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.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 17, 2020

In reply to @imallears "@sueinmn I remember the snow days in NY and dressing the kids to go out while..." + (show)

Hi Mary - Usually at this time of year, I would be in the "wimp" category in Far South Texas, but as my girls say, "It's 2020" So we make the best of it.

Since I cannot be in my daughter's home while it's closed up because her husband works on boilers in all kinds of places and is constantly exposed, we decided I could help by getting the little guys out and moving while she works. By the time I bring them in, they're ready for either a nap or some screen time so she can continue to work.

I'm still not a fan of the cold, but wow, has technology improved life. They can, and do, stomp and crawl through slush and puddles and come inside still dry and warm under their gear. I even got some new mittens, and came in with warm, dry hands after making slush balls.

Sue

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 17, 2020

In reply to @marjou "This might be dumb question but how does one do this/connect on virtual walk?" + (show)

Not a dumb question at all - I kind of thought the same at first.
This chat is just a way to connect to and encourage each other with our reports of keeping on going. And we can prod, report our successes, challenge one another...
Finally, if you know anyone, anywhere who also walks, and you have cell phones, you can virtually walk together. This is how I have kept in touch with over a half dozen friends and relatives this summer and fall. Either we arrange in advance a time to walk and talk, or I spontaneously call them as I set out to walk and invite them to join me and we catch up. It's harder to do this in the cold, but I find I can put on an earphone/mic and put the phone in my pocket to keep the battery warm.
Feel free to tell us a little about yourself, set an easy walking goal (you can up it as you progress) and join us.
My goal (now that I spend an hour a day chasing toddlers in the cold most days) is to walk 30 minutes on my days off. I missed this past weekend due to a mysterious muscle spasm in my back, but I'll get back on track this morning while Auntie entertains the boys.
Sue

jude07 | @jude07 | Nov 17, 2020

In reply to @sueinmn "Hi Mary - Usually at this time of year, I would be in the "wimp" category..." + (show)

Great grandma time and “slush balls” almost sounds like something you can eat. Haha

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Nov 17, 2020

@imallears, Yay for the warmer temps for you and here in Tx too! I walk early and wear jeans, long sleeved pullover and tie a windbreaker around the waist.

In addition to the scheduled 3 walks/week, I've been doing what I call a "getting started walk" daily for the past couple of weeks because of the mild temps. Just a quick scoot around a couple of blocks seems to get the adrenalin going for a good start to the day. I am not looking forward to those cold, icy days that will make outside walks impossible so I'm taking advantage of the lovely weather now.

While most leaves have fallen, there are obstinate ones still on front trees. However, yesterday I filled several leaf bags in the backyard and will go back out again today. Last yr was the first time I'd hired someone for the front yard chore and I was surprised and pleased at how quickly and efficiently he got the job done! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will be available again this year.

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Nov 17, 2020

In reply to @marjou "This might be dumb question but how does one do this/connect on virtual walk?" + (show)

@marijou, I'm wondering too! Watching in the house on internet or maybe a video on smart phone while on a walk outside? I'm not very clued in on anything to do with "smart" tv's, phones, technologies soo, guess we know what that makes me!! lol

imallears | @imallears | Nov 17, 2020

In reply to @sueinmn "Hi Mary - Usually at this time of year, I would be in the "wimp" category..." + (show)

@sueinmn
Hi,

I remember slush balls and mittens or gloves back then never survived making them. Tomorrow I will make sure to put on a hoodiie when I go out for a walk. I don't think I ever walked as fast as I did this morning at 60 something degrees. I even cut it short by a quarter of a miles. We always get a wind along my route being so close to the water and I did not appreciate that this morning.

Fl Mary....still enjoying the open windows and patio doors.

wisco50 | @wisco50 | Nov 17, 2020

In reply to @imallears "@sueinmn Hi, I remember slush balls and mittens or gloves back then never survived making them...." + (show)

Wait, you must live somewhere warm? Because it sounds like 60 degrees is cold? I’m confused! It was very sunny today but in the 30’s. I wimped out and snuggled with dogs on couch <G> I know I have to deal with winter but skipped it today!

imallears | @imallears | Nov 17, 2020

@wisco50

Hi,
I am originally from NY but look at how I "sign" my name.....yup I live in Florida where we have had the warmest October and beginning of November with humid days since I don't know when. Yes Virginia there is a climate change. The first time I spent Christmas in Florida as a kid I will never forget the Santa bell ringer just dripping in sweat.

FL Mary

wisco50 | @wisco50 | Nov 17, 2020

In reply to @imallears "@wisco50 Hi, I am originally from NY but look at how I "sign" my name.....yup I..." + (show)

Mary, I totally agree about climate change. Our summers in WI last longer and are hotter. Our cold winters don’t get as cold for as long as they used to. We just broke a record for # of 70 degree days in November!

wisco50 | @wisco50 | Nov 19, 2020

In reply to @jude07 "What a dear story about your Dad and you and the box of chocolates! My Dad..." + (show)

Ah, sweet story about “eating backwards”! I’ve been known to demonstrate the same attitude, especially with my grandchildren. Now my youngest one is diabetic, so I’ve had to clean up my act!