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

I have been walking everyday to take my mind off my health problems. Besides my back, hip and leg pain. I have to get some gum issues to take care of. I don't want to think about it so I go walking even though my body is on fire after I'm done.
Another issue I'm facing is violence towards Asians lately. There are alot of Asians where I live and we older ones are fearful. Not getting political here, but just want to remind everyone to be careful. My children are worried about me but I just can't sit at home all day. The weather has been good so no complain there. OK. Time to get going for my pm walk.

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@mayofeb2020 Well, pooh! on anyone who even thinks violent thoughts about Asians, or blacks or whites or jews or canadians or republicans or democrats or christians or on and on and on!!!!! Dog gone it, this is the United States of America. We are a mixture of people from all over the world, all skin colors and all religions and all politics! I'm so proud and thankfull to be an American. But, I'm embarrassed and angry at the ridiculous, silly, idiotic, small-minded, poorly educated, not so smart people who are taking over our society these days. They are horrid bullies and we must stand up to them, as a group.....maybe just us older citizens, but we must!

Mayofeb2020, you enjoy your walks. I think it's up to every one of us to stand up with head held high, smile and live in this country. I'm doing my part to stand for the remarkable freedoms our Constitution stands for, were fought for. I think it's time every one of us do the same.

Guess I'm an instigator at heart! Nope....just tired of the nonsense and ready to 'fight' back with determination and in freedom with which we are born. I am fighting for my health......I'm fighting with the same determination for the freedoms and equal opportunities we have in this wonderful country.

I'm flying a beautiful, US flag at my front door. I live in a condo....one person suggested we aren't allowed to fly flags...I reminded him this is the US, we can fly the flag by law.....our condo now has many flags proudly waving at the front of the buildings. I can't fly a university flag or any other kind of flag, but no one can prohibit flying the US flag. Funny, I have several torn and worn flags in my closet that I can't dispose of.....raised to honor the flag and only bury or burn them. Can't bear to toss in garbage! No way yet to burn or bury...One day.

Enjoy your walk, our Asian friend. BTW; I walk with a cane or walker and a cane for short walks.....think it's good for protection from dog attack or snake human with no manners.....but, I well know I can barely lift it, much less hurt anyone with a little swing! We are funny as we age, aren't we. Still think we can lick the world!
Blessings, elizabeth

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@ess77

@mayofeb2020 Well, pooh! on anyone who even thinks violent thoughts about Asians, or blacks or whites or jews or canadians or republicans or democrats or christians or on and on and on!!!!! Dog gone it, this is the United States of America. We are a mixture of people from all over the world, all skin colors and all religions and all politics! I'm so proud and thankfull to be an American. But, I'm embarrassed and angry at the ridiculous, silly, idiotic, small-minded, poorly educated, not so smart people who are taking over our society these days. They are horrid bullies and we must stand up to them, as a group.....maybe just us older citizens, but we must!

Mayofeb2020, you enjoy your walks. I think it's up to every one of us to stand up with head held high, smile and live in this country. I'm doing my part to stand for the remarkable freedoms our Constitution stands for, were fought for. I think it's time every one of us do the same.

Guess I'm an instigator at heart! Nope....just tired of the nonsense and ready to 'fight' back with determination and in freedom with which we are born. I am fighting for my health......I'm fighting with the same determination for the freedoms and equal opportunities we have in this wonderful country.

I'm flying a beautiful, US flag at my front door. I live in a condo....one person suggested we aren't allowed to fly flags...I reminded him this is the US, we can fly the flag by law.....our condo now has many flags proudly waving at the front of the buildings. I can't fly a university flag or any other kind of flag, but no one can prohibit flying the US flag. Funny, I have several torn and worn flags in my closet that I can't dispose of.....raised to honor the flag and only bury or burn them. Can't bear to toss in garbage! No way yet to burn or bury...One day.

Enjoy your walk, our Asian friend. BTW; I walk with a cane or walker and a cane for short walks.....think it's good for protection from dog attack or snake human with no manners.....but, I well know I can barely lift it, much less hurt anyone with a little swing! We are funny as we age, aren't we. Still think we can lick the world!
Blessings, elizabeth

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@ess77 Contact your local VFW [Veterans of Foreign Wars] post, to ask about their flag disposal. I had a couple old tattered flags that I gave to them, and they had a big barrel of them. Usually around Flag Day [June 14] they have a retired flag burning ceremony. Also, your local Boy Scouts do a flag-burning ceremony.

Walking around our town, I always see many flags flying. See, @becsbuddy, on topic!
Ginger

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@gingerw

@ess77 Contact your local VFW [Veterans of Foreign Wars] post, to ask about their flag disposal. I had a couple old tattered flags that I gave to them, and they had a big barrel of them. Usually around Flag Day [June 14] they have a retired flag burning ceremony. Also, your local Boy Scouts do a flag-burning ceremony.

Walking around our town, I always see many flags flying. See, @becsbuddy, on topic!
Ginger

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@gingerw I have a ‘topic?’ We have flags front and back of the house! Fly your flag! Maybe I’ll take one on my walk tomorrow!
As for old flags, agree with Ginger. My husband said to also check with American Legion and local fire departments. Burning is the only way to legally dispose of a flag.
Happy walking! Snowing here but not expecting much so will go walking.
@mayofeb2020 Remember, we’re all walking with you!

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@jude07

What a sweet spot, yippee Texas weather and line dancing! You sound excited, relax and keep dancing!!

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Did it! Grocery shopping, finished unpacking, one hour of line dancing, and hosted a small, outdoor margarita party to celebrate out arrival - finally! Over 5 miles today. Tomorrow, I believe I will rest.
Sue

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@sueinmn and everyone else on this site.......Really, Sue? You know we all love you, I surely count you as a friend these days......You are a leader among women, true to your word? ANd so forth, BUT, now Sue. You just drove from MN to Texas for the summer? Arrived, went to town and did your grocery shopping, then LINE DANCING outside.....which I absolutely love to do, and ball dancing for several years, and thought I was Ginger.....But, you travelled all those miles in a car, unpacked, went to town and the grocery store, line dancing, suppose you put up groceries in there somewhere, and...for crying out loud you hosted an outdoor margarita part to celebrate....AND walked 5 miles?????

Sue. Is your bio legitimate? Do you have any health problems? How old are you? What shots do you take? Supplements? New drugs from Mayo research? Time to share with your friends in need indeed.

Congratulations, my friend. Sounds like you may be pleased to be in Texas? It took a bunch of work to close down your mn home, unless someone cks it and stays there some while you're gone.....whatever your do and are doing, I'm truly impressed. What fun! Every bit of it sounds like fun....you know, getting in the car and driving anywhere other than Mayo Clinic or PCP or hospital or drug store sounds like fun. Even going to Walmart sounds like fun.....I will soon be going back to the PT therapy pool, after my next procedure and begin my walking again.

Today, I'm preparing to go to Mayo in the morning to return the Bravo monitor and have a few tests at the lab. The Bravo is a special endoscopy that attaches a sensor to the lower esophogus to test the acid backing into the esophogus from the stomach...the monitor reads and records the readings for 48 hours. Monday, hopefully I'll get the path and lab results, had 6 gastric polyps up to size 20mm, barretts esophogus, schz....ring, etc. So, want to know answers and hate week-ends.

This wasn't pleasant but big deal. So much is much worse.....
Now, brought you down some? so sorry...you be full of energy for me, too, and love your place. I know you'll have a wonderful visit with old friends, dance and walk and keep us all going strong, too.
Keep it up, lady.
Blessings to you and all. elizabeth

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@sueinmn

Did it! Grocery shopping, finished unpacking, one hour of line dancing, and hosted a small, outdoor margarita party to celebrate out arrival - finally! Over 5 miles today. Tomorrow, I believe I will rest.
Sue

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Wow Sue, you are really painting the town red! Good for you! Have fun.

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@mayofeb2020

I have been walking everyday to take my mind off my health problems. Besides my back, hip and leg pain. I have to get some gum issues to take care of. I don't want to think about it so I go walking even though my body is on fire after I'm done.
Another issue I'm facing is violence towards Asians lately. There are alot of Asians where I live and we older ones are fearful. Not getting political here, but just want to remind everyone to be careful. My children are worried about me but I just can't sit at home all day. The weather has been good so no complain there. OK. Time to get going for my pm walk.

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@mayofeb2020, I feel like such an incredible wimp in contrast to your bravery in continuing daily walks despite your back, hip and leg pain! Triple load that courageous effort by concerns for your personal safety and I just want to shake my fist at our country-at-large for the continuing discrimination and violence against ethnic, racial and religious groups whose daily work create one of the highest standards of living in the universe for all of us! Have we forgotten that our very strengths and achievements result from the contributions of all who came to this country for a better life???

Mayofeb, As an American, I am ashamed that you and so many, many others have to even consider your safety when going about your daily affairs. Please take whatever personal safety precautions you can on your walks. Here's hoping that your walks will continue to bring both distraction from health problems and more smiles to each day.

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@fiesty76

@mayofeb2020, I feel like such an incredible wimp in contrast to your bravery in continuing daily walks despite your back, hip and leg pain! Triple load that courageous effort by concerns for your personal safety and I just want to shake my fist at our country-at-large for the continuing discrimination and violence against ethnic, racial and religious groups whose daily work create one of the highest standards of living in the universe for all of us! Have we forgotten that our very strengths and achievements result from the contributions of all who came to this country for a better life???

Mayofeb, As an American, I am ashamed that you and so many, many others have to even consider your safety when going about your daily affairs. Please take whatever personal safety precautions you can on your walks. Here's hoping that your walks will continue to bring both distraction from health problems and more smiles to each day.

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@fiesty 76... .I thank you and everyone who gave me so much support and encouragement. I will continue to walk everyday, but will definitely be more cognizant about people I see on my walk. I see familiar faces and even though we don't know each other, we always either smile or nod our heads in acknowledgement to one another. Our city has been named the safetest city in the US many years in a row and the recent attack shook us. I shall not dwell on it but I'll be more careful.

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@mayofeb2020

@fiesty 76... .I thank you and everyone who gave me so much support and encouragement. I will continue to walk everyday, but will definitely be more cognizant about people I see on my walk. I see familiar faces and even though we don't know each other, we always either smile or nod our heads in acknowledgement to one another. Our city has been named the safetest city in the US many years in a row and the recent attack shook us. I shall not dwell on it but I'll be more careful.

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@mayofeb2020
While I echo everyone’s sentiment towards racial bias and attitudes and admire your spirit I must comment on how vulnerable older people are in general. Whether it’s out for a stroll or going from the car to the grocery try to walk as youthfully as you can. Walk as briskly as possible with your back straight and head up and wear a crossbody bag if possible. Know where you are going and plan ahead....curbs, traffic, potholes etc. Of course be aware of the people around you. I try to walk like I am not an easy mark for a mugging.
Exercise and daily walking will keep us in good shape. So do the best you are able and be aware that people are watching. This is not paranoia...just common sense. And don’t get distracted if you are loading things into the car or standing at the gas pump etc.

FL Mary

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@becsbuddy

@gingerw I have a ‘topic?’ We have flags front and back of the house! Fly your flag! Maybe I’ll take one on my walk tomorrow!
As for old flags, agree with Ginger. My husband said to also check with American Legion and local fire departments. Burning is the only way to legally dispose of a flag.
Happy walking! Snowing here but not expecting much so will go walking.
@mayofeb2020 Remember, we’re all walking with you!

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@becsbuddy Topic of walking! Wherever/however/whenever we do it ;)) Like friends tend to do, our conversation sometimes run far afield of exercise and the benefits of walking. Kinda like a syndrome I do myself, the "shiny object syndrome". Oh, look! a squirrel! When you are actively exercising with a friend, time goes quicker and effort seems less as you converse. I "went along" with my galpal yesterday as she rode her bike at the beach, 900 miles south of me!
Ginger

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