Walking Tip
I have discovered there are several things a person needs to do when preparing for training in a marathon. I knew it was important for me to check in with my doctors to get their approval. So, I made a check list to guide me through the process Here is my check list:
- Purchased the appropriate layer clothing – no problem! A reminder: do not spend a lot of money on training clothes…go to discount stores.
- Check the soles of my shoes – they were OK for training
- Go to foot doctor – he was happy I was in the training program. No neuropathy in my feet and my circulation in feet was excellent.
- Go to pulmonary doctor – I had increased my lung capacity by 100%. I have had problems in the past, because of my past life of inactivity and when tested I had improved. He was very happy – walking outside in the fresh air really does help the lungs.
- Go to diabetes doctor – There was a problem! My blood sugars were in the 400’s and it appears my pancreas may be shutting down. He pulled me out of the marathon training until we can see what is happening with my sugars.
My heart sunked. Trying to think of positive thoughts; such as: “Things go wrong so that you can appreciate them when they’re right” and “good things fall apart so better things can fall together”. As my daughter said “the doctor didn’t say you couldn’t do it in the Spring, he just said you can not do it now until you get your diabetes in better shape.
I will never give up my dream of walking in a marathon and I do not want you to ever give up what you want to accompish when things stop you temporarily. Look for the positives and look toward the future when you can follow your dream. I’ll try it in the Spring! I continue to walk every day to build my strength and endurance and to continue to create a healthy body.
Dear Rosalie,
It has been my privilege to work with you on your walking program. You have made such an improvement in your health by walking and you are an inspiration!
I’m glad you shared your story here even though you were so disappointed. I would guess that because of what was going on with your pancreas, your body just couldn’t keep up. That’s okay.
You have had major health improvements. You told me the doctor who checked your lungs said, “Rosalie, no one ever comes in here with improved capacity; it always gets worse.” But you got better!
Even if you can’t be in the marathon, you have won a bigger race than that against your own pain and the prize shows in the results at your doctor visits.
Love,
Kathryn