Meet the Unstoppable Walking Man of KV

1. What prompted you to start walking ?

 NB: I have been walking since my college days. I feel walking is the easiest and most cost effective way to exercise. It can be done anywhere, is low impact  and helps you enjoy nature and make friends. I enjoy walking and thus keep adding steps.

 Benefits of Walking:

 https://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/benefits-walking#walking-10

 2. How long ago did you start making walking goals?

 NB:  I have been walking for a long time and did not have daily goals. When we lived in Santa Clara, Vandana and I used to walk around the neighborhood. We would walk for 30 to 45 minutes daily in the evening. Last few years I have kept goals and tried to reach those goals.

2015 – 4M, 2016 – 5M, 2017 – 6M steps.

 3. Before the invention of fitness trackers were you tracking your daily steps ?

 NB. When the pedometers came out I bought Omron Pedometer and started tracking my steps. I maintained an excel sheet and would log my steps. Tracking the steps helped me motivate increase my daily steps and reach my daily goal of 10K steps.

                What gets measured gets improved – Peter Drucker

 4. Rain or shine, you consistently meet more than 10K, wait actually 15K. How do you motivate yourself to achieve that ?

 NB: I try to meet the 15K daily. Plan my day so that I can walk. Walk during lunch time, try to get up every hour and get few steps. When I take kids for their classes (swimming, math, basketball, dance) I walk and do not sit in the waiting area. Walking helps me get a good night’s sleep and thus motivates me to keep walking.

 5. Do you have a walking buddy/group?

 NB: I walk with Vandana and Saanvi in the park near our house. On other occasions I meet friends in the park and walk with them. I like to walk alone too as it gives me some time to think and listen to my favorite podcasts.

 6. Have a favorite place/location to walk ?

 NB: During lunch time I am on the Iron horse trail in San Ramon. Evenings at the park near our house.

 7. Do you like to listen to something while walking ?

 NB : I listen to podcasts during my walks. Some of my favorites are Radiolab, Freakonomics, Hidden Brain, audible books and talks at Google.

 8. Any favorite quote or advice for beginners to start walking ?

 NB: Start small and build slowly. Begin with a 15-20 minute walk. Feeling good, continue for a week. Add 5 to 10 minutes until you reach your walking goals. Keep tracking your progress.

 Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing.