Goal Setting 13.1 mile Walk!

VictoriousBeauty

Hi Everyone,

My name is Vicky, I have not been on here in a very very long time, however, I want to be well in as short a time as possible, and for me the true sign I have made it would be the ability to partake in the St Lukes Sponsored Midnight Walk in 2016. This year it was held in October so that gives me 9 months to train right

O yeah I am super mobidly obese and cant even manage consistently walking any distance due to joint problems which of course my weight exasperates considerably with carry around 376 lbs on a small frame of 160 cms tall. Of course, I know this is HUGE, and needs to be broken down. First aim is to manage half a mile which I pray I can do by Christmas consistently daily.

All help, support, advice welcome. I have NEVER undertaken something so huge. Oh of course I have to address my diet too along the way so sugar is out as of today unless it comes in fruit format with maximum of 2 pieces a day.

Thanks for reading, and your support.

God bless you

Vicky
xoxox

TavistockToad

Good luck

Make sure you buy some comfy shoes!

VictoriousBeauty

TavistockToad wrote: »

Good luck

Make sure you buy some comfy shoes!

Thank you I was thinking that, I have a pair I bought years ago in USA when on holiday back in Christmas 2016 which I havent really used however they have a shaped sole something I think to do with working the muscles and ensuring you have correct posture? Not sure if they are suitable having never done serious walk like this before, or if I need to invest in another pair as my Christmas gift to myself
xoxox

_qO_op_

You can do this. I'm not quite as obese as you (I peaked at 300 lbs and 172 cm) but even at that weight and with a bum ankle that's largely made of titanium pins and plates I was regularly walking 8-10 miles a day and could do 18-20 miles on a Saturday or Sunday without much trouble. A few weeks ago when I was only down to about 280 I had a 24 mile day. 13.1 miles 9 months from now? You can crush that.

My advice would be a number of things:

First, get a step tracker of some sort. I love my Fitbit Blaze. It makes getting more & more steps feel like a game and has motivated me a lot.

Second, figure out something to listen to while you're walking. I can listen to podcasts and happily walk for 10 hours or more without getting bored. Maybe audio books or music are more up your alley. But figure out something.

Third, look for every excuse to walk that you can. I have a rule against driving any distance shorter than a mile. Running to the corner store for batteries or the deli for a sandwich? I do that exclusively on foot. I also mostly forgo my car for work and opt for the bus when I can. Those 1/4 miles between stops and destinations add up. And for bonus points, if you have a 10 minute wait for a transfer, get off the bus 10 minutes early and walk to your transfer. Instead of sending an email I will walk to a coworkers office and take the long way around the building to so. If you do drive somewhere, park as far away from the building as you can. And finally walking my dog every day -- or at least every day when the weather's decent (he's a much bigger wimp about rain, snow and cold than I am) -- adds significant miles every week.

Fourth, get some good all-weather gear so you don't have an excuse not to walk when the weather gets nasty. A good raincoat, a warm winter coat, crampons, hats, gloves, scarves, long johns and a balaclava are all essential for me in Central Ohio. Your needs may be different based on where you live.

Fifth, I think fancy shoes are overrated. I like anything light with a thin, flexible soul. That 24 mile walk I did a few weeks ago? I did that in Keds. What are seriously underrated are good socks. Shell out the money for a few good pairs of running socks for hot weather and a few pairs of quality wool socks for when it's cold or wet.

Hang in there, work on adding a couple hundred steps a day and you'll be shocked at what you're capable of 9 months from now.

VictoriousBeauty

WOW Well Done on achieving so much already

Yes, I agree its about making it work consistently Okay so I need to invest in good outdoor gear, that could be a problem as I am in UK and shall we say my size is over the decent wet weather gear shops stock, so will have to investigate further especially as being November its wet and cold already, am sure I have hats, gloves and scarves so just coat and good socks plus maybe new trainers as I move towards further distance Right now I cant make it to corner shop and back so that is aim one

Agree also a good stepometer need to dig mine out and see if its alive or if I need to invest in a new one eek

God bless you

Vicky
xoxox

BABYLILAC

You can do it VictoriousBe! you have been given good advise here.
Yes its wet and cold already in the UK but it can be done .You can download pacer app , its really good for walking and its free,I use that every day . I am in the UK too so yeah the weather is definitely changing.
Fill free to add me for walking encouragement.
Be blessed x

trigden1991

Good luck! At your current weight you could probably look to lose 2-4lbs a week which paired with your walking would make the goal much more achievable.

girlinahat

@_qO_op_ has some great suggestions.

start small. You say you can't make it to the corner shop, so target lamp-posts. gradually build up going to one a bit further away and back. Keep your walks short and small rather than trying something big to start with and failing.

I second the idea of a pedometer, You can set yourself a target for steps, and monitor those small changes.

Decathlon or GoOutdoors might be the best places for wet weather gear at your current size, but don't let cold or wet weather stop you - right now here in the UK the sunlight is fantastic and the leaves are turning beautifully so if it's not pouring with rain, it really is one of the best times to go out for a walk (if you can get into the countryside even better). Do you have a park near you you can aim for laps of? You are hoping for 1/2 a mile by Christmas, which if you can do this in a local park will be even better.

However, the most important thing you need to do is fix your diet. Walking won't shift the weight, but it will help and motivate you. Work out your calorie needs to something manageable and sustainable. You are the sort of person who a 2lb a week target is for, but don't go down the drastic 1200 calories a day route, as chances are you'll struggle to maintain that.

As you lose the weight, you'll find walking easier. You could then start looking into bodyweight exercises. And see if there are local walking groups - yes, right now you maybe would find you can't keep up with them, but having friends to walk with and motivate you will be great, plus 13.1 miles is a LONG walk - podcasts are good for this sort of thing, listen to one episode of something while you walk.

You can do this.

VictoriousBeauty

BABYLILAC wrote: »

You can do it VictoriousBe! you have been given good advise here.
Yes its wet and cold already in the UK but it can be done .You can download pacer app , its really good for walking and its free,I use that every day . I am in the UK too so yeah the weather is definitely changing.
Fill free to add me for walking encouragement.
Be blessed x

thank you so much yes a lot of good advice which I have taken on board, shared with carers and have them on board too, next task tomorrow is check if I have a pedometer still or gave it away Weather is on the change but I am determined to not let that put me off Start walk in morning

God bless you
xoxox

VictoriousBeauty

trigden1991 wrote: »

Good luck! At your current weight you could probably look to lose 2-4lbs a week which paired with your walking would make the goal much more achievable.

thank you and yes I agree 2-4 lbs a week is sustainable at this weight, first big weight goal is under 20 stone so a big one but will weigh monthly ish and as long as it is going in the right direction I wont stress over time scale too much So time to focus on walk, start in morning

God bless you
xoxox

VictoriousBeauty

girlinahat wrote: »

@_qO_op_ has some great suggestions.

start small. You say you can't make it to the corner shop, so target lamp-posts. gradually build up going to one a bit further away and back. Keep your walks short and small rather than trying something big to start with and failing.

I second the idea of a pedometer, You can set yourself a target for steps, and monitor those small changes.

Decathlon or GoOutdoors might be the best places for wet weather gear at your current size, but don't let cold or wet weather stop you - right now here in the UK the sunlight is fantastic and the leaves are turning beautifully so if it's not pouring with rain, it really is one of the best times to go out for a walk (if you can get into the countryside even better). Do you have a park near you you can aim for laps of? You are hoping for 1/2 a mile by Christmas, which if you can do this in a local park will be even better.

However, the most important thing you need to do is fix your diet. Walking won't shift the weight, but it will help and motivate you. Work out your calorie needs to something manageable and sustainable. You are the sort of person who a 2lb a week target is for, but don't go down the drastic 1200 calories a day route, as chances are you'll struggle to maintain that.

As you lose the weight, you'll find walking easier. You could then start looking into bodyweight exercises. And see if there are local walking groups - yes, right now you maybe would find you can't keep up with them, but having friends to walk with and motivate you will be great, plus 13.1 miles is a LONG walk - podcasts are good for this sort of thing, listen to one episode of something while you walk.

You can do this.

Thank you so much not many lamppost around here as I live in a hamlet, tiny village but a few points I can use as guides to next level First target is to village notice board and back Thank sfor so many tips will look for pedometer in morning see if gave it away or kept it, and will look at those companies for clothing to make sure by Christmas I have some, until then local walk wont need proper gear My carers are working on my diet as of today, they both are healthy weights and no food hang ups like me so, I have given them control over menu and portioning, first meal eaten prepared for by one of them sent her a text saying thank you for lovely meal stuffed, next time make it four portions not three which I never thought I would say ;-) Dr said not to drop below 1800 ideally but definitely not below 1600 so aiming for that

God bless you
xoxox

VictoriousBeauty

First walk done today Lovely to go to the beach
xoxox

girlinahat

VictoriousBeauty wrote: »

First walk done today Lovely to go to the beach
xoxox

great - good for you for getting out, and yes, it's been a gorgeous day (not the day to be stuck in an office, but luckily mine is on a hill in Somerset so fabulous scenery).

Hamsibian

I am not overweight, but I have health issues that really affect my energy levels. I was able to walk a half marathon for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation last year, and I had so much fun training for it! Gorgeous scenery, friendly people also walking with you, cute animals passing by (although most are really good at hiding). I agree with all the advice above, especially starting slow. Once you get used to it, join local walking/hiking groups. I prefer solitude most of the time, but having supportive people around can help you stay motivated and energized. Another motivator for me was downloading the Charity Miles app on my phone. Every mile you walk adds 10 cents to the charity of your choice, so it adds up over time.

Cross training also helps when it's cold out, or you need a break. I used a stationary bike when I first started as I broke my foot from an unrelated incident. Slow or restorative yoga is good for keeping your muscles relaxed and stretched.

VictoriousBeauty

girlinahat wrote: »

VictoriousBeauty wrote: »

First walk done today Lovely to go to the beach
xoxox

great - good for you for getting out, and yes, it's been a gorgeous day (not the day to be stuck in an office, but luckily mine is on a hill in Somerset so fabulous scenery).

Thanks girlinahat :-) Oh sounds like a beautiful view from your office which I am sure helps lift the mood somewhat Yes wonderful day although gone grey as day progressed, as my carer said when she left "we chose the right time to walk" Indeed Next walk Sunday
God bless you
xoxox

VictoriousBeauty

Hamsibian wrote: »

I am not overweight, but I have health issues that really affect my energy levels. I was able to walk a half marathon for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation last year, and I had so much fun training for it! Gorgeous scenery, friendly people also walking with you, cute animals passing by (although most are really good at hiding). I agree with all the advice above, especially starting slow. Once you get used to it, join local walking/hiking groups. I prefer solitude most of the time, but having supportive people around can help you stay motivated and energized. Another motivator for me was downloading the Charity Miles app on my phone. Every mile you walk adds 10 cents to the charity of your choice, so it adds up over time.

Cross training also helps when it's cold out, or you need a break. I used a stationary bike when I first started as I broke my foot from an unrelated incident. Slow or restorative yoga is good for keeping your muscles relaxed and stretched.

Thank you Yes slow steady consistent is key, else risk of failure from trying too quick and injuring or being so exhausted dont do it consistently Did push today but, am glad I did, however, that is my limit for this month in terms of distance and time Sadly because I am so heavy a bike or treadmill would cost £1000 which is not viable plus I live in a small property so no place to put it Will have to resort to walking up and down inside my lounge if worse scenario happens and its such bad weather no one will take me to walk outside as I dont have a decent coat (although ordered one today)

God bless you
xoxox

mandalunia

VictoriusB You have already gotten good advice and taking the first steps are the key so well done you. I will add a few things that have helped me. In August I too couldn't walk to the corner without feeling like I was having a heart attack. I was dangerously close to 300 lbs and I'm just barely 5"1. I remember the first day I got my step tracker (garmin vivo fit) I walked more than I had in ages and got 5000 steps. I was exhausted. I have severe arthritis in my knee and thought I would never make it.
Now just 3 months later I am aiming to walk 100,000 steps per week and I am averaging about 16,000 steps per day. I have almost lost 50 pounds and feel much better. Believe me if I can do it you can too. Some things that have helped me.
1. Find a walking challenge to join (on this board or elsewhere). I love the accountability and the competitive nature it brings out in me to keep up with the pack.
2. Even now my first few hundred steps of every walk hurt like crazy and I walk like a stiff 80 year old man. I have found that by step 200 or so my joints loosen up and the pain goes away. It's tempting to give up because of that pain but walk through it and you will feel better.
3. I break my walks into two or three one hour to 90 minute segments per day. I walk morning, afternoon and evening. This gives my body a chance to heal and if I walk a bit farther each time I walk I slowly add to my totals. I still walk pretty slow and hate watching the joggers and fit people blow past me but I am moving and that is what matters.
4. I use one of those walks as time to connect with my family. Sometimes its my husband or my teenage daughters or even my dog. Focusing on someone else makes that walk fly by and keeps my (unfounded) excuse of not being there for my family because I am taking care of myself at bay.
5. I set five mini goals for myself and celebrated when I accomplished them. Things like walk twice around the block, walk to the top of a hill near my house, walk to my downtown area (about a mile away) walk to the beach (about 6 miles away). Each time I accomplish one I make a big deal and celebrate. I need the wins to keep moving toward the big prize being healthy.

You can do this and if you need any encouragement just holler. Also you can add me as a friend if you like.

VictoriousBeauty

mandalunia wrote: »

VictoriusB You have already gotten good advice and taking the first steps are the key so well done you. I will add a few things that have helped me. In August I too couldn't walk to the corner without feeling like I was having a heart attack. I was dangerously close to 300 lbs and I'm just barely 5"1. I remember the first day I got my step tracker (garmin vivo fit) I walked more than I had in ages and got 5000 steps. I was exhausted. I have severe arthritis in my knee and thought I would never make it.
Now just 3 months later I am aiming to walk 100,000 steps per week and I am averaging about 16,000 steps per day. I have almost lost 50 pounds and feel much better. Believe me if I can do it you can too. Some things that have helped me.
1. Find a walking challenge to join (on this board or elsewhere). I love the accountability and the competitive nature it brings out in me to keep up with the pack.
2. Even now my first few hundred steps of every walk hurt like crazy and I walk like a stiff 80 year old man. I have found that by step 200 or so my joints loosen up and the pain goes away. It's tempting to give up because of that pain but walk through it and you will feel better.
3. I break my walks into two or three one hour to 90 minute segments per day. I walk morning, afternoon and evening. This gives my body a chance to heal and if I walk a bit farther each time I walk I slowly add to my totals. I still walk pretty slow and hate watching the joggers and fit people blow past me but I am moving and that is what matters.
4. I use one of those walks as time to connect with my family. Sometimes its my husband or my teenage daughters or even my dog. Focusing on someone else makes that walk fly by and keeps my (unfounded) excuse of not being there for my family because I am taking care of myself at bay.
5. I set five mini goals for myself and celebrated when I accomplished them. Things like walk twice around the block, walk to the top of a hill near my house, walk to my downtown area (about a mile away) walk to the beach (about 6 miles away). Each time I accomplish one I make a big deal and celebrate. I need the wins to keep moving toward the big prize being healthy.

You can do this and if you need any encouragement just holler. Also you can add me as a friend if you like.

Thank you Mandalunia

Well Done on achieving so much in three months

I have set mini goals and using pedometer from today For me, I realised tonight I am shattered and as a result have eaten emotionally Lesson learnt whilst my body is adjusting I must permit myself to rest early afternoon so that I can make it through to bedtime so as to prevent the emotional eating I do when exhausted like tonight

Baby Steps using wisdom

God bless you
xoxox