A10 2024 Walking Challenges: Is everyone up for... - Active 10

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A10 2024 Walking Challenges

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator
56 Replies

Is everyone up for the start to our monthly challenges, ones that hopefully motivate us to get out there on a daily walk?

Well, here we are at the start of this journey.

I thought all the last year’s (2023) posts that responded to the different monthly set challenges (see healthunlocked.com/active10... ) were a brilliant way for the community to support each other to stay motivated and clock those daily minutes of walking, be it 10 minutes, 30 or the mighty 60 minutes of daily walking that a few of us (not me 😜) manage to get under our belt! Or rather, under our feet! 👣👣🦶🦶🐾

So if people want to still head back to last year’s exploration taken from the book “52 ways to walk” to get some ideas, feel free to do so and keep on posting here.

For this year, a new shiny 2024, we are putting the themed challenges and photowalks together.

So get your cameras out, your walking shoes on, and even if you have just 15 minutes in the day, see if any of these challenges take your fancy and post about your walks here on the forum!

FEBRUARY CHALLENGE

With the help of my trusty AI bot, and a bit of imaginative editing by myself, I came up with 5 weird and wonderful ideas that anyone could do on a quick daily walk in February.

So chose one (or more) and see how you go. And take a picture that represents that challenge. We can’t wait to see how everyone gets on with this one!

✸✸✸ 5 weird and wonderful ideas that anyone could do on a quick daily walk in February ✸✸✸

1. **Cloud Watching**: Take a moment during your walk (for stability consider sitting down on a bench or hold on to a tree) and gaze up at the sky, identifying different cloud formations and letting your imagination run wild as you spot shapes and figures. Take a picture and tell us what you have spotted!

2. **Whispering Trees**: Stand quietly near a group of trees during your walk and listen closely to the rustling of leaves in the wind, imagining that the trees are sharing secrets or stories with each other. (And optionally, can you capture this moment in an image taken by your camera?)

3. **Magical Mystery Tour**: Choose a different route for your walk each day and let your intuition guide you, turning each walk into a spontaneous adventure as you explore unfamiliar streets, parks, and hidden corners of your neighbourhood. This is a good one for urban or village walkers, and we’d love to see a pic!

4. **Sensory Scavenger Hunt**: Engage your senses during your walk by actively seeking out sights, sounds, smells, textures, and even tastes that capture your attention, from the scent of freshly baked bread wafting from a bakery to the feel of crisp leaves crunching underfoot. (Not sure we can capture this in a photo, but we’re not going to stop you trying! 😃📸)

5. **Dance in the Rain**: Embrace the unpredictable February weather by going for a walk during light rain showers and allowing yourself to get a little wet, turning your stroll into a playful dance in the rain and revelling in the refreshing sensation of raindrops on your skin. 😊☔️ (and keep your camera dry, whilst taking pictures of the wet!)

So chose one (or more) and take a relevant picture, if you can. We can’t wait to see how everyone gets on with this one!

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CBDB
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56 Replies
LottieMW profile image
LottieMWAdministrator

thanks for this CBDB ! Sounds like fun…can’t wait to see what our walkers come up with!

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toLottieMW

👣📸😃👍🏽

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

I'm on my own daily walking challenge, today's completed about 45mins ago ! So yeah I'm up for it.My participation will however, be reflective of my current mobility and stamina.

So I may be a semi silent, or modified contributor lol 🤣

I'll look at the old thread.

Today's contribution, walked to the dog walking park and made it to the second bench seat, then turned around and walked back. Recorded as 728 steps on my phone pedometer. Yesterday I made it to the first bench about 100 yds shorter. My plan is to navigate by the benches spaced around the (sort of) circular track, until I can make it all the way around and back to the entrance of the park.

I'm not stretching myself, if at anytime I feel overwhelmed, or my hip pain gets too much, that's it, I'm sitting till recovered.

In my head, I have the idea, to repeat each new achievement about 3-4 times, before extending the distance again.

I'm already after only a couple of weeks, finding the accompanying exercises I do, gradually easier to rep extend.

My days of "pumping iron" or "going for the burn" or any such other nonsense, are loooong gone.

Very good luck and best wishes, to any others "walking through February"

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

That sounds like a very sensible plan, and one that has already proven to work it seems. Well done!

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297 in reply toJeffjones297

Exercises and walk done today, 8 exs × 10 reps, will begin to add a second set in next week. Ie 1 set of 10 then a second set of 3-4 increasing over time until 2 sets × 10.Walking has plateaued, I don't seem to get past a mental point at which point, I turn around. It's because I feel wobbly on the last hundred yards or so and am terrified of a fall. I may begin using the exercise bike instead (it's in the shed) until I build stamina. But still walk just to keep going.

I know an exercise bike is less impactful on hips and knees plus it has the big bonus of being safer. I'm in a quandary !

Over60sRunner profile image
Over60sRunner1000miles per year

I'm up for this 😁🚶‍♀️😀

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toOver60sRunner

Yey!

Over60sRunner profile image
Over60sRunner1000miles per year in reply toCBDB

I might even break my own rule and take my camera to see if I can get some shots. I can always ignore the notifications or attempts to contact me, which is why I usually don't take it along.....I do love the peace and quiet 😍

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toOver60sRunner

Yes, I have mine on mute most of the time. Certainly works for me, but I’ve never worked very much through my private phone, so it’s more of a fitness machine than an actual phone! 🤣🤣🤣

Walkingtodestress profile image
Walkingtodestress

sounds inspiring. I’m up for this. Already posted a whispering tree! Thinking about new routes to try

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toWalkingtodestress

Fabulous! Yes would love to see pics of whispering trees! Happy adventuring on your new routes!

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

Walked again today, hip and leg exercises done about 30 mins before.Walked stayed same length, will increase tomorrow, rep numbers in exercises nudging upwards and "shock horror" the clam shell exercise which challenges my hip the most (much cracking and creaking) is getting better AND the angle of stretch is increasing.

So, on the whole I'm chuffed ! And feel more balanced and confident on my feet.

Mornings are still a problem, that first hour on waking, prior to pain relief and anti inflammatory's kicking in, is still annoying. And doing anything for the first couple of hours is a no go.

But I'm confident now, I can see improvement on the horizon.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

That is so wonderful to read! May it long continue!

Cockneyblue profile image
Cockneyblue in reply toJeffjones297

Keep going Jeffjones297 you are doing well 👍

skysue16 profile image
skysue16

Great ideas CBDB, very imaginative 😊👍 I especially like the whispering trees idea. I can’t manage a daily walk due to work (but I am on my feet all day!) but will try a challenge at the weekend and over the half term holiday 😊

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toskysue16

👍🏽 Yey!

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

Yesterday's walk, was in the company of my oldest daughter and my doggy Geoffrey !He of course couldn't wait around for slow coach dad lol 🤣 so they pulled off out in front.

I prewarmed my daughter, dad will step count his walk, then when I've hit my target turn around n go back.

They carried on for a much longer and satisfying walk (for Geoffrey).

Snowdrops in the woods.
CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

Well done! And the path looks a beauty! Full of whispering forest trees!

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297 in reply toCBDB

Trust me, they weren't Whispering, so much as shouting ! Breezy !

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

🤣🤣🤣🌧️💨⛈️😶‍🌫️👍🏽

Cockneyblue profile image
Cockneyblue in reply toJeffjones297

Looks a lovely walk. Well done 👍

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

Ex's and walk done today, extended the walk slightly but will keep it at that for 3-4 days, as felt a bit wobbly the last couple of hundred yards, before home. Almost half way round the dog walking park now, it's as much a confidence thing as stamina, at some point I'll have to just go for it and keep going, there is a bench on the way out of the park, so if I make it round and get wobbly, I'll just have to sit a while, before going home. But not gonna push it, too soon.

Other than that, lovely sunny day, with the bonus of a few nice doggies in the park.

Off to the physio's in an hour, will probably be told the ex's I'm doing are all wrong ! More importantly get to hear the results of the X-ray and just how awful my hip is.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

Fabulously well done! Sending you healing wishes for your x-ray session!

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

No walk today just the exercises, the weather was a tad inclement. That's code for p*****g down with rain lol 🤣I'm straining at the leash to start dumbbell ex's but I'll wait another week.

No point being silly, when I'm doing so well.

Btw the physio printed off some ex's for me, I'm doing all of them bar one one, which involves kneeling, which I can't do. I was surprised, I was expecting to be told I was doing all the wrong ones lol 😂

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

that’s great news with the exercises! Well done.

Yeah, my knees don’t kneel anymore either. Their kneeling days have come and gone, I think. 🙁 but as long as the kneels run or walk, I can live with not kneeling.

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

Short walk today, it was breezy and wet and I was feeling a bit unsteady on my feet. I seem to peek, about about 1 ISH. Before then I'm working myself up for it, after, and I'm starting to relax in my chair and can't motivate myself 😂But I did something and that's important !

I seem to have a problem in my R heel, I've had it for about a month, I'm also pretty sure it's plantar fascitiitis (the symptoms are classic) I've bought some orthopedic insoles and am rubbing olive oil in that bottom heel and have added some calf stretching ex's to my routine.

It won't stop me but it does irritate grrr !

Bloody getting old sucks, it sucks lemons !

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297 in reply toJeffjones297

Well the insoles make a difference ! Such a difference 😘

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

Ps I'm ruthlessly exploiting this board and my daughter's for accountability. I'm using you guys to keep me on track and I don't apologise lol 🤣My exercises, my walking, my diet I'm banging on about it, as a sounding board, that allows me to kick my own a**e in public.

If it gets boring, sorry, not sorry,lol 🤣

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

That’s fine! That’s what this community is here for, right!

Well done for getting out there and sorry to hear about pf. I’ve never experienced it, luckily, but sending you healing wishes. Hope the orthopedic insoles do their trick!

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

So this week I'm beginning my new modified exercise plan. Yesterday was legs exercises followed by walking, today was seated dumbbell exercises, followed by a walk (no probs)

6 days, one day off a week, leg ex's n walk, then dumbbell ex's and walk alternate days.

I'm prepping myself for the hip operation, leg strengthening to give me the best chance of a successful operation and upper body ex's because I'll need the strength to hoist myself from bed to commode etc and onto my feet, post op !

Just a question of time and waiting until the op now, I may set up a pool on "guess the date" 20p entry, nearest the date takes the pot lol 😂

Today's walk was good, no wobbles and felt confident and positive !

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

That’s so good to hear! Sounds like you got a great plan going on, there.

I’ve just come back from a quick lunchtime walk. I can squeeze a 30 min walk and 30min lunch into my one hour lunch break and this seems to fit well.

Happy strengthening!

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

Not up to 30 mins yet but I will be ! I've got the bug again.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

Hopefully you mean the walking bug, not Covid bug?

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

Yup, the exercise bug lol not the dreaded lurgy. I feel like I did 20/30 odd yrs ago regarding exercise.Enthused and optimistic, I'll have to watch it though, my body doesn't match up.

But I'm old and wise enough to take things slowly, avoid injury and concentrate on doing what's practical at my age and state of health.

So no heavy barbell squats, deadlifts etc that's long behind me !

These days, I study vids for elderly seated exercises, not "how to be an animal and dominate the bench" lol 🤣

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

Lol!

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

Some stats on my working out, today = 4 weeks. I have on average worked out 4.5 days a week.Obviously this varies and accounts for weeks of enthusiasm and feeling well and others of weeks where, it was difficult to motivate myself, or tiredness, pain, intervened.

Overall I'm happy with 4.5, that represents a fair spread of exercise and rest and reflects what I used to do in the past, mostly.

I'm hoping to.push it up to 5 days on average, as it gets easier.

The orthotic inserts have helped the heel.problem.i was having and I've since discovered my knee op 2 yrs ago may/has impacted on this.

Initially I had neuropathy in my toes on that foot but over time it's relocated to the heel.

After reviewing the op and stats for outcomes (and this is the part where it sounds absurd but is actually a thing).

A high % of people after the op, have legs of differing length lol, the prosthetic adding anywhere from 1/2 to 3/4 inch to the operated leg.

Again this is corrected by orthotic lifts on the unoperated side, which I've done.

So... I've gone all Tom cruise and added 3/4 inch lifts to my right shoe and ????

Bugger me, I'm walking normally without limping lol !

But at 6' 1" I can assure you, it's not a vanity issue.

Life eh ! I'm like the 6 million dollar man.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

Lol!!! Not many who will remember the 6 Million Dollar man, I reckon. I was rather a fan of the 6 Million Dollar woman…. That springy sound ….. lol

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297 in reply toCBDB

They don't have to slow motion my actions, I do it normally, it's called getting old !

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

Lol

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

Have tweaked my routine, as of yesterday.Dumbbells and stationary bike and leg exercises and walk, alternate days.

I've added in the stationary bike, as my walking was not improving as I would have liked and I think the "non impact" nature of the exercise bike will allow me to build stamina and time, without risk of "wobbles or falls"

Hopefully this feeds into my walking and allows me to progress.

I seemed to get so far and then anxiety and balance issues, would make me turn around and go home and I hit a plateau.

Also the peddling action, is a good loosening exercise, for knees and hips.

That said, I am walking further than before I started, feel more confident and aren't as wobbly as I was. Both my daughters have noticed and one called me "sprightly" lol 😂

My weight is flat lining atm, exercise alone doesn't lose weight, or is even the most important component, so I'm being more vigilant about cals as well as quality of food. I was obsessed for a while, with getting the right balance of protein etc and didn't realize my cals were creeping up.

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toJeffjones297

That’s brilliant!

Have you actually ever considered Nordic walking with two poles? It really helps on so many levels, and one can get a set of poles quite cheaply at decathlon. Here was my first foray into Nordic walking: healthunlocked.com/active10...

Might be something exciting to look forward to trying out?

Jeffjones297 profile image
Jeffjones297

No I can't say I have. I'm guessing that's the upright handled version of walking sticks. Walking sticks have a traditional 90% support at the top and walking poles seem to be strictly vertical ? And also are traditionally longer ? I suppose double sided support would give a more "confident feel" to walking.

I'll stick as I am atm but don't rule anything in or out. I've learned as I got older, you do what works. When you're young, exercise is easy and traditional, as you get older, you have to consider ways to fit your circumstances.

The main thing is results, progress and health !

Iwilldothisthisyear profile image
Iwilldothisthisyear1000miles per year

please can I join in ?

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toIwilldothisthisyear

Yes!!! See you in our virtual gym! Yey!

Iwilldothisthisyear profile image
Iwilldothisthisyear1000miles per year in reply toCBDB

Yeah 🥳🥳

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator

cloud watching walk #1 healthunlocked.com/active10...

Just linking it here for safekeeping. 😁😚☁️🌧️🌥️🌨️🌤️🌦️

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator

cloud watching walk #2 healthunlocked.com/active10...

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator

the time I walked to look for whispering trees but didn’t find any: healthunlocked.com/active10...

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator

scavenger hunt! Yey! Mushroom on tree! healthunlocked.com/active10...

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator

For anyone needing a Spotify playlist of songs, all themed around CLOUDS, head over to open.spotify.com/playlist/7...

Spotify Playlist
Wine profile image
Wine1000miles per year

I did rain and felt the rain drops hit my hood and felt cold... I wasn't going to do rain but had to do a shop...There was no damp grass smell or anything except soot from posibbly my hubs open fire... I think we need to clean the chimney 🏡🔥it was good to be out... I like the puddles 😁

Drizzle
CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toWine

😁😁😁😀😁 ☔️🌧️🌂☔️

Wine profile image
Wine1000miles per year

Wow so many different shades colours... My weather thing said it wouldn't rain yesterday so ignored the colour of the sky... It rained... I had to bring the clothes inside pretty sharpish... I very much enjoyed looking at the sky and the clouds within it...I initially thought I saw a dragon but now think it is a dolphin

Clouds
CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator in reply toWine

I see a dolphin … and a cute ghost in another pic.

Happy cloud watching!

Wine profile image
Wine1000miles per year in reply toCBDB

yes I can see the ghost now too😊

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministrator

I think I’ve done all of these with exception of the last one: dance in the rain!

I’ve done done runs in the rain, but not dedicated walks. As my runs still include walking sections, it might just count.

But the strange thing I’ve come to realise is that I dislike walking in the rain so much more than running in the rain. Running in the rain is fine, but the thought of walking in the rain is dreadful, wet cloth, cold wet hands, wet hair and glasses, heavy soaked leggings and tops…. Wruuuechhhh…

Feelings I associate with running in the rain are just: fresh, drizzle, refreshing, ….

Not sure why this is? Is anyone else having similar feelings and understand why this is?

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