Lately my answer to that question has been a resounding no. It’s too hot, it’s too humid, there’s a storm, I’m in a hurry, and the laundry room where the treadmill is housed is like a sauna. No, I don’t usually use all of those excuses at the same time, but you can see that I have several that I can mix and match as the situation presents itself.

I need to walk. I need to do something. Anything, really. So today I did. I got the leash, attached the happy, wiggly dog to the other end, and I walked. I walked directly across the street to the park and along the shaded path that leads to the basketball court.

I continued on and walked past the volleyball pit and noticed that it has lights for night time play, then I crossed over to the playground area. I walked on down the path, along the fence separating the park from the elementary school. I followed the curve and walked alongside the large playing field and across to the street. When I arrived there, I turned around and walked back.

It was a good walk. No, it was better than that. It was an excellent walk. It was also the first time I set foot in the park in the month or so that I’ve lived here. It’s a lovely park and it’s on my doorstep. I have zero excuse for not using it. Now I know. Now I have to do it. So the next time the question, “walk much?” comes up I’ll be able to say, “Yes, all the time.”