Start Walking CL!

For about twenty years, prior to my diagnosis, I walked about two miles every day.  I loved walking and it was as much a part of my routine as taking a shower or eating dinner.  I almost never missed a day.  When I was still teaching first grade, there were many times at the end of a day that I told myself I was just too tired and I didn’t think I would be able to go for my walk when I got home.  However, by the time I made my short three mile commute home, my mind had changed and I was compelled to go for my walk.  It was almost like some unknown force was making me go.  Oh, how I wish that force was still with me.

Since I have been ill and through all my treatments, I have found it very difficult to make myself get back into my walking routine.  I know it is vitally important for my overall health and I am feeling well enough now to do it.  It is true that my energy level and stamina are not up to par and I think that figures into my reluctance to “Just Do It” as Nike advises.   

I think the answer for me is to set these small attainable goals that will get me back walking:

Goal #1:   Walk for 20 minutes 3 times a week. 

Goal #2:   After two weeks, increase number of walks to  4 times a week.

Goal #3:   Gradually increase the number of walks per week and the length from 20    minutes to   30 minutes.

Now  that I have this in print and posted on my blog, it will hold my feet to the fire so to speak.  I am going to need that incentive.  I walked my 20 minutes today and it felt like work.  If I remember correctly, back twenty years ago when I first started walking on a daily basis, it felt like work then, too.  However, I was twenty years younger and healthy then so it was "easier" work!

The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance website has an aptly titled article by  Amy Poffenbarger:

You don’t have to be a triathlete. You just have to try!

http://www.sccablog.org/2012/05/you-dont-have-to-be-a-triathlete-you-just-have-to-try/