Life at No.22, Snapshots of Tauranga

Snapshots of Tauranga #52

Suzanne

After receiving an unexpected observation from a fellow walker that I was a noisy walking companion, a “thumper walker” was the precise phrase used. Obviously, I greeted it with a startled expression as I adjusted my hearing aids.

Who knew?

One highly visible walker out for a quiet stroll until …

Despite this revelation, the complainant did commend my enthusiasm and energy. Which, on reflection, made sense of the “thumping” observation, given why people look startled when passing them on numerous tracks. Even on the odd occasion that they thought there were more people than just me, I felt a strange comment at the time. The truth is, I was scaring the living daylights out of the quieter individuals who crossed my path.

Recently, I read an article stating that, in no uncertain terms, cycling, my other love alongside Les and walking, is better for me. Most of us know that the answer lies in the elegant biomechanics (which still applies to those over 60) of how our bodies interact with this two-wheeled machine. No surprise.

Kissing the tracks with wheels

On occasion, an abandoned three-wheeler – someone spat the dummy?

What’s a girl to do? How do I become, on occasion, kinder to my walking fraternity’s nervous systems?

All it took was a little overthinking and a bit of effort; I’ve unearthed my neglected bicycle, affectionately known as the “green machine,” from our shared apartment shed. As I wheeled her out, I could almost hear the wheels squealing with delightful anticipation. With more momentum, it shot into the sunlight; the squeal of delight from both of us was palpable as the wind whistled through its spokes. The cherry on top, so to speak, was finally having the weight of my posterior resting on its back tyre.

For many, the decision to cycle is a no-brainer.

When standing at your front door, facing a five-kilometre commute with no car or bus route available, you can choose between an hour-long walk or jumping on your bicycle and arriving in just 15 minutes, barely breaking a sweat. See what I mean, it’s truly a no-brainer, especially during the warmer months. The sheer convenience of cycling, the time saved, and the health benefits it offers are truly inspiring at times.

Share with Care – doing my part.

Under the speed limit

For me, the benefits of walking and being sweaty are always going to be seductive and a key part of my exercise routine. However, it was long overdue for me to put a working plan in place to incorporate more of the easier two-wheeled transportation options in the future. Ultimately, to restore the zen vibe on the track for a little while. Here are a few other basics that all of us can do to create good vibes: slow down (not that I would single out men over 50 in Lycra), yield to the left, keep dogs on a short leash, and be mindful of the overly inquisitive child. Keep the walkers on their toes by ringing your bell as you pass.

Most importantly, just get out there and move your butt doing what makes you happy inside.

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Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

17 thoughts on “Snapshots of Tauranga #52”

  1. Not sure I’m familiar with a “thumper walker”. My husband does seem to thud a bit around the house. I have a hiking/biking friend who says biking is much easier on her back and I agree. Plus easier on my knees, too. Walking the dogs on our dirt road and ditch path is a quiet endeavor that I’ll continue to do, though.

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    1. Good on you both for finding a solution that works. I’m a heel walker, thumping down on my heel and need extra support to keep my knees from moving inwards. Solution just purchased a pair of Hoka Gaviota 6, which feel so good to walk on.

      Les has always been a quiet walker, wonderful at scaring me 😉 He’s over 6’4″ and was heavier than I was.

      Just got to keep moving our bodies, no matter how difficult it becomes as we age. Too easy to give up exercising. Though for me it’s essential for my mental health.

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    1. I’ve only had a short walk with them. They are very supportive and with more ground cover I’m sure my knee/hip will appreciate them. Well worth the cost to have good supportive shoes for walking.

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  4. A thumper walker – that’s so funny (and a bit cheeky)! I also smiled at men over 50 in Lycra – I know one of them, though it has to be over 70 now. I’ve yet to be reconvinced of the attractions of cycling – reconvinced because we cycled a lot together in our 20s.

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    1. Now, if you heard me, you would understand more, so when I try to walk faster. There was one cafe a few years ago that was virtually banning lycra clad customers; as you can imagine, it caused a bit of outrage, a weird way to get more publicity. I think many of us “oldies” are perhaps a bit hesitant due to balance issues and the risk of falling, with injuries that take longer to heal. To counteract those problems, I cut out cycling on roads and cycle at a reasonably slow pace.

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    1. Good method regarding the snakes. I have always been heavy footed and Les is the opposite even though he’s 6’4″ and years ago very muscular. Hope you’re having a good day, too. How’s the travel plans going?

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