As the alarm catapulted me into reality at 7.a.m. on Thursday morning, I could have sworn it was still the middle of the night. There was no light at all seeping through the curtains and it seemed so cold. If it was 7.00 a.m where was the heat then? I dragged myself out of bed telling myself that I would be fine once I got outside and was cheered to find that I had put my long sleeve walking top on the radiator - there was heat after all and it was just about to caress the top half of my body, what bliss! Fully clothed in all my gear, I left Alan still dozing and went through the process of getting some water, doing my stretches, getting the gloves and finding the keys (always the hardest task). Opening the front door I was greeted by drizzle - not at all what I wanted to find at this time in the morning, so it was back in to find the cagoule. I don't enjoy walking in the rain and for a lot of last year there was none.
I think I did the first third of the walk on automatic pilot but I was feeling very virtuous on my return and a welcome shower ensured I was wide awake and crowing as I ate breakfast.
Friday was a similar experience and as Ellie had woken through the night I was really whacked. I know from experience though that even if I do not want to do it, I am fine once I get up and that feel good feeling really is worth it. This made me think as I walked about the importance of making the process as easy to adhere to as possible so I am putting together some top tips which will appear in the next few days.
This morning, blissfully there was no alarm and as I lay cosy in my bed after walking naturally I wondered how Alan and ellie might feel about doing a family walk as planned for on New Year's Day. Both were up for it so an hour or so later wrapped up against the snow flurries we were to be found slipping and sliding through muddy tracks in Epping Forest. Ellie, in her wellies (best footwear for the occasion) was thoroughly enjoying it and as we walked we heard a woodpecker who we then tried to spot. No luck but we did see a jay and once we got to Higham's Park Lake there were mallards, coots, grebes and other ducks to observe. I was not aware of having slowed my pace so Ellie was coping very well and when tiredness threatened to set in we had fun playing hide and seek.
For me, it was so lovely to walk with the family again and it took me back when we used to have Ellie in the backpack and walk then. So taken was she that we talked more about plans to explore others walks, to do longer ones and take picnics when the weather improves and also to consider doing some walking in Switzerland again. With children the secret is to really engage them and involve them listening to the aspects they enjoy. Today it was mud and being able to splash through puddles as well as spotting the wildlife. Another motivator is to capture a hill so we shall try that on a later date. What would your children enjoy?
posted by Heather @ 10:04 AM
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