On Saturday, August 1, 2020, I will have walked past the ¾ point of my 1,000,000 Steps in support of Parkinson’s research and programs. For the most part, the weather has been excellent and conditions sometimes a little warm. I hope that the rest of the summer will be as agreeable.
Although fundraising is the primary goal for my walk, I am experiencing some great benefits from the walk as well. Loss of a few pounds never hurts but also the great improvement in my energy level for the rest of the days seems to be a contradiction. Workout more and get more energy back?
It also seems that by walking “mindfully” I am reducing muscle and joint pain that previously was my excuse to avoid exercise.
Mindfulness has also given me an awareness of every movement that makes up my stride (or gait). With strategic placement of my urban walking poles, I can quickly correct any imbalance or produce more forward momentum as I tackle an incline on the path.
I also have to be aware of the weakness on my left side, especially my left foot. During the walk my left foot will try to turn inward when my Dyskinesia appears. With the aid of the poles, I retain my stability and mindfully focusing on my left foot. I try to send the correct messages from my brain to straighten my foot so it will land correctly on the path.
Wow, who would have thought walking could be so intense of a mental workout!
So I’ll keep walking and asking for donations to reach my goal of $10,000.00, so please help if you can or forward to others that will. To follow me go to www.joewithpd.com..
To donate go to ttps://donate.parkinson.ca/site/TR/SuperWalk2020/CNO_superwalk?px=1211857&pg=personal&fr_id=2448
