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 | Feb 9, 2021

In reply to @artist01 "Just heading to Canadian Tire to get retreads on my shoes! lol" + (show)

You're funny! Keep up the effort.
Sue

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Feb 9, 2021

In reply to @artist01 "Just heading to Canadian Tire to get retreads on my shoes! lol" + (show)

@artist01. That’s a hoot!! Canadian Tire should give you a discount on those retreads for the free advertising. LOL.

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Feb 9, 2021

In reply to @artist01 "Just heading to Canadian Tire to get retreads on my shoes! lol" + (show)

@artist01 Maybe I should join you and get some Canadian retreads, too! We’re already getting your cold air and an occasional snow flake. Poppy and I haven’t been out for a walk since this is my week to get infusions of solumedrol and cyclophosphamide. If I’m not too tired later we can stroll to the park. I’ll try to keep up with you!

artist01 | @artist01 | Feb 9, 2021

In reply to @becsbuddy "@artist01 Maybe I should join you and get some Canadian retreads, too! We’re already getting your..." + (show)

I hope you and Poppy can get out soon for a walk. I just finished 20 minutes. Those retreads really help. Can I send you some? Lol. We're expecting an Arctic Vortex to arrive soon. Brrr. Hope we don't send it your way! Good luck with your infusions. I missed my Actemra injection (for GCA) this past month because I had my 1st Covid vaccination on January 24 and my rheumatologist directed me to skip one two-week interval of Actemra injections. Looking forward to next Tuesday, when I can resume. Painful joints without my wonder drug!
Stay warm - and healthy! Laur

cindyjk | @cindyjk | Feb 9, 2021

Hi! Here we are experiencing an article blast, but I’ve continued getting out each day. Zero and below has not stopped us. Today the sun was shining brightly and the temperature with windchill -9. We followed a deer path today since I skipped slipping on the snowshoes. (It’s much easier to get through thick woods without the extended foot) I have a strong desire to walk every day I can! My dog MOW (Moment Of Weakness 😁) turns 14 on Friday. I do it for both of us. I love hearing of all of your outside adventures 😍

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Feb 9, 2021

In reply to @cindyjk "Hi! Here we are experiencing an article blast, but I’ve continued getting out each day. Zero..." + (show)

@cindyjk Walking is so vital to our daily health, isn’t it? I’m the same way with twice daily walks in nature. However, there are days when it’s beastly hot or cold and I wimp out. Yesterday the high only reached -13 with a windchill all day of -23 but I went out anyway on a rescue mission. A small sapling had been tipped over with a heavy snowfall. Fearing the top would snap off, it needed to be uncovered. Thinking knee-high snow boots would suffice, I didn’t put on my snowshoes! Sank in up to my bum in a couple spots! Tears of laughter froze on my face, face planted a few times and I sure got an aerobic workout. Next time snow shoes for sure. This wasn’t in the woods but down a hill in our yard. I agree, snowshoeing in the woods has its challenges but so dear to my heart. I love the name of your doggo. What breed is your MOW? Our sweet golden passed away a few years ago. Our furry babies bring so much to our lives. Happy Walking! Lori

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Feb 9, 2021

In reply to @artist01 "I hope you and Poppy can get out soon for a walk. I just finished 20..." + (show)

@artist01 Seriously, Laurie? You added another 5 minutes today? Must be those new treads! Hehe Honestly though, your walking is so impressive and just has to be inspiring to others! Is anyone from your community joining you on your walks? I’m so enjoying your progress and one of your biggest fans. Do you still do any painting?? Lori.

jude07 | @jude07 | Feb 9, 2021

In reply to @loribmt "@cindyjk Walking is so vital to our daily health, isn’t it? I’m the same way with..." + (show)

I love all of the rugged outdoor stories, “knee deep, frozen tears” .... nature experiences, saving the saplings. Your story and others let me know that, it is ok for me to test the below 0 temps. After video walking exercises and/or just a “hamster walk” indoors for three days I thought I was going out of my mind. So today, it was bundle up and get to the outdoors. Ahh, upon return my mental health was even breathing better, not only my lungs.
You all are my inspiration to “Just Do It”, thank you I will sleep better tonight and will brave the outdoors again tomorrow! Gnite all!!

jude07 | @jude07 | Feb 9, 2021

In reply to @loribmt "@artist01 Seriously, Laurie? You added another 5 minutes today? Must be those new treads! Hehe Honestly..." + (show)

Lori, you got this “ I will do this” attitude that is contagious for other who are struggling. I commend you. Keep it up!

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Feb 9, 2021

@jude07 Me thinks you have the same “I will do this” attitude! Am I right? 🙂 We never know ‘what stuff’ we’re made of until coming face to face with an obstacle that feels too big to scale. But having a positive outlook and, failure is not an option attitude, plays a huge part in our personal success stories. If I can help instill that gumption in others, give some incentive to keep pushing through no matter what, it helps to prepare us for challenges ahead. So I hope it is contagious. Hehe. Thank YOU for the encouragement! And one little thought for walking outside when it’s cold. Do you wear a mask, scarf or gator over your mouth and nose? It helps keep the air entering your lungs at a warmer temperature.