My Journey With Weight Loss – Setting My Own Pace

Today was another training session down at the beach. Now I leave the house for training at about 6:00am and by time I am done and have finished the cool down walk it takes me about 1 1/2 hours. This morning it was surprisingly cold out and all I had on was my workout jacket which is extremely light. As I walked to the beach I thought oh well, you’ll be warm enough once you start running. Yeah, my legs got warm but really my face and hands were freezing even by time I was done. I really can’t wait for the weather to start cooperating with my training.

I don’t walk fast. When I had my 3rd surgery on my knee 27 years ago it was less than 3 months before my wedding and I was determined I would not have a limp as I walked down the aisle. I worked really hard with my physiotherapist to learn how to use different muscles in my leg to keep from limping (this included practicing in my low healed wedding shoes) and that became 2nd nature to me. I also learned that it takes work and concentration to make this happen. So, I always walk at a pace that ensures I am not limping and it can be a very slow gait. However, I have found ways to compensate for this. I walk with a longer stride than I normally would and I make sure I am swinging my arms to give me a better workout. Last summer I actually found that after having done this for a while I was really developing significant muscles in my arms and not just my legs. I also tried walking with nordic poles to up the ante a bit. The problem with this is it kept confusing my Fitbit and I have already admitted I am pretty obsessed with that tracker so now only do the poles occasionally.

When I run I am really not very fast. Still, I am running. I have to work hard to make sure that my steps are symmetric and that my step lengths are the same on both legs even when running. Fortunately I have an app on my phone that helps with this. Ok, yes it is a little embarrassing when I am passed by a fast walker especially when they are very obviously a senior. But that is ok, this training is about building strength and endurance not winning a race.

The point is I set my pace. I set a pace that gives me the training I need but keeps me safe. I know I am still getting a good cardio workout but other than that first attempt at running I have not had an injury. I make sure I focus on my personal goal rather than competing with the other runners/walkers that I see. Maybe speed will come later, maybe not but that is ok. Slow and steady is what is going to win my race and I am good with that.

Find the pace that works for you and don’t worry about others you see and what they are doing. This is about you and your training. Hold you head high and just keep going!