Walking - Hello AGAIN.

Now that all the sitting and writing is done for the A-2-Z challenge, I have the luxury of writing (once again) about other day-to-day stuff.  Before those April posts launch starting on the 1st - thought I would share my initial efforts at getting a walking routine started - AGAIN!

It seems like I am always starting over to establish the walking habit.  (It could be described another way - I have developed the habit of starting walking programs.  Ha!)

I was walking somewhat regularly several years ago, but then had a major setback in 2017.   I spent a lot of time in PT trying to get my left knee well, resulting finally in a surgery repair in September 2017 - which was followed by yet again more PT until December 2017.  But as anyone can tell you who has had any kind of surgery on the knee - the knee isn't back to 'real' normal for about a year.  I noticed in fall of 2018 that I could finally kneel on that knee.  It was sort of the last test of normalcy - and I passed.

This spring I decided to take up a regular walking routine.  I began last week.

Interesting bodily discoveries.  My knee does well - it is a bit touchy at the start but 'gets over itself' within a few minutes and cooperates with no complaint.  My heart and lungs still do just fine. I find that a bit surprising.  Not much of a set back after a nearly 2 year break.  So a 30 minute walk is no problem.  I am, however, focused mostly on steps and time - and not on speed and distance - but my walk speed is pretty good.  Close to 3 miles per hour I would guess.  Woo Hoo!!!  I expect all those indicators to improve.  I am encouraged.

One problem still remains - that my current neighborhood of 2+ years isn't really walker friendly.  Sidewalks disappear, traffic is awful and visual interest is null.  So while I am still driving (at 72 you never know), I can get to wonderful walking paths and lakes and other areas of interests nearby.  I guess I will make lemonade out these lemons by taking you with me on my walks and sharing pictures of my area - new places all the time.  It will give me the incentive to get in the car for that walk (harder) rather than just stepping out of my condo for a walk (easier.)

I am using my Fitbit for tracking time and steps.  If you also use Fitbit - and want to be 'friends' on the Fitbit site - so we can check each other's progress and encourage each other - drop me an email.  I would love to have you as a virtual 'walking partner' on Fitbit.   'Friends' on Fitbit  can see each other's step counts.  Just knowing that info often inspires me to put in just a few more steps and a bit more time.

So on the Sundays in April (no A-2-Z posts on Sundays), I'll feature one of my walks.  And share some of the progress - not that anyone really cares about the stats except me - but it will give me the incentive to not embarrass myself by sitting too much and then being forced to admit it to you!

Till next time.