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Back to Walking

Posted on 03/08/202603/08/2026 by Mark

Well, it’s finally warmer and the snow is melting in Minnesota (we are about 45 minutes from Minneapolis) and that means, I can walk on the walking trail behind our house again. That walking trail was one of the reasons why we purchased this particular house. The other being no neighbors directly behind us. We can be in the kitchen cooking, we can be at the kitchen table eating, or we can be in the living room watching television, and all the windows face the walking trail, trees, and McDowell Lake (which is mostly a swamp – only a small portion of it has water). All the other houses we liked had the possibility of something being built behind them, and I didn’t want to worry about that.

A week ago, Niko and I saw a gentleman walking three dogs on leashes, all while skateboarding, and not wearing a shirt! I think it was about 50 degrees! All the ice fishing houses on the two lakes near us are gone, and somebody posted in the Facebook group that they appreciated that all those people cleaned up whatever mess they made. It was strange, but also cool, when those ice houses started appearing on the lakes.

On Friday, it was sprinkling lightly so I got to wear my rain jacket and yesterday, it snowed during the night, so I wore my snow shoes. I enjoy being outside, and jamming to my playlists or a Coverville podcast. I marvel at the scenery and take a lot of pictures. Seeing all the people and animals on the walking trail always brings a smile to me. One of those walks, Nina came with me and as we coming up to where we normally turn around and head back, a city engineer pulled up to us and asked some questions about the walking trails.

Even though I purchased a UREVO walking pad in December, I only used it a few times. I also really thought that I would drive to the Monticello Community Center after I dropped Niko off for school, but that never happened. I just had no self-motivation, but I am hoping that when the winter cold returns, I will be more aware of my health and fitness appearance and continue my walks and not stop. Walking is really good for my overall heart health. Last week at Niko’s school, they had a partnership with the American Heart Association (a Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge). Of course, I donated money (Niko will get some cool “free” things )and I also shared my story with the teacher who was in charge of it.

I don’t have an Apple Watch as I gave mine to Niko (I tried his other brand of a smartwatch and didn’t like it) but I am still able to track my walks on the Fitness app on my iPhone. Something I have noticed with that Fitness app lately is there is a very pleasant sounding ladies voice motivating me!

In the Spring, which is very soon, we are going to buy a bike for Niko. I also want to get one. Nina already has one. That way, we can ride together on the walking trail.

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Hi, I am Mark. I started writing in 2011 about high school football, daddy blogging since 2015, and reviewing books since 2023. My writing style is unique, my sense of humor is a little crazy, and I’m not embarrassed to share any of it. You can email me at thedadspeaks@icloud.com.

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