My Journey With Weight Loss – Walking With Others

Today was my long run though I find it hard to say that 12k is a long run for me. However, to kick it up a notch Coach had me do 2 sets of fartleks during the run. I originally had a route planned out but after the first loop I realized it was a nice morning and I would be much happier running along the beach. I will say it was a beautiful morning especially watching dawn break. That really did make my 2nd set of sprints much easier.

As I mentioned before I lead a group of seniors on a walk each week. A few weeks ago a couple of them asked if we could make the walk a bit longer. I advised absolutely but we needed to make sure M (initials only of course) was comfortable walking that distance. M wasn’t there last week but me and the other seniors gave it a try and all agreed it was a perfect distance and they liked the speed we walked at. I again reminded them, we only walk as far as everyone is comfortable with and at a speed that makes everyone feel safe.

Yesterday M joined us and I explained that we had lengthened the route but if it was too much she should let me know. Off we went and of course as soon as we started so did the rain. During the walks I try to walk a bit with each senior so that I can chat with them and see if they have any issues I can help with. We were about 2/3’s of the way through this walk when I realized M was lagging a bit so I dropped to the back of our group just to check on her. She admitted since she hadn’t walked in a few weeks and she was struggling a bit but wanted to keep going. I stayed at the back with M for the rest of the walk and intentionally slowed down the pace (the rule of thumb is if you are in front and can’t hear the conversation behind you that you have gotten too far ahead). M finished the walk and said she really did want to do it again next week.

Today I continued working with my husband to build up his walking endurance. I decided it was time to make it a little more challenging so we headed towards the beach. However, when we got to the bottom of the hill instead of heading to the promenade I said let’s turn around and head back up the hill (I know it is too soon to do a long walk with him that ends in a steep hill). This morning I ran up that hill but this afternoon I walked it a pace that is more appropriate for my husband’s training. This was just an extra walk for me but for him it is to make him stronger. I promised him after we do that walk several more times in the next week that we will start adding distance so that he will soon be walking the promenade.

What’s important here is knowing the people you are walking with and making sure you are walking to their abilities not yours if they are not at your fitness level. Keeping seniors moving (and my husband is a senior) benefits them greatly so it is best to make it as safe and enjoyable for them as possible.