As the old song goes, “The weather outside is frightful”.
We’re having temperatures hovering right around the freezing point the past few days. This is very unusual for this time of year here. Usually, it’s starting to get pretty hot by now.
I know that in the winter of 2020/2021, I walked outdoors here all winter. Our winter cold is different than the cold we’re having now. Now, because it’s either usually raining or snowing, or both, it’s a very damp cold and I don’t tolerate that well at all.
So … until things smarten up again outdoors, back I go to the indoor track at our new multi-purpose facility.
One downside that I’ve noticed is that when I’m walking outdoors, the time flies, whereas at the track, an hour seems to take forever.
I love that we now have an option for inclement weather vs having to walk a treadmill at one of the local gyms. Doing laps is at least going somewhere, vs going nowhere at all on a treadmill.
Another downside is that when I’m walking at the facility, I have to wait for opening time. Nature is open for business 24/7 , so I can walk outdoors whenever I’m ready.
Despite the downsides, I’m very thankful for our new facility. In addition to being most welcome on bad weather days, a big upside is that I maintain a great power walk pace throughout my walk because there are no distractions that I feel the need to stop and photograph. Anything that I see along the way that I want to photograph will be right there on my final cool down lap.
As I’m doing my laps, I’m listening to the same music I listen to while I’m on the outdoor trails. I picture in my mind what I might be seeing when I get back out there. Maybe there will be baby ducks and goslings. Maybe the wildflowers will be starting to bloom.
My next few posts will take you on a tour of where I’ll be walking for the next few days.
“Psychogeography does not have to be complicated. Anyone can do it. You do not need a map, Gor-Tex, a rucksack or a companion. All you need is a curious nature and a comfortable pair of shoes. There are no rules to doing psychogeography – this is its beauty.”
Tina Richardson
Radically Retired 
I can certainly understand your mixed emotions about the indoor walking track. Years ago, I’d walk with a friend at an indoor track before work. The time flew by as we were talking. But I understand that would not be conducive to a power walk. Sometimes I would listen to a podcast if I was alone, and that made the time go fast, too. But other times, I like to be just inside my own head while walking. I’d get ideas or think about things. In any case, I hope it won’t be too long before you are outside again and having to make a quick stop to take a wonderful photo. 🙂
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“If” the weather man is right, it looks like I’ll be back outside again in a couple of days. I’ve tried listening to podcasts, but I’m so geared to walking to the tempo of music that the podcasts slowed me down. Like you, I do think about things as I walk – sort of clear out the cobwebs before getting my day going. Thanks for reading and commenting, Betty! Have a lovely Saturday!
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