I am not old. With the average lifespan being well over 80, I’m still quite young. But holy shit do I get sore and stiff like a grandma with arthritis if I do too much too quickly.

I love being able to walk places, ride my bike places, basically I’d rather not drive. But since the majority of the way I get around is by driving, the few times a year where I’m traveling and I get to walk places I walk A LOT. Typically it’s my first time in whatever city/country so I have plenty exploring I want to do and I don’t have the time to do any of it what would be considered “leisurely” manner. So I cram it all in, but that comes at a price.

I have a finite amount of time to see and do everything I want, so I go hard and I go fast. In any given day when exploring a new place I probably walk at least 10 miles. And that’s me guessing, not using a pedometer or Fitbit or anything like that. But usually I cram in walking that many miles a day into three or 4 days back to back. And to be completely honest, while as I’ve said I am not old, my body does get pretty pissed. And while that’s annoying, it’s also has a bit of masochistic satisfaction to it. To know I’ve pushed my body almost to it’s breaking point to make sure I’ve covered the most ground possible.

I’m sitting in my hotel room, in my bed, right now writing this. It’s a beautiful day outside (all be it a bit warm). I could be out exploring but my feet hurt, I have skin splints, I have blisters and my entire body aches. I’ve probably done 30-40 miles in the last 3 days. Up and down hills. Detouring around construction and walking on sidewalks and streets that need some serious TLC.

I should be out enjoying the city. Having an iced coffee/tea drink of whatever nature on a pretty patio and enjoying people watching, but I just can’t bring myself to move. And in less than 2 weeks, I’ll be doing this all over again. Different city. Bigger hills. More walking actually required.

So while some other person might pop a couple of aspirin or tylenol and muster on, I think I’m gonna go back to sleep. If I go too hard, I’ll just get sick between now and my next trip and that’s not good for anything. But this soreness I’m feeling right now, it’s incredibly satisfying!