a hearty gang - our fitbit group

[laura_dropstitch]

Hello. Just in case anyone got a Fitbit from Santa or has made a step-related resolution this January, here's a wee reminder that we have our very own Fitbit group. If you have a wonky heart (in any way) and a Fitbit, you can join us at this link - fitbit.com/group/22SDB9

There's a massive variety in how many steps we all manage, so please do join if you think it would motivate or amuse you, no matter how many or how few steps you are doing. (I notice I'm much further down the table than usual at the moment, so I will await your taunts!) We are a friendly and informal group, you can interact (cheer/taunt/message) as much as you like, or not at all - whatever works for you.

I was thinking it would be really good if we could use our group to raise funds for the BHF with some sort of year-long challenge for 2018, especially if it had the added benefit of being something that would motivate us all to walk more. I'm thinking a collective step/distance target might work well, given that we all have different health restrictions to work within. As a group, we've done nearly a quarter of a million steps so far in January, so we could have a very mighty step count by the end of the year... Please leave a comment if you have any ideas about how we could make a motivational fundraiser work. My brain is not allowing me to get beyond what I've said above.

Happy stepping and all the best for 2018, everyone

[Syrus_BHF]

Hi Laura,

Happy New Year! I just wanted to introduce myself, I'm the Digital Health Project Manager at the British Heart Foundation looking after HealthUnlocked Community and other related services. I love your initiative in creating a fitbit group, I have already joined it and look forward to maybe expanding your idea wider across the BHF in the future.

Sincerely,

Syrus

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Syrus_BHF]

Thanks, Syrus, would be great if the BHF could do something with the idea! I definitely feel like there's some potential we haven't quite tapped into yet...just not sure what!

[Syrus_BHF in reply to laura_dropstitch]

My pleasure Laura, 2018 is going to be a big year for the BHF, just watch this space

[WeezeMcCheese]

I would love to get involved in this but I'm officially part of the Garmin crew!

I love the idea of running 1000 miles this year, I have 3 half marathons and a full marathon lined up so I guess it it possible? It means running an average of 19.2 miles a week which seems like a lot at the moment but I'm sure it won't seem as far fetched as I get deep into the training.

Good luck Fitbitters, hope you all hit your goals!

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to WeezeMcCheese]

That sounds like a tough but achievable challenge...I think? Good luck and keep us all posted with your progress! X

[mandm65 in reply to WeezeMcCheese]

Hello WeezeMcCheese,

Glad to meet another marathon runner here, i would not mind running 1000 miles this year, provided the doc does not have any objection :-). I do use Garmin for all my runs so happy to clock the mileage and report.

[WeezeMcCheese in reply to mandm65]

Just read your biography; sounds like you've had some serious setbacks with the running! Do you remain optimistic about being able to do a marathon this year? I haven't added anyone on Garmin Connect yet but if you'd like to be Garmin buddies, you can find me on there. I'll try and send you a private message on here...

[Shandypants]

Fitbit ordered seeing as Santa didn’t get my hint.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Shandypants]

He's a busy man, needs a bit of help sometimes

[KazSumm in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Hi Laura Happy New Year

Santa did bring me a Fitbit but I’m having a few problems, some days it won’t sync, registers me as being asleep when I’m not and I’m having to reboot it every day. So I’m giving it a few more days then I’ll take it back. So when I’m finally up and running will join your Fitbit group.hope your keeping well. Kaz❤️💕💖

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to KazSumm]

I know my dad had some problems with his Fitbit and managed to get it replaced with no issues. Hopefully you'll be up and running (walking!) soon. Let me know if you have any ideas for the group 😊

PS Happy new year to you too! 🎉

[Pikaia]

Hi laura_dropstitch , thanks for setting the group up. It certainly spurred me on to do a few more steps. Have you been able to make any progress with respect to fundraising ideas? It would be great if we could set a target for number of steps or distance over a few months in the summer (so giving us time to raise awareness and funds).

Pete

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Pikaia]

Hi Pete, sorry, just noticed this comment and my lack of response! I don't think fundraising ideas are my strength, I've never got any further than a collective effort to achieve a certain number of steps as a group. As for how you'd use this to raise money, I do not know. I'm always too embarrassed to ask people for sponsorship, but maybe others are not? I feel like there's a good opportunity in there somewhere, but I don't think I'm the person to set it up. Happy to help if you (or someone else) would like to take charge of it, though?

[PeterJemmett]

Hi Laura, I've just joined the group and a little embarrassed to go straight to the top spot for April! ..... I managed 4,000,000 steps in my first year (on my pedometer) since my heart assessment back at the end of Jan 2017 in my drive to improve my fitness and lose some weight (to reduce the risk of further heart problems) and looking to increase that this year, so far I am averaging some 13,500-14,000 steps a week

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to PeterJemmett]

Awesome! We'll all enjoy trying to catch you, I'm sure

[PeterJemmett in reply to PeterJemmett]

I did 4,000,000 in my first year, with 3 months now gone in my second year I'm currently on 1,240,083 steps (on my pedometer rather than Fitbit) so should be on course for at least 5,000,000 this year!

[Hidden]

I just joined. My knee limits my steps more than my heart so recently decided to make my goal as beating yesterdays steps. So far nearing 5,000 a day which is much better than the 2,000 average I was hitting last fall.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

That's a great idea for a goal! Good luck