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What inspired you to start your blog? When did you start it?
I started my blog in April, 2011, and started blogging consistently the next month. My inspiration answer may not be what you expect. I was reading a ton of health and fitness blogs and thought “I want to learn to do that.” I had just taken a job at an internet marketing firm and thought that working with my own website would help me with my job. I started with a regular WordPress blog and moved to self-hosted in December 2011. Some of the first blogs I read were Kath Eats Real Food, Peanut Butter Fingers, and Carrots ‘n Cake. I still read these (and many more) daily.
How did you come up with the name, “Let’s Talk and Walk” for your blog?
When I first started exercising (a little over two years ago), I walked a lot. My husband and I generally walked two nights a week (well, I walked and he ran) and did a 5K on the weekend. Walking was my main form of exercise so I knew I wanted to include it in the title of my blog. I enjoy walking with others and talking or talking on the phone while I walk. I also thought that the word “talk” would leave room for me to talk about anything I wanted to on my blog (not just health and fitness related items). I mainly talk about my journey of trying to get in shape, but I also do restaurant reviews, makeup reviews, cute animal pictures, anything goes.
What advice do you have for people who want to get into shape?
Start now, don’t wait. Start slow. Walk 5 minutes a day if that is all you can do. I think the worst thing people can do is overdo it in the beginning. There is a better chance of burnout and they might injure themselves. Remember that you didn’t get into this shape overnight and you won’t change shape overnight. It takes time. And yes, it can be hard and painful. Find something you enjoy doing – walking, running, biking, Zumba, whatever. Everyone is different and you may not enjoy the same activities as your family or friends. Find something that YOU enjoy and do it. The more you enjoy it and look forward to it, the better. Don’t be afraid of strength training – this is especially important for women. You are not going to bulk up, but you will start to build muscle which burns calories throughout the day.
Do you have a special routine you follow before/during/after you workout? Things you have to do or need to have?
I don’t really have a special routine I follow. When walking 5Ks, I do like to wear my Garmin. If I am exercising outdoors, I will always wear my RoadID for safety. After I workout, I do log my activities. I also refuel. My favorite post workout snacks are either a ½ cup of Mayfield TruMoo chocolate milk or an orange. Tip: slice the orange and put in the freezer while you are working out. It will taste great on a hot summer day!
What does being “healthy” mean to you?
Being healthy means trying to make better decisions. Being healthy means being active – whether super hard workouts or just walking around your office building instead of sitting. I am not perfect and I don’t claim to be. Yes I eat foods I “shouldn’t” but I believe everything is okay in moderation. I also eat a lot better than I used to. I try to work out 5 days a week and rest the other two. This week one of my rest days included 4 miles on the bike. A year ago that would have been a tough workout.
What helps motivate you to continue staying in shape?
Feeling myself get stronger definitely motivates me. I love lifting weights. I am focusing on lifting heavier weights and not worrying about the weight on the scale. I love Pinterest for finding motivation. I also do a Motivation Monday series on my blog. It helps me start the week off on a positive note. Getting comments on my blogs or emails that someone started working out because they were inspired by me is also one of the biggest motivations around.
For more healthy advice from Glenneth, visit her blog, http://letstalkandwalk.com/, and like her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @LetsTalkAndWalk.
