Letters: Walking pays off in more ways than one

My husband and I got a kick out of the My Turn article [“A Penny for Your Walks? Count on It.” Jan. 2]. We are daily outdoor walkers who have discovered the same incentive as Jack Russell. We have found everything from pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters on our 3-mile excursions to paper money including $1, $5, $10 and $20. It doesn’t happen often, but it makes each walk an adventure.

We think of the coins as pennies from heaven, dropped by my father-in-law who also walked and picked up coins before he passed away.

Gloria Polin

Laguna Niguel

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For several years, money has been the second goal as I walk — the first, of course, is exercise. You are right: Pennies rate No. 1, but nickels, dimes and quarters, even a dollar, show up once in a while. All the money I collect in one year goes to orphanages in Tijuana and Nicaragua.

My wonderful husband will not stoop down to pick up a penny (it’s hard on his back), but we who grew up during the Depression know that pennies become nickels, then dimes, then quarters and finally dollars. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone — or crazy!

Bonnie Sharp

North Tustin

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I too collect money while walking my two dogs three or four miles every day. I have found $5, $10 and $20 bills! I was just at LAX and picked up a quarter.

I also carry an extra bag and collect bottles and cans discarded in the gutter. I turn them in at the recycling center for cash. I put all this in my money jar and have about $135 at this point.

Sydney Field

Sherman Oaks

Exercises they love

Thanks so much for your article about finding a form of exercise you love [“All You Need Is Love (and Cash),” Jan. 2]. I couldn’t agree more. Working out at something you love is the best way to make exercise a habit (and to keep that habit fun).

I would add one more commandment: Thou shalt leave whatever you need for your workout right besideth the door. That’s where my swim bag lives, so “I can’t find my suit” or “My goggles have disappeared” will never work as excuses to crawl back into bed.

Daniel Slosberg

Los Angeles

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I too hated walking on — much less running on — the treadmill. But I do love walking briskly with two other women and miss it when we do not meet, walk and talk our lives away. We took something none of us liked and made a pact to do it together!

It has been at least five years now. We have sort of eased up our schedules, but this has inspired me to get back on my track, with or without them. Thanks for starting me off this 2012 feeling hopeful and able.

Pamela Jane Ingersoll

Whittier

Letters should be brief and may be edited for length and clarity. Email health@latimes.com. Please include your full name (no pseudonyms) and city of residence.