JessieB
06-09-2008, 04:34 PM
For what it's worth, here's a little tip for getting out in a small town. My town is less than 20k in population, so as all you small town gurls know, getting out is tough to do without getting clocked -- so tough that until recently I had always reserved my outings for trips to the city. But as summer weather arrived, and I ramped up my exercise regimen, and the urge to wear my denim mini became unbearable, I started thinking outside the box. You know what they say, necessity is the mother of invention.
Anyway, my town has numerous well-kept parks, the largest of which is just across the street and meanders for several tree-lined blocks through a mid-town residential area, sitting lower than its surroundings as it follows a creek bed. I have been using its hiking trail as part of my exercise and noticed that by the time it's dark at night I have the whole park to myself. Several nights' observation confirmed that no one seems to use the park or its trail after dark. Soooooo, one night about 10:00 I put on my miniskirt and walking shoes, took a big breath and hit the trail. It takes about 10 or 15 minutes of brisk walking to get from one end of the park to the other, so round trip takes quite awhile, and once I get away from the house I am definitely committed. Needless to say, it feels great, on several levels. I've done it numerous times now without incident, and when the evening is cool enough that I won't be sweating a lot, I even wear a little makeup. Last night it was thundering and lightning when I started out and it started raining hard about the time I reached the other end. I had to take refuge under a bridge for about 20 minutes, but eventually I made it home okay.
I realize this technique won't work in every small town or every park, but you might want to check your situation out. With a little observing and planning, it might work for you.
Anyway, my town has numerous well-kept parks, the largest of which is just across the street and meanders for several tree-lined blocks through a mid-town residential area, sitting lower than its surroundings as it follows a creek bed. I have been using its hiking trail as part of my exercise and noticed that by the time it's dark at night I have the whole park to myself. Several nights' observation confirmed that no one seems to use the park or its trail after dark. Soooooo, one night about 10:00 I put on my miniskirt and walking shoes, took a big breath and hit the trail. It takes about 10 or 15 minutes of brisk walking to get from one end of the park to the other, so round trip takes quite awhile, and once I get away from the house I am definitely committed. Needless to say, it feels great, on several levels. I've done it numerous times now without incident, and when the evening is cool enough that I won't be sweating a lot, I even wear a little makeup. Last night it was thundering and lightning when I started out and it started raining hard about the time I reached the other end. I had to take refuge under a bridge for about 20 minutes, but eventually I made it home okay.
I realize this technique won't work in every small town or every park, but you might want to check your situation out. With a little observing and planning, it might work for you.