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Let’s Go Walking! Join me for a virtual walking support group
Just Want to Talk | Last Active: Sep 12 6:29pm | Replies (4356)Comment receiving replies
Because I see your heading "Let's Go Walking" every day when I connect with Mayo Clinic Connect, it's been percolating in my subconscious. Yes, I need to get walking. I haven't been able to for months now, but have gradually improved to the point where I knew I should make an effort to be more active. I've had two blood clots recently, within a month of each other, and I know it's imperative that I get moving.
Yesterday was a fine day here, so this was The Day. Because I live in a seniors' residence and we are in lockdown due to Covid, we're only permitted to walk around the perimeter of our building, on our own property. That was good enough for me. Less of a First Time challenge.
I only walked halfway around the building, for a total of eight minutes, but I DID IT!
Today, I'll go a bit further, and the next day, a bit further than that. I'm feeling like a little kid - so proud of myself for this tiny accomplishment, but I have multiple health issues, including Giant Cell Arteritis, Diabetes, GI problems, 2 small strokes, a recent TIA, etc, etc. so lots of concerns. I know walking is going to help. I was always a hiker and loved hiking up the mountain trails in the beautiful Canadian Rockies when I lived in Alberta. One of my favorite sayings throughout my 85 years is, "Today is the first day of the rest of my life"!
Replies to "Because I see your heading "Let's Go Walking" every day when I connect with Mayo Clinic..."
@artist01 Yessss!!! ! I’m doing a happy dance for you! It’s wonderful you took the first steps yesterday to get out walking. Sometimes all it takes is that first initiative to propel yourself forward from now on! I can ‘hear’ it in your voice, the sense of pride you’re feeling for having accomplished that first lap, even halfway around the building! Each day you can build on that and the elation it brings is such a reward. It doesn’t take long at all for walking to become a daily habit, one you’ll miss or feel guilty about if you skip a day!
I mentioned this in another thread, but for days I can’t get outside to walk, I walk in my house. I make a circuit through all the rooms, go up and down my stairs. I set a timer and walk for a specific amount of time. Is there an area inside your senior residence building where there are hallways to walk? Is there an exercise room with a treadmill or other equipment? It’s not the Canadian Rockies but still an enjoyable challenge to get moving. Could you find a fellow friend or two to join you? It’s amazing what walking can do for our health and psyche! I’m excited for you and can’t wait to hear your progress! Today IS the first day of the rest of your life! Lori.
@artist01
CONGRATULATIONS on your accomplishment.
Now you have me inspired. I think I’ll try to walk to where I went to junior high. No big deal as a kid, not so sure now.
Jake
@artist01 Yeaaah, you! I bet that sense of accomplishment stayed with you all day, after that walk. Don't be hard on yourself saying "why didn't I do this before today", okay?
You are inspiring me to get out and do something today. My husband will be happy that it is helping him move firewood. I see some bulbs already poking their heads up through the cold soil, so I can start thinking about garden stuff soon. We have many projects to do around here.
Ginger
Congratulations on getting moving! If you take it slow, and do it every day you ability will gradually improve. One thing people often try to do is increase too fast, leads to soreness, falls, discouragement... My PT's guideline is a 10% increase per week. When my Mom was recovering from her stroke, it took 2 months of determination to be able to walk 1/4 mile, but eventually she got it up to 1/2 mile a day.
Sue
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You have been through a lot and yet you inspire others to keep going “one step at a time”. Keep it up!!