7/5/09

Exercise and Me



One thing that makes me a better person, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, and even hostess is a certain friend missing in my life right now.

Meet my missing friend:  exercise.

Exercise helps me in many aspects of my life.  It gives me more energy and better sleep, which gives me more time to plan and be organized, it helps me think clearer and it even helps me spiritually.  I find that I have more patience and creativity when I exercise.



I didn't realize how much I needed my friend in my life.  Having foot surgery has taken me out of commission for a while, so my last exercise routine with my friend Jenny went like this.  It was over an hour of pure workout.  Ahhhh ...

Scenery



Friendly cows



And horses



Wild flowers



Childhood memories - moving irrigation pipes



Views - Roxy Ann



Soothing ponds



Sharing life



More memories - picking gallons of blackberries



Back to the car to say good-bye



I miss my workout friends, and my exercise. I miss our inspirational talks and the encouragement that we give one another.  I just need to be patient. And heal.

Do you have a regular workout routine, and do you think exercise makes you a better person?



(Last two pix: Jenny's dog Buddy being friendly with a cow.  He wasn't actually with us the day of this walk, but this photo is priceless. Buddy doesn't know a stranger.)

20 comments:

Lucy..♥ said...

Wishing I had that scenery for walking... I too am looking for a walking partner, I think that's the clue & a great motivator. I was walking approximately 4 miles every single day and that felt great. So I too need to get back into a routine.... keep on putting one foot ahead of the other ;-)

Anonymous said...

What beautiful scenery to walk through! I do try to run/walk on my treadmill about 3-4 miles 5 times a week. I really notice a change when I don't do it consistently as it affects my mood, energy level, etc. I think exercise DOES make all of us not only healthier, but better people. My prayers are with you that you heal quickly and are able to get walking again soon!

Alisa said...

I agree I agree!
It is always so easy to get out of the routine of exercise (injury, illness, vacation etc.) and so hard to get back into the routine.
But it can be done! Just takes a lot of work-(I am there right now!)

Courtney said...

Exercise definitely makes me a better person. It clears the stress away and makes me feel better about me. Unfortunately, I am just not consistent with it. I let everything else take priority. I do exercise. I just wish I had a schedule. a consistent routine!

Suzann said...

I used to exercise every day and it did make me a better person. I fell out of that routine and so many aspects of my life have been short-changed because of it. Your post has inspired to make some changes in my life and exercise again! Thanks.
I hope your foot heals quickly.

Jo Draven said...

I hope you have a speedy recovery, Sandy!

I loved this post so much. I am definitely not as active as I should be, but I have noticed that it makes a HUGE difference in how I feel and even how organized I am!

Your post was great, but I especially loved the pictures. Oregon is so beautiful!

Amanda Nicole said...

I know exactly what you mean. Every week a good friend and I walk the seawall here in Vancouver. It takes 2 1/2 hours but the sights, smells, and good talks make it go by quickly. At first we started the routine for exercise, and now I cherish it because it keeps us in touch.

Wishing you a speedy recovery from the northwest!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

I feel like my life has been so unsettled over the past couple of years that my routine of regular exercise has suffered! You are reminding me that getting back in that routine will make everything else feel much better, you are so right.

My new house is not in my favorite walking neighborhood, although at least we can catch glimpses of the lake as we walk. I might need to find some new places to explore. I would love to have that beautiful scenery, wow!!! That would motivate me all the more!

I hope your foot gets better soon!

Happy weekend!

ellen b. said...

Exercise with scenery is my favorite form of exercise. I do miss my regular walks with my bloggy friend in California while I'm in Washington. While in Washington I'll walk on Saturdays with my old friends and it's always good to walk and talk and get rejuvenated...
Hope you heal quickly and are out on the road again...

Christine said...

Never thought of exercise as a Friend, but if does all those things, it must be!
I will look at exercise a bit differently now.
Thanks

Barb said...

Those photos are totally relaxing in themselves! Don't you be walkin' too quickly though there, girlie, before your foot is back to perfection! And happy happy birthday to you today!

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

If I had scenery like that I wouldn't step foot into a gym! Gorgeous. I actually love to exercise but I have to do it away from home or I won't do it, so I go to the gym at least 4 times a week. It just makes me feel so good afterwards and I can think better and it just starts my day off right. I do classes so my "gym" friends are there and we motivate each other so it's fun.
Is there a house for sale near you? LOL.
Hugs.
Kim

Marianna said...

Yes, yes! I walk at least three miles a day...except for the past two weeks. I can really tell a difference when I don't walk. I sleep better, am in a better mood, better able to handle little stressors etc.

I hope your foot heals quickly!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Sandy, absolutely, I'm a a HUGE believer in exercise & what it does for me mentally and physically. I've been working out steadily now for about 27 years & will never stop (God willing!). It does give me a lot more energy, keeps my metabolism high and is just a great thing to do on a regular basis for yourself. I'll have to do an exercise post too one of these days, cause that is one thing I'm really passionate about too.

And oh my goodness at the scenery you get to see on your walks! That is just breath-taking. You're very blessed to have that around.

Lorie said...

I do have a regular exercise routine and on days I miss I can always feel the difference!

I don't have a workout buddy. And sometimes I wish I did. There are two friends that always run on the treadmill together at the gym while I am there and I am envious!

Anonymous said...

I love your pictures! I too believe that exercise makes me whole. I need it as part of my life everday. Thanks again for those pictures.

Charla

Melanie said...

I'm "Shredding." It's great and yields quick results.
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Gina said...

I love those pictures! How beautiful. Like you, exercise is an essential thing-it keeps the grumpies away and leaves me feeling energized and able to rest better. Those three miles pounding the pavement four times a week are like my loney place-a great place to really hear from God. I don't function very without it!

GiBee said...

Right now, and for the next month or so, my regular exercise routine will be to literally HOBBLE around! Right now I can't place any weight on my foot. In two weeks, I will be fitted for a boot. We'll see how it goes from there!

Our Complete Family said...

I walked in Germany with a stairwell neighbor but have really neglected my friend, exercise, since we moved back stateside a few years ago.
Thanks for the gentle reminder. I need to go find my good friend again!
Happy summertime hugs~ Les