I enjoy variety- activities, reading material, food, travel. Because of this I’ve been surprised at how easily I develop new habits. Several times in these blogs I’ve mentioned that changing diet to one that is mainly whole food plant based was surprisingly easy for Deb and me, two former dairy and meat lovers.

With the enforced change of day to day life in the COVID era most days are similar. Since we are not TV watchers there is no reason to stay up late. Early bedtimes led to early awakenings and it seemed natural to take a walk at that time. Predawn walks for 60 to 90 minutes are now a habit. I almost cannot skip it; in fact I haven’t missed a day in three months or so. Even when I’m more tired than usual or it’s raining I just do it, astounding myself since I have never been compulsive about exercise. I’ve always exercised, usually enjoyed it, but never had a rigid routine.

This new regime is certainly good for me because my physical and mental well being have never been better. I look forward to hearing the birds gradually wake up early in my walk (not the Kauai roosters some of whom always are greeting the day earlier than I.) The sunrise, ocean sounds, mountain and sea views, trees and flowers are always a joy and give me variety by changing every day. My other variety is changes to my route- very few days have been the exact same as any other.

I’ve been surprised that so few others join me at that hour. Most days I’ll see one to four others, occasionally none. The only three regulars I’ve identified are all constant with their routes- no variation I’ve noticed. One is a fast walking man in his 60’s who listens to a radio strapped to his arm. He told me that he does 4.2 miles on his morning walk. I’ve resisted telling him he’s missing the birds and the ocean sounds. Another is a fit woman in her early 70’s who also does about the same distance many days but in the opposite direction. The final other regular is the one I admire the most- a woman, my age or older, who is short, quite heavy and has a slow pace- but she’s out there doing it.