My first nine mile walk.

Because We Can http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Queensmetrowls/ On Sunday July 24th we had our weekly Sunday walk. My sister Barbara and Karen are new post-ops attended their first Sunday walk. The veteran walkers that joined us were Francesca, Sophie, Bettyann, Ira, Alisa, and myself. Since we have two new walkers we decided to walk the short path first. The short walking trial is 1.4 miles. Prior to wls most could not imagine to 1.4 miles. I am not proud to say that walking fifty feet was a major task. During our walks the conversation are endless. We are always taking about what we are eating, when did you throw up last, and just life in general. Most of know that our problems did not stem from just eating, but what is eating us. Sometimes our perceptions of a problem are larger in our mind than what it really is; however it is always good to hear an opinion from on objective friend. Prior to our formation of our walking group I know that I did not consistently walk, and it is always good to see a new post op off to a good start. Walking for the new post op is a great form of exercise. For those that are new post ops if you ever want to join do not worry, you will never walk alone and do not be afraid to stop and rest. After we walked the short walking trail in the Little Bay Park the veteran walkers walked the long path. For those that have never walked us, the walking path alongside the Cross Island Parkway is picturesque and really a good place to walk since it is relatively flat. As we were walking towards Northern Blvd we all felt good and decided that this was the day to break our record 6.5 miles. Sophie and Bettyann reversed course and then walked through Little Bay Park again. Their walk was 7.5 miles. Ira, Alisa and myself were more daring and we started walking on Northern Blvd and then proceeded to walk through the side streets of Bayside. For those that are not familiar with Bayside, we have some large hills. Our faced turned beat red at the site of the first large hill; we were starting to get tired at the six-mile mark. One hill after another we walked up and down. As I was walking I told Ira that I heard Rhonda's voice in my head saying "he is going to kill me today". We were at the point of return and could not turn back or avoid the hills. I wonder how many fat cells we were killing after each hill that we walked up or down. As we continued to walk the sun was beating down on our heads and all of us finished our second bottle of water by mile seven. As we were walking were hoping someone would invite us into a pool for a quick dip. No such luck. We walked slowly through each sprinkler cooling down and our hot bodies. Sophie called me on my cell phone and she asked if we wanted her to pick us up. I was truly tempted to say YES. Sometime between miles seven or eight I was asking myself was I crazy to walk this far? My hand weights were already off my wrist and I was still tired. When we returned to our cars it was our first three-hour walk and nine miles. I was honestly hoping to walk ten miles but that will come another day when Rhonda and Mitch are back from their vacations to join us. Bottom line is, it was good to say we walked nine miles because we can. Lenny [email protected]

Lenny, Hun thanks for sharing that story, it sure is inspirational to new post ops like myself, this is my 7th week and I am walking only 1/2 mile in 15 mins, 5 days a week. I should be doing 7 days I think and I was getting down on myself because I just did not have the energy to do it over the weekend. but reading your story sure makes me want to do more. Thanks again for sharing hun :~hugs~ Debra P

Good Morning Deb, To begin, congratulations on having weight loss surgery. You will begin to experience some fantastic changes. You are doing great. Most people are not walking as much as you. The key for success is to be consistent. Try extending the time you walk. Do not be concerned with the distance. The distance will come in time. Prior to surgery I could not walk 50 feet. Keep up the good work. Lenny RE: My first nine mile walk. Lenny, Hun thanks for sharing that story, it sure is inspirational to new post ops like myself, this is my 7th week and I am walking only 1/2 mile in 15 mins, 5 days a week. I should be doing 7 days I think and I was getting down on myself because I just did not have the energy to do it over the weekend. but reading your story sure makes me want to do more. Thanks again for sharing hun :~hugs~ Debra P

Lenny! You don't stop by nearly often enough.... glad to hear that your group is going well. Nine miles! Awesome! Remember when, just a short time ago, we couldn't make it nine steps without breathing hard. So many of us have come so far ~ personally, I like being able to walk and breathe at the same time and I like not being dependent on medications! Life is good. All yall newbies - welcome to the board and if you're in Lenny's area, consider his group. Lenny is such an inspiration!

Good morning Angel, Sorry I am not here as often as I would like. We also started a walking team for post-ops. When we walk in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk this will be our second walk in the fight against Cancer. If you want any additional about the walk send me an e-mail. Lenny [email protected]

Len, By Little Bay Park, do you mean Crocheron Park? (where the overpass is) or is it the park down by the Fort? Either way, nice walk! (The path is called the Joe Walton path, after the Jets coach) Hopefully, I'll be joining you soon (no date - YET) - Used to live on 43rd just off Bell, and now live over in Bayside Hills

Hi Charles, You should attend one of our support meetings. It is a good beginning to meet other people that weight loss surgery and you can ask questions and get answers immediately. Good luck with your journey. Lenny [email protected]

When/where is the group? Charlie

Lenny, Wow - great job - nine miles is a lot. I keep thinking I'll join you guys one of these day - and I will. . Today I am doing the Corporate Challenge, which is 3.5 miles. I am hoping to finish in 55 minutes or under, but I'm not sure with the heat today. It is great to say that you walked nine mile because you can. That has become my saying lately - I'm doing it because I can. It is such a great feeling. Take care, Mary

Good Morning Mary. How was the corporate challenge? 3.5 miles in less than 55 minutes is some pace. How often do you exercise? What part of Long Island are you from? I started an exercise class for post-ops and it is headed by former Olympic Athelete. The classes are fun and it is a wonderful workout. E-mail me if you are interested. Come walk us in Eishenhower Park on Thursday's. We meet in park field 2 and begin our walks at 7:00pm. We have two groups for walking. One group does the one mile route (for new post op's and others), and the other group walks 3 miles. The three mile is usually one hour depending how the heat is getting to some of us. The walks are non competitive and someone always has someone to walk with. In October I have started a walking team for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk. This is our second walk for charity. If you want any additional information please contact me 718-225-9272. I hope you can join us. Regards, Lenny