Training survives a rainy weekend

LITTLE ROCK — Last week’s training went well, and I’m looking forward to this week’s walking, although the rain was a bit of an issue the weekend of Sept. 14-16. And, since it was a bit gray and dreary, I kept wanting to take a nap or just lounge around watching television.

Not the best idea for someone wanting to train for a 5K walk.

But thankfully, there were lulls in the weekend showers that let me get outdoors. I didn’t need my collapsible umbrella, but I could have used it to ward off stray dogs or angry squirrels had they appeared.

And - sweet though I am - there’s really no danger of melting, so a light sprinkle didn’t cause undue distress. I could have worn some sort of waterproof clothing, but I’ve been stuck wearing those plastic rain ponchos and jackets in the past, and they can be miserable even when it’s not hot and muggy.

I didn’t need to think about options for walking indoors, but there are some. I don’t own a treadmill, but many people do. Several people I know who have treadmills use them for hanging clothing. I’ve been there and done that, too.

I do enjoy some of Leslie Sansone’s walking exercise videos, because they can be done at your convenience in the comfort of your own home, no matter what the weather is. Her videos include walking in place, side steps, knee lifts and kicks, and although they’re not technically “walking,” you can get a good overall workout. Some of the videos also make you use exercise bands for toning.

And the videos translate different intensity levels of their workouts into walking mileage - exertion equivalents range from 1 to 5 miles, so you can choose the distance depending on what you’re in the mood for.

The Bill Harmon Recreation Center in Sherwood, which is where I live, has a very nice indoor walking track. If you’re 50 or older, you can buy a walking package for $20 a month. If you’re under 50, you have to buy a membership or pay for a onetime visit, which could get a bit pricey. I turn 50 next year, so that might be an option for me then.

Just look around and see what is available in your city.

I did an Internet search for ideas about walking in inclement weather and found these tips in the walking section on about.com:

Plan a reward. Set out bath oil and aromatherapy candles, and have the tea orcocoa ready to make when you get back. If that’s too girlie, record a favorite show or sporting event to watch with your feet up.

Puddles are fun! Be a kid again, they say. You’re going to get wet anyway, so splash and play.

You are drip dry.

Sometimes bare limbs are better than wet fabric. If it’s warm enough, just get out there and experience the rain.

Walk indoors. Besides plodding on a treadmill, you can go to the mall, walk the halls of large buildings or, as mentioned earlier, find a fitness center with an indoor track.

Suit up. A lot of stores sell Gore-Tex or other waterproof outerwear, which would be good to have if your walk will last more than a half hour.

So, even though I’m tempted to make excuses for not getting my walk on, I’d really just be doing a disservice to myself and my training. Thankfully, though, the weather has gotten better and the temperatures lower, so I’ll lace up my shoes and keep on going.

Let’s walk

Here is Rosemary Boggs’ training schedule for this week: Today: 1 mile Tuesday: rest Wednesday: 1.5 miles Thursday: 1 mile Friday: rest Saturday: 1.5 miles Sunday: rest