After the gyms closed in March due to the pandemic, I took to the streets — the streets in my neighborhood and surrounding area.

I have always considered myself an active person and without my three-day-a-week workout that I had become accustomed to, I decided to walk.

Walking was not a new exercise for me; I have frequented the Vicksburg National Military Park where I have made my way through its north and south loops. I have taken advantage of the treadmills in Wyatt’s Gym, where I am a member, and often times I walked the neighborhoods close to my house.

But not with the regimen I have been adhering to since COVID.

Nearly every day, I walk a 3.2-mile route, which includes ending with the street I live on.

Actually, it is the most challenging aspect of the walk.

I live at the top of a hill and though it is not nearly as “breathtaking” as the incline to the Illinois monument, it does give those hamstrings a workout.

I have become such a fanatic with my walking; I even take an umbrella with me if the weather looks threatening.

I have been caught in the rain a few times. It didn’t bother me too much until it became evident water could compromise the safety of my cell phone.

Yes, I take my cell phone when I walk.

I don’t have a smartwatch, and I like to track my mileage and steps. I also like to listen to music when I exercise and I found I could chat with family.

Talking on the phone while walking really started after the shelter-in-place orders were given.

Like me, my son had become used to working out regularly in the gym and to try to stay in shape, he too, began walking.

During his daily walks, with his dog in tow, he would give me a call.

And so I thought why not join him.

So I would grab my tennis shoes, and head out the door.

Even though we were hundreds of miles apart, this walking and talking together made it seem as if we were exercising side-by-side.

My son is back at the gym, now, but on some occasions, I will still head out for my walk when he calls.

For the past few weeks, the heat indexes and humidity have been brutal, but I have stayed determined to keep up my walking routine because, in a few weeks, I plan to have a little foot surgery that will require me to dial back my routine.

I am kind of freaking out about it since I know that walking is keeping me in shape, but I realize I have to take care of this orthopedic issue.

Powering through the pain is becoming less of an option and I know if I want to keep on walking as much as I do, I can’t put this off any longer.

There are so many health benefits you gain from walking, one of which for me is my mental soundness.

The COVID-19 pandemic as well as the unrest in our country have caused undue stress, but for me, I have found walking is what is getting me through.