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.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sue. Trust me I have more unmotivated days than I can count. I'm cheering you on from home!
DeleteKim 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!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan!! ☺️ He is a great walking buddy that's for sure...and yes, exercise certainly does increase lung capacity. Running, huh? That's amazing!! You go!!
DeleteCongratulations 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 ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you!! It certainly is not easier as we get older, but you are right, we must push through. Now I just need to eat more veggies!! haha
DeleteThis 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!
Thanks Mari! He's an awesome motivator. Your journey sounds similar to mine, but 6 months!! Wow, you are on the fast track!! I'm so impressed with all your progress and super proud of YOU my friend, that is a huge accomplishment!! 💕
DeleteFantastic 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.
ReplyDeleteI love that story, Debbie...because we can. Yes!! Sitting at a desk is tough, when I was teaching I was moving all day just due to the nature of the job. It takes a lot when you get home from work to get up and move, but it sounds like you are doing a great job! Keep fighting...and thanks for sharing your experience, it's motivating me to continue, too!!
Deletekeep on walking. Develope an inside program also for inclement weather. You have a great husband, he wants the best for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you! He is the best for sure and yes, I have a treadmill for the icky days...but outside is so much better!
DeleteWow 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Julie!! Sounds like you get a lot of exercise! I know that those pups help. They need to walk so that's motivating for sure. I also love that your husband encouraged you to get moving!! A supportive buddy makes all the difference and yes, once you build up your stamina the world opens up in wonderful ways from interesting vacations and long walks on the beach to shopping in those huge malls! Sometimes that's my favorite!! Haha!!
DeleteGood for you for persevering!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne! It's not easy some days, but I don't want to stop now.
Deletehi kim i had no idea! Congratulations year round walking huge! Congrats! I live to listen to audible books or billy joel ( we watched his documentary! or podcasts! Save some pumpkin seeds for me for next summer! Let’s see if i can grow them out here at 5280 + elevation😉
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Laura! I love Billy Joel music and walking to it is great. I'll save you some seeds and if they grow you'll have to send me pics!!
DeleteGood for you!!!!! I used to walk a lot, but two bad legs have me out of commission momentarily! I will think about you, and that will give me an extra boost!! Blessings, J
ReplyDeleteThanks J!! I'm sorry to hear about your leg issues. It really does stink when your mind want to go, but your body says not right now. I hope it gets better soon my friend!!
DeleteCongratulations on this very impressive accomplishment! For being such a simple concept, walking, moving, exercising is a challenge for so many. But working with a weak lung system is a definite challenge. Good for you for 'pushing' through that; it shows not just physical stamina but mental stamina too. Pssst...last spring I bought a rebounder and started 'jumping'. Talk about a cardio workout! A big reason was that it's an indoor workout for winter weather! Plus there are tons of YouTube workouts and helpful videos about rebounding!
ReplyDeleteMental stamina...you are so right Kristine. That is more than half the battle sometimes, at least for me. That's funny you mentioned the rebounder, one of my dear friends does the same and she says all that jumping is a real workout. Amazing!! Maybe one of these days I'll graduate to that!!
DeleteWell, look at you! Almost 2 miles!! And it started with one step and one very supportive husband!!! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks Briana! Some days it's still not easy, but yes, a supportive partner that won't take no for answer helps!!
DeleteI remember about your health journey. Keep going, Kim. Every day you walk makes a difference to your long term health. I am so proud of you...taking those first few steps is the hardest and YOU DID IT!!
ReplyDeleteIf no one has ever had health issues that prevented them from walking they have NO idea how hard (and scary) taking those first tentative steps can be. I was walking 3 miles a day with the pups for the last 3 years until I got hit with all the inflammatory issues. I started by not being able to walk more than a block was winded doing that. I hope to get back to 'baby steps' all over again as my body heals. Meanwhile, I'll be cheering you on! xo Diana
Thank you my friend. You are 100% right, unless you go through it, it's difficult to understand how hard it can be to fight your way through, even a simple, seemingly routine task, like walking. I'm so sorry your journey has been a rough one lately. I know it hasn't been an easy one, but I'm cheering YOU ON from a distance and sending you good vibes for a full recovery!! xo
DeleteI can really relate to staying in the “safe zone” for years — your courage to start walking and keep at it is powerful. That “baby walk” turned into nearly 2 miles is proof that small steps, consistency, and support make a difference.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind comment. Yes, that safe zone is a hard place to break out of, but it really does become a sort of prison. It wasn't easy to fight my way out of it. My world was just getting smaller and smaller and I didn't like that at all.
DeleteBoy oh boy did I NEED at his! I’ve had several false starts, then routines, then routines that died. All resulting from physical limitations or life changes but I’m trying to get started again. I’m in my 70s. Last time I started by driving to a park and walking 10 minutes if I could and increased to 30-45 mins over time. Last year we moved to a new place where I can walk right out my front door but due to moving and a new physical issue I haven’t started again. Thank you for your encouragement and transparency. And HOORAY FOR YOU! today I start. Pamela
ReplyDeleteOh Pamela, I'm so happy to hear that sharing has motivated you. That really was the reason I shared. I figured if I could do this, anyone could. I was living in such a box, it took a long time, lots of starts and stops and many, many cautious steps to get here. I'm sorry you have a physical issue, I'm sure moving didn't help. It's an incredibly physical job. I hope you're able to walk again soon in your lovely new neighborhood...as they say one step at a time! You've got this!!
DeleteThank you for your honest post my friend. I appreciate it big time. Well done my friend.
ReplyDeleteI have TOS, it is very painful. I have gone to Physical Therapy for it for 12 weeks. I am now on a daily exercise program to help with it. I will keep on. The hard part of it, is it can make my gardening difficult, but I will not give up.
Thank you so much for this post.
Carla
I'm so sorry to hear that, Carla. Pain is so difficult to live with and it stinks when it interrupts your daily life and your pleasures. I hope the exercises continue to help and that you can get back to gardening, pain free, super soon!! Thanks so much for sharing my friend.
DeleteKim, I am so proud of you. I know how much courage it takes to put aside worries and get going. I am now finding myself sitting a lot more than I ever did and it is showing. I know I should get moving but it is so hard to do. I stopped taking the stairs to the doc's office and riding the elevator. I'm afraid to be in the elevator by myself, what if it got stuck??, but I do it anyway. You are an inspiration, and I am going to try to live up to you. An ongoing story..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteAnd ongoing story indeed, Judy! For all of us!! I took the elevator for years, because I simply couldn't do the stairs and I remember thinking the same thing...what if I'm alone and it stops! Now I do take the stairs, but some days it's not easy.
DeleteI've been trying to walk at least 30 minutes on my off days. I go to a local park's track or walk the neighborhood. When I feel myself breathing hard, I slow the pace. Running will never be for me, and I basically hate exercise, too! On Thanksgiving morning I'm going to walk 5 miles, then come home and check on my bird in the oven, ha ha. An afternoon nap happens pretty much daily...
ReplyDeleteFive miles is a huge walk, Gina!! I am so impressed. I love the idea of coming home to a bird in the oven and a nap though. If that's the payoff, I need to raise my game!!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteFirst, thanks so much for visiting and for your concern about my Fall..I was down on the ground before I knew it and I thank God that it was not worse..Other than being a great big black and blue mess...It is finally fading to a lovely yellowish purple...LOL! The eye is looking better but it sure was a dandy, wasn't it? KUDOS to you, girl!! And to that sweet hubby for encouraging you..I do have to get back to walking but after Joe passed away, I seemed to have a mental block about it as we used to walk our grand pups together...Now that it is cooler, I have no excuse. I could not do it in the heat of the Summer...My knees are still a bit bruised and osre but walking will also help them...Thanks so much for the inspiration....
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Oh Debbie, that fall was a doozy. I’m so glad you weren’t seriously injured. You were so calm about it all, too. Grace under pressure personified. I’m sure it must be very emotional for you to walk those same paths without Joe. My thoughts are with you my friend…hugs!!
DeleteWhat an inspiring story! Be proud of your achievement. I walk with my husband every day and we would see people who are in their 80s still strong and cheerful. We are inspired by them as I am inspired by your story. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! It's great to have a walking buddy, isn't it? And yes, I think exercise is truly one of the keys to strength and happiness!!
DeleteOh Congratulations! It is such hard work. And to have a good cheerleader makes a world of difference. You should be so proud of yourself. It's an amazing accomplishment that not everyone can say they've done.
ReplyDeleteOn the hard days, here's my favorite exercise quote. "At least I'm lapping the couch sitters!" You're way past that.
Thank you...and you're right, a good cheerleader is the key!! Haha and I love your quote...it makes me a winner as soon as I'm up and out the door and trust me there were days when that's as far as I was able to get!! And again, thank you for the kind words!!
DeleteOh Kim, congratulations on your walking journey! I’m so proud of you for keeping at it and your hubby is a dear. I do go to the gym almost every morning and I take classes to keep me going. I want to be around for my grandchildren. 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Kitty! I read your posts about your exercising adventures and I always marvel at them. I think it does keep our bodies young! One of these days I'd like to try a class like you!! That's the next goal.
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