Hey there! My name is Laurie Lico Albanese, and I’m thrilled to bring My BigWalk to the VN Blog Circle. My Big Walk is a year-long walking project I began on October 1st. Which happens to be the month I turned 50…in Paris. With my husband. And a lot of oysters. And hours and hours of walking.
But more on that some other time.
Since turning 49 with a bottle of wine, a piece of cake and a single candle to mark the moment, I’dbeen trying to decide how to celebrate my semi-centennial: a spa vacation? a big bash? five good girl friends and me on a Sex In the City night in Manhattan?
None of the usual suspects appealed to me. I wanted a rite of passage rather than an extravaganza. A celebration that was unique to me, one that might make me feel I’d arrived at this point of life with a good idea of who I am and one that wouldn’t leave me with a big hangover the next day.
I’d always fantasized about walking for a month through France, Italy, England, or Ireland: pub crawl, vineyard tour, Renaissance seminar, Blarney Stone, you get it the idea. But that didn’t seem to fit into my present lifestyle. For one thing, I have a husband with a full-time job who thinks husbands and wives living apart from one another for months at a time can lead to, shall we say, trouble. And while my daughter’s away at college, I do have a son still in highs school. Those who know my son know that he pretty much runs the house anyway, but that doesn’t mean he should be handed the keys and left on his own. We all know 16-year-old boys + an empty house = BIG TROUBLE.
What to do…visit an ashram? Take my girl friends for a week at the beach? Meet my daughter in Montreal and go on a shopping spree?”
One morning, while sweeping my front porch, I realized I could take that urge for adventure – the urge to walk, to see, to explore, to saunter, journey, sojourn, pilgrimage — and do it right here, from home.
Rather than making my celebration an adventure apart from my life, I could make it a new venture within my life. And so, My Big Walk was born.
It’s my plan to walk for one hour, every day, 365 days. Through sun, rain, fog, sleet, snow, hangovers, hangnails, sprained ankles, bad moods, menopause, hot flashes, cold spells — you name it, I’m walking through it.
Over the years I’ve spent a lot of time (and money) with therapists, coaches, and even a few doctors, who taught me that by and large there few things in life that you can’t get through by simply getting up, getting dressed, and getting on with the day. In other words, put one foot in front of the other and then do it again, and again.
If it scares you, do it anyway. If you don’t feel like it, do it anyway. If you’re tired, definitely do it. It may not seem like a very sophisticated life philosophy but I’ve found it’s one that gets me up and out and started on each day pretty reliably.
Every day is a small journey. Every walk is a small journey. How you live one day is how you live your whole life.
So that’s me: One Woman. One Year. One Thousand Miles. A year-long walking project to mark my fiftieth birthday. So far I’ve made a lot of new friends (you can join them on MyBigWalkers wall), and seen a lot of beautiful places. Gretchen Rubin, creator of “The Happiness Project” called this a great happiness project.
I hadn’t thought of it that way until she said it. But of course, she’s right. MyBigWalk is taking me out in the world exploring new places, and meeting new people. It IS making me happy. I hope you’ll come along. I think it’ll make you happy, too.
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I really like this! I really really like this! I will be 55 on 11/29/2009, and I will (hopefully) be finishing my master’s thesis, so next year I will need another challenge. Do you walk every day? How far? Different places? I will take a look at your blog, and follow it. This sounds like a (or the ubiquitous) life changing thing. What time do you walk? I’m impressed with this idea. Inexpensive, health promoting, connecting (I can see many dogs following your lead), and goal-achieving. Did I mention that I really like this?
Thanks, Lucy! Yes, please visit my blog and sign up for MyBigWalkers. I admire you — this project is in lieu of getting my masters! Seemed easier. The answer is no I don’t walk the same time every day — sometimes I’m out at 8;30 a.m. and sometimes I don’t get out until 8:30 p.m.! Happy early birthday! – Laurie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lucy. I just happened to be reading this and noticed it’s today!
I have been attending a small gym and working with a trainer. I visit 5 days a week, after work. I found that if I miss any day, it’s easier to miss the next, etc., so I go every day after work. A year ago, I was in a wheel chair. I had broken one foot two times and the other once. Then, my knees went out. I am out of the chair now. Physical therapy got me to the crutches and the gym has gotten me off the crutches. I have been going three months now. I ride a bike because my knees aren’t the strongest yet. I went on a “sisters” weekend with my two sisters to Saint George Utah about three weeks ago. We visited Zion’s National Park. One of the “hikes” is straight up the side of a mountain to see the “weaping rock” I actually made it up the mountain! It’s awsome! It’s like it’s raining over this rock and the sun is shinning just beyond it. What a site! I would have missed seeing it had I been in the wheel chair still. Exercise is still not my favorite thing to do, but I do it to become stronger, so I won’t miss out on the great things in life!!! Jan
Jan – your story is an inspiration. My sister is planning to hike into the Grand Canyong for her 50th in a few years, and I’m hoping to go with her. She just toured the country for a year going to dozens of national parks and she said the best one in the west is Zion. You make it sound so beautiful. – Laurie
You go girl. It’s the best thing you can do for healthy body, mind and soul.
I’ve been doing just that since I was 40 and still do at 60. I live in the city, so my best time has always been 5 a.m., before car pollution rises. I usually walk a 12 min mile, so it only takes an hour, and gets me home in time to do the breakfast, coffee, shower, dress thing and head be at work by 7:45 (when I had a job). Unemployed for over a year now, I still rise and walk at 5 then commute to my home office/studio. Just posted a reflection on my Walk on pavomag.com’s gratitude issue.
http://www.pavomag.com/story/unseen-hands
What a wonderful idea. You have inspired me. Tomorrow I will be starting my walk. I have a dog – so I will always have company. Well maybe not on some days – she hates the rain and snow.
Dear Nemesis (what a cool name) – how is your walking going? I hope it’s not snowing yet where you are. Write and let me know if you’ve been walking! – Laurie
I have not been walking, I ended up working a raft of night shifts and spent the last week-10 days working and sleeping – Even the dog has suffered over this time as she has not had the walks she needs. But – today is a brand new week and I have plans to walk today when I get home from work.
Thanks – about the name. It came about at a time in my life when I was going through some crisis – and the name just seemed appropriate.
Two friends and I have taken the bait. On 1/1/2010, we will begin our own journey of 1,000 miles. We don’t live close to each other, but that isn’t the point. As nice as it would be to have a walking partner, I think I will enjoy the serenity of going it alone. What I must figure out is the distance I need to do 6 days a week, cause I don’t think 7 is going to happen. Thank YOU for this idea – I really really like it.
Oh – And I really like your pic – those are great sandals. Even the toe nail color is cool. Okay, I’ll stop using the word “really” now. but it seemed to fit.
Lucy – thanks for writing to me on my email — I’m SO THRILLED you’ve found friends to log the miles with you. Tomorrow’s post on MyBigWalk mentions you by name — I’ve given you the nickname LuckyLucy. Check it out! I’m thinking maybe we should put up a 1000 in 2010 Challenge on Vibrant Nation — people could walk in pairs and even add up their cumulative miles to equal 1000.
I can’t wait to hear your updates! I’m really really really excited about it.
- Laurie
p.s. did i say i’m really excited?
I Have been walking 3 miles every morning since 1992. I get out the door at first light. I don’t power walk, I just walk. Sometimes I take my camera and take “memories” of my walk. It is always a silent journey for me and I call my walks my drug of choice. I can not start my day without my walk.
Fantastic!!! I’m on the treadmill for an hour 4-5 times a week. Since I started school a month ago, I have not been consistent with my hourly walk. I walk on my breaks during school hours though. Have you toned or lost any weight by walking 3 miles every day?
That’s great. I just turned 51 and when I turned 50 I decided it was time to swim competitively. So I joined the swim team in my town ( the masters team) and I compete; and I have medals to prove it….even gold ones!
It doesn’t matter what we do anymore and we don’t have to prove anything to anyone! We just need to have fun and be healthy and happy!
Since loosing 60 pounds year before last, I’ve been able to build up to walking 4.5 miles a day. It takes just under an hour and includes 3 big winding hills. I’m in heaven!
I’ve noticed after the 3 mile mark, if I’m stressed out…that old anxious feeling starts to leave…the last mile and a half are gravy.
Oh, BTW, love the polish!
Maree – thanks for writing and for walking! The purple nailpolish is from CVS — it’s an OPI color. I’m adding you to MyBigWalkers, congratulations on being a “BIG LOSER!” – Laurie
What a fantastic idea, i’ll think of it trying to find the energy to do it.
I just turn 50 this august and i should do something like that for myself.
Happy to know that your daughter is in montreal, i live in montreal to.
Have a wonderful day!!!!!
Martine
Martine – thanks for writing! I’ll be in Montreal in 2 weeks — any suggestions for a great 3-4 mile walking route? – Laurie
Hi Laurie, there is a lots of places where you can walk, i will give you a link for a book but it is in french maybe they have an english version. Your daugter could probably find it in a book store or at the library http://www.guidesulysse.com/catalogue/FicheProduit.aspx?n=Marcher-a-Montreal-et-ses-environs-Ulysse-Espaces-Verts&isbn=9782894648216.Hope you will enjoy your stay.
Bye Matine
When I turned 50 I went – by myself – to Africa, visited the pyramids, and then flew to Nairobi, took a bus to Arusha, and from there headed out first on a full-participation camping safara (which meant I had to pitch my own tent each day) and then spent a week climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Eleven of us started the walk up Kili but only 9 of us actually made it to the top. One of the younger men cajoled me the whole time, continually challenging me for being foolish enough to attempt this at “my age”. I’m happy to say that when I stood at the very summit – nearly 20,000 feet high – I thought of him on his way down …. he’d not made it. To get in shape I just started walking a year ahead of time, slowly building up the distance and speed at which I could walk. I also climbed the stairs every day to my office on the 16th floor. It truly was a life-changing experience. Within a few weeks of returning, feeling strong and capable and vital, I’d met my husband; it was knowing I was strong that gave me courage to attempt another marriage. Today, 10 years later, all’s well. You can read about my climb at http://www.journeywoman.com.
I walk almost every day, about 4 miles, in preparation for my big walk, which will be the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile walk along the cathedral paths of Northern Spain. I will need to get in some substantially longer walks before I tackle The Big One!
I am filled with envy! I really would love to walk Camino de Santiago. How much time are you taking for your walk? – Laurie
My Big Walk is to carry my golf bag and walk while playing golf. This not only keeps me in shape but it also lets me reflect on my life. I feel that I am doing something good for myself physically and mentally.
As I contemplate my approaching 61st, b-day, I am intrigued by the concept you raise as a year long celebration and introspection….Even in my frivolous meanders through my home city, I have found the longer I venture out, the more I explore and undercover within.
and happy birthyday to Lucy!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good for you! I love your sandals-if they are yours. Too cute. I turned 50 this year and spend it in Iraq with new friends and God’s people the Iraqi Christians. I was in uniform. I love to work out everyday and do applaud your decision. May God use you during your new crusade to bring others to HIS kingdom. Have a great time. Lisette
As I responded on one of your other entries, I am very inspired by your walk. I am 55 and used to walk all the time. This year, though, I still work out with weights, I have not been walking as much. I plan to start again Dec 1st. Best time for me is in the morning with or without my dog. =]
I will try, I need to do it, 8 months out of work, selling my house, I have never, ever, ever been depressed, but at 60 not getting depressed is getting to be a fight. I do walk, but not every day, but I like this idea and I know it makes everything better to get out. thanks, mary
I’m a passionate walker and run a number of walking groups in the UK. I turned 50 in 2008 and a friend forwarded this info about you to me. Woulds love to link up and to hear more so I can alert lots of my readers to you etc. Would love to do an interview with you.
Heather -
What a fabulous way to celebrate!!! I think I’ll join you and see what I discover in my journey. Thank you!
Yea for walkers, one and all. This is a fantastic commitment. I have been a walker since the 80s. It is everything you say it is and more. I just need to get motivated to take my walks in new locations, maybe just driving out in the country somewhere and then hiking for an hour. Thanks for a great post.
I have wanted all my life to walk the Oregon trail….. but the idea of a woman out on a trail like that alone, although with my German Shepherd, scares me. Not the hike, but what I could encounter along the way. . . Don’t own a gun. But never had a man in my life that would be interested in skinny dipping in a lake for a few days and moving along. My brother says be sure to take along your phone so you can order a Pizza. . . men…… Wish there was a womans group that would do hikes like this. . .
My husband and I made a new year resolution 3 years ago to walk 1000 in 1 year. The first year we reached 783; the second year we achieved our goal. This year we reached our 1000 miles on Dec 7! We will have the same goal in 2014.