More walking

After one full month of pandemic, I accidentally stepped on a scale and discovered my weight was the highest it had ever been, higher even than when I was pregnant.

I was horrified. I immediately went downstairs, cleared all the boxes off of the treadmill and started walking. I walked five miles a day for the next eight months, and lost thirty five pounds.

More importantly, I also gained a lot of fitness. This was especially apparent in the saddle.

At the time, Lucy and Stealth were my two most regular mounts. 

Lucy

Stealth was a sensitive, quirky horse with a tendency to buck in the canter. I remember one especially broncy ride several months after I'd started walking. Stealth unleashed a whole series of bucks, one after another, during which my position remained completely rock solid. I was delighted and just a little depressed. 

Stealth

"Darn it," I said to myself. "If being fitter makes me a better rider, I guess I'm going to have to keep walking."

And I did, for another year or so.

After that, life got really busy and really complicated. I started missing days, then weeks and eventually, the treadmill got covered up in boxes.

A couple months ago, I got a new horse. 

A new, unbroke, baby horse.

She's almost ready to start under saddle, and even though no one is expecting fireworks, I'd like to be a little fitter before I sit on her for the first time.

I've been having vague thoughts about the treadmill all summer, but none were put into action until two weeks ago, when I received an email from my employer about a walking challenge with cash prizes.

Just like that, the treadmill was cleared off, and I was back to walking.

I don't expect to win, but I am trying really hard for a top five placing.

It feels doable, but even if it isen't, I appreciate the push. It's good to be walking again, both with Sage and on the treadmill.