Charlie and I ventured out this morning on a five miler along the country roads that surround our village. It was a cold, crisp, but beautiful morning and I was well wrapped up against the elements. I’m walking more now and taking in the sights whereas, before, all I focused on was my pace. Stopping to take a photograph like the one above would have been out of the question and I rarely had time to appreciate the wonderful views.
Charlie loves to sniff and stops regularly to do what dogs do against bushes and trees. The fresh air and quiet allows me to focus on the things that matter as I recharge my batteries and forget the worries of the world for an hour or so. Belfast seems a million, as opposed to twenty, miles away and I can dream up book and blog ideas, ponder my faith or sort out all the other nonsense that clutters up our brains on a daily basis. It’s a mental detox completely free of charge.
When we got home Charlie was a tired, happy but very muddy dog. He loves puddles, the murkier the better, and even occasionally stops to drink from them. Disgusting I know, but it doesn’t seem to bother him. What does bother him, however, is the dreaded bath which he inevitably faces before being allowed back into the living room. I normally end up wetter than him as our weekly wrestling match leaves the two of us looking like drowned rats.
Whereas Charlie returns home dirtier than when he left, these walks leave me feeling clean and alive. It’s as if the fresh air and exercise purges me of the grit and grime of daily life. I used to turn my nose up at those who walked, as opposed to run, but maybe it’s time for me to fast track to the slow lane, where quality is valued more than quantity. Hoping you all have a great day wherever you are from the Northern Irish countryside.
Black Thoughts 
Wonderful 👏
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Thank you 😊
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You are welcome
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I always enjoy long walks, especially when I take my Bella. There is a great peace to be found simply walking and enjoying what is there to be seen. Running I would imagine to be great exercise for the body, walking is great healing for the soul.
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It is indeed Rebecca although I prefer walking with Charlie at present 🙂
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Nice! Looks like the perfect place for inspiration to strike.
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Most definitely. Thank you 😊
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I do more walking now than running these days and I agree that you get to see a ot more things while walking. But I don’t think you can beat running for getting that ‘satisfied’ feeling when you get back home. So I wouldn’t give up running just yet – you’re far too young anyway!!
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Ha Ha. Thank you but I feel sooooo old 😂
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Thank you! I love reading your posts. They make this Canadian girl feel much better.
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You’re very welcome. Don’t forget to check out my books as well. Over 130,000 words of me 😊
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Long dog walks are great for the soul as well as your health, especially if its a peaceful trek like yours clearly was. Just having that bit of fresh air, blue skies and little distractions really helps me juggle all the jigsaw pieces of my brain and put them back into some sort of order.
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I agree Ian. A great way to destress 🙂
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As I recover from my broken foot I am relegated to walking – though I am picking up the pace. I wonder if I will ever return to my 10-12 miles-a-day-every-day habit of running. Just a year ago, there would be no question in my mind – of course, I would and I would go even hard and farther! Now, I am gaining a new perspective on “whole” body fitness and health. Long walks with my Brittany Ember were a no-go for several weeks and I realized then just how vital those moments of breathing and contemplating and enjoying the scenery through his eyes are to my spirit! Pheasants, quail, a tall stand of grass perfect for plowing through, the way the sunlight catches a field just right so the wheat spikes glimmer. I don’t ever want to take the chance of injuring myself to the point that I can no longer even enjoy walking! I lose myself in thought, put together the profound prose that escapes me otherwise, and as I continue to heal – come home in no pain (unless I fall on the ice.) The days have grown very short and cold here in NW Montana so most of my walks are in the dark and snow before and after work. Still has its own beauty though a bit more precarious at times! I anticipate a return to running at some point. But for now, I am enjoying a different pace and variety in my physical endeavors (core workouts, balance exercises – I have none, and weights!)
Cheers to you!! Thank you for sharing your wandering ponders. I would love to traipse through the Irish countryside someday!
Erika
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Thank you Erika. I hope you get to walk/run in Ireland one day although I’m sure Montana is just as beautiful 🙂
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My husband and I walk each night. It’s a Godsend. We connect and it’s just a great way to center ourselves.
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Hi Andrea. Continued happy walking to you guys 😊
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I really enjoy reading your blogs. Keep writing.
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Much appreciated. Thank you.
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