Rolling

I have been working in Ottawa for just over six months. Last week-end I had a couple of friends in town and rad to drop them off at the airport before work this morning. It made the most sense to just drive to work after dropping them off. It worked out fine.

Because I drove to work that meant I had to drive home after work. With the work being done on Rideau Street and it being closed to traffic except busses and taxis, I had to take Laurier to get across the canal.

As I have mentioned in previous posts it takes me about 30 minutes to walk to work and another 30 minutes to walk home. Today it took me 23 minutes to drive home.

All this makes walking to and from work to look even more attractive.

I didn't get my morning walk and it took longer to get going once I arrived at my desk. I didn't get my afternoon walk and wind down from my day.

From this experience I have confirmed that the walk to work is a very good thing in my life. The fresh air and exercise make my day better while only adding about seven minutes to either trip. If I catch a couple of lights while walking it adds even less time as I have been able to walk in as little as 25 minutes.

I'm not saying everyone is in a position to walk to work or would even care to but I am a convert. It is one of the best parts of my daily routine and you can't argue with fresh air and exercise.

The Walk

I started my new job this week. I found a place within walking distance. It's a longer walk but it is quite manageable.

On the first day of work it had rained the night before. It was rather slippery. At one point I was doing the Bambi on ice. I could have but my skates on and skated in a few places. I did make it to work so all was well. It took me a bit longer to get there but I made it. On the way home yesterday it had warmed up and was raining very lightly. It was a bit damp but very manageable.

Today it was warmer. It was a fairly steady rain this morning. It let off as I walked to work. I managed to cut 7 minutes off my time from the first day. The best trip has been the walk home today. There was some sun, it was dry and 12 degrees C. It was a very nice walk. Walking home is a bit easier as it is primarily down hill. It is nice to have that at the end of the day.

I know there will be some colder, nastier days but I'm from Manitoba. I have seen some really bad winter days.

So far I seem to be enjoying this walking to work. I can see this getting better as my body gets more used to it. I also need to get back into my gym routine. With that I will be improving my fitness to where it should be.

I live in a new city and I like it so far.