Walking Gear.

I am currently using walking as my primary method of travel.

My current kit includes:

1. Craghoppers Aqua Dry Raincoat
2. Thermal upper body layer
3. Secondary upper body layer
4. Craghoppers Hiking Trousers.
5. Standard boxer shorts.
6. Running socks.
7. Running shoes.
8. Satchel
Satchel contents:
9. Water Bottle
10. Shopping Bag
11. Kindle
12. Digital Camera
Pockets contents:
13. Smartphone
14. Coins
15. Wallet
16. Keys

As winter is drawing in, and as my distances increase, I would like to take my walking more seriously, which includes kit upgrades.

7. Running Shoes.  These are perfectly fine, however I am tempted to upgrade my shoe to something else.
I recently discovered the Merrel Barefoot:

This shoe ticks the boxes for a lightweight, technical hiking boot. It is perhaps only unsuitable for snow and ice, in which case a waterproof boot maybe preferable. The shoe is designed to be worn barefoot. I would like to try this out, to see how it affects my walking.

8. Satchel. My current satchel, is about 5 years old now, and has one drawback. It is not good for documents. I have decided to upgrade to a Snugpak Utility Bag.

This bag is more functional than my current one. I opted for Olive, and it includes Zippered pockets with a designated document pocket. It also has the advantage of my current bag, that I will able to store a water bottle and other devices.

17. Technical Gadgets. I have my mind on a designated GPS unit. The one I currently like is :

It is the Bushnell Backtrack GPS. It allows you find your way back to your home location. I think it could be useful in emergencies, holidays or daily curiosity.

I would like upgrade my watch to include a compass and thermometer. The compass can be synchronized with the GPS, and the thermometer will alert me of weather conditions.

I  have my eye on the Suunto Core:

It ticks all the boxes with these features:
Altimeter with altitude log memory and altitude difference measurement
Barometer with storm alarm and weather trend indicator
Automatic Alti / Baro switch
Compass with semi automatic calibration and a digital bearing
Depth meter
Multiple watch, date and alarm functions with dual time and countdown timer
Sunrise/Sunset times for over 400 locations worldwide
Digital thermometer
Menu based user interface in English, German, French and Spanish
Available in a range of styles
Accessory straps
User-replaceable battery

Health and Fitness

I have been using a pedometer the last 3 months.

I have been walking about 10,000 steps a day for 5/6 days a week.

I feel a lot fitter and happier.

I want to do this more till I get to my ideal weight and body shape.

I am quite excited about this now.

Reflections

I sometimes look back on my life and wonder... why has this not happened? why has that not happened?

Really I had a difficult time from being early 20s to early 30s. Really a decade lost in the wilderness.

Of course I worked, had friends, had relationships, traveled, but I was going through a lot of pain, misery and stress.

It has taken a good 10 years for me to understand myself better, to accept myself better to be the person I want to be.

Today I more optimistic about the future.

I feel I can plan years in advance.

I am pretty certain about my job prospects.

I am pretty certain that I can save money for a holiday and even retirement.

In actual fact it is a good challenge. I am looking forward to it.

I have time now to recover, re-balance my desire and motivation.

Top on some skills etc.

I feel good. Perhaps it takes courage to feel good. Perhaps I need to find this courage now.

Thoughts and musings..

As a consequence of the way things are, this is to be my new blog home. I was recording my daily thoughts on a journal on a health forum, however now I decided it is time to move on.

I will be keeping this journal anonymous. This will allow me to record my thoughts without apprehension.

I know what it is like to be apprehensive over sharing online. I was a member of Facebook for quite a few years. I have recently deleted my profile, because the site was harming my mental health.

Well today I have been relaxing.

It is my second out three off days I have every two weeks. I took the time to walk to my GP (to drop off a prescription), and to go to Sainsbury's to do some groceries.

I am currently musing over the possibility of changing my voluntary positions. I currently volunteer at Sue Ryder 4 days a week. The work is not hard, although at times it can be stressful. Additionally the managers (both young women) can sometimes be quite curt and lacking in empathy. An issue arises when one cannot relax during quiet periods because of an 'over-enthusiastic' manager.

However, there are good points. The work days include the chance for daily exercise. I really quite enjoy having a walk, with a target of getting 10,000 steps in. I feel this exercise is helping me, since I feel quite fit and healthy. Furthermore I am sure I am getting slimmer. This is quite a boon for me, I would love to be slim again, I am sure it would make my life more enjoyable.

Regardless, I will turn up at work as usual. I will do the work, and get my exercise in. I have also applied for three other roles, and if I am successful I can move on then.

The other reason I feel it may be a time to move, is because the job has become rather repetitive and is losing its allure. I would hate to be turning up and just being miserable everyday.