Three day walking practice - day two

Yesterday's walk was quiet, on very familiar roads and under a flat grey sky. It was cold, lunch was disappointing and owing to Lenten commitment, beer-free.
I woke this morning not knowing where I wanted to walk today but sure that I wanted to go somewhere new.

I've taken my time getting ready, perhaps there's a bit of subconscious procrastination going on, my tired limbs finding ways of keeping me in the warm indoors. But with a little time for reflection and prayer I've decided to walk yesterday's exact route again, to see if the route can be redeemed.

Update at 16:45. I'm back home, showered and changed. It's been a great day! Funny how walking the same route in the same weather on two consecutive days can produce such contrasting feelings. I must remember this. We tend to creative narratives to explain our moods drawing on what's happened to us and from our environment. The truth is that much of yesterday's experience and environment was identical to today's. If I were scoring, I'd give yesterday a five out of ten and today an eight.

One significant difference is that my left foot is pain-free for the first time in a month. I've been advised to rest it, so was anxious about walking so far yesterday. I've massaged it regularly but I reckon the three biggest factors have been:

• last night moving my computer monitor directly in front of me, so that I've sat with both feet flat on the floor.
• walking as far from verge of the road as I dare. Of course, I have to dodge back to the gutter when an oncoming car appears but the camber of the road is much less nearer the centre and I think this has made a difference.
• And I and good friends have prayed.