One year ago, I started a regular routine of walking several times each and every week. What I did not realize is that it was going to become one of the most important activities in my life.When I began, I walked a 4 km route in my neighbourhood which I enjoyed at first, but it became a little tedious as the winter months arrived. As life became more complicated in January of 2010, I took my walks to a nearby trail where I felt I could find privacy and solitude. The trail was stunning, private, and protected. It was easy and enjoyable to build my endurance, one step at a time, as my distances steadily increased. My usual routine involved two shorter walks on Tuesday and Thursday, usually 8 – 12 km and a longer walk on Saturday or Sunday, ranging from 16 – 28 km, always maintaining a steady pace of 10 minutes per kilometre (not exactly a record breaking pace)
This nearby trail is now an addiction, a necessity, and a familiar friend. Throughout the seasons, I have watched the forest transform from the cold moss-rich winter, where I have witnessed the awesome power of the raging Sooke River, to the blossoms of spring, the buzzing heat and trickling river of summer, and the golden crisp coolness of today’s autumn splendor. I learned that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing (thanks Brian).
This trail has seen me transform from my worst to my best. On the trail I have created goals, unravelled confusion, welcomed grief, found strength, resolved anger, weighed career choices, and simply enjoyed and appreciated this amazing part of the world.
I hope that walking this trail never feels like a chore, because at this point in my life, I have made walking a priority, often leaving the dishes, laundry, or cleaning for the evening. I cannot imagine how I would have survived 2010 without it....
