So I have just joined. I am a tall 73 year old male and have starting brisk walking to benefit my health. My second attempt at an exactly 8km walk took 76 minutes, finishing a bit puffed with weak legs but feeling good with a heart rate of 143 which reduces to 114 after 10 minutes. That's as fast as I can go at the moment otherwise my legs get a bit wobbly. How does that stack up and what could I realistically aim for? I am basically healthy albeit a bit unfit and a bit overweight - (10 Kg). I do have medically controlled high blood pressure and cholesterol but they are not a restricting factor. Thank you for any indicators you may offer.
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twobads
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8 km is pretty impressive for a start. Sounds like you are doing well. I was going to say pop into a cafe half way round, resist the cakes and have a cup of decaf whatever - but looks like a flask is going to be the order of the day for the next month or so.
A couple of suggestions for you. If your legs are getting a bit wobbly they are obviously complaining about your getting active. perhaps a couple of walking poles as in nordic walking might help and try for regular walks of a slightly lesser distance to get your body up to speed and let your muscles wake themselves up and build a bit of stamina.
If you can dump the biscuits and the cakes and the bread and get your walking going on a regular basis you should be able to see your weight slowly start to go, which in turn will take some pressure of your knees, which will make your walking easier. etc.
Get some good wet weather gear, congratulate yourself , out you go and enjoy yourself!
I think that sounds like a really good walk! If I were you, I would aim for what feels good - allowing for the indicators of a brisk walk (slightly out of breath) of course 😊 If you're feeling tired after a long walk like that, be sure to rest until you feel ready to go again, or at least take it easy for a day or two with some shorter and less strenuous walks.
As you keep going with your walks you may well find you feel stronger and go faster and/or longer, but take your time getting there, and enjoy your exercise!
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