Fit Over 50 asks, “What are some favorite things you enjoy about walking?”

“As I walk, I enjoy looking at the homes, trees and flowers. When I return home I am tired, but feel I have done something worthwhile for my body. It is fun to check my pedometer. How many steps did I take today? 10,000, yeah!” — Joan Anderson, Lodi

“I walk over two miles a day on my treadmill and enjoy reading a great book while I walk. I enjoy the energy I have to get through the day.” — Vicki Sulzener, Guilford Township

“I am walking in the Breast Cancer Three-Day in August, and knowing that my walking is helping others along with me is what motivates me.” — Alice Buskirk, Canaan Township.

“Walking and chatting with a friend. (Walking) feels like a good start (to the Cloverleaf Recreation Center’s Senior Stretch) workout.” — Joan Norris, Westfield Township

“I enjoy seeing the other people, and I do some exercises moving my hands while walking.” — Dorothy Starcher, Medina Township

Dorothy and her husband, Walter Starcher, enjoy walking, though these days Walter gets his exercise while gardening. Dorothy has logged about 90 miles in the Senior Sneakers Walking Club thus far, with her mother, Fannie, a few miles to go.

“I’m the original couch potato, but I’m not a couch potato anymore. I can walk a mile and a half, but when I first started walking I got a stitch in my side — but it went away.” — Louise McMorris, Medina

McMorris said she almost gave up from the stitch, but she learned to “walk it out.” Louise enjoys walking with a friend on the track and hopes to inspire others. “I feel better,” Louise said.

— Lorraine Barnett