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DEL.ICIO.USWalking - Walking - Walking - Not Walking
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Walking is a natural thing that most of us do everyday. We walk through out our homes, at work, shopping, and the grocery store. Which I do all of those things. My problem is I can’t make myself get out and start walking for fitness on a regular basis.
I have had horrible pain in my knees - diagnosis with tendonitis. Although PT, acupuncture, prescription meds, supplements, hot and cold treatments, and stretching exercises have helped tremendously the pain flairs up 2 to 4 times a week.
My excuse for not going out and just start walking has mainly been my knees, but the others excuses I tell myself is: • I see a trainer for boxing lessons and then another for the AJC challenge. I am doing enough; I don’t have time to squeeze in walking. • I really do not like walking • I hate getting up early or I am too tired in the evening • I don’t want to do it by myself • I don’t want to do it with someone
I am intelligent enough to know that they are all just excuses because I went out and bought: (but all still in their packages or boxes) • Reflectors (to walk in early morning or late evening) • A pedometer to track my miles • New walking shoes and new socks • A head band
I even clocked the distance from my home to my church and it is exactly one mile so I figured that would be a great start for me to walk in the mornings. But I haven’t taken the first step.
What is my mental block? I think plain fear of failure. As most know my goal has been to walk the ½ marathon on Thanksgiving Day. I have told a few people that I could kick myself for publicly announcing that as my goal because of the pressure. The truth is I am scared I will fail and not reach my goal. Therefore I fill my mind with all the excuses so I do not have to worry about failing if I do not get started
My bosses signed up for the Peachtree Road Race so I did as well - I figured it is half of what my goal is, and we will be doing a walk for Autism which is 3 miles.
I want my goal to remain the same but I need motivation and suggestions. What can you suggest to help me take the first step to reach my goal?
Permalink | Comments (15) | Post your comment | Categories: Laura
Comments
By Beryl Kay
April 4, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Laura Lee, I am proud of you. You resisted temptation every time we went out to eat this past two weeks. You never had any food in your kitchen now it is filled with lots and its all healthy. Love, Mother
By Jerry
April 4, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
One word…Accountabilty!
Get someone to walk with you and make you walk when you dont feel like it.
By David P.
April 4, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
I think you are not alone in your motivation problem, Laura. I’ll bet some successful athletes even have trouble getting started from time to time. For me, having other people with similar goals exercise with me helps, and tracking my progress with pen and paper (or some ridiculously over-designed excel spreadsheet) is a real motivator.
Please don’t worry about being discouraged once in awhile. Just take a breath and then get back on track.
I think all of us (your friends) realize this is not easy for you, but you’ve stuck with it so far. By that token, you are an inspiration to all of us!
By Dean
April 4, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
You have come to the conclusion that it is tough, but nothing worth while comes easy. Partner up with someone that is just as serious, maybe someone from the church. There are so many people that don’t even take that first step. Don’t be the person that gave up on the second one. Do this for yourself, your health and your future!
By Leslie W
April 4, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Laura, Anything that takes me out of my comfort zone is difficult to stick with. Sometimes I walk 30 minutes away from home so I have to walk 30 minutes back. It forces me to stick with my goal.
You are doing great—the small steps are often the most important. Be proud of yourself! Leslie
By Stephanie
April 4, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
Laura,
When you walk, meditate. Walking is a good time to just think and reflect. That’s how I look at it - almost a quiet time with nature and God. It will change the way you view walking. Go to Chastain Park and walk around it once every other day and you will understand what I am saying. Good Luck!
By Beth Wroten
April 4, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Hi Laura,
I have been a runner for years but can tell you when I first started I felt the same struggle. I finally concluded to take maybe even a 1/4 of a mile at a time; then move to the 1/2 mile;and then more. The more you can do just something you will be surprised that you can do even more each time.
I think you are doing great with everything. Remember just a step at a time!
Beth
By Kathleen
April 4, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Laura Lee, keep up the steps you are currently taking. You have acheived lots already. Bravo! Kathleen
By Kerry
April 4, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Laura Lee, everyone in the family is proud of you. Love your big brother
By Jennifer A.
April 5, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Hi Laura, I can’t address your medical issues; you should definitely ask your trainer or doctor if you should be walking. If so, I think finding a friend to do it with you is a good idea. When my mom and I did it together, I knew SHE needed to walk for her heart-health and she knew I needed to walk for my weight; neither of us wanted to let the other down, so we always kept our walking dates. We probably would not have walked if it weren’t for the other one. I agree with the person who said to go to Chastian. Once you walk 1/2 your time away from your car, you MUST walk the other half to get back! The beauty and fresh air will do your soul well. Call me if you ever want me to go with you! I work near there. I’ll tell Shaundra she can give you my number/email address.
— Your fellow Fitness Challenge winner (Remember we are winners!!)
P.S. If you don’t like walking, maybe you should try an activity that you DO like. A low-impact aerobics class, maybe? I’m sure your trainer has ideas. Good luck!
By Matthew
April 5, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I know exactly what you are referring to in reference to “getting motivated” to walk. Once I start walking, it is usually fine. The major problem for me is just getting out the door.
We definetley need to start walking together, along with Michael. That way you two can walk together, and I can walk ahead (flitting about like a specail needs child) … LOL. Just joking, the new neigborhood really is scenic.
Best of luck, and lets start walking together like we discussed.
Matthew
By Mike
April 5, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
The only reason I walk is because my boss walks and it is good for my career to join in. I am too lazy to do it for myself or my health. Having someone to “make” you go is the key. Feel free to come and walk with us on the weekends at least, that way we will all be “forced” to go. I need the commitment or pressure or else I too quit walking on the weekends. Let’s lace up!
By Jim
April 5, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Laura, keep up the GREAT work you have been doing. Regards to walking, you might start off with smallers steps. Next time you go to mall or a restaurant (anywhere for that matter), take the farthest parking space instead of searching for a close one. If you like to shop, go downtown or in Buckhead and do some window shopping along the main streets. You would be amazed how these little walks add up and how it will want you to take the larger steps later.
By Jerry
April 5, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
FITNESS FACTORY WANTS TO HELP LAURA OUT! Many people know of Laura’s generosity and many of us admire how she has put herself out there. HERE’s our offer and how you can help. WE always offer ONE FREE WEEK to evaluate our gym. OUR SPECIAL TO YOU: 3 months for $120 with a rebate offer of $20. We will give you $10 back when you take a walk with Laura for 1/2 hour in beautiful PIEDMONT PARK—out our back door! You can schedule two walks for 1/2 hour. Laura will verify the walks and you can get your $10 back….the same day as the walk. With this, you have access to our 12,000 sq. ft. loft gym and all the classes included. WALK NOW. FEEL GOOD. HAVE FUN.
By Jerry
April 5, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
FITNESS FACTORY WANTS TO HELP LAURA OUT! Many people know of Laura’s generosity and many of us admire how she has put herself out there. HERE’s our offer and how you can help. WE always offer ONE FREE WEEK to evaluate our gym. OUR SPECIAL TO YOU: 3 months for $120 with a rebate offer of $20. We will give you $10 back when you take a walk with Laura for 1/2 hour in beautiful PIEDMONT PARK—out our back door! You can schedule two walks for 1/2 hour. Laura will verify the walks and you can get your $10 back….the same day as the walk. With this, you have access to our 12,000 sq. ft. loft gym and all the classes included. WALK NOW. FEEL GOOD. HAVE FUN.