Beginning walking program:

[fatgirlsvelte 217]

Holla,

Week five is upon me (19 weeks of classes to go) and our little book recommends this beginner's walking table. Goal is to set the alarm fifteen minutes earlier, simply roll out bed, and stumble out the door for 10 minutes with incremental increases over the next 12 weeks.

We'll see how it goes. I am a late-night exerciser with 11pm being my preferred workout time. However, with full-time work and school, it simply isn't realistic since it takes an hour or two to wind down post-workout.

The defining moment of "My G-d I need to change my body," hit after a 5k marathon—at my HW (386+ pounds), I had irreparably damaged my ankles from keeping middle-of-the-pack pacing in a severely morbidly obese frame; a fractured talus was the end of the line. The doc said no more running; with the very real possibility that I may never run again as subtalar arthritis has onset.

Was just 27 years old at the time.

So, I've decided to gingerly embark on this little walking program that my medical team cleared. Between this, yoga, and the Water sports, am hoping as I lose weight, the decrease in pressure on my ankles, the increase in bone density from proper nutrition, and muscle strengthening...perhaps when I drop below 200lbs., I'll be in a good place to run again without sustaining injury. Goal is September, 2017 for a slow 5k if my left ankle can hang.

In perspective, the running thing has really been the biggest blow in all of this. I am a natural marathoner under all this weight, and the fossilization of my joints and being told "no more" about broke my heart. Walking isn't anywhere near the rush of running--it would be like comparing walking up a flight of stairs to hiking the Highlands of Scotland. Since being ordered to stop running, I've tried it three times. Even without conditioning, I am (idiotically) able to handle 3.5-7 nonstop miles...but recovery takes upwards of ten days, and the inflammation/immobility is horrific.

After the last run in late-April, I decided to obey the Doctor's orders completely because I couldn't walk unassisted for three whole days.

Still roll down my window and shout at my people who are running down the road, though.

Once a runner, always a runner.

But...no harm in learning to walk before I run again, I suppose.

❤️

—K

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[Michilingi 66]

This is some great information. I am actually starting a walking regimen myself. I decided nightly i will walk with the husband and son. Just to get things flowing and to start back on a routine. Im 1 week post op, so it has to be very relaxed until they give me the go ahead for real exercise. I wish you the best with the ankle. Maybe when you are at a healthier weight it wont be such a burden if you were a special brace and try that run? Ill stay optimistic for you

[James Marusek 5,244]

I am 3 years post-op RNY surgery and I am 67 years old. Walking is good exercise. My knees are good, no pain. I walk but avoid running. Two of my younger sisters had knee replacement, in part because they were overweight. In my opinion, running puts significant stress on the joints that can come back and haunt you years later.

In my younger years, I use to climb hills and mountains, go on camping trips off the beaten trail. So generally, my exercise now is hill walking. It is different than normal walking because it exercises two types of muscles, one on the way up and the other on the way down. It is like climbing stairs. My driveway is fairly steep, around a 30 degree incline. So I walk up and down my driveway for exercise. Sometimes with my dog!

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@fatgirlsvelte, you're understandably feeling a loss also felt by many who have to give up running or some other endeavor for all sorts of reasons. It may be that you'll be given clearance to run again down the line. You'll probably be better off if you can not think about it until you're ready to have your ankles reevaluated. However things turn out, you'll be better off for having worked toward it -- strengthening overall and all the rest.

As walking itself may not be thrilling, turn it into an exploration, an adventure of sorts. Don't walk simply for its exercise value (which it really does have, y'know). Use the time to take in and connect with your surroundings. If you're walking through a neighborhood, take in the life of the streets. In a park, the squirrels and birds and children playing. On a rural road, the fragrances, trees, vistas and all else that comes into view. My walks have a title, "Walking and what I found there." Some have journal-worthy moments for me (which means I say to myself, "Why don't you keep a journal?"). When the mundane or the magnificent takes up residence in my consciousness, my heart is happy.

Edited July 30, 2016 by WLSResources/ClothingExch