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

Posted by Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy, Feb 19, 2020

Many of you living with cancer or an autoimmune disease, like me, deal with daily fatigue. You know that exercise is so important to your health, but it’s so hard. There’s always an excuse: it’s too cold or hot, it’s going to rain or it’s raining, or it’s snowy and icy, or I just don’t want to. I, too, have all these excuses, but I have a new rescue dog who wants to go out and who doesn’t care about my excuses! And I’ve got traction devices for my boots.Now I just need a walking group who will keep me accountable. People who say, ‘let’s go for a walk.'

And I thought: What about my virtual friends on MayoClinicConnect?

Mayo Clinic has an easy 12-week walking program to get us started! Here’s the link:
- Get walking with this 12-week walking schedule https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/get-walking-with-this-12-week-walking-schedule/

So let’s form a virtual walking group. We can agree to walk every day and encourage each other through Connect. We can walk outdoors, in a mall, or in the red center, or in the hallways of our apartment building.

Who’s in? Who’s going to join me?

Come on, Let’s Go Walking!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.

mayofeb2020 | @mayofeb2020 | Feb 25, 2020

Yes, you can do it!! I visited my brother in Vancouver last year for his 89th birthday. Until he slipped on black ice the year before, he biked and walked everyday. Washes and polishes his car!! He still walked although he doesn't bike anymore. He still drives. He's in such good health it totally motivated me. My HR goes really high sometimes when I walk, so I will slow or stop for a while. My friends joined gym but I am very intimidated by the slim and trim bodies so I only walk. You can do it. I think the hardest part is starting, so do it for a few days and it will get easier.

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Feb 25, 2020

In reply to @becsbuddy "Let’s try March 1st as a start date! @jlw. @merpreb. @lioness. @starko. @estrada53 @1065408 Does that..." + (show)

Great idea, Becky! My self-challenge for 2020 is to walk 3xs/week. I chose Tues, Thur, Sat and set no distance or speed goals but started with 15 min. Main objective was to honor my commitment and see if I could do it rain or shine.

Last yr my challenge was to see if I could go a year without purchasing a single new wearable. Despite an unexpected 30lb wt loss and wearing out 2 belts, I achieved the goal. That discipline did wonders for my self-esteem so chose to tackle a "routine", another tricky challenge for us creative types.

No record for sure but nearly 2 mos into the yr, I've made it to the mall or large box stores during inclement weather for my walks. Specifying the days helps keep me accountable. Important for me to keep the goal achievable and would like to participate with 3 days each week. How will this group stay in touch???

patriciao | @patriciao | Feb 25, 2020

In reply to @fiesty76 "Great idea, Becky! My self-challenge for 2020 is to walk 3xs/week. I chose Tues, Thur, Sat..." + (show)

I felt the same way about joining a fitness facility. About 5 years ago, I decided to summon the courage to give it a try. I found that people are focused on their own workout and not paying the slightest attention to what I am doing so the apprehension wasn’t warranted. Now I love going and really miss it when I can’t go for some reason.