Ed Lynskey's Blog: Cracked Rearview Mirror - Posts Tagged "exercise"

A couple of years ago, I went in for my annual physical, and my doc told me I was "obese." She didn't sugar coat it, just said it. Overweight? Me? Then my wife heard the news. Well. Some lifestyle changes were on tap. So, it was adios to the greasy tacos, howdy to salads. Actually I like salads. Look, I write books. That means I sit and sit and sit. My office is like a jail cell if I never leave it. My theory is my best writing will result if I stay in good physical shape, a bit like an athlete in that regard. Anyway, I shed 40 lbs. over a few months (sounds like a weight loss ad plugged on TV), and I've kept it off. Walking each day appeals to me. I used to jog, but I'm not keen to blow out my knee or hip. So, I better scram out of here and go pound the pavement. Again.

That's a quote from the venerable Hippocrates, the father of medicine. You can't get a better expert than him. I've been a big walker for a couple years. For one thing, diabetes runs in my family, and the needles diabetics have to use scare me.

Walking is a tradition among writers. John Dos Passos took long strolls, according to his daughter we heard during a lecture on her dad. More recently, I believe Lawrence Block likes to take long sojourns to explore parts of his beloved New York City.

I hoof it about two miles taking a half-hour. I'd go further, but time becomes a critical factor. I just don't have enough of it to extend my daily jaunts, at least not right now.

I'd like to claim that I get brilliant inspirations while I'm walking, but that isn't true too often. Mostly my brain goes on cruise control, and I don't think much at all. If I have a busy day, I cut my walk shorter.

Happy trails!

By Ed Lynskey
@edlynskey
Author of Lake Charles
"Satisfying."
The Rap Sheet/Kirkus Reviews