Article: Exercise - Start Walking?

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Article: Exercise - Start Walking?
Hi to all. I just resently discovered it was here. I wanted to share something that is working for me.

My husband and I had planned to go on a cruise with friends. I wanted to loose some weight and try to get in shape, but let's face it, lazy usually wins out in the long run. But I picked a day and decided to start walking everyday. I didn't know how long it would last, but at least I got started.

That was 2500 days ago. I haven't missed a day yet. I walk in the heat, the cold, the rain, and the snow. I got up at 4:00 in the morning to walk the day of my surgery in case I didn't feel up to walking at the hospital that day (but I walked that evening up and down the hallways at the castle). My dog usually goes with me and he really enjoys getting out each day.

This has become as much a part of my day, each day, as a shower and brushing my teeth. I have had days where I might have not walked if I hadn't had this string of days going, so that gets me through the tough days. Most days I am happy to go out and walk. My minimun walk is one mile and my maximum is 3 miles. It just depends on me and the weather each day.
I can remember being excited when I had made it a week without missing a day. Then a month and now suddenly I am up to 6.8 years. I don't remember the exact date, but it was in August, so 7 years is approaching fast.

I'm not skin and bones by any means and still could use some weight loss (however I can maintain a size 14 which I am very happy with), but I feel good and enjoy myself and that is what I find to be the most rewarding part of this.

Hope I've inspired some of you to get out and get walking. It can be a great thing.

Nancy

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Hi Nancy,
Welcome to Hysteritaville!!!
I really admire your comittment to the walking. They say its the best form of exercise. I imagine its a real energy boost each day as well! I recently started a walking program for bone density, and I knew there was no way I would walk in the heat or the icy conditions so I bought a treadmill, but your way is definately the way to go - out in the good ole fresh air!!
M.

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That's wonderful, NancH. I'd love to be as committed. I do OK in all weather except muggy or rain. How about the weight? Did you lose any?

Em

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Thank you for the motivation!

So, I was going to blow off my walk tonight. The usual reasons-a horrible evening commute (2 hours) , DBF headed out until the 4th for a couple of days salmon fishing and the Mariners are playing and well...I rather watch the end of the game : )

What I've decided is to get off this darn computer, throw on my tennis shoes and get outside and walk for 1/2 hour.

Wow-what a run you've got going!

Congratulations and thank you again,

Paige

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What an awesome thing. almost 7 years of walking everyday. I am amazed!
Keep up the great momentum and thanks for the inspiration for the board.
fitbug

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WOW!!! I AM inspired! What great willpower you have!

My MIL, at 72 years young, started walking along with a "diet" program. Actually, she was just eating a healthy diet. She lost 35 months in a very short period of time and looks great!

I began walking 2 miles at least 6 days a week. I like to walk at the High School track near us, since the track is soft...that ground up rubbery stuff. I feel SO much better after I walk.

Lola

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Hi Em, Yes, from the time I started walking until now, I have lost about 30 lbs that stay off all the time. There are another 10 lbs or so that seem to come and go depending on my eating habits at the time. But I've gotten to the point where I am happy with the weight I'm at and just don't worry about the extra 10 every ow and then. They seem to take care of themselves.

Nancy

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Well then, you're the proof! I've often read that if a person does what you've done they will lose or at least maintain their weight. I never met anyone who did it though. You've done it....without going to extremes (you know, those people who end up walking 10-20 miles a day!). I can do this. I shower, brush my teeth, and have a dog who walks with me. I start tomorrow!

Thanks!

Em

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Yea Em, Way to go. Remember one day at a time. I have never looked ahead to see how far I will go on any day. I just make sure I go today. And so far, the todays just keep coming. Good Luck.
Nancy

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I found a great web site for walkers. It's http://walking.about.com/recreation/walking/mbody.htm
I really enjoy it.

Katie
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So far, so good! I walked 45 min's yesterday and 20 today. It was cold here when I went out today (honest to God) and it looked like rain, so I stayed close to home. I like NancH's remarks about not planning how far to go...just go. Thanks! Now I'm going to click onto Katies site.
Em