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

I found this week that if I watch my energy levels carefully, I can get about 45 minutes to an hour pulling weeds or some yardwork done. Then take my two hiking/walking poles for stability, go for a walk. It helps stretch my muscles back out and gives me a breather. And I walked further!

We have new neighbors two lots over. Their three dogs were not happy to see me walking by and kept raising a ruckus. I praised them for doing their job. And I met the lady of the house. They are simmering down now and learning I'm not a threat. The key is keep talking as I go by, make no eye contact. I get a chance to check in with Rosemary when she is out, and they are still right by her side, but more curious than ever.

Each time I walk I look for changes in the trees and plants around, which helps distract me. Yes, still neuropathic discomfort, but it feels so good to be out in the fresh air!
Ginger

One can only hope!! Wow Lizzy that’s an old song, 1918 I believe. Is that an indication of someones age?
Take care kid,
Jake

@jakedduck1 and all...Actually, I think it was around late 1968 as I recall. Yes, this gal isn't so young anymore. I remember the Smother's Brothers well and love them. I was so naive, I had no idea they were a rebellious politically controversial act...I thought they were adorable and talented and funny as all heck. Still do think all that. But, now know they also were politically rebellious and got fired off CBS for being too outspoken, with their songs and guests.

Love them. I sent my son the link from Lori. He and I've been watching all the youtube videos of their performances. What a wonderful, fun day! All thanks to you, Leonard.
Enjoy your walking....elizabeth

@gingerw, and all...Good for you, Ginger! I'm proud of you and how far you've come in the last several months. Keep up the great work and enjoy your lovely area. I hope to be walking outside in a month or so, but by then we'll be in summer weather and I don't do so well in the early morning, so I may have to stay inside walking at Mayo, the pool, and maybe the mall. WE'll see what life brings along the way, eh? Have those hiking poles worked out well? I think I'm past that at this point and for walking outside or in buildings I need my hot pink walker. stability is key for me. And, someplace to rest if need be. A seat, a place to put my water, kleenex, whatever...
Have fun, my friend. elizabeth

@ess77 Yes, the walking poles work out well for me. Last Spring I had the chance to buy a very nice walker from neighbors, that had belonged to her mother, for a very low price. I decided against it, figuring that I was in a battle to get rid of my neuropathy. I use a cane when out and about, driving to stores, however I do see several people using walking sticks.

Stability and a feeling of balance is so important, isn't it?
Ginger

I just came upon this and needed the extra motivation. I live part of the year in Asheville, on top of a small mountain, with great views and air freshened by contiguous national forests. Have been meaning to walk a lot, but intention and reality somehow didn't meet up. But this will motivate me. We do have a black bear in the neighborhood so motivation might take place a tad further from home. I've yet to explore other historic neighborhoods but this gives me a plan!

@callalloo I’m glad to hear that you’ve gotten some inspiration from this discussion! At the moment, i don’t think anyone is walking—it’s just too hot. Climate is changing too fast! Your area around Asheville sounds wonderful for walking. Whenever I went to see my mother in Washington, DC, I loved to walk around her neighborhood with all the flowers. So pretty.
Happy walking! I’ll join you as soon as it gets cooler.

@becsbuddy

Chiming in here from hot hot humid Florida. I’m on the west coast on the water…TampaBay area. I still walk in the morning but have to be out of the house before 6:30. This morning I had to wear my flashing light bracelet because it was still dark. But honestly, if I get up later than 6:30, I will just trot around my subdivision instead of my usual 2 to 2.5 miles.
It’s exhausting in this humidity. I will still get my minimum 5000 steps daily by going to my gym classes or just walking around my house at random times. I don’t remember it being this hot ever and the meteorologist said it was the hottest June and July on record since they starting keeping records.
We have runners who still go out every morning and I have a friend who does 6 or 7 miles early early because he participates in races. This weekend he raced again and , again, came in first for his age group…70 to 75…God bless him…not an ounce of fat on him. I’m 81 and boy, do I feel this humidity…try to get everything outside the home done before noon.
Walking has become such a habit over the past several years that it really bugs me on days that I don’t. It’s like I forgot to brush my teeth that day.

Always praying for evening thunderstorms.

FL Mary

Well...I did get back to it this week - we had a moderately nice day on Thursday & my winter walking pal dropped in to pick up something she forget here earlier. We said, "well, we've got a little time, let's take a walk..." and we went 5 miles in about 90 minutes! We were a bit swaty and definitely tired, but it felt so good! Yesterday we went on a 'venture with our 3 littles 9 (2 yo next door has joined our gang.) Took a group, including Moms & Auntie, to a nearby historic farm, where they got to pet & feed the animals, sort some apples, winnow a little grain - and we walked over 3 miles - even the kids. Came home & cooled off in the shade with fresh peaches - it was 94F. Today my daughter and I did 3+ very humid miles visiting a local Art Fair. It was our long-delayed day outing. Now that I have 3 days in, I feel motivated to continue. Have to get in walking shape for our State Fair later this month - I will be there at least 5 days again volunteering and take advantage of the free tickets to spend the day each time.
@imallears FL Mary - I'm with you, in June we were walking in Texas at 6:30 am. The up-side to that was the night-blooming cactus were still in full flower and the spider webs were sparkling with dew.
Sue

@sueinmn
That’s a whole lot of walking but at least you had a destination….that makes a big difference. We just have the same old route walking around the same old streets waving at people we don’t know in cars. You have to get in a car and drive to anyplace interesting to walk and it’s just too dang dark to do that right now. In the fall, walking in the Tarpon Springs area around the canals is great…get to see dolphins…..but it takes a minimum of 20 minutes to drive there. My walking is just exercise…not too much fun unless you have someone with you or meet one of the walkers along the way. Even the deer are hiding from the heat lately.

FL Mary