I’ve had a longer than usual hiatus from power walking. It started off with early morning temperatures that were too warm, then a toe injury, then some days of just not feeling it, and then a trip to Alberta. All together it added up to almost two months’ absence with only occasional feeble attempts.

I was feeling the negative effects: sluggishness, lethargy, weight gain, poor food choices, lack of energy – you name it.

This morning, I decided enough was enough, so I headed out and did a 5K (3.1 miles) power walk.

Towards the end (during my cool down phase), I was in River Park, so decided to park myself on a bench and see what it would be like to totally stop for a bit and just relax in the beautiful, serene surroundings.

This was my stopping spot

Well!! That didn’t last more than a few minutes. My body wanted to keep moving and I felt myself getting agitated, so after a quick selfie, I continued on the last 1K home at a brisk (not power walking) pace.

I had some relaxing music playing, but even that didn’t help!

Yes, my body was definitely missing and craving movement. I’m now at home feeling energized and ready to get this day going! I’m not sure why I took such a long break, but I know now that I’m good to go for the rest of the summer.

“Activity and rest are two vital aspects of life. To find a balance in them is a skill in itself. Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have. Finding them in each other – activity in rest and rest in activity – is the ultimate freedom.”

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar