Friday, January 04, 2013

The Pitfalls of Going Walkies

I am lone walker in a sea of joggers
Hello, pleased to meet you. I am a walkaholic. No, not a workaholic, I'm definitely not one of them. But to me walking is just amazingly therapeutic and fun, especially in a place like Baltimore. The only time I don't like to walk is in the summer when it's 100 degrees out and you can fry an egg on the pavement but the rest of the time I walk as much as I can.

The problem?

Americans just don't get walking.

The only people who walk around here are joggers. So okay, that's jogging rather than walking. In fact, there is a rather strange man, a doctor, who jogs to work come rain or shine in just cycling shorts and no top. He also has a plait down his back as he jogs carrying his medical supplies. He is a bit eccentric but it is good to know he could give me the Heimlich Manouver if I choked on some chewing gum or summat.

The only other people who I see when out walking are bag ladies with trollies full of magazines and tin cans. Also a woman who I think is schizophrenic who walks all over the place in snow, hail and rain but doesn't look that shabby so I think she has somewhere to live.

Um, hello? Where's the snow?

The other people who walk are 'power walkers' who swing their arms around like lunatics, like walking is a serious sport rather than a method of getting from A to B. And don't get me started on those people who walk with Nordic poles like they're fake ski-ing. Hello? Have you noticed there's no snow?

So apart from mad people and sports fanatics no one walks. Basically Americans seem to think you should walk on a treadmill at the gym if at all. Also there are not that many sidewalks so sometimes I risk my life on the edge of a road to go walkies.

Still I persist in walking. Although many's the time a friend has pulled up next to me in her car and said 'Are you okay? Do you want a lift?' And I have to say, 'Actually no, I'm fine, I like to walk.' And they look at me like I'm crazy, especially if it's raining. But I mean, haters don't hate, it's not my fault I have straight English hair that doesn't frizz!

Maybe I am. Crazy I mean.

I'm actually thinking of getting a dog because it will make me look less like an eccentric English person walking around Baltimore if I had a furry friend by my side.

Another person or rather animal who desperately needs to walk is one of my guinea pigs, Marshmallow. I bought Peanut and Marshmallow both guinea pig harnesses for Christmas but Marshmallow does not quite fit into hers as she has rather been putting on the poundage. I will have to make the harness a bit bigger.



And then I can take both of the guinea pigs walkies.

Because that won't make me stick out at all, will it?

26 comments:

Gorilla Bananas said...

Keep on doing it, it's a great exercise. It also gives people the chance to check out your butt.

Anonymous said...

More people need to go walking!

Sabrina
http://thelittleowlshop.blogspot.com

Melanie said...

I never jog or run I only walk. Good for you that your obsessed w/ walking! Awww that would be hilarious if you got a guinea pig to walk!! =)

Ergo - Blog

Steve said...

Walking is the best free exercise you can get. Scientists have proven that our butts have been designed by nature to facilitate walking and running. Seems a shame not to use it!

Expat mum said...

Here in Chicago we have the "mommy walkers" who drop their kids off, wearing their workout gear (the moms, that is) and then walk along the lake front or around Lincoln Park. It's great fun - you get to catch up on the gossip and burn some carbs (there's no strolling) at the same time.

Expat mum said...

burn some calories, I meant...

Unknown said...

Hi there! I love your blog! I am a new follower from the blog hop. I hope you come by and check out my blog too! www.mendezmanor.com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Hey, not all americans! We New Yorkers walk - and not for excercise, but to get from point a to b. Where I lived in NJ was worse no side walks and all these cul de sacs had to drive 1/2 mile just get milk- ridiculous. Havent walked much here in Baltimore I miss it! ! I dont think you're crazy for walking, but harnesses for guinea pigs? Eh a bit nutty.

Katherines Corner said...

wonderful exercise. For guinea pigs too, giggle. Happy New Year wishes and thank you for sharing at the hop. I hope you will stop by again soon. I posted the new giveaway! xo

Nikkiana said...

This is definitely one perk of living on NYC... No one thinks walking is weird! Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

I just discovered your blog from Expat Child. You are hilarious - loved this article. I'm married to a German TCK who grew up walking everywhere.
After living overseas and returning to mid-west "America" for the summer, we had the same experience. We'd walk to the store for groceries - a whole four blocks - and people would stop to see if we were okay. My mother was so embarrassed. It was such a hoot - that was the summer I knew I had changed and was not entirely "American" anymore.
~MaDonna

MommyHeadache said...

Janekinpis...ha ha but it is almost like New York is another country - there everyone walks and there are wide sidewalks and good public transport.

Sarah Leonard said...

I am totally loving the idea of you walking with two guinea pigs on leads! I tried to walk my cats on them but nothing doing. No dice.

Thanks for linking up :)

Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity

Honest Mum said...

Same in LA which I found strange. Love a good walk. You keep going lady and Happy New Year x

Unknown said...

I love walking too. Here in NJ, there are a few walkers but nearly always with dogs. More runners too! I think we must be a mix of NY/Baltimore by sounds. I find the pavements here rather hard as unlike SYndey where I hail from, they are often distorted by tree roots, cracked, and generally uneven. Have to watch your step, especially for a clutz like me:) Loved your article from Expat Child too: very entertaining!!

Globatris said...

Soooo know What you're Talking about. I'm Swedish & we walk a lot. Had the same experience When we expatriated to the US. People stopped and looked at the stroller and where amazed by the off road wheels (Air filled of course) - especially dads. I got lots of comments on how many hrs me & the baby had been out walking, how Swedes would walk in any weather etc. Positive ones I'd like to add. Also wanted to add - don't forget the mall-walking! This is fascinating!
I blog at www.globatris.se
http://globatris.se/?page_id=11

Thanks for a fun post! /Charlotta

mother.wife.me said...

The picture of your guinea pig is too cute! I've not been to Baltimore, but I have found it very curious when I've been in LA that no-one walks ANYWHERE in one of the most body conscious cities in the world. Bizarro!

Sarah said...

Visiting you back and this post just totally made my day! Maybe a little walkies would help the guinea pig fit into it's harness lol.
Super cute, by the way.
Sarah xo
Girlfriends Are Like Shoes

Feral Turtle said...

This is hilarious! What a cute little pig you have. Popping by from http://www.feralturtle.com Have a great weekend!

Melissa said...

I enjoyed reading this post. Nothing wrong with walking around B'more if that's what you enjoy doing. That's funny about the doctor.

Cheryl said...

I love the guinea pig harness! Tried that with mine but as much as I struggle, I can't get him into it. I guess I should try again.
Happy Friday. Found you through Aloha Friday Blog Hop.
http://www.littlethingsbigdifference.com

Unknown said...

Hey! Walking is an exercise, lol. I don't run either. My body just won't let me. I LOVE the picture of the guinea pig! If people can get cats to go for a walk, then I would think guinea pigs would be a breeze. I'm a new follower via the Friday Aloha Blog Hop. Hope you have time to check out my blog at http://southerngrrrlz.blogspot.com.

Have a great weekend!
Natosha

kacie @ mama case said...

i LOVE a good walk. i took TWO today, moseying around the neighborhood pushing a stroller and with my dog. it's been beautiful here in austin.

new follower from hop!
www.mamacase.com

Hetty Sorrel said...

We had two guineas (Alas, only one now), and the deceased dominant one was huge. The vet recommended feeding them a special pellet food, because if you feed them the standard mixed grains, they pick through it looking for chocolate truffles. Be careful with the harness- it can damage the spine. I've heard that the way to take them for a walk is to tie a carrot to the back of your trouser leg.

MommyHeadache said...

Hetty Sorrel....Yes that is genius I will tie carrots by strings to the backs of my trousers - I'm soon get Marshmallow trim and fit - as soon as it stops snowing here!!