Ahhh, Shelley, are you checking up on me?

I am not a regular walker by any means.  I try to take Holly for a walk of around 30-40 mins twice a week roughly.  That will depend on weather and work commitments.  About once a month I will get out to the beach (20 mins drive) and have an hour long walk along a nice quiet beach.  I dont go during school holidays though, as its too busy then. Holly loves going to the beach, and is very good when meeting other dogs and people.  A very social little dog, unlike her 'Mum'.  And no, I have never used any of those counter devices.

Other than walking, I try to get to an organised Pilates Class at a gym in town once per week.  For me thats about all I can manage, both physically and time-wise.

A hug back to you.

Sherie xx

Elizabeth - sorry i missed earlier post.  I understand your hiking trips with your husband were many years ago now.  I'm sorry to hear of his ill health.     I used to have a walking buddy years ago when i was doing the hikes across Melbourne.    Sometimes he would come other times he said enough is enough and i left by myself with a screwdriver and bottle of water.  I think i got too obsessive because i started to make my backpack heavier and heavier with all the paperbacks.   Everest Base Camp sounds grand!   I just watched the movie Everest last weekend.  

Well, its definitely not walking weather here today.  Despite my best intentions, 34C is just too hot to get out there doing exercise.  Its only 10.30am and its already 33C.  So I'm afraid I am letting the team down today.  Sorry guys.

But I do like hearing about all your walking adventures, and trials and tribulations.

Today it will just be a battle to try to keep cool.  Perhaps a drive in the car is my best option?  At least it has air conditioning, which our house doesnt.  Temporary relief is better then none at all.

Anyway, happy walking to you all .....  I have a busy couple of days early this week with work commitments through to Wednesday.  But Thurs/Fri is meant to be a little cooler, so I hope to be back 'treading the pavement' with you all again then.  Friday is looking good for a walk on the beach for me.  Something to look forward to.

Sherie xx

Sherie xx

I agree 33 is way too hot to walk. It has been cooler here lately. I woke up late when my grandson came with their dad for a walk to tire them out before church. I had little sleep last night so I was exhausted. Hence I did a very short walk with the grandkids. At least I did something. I hate nights like last night as it takes days to get back to feeling more normal again.

Sherie you say you do 2 days of walking the dog per week and a pilates class so that is 3 decent exercise sessions per week. I think this thread is about motivating each other to achieve our personal walking/exercise goals not about competing or feeling guilty comparing each other. 

To all fellow walkers have a good week and I look forward to hearing about your different walks as I am finding this thread helping motivate me to reach my own goals

Hugs to all

Sherie I agree with Elizabeth, that is pretty good walking with Holly. And that Pilates group, well I am guessing that is good for your back, wouldn't it be?

Hey Simona you do sound very adventurous, I noted what you said regarding the burning sensation in the back of the legs, yeah I guess it did feel a bit like that. But I was hoping the more I use those muscles the less they will ache like that.?

Elizabeth I am trying to work out whether it is like a rehab you are doing for your ankle, like trying to make it stronger, little by little?

Me, well I was struggling emotionally and physically today. I could not push myself to walk much at all. The only walking I did was up and down the driveway. Our driveway is flat. So I probably only walked about 40 metres. I was still wearing pyjamas so I guess you could say that is a bit adventurous. And I did manage to get out of the house...

Ok bye now

Shelley xx

I am glad you got out of the house to walk down the drive. I am doing rehab for my ankle including specific exercises but I am wanting to get fitter. Being unable to walk properly for almost 5 months left me extremely unfit so the whole body was affected. Several times while my ankle was still bad I tried walking because I was sick of being trapped but this led to me really struggling to get back to home or the car and then being in agony for days. This program of gradually increasing the distance is to stop that happening again and allow me to eventually be able to walk where I want and for as long as I want. I hate being restricted in what I can do and this leads to more depression and negative feelings and then me doing things I shouldn't which then sets back recovery. 

I think I have turned the corner re my ankle so it is more about just regaining fitness so I feel better. I feel fat, ugly & lazy so the regular walks should help.

Hey Elizabeth, I can totally relate to the fat, ugly and lazy thing. Very much in fact. I hate feeling this way. And I also feel so tired with absolutely no energy. And sometimes it is a real effort to walk.

But in your life, in the past you were so fit, that must have felt really good. I don't think I have ever felt really fit, I have always hated any type of exercise. But I am so sick of being emotionally and physically not well, I have to chose to do something. Hence that is one of the reasons I started this thread. I am glad you are feeling motivated to get fitter......way good.

With hugs

Shelley xx

I have never been super fit but I enjoyed walking. I have tried gyms but feel so bad compared to everyone else I give up. I also hate competitive sport as I am no good at it and it makes me feel inferior to everyone else. At least with walking you do it at your own pace and can feel good as you improve so you only have to compare yourself with yourself not all the other superfit people in the world. 

Today I only managed a short walk as I was up for hours in the middle of the night as my husband was sick. He was unable to move without getting worse and becomes very distressed so he is not very logical in his thinking hence it becomes emotionally draining and scarey as he has developed serious illnesses in the past as a result of episodes like last night so managing it to reduce that risk is essential. Today I feel tired and just pushing myself to keep going. If I stop and think too much I'll become really depressed.  

Hugs to all

Hey Elizabeth, Your hubby is so blessed to have you taking care of him like that. I am not sure what else to say in that regard, but I do care.

It was good you were able to manage even a small walk, well that is the way I see it. It would have still used muscles in your body. Sometimes I can manage only small walks as well, but at least we are still moving. I think next time, if all I can manage is a small walk, I will make the most of it. Perhaps making sure I take deep full breaths, to get plenty of oxygen from the fresh air. And maybe try and focus on the beautiful plants that surround my driveway,and be thankful for the chirping noises of the little birds that are sometimes sitting in the trees.  Yes I think I will try this, even if it is only for 10 minutes. Maybe you could too, if you don't already. Just to give yourself a tiny respite or rest in your head and heart from all that loving and caring you give to your dear hubby.

I am not sure if you like hugs, but I will send you a special one Elizabeth, just in case you need or want one.

Shell xx

Hope this helps to motivate or encourage us in someway. I came across it today.

•  Walking can help take your mind off worries. 
• Exercise including walking is a distraction that can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.

Hi Shelley, 

i hope you are feeling ok! I wanted to send you a great big hug! I think of you often, how you are going! 

Wanna know a secret, I don't like exercise unless it's with friends! I used to play indoor netball before I had kids I really liked it! 

Skye 

Hey to anyone reading, with many hugs to you

I am just about to go out to the beach, for it has cooled down now. Haven't got much energy, but oh well...here goes... I will see how much I can walk. It is now 7:50pm.

Shell xx

Hello

Well I ended walking along the concrete pathway along the beach area. My son walked with me, as it was getting pretty late. There was a cool breeze blowing, and we only saw a few other walkers, so it was quite. I don't think there was any moon, or maybe it was behind clouds, as it was dark.  Especially the ocean.Though the path had tall lights every now and then.  So it was easy to see ahead. We even met a stray cat, that came up to us for a pat, which we bent down to give it one. So all up I walked 3km.

Hugs to all

Shelley xx

Hey Shelley

You are a superhero....and Im serious.....3klms....I envy you and what you written in this post and what you have achieved as well. I am physically fit...and I am committed to dog rescue and re-hab....but.....after I spent several years accepting and floating by my anxiety...(Credits: Claire Weeks...Self Help For Your Nerves..RIP Dr Weeks) I now have this agoraphobia which of course is a leaf off the anxiety tree...I just didnt expect it to bloom...it limits the distance I can walk....However I am pushing my boundaries Shelley..as far as I can.

In the meantime Great work...you legend you!

Kind Thoughts

Paul

Shelley I am now jealous. I have always loved walking at sunset & in the evening and walking beside the beach (or any water) is particularly pleasant. I have a fear of sunburn so even when covered up& sunscreen on and can't relax in the sun!!!. It is also peaceful and cooler at night. I am trying to pint my ensuite today so started early. I'll try to walk this evening. 

Thanks Shelley for the hug. I like hugs from friends so I will be happy to accept yours.

Paul I hope you are able to eventually manage your agrophobia. Maybe you can find somewhere you feel safe to do very short walks and gradually increase this. Look after yourself. 

Hey Skye

Thankyou so very much for the great big hug. That is very kind of you. Here is one back too you. You asked me how I was.... well I am plodding along trying to improve things within me. One of the improvements is trying my best to walk every day. Which is a challenge, because I sometimes really can't manage much of a walk.

Ah Skye I smiled when you let your secret out, about not liking exercise. I am not too fond of it either. But the fact you used to play netball, well that is pretty good. Have you got some sort of hoop at your place that you could shoot balls into? I know you have children, I was wondering if you could just play along with them scoring goals and such. You definitely would get your body moving anyway. You have now inspired me a bit, for I have this netball hoop that I could use at my place. I just have to work out how to attach it? 

Well anyway Skye I think any type of movement of our bodies is beneficial, even if we are vacuuming around the house, or pushing the shopping trolley along the isles in Woolworths. Or even walking out down the drive to the letterbox. We are still walking I guess.

I do hope you are having a good day, with much love to you

Shelley xx

Hey Sherie

 I am not sure if I was checking up on you or not in regards to that "counting the steps device." Just curious that is all to see how many steps you actually do in a day. Because you always seem busy going about physically helping other people.  You know like the elderly lady ( that you mentioned about in another thread) I am guessing you would be walking around in general a lot any way in your day. And there definitely would be some benefit in doing that, because you are still moving around......

Anyway if you end up going to the beach on Friday, I hope you really enjoy your time and walk, with Holly. Sounds nice and peaceful....

Many hugs to you

Shelley xx

Hey Shelley, 

Thanks for the reply! 

Even plodding on is good! You are doing such a great job, I'm so proud of you! 

Yes we do have a hoop I could use! Tomorrow I go to swimming lessons with my little one, which will be good exercise!

i do also enjoy playing with the kids and I work in a storeroom so I lift and carry a lot but I would like to get into exercising more! 

Take care hon

Skye

Hey Paul

No one has ever called me a superhero before, but I think I feel a feeling of encouragement by your words. So for that....well thankyou very much.

You say you are physically fit, well.....that is way cool and super good. So do you walk the dogs or engage in a lot of physical labor or something? Or do you have a home gym to help keep you fit? Because if yes, well........ yeah yeah yeah

When you say you have agoraphobia, are you saying it is a challenge for you to leave your home, or go into say a crowded supermarket, that sort of thing?  

It sounds like you are working hard to get better or something Paul. So do you think you are a superhero as well??

Shelley xx

Hugs to all,

Well I walked not as far as yesterday. Today I ventured on out down the road a bit, towards the rec area that is near my place. I walked at a slow pace around the two ovals. There is a small hobby farm backing on to the rec, it used to have chickens running around in there. But today I just noticed two white bee hives.  Because I was walking at such a slow pace, I was able to count over 100 coal cars on the train that railed on by. There is a train line running parallel on the other side of the rec area. My body was a bit sluggish and slow today.....but I am glad I ventured out to walk.

Elizabeth, I read the part where you mentioned that you were painted the ensuite. I saw a woman then in my imagination using a paint roller, going up and down on the walls of a bathroom. She was really getting such a work out with her arms going like that. Using the muscles in her arms. Well if that  vision is you?...Then well done, because that would be helping you get fit, that is just my thoughts anyway.  

With much love

Shelley xx

Hi Shelley

Hugs for your kind message...I use the term superhero because I strongly feel that people that suffer from stabilizing the peace level (or lack thereof) in the brain are some of the strongest on the planet.

Similar to flying a 747 into a heavy duty thunderstorm without instruments.....its scary

Agoraphobia has various levels...I drive approx 800klms/week but walking a dog around a small suburban block can cause some issues. Elizabeth mentioned up the page..for me to take lots of short walks which is exactly what I do..also trying to increase distance, pushing the boundaries. (Thanks Elizabeth CP :-) )

Physical fitness?? ummm...no gym....no long walks lol.......I do have a steep property/driveway and the lawns and maintenance keeps the body happy...umm lots of bottled water....and eat a lot of fish and keep the carbs low

Supermarkets/waiting rooms/long queues/ used to be issue but I do all those now by learning how to find 'anxiety' boring....paying it as little attention as possible which slows the compounding fear which is the basis for anxiety in the first place.

If someone offered me free tickets to see the best band in the world...no way...to big..too busy..too crowded..

We are both superheros Shelley and yes I wear my undies on the outside :-) Just like you!

Thankyou Shelley and Elizabeth for your kind and genuine thoughts

Paul

Paul, 

You are indeed a superhero, the advice and understanding you give on this forum is nothing short of amazing! 

You made me laugh with your underpants on the outside,  I'm going to picture myself dressed like that everytime I feel anxious! 

I hope you are still enjoying your walks and you are being very brave pushing the boundaries. 

Skye 

In preparing for the Olympics  athletes often use the term 'personal best'. Only one person gets a gold medal but everyone can try for their personal best (PB) which is in my mind a better, more meaningful goal to achieve. Maybe all of us on this thread are in the 'mental health Olympics'  trying to achieve our own PB.  We can each give ourselves a pat on the back when we achieve this. Paul you seem to be doing wonders managing your agoraphobia so you can carry out the important activities. This is a major step forward. Shelley well done getting out when you felt sluggish. Skye, good luck with finding ways to exercise that suit you and you lifestyle & commitments.

I got back on track today with a decent walk as the previous days were short walks due to fatigue and other pressures.

Shelley that was me you saw with the roller going up and down although the room is so small using the roller was quite quick but climbing up and down the step ladder the cut in around the cornice, light fittings tiles etc and then shifting the ladder and then folding it up so there was room to move to do the skirtings. It wasn't a big job but it was fiddly. If my level of tiredness is an indication I did get a workout. That sounds better than just saying I'm so unfit I get tired doing a small job. Anyway the painting is done and the room is cleaned up so now I need to refit the hooks , toilet roll holder and I will buy a couple of nice towel rails to replace the one that always fell of the wall. I even put in extra shelves above the toilet which are painted now.

Hello to all

Today I have been looking at the word perseverance in regards to walking, and I came across this:

            By perseverance the snail reached the ark.– Charles                                                         Spurgeon.

Hugs

Shelley xx

Hugs to all, if you would like one....

Last evening I left the house, for a walk around the block. As I turned the corner of my street, I could smell a scent of sawed timber. There was a home being newly constructed. And I could see the timber frame already in place. This particular scent is very familiar to me. It has a homey pleasant smell about it. My dad is a builder, most likely he bought home that scent on his work clothes. Way good....... I have to also tell you, that I enjoyed this walk around the block. Normally it sometimes feels like a chore, something I have to do or something.

Elizabeth, I love freshly painted rooms, they sort of have a clean and ordered atmosphere about them. You sound pretty industrious. Do you find yourself getting more fit or do you have more energy now? What about your mental and emotional health, have you noticed any changes there, since you may be walking more? I think I am feeling a bit better in that regard. I can't really explain the actual feeling as yet.. Anyway good on you, for persevering.

Paul, you sound like you have a strength within you, a determination thing sort of happening. Well that is what is coming out in your words.. Now that is a superhero! Do you walk up your steep driveway then?

I am not sure what to say to you Skye, but I will give you a friendly hug.

With love

Shelley xx

Well I think we should all give ourselves a pat on the back. Three cheers for all of us. Yeah,yeah,yeah! 

Thanks Shelley for the hug! 

I remember,  unlike most people, I used to love the smell of hospitals, but my mum was a nurse, so I'm sure she came home smelling like that! Your story reminded me of that! 

Today was a big day at work, so I'm a bit tired, lots of lifting ect, so I got lots of exercise! Gosh it is hot here though, really muggy and stormy, so no walking today! 

I'm glad you enjoyed your walk. One of the things my psych has encouraged me to do is be more 'present in the moment' rather than just focusing on the end goal. I'm still working on it. Noticing the smell of the wood and allowing it to bring back good memories is a good example of this. 

It does feel good to have finished the painting and I fitted the new towel rail today. The only problem is I tend to overdo things so I'm fine while things are going well but feel really bad when I'm not effective. I also sometimes push myself to much leaving me exhausted which is bad for my mental health. I am working on getting the balance right and eventually learn to feel OK even when I'm not doing something 'useful'.

Today I went to the lake and swam instead of walking. I dis some walking in the water and it is still exercise. I set a goal a month ago to swim at the lake each week but this is the first time I've been due to various good reasons but it was getting easier to find excuses and harder to go. Today I was tired wasn't feeling too good but decided I had to go otherwise I would keep finding excuses. 

Once in the water it was lovely. It was cold getting in and a horrible drive beforehand due to roadworks causing a traffic jam but once i started swimming it was lovely. I swam backstroke and watched the clouds to keep straight. They were lovely white fluffy clouds in a blue sky. Noone else was swimming but there were people walking around the lake and a few yachts. It is surrounded by bush & tree covered hills so it is very pretty. After my swim I did some exercises including some for my ankle before dragging myself out. It was very hard to leave as the water felt soft & relaxing. The swim was definitely good for me physically & mentally. I felt much calmer afterwards so doing it weekly is definitely a worthwhile goal..

Tomorrow will be back to walking.

Hey Shell Elizabeth and Skye :-)

Thankyou so much for your care...you girls are really very kind x

Elizabeth...PB...very helpful and thankyou...and well done for the effort and dedication you display with your walking and renovations....Your words and support are spoken from the heart....and for that I thank you

Shell....Nice1 on your walks....I envy you....I remember when I used to walk around the block....but now when I get 'to the point of no return' (the midpoint of the walk) I have to turn around and come back..its only a 15 minute walk...I am just not up to it guys. I used to walk around this area with Harley 2 Sox RIP (in the pic) for about a good hour....a huge walk...I can physically do it now..but not mentally. I get frightened..and I use every bit of the CBT and self help I know but it doesnt work.....(been about 2 years now with tiny walks lol)

The anxiety attacks and frequency have decreased big time over 30 years..Yay! But they...it.. has exacerbated into this mongrel agoraphobia (sorry guys...just venting) I have learnt how to stop 'fighting' the anxiety and I have succeeded. Anyhoo.....I was venting...because I am stuck...

Shell....That smell of freshly cut timber (or lumber lol) is a beautiful smell....and I can run up my driveway too lol...

I have the knowledge and experience but sometimes it doesnt work....

Thankyou for being there (Hugs)

Paul (Woof!)

I made myself walk this morning before tackling the other pressing things around the house. Very good idea. I felt better after the walk and was able to get through the urgent jobs quicker on return. I did the longer walk and feel that I am definitely feeling fitter. 

Hope everyone else is able to enjoy their own walks today no matter how short or long.