I think I have lost my mind....

I suggested to my DH that our family do something I would have NEVER suggested before. I suggested we pack up and head out for a park this weekend and hike. HIKE? HIKE?! What the *&%$ was I thinking?! lol After 2 months and 31 pounds I all of a sudden feel like I can hike? Well, it sounded good at the time and now I am freaking out lol. Well, we'll see how it goes. I am in shock that it was ME that suggested it.  Honestly, it feels good that that would come out of my mouth. It's an awesome change of attitude and perspective. I am really looking forward to it even if I did loose my freaking mind. lol Beth

LOL...hey sure you can...rest as much as you need to on the hike.  I take 15 steps at a time when I get tired...those are muscles you will not know you have!  Lemme tell you, that kind of challenge is about 10x what any treadmill in some dusty gym will do for you. Being outside in dirt, rocks, and hills makes you the kind of hamster that rolls her own cage - is not on a machine-driven belt that does a lot of work for you.  Don't let fear hold you back - take your time. You are changing, butterfly!

Obviously your mind is teling you that your body is ready for a new challenge!  When it did it to me I tried to hike through the woods... taking a few steps here and there while employing the use of a walking stick, then stopping to rest on a fallen tree.    I think as we lose weight, our bodies crave more motion.  I think you're going to love it.. yes..you're going to be sore.. but there's so much to see out there... so many of the sights and sounds of nature to dstract you from the actual "work" of hiking and by the same token, inspiring you to move forward. If I ever get my knees fixed.. I'd love to do the same.  There's nothing so peaceful as a walk through the woods, or gardens.. Have a great time and if you can, take a light digital camera.....  Fugget the word "Hike" and just think of it as going to visit some of God's beauty!!!  :) Have Fun!!! Lori

Lori's right!  You tend to lose yourself and you forget all about the exercise part of the hike.  It really becomes all about having fun and enjoying nature. The exercise is just an added benefit.

My knee is what scares me. I am having trouble with it. Think my doc is going to check into it next month when I go see him med. maint.  As far as craving more motion, that is sooo true. Some days I feel like a hyper little kid because I just can't sit still and am constantly figiting. It's crazy. Some days all I want to do is sleep and other days I just have to get up and move. Last week, I went bowling and had to catch up four frames because I was late. Normally, it would have wore me out and my hips and lower back would have been screaming. This time it was like nothing. It truly is awesome. Thank you for the camera idea. My girls love taking pictures when we go places. Normally I sit and watch them have fun. Not this time.

If it's anything like I've been through.... (a torn meniscus that hat to be removed and two unrepaired ACL tears) you may have to stick to level ground... but there are many paved paths you'll be able to do.   I can't walk on "uneven" ground.  I have a problem walking in the sand and I do use a walking stick in the woods... and it is SO worth it! Let us know what the doc says!

If it starts hurting real bad, I will definitely have to baby it. Doc told me outside the office the other day not to stress it anymore than I have to.  Well, I'll tell ya, that's gonna have to be long term cuz this body ain't doin' no crutches in the state it's in right now.  Beth

Oh how cool!!  You're gonna love it!  HIking is SO much fun!  The good thing about hiking is you can adjust your speed so that you don't tire quickly. It's unimportant to go full-on fast as you can. Just go slow and enjoy nature!  Look around, smell the trail and enjoy the time with your family.  Before you know you'll be like..."Hmmmm...  Maybe I'll take up mountain biking and hit the trails!"  lol  At least that's what I've kinda been thinking about but hey.. might not be everyone's thing! :D

Last hike I went on about 5 yrs ago wore me out so bad but I was trying to keep up with an 8, 10 and 13 yr old. Now that they're 13, 15 and 18, I don't have to keep up. That's a plus!

Beth....I think it's wonderful and I'm so envious!  I would give anything to just be able to do a walk around the block now that the weather is starting to improve.  I'm so excited for you and all the changes that will come with this weight loss for you and your family.  Just think of all the exciting things you can do together that were an obstacle before with your weight.  You really are on your way out of that cocoon to become a butterfly!! How freeing it is to be casting off the mantle of weight that has burdened us for so long.