Let’s Go Walking! Join me for a virtual walking support group

I ‘pushed myself out the door’ late this afternoon. We had snow last night and my little, 15# dog doesn’t really like it. We got 1/2 around the park and he started crying because he was cold (despite his coat)! I then had to carry him all the way home. I don’t really blame him for not liking the cold—I don’t either! We’ll try again tomorrow!

I would like to join the Mayo Clinic virtual walking group. How does it work? How do we keep in touch with one another and encourage one another to get out and walk?

@angelcats Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

Lace up your shoes, or, velcro them closed. If you are in a wheelchair, or on a walking assistance device like a cane, make sure everything is ready to go. [Personally I use two walking sticks for balance!] Dress for the weather wherever you happen to be. And get outside! You don't need to go a long distance, just what is comfortable for you. Got a dog, or a family member there with you? Take them along! Breathe in fresh air, see the sights, listen to the world around you. Repeat as many times a week as you want, going further each time, or making it a routine.

Come back and tell us about your walk. It doesn't need to be anything fancy. We want to experience what joy you find walking.
Ginger

Yesterday I went outside for a short but lovely walk. I hadn’t been outside walking outside for a few days so it felt good to be out there. I was by myself and using my rolling walker for added stability.
By chance I encountered a neighbor and her husband and we talked and walked together for maybe 10 minutes. That was fun! The walking, the socializing, and the fresh air all were good even though I was only out there for maybe 20 minutes.

Hello- After most of a week off to fight a nasty cold/respiratory virus, I laced (zipped) up my shoes this weekend - 1/2 miles yesterday, 2 walks today a little over 1/2 mile each. It felt good to be out, greeting neighbors and looking to see what has changed in a week.
Sue

I was a jogger prior to THR in January. I started back walking outdoors in late March . I finally started to feel somewhat back to normal at 6 months post op. I walked 6 miles today with friends. This is my longest distance post op. I am signed up for a 10k at the end of January. It feels good to walk that far and not have pain afterwards.

Hi @angelcats, welcome to the virtual walking group. I hope you saw @gingerw's explanation of how it works.

In brief, get walking at your pace and enjoyment, and share your success by posting about your walk here. You can share things like where you walked, what you saw or how far you went. If you need some motivation by following a schedule, click this link.

– Get walking with this 12-week walking schedule https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/get-walking-with-this-12-week-walking-schedule/

To get to know your fellow walkers, read through the past comments. When you return from your walk, post a comment and tell us how you did. I usually walk first thing in the morning. Rain prevented me this morning, but it has stopped now so I better get out there.

Welcome to the wonderful world of new body parts. I'm at 18 years and counting either my hips - even revisions didn't make me change my mind. Now I have a knee yelling at me. Will see my ortho in the Spring to consider whether there are still some conservative measures to try. My walk today is a stroll down the streets of our favorite Mexican border town taking in the sights and sounds of holiday preparations in two cultures and languages. What a treat to reconnect with all our friends and acquaintances here. Now on our way to have lunch and margaritas in our favorite restaurant. Most walks are not quite as much fun.

I love waking. I took it up during the pandemic and could walk neatly 5-7 miles each walk.

Since my CHrcc diagnosis, I can now only walk 3 miles. I did this yesterday in the brisk cool air. I sometimes walk in quiet but yesterday, I packed a small speaker in my fanny pack to enjoy Christmas music. It was lovely and other walkers smiled!

Cindy

Hi Becky. Thanks for starting this group. I went through treatment for anal cancer in Oct 2013. And in the past 5 years, walking has grown more difficult for me. I love to walk and my lungs and heart are in great shape. But the nerve damage to my spine has made it hard for me to even walk in the stores. But I am in PT now and I've changed my diet. I am now eating non-dairy and plant based foods. I'm doing this to help rid my body of inflammation and to lower my cholesterol and to maintain health and wellness. I am not Vegan or any of those other labels. But I am a body advocate: my body. I'm taking 600 mg R-ALA, and I use a 5% lidocaine transdermal patch once in a while. Orally, I take daily, 6 Tylenol 8 hour pills for pain. And I use Stopain roll on gels, copper belts for my calves, knee, and lumbar sacral spine. A combination of all these help me endure life.

I can't walk the distances I use to. But I'm better today than I was in February of this year. My goal is to be able to walk a mile again. PT is helping me a lot with the hip joint aches. So I feel like I'm on the road to improving my exercise regimen.

Waves to everybody at this group and may we all obtain our ability to walk more freely and enjoy it. Hugs for happiness. CB