising when I should be doing more. Walking makes me feel alive and refreshed. When I walk less because of the darkness or colder weather, I end up feeling bad and staying inside. The less I do, the harder it is to get motivated to do anything. And the downside to being in the house is the refrigerator beckons me to look within. “Come to me,” it whispers. “I will share my bounty with you – again and again and again.”

When I’m not home I don’t eat and I’m not tempted.

So, some new ideas for the November blog are exercise, health, and movement topics. Writing will be a good way to keep me moving, keep me learning and keep me blogging. Maybe along the way I’ll also motivate you to do something more or different.

Unlike October, I won’t be writing every day but I will write 3x weekly. That will be a bit easier for me and WAY easier for you. I know it must be tedious to see yet ANOTHER email telling you that margekatherine.com has published a post. I can read your mind – “again, really?”

Alas, October is coming to a close along with my mental health topics on choosing sanity. Have any of these topics made a difference or resonate with you? I welcome comments.

And so, I have 2 more days in the month to share my words of sanity, wisdom and introspection with you. Stay with me, it’s almost over – I promise!

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Are we having fun yet?

On By Margie.MercIn Mental Health2 Comments

Another way to stay sane is to move. Exercise. Dance. Crawl. Jump. Run. Walk.

marge hiking
Hiking in autumn weather is the best!

Finding something you love to do as a form of exercise will insure it happens more than once. Walkers find time each day to get out for their walks – and they think of it as fun, not work. That goes for anything you get excited about – cycling, tennis, cross-country skiing, swimming, dancing, figure skating, running and on and on.

One friend started swimming last year. Not only is she stronger than ever, she is part of a group of swimmers who connect 2-3 times each week. The social piece of it is just as important as the endorphins that are giving her the exercise ‘high.’

People who regularly work out do so because they plan ahead. They know what time they have to get up in order to work out before the day begins, or they pack a lunch and get out of the office and into the fresh air.

Another friend rides her bike to work and is amazed at how wonderful she’s been feeling. It takes a huge effort to get up and out an hour earlier but she is so grateful  for it. She is happy, feels fit and has time to herself on the trip. She is already coming up with alternative exercise as the days get shorter and colder.

Movement – in any way that feels fun to you is not only great for your body, it’s great for your head. It give you time away from the things that take you down. It gets the blood flowing and the brain cells popping (that’s a medical term) and the end result is how much better you feel after one session.

I joined an aerobics class at the YMCA when my son was just a toddler. That class not only became the highlight of my week, it also was a place to have conversations with other adults that included more than one word at a time (Hot, NO, airplane, milk…) the typical conversation for babies. The class, teacher and participants were my mainstay for years as we learned each other’s stories and became friends.

Exercise can be a walk around the block. It can be dancing in the living room. It can be taking the stairs to the top floor (just for the heck of it) and other little activities. Once you turn it into a game it really can be fun –  a true way to stay sane!

 

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Sanity: Mental Health in Motion

On By Margie.MercIn Communication, Mental Health, Psychology, Relationships9 Comments

Sanity is defined as the quality or state of being sane; especially soundness or health of mind. Sanity comes from the Latin word Sanitas. (Merriam-webster.com/dictionary)

There are many ways to keep sane in this insane world. Previously I mentioned flexibility and the ability to change.

Another way to keep sane is to move. The act of moving, whether it’s up a steep mountain, along a sidewalk or inside a mall has healing properties.  Aerobics, dancing, cycling, running, swimming and walking helps :

  • Increase energy
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Keep depression at bay
  • Increase self-esteem
  • Elevate your mood
  • Lighten your load (mentally and physically)
  • Improve sleep

For me movement is a huge part of my world.

Walking and talking is even better and makes for an easy conversation. The ability to share stories, offer comments and learn from others during a walk are benefits that last much longer than the act. When the movement takes place outside there are other elements that add to a good frame of mind. Elements might include fresh air, cloud movement, landscape, people-watching,  children at play, artists at work, and more.

marge-gem lake hike1I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve expressed words of gratitude when I was out walking. There’s a feeling of freedom and appreciation for the world around me when I am moving.

The words that spill so easily from me soothe my heart and calm my soul.

“Thank you so much for this wonderful day…
~For this sunshine
~For the open sky
~For strong legs to help me climb
~For my friend who agreed to join me.”

And then there are times when walking alone works best. It allows me time for introspection, problem-solving, ideas for new blog topics, planning, praying and they all help lighten my load.

Movement is a good thing. It’s a reminder that I am alive. It’s a reminder to take care of this precious body of mine. It’s a reminder to say Thank You.

Thank you for reading, feel free to add your thoughts and ideas on what works for you.

For now  – ITS TIME TO DANCE. Turn on video below and move that body!
(We should both be dancin’, yeah!)

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