Thank you to the small group of people who turned up for my Heart Foundation walk at Floriade on October 9. I'm quite sure none of you were expecting me, well except for my good friend Tanya who dragged herself out of bed while on school holidays. Now there's commitment.
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It was a lovely way to see Floriade and I highly recommend that you all do it next year. An hour among the flowers and not a member of the public insight.
During the course of Floriade, the Heart Foundation tells me, close to 800 people have joined in the walks. Some days the groups were but a mere handful, one day it grew to about 100.
The Heart Foundation runs regular walking groups throughout the year. Head to its website and you'll find groups to suit all ages and stages. There are ones for pram pushers and dog walkers and groups centred around mental health and fitness. My favourite is the Groovy Grannies who walk Tuesdays and Thursdays from Florey ... and you have to wonder about the Chifley Trippers. Be careful of those potholes.
There are plenty of ideas and tips on the site. It's pretty easy to start walking – just open your door and go – but walking with a group offers so much more. Many walkers with the program report back that it's the social contact that keeps them coming back year after year and what's better than a natter while you walk along. There are many other benefits, too, from reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke, to weight management and maintaining bone density. Put on those shoes.
If you're interested in joining, or starting a group, head to walking.heartfoundation.org.au
And while you're on your computer donate at https://canberrahearts.everydayhero.com/au/karen-1
