Wow moment!

Last night I decided to take my dog and go to a local walking "rail trail" to walk instead of my usual jaunt around my neighborhood.  The trail had markers every 1/2 mile so, for the first time, I was able to actually know HOW far I was walking which was a great motivator and kept me walking for more than twice as long as I normally do! I walked 2 1/2 miles last night--barely breaking a sweat and only getting slightly winded!  Before my surgery, I couldn't even walk 1 block without gasping for breath and having horrible pain in my hip.  It just amazes me what I am able to do now.  I can walk and move so much easier.  I never have joint pain (although my muscles are a little sore today from my walk).  Sometimes I almost wish I could go back to my highest weight for one day just to remind myself how far I have come.

That is so cool Maddie, what a wonderful WOW!!!  Congratulations to you!

Maddie That is great ... i to love the ability to walk any distance any not be winded. those wow moments are awesome...

Thanks for sharing your "wow" moment with us; it helps remind us all how far we've come, and how we continued to be blessed by the improvements to our health!  It's also nice to be able share these moments with your OH peeps - we really understand what you're talking about!!!   Your comment about wishing you could go back to your highest weight for just one day reminds me of one the regular activities on The Biggest Loser.  I don'****ch it regularly, but I understand that one of their tasks that occurs later in the season is to have each contestant fitted with a weighted fat suit or something similar that is packed with as much weight as they have lost.  So if they've lost 75 pounds, there is 75 pounds in their suit!  They then have to put that suit or backpack or whatever it is on and do some physical activity while wearing it, like run around the track.  The one time I caught this segment, it was really interesting to see the contestant's reactions to just how hard it was to carry that extra weight, and that they didn't know how they had done it for so long....   Even though we can't really go back, I think it's helpful to think about how hard simple tasks used to be, and how much easier they are now.  That definitely helps keep me on track and helps me make better choices each day -  Good luck on your continuing journey - I look forward to reading about your next "wow" moment!!! Kellie

OH MADDIE HOW EXCITING THAT IS! I KNOW WE ALL FORGET JUST WHERE WE STARTED AT SOMETIMES... BUT THAT COMES WITH JUST TIME.... I KNOW FIRST HAND HOW YOU FEEL. I HAVE MY MAILBOX WAY AT THE END OF OUR DIRT DRIVEWAY AND I NEVER COULD EVEN MAKE IT TO IT WITHOUT BOUT PASSING OUT AND NOW I CAN DO YARDWORK, PULL WEEDS AND COOK AND STILL CLEAN HOUSE. ITS AMAZING WHAT THE BODY CAN DO WHEN HEALTHIER... CONGRATS TO YOU.... MARGE

Way to go!  That reminds me of my first 2 1/2 mile hike about 2 months ago - I didn't know how far we'd walked until we got back to the trail head and read the signs.  I was so proud of myself!  I know what you mean about wanting to go back just to remind yourself - when I take the stairs I always try to remember how it used to feel to get to the top panting with my chest tight and already a little sweat beading up.  Or just walking across the HUGE parking lots at school and having to stop halfway to my office to sit down.  Those things are so much easier now, and they were major barriers in my life a year ago.  Its amazing.  All the best, and many more wow moments for both of us ahead! Jenn

That is so awesome!  I was the same way before surgery with my right foot actaully falling asleep while walking or standing.  Isn't it amazing how far we have come!  Keep up the great work!

That is awesome.... I totally get what your saying.. I too have to keep reminding myself,  what it used to be like. I have put back on 20 lbs from my lowest, and it has me worried. I have been trying to remind myself, how hard it was to walk out to my car in the morning.. When I first started walking, I had to use a cane..Me and my DH would go to this remote area to  walk so I wouldn't be seen by too many people, but little by little I got stronger as the weight melted off. I am determined thou not to go back to that horrible life...thanks for reminding me again Have a great day Lynn

Congrats G/F!!  Thats totaly awsome!! So far I lost my sister I think about what it would be like to ary her around , walk up a flight of stairs with her hanging on ...its amazing really....thanks for reminding me!  Estele

That is wonderful!  I was always curious how far I've gone, so I bought a pedometer (which hasn't arrived yet) so I can try to go a little further each time.  You are doing great!  Isn't it a high? Kudos to you!   HUGS  Jeanine