A Walk in the Woods

In my continuing efforts to get back to my pre-preggo body, I've been walking regularly, and then have also started running in the last couple of months. Yes, I said running. I know, I never thought I would run again after highschool, and I by no means enjoy it, but it's a means to an end for me. And my body has held up fairly well doing it, so that's good. And it seems to be working. We are fortunate enough to have greenway access in our neighborhood (one of the few things going for our neighborHOOD). The trail is wooded follows a creek and takes about a mile to get to Shelley Lake which is then a 2 mile loop that I usually run, and then walk the mile back.

I meant to take pictures during the peak leaf changing time because it's really pretty, but it didn't happen. It's really a nice walk and is very meditative for me. I try to do it least 3 times a week, weather permitting. But even when it's cold I just bundle Arden up and she takes her nap this way.

It's amazing to me the looks some people give you when I'm walking with her in the cold, like I'm a bad mom for taking her out in 40 degree weather. "Hello- what do you think Moms in New York and Chicago do? We live in the south, it's not that cold people." Someone once told us that it's important to teach your child to fall asleep anywhere, to give yourself more freedom. She's got the stroller sleeping down pat, she's usually out within 10 minutes of walking.