Fun Times with Family

Consider this post the "prequel" to the one I did on April 6. This is the backstory to how I ended up walking every day on the ASUMH campus.

In March, I met my youngest and his wife in Bentonville to spend a few days together. I hadn't seen them in person in almost 2 years, so it was time. We had a lovely time! We stayed in a vacation rental which was walking distance from downtown in one direction and Crystal Bridges in another. Coming out of a rather sedentary wintertime, I was not prepared for so much walking. This is what led to the discussions about smartwatches during some of our conversations. 

It also led to some text-messaging among my three children, who went together to buy me the watch I had settled upon after I got back home. I do have the best kids. They want me to be healthy and happy, and I love them for it.

In my previous post I talked about how I was having back spasms and tiring easily, causing me to have to sit down periodically during our little vacay in Bentonville. This was very distressing to me, and as I said before, I knew changes would have to be made.

Well, changes have been made. I have walked every day but 2 since March 22. The reason I didn't walk on those 2 days was that it was raining and we were under a tornado watch. (Have I mentioned I hate spring because of tornados?) Thankfully, we were spared here in my town, but I wasn't going to go out during a thunderstorm anyway.

I started out walking a 1/2 mile, and it was all I could do. Sedentary lifestyle, remember? That has changed. Within 3 weeks I was up to a mile, minimum. As of this week, my 5th week of daily walks, I can walk 1 1/3 mile easily. No back spasms or pain. I'm adding a little bit each week, with the ability to do at least 2 miles my beginning goal. 

The fact that I'm not out of breath after 1.3 miles is astonishing to me, the former couch potato. LOL!

I'm rejoicing that I have found joy in a daily walk. I hate to admit it, but the sunshine may be doing some good, in addition to the exercise. I'm not as sad as I have been.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of our trip to Bentonville. I loved seeing Jeff & Alli and going to Crystal Bridges again; I've lost count how many times we've been there together. 

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 NASB