Pre-op exercise -- I want to start hiking!

Hey everyone,

So I've been spending a lot of time trying to get in shape and find a fitness routine/lifestyle that works for me.  Most of you know that I've recently started Dr. Sampath's program, and so far it's going really well.  I had a really interesting chat with PAL yesterday and felt compelled to share one of my goals -- to start hiking. 

I've always had a lot of insecurities about exercising outdoors and felt conflicted about trying it with my closest friends and fam.  I also didn't have the luxury of being able to drive anywhere on my own until March of this year.

If anyone is interested in trying it with me, I've compiled a list of easy trails in the lower mainland that I'd like to attempt sometime this year.  I have some family and friends who would be willing, but I also think it would be great to do this together with other people who are going through the WLS process or have had it already.  

Let me know :) The list and more of my WLS ramblings can be found on my blog here:  http://searchingformysolace.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/im-going-to-start-hiking/ 

 I've got lists of GVRD hikes & trails, plus some in Richmond that aren't on that list.

Because of my arthritis I'm only up to about 1.5 km right now, but I'm working my way up!

I'd love to see that list if you don't mind sharing I was hoping to find some places in Richmond on Wednesday afternoons before our class! I honestly don't know how much I can walk, but I want to try -- I have bad knees and early arthritis as well so I need to start slow...

 If you want to meet a bit early we can take a quick stroll tomorrow if it's nice before class - just let me know! I can't stay late, I have something downtown afterwards.

I can give you the URLs tomorrow too, but I should post them here too:

http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/

http://www.richmond.ca/parksrec/ptc/trails/map.htm

 I should be there early (before 5) so I'll pm you my number and you can call or text me when you arrive! 
I used vancouvertrails to make my list, love it! And thanks for Richmond link =))

There is a great trail off of 68th in Delta, we can bring out dogs, and it has different levels.
Last weekend I did 2.5 miles, but that was up, down, over and lots of obsticals

 Oh neat!! That sounds like fun, do you know what it's called?  

On Tuesday I did my longest hike yet -- 6km following the Shoreline trail to and from Rocky Point Park in Port Moody!  It had some ups and downs, stairs and narrow boardwalks, and I can't believe I survived...It took my friend and I about 2 hrs, and I wanted to saw my left leg off by the end of it, but it was so incredible to say I did it and feel that rush at the end as I got close to my car!!! I'm doing another one tomorrow, this time around Deer Lake in Burnaby which is about 5km :)