Well...I Have Started To Work On....

[Harrybaby666]

Hi Gang,
I just wanted to post and say that I have started to work on getting my legs stronger and try and walk to strengthen my legs, heart and lungs. I don't know how this will go, as it is quite painful for me at this moment. Believe it or not, I did alot of March Of Dimes Walkathons when I was younger, and I was able to do 16 miles in 4 hours. Today, as I was instructed by my ever so rude primary, I got out there and walked. I did 6 rounds around the Rochester Commons which is 1/3 of a mile with 1 trip around, so I figure I did about 2.5 miles, between walking from my apartment (about 1/4 of a mile away) to the commons, doing the rounds and then back to the apartment. I have to admit, I am in horrible pain, (Did I mention ??!! LOL) but I am gonna give this my best shot and see what happens. I just wanted to let everyone know...Take Care, Harrybaby666

 

[geebee]

Don't overdue it at first. I know it is tempting to do too much in response to an irritating doctor but the only one who will be hurt is you. If you have not been very active, 2.5 miles the first time out is a bit much.
You should try 1/2 mile and build up from there. You will not hurt as much that way.
Keep smiling,
Gina

 

[Mary]

Good Job, Harry!
That is excellent. You might have done too much, but I'm happy to hear that you got a walk in! Exercise always makes me feel like I'm in control of some aspect of my life; I hope it does the same for you. How much have you walked?
Mary

 

[bvdr]

Good for you, Harry!

 

[Karlynn]

Way to go Harry!!!!!!! Keep up the good work. You owe it to yourself.

I really didn't want to go work out today. I made excuses until about 2:30 until the thoughts of my improved aortic valve leak kept sneaking in to tell me that it's no longer an option, but a necessity for me to get physically fit.

Is there someone you know that you could walk with? I work out with a friend about 1/2 the time and it makes it so much more enjoyable.

 

[Marguerite53]

Good JOB!!

Good JOB!!

Harry, that's great news. I think you should take it slow or you'll get discouraged by how stiff you are the next day!!

I'm working very hard to be more diligent about exercise, too. I found a walking partner (as Karlynn suggests). She is wonderful!! She talks the whole time and the miles just zing by. She is totally not a health or exercise freak, and so she will go at my pace. We even walk in the pouring rain and in the dark. We use a local middle school track. It's cushy, flat, and easy. I get out of breath so easily these days, so flat is best for me.

Don't give up. Just do it! Frankly I don't feel any better yet as a whole, but my legs are definitely stronger and the fresh air and conversation do wonders for my state of mind. Even when I walk alone, there are cows and birds (canada geese if I'm lucky) and school busses full of screaming happy kids. It really is good to get out into the fresh air.

Best wishes!

Marguerite

 

[Glenda]

Harry, way to go! But please your "aunt Glenda" says not to overdo. Take it easy and work up to all this walking. I see where you said you walked for the March of Dimes. I was the March of Dimes Executive Director in the Southwest part of Missouri for about five years. We had great Walks. I loved this job but the stress was awful. I worked anywhere from 12-15 hours a day. I loved people like you that were so dedicated to the mission of the March of Dimes. It is a great non-profit organization.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Evening Glenda...

Evening Glenda...

Yeah, I did them for about 3 years, and I found it to be very rewarding and it actually seemed to do wonders (at that time anyway) for my Chronic Lung Diseases. It has been getting really depressing knowing that I am not able to do what I used to , but I am determined to stay on my feet for as long as possible. I walked again today, not as much as I did yesterday, as I just couldn't bear the pain anymore, but I am hoping I can get to the point of being able to do 2 miles round trip. I was in 2 very serious car accidents back in 1990, and I have been told that alot of the pain is from arthritis that I have developed as a result of the accidents, so it is very hard, but like I said, I am determined to keep walking for as long as I can. With Alot Of Support from everyone. Thanks again for your ongoing encouragement and kindness...Harrybaby666

 

[MichyB]

Hi Harry. Maybe we can encourage each other. I have been scared to work out ever since my series of weird diagnoses. I used to work out a lot ... so the deconditioning is really affecting me, physically and mentally. I can't seem to get to the gym these days though. Haven't been in two months. Perhaps you will inspire me.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi Michy...

Hi Michy...

I know what your going through, and I have been feeling the same kind of fear that you have, as my doctor has said that I seem to be afraid to push myself, so yes, we can encourage each other. Yesterday, I did a 15 minute walk in the Bangor Maine Mall..and believe me...I felt it afterwords. They tell us to keep at it, no matter how bad it hurts, but, then again, they are not the ones in pain. We will have to keep track of ourselves and really show the docs who's who here. I wish us both the best of luck and the least amount of pain. Harrybaby666

 

[McCln]

Harrybaby666

Harrybaby666

I have a suggestion on the walking, get a pedimeter to measure not only the steps, which is good to do up 10,000 a day. Get one to measure the distance you walk a day. Most pedimeters measure the distance as well as steps. The meter is cheap and easy to use. I use one almost everyday and you put it on the waistband of your pants. Good luck on the exercise endever. I will be getting into a gym as soon as it opens close to where I work. We just keep everyone apraised on our progress. Take care and good luck.

 

[Abbanabba]

I just had the drill from the cardio to make sure I get in at least half and hour of walking a day - which I've been trying very hard to do - but it just keeps getting harder and harder. You end up in the vicious cirlce of not being able to do as much, then because you're not as active you can do even less.

I just try to do as much as I can each day - sometimes that's quite a bit, other times.......


Marguerite -
A walking partner is such a great idea. My partner is wonderful at dragging me out the house on those days I'm not feeling so motivated and I'm very grateful to him for it (..and yes, it does make it so much more enjoyable..).


McCln -
I got involved in a 10,000 steps program last year, mainly to ensure I WAS getting regular exercise and to see if I would feel better from it. I actually felt worse, but it was very helpful recording how far I COULD go each day and how that affected me (although it was a little disappointing to note my stamina was decreasing rather than increasing).


Harry -
BABY STEPS!!! You really don't like doing things by half, do you? I hope you're able to get yourself into a routine that gives you some results, but is easy to manage. After all, ANYTHING each day is better than nothing at all, or killing yourself with a massive workout one day and nothing for the rest of the week. Keep us posted on how you go.

A : )