Walking Ahead

Originally published on Medium on August 23, 2025

A few weeks ago, preparing for my morning walk, my partner was not ready to join me. I was cool to walk alone because I was committed to completing my exercise at the beginning of my day. Then suddenly, I hear, “I’m coming.”

I was annoyed, but I’m happy when family or friends exercise, so I waited. Immediately, my decision made me a little anxious.

On working days, I value adhering to my schedule. When I don’t, I feel off. My decision to wait created a 15-minute delay in my exercise routine.

As I got my pace, my partner moved more slowly. I began adjusting my speed to my partner’s, leading to a much slower pace. It all felt awkward.

Finally, I picked up speed because the slower pace felt more like a stroll than a cardio workout. Also, I wanted to honor my commitment to working up a sweat within 35 minutes. At a brisk pace, I walked ahead, pushing my anxiety out of the way and focusing on positive thoughts.

As I completed my 2 ½ mile walk, I realized this simple morning exercise is a lesson in reaching goals while navigating personal relationships.

Our goals can lead us forward, moving us at a different pace than others, and we find ourselves alone. That is neither good nor bad — just a matter of pace.

I completed my 2 ½ mile walk only seven minutes over my average time. Later, my partner joined me for a bottle of cold water and said, “Next time, don’t wait for me, do you, and I’ll catch up with you.”

As I reflect on this scenario, this is an example of how we can encourage and support each other when discipline demands we move ahead at a necessary pace to reach goals we have created. We can catch up later. It’s not right or wrong; sometimes that’s life.