Welp, summer is officially over and I'm a little sad. The warm weather, early sunrises and late sunsets are quickly fading away. I am going to miss how easy summer makes things. Late night runs just because the sun is still up, no sleeves and shorts take the thought process out of getting ready, and taking a walk anytime of the day just because I can. My walking time has become important, and even though the weather can be quite hot during the summer months, I am going to miss how easy it is to just do it.
I must admit I was quite hesitant as summer was approaching. Not because of the season (because I am a true summer girl) but I wondered how it would affect my summer walking journey. The spring weather was perfect, and I was out practically every day, but what would that look like when the weather was 90 plus degrees outside, and the humidity was crazy. Well, when I looked back over my walking time for June through August, I managed to walk 227 miles. I averaged about 75 miles a month. This was great because as it turns out, I averaged about 78 miles per month in the spring. So, I was on pace even though it was summer, and I truly expected my numbers to be lower.
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I could hardly believe I still managed to get in that much walking time. It was not always easy, and I absolutely had to be intentional and strategic. As things started to heat up, I made the choice to venture out early in the morning (even though it was summer break) and in the evenings when the sun wasn't beating down so hard. Now, do not get me wrong, at its hottest point during the summer it did not matter when I went outside- it was just hot! Some days I went out, and some days I did not. I also walked while I was on vacation which helped me clock those miles.
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Most days I walked by myself. Give me an intriguing celebrity memoir, and I am good to go, but most days I was also asking folks to take a walk with me. Some days they would oblige, and it always makes the experience just a bit better. We would take a stroll after dinner and catch up on all that was going on. I have some that are keener on walking than others, but anytime they do it with me, it makes my day.
I did not set any specific goals for walking in the summer, although I did at least expect walking would be my challenge because it was the summer. When I saw my average during those months, I was proud. I am big on setting goals and pushing through, but sometimes when you take the pressure off, you'll be surprised by what you achieve and that's exactly what happened for me. Now, I am ready to see how the fall goes, and how long I will be able to get outside before the frost makes its way in.
I’m not surprised you got in that many miles! One of the things I admire about you is your dedication. It’s also fun to watch your journey on insta. Thanks for sharing with us and inspiring us!