Stepping out in life

My stepping up regime.

18.600 steps per day.  Amazefit GTR

Taking steps rules my day and I set out to exceed 18.600 steps per day or well over the 10.000 steps considered a mark of fitness and well being. My target is 12000 steps but I exceed it by far sometimes doing up to 25000 steps when I'm out somewhere. In fact, I plan my day around these targets and 18.600 is like a magical figure. Walkers have their superstitions but I'm sure my toes won't fall off if I go another number of steps. But there are variations depending on factors such as rain, heat, indoor steps when watching or listening to something of interest, eg music, podcast, football game, YouTube video and so on. When it’s warm inside I turn on the air-conditioning to keep cool. Cool’s the rule and I avoid sweat at all costs. I don't like being a sweaty guy.

So perhaps most of my steps are indoor jogging of sorts which can annoy Cathy who fears it’s damaging our flooring. It certainly puts her off watching TV or reading but often I still get away with it! When I’m out and about I can measure accurately the time, place and steps taken. I go on various routes and have been doing so for years and know every rut, corner, and stone. When elsewhere on road or track I just clock in the time and know the steps involved from point to point. Wherever I find myself I walk the time away.

Lenova 

To assist in this account I have had a variety of aids, from fit bits and similar devices to my current watch, the 2^nd I’ve had. I have been frustrated with some fit bit type devices that have been slow to respond after which I’ve felt cheated of the real steps I’ve taken. I was literally jumping up and down with rage to set off my device, see left, and realised I needed a more reliable replacement, as in the watch above. 

Another issue is that in daylight it’s hard to read the devices and I’ve had to resort to my phone to get the visible numbers. My latest device, above, is great and can be read in any conditions, and has a host of other features such as it is waterproof and needn’t be removed when showering or swimming. There’s also blood pressure, sleeping, and even a nag function when you haven’t moved for a while. Best of all it doesn’t need recharging for about 3 weeks something I doubted when reading the advertised features.

Whether I’m jogging inside or walking around the neighbourhood I invariably have earphones on so I can listen to the radio, podcasts, or music for the moment. In that way I’m multi-tasking. It would be nice to have a dog on a leash to go with it. 

My commitment to this exercise and lifestyle activity is almost religious in fervor, and I’m sure that I would be in a very sick state, or dead, were I not doing all this movement required by these exercise devices. My heartbeat and pulse are along for the ride. Despite my age, I really think that I’ve never been as fit, even when I swam daily or was a soldier. It keeps me young and I joke that “I’m looking for a modelling contract for my legs” which look lean and mean. It’s a pity that the upper part of my body doesn’t look as good.

Any injury that would stop this daily commitment would be devastating. Recently I stepped on a nail and after tetanus shots and antibiotics couldn’t walk or jog for over a week. It was painful and I missed my walks. They are an integral part of my life and keep my young. People notice me and wave as they drive by, or stop for a chat. I only take by days about 4 days a year, like Xmas, birthdays and other special occasions.

When Thomas visits we often go for long walks and talks, a father and son thing. I also walk a few times a week with Cathy but, unlike Thomas who walks quickly, I have to slow down for her leisurely pace. She strolls whilst I walk briskly. I don’t have expensive joggers and am happy to wear the cheap shoes I buy at Rivers. They do the trick although at times I’ve inserted extra soles. I usually wear my West Coast Eagles cap so I get recognised as that weird Aussie rules walker. 

Walking is my ruling reign of pleasure.