Even the Spy Came in from the Cold
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 16 seconds
“Honey, even the spy knew to come in from the cold!”
Jan pleaded with me not to walk in sub-freezing temperatures. I knew better than to tell her the spy came in not from frigid weather but from the Cold War.
“What if you get frostbite or get very sick?”
I usually gave in to Jan’s pleas, but now that I live alone, no one prays me to forgo a morning walk.
Today’s hike was in Siberian-like 4-degree Fahrenheit weather. With the wind chill, it was a glacial ten degrees below zero.
With my face mask, four layers, and the persistence of one of the fruit flies in my apartment, I put one foot in front of the other and did the best I could in sub-optimal conditions.
I usually walk 7.5 miles in the morning but settled reluctantly for 4.12.
If my Saturday grief group ends early enough, I will attempt to finish the total mileage. It will be a balmy twenty-five degrees with a wind chill of positive fifteen degrees.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
I receive a commission when you buy a book or product using a link on this page. Thank you for supporting Sharing Jan’s Love blog.
"You earned a double ribbon today," my friend Cindy said as she slowed down to walk with her dog Henry next to me.
"Why, two ribbons," I asked as the brutal winds chopped my words into tiny ice pellets.
"One for walking daily and the second for walking in frigid weather."
I nodded and reminded myself I was walking for physical and mental health, not ribbons.
"The lake isn't frozen."
"Climate change," she responded.
917 Times Three
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 16 secondsDespite my better judgment, I did go for a 2.9-mile walk after dinner. I chose not to wear my ski mask but found it colder than expected.
Flying solo, I have become obsessed with the calories burned, steps taken, and minutes walked.
When I came home, I had achieved the February challenge of 917 calories burned for fourteen days. Now I have met or exceeded that number three times!
Why has an NYC area code become essential to my daily exercise? Do any of these numbers or achievements mean anything?
