Benefits of Walking

During one of my recent visits to Duke Orthopaedics about my knee, I learned that I have a bit of list

of walking benefits on the Arthritis Foundation website, and it's a good list. I'm still a long way from being able to walk for 30 minutes at a time, but it's a goal.It's a nice day, weather wise, so I plan to get out for a walk later.

Mall Walking

From the Northgate Mall website

I ran across an article about mall walking that was several years old, and it made me wonder if there are mall walking groups in my area. I did an internet search and learned that Northgate Mall, a mall not far from my work, has a mall walkers club. I wonder if the group is active, and if so, when the majority of the walkers walk. Of course, it's nice that the mall is open and available for a number of hours daily, but it can be nice to have walking company (especially when going by the food court!), and not just fellow shoppers!

Would anyone be willing to join me for some mall walking before work?

IT Band Relief

My IT (iliotibial) band has been bothering me since last Tuesday, when I did more walking than usual. I've been searching online for some stretches to help relieve the discomfort. This YouTube video reminded me that it's best to treat the source(s), rather than just treating the symptom (tight IT band). My physical therapists have given me some good exercises, as well, to help strengthen my hamstrings, quads, and glutes.

More Pool Physical Therapy

I went back to pool physical therapy this morning, and had a good workout! I talked with my physical therapist about having 1-mile walks or run/walks as my next fitness goal, and she really liked the idea! She suggested I wait a while, though, since we still have some more physical therapy work to do. I'm still working on my weight too, through Weight Watchers.

Looking for 1-Mile Run/Walks

I've decided to start looking for 1-mile run/walks--that I can walk, at least at first! I'd love to walk a 5K again, partly because I miss road races in general. I enjoy the people, the camaraderie, the competition (even with myself, trying to beat my last time). Walking a mile is a good goal for me now, partly because it's still a stretch! I'm pretty excited, though, because I feel like it's an attainable goal. Onward!

Returning from Injury

I had pool physical therapy again today--it was my second visit. Why?

Well, I sprained my left foot back in November. Then, I hurt my left knee in January. Oy.

I'm happy to report that I'm on the mend, but still have a long way to go in terms of my physical fitness.  I'd hoped to be able to walk a 5K by November, but I think I might need to stretch that goal into 2018.