In this, the second part of our blog on how EverWalk Nation is responding to this global crisis, our focus is both on walking as well as the incredibly inspiring positivity coming from our EverWalkers.
Except in places where walking has specifically been discouraged — such as New York City and San Francisco — most EverWalkers are continuing their daily walks. The majority say that these walks feel even more important than before — because often they are the only time we get out of the house into the natural world.
Some are continuing more or less their normal routines, while others have increased their walking because it provides real stress relief. The Walker Tracker EverWalk Virtual Walking Program is also provided motivation and camaraderie — virtually!
While many of our group are walking alone, some are still walking with friends, but using social distancing techniques. Six feet apart is now the “new normal”.
Once driving and non-essential journeys became restricted, most of our walkers are heading out their front doors and seeing what they can find in the way of good walking right in their neighborhoods.
As stay at home restrictions began to roll out, most noticed — with a combination of joy and dismay — the massive increase of people on some favorite trails. On the one hand, it’s been wonderful to see people outside enjoying nature and walking together. On the other, it changes our walkers’ experience of places they love.
(Seattle photo courtesy of Joan Tierney)
To combat this, some are trying to walk at different times of the day than crowds or using this as an excuse to discover new routes.
Lois Ann Porter walks daily with her canine companion Darcy. She says, “Although Darcy and I have been able to get out each day, there are so many people out in places that used to be more secluded, and after Darcy cut her leg pretty badly last week on a run in the sagebrush, we are now mainly doing walks on leash which aren’t a favorite thing for either of us. But, I love getting outside and breathing deeply. Looking at the sky and noticing the miracles of nature. We have rediscovered walks in town but are looking forward to getting back in the mountains and on trails soon.”
One perk for some is walking with family for the first time. Lisa Joy Phillips writes, “I have an early early morning walking routine with my two dogs, Charlie and Daisy. I used to walk each dog separately for a 5 mile total. Now that my husband is no longer going to the gym, we each take one dog and I do a 5 mile walk early and he does a 2+ mile walk when he gets up. Later in the day, my husband and daughters take the dogs again for more walks. Our dogs are thrilled with the new routine!! What I am beginning to notice is way less vehicular traffic on the streets and of course, hardly any people are out. I also want to say that there is way less money to be found!! Oh, and I saw my first Red Tulips of the season today.”
Spring has been a big perk for many. The flowers and trees leafing provide the most essential kind of joy uplift — as the glorious Social Distancing Scavenger Hunt photos prove!
(Red tulips courtesy of Lisa Joy Phillips)
Why EverWalkers Love to Walk
At the end of the day, every single person said that walking is one of their most essential activities during this crisis.
Here’s what our EverWalker said about walking during the Covid-19 crisis:
Walking is wonderfully cathartic. (David Ascher, New Jersey)
Walking makes me feel like some things are still normal in this topsy-turvy world! (Heather Brady, New Jersey)
Walking makes me feel alive and hopeful! (Bill Wulff, Missouri)
It’s been important to go outside for part of each day. whether with a few friends you can talk to or solo and listening to podcasts. (Nate Spiller, DC)
When I walk I feel peaceful. (Bonnie Schulman, New Jersey)
I am grateful that I am able, willing and allowed to get outside during this period. (Nancy Hanauer, Minneapolis)
Walking makes me feel like life – and everything – is still normal. (Rachel Hollander, Cleveland)
Walking always and forever has a beneficial affect on me…I do think about others who live in densely populated areas where walking is more of a challenge to undertake safely…I take advantage of my fortunate circumstance and feel grateful… (Jade Mortimer, Western Massachusetts)
Walking now is reassuring because it’s something I can do to take care of myself and relieve the stress associated with current challenges. (Peggy Paul, California)
Walking gives me the energy to continue to move forward with a positive attitude toward a much brighter future for myself, my family, friends and the world at large. (Lisa Joy Phillips, Philadelphia)
Walking makes me feel Alive, free, vibrant, hopeful, and healthy. (Lois Ann Porter, Nevada)
Its great therapy and will help you live longer. (Robert Kraml, California)
Walking reassures me that I am strong, resilient, and healthy mentally and physically, with a grateful heart. (Joan Tierney, Seattle)
Walking is a lifeline to a germ-free panic-free world. (Peggy Paul, California)
Walking connects me to folks everywhere. (Sabra Kurth, Maryland)
I am ridiculously thankful that the one activity I normally enjoy the most is so far still available, so I feel like I am obliged to continue doing it, and to gently urge others to do so as well! Laura Petersen, California
I am doing well and still enjoying life step by step! (Sally Mistretta, California)
Walking has always relaxed me, which is very much needed right now! (Ken Steinman, Tacoma)
Hiking makes me feel less cooped up and it feels great to do healthy things for myself. (Red DeBord, Ohio)
Walking is a lifeline for me; it is critical to my physical and mental health, and for stress management in the Age of Coronavirus, and keeps me connected, via the Facebook Everwalk Nation Walking Group, with Everwalk friends who are far away. (Terry Schuch, DC)
I am grateful that I can walk and am healthy. (Beth Brooks, Austin)
Philly photos courtesy of Lisa Joy Phillips
And finally, we’ve always known that our EverWalk Nation are an extraordinary group of people. As we hope these sentiments will prove, they are also wise and kind and hopeful and generous of spirit. That’s why we’re ending this two-part blog with some of the incredibly positive messages expressed by our EverWalkers:
Finding one thing to be grateful for is immensely helpful — and far easier than you’d think, if you get in the habit of looking for it. (Heather Brady, New Jersey)
We are stronger and more resilient than we give ourselves credit for! (Bill Wulff, Missouri)
Everyone deals with this in their own way! Mine is to focus on the fact that the sun will rise and it will set every day. I start the day with a smile when I catch the sun rising. (Bonnie Schulman, New Jersey)
What we say, think, and feel vibrates outward. So, we must be careful. Even though I’m not always in the best head-space, I remember that one important piece of this. Here’s the thing: everything could change at any moment. Stay in Possibility. (Rachel Hollander, Cleveland)
Keep your wits about you and beware of disinformation on social media. (Robert Kraml, California)
Don’t panic. Relax, stay calm, take things one day at a time. Kiril Kundurazieff, AKA The Mad Houstonian (Houston, TX)
For a long time I’ve believed that everything is always as it should be – even if we don’t understand why at the moment. Also, we all have to keep in mind that this too will pass and better days will come. (Heather Buyers, New York)
This will pass but the wake up call will not. Don’t go back to sleep! (Karen Osit, New York)
As Maya Angelou wrote, “Hope and fear can not occupy the same space, you choose.” I choose hope. With less discharge of carbon emissions, the song birds are back in abundance and the climate destruction is slowing. Choose Hope. (Joan Tierney, Seattle)
CHOOSE HOPE. WALK HOPE. #EverWalkOnward
Thank you to Peggy Paul, David Ascher, Kiril Kundurzieff, Laura Petersen, Nancy Hanauer, Jade Mortimer, Joan Tierney, Nate Spiller, Lois Ann Porter, Robert Kraml, Heather Brady, Heather Buyers, Karen Osit, Lisa Joy Phillips, Red DeBord, Melissa Grosvenor, Rachel Hollander, Sabra Kurth, Ken Steinman, Sally Mistretta, Bonnie Schulman, Bill Wulff, and Sally Mistretta for contributing to this blog. If you’d like to be in Part Two, it’s not too late. You can take our survey here: bit.ly/EWSurveySD
Thank you Diana for inspiring me to just get up earlier today and get MORE steps in. I APPRECIATE you. Namaste 🙏.