Have you ever gone to an indoor mall and seen people walking. I’m not talking about shoppers. There are dedicated walkers doing laps around the mall. Not to typecast them, but they’re usually in a group and are usually senior citizens. Okay, I guess I am going to typecast them.

What’s your reaction when you see this? Mine has always ranged from a roll of my eyes to a shake of my head to laughing out loud. Well, not anymore. Why you may ask? Because I’ve become one of them.

I’M A MALL WALKER!

Is this a recent development? Oh, it’s very recent. It’s less than one week old. But, here’s the why to the story.

About six weeks ago I had stomach surgery. The recovery process has been steady but slow. At this point, I can do everything I did before the surgery, but in smaller portions. I still tire easily. I’m still trying to regain all my strength. I guess that happens when two feet of your colon is removed and it causes you to lose fifteen pounds. Yeah, I do look better at this weight, but what good is that when you’re talking multiple naps every day.

I decided I needed some exercise. Actually, my doctors decided this, I just went along with their decision. First time for everything.

Anyway, it was determined that walking was the way to start. Now we’re talking late February/early March, in Chicago. It’s now meteorological spring but it doesn’t come in like a lamb. It’s still cold…damn cold. No walking around the neighborhood or heading to the lakefront. Not yet. Hence….it’s off to the mall.

To be honest, I don’t know how long this will last. I already blew off yesterday’s walk to watch basketball and golf. Plus, the weather should be getting nicer soon . I’d much rather do my walking outside in the fresh air. But for now, it’s off to the mall for my three thousand or so steps.

Oh my God, I’ve become one of them.

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