Exercise has never been my thing.
And I wrote about it way back in 2014.
I declared that I was very out of shape, but I was going to start walking...in an effort to get to that magical 10,000 steps a day.
However, in that post about the beginning of my journey, I wasn't exactly honest.
You see, it wasn't that I was lazy or simply out of shape. The truth of the matter is, I wasn't born with great lungs.
So exercise has always been a struggle.
When I was younger, it was easier to ignore, to push through, but as I got older, my body changed, especially after babies.
And rather than push myself, I shied away from anything that would induce symptoms.
I parked as close to the door as I could get at malls, sightseeing tours were not on our vacation itineraries and hiking was totally out of the question, as I was often winded just walking up the stairs in our tiny cottage.
For years I told myself that someday l'd work on that, but fear kept me from challenging myself. It was much easier to stay in the safe zone, even if it meant missing out on things.
Besides, making over thrift store finds was much easier than transforming myself.
At first, I could barely make it around the block.
My ridiculously supportive husband used to coax me into trying by saying we'll just go on a tiny walk...a baby walk he called it…..and I'd laugh and we'd walk at a snail's pace to the house or two next door.
Even that was often too much.
But.
I kept at it and each day our walks got a little longer - some days only by a few steps. Which by the way, I stopped counting.
It wasn't easy, but with my hand in his, I persevered.
Winter, spring, summer and fall.
Fast forward to today's baby walk.
Our normal route, almost 2 miles on the waterfront, on the dock, through the parks, up steps and hills, through town and home.
Talking, laughing and only occasionally winded. It's no 5k that's for sure, but for this girl, it might as well be.
And it only took me 2 years to get here.
Well, 11 years if we're really counting.
But like I said, I don't.
😉
Are you on a journey?
Keep going, Friends!
You’re an inspiration. I’ve been unmotivated lately but plan to “get moving “ today.
ReplyDeleteKim that is so great. What a wonderful husband you have. I remember when I tried to run for the first time my lungs filled up with water and I felt like I was drowning. I soon learned that your lung capacity expands as you push them further. That’s a remarkable triumph!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your outstanding accomplishment! It’s so important as we age to stay in shape, if we are physically able to but we must never give up trying. Keep up the good work and stay healthy ❤️
ReplyDeleteThis is so great! I love how your hubby supported you and how much you improved.
ReplyDeleteI'm on a journey of losing weight and exercising too. I have Rheumatoid arthritis and allowed myself to use that to not be active. I started walking more about 6 months ago and started eating healthy. I've now lost 50 pounds and walk about an hour a day. I still hurt, but don't let it stop me!
I'm so proud of you!
Fantastic progress! When my mother was ill with n-stage COPD and we were leaving from visiting, I told my brother "let's take the stairs" he asked why and I said "because we can". It's always a reminder to enjoy the movement. You may not be running a 5K like you mentioned but at least you're doing more than many "healthy" people do. I sit at a desk all day, have always had weight issues and realized it's really just lack of movement. So I bought a walking pad and am fighting for the 10K steps per day myself. Thanks for the motivation.
ReplyDeletekeep on walking. Develope an inside program also for inclement weather. You have a great husband, he wants the best for you.
ReplyDeleteWow Kim, it's great new that you have such a supportive husband who has helped you to keep moving and walking. Walking is one of the best ways of moving your body and it's fun when you have your husband to walk all over the neighborhood. Fall is such a nice time of year to take those walks and see all of the fall foliage. You must feel so good when you come back from your walks I try to take walks a few times a week with Lucy which is good for the both of us. I also go to my gym for different classes at least 3 to 4 times a week. I used to HATE exercise and walking many years ago until my husband also encouraged me get moving. It got easier after time and now I can take those sightseeing vacations with my daughter or husband and walk a lot. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for persevering!
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