The Walk & Read Club

Denae D'Arcy: Stomach Ache

The Walk and Read Program is making my stomach hurt. Allow me to explain.

I am not very active. I was an all-star cheerleader for our co-ed squad at Carson-Newman College (way) back in the day. Complete with diet restrictions and three-a-day workouts to prepare for Nationals, we also did weigh-ins. It was strict and I wasn’t a fan of keeping up the regiment after graduation. 

 Since then, my exercise regiment has consisted of watering plants, gardening and the occasional furniture re-arranging project. I do eat a mostly healthy diet (a lot of veggies) and keep my physique under control that way. I usually do not exercise. 

That’s why the Walk and Read program has been so wonderful. I’m held accountable for my commitment to walk and listen to books at the same time. Not only do I feel stronger, my stomach hurts. Walking has motivated me to throw crunches (60 last night) and pushups into the workout mix! I’m waking up in the morning to recognize I have muscles again and it’s exciting to get the day started.

Denae D'Arcy: Confession Time

Confession time: I did not get off to the roaring start I’d planned. 

First, I had trouble with downloading the books and I couldn’t quite get them onto my iPod correctly. Then, I struggled with getting into a 30 minute-a-day walking routine.So, I decided to start off with a book on cd while I exorcised my technologically inept demons and walk whenever I had the chance.

My first book was Every Day in Tuscany by Frances Mayes. I listened to the book part of the time while walking and then thought aloud or (I’ll admit it) talked on my cell phone to family members during the other half of the walk.

While I’m feeling incredible inspired to visit Italy again and even start a tiny savings account for a condo abroad, the biggest impact from the Walk and Read program so far for me is better calf muscles. Previously, mine resembled lumpy banana bread loaves and while they still do, at least now they are toned banana bread loaves. 

I hope you are enjoying the challenge as much as I am. Have you figured out how to get the books onto your iPod? Call the library and ask someone to help you if you are struggling. Perhaps we’ll run into each other soon walking in the Fountain City park. 

If I’m on my cell phone, please trip me.