NATCHEZ — Wednesday’s weather brought clear skies and sunshine, which made for an ideal circumstance for Vicki Cothren and Agnes Holloway.

When The Dart landed on Melrose Avenue, the two were enjoying an evening workout walk through the streets of Natchez.

“When the weather is nice outside, we like to enjoy the outdoors,” Cothren said.

Cothren and Holloway have been partaking in their routine walks for more than five months and have been consistent with it since Jan. 16, walking at least three times a week.

“We like to see the dogs and talk to the ball players at Duncan Park,” Holloway said. “We’re doing something good for ourselves.”

They started at two-mile walks and have since moved up to three miles.

“You need a buddy when you’re walking,” Cothren said.

Cothren said the walk is not only good exercise, but also a way to release the day’s energy.

“It helps get rid of the stress from a day, it relaxes you,” she said. “It helps you get calm and be able to get a good rest at night when you go home.” 

Sometimes on their walks, however, bad energy can flow their direction.

“We like to fuss at the speeders and the people that litter,” Holloway said, laughing.

Cothren and Holloway have been working together for the past five years at United Mississippi Bank on Melrose-Montebello Parkway.

With the Mississippi summer heat on its way in the coming months, Holloway said, they could take their exercise inside the bank where they’ll enjoy a yoga workout.

But for now, the duo is just happy appreciating the outdoor scenery Natchez has to offer.

“This is just so easy, we just do it before we leave the premises,” Holloway said. “We’re real proud of ourselves, and we don’t give up.”