This year, I stopped going to the gym as I just couldn’t do the workouts anymore. So I began walking in my neighborhood, which sounds pretty easy…except it’s hills and I was doing 2 miles. It’s a stress relief, gets me away from the computer and out of the house, and I listen to audio books. This is one of the rare times I can get my brain to take a break.
But three different doctors, one after another said STOP WALKING ON STREETS AND HILLS. It’s killing your bad ankle, and causing other issues.
I ignored them, sure I could force my ankle and the rest of my joints to get with the program. I explained all this to the fourth doctor, my RA doc, who basically said, “You need to knock that crap off, adjust your routine to deal with reality. Nobody’s saying you can’t exercise, but you have to be smart about it.”
Finally, I paid attention. First I switched to a flat track at a school and reduced time and frequency to let my ankle rest. Once school was back in session and the track closed to the public, I began going to a big park and I’m increasing my time, distance and frequency. So far, my ankle is doing reasonably well and I’m starting to feel better overall. I’m not going to be pain free, but it’s manageable. My goal is to eventually get back to the gym, and feel stronger.
Hmm, maybe I should listen to the doctors? When I say stuff like that, my RA doc gets this little smile that translates into, “You think?”
And what does all this have to do with our Wednesday Worthy Candidate? Let’s just call it motivation to get back to the gym 
What do you think, is he worthy?
September 2nd, 2015 at 4:30 am · Link
LOL, yeah, not a fan of listening to doctors myself. I’d still be walking with a cane, working with plants, and not attempting anything I might fail at. Bleh. I listen to my body tell me it’s too sore to walk today and I ignore it, too. (Okay, so sometimes that makes it worse, but usually it doesn’t.) A lot of my physical pain lessened when I got off my ever-widening butt. Of course, that’s me and everyone’s got to do what’s right for them.
I’ve heard that about hills. Everything here is hills, so if a doc ever told me to stop walking them, I’d have to ignore that, too. I know me. If I had to drive somewhere to take a walk, I wouldn’t do it. Our typical walk is 1.25 to 1.5 miles – down, up, down, up. We live near the top of a hill – no matter which way we go, leaving is a breeze, getting back is killer. ;o)
I’m so glad your flat walking is working for you and you’re feeling better now. :hugs:
This guy isn’t doing it for me today. Maybe if he was holding a chocolate cake or something. I could really use some chocolate cake.
September 2nd, 2015 at 10:01 am · Link
B.E, I know right? I had one specialist tell me years ago I had to accept being crippled. I walked out and never went back. Like…no. Then I found a doctor who had more pragmatic and less pessimistic views. It’s about balance. And you overcame much more traumatic injury that the stuff I deal with.
I still walk hills now that I’m working up to it, but it’s the uneven sidewalks–driveways and constant hard pavement that seems to be aggravating it. I didn’t think I’d drive to do this either, but I love it out at that park — it’s set against a national forest area and very pretty. Plus a dog park is there
I hope you get your chocolate cake!
September 2nd, 2015 at 10:08 am · Link
I’m not big on oily skin and he looks a little pouty. I already have a character who is pouting–enough that I’m about to slap him upside the head with a clue-X-four. So, yeah, okay to look at but no cookies.
In this instance, with so many doctors saying NO!, you’re probably smart to heed their advice. I know you trust your RA doc so listen to him especially. I’m really going to try to get off my @$$ this fall and maybe walk. Can’t do it in the humidity but maybe with the cooler temps I can at least go around the block a time or two. I know I need to get up and moving (ie. get back on the gazelle) but…lazy. Glad you found an alternative place to walk. I’d prefer a park to a track. More interesting scenery. LOL
September 2nd, 2015 at 12:35 pm · Link
Silver, your knees make it hard for you. I’m with you on the humidity. I have trouble with it, so I get it.
This park is fun — lots of dogs. I’m starting to make friends with some of them
So sorry about your pouty character. I always want to smack my heroes at some point!
September 2nd, 2015 at 2:11 pm · Link
I can see you “not” listening to the doctors. I’m one of those that just pushes and pushes, not a good listener ;). Hubs is always telling me to rest but I don’t. So, my hat is off to you! I am so happy that you’ve taken the advice and have worked out a solution that is working.
I agree with B. E. If the guy were holding a piece of Death by Chocolate cake he’d be good or at least the cake would be ;).
Have a great day!
September 2nd, 2015 at 3:52 pm · Link
Yeah, I’m not supposed to do hills either. Actually, I’m not supposed to do any cardio but walking at a steady pace on flat terrain is fine. Alas, PA is hilly too
There’s a creek nearby that has a pretty trail that I like to walk with the girls but it’s hard to get motivated when it’s boiling hot, raining or there are 10″ of snow 
Hope your ankle gets stronger soon!
aka: Ban
September 2nd, 2015 at 5:03 pm · Link
Viki, great now I really want cake. Or something decadent!
I know you push yourself too. You could have just as easily let serious health issues stop you, but you kept going. I really admire that.
Ultimately we do know our bodies and limitations best. One reason I like my RA doc is he never tells me to stop working or exercising, he offers suggestions to do it better. And he’s a workaholic (very driven) so he gets it. We want to live our lives the best we can.
September 2nd, 2015 at 5:07 pm · Link
Niki (Ban)!! Always great to see you! My ankle really is better, thanks.
But you walk in the snow??? Awesome! If it were me, I’d end up in a Youtube Viral Video on reasons not to walk in the snow
But the creek sounds pretty and peaceful.
Hmm, no cardio at all? Sounds like a serious issue, but you seem to have it under control. Yay you!