Goni trail perfect for beginners

Goni Canyon Preservation League Walking Trail: This trail was built by the Goni Canyon Preservation League on 19 acres of open space donated by William and Louise Goni.

The league was formed in 1992 by the residents of the Goni Canyon. These neighbors volunteer their time and energy to preserve the Goni Canyon area as natural open space. We can all look up to these dedicated people as heroes and follow their example.

This is a short walk consisting of three loops, one of a half mile and two quarter miles. If you do all three loops you will have done a total of one mile. This is a perfect trail for little ones and for anyone either just starting a walking program or getting back into it.

So let's talk about starting a walking program. What is needed? Just a place to walk. Well, we've got that covered here in Carson City. There are so many places to choose from.

A pair of good athletic shoes, and they don't have to be all that expensive. But it is a good idea to go to a store and have someone knowledgeable fit you. Comfortable clothing, no fancy set ups necessary.

And most importantly the desire, the tenacity, stick-to-it attitude, whatever it takes to get you up and out.

If you haven't been walking or exercising much, it might not be all that comfortable or fun to begin with, but keep at it and suddenly you'll realize that if you don't get out you miss it.

Start small. So many times I'll see people try it and if they can't do three miles an hour the first day they immediately give up.

If you start breathing hard walking from the parking lot, then set yourself little tiny goals. Get a little timer set it for 10 minutes and when it goes off mark how far you've walked.

Next day, see if you can't get just one step farther in those 10 minutes. After a week, add another five minutes. Take along some music, marching music really keeps you moving, or I listen to books on tape.

No time to walk? if you won't take the time, no one is going to do it for you. Try replacing one car errand with a foot errand.

Make one of our local trails your place to walk, if not Goni Canyon, we've got plenty of others. Go to the Muscle Powered Web site and click on Resources. This will get you to the biking and walking map.

Get together with the family, some friends, or join us, just do it!

If you are interested in joining some of our walks please feel free to contact me.

- Donna Inversin is walk leader for Muscle-Powered (www.musclepowered.wordpress.com) and co-chair for special events for We Can. She can be reached at 315-6763.