That First Sip of Water After a Long Walk

One of my favorite hikes is the seven-mile loop around Salem Lake in Winston-Salem. The trail offers good elevation, but it’s more of a moderate walk; gravel paths, inclines, and beautiful views. Whether I’m on the treadmill at my home gym, on the outdoor track at the Y, or at Freedom Park, I prefer to walk fasted and only drink water after my session. The same holds true for my hike around Salem Lake. I don’t weigh myself down with a water bottle or a fanny pack filled with keys, phones, and other things. I simply power through, focusing on the task, until I reach the finish line.

That First Sip of Water After a Long Walk

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from the silence between effort and relief—the moment after a long walk, when you’ve reached the end, and your body is tired but fulfilled. It’s in that first sip of water, the cool liquid hitting your throat, the way it feels as if your body is finally being heard after all the movement. It’s a small gesture, but it’s a quiet moment of gratitude… a thank you from the body that’s been pushing itself, not weighed down by anything but the rhythm of your steps.

The act of drinking water after a long walk is often taken for granted, a routine of replenishment. But if you pause for a moment, you realize it’s more than just hydrating. It’s a moment of acknowledgment. Your muscles thank you for pushing them, your heart for staying steady, your mind for remaining present. And you can’t help but appreciate the simplicity of the gesture, the way something as ordinary as water can feel extraordinary after you’ve earned it.

It’s a reminder of what it means to truly listen to your body. The walk, the effort, and the reward, they’re all part of a conversation, one where you take the time to slow down and feel the connection. And in that sip, you realize it’s not just about the water it’s about being present in the moment, acknowledging that every step was worth it.

I Remain