“Let’s go Devorah!” I called out impatiently. How was I ever going to lose weight if she kept on her habit of stopping or slowing down? With firm resolution I yanked her arm and proceeded to march down the street. Walking quickly we chatted about our upcoming senior trip and giggled as we remembered the funny story our teacher had told us last week. After several minutes of pleasurable schmoozing I noticed that we were getting caught up in the conversation and that our planned brisk walk had transformed into a leisurely stroll and that our pace and slowed down considerably. Inhaling deeply I started taking short yet quick steps to quicken our pace. Feeling the sounds of my heart racing and the steady rhythm of my sneakers against the cement sidewalk I was pleased with the speed at which we were walking.

“Chani slow down” I suddenly heard Devorah calling out as she struggled to keep up with my wide strides. I slowed my pace slightly but kept moving as Devorah slowly fell into the rhythm. Right left right left inhale exhale

“I think it’s time for a break” Devorah announced after ten minutes of silent walking. Approaching a bench she collapsed into it wiping her brow. “I can’t do this ” she mumbled between gulps of water. “My legs hurt and my side too I feel a cramp coming on….” she complained.