Hit 5,000 steps today and drop
your achievement here— we’re cheering you on!
Confession time: I don’t count steps.
I don’t have an app. I don’t have a fitness tracker. I don’t check my progress during the day. I just walk. Weird, I know.
But I could probably work it out. This morning’s 30-minute walk with the dog would be about 3,500 steps. I walked over to the university to meet someone adding another 2,500. A trip to the supermarket and back would be another 2,500. A quick walk with the dog in the park next door might be 1,000. A bit of management by walking around would add another 1,000. Grand total: around 10,500 steps.
So what did I achieve? The dog and I enjoyed the sunrise together. She got to chase ducks near the lake. I had a good conversation with a colleague at the university. We stretched our legs by throwing and chasing the ball. I bought cereal and milk, so breakfast is sorted for the morning.
No KPIs were achieved. No data was uploaded. No badge appeared on my phone. But it was good. It was healthy, ordinary and quietly rejuvenating.
There is nothing wrong with counting steps. For some people, it is motivating and helpful. But I like the fact that walking can simply be walking. A way to go about the day. A way to clear the head. A way to experience the world. A way to spend time with the dog, talk with a friend, pick up groceries and arrive home feeling better than when you left.
What will I do tomorrow? Probably much the same. But I won’t be counting.
The Afterword 
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