Six Minute Walk Test...Progress report.

[Badbessie]

My record was 723m two weeks ago. I walk between five and Eight walk tests one after another every day. I average about 580 to 640m depending if it's uphill downhill etc.

On my last of five this morning I went for a speed run, jogging for about one and a half minutes of the six minutes. My distance today 767m,..give or take 10m by GPS.

My goal is 800m by June when I turn 58. Need to start walking longer distances now to build up stamina. Will see if I can improve on my new record in two weeks time.

P.S went up to Borg 6-7 to do it but pulse was within safe range.

[Katinka46]

Well done. Errr.... Do you have a lung condition? If so can I have it too?

That is seriously impressive.

K xx

[Badbessie in reply to Katinka46]

Yes I do have copd/emphysema stage 2 57%

[Katinka46 in reply to Badbessie]

I was only joking of course. Even more congratulations. You are an example to us all.

[Badbessie in reply to Katinka46]

In my younger days whilst in the military I did a lot of middle distance running, I boxed played hockey etc. I have always walked rather than get in the car. I think this as helped me in my efforts.

[2greys]

That is exactly what I do, take it to Borg 6/7. Unless you push yourself there will be no improvement. Staying in your comfort zone will not do anything for improvement, just keep you the same. I know you will keep it up, so will I. Perhaps together we can make a case for a extra stage of PR, one that encompasses a more extreme exercise regime for those that want it.

[Caspiana in reply to 2greys]

That's true 2greys . I always tried to do a bit more…until my doctor told me with all my good intentions I am putting too much strain on my heart and pushing too much will cause enlargement. 😩

[2greys in reply to Caspiana]

How frustrating for you, the will and good intentions are there but not being able to do it. I am having a stress test on Monday, fingers crossed I get the all clear and can continue.

[Badbessie in reply to 2greys]

Good luck with the stress test, I have worn a cardiac monitor and I am lucky to know someone who can read the results. So far I have not reached anywhere near a point where my reading would cause concern. If anything my resting blood pressure, pulse etc continue to improve.

[Carnival567 in reply to Caspiana]

That is my problem

[Badbessie in reply to 2greys]

lol...one day I will get PR....I am still on the waiting list.

[Badbessie in reply to 2greys]

To some degree I agree 2Greys. However what we feel is right for us may not be right for others. As I understand it we both have emphysema without other problems and perhaps we can manage our breathing/symptoms better. It would perhaps be a point to research. As of yet I have not seen my respiratory consultant or had any pulmonary rehabilitation so everything I do is from my reading into COPD.

[2greys in reply to Badbessie]

I agee we are all different, there is no "one size suits all".

[Caspiana]

Oh my…that is amazing Badbessie . I am going to ask the same question as Katinka46 because that's just so impressive!

[Badbessie in reply to Caspiana]

I am stage 2 57%.

[Billiejean_2]

Bad Bessie, it sounds more like you are training for the Olympics then exercising for health reasons. It's great that you can do this but is so much exercise necessary or advisable ? Do you check your 02 levels before and after these runs ? Sorry for sounding a boring cautionary note but don't overdo it.

[Badbessie in reply to Billiejean_2]

Check 02 sats never a problem, blood pressure pulse all good, check ECG good.

[vittorio]

" Cor Blimey " as some English folk say ! - well done ! - I did one of those tests at a " Pulmonary Rehab Course recently, - afterwards I was fit to be buried !! ...aint fair !! . carry on sunshine ! ...

[Badbessie in reply to vittorio]

lol...Mary Poppins as a lot to answer for. My accent is from the east midlands where everyone is addressed as Me Duck!!!

[Clamdigger]

I try and walk on a level ground easy were I am we have walking trails. When i do walk I bring my blow meter my finger reader for heart rate and oxgen levels. Soon as I get to hills some times ok most time have to stop when heart rate goes up ant the oxygen goes back up then I walk again. Is it alright to do that . I have been on vacation did 12 miles that is what I have been doing or less. Dr's eyes poped and she said no no only 4lkm all together... To me shouldn't you try more muscles carry more oxygen all that stuff they talk about. But I think it is great your out there.. And your improving what are you thoughts.....

[Badbessie in reply to Clamdigger]

Hi, my thoughts...I think I had better start with my preparation. I have some medical training and record all my own base line observations. My blood pressure I do manually with an old school type machine, pulse is also done without a machine. All are very good. I have had both a normal ecg and a ambulatory ECG both of which showed no abnormalities.

Every week I record My blood pressure, pulse and spo2 first at rest, then halfway through exercise, then when I finish. Lastly I record how long it takes for the observations to fall to resting levels. I have a problem measuring my spo2 levels whilst on the move with my finger pulse oximeter due to cold hands etc. However as soon as I can acquire an ear probe that problem should be solved. But even with that my spo2 levels have never dropped below 93%.

I had a low BMI when I started. I have gained 10lbs since starting and hope to gain a futher 14lb. So it is a balance between exercise and muscle building. I am on a high protein low carb diet. I try to eat at least 3000 calories a day to meet the demands of exercise and to increase my weight. At present I am gaining about half a pound a week. My dietitian as given me very good advice.

Everything I do is planned, from the pace I walk to the distance etc. So what appears at first to be really pushing it is just a slow progression on last weeks exercise results.

I am 58 years old my resting pulse is 58, my blood pressure is 115/70 both of which are very good for a man of my age. My resting spo2 as gone from 95% to 98%.

My GP is pleased with my progress, I have yet to see a respiratory consultant since I started my exercise programme so what they think I do not know.

[Clamdigger in reply to Badbessie]

I just got over being in the ER asthma attack so while I was getting better I thought no hills walk the beach walk slowly.. I stop when heart rate went up or oxygen lever goes down .. Then I would walk up the hill to the hotel. But when I told the Dr she said no I thought it was because my lungs were inflamed. But thanks for sharing I think it is great what your doing.....