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.
Tags: exercise, Healthy Walking, marathons, never give up, Rosalie Lynch, Walk, walking, Walking Goals
This is Rochelle and Mike Hoffman (Rochelle is my daughter). I am leaving out today to go to the Chicago Marathon where they will be running for the American Cancer Society. I have never walked in a marathon; however, I am challenging myself to advance in my walking levels. Are you challenging yourself to go to the next level in walking? You can and should to ensure creating your healthy body and lifestyles. I am registering for the Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach as a walker and training starts on November 13th, 2009 even though the event is March 2010. You need to train your body for long distance walking. Do not ever consider yourself too old to walk in a marathon! Write and tell me if you have walked in a marathon – I would love to hear about it. We need to encourage each other and share our stories. Well, off to Chicago and to cheer the “LIVE-LOVE-LAUGH” team to the finish line.
Tags: exercise, health, marathons, Rosalie Lynch, Walk, walking, walking training
Let's Go Walking!
I have dreamed of being a long distance walker and just never declared that I am a long distance walker. One draw back for a lot of people is that it takes time (hours plus minutes) to accomplish long distance walking. It takes planning in what your distance will be to accomplish your goal. You must be realistic about setting your goals. If you are a beginner long distance walker, don’t set your goal as walking around the world (in steps). Just begin at whatever level you happen to be at right now and that is based on your time and your fitness level. For example: I am going to start by walking across the State of Indiana. In order to track your miles or steps you walk, invest in a pedometer – it does the work for you.
In order to be a successful walker, you have to think of yourself as a walker. I say everyday to myself “I am proud to be a healthy walker”. Just this one sentence sends a signal to my brain saying “today I am going to walk” and then the brain demands that your body moves and walks every day. One of the reasons most adults adopt a walking exercise is because it is a gentle exercise and we are less likely to get injured. Research has proven that less people drop out of walking exercise than any other exercise available to them.
Step 1: Look up the mileage of the place you want to walk to; such as the width of your state.
Step 2: Figure out how many steps/miles you can do in a day.
Step 3: Set a deadline based on results of Steps #1 and 2 on how long it would take you to walk that distance and write your deadline date down….and review it to recognize your achievement each day.
Step 4: Have a reward waiting for you when you achieve your goal. Have a celebration with friends and family OR purchase a new pair of walking shoes and socks OR just acknowledge you have a healthier body and you will plan your next long distance walking experience.
One of the best things I like is that there are so many types of walking to choose from and this is just one. This type inspires you to keep walking because there is a goal. Be sure to keep a journal recording of your experiences to leave your family or print it for publication for others to enjoy. Make it interesting and inspiring and fun.
Most of us have learned the healthy benefits of everyday walking. You can expand your experiences by creating a fun activity of walking to any place on this continent you would love to visit. You can choose a place and get the facts on the mileage from your house to your dream vacation site. At this time set that mileage as your goal. To track the miles you walk, invest in a pedometer to keep track of your steps and translate your steps into mileage. Keep a map journal of the miles you walk each day and when you reach your goal – celebrate! This will give you a real sense of accomplishment.
I’m making plans to walk from Indiana to Maine without leaving my community. I’ll be picking out historical places and favorite cities/sites in each state. Continue Reading »
