Thursday, March 12, 2009

Time to take a walk

Our treadmill has become my favorite place to hang laundry. With a determined look on his face, my husband told me that he would use it all the time. Seven months pregnant, I remember telling him that it better not become a laundry hanger. Well, here we are six years later.

When not diapering or feeding a baby, I did try and find the time to use it once in a while. Having toddlers try to jump on a moving treadmill did not help my motivation to exercise. About a year ago, I started to use the treadmill on a daily basis. Everything was going along well until I had my "crash and fall" disaster. My kids still giggle about my pratfall on the treadmill. On that particular day, my two middle boys for some reason wanted to pull up chairs and watch me walk on the treadmill. I told them that nothing exciting was going to happen. Well, I guess they had a premonition or something because minutes later I was on the floor with scraped up knees. For some crazy mechanical reason, the treadmill went on auto pilot and changed my speed from 3 to 12 in a second. I went flying and gratefully didn't hit my head and get knocked out. The kids thought it was hilarious. So according to the manufacturer, it needs some kind of $100 computer controller or something. Since my husband was out of work, we put off repairing it. It is still sitting there displaying our family clothes as they dry.

Walking is my favorite form of exercise. When I worked, I always walked all over town during my lunch breaks. As a kid, I walked to school everyday. I feel so invigorated when I walk outside in the fresh air. My walks were also a good chance for me to clear my head and organize my thoughts. I really miss those "me" times during my walks.

Since the treadmill is practically on the scrap pile, I might as well try to fit in those great outdoor walks. I need to do it when hubby is home. If I walk at my 3 year old daughter's rate, I'll never burn any calories or get a workout. She stops to look at each and every flower along the way. I love those walks too, but I look forward to my solo walks as a break from my daily chaos. Once the weather turns a little warmer, I think I'll ask hubby to put down the remote after dinner so he can watch the little ones. Then it will be my time to walk once more. Wish me luck :)

15 comments:

CDB said...

Ah, how I can relate to this lovely post (not the part about nearly being killed on the treadmill.. my gosh! YOu could have seriously been injured!!) In our late 20s, we lived AND worked in downtown Charlotte and walked everywhere, and I truly miss that a LOT.

Great story though. I'm really sorry to admit, I laughed. I'm sorry! I'm glad you were ok!

T Rex Mom said...

I'm glad the treadmill did not seriously injury you. I also love walking. We live right on the Oregon Trail and it is my favorite place to walk - so much wildlife. However, we are waiting for spring. With the wind, it is just too cold. Good luck with more walks in the warmer weather - I'll hopefully be doing the same!

Juliet Colors said...

I love walking outdoors too. Good luck finding child-free time!

Teri said...

Sometimes just getting out in the fresh air is worth more than any calories than I may (or may not!) burn while on a walk. I hope you are able to find some relaxing walk time.

Sara Moriarty said...

I had to chuckle reading your fall incident. Not because it was you. Because I could totally visualize that happening to me. Sounds like your treadmill was doomed from the beginning.
Maybe the whole thing was the Universe's plan to get you outside enjoying nature and alone time. There is always a plan you know... :)
Let me know how you get your hubby to put down the remote. I obviously need a new technique. :)

Anonymous said...

you poor thing! that sounds very painful--and of all days for your sons to be right there! i need to stop multitasking while i'm on the treadmill (wiping sweat, drinking water, changing songs on my mp3, etc) or the same thing is going to happen to me!

spring can't come soon enough for a nice stroll in some fresh air. the treadmill just isn't the same as walking outside.

Annie Wicking said...

Great picture in my mind's eye. Your treadmill being a place to keep the washing while you are out walking and looking at the flowers with your daughter. How beautiful is that... all that fresh air and easy living, wonderful!

Joanne said...

I'm a walker too, walking whenever and wherever I can. It's so much more than walking, the way it seems to slow down life as you observe and look and reflect while taking a long walk. Have fun!

G. B. Miller said...

I walk all the time. Every weekend no matter what the weather is (and in Connecticut, it can be brutal), I'm out there walking.

Saturdays I walk to run my morning errands downtown and Sundays I walk just to stretch my legs and marvel at the quiet (where I live, my end of town basically shuts down on Sundays).

Kitten said...

I live in CT, too. I only walk outside when the weather's warm. I'm a winter weather wimp. Otherwise, it's the treadmill at the Y.

2 Brits, 2 Yanks, 2 Dogs said...

First of all thank you for visiting my blog!

I'm a walker too - I used to be a runner until I had my second child and everything went South if you know what I mean.

Lovely flower pix - I love your header.

The Write Girl said...

Hey Septembermom,

I am glad you didn't get hurt when you fell off the treadmill. That was close! It's cute the way you describe walks with your daughter and her stopping to look at the flowers along the way. With spring coming, I am sure you will have wonderful weather for nice walks. Definitely have your hubbie watch the kids for a while. : )

Shauna said...

Good Luck! And I l♥ve to go shopping! Great power walking for me :) Thanks for being such a sweet and supportive blogging friend! ♥ Hugs :)

shabby girl said...

I do wish you luck! You not only deserve that time...you require that time! You need it for your well being.
Isn't it fascinating that your boys pulled chairs up to watch you on the treadmill?

Michelle said...

Ahhh.. the precious mommy time. This is why I joined a gym -- with free childcare :) Ahhh spring when you can get outside and ENJOY exercise. Good luck!