Really didn't want to walk today!

Oh boy, I really didn't want to walk today - I woke up with such a stiff and sore back I couldn't even stand up straight without putting on a back support. Even anti inflammatories didn't work! But I couldn't get the thought of "if you don't use it, you lose it" out of my head, so I bit the bullet and went out. I couldn't find the energy to get the speed up to brisk walk, so I did a slow 3500 steps and felt I'd really achieved something when I got back! And best of all, I'm still in pain, but no worse than it started out - it actually may be a little relieved!

[Realfoodieclub]

Sorry your hurting Kay. I’m glad your exercise didn’t make it any worse and I hope it eases up soon. Take care of yourself. Rfc x.

[Hidden in reply to Realfoodieclub]

I will Rfc! I have to go to a meeting tomorrow so I'll have an enforced car day - probably a good idea!

[runswithdogs]

Glad to hear the walking may have helped. I find a slow putter often helps when my joints flare up, it's a fine balance between doing too much and not enough.

[Hidden in reply to runswithdogs]

You're right there runswithdogs! I do like to get out if I can - it does wonders for my mood, especially when I'm frustrated with my back and feeling sorry for myself!!!

[suryakaizen]

Oh kay50, I’m sorry you’re having to cope with a sore back, and admire your will to go out and walk some despite it! I’m sending you some healing so you feel better.

[Hidden in reply to suryakaizen]

Hello suryakaizen - haven't heard from you in ages! I do hope you're well and feeling healthy. Thanks for the healing, I really appreciate it! Look after yourself too

[suryakaizen]

Yes, it’s s long while since I visited HU. My work is mainly evaluating NGOs, and developing fundraising proposals for them. I’ve been traveling from February till yesterday (with a few days in between spent at home). The arthritis does bother me when I’ve been sitting too long in a car travelling to and from some village, or sitting for long spells interviewing people. But then, I am also meeting so many interesting people. Also people who have problems bigger than mine! In Delhi, I went to one of the largest slum resettlement colonies Bawana - 50,000 small plots of 18’x12’. Here domestic and construction workers have built tiny houses. No running water, no transport facilities, really bad roads, no proper street lighting... having to travel 20-30 kms to work - walk, bus, walk, work 10 hours and the return..,how do these women keep up their spirit? I felt very humbled!

[Hidden in reply to suryakaizen]

Argh Suryakaizen I think we're sisters! I spent about 40 years in Africa, teaching in the bush. The villages were bad, but the squatter camps were horrific. Sounds like the same conditions in Bawana. I often wondered how I'd cope in the situation those people were in - and I came up short. The most amazing thing for me was the amount of laughter I encountered and the strong sense of community in the camps. It was a lesson - those with next to nothing were so willing to share what little they had. You're so right - humbled is the overwhelming emotion.

[ekomspots]

you make me feel embarassed at my (mostly to myself ) moaning. As you say it is use it or lose it... Today (broken ankle recovery 17 weeks on) I walked 3.5 miles, (by far longest walk since injury) slowly over country lanes and footpaths. For me walking slowly is very, very frustrating....I want to jump and if not run at least walk quickly. The experience is not teaching me patience ( too late to teach an old dog new tricks) but it is teaching me to appreciate mobility and health and makes me very much more understanding of those whose mobility problens are more serious than mine.

[Hidden in reply to ekomspots]

Hey ekomspots - I'm of that old dog generation too! And I too am still learning to have patience - and especially acceptance! We should start a club!

[ekomspots]

kay, how do you coubt your steps? Fit bit???

[Hidden in reply to ekomspots]

Oh dear, I'm afraid I'm a total technophobe so I count my steps in my head! It's not such a big deal, as I only walk three routes! I've counted each one a few times just in case I made a mistake, so now I know how many without counting!

[ekomspots in reply to Hidden]

I quite fancy a fitbit, I like technology but £100 or so is a lot for me to spend on a gadget like that and suspect my phone wouldn't have enough memory to interact with it...so would need new phone too😊

[Hidden in reply to ekomspots]

If you put up a post asking forum members if they can recommend an alternative you may find something more affordable and just as good!

[bulge1]

Good morning ladies, reading your posts, I have to say how I admire you for your efforts. I also have problems with hi tech stuff but found in Argos a pedometer which will fit in a pocket or clip on a waistband it was about £15 but that has been very good for me, hope that helps best of luck

[ekomspots in reply to bulge1]

I had a oedometer yeats ago but it never worked for me...maybe I don't move hips enough 😁 it was attached to belt.