u/Automatik_Teknikolor

Apologies for the long post. I've been so motivated just being on this sub, and I can give something back for the first time after walking for a decent length of time. I'm so sorry if this has been pointed out before.

It's taken me a few months, but after a couple of days thinking, I see no value at all in counting steps. On Monday's walk I did 14,110 steps and walked 8.2 miles. The app wasn't particularly impressed with this, as I doesn't think I'm improving or done enough steps, as I'd set the daily target to focus on steps. I'd just walked a good distance, and it was mega disheartening for me!

The crucial part for me now is the distance and the time. From now on, I'm just concentrating on pace. Getting the heart rate up and continuing my personal challenge to get into the cardio zone consistently for an entire walk. Even if you're walking less intensely (and I'm not always out hammering the pavement!), you might be surprised at how little counting steps brings to your walk. Looking at step "averages" or making a step target is fine if you are taking "average" steps, but you might be selling yourself short or creating a false positive.

I've definitely fallen victim to getting too bogged down with the data. Perhaps wanting a pat on the back from my watch was a good motivator at first, but I lost sight of the enjoyment of walking and the other benefits it brings like fresh air and the environment around me.

I'm not saying any of this to be negative, quite the opposite, stopping counting steps is a positive change for me. Have a look at your own data, app or whatever and see what you think. I'm glad to be evolving and this is a kick up the arse, reminding me to always enjoy being out and not make it all about numbers 😊

And some nice clouds up in the sky too. Zebra horse made me look twice, though, and the other horse was giving me a long stare! Great walk, though, was powering on today 😊

So many of you have been saying you've been troubled by the sun lately.

I waited for the rain to pass and went out tonight and I was thinking about all you who have been suffering in the heat of late. Just as I did, a rainbow came out. It was a sign, gang!! I enjoyed every second of not suffering from heatstroke on your behalves and wish you could all have enjoyed some respite from the heat like me. I know it's not the same, but I was thinking how fortunate I am.

It'll be your turn to give me sympathy when it turns winter here, so I'm enjoying this while I can!

15 years of being the best little friend our family could ever have imagined. This is my grandmother's Patterdale who arrived at the same time as my first born and has been a huge part of all our lives. We couldn't love our Rocky any more, but he's failing badly now. He can't see and is struggling to get around. That rainbow bridge that seemed so far away not too long ago is now in sight. I'm so glad it's been sunny lately and he's been able to do his favourite thing and sit in the sun.

I don't think anyone realises what a special breed of dog this is. So intelligent, loyal, and a hell of a lot of fun to walk and play with. Sharing these thoughts with like minded people is a little comfort as we start to say goodbye 💔

Had a sort of recovery day today and went for a stroll instead of a brisk walk. I caught some nice ominous clouds!

Pretty much a flat walk, but tonight's walk was 100% inspired by reading all of your experiences and goals. I have no idea how well I'm doing in the grand scheme, but I am encouraged I finished as strongly as I started.

I'm new to Reddit, I'm just getting back into walking properly, and I'm really pleased I found this Subreddit, so thanks to all for propelling me to what will hopefully be the first of many good walks in the future.