![Avatar for JonicaBradley](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/avatar-36a1c8474b1e8cb13a17ea0699a4cf91.jpg?width=150)
Some of you may have read my earlier article on psychosomatic pain. In order to combat this current situation, I need a major endorphin boost.
I used to be a runner, running between 7 and 10 miles every other day. I'd like to be a runner again. So, I've started walking.
Walking may be as far as I get, but at least it will get me out of the house and into nature.
I'd like to share some photos with you that I just took.
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/262d120e43f4cca4a21fd1649e4ef996.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
After waking .10 of a mile (the length of my drive) I turn left and start up the hill. My goal is the water tower just on the other side of the hill.
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/2f6f30759f4bfdbaa3c99a88ecdf846c.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
I took two quick photos and concentrated on my walking. Due to a year and a half of mystery illness, I am incredibly out of shape.
Wait. That's not true. Round is a shape, after all
While I walk, I listen to an audiobook. I learned while I was running, that music will change my pace, which isn't always a good thing, especially when I was distance running.
Currently, I'm listening to Where the Crawdads Sing by Della Owens.
Once I made it over the hill and pay the water tower, I turned right. Walked a block and turned right again. Walked another block and made my final right turn, putting me back on the highway leading to my house.
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/4f350cc8c0bf83e03f16269f5a969254.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
By now I was already pretty tired and slowing down. So I stopped every few feet and took photos!
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/223c62f73d23c498bce50e41a025a39f.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
The clouds were getting darker and I was honestly worried I might get caught in the rain. I didn't, but it was close.
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/6986f3c527f4f266c0d54fff042cd9b2.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
It was extremely humid and I was regretting my decision at this point. I definitely wasn't feeling any endorphins!
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/1c95c8925c7ed1e4ef1d6d6458c5c643.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
I was able to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings, though. And I just kept reminding myself this excursion was both for my physical as well as mental health.
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/b5ed70abe6732d615c5d3d92affbba46.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
Grabbing back down the hill, I could see my driveway on the right. It's the one with the bridge. Almost home! But oh, boy! Was I huffing and puffing at this point. And getting hungry!
I kept passing these clumps of tiny white flowers.
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/daa3ade4e3dce3600e08bbcd35589a45.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/c5df511f73035e11c1b7f20676397563.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
Still huffing and puffing down the house, two more photos and I was home.
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/e5cbd4fb0fbdf287246e63386d7a38b7.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
![](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/7faadef0/ee2d078140693dc5c46fe0909c23c99a.jpeg?width=300&quality=10&blur=20)
This entire walk, with a few moments stolen for photos, took me about 45 minutes from front door to front door.
And now I'm hungry. I'm snacking on homegrown carrots and store bought hummus with a litter of water!
I really need to walk this route daily. I may need to start out thrice weekly. And then slowly add distance. If I can accomplish this, it is probable I can lift some of my anxiety and also stop taking the medication with the muscle and joint pain side effect.
Y'all need to root me on!
I hope to publish a little exercise journal for accountability and encouragement.
![Avatar for JonicaBradley](https://cdn.rcimg.net/JonicaBradley/avatar-36a1c8474b1e8cb13a17ea0699a4cf91.jpg?width=150)
Indeed that nature can makes us feel relax and feel better. It helps to increase pleasant feelings. Its good to know that you have such a nice place to walk and do your exercise there. Continue doing it for it is good to yourself :) hope you feel better from time to time.