Awareness, Adjust, and Proceed

It was a clear crisp 55 degrees this morning. There were still walker joggers at the lake when I arrived at 7:00, but perhaps a few fewer than yesterday. I noticed two gray cranes waiting for the day to arrive from their separate stately perches. They seem to blend into the color of the water at this time of day and are easy to miss. Their natural camouflage makes them invisible to possible predators. What allowed me to spot them was the large dark shadow they cast on the water below, it is much more eye-catching than the muted gray tones of the feathers.

I did my homework and researched knee injuries. They say women are three times more likely to injure their knees than men are. Men are more active and robust in their physical activities and women have not built up the strength or endurance that men have. The websites I found told me about the structure of knees, the common injuries, some recommended therapies and preventative measures for going forward.

I went prepared to make it through at least one mile and see how the knee left. Throughout the slow walk around the lake, I was aware of tenderness in the knee. The health sites recommended not overtaxing an existing injury, so I got in my car after completing my lap. The stretching exercises do make it better. I intend to apply them throughout the day. I have a cold pack that I put on after the walk and it feels soothing.

It is not surprising that I have to adjust to daily walking. After many months, perhaps years of minimal physical activity it is only logical that I should start up easy. The tenderness in my knee is a wonderful reminder that I am not eighteen and that my goal is to improve and expand my energy. The way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Yummy.