http://www.walkytalk.com/forums.aspA Forum about walking and its health benefitsWhat's the average price of a "good" pair of shoes?11/18/2008 4:18:24 PM @ 11/18/2008 4:18:24 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=3&topic_id=39&post_id=269#posts-269 It's great to hear that you are walking! I'm sorry I took so long to respond - I don't check the forums often enough. Sprinklers are great on a hot, summer day, but right now, what I look out for is patches of ice! :-) Keep up the walking routine - you will benefit from it is so many ways! Jon Stanton11/13/2008 12:46:32 PMjstant01 @ 11/13/2008 12:46:32 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=52&post_id=267#posts-267 I've gotten used to walking alone, but if you really want to walk with others, find a "walking buddy" who will commit to it with you, or possibly form a "walking club." I know of several walking clubs that help keep each other motivated, offer small prizes/awards, and have other social times together. It's a great way to meet friends and neighbors, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle in your community. You could put some signs up or put an ad in the paper to help launch your club.11/13/2008 12:43:11 PMjstant01 @ 11/13/2008 12:43:11 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=266#posts-266 Well others from michigan, you ready for some cold walking? How many of you tough it outside vs using a treadmill? how do you dress walking outside in the winter?11/11/2008 5:09:18 PM @ 11/11/2008 5:09:18 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=66&post_id=265#posts-265 I don't see my name under the voices at the right hand side of the screen. :( Am I doing this thing right?11/9/2008 1:23:28 PM @ 11/9/2008 1:23:28 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=264#posts-264 I just signed up but I don't see my user name in the blog area. I am tamtam and I am looking for a couple of walking buddies. I live in the SE Grand Rapids area. In the winter I walk in the Woodland or Center Pointe Malls. I would walk more consistently if I had someone encouraging me and I could encourage them. :) :)11/9/2008 1:18:29 PM @ 11/9/2008 1:18:29 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=263#posts-263 I am looking for walking buddies and regular walking routes where people gather to walk at specific times. I hate walking alone so I don't walk at all and that's bad. Any ideas?11/9/2008 1:15:18 PM @ 11/9/2008 1:15:18 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=262#posts-262 I live in swartz creek mi if you need a walking buddy I am looking for one. betty11/5/2008 7:06:49 AM @ 11/5/2008 7:06:49 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=261#posts-261 hello, i am new to this but u might what to try doing intervals on your treadmill. try changing your spend and incline. for 5 mins do 2.0 mph at 5 per incline then at 10min. increase spend to 2.5 mph and inline to 7per do something like that every 2 to 5 mins and see what happens in a month10/30/2008 4:13:38 AM @ 10/30/2008 4:13:38 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=32&post_id=260#posts-260 I wanted a place to share winter walking ideas, so please feel free to share yours. ************************************************************** I work in an elementary school during those very cold windy days. We have this super long hallway and a gym that works perfect. I'll work the hallway and then go inside the gym where I'll walk once around the outer walls. I'll return to the hall and repeat this. I get my walking in and stay warm. walkingBarbie10/26/2008 4:21:37 PMwalkingBarbie @ 10/26/2008 4:21:37 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=65&post_id=259#posts-259 I just finished another book tape entitled, "THE WOMEN NEXT DOOR" by Barbara Delinsky. It's makes walking so pleasant for me. Anther trip to the library for me, I'm not sure what to do after I run out of them.....hehehe any ideas? walkingBarbie10/25/2008 9:18:18 PMwalkingBarbie @ 10/25/2008 9:18:18 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=54&post_id=258#posts-258 Hi!!! I'm online getting caught up today. I read your post and what you said seemed to make perfect sense to me. I sleep on one side or the other. I never thought about what sleeping on your stomach could do to your foot and lower leg/ankle. Thanks for sharing, walkingBarbie10/25/2008 8:47:19 PMwalkingBarbie @ 10/25/2008 8:47:19 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=3&topic_id=28&post_id=257#posts-257 It's nice being able to finally post. I tried before and I couldn't leave one. I do hope you're still checking and you see this. *************************************************************** Hi!!! leftygrlac, the place that you wrote about sounds like my kind of place. I love to walk by water. My favorite place is also by water. I often walk along the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan, since I only live four miles away. We are lucky to lives in a state with so many wonderful places to walk. walkingBarbie10/25/2008 8:01:13 PMwalkingBarbie @ 10/25/2008 8:01:13 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=47&post_id=256#posts-256 Hi!!! I'm finally able to post again, so I'm getting caught up today. I'd like to know how your father's doing and if you had a talk with your employer, to find time for walking during the day. That was a great idea. I'm not able to do that so walking right after work. Then I go home, make dinner, eat light, and don't have to worry about going back out. The days are getting shorter now and it gets dark much earlier so it works great. I would also like to add, that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. I have been through this with my own parents and it wasn't easy. In fact I didn't have anytime for me, but I wouldn't have changed that time spent with them, to make time for myself either. Spend time with them while you can, you won't regret it..... Always curious and caring, walkingBarbie10/25/2008 7:28:03 PMwalkingBarbie @ 10/25/2008 7:28:03 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=4&topic_id=49&post_id=255#posts-255 Hi!!! I didn't see a users name on your post, but who ever you are I'm glad that I can be of help to you. The area that I wrote about is my favorite place to walk and I'm out there just about every day. Right now the leaves are changing color and I'm enjoying it so much. The other day it was windy and several acorns fell hitting me right in the head. "Ouch!" So watch out for falling acorn, they're everywhere..... Always being helpful, walkingBarbie10/25/2008 6:44:16 PMwalkingBarbie @ 10/25/2008 6:44:16 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=52&post_id=254#posts-254 Hello!!! I just read your reply and I'm so happy that you have found this wonderful website. It hasn't been easy but I have kept it off and I plan to keep it that way. I go back to the doctor in November and I'm hoping for good news. Wish me luck and thanks again for your support. I will help in supporting you as well...... walkingBarbie10/25/2008 6:25:39 PMwalkingBarbie @ 10/25/2008 6:25:39 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=4&topic_id=53&post_id=253#posts-253 I would like to meet other females that are in my area and like to walk. I live near flint michigan. I go by dedicated.10/19/2008 10:54:57 AM @ 10/19/2008 10:54:57 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=252#posts-252 I know the original question is almost 1 yr old, but in case anyone else has the same question.... It may sound silly, but from years of selling running, hiking, and walking shoes I have found that most people have one of two issues. 1) they don't stretch out before they walk. Stretching your calf before you walk can help immensely. It can be as easy as laying a piece of 2x4 on the ground and putting the ball of your foot on it and lean forward. 2) and this is the silly one. People that sleep on their stomachs are more likely to get shin splints. This is due to the fact that your feet generally lie flat on the mattress and your calf is tight for the entire night. This also causes heal pain when you wake in the moring. So....stretch.....a lot. Hope it helps!10/14/2008 11:59:55 PM @ 10/14/2008 11:59:55 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=3&topic_id=28&post_id=251#posts-251 Our apologies for the inconvenience you’ve encountered. Calendar events can only be added by the site administrator. Your event has been posted and we thank you for your contribution. In the future, should you have any other walking events that you would like to post, simply provide the information contained in your post on the forum. Thank you again for your participation! 9/24/2008 4:19:38 PMkensv @ 9/24/2008 4:19:38 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=21&post_id=250#posts-250 I have been looking for ways to post additional walking opportunities on the calendar here. Can you direct me? One of the events I would like to add is the SE Michigan Start! Heart Walk and Fun Run on May 16th, 2009 in Southfield. Can you help? The web link for the event is www.miheartwalk.org. Thanks!9/14/2008 8:54:56 PM @ 9/14/2008 8:54:56 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=21&post_id=241#posts-241 I really enjoyed reading about your success Barbie. It's inspiring. Keep up the good work. My success is....that TODAY I found this website and I plan to commit to walking and exercise while becoming healthier each and every day!8/25/2008 2:00:30 PM @ 8/25/2008 2:00:30 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=4&topic_id=53&post_id=240#posts-240 JDC - This post might get moved to a more appropriate forum, so you may need to look elsewhere to find it.. To answer your questions, it takes the average individual about 2,000 steps to equal one mile. Most pedometers let you set your "stride" to compensate for any differences in your stride. However, your probably safe figuring on about 2,000 steps per mile. Here's a link to a site where you can find the other information you are looking for: http://www.dalesnaturalfoods.net/common/adam/HealthTools.asp?storeID=886C68BFA9A64A13BF3B2132B6338345 There are several "health calculators" that will help you determine how many calories your body currently needs, how many you burn at various activities, and more. Good luck!8/20/2008 10:28:11 AMjstant01 @ 8/20/2008 10:28:11 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=21&post_id=239#posts-239 What are some solutions or helpful hints for the problem of shinsplints?8/19/2008 6:13:04 PM @ 8/19/2008 6:13:04 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=41&post_id=238#posts-238 This is my first time to post and I have a question that I would like to have answered. How many steps, at an average stride, does it take to travel a mile? If anyone could also help me with a calorie question, I would also appreciate it. How many calories do you burn in a mile and could you help me with a formula for the number of calories for a 5'6" male...160lb. to maintain that weight? Thanks J.D.C.8/19/2008 5:59:19 PM @ 8/19/2008 5:59:19 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=21&post_id=237#posts-237 There's been a lot in the news lately about using "intervals" while walking. Basically, some doctors are recommending that you walk as fast as you can for 30 seconds, then slow down to recover, then walk as fast as you can again, etc. Does anyone have experience with this? Does it really burn fat and help you lose weight more quickly? I've never done it - I just warmup and get up to the quickest pace possible and keep it for however long I'm walking. I've lost 190 pounds doing that, but if doing intervals will help me get the last 60 off more quickly, I'm willing to try it. How about you, Jodi? Did you ever use intervals?8/14/2008 3:07:29 PMjstant01 @ 8/14/2008 3:07:29 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=64&post_id=236#posts-236 Here's a bit of my set list and they have great beats for a good walking speed for me...also, they're mostly from the 80's. The Fixx "One Thing Leads to Another" {I start EVERY walk with this song, because of the beat, but also because of the lyric - one thing -footstep - leads to another.) Frankie goes to Hollywood "Relax" Squeeze "Tempted" Duran Duran "Rio" Cascada "Big Bad Love" Cascada "Shut Up" Laura Branigan "Gloria" Sheena Easton "Telephone" Dexie's Midnight Runners "Come On Eileen" Rick Springfield "Don't Talk to Strangers" or "Jesse's Girl" Toni Basil "Mickey" Cool Down: Air Supply "Making Love out of nothing at all" [Cascada is amazing and really euro-tech! All of her songs have the same beat and the song titles are really simple to find on iTunes.) Enjoy! 8/14/2008 8:26:06 AM @ 8/14/2008 8:26:06 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=61&post_id=235#posts-235 Thanks to John and Waliing Barbie, I'm walking again. I found a new housing development that I can walk through each day. There are three huge uphills and then (happily) three huge downhills. Also, another thing I look for is automatic sprinklers - I just walk right though! There is no traffic (or very little) and it remains a safe place, as the woods are off of the road. Thanks for the inspiration!8/14/2008 8:08:01 AM @ 8/14/2008 8:08:01 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=52&post_id=234#posts-234 to the person who unfortunatley got bitten by a dog...carry some mace!!8/12/2008 7:28:09 PM @ 8/12/2008 7:28:09 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=233#posts-233 i am scared of walking in my neighborhood because the one time I decided to walk, a dog bit me! What can I do?8/10/2008 8:50:31 PM @ 8/10/2008 8:50:31 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=232#posts-232 REMINDER-the complete post can be seen by simply clicking on the date..... This GRAPE SALAD recipe is better made the night before and you can use sweet n low and Splenda brown sugar. GRAPE SALAD 4 lbs green or red seedless grapes cut in half and spread into a 9x13 dish. Dressing: 8 oz. cream cheese softened 8 oz. sour cream 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. vanilla Topping: 1 c. sugar in the raw (you can use brown sugar instead or even sweet'n low) 1 c. chopped nuts; pecans or walnuts are best. Mix all of the dressing ingredients until smooth and spread over grapes. You can have as many layers as you want. Sprinkle topping ingredients over all. Very easy and very, very good. 7/12/2008 3:41:39 PMwalkingBarbie @ 7/12/2008 3:41:39 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=2&topic_id=59&post_id=231#posts-231 m1h2s3 i started walking at work on my breaks, it wasn't alot but it got me going.7/8/2008 11:51:31 PM @ 7/8/2008 11:51:31 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=230#posts-230 jstant01, I found out that my progress stopped more in the winter months because I wasn't as active. When I became more active again, it got a lot better for me. Now I did notice a difference between taking kick-boxing and pilates. I got better toning and muscle results from the kick-boxing. In pilates, I'm learning more balance and control as you work on your core. There both great exercise and not as easy as they look. I would still be kick-boxing if I could find a class near me. I would agree that changing your exercise regimen is a good way to keep motivated. It sure helps me out, walkingBarbie7/3/2008 12:25:10 AMwalkingBarbie @ 7/3/2008 12:25:10 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=63&post_id=229#posts-229 jstant01, it sounds like a wonderful place to bike or walk. Away from the rush of life and noise of trafic. I've been so stressed lately, I'll have to try riding my bike more often. Hmmmmm, maybe it relieves stress more because you must think more about what you're doing on a bike and less about what you're doing when you walk. So, you tend to do more thinking about your stress/or what stresses you out when you are walking.....Did what I just say make sense? Have bike, will travel..... Silly me, Barbie7/2/2008 11:30:48 PMwalkingBarbie @ 7/2/2008 11:30:48 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=52&post_id=228#posts-228 OK folks - lets have your tips for breaking plateuas! I've heard that altering your exercise regimen is one way, but that's not always very practical if you have a really regimented life. Any other ideas or solutions that have worked?7/2/2008 12:15:11 PMjstant01 @ 7/2/2008 12:15:11 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=63&post_id=227#posts-227 When I'm looking for a stress-free environment, I usually head for the woods. There is a bike trail right behind my house that goes through some very isolated and wooded areas. I have often walked it or biked it. I find the biking really helps with stress - there's something about "pushing" stress away with each "push" of the pedal. Of course, the same could apply with walking - relieving stress with each step. Overall, I think the best environment for relieving stress is an isolated one somewhere in nature's bounty. Obviously it's important to be safe if you are going to be walking alone, but I find I definitely need "isolation" when I need stress relief.7/2/2008 12:09:42 PMjstant01 @ 7/2/2008 12:09:42 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=52&post_id=226#posts-226 Please feel free to add your favorite stress free walking area to this post..... Always curious, walkingBarbie7/1/2008 3:25:44 PMwalkingBarbie @ 7/1/2008 3:25:44 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=52&post_id=225#posts-225 My taking Peanut with me, is working out quite well. He takes me for a walk and seems to enjoy pulling me along with him. hehehe Towards the end of our walk, he's actually walking beside me. He's great company for me. Enjoying life, walkingBarbie7/1/2008 3:15:56 PMwalkingBarbie @ 7/1/2008 3:15:56 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=4&topic_id=53&post_id=224#posts-224 Just a reminder, left click on the date area of each post(example - 6/3/2008 12:29pm) and you can see the entire recipe.....Just being helpful, walkingBarbie7/1/2008 2:22:56 PMwalkingBarbie @ 7/1/2008 2:22:56 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=2&topic_id=58&post_id=223#posts-223 During the summer months, I will take walks early in the morning before going to my summer job at Kohl's and it works out quite well. I actually feel like I have more energy and good all over. Thanks for sharing your idea kkersten..... walkingBarbie7/1/2008 2:13:49 PMwalkingBarbie @ 7/1/2008 2:13:49 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=25&post_id=222#posts-222 Some of you might know that BCBS of Michigan's walkytalk forum is trying to save space, but if you left click where the date appears on every post (example - 7/1/2008 2:00pm) you will be able to see the entire post. I didn't know this until someone told me so I'd like to pass along this information to you...... Just being helpful, walkingBarbie7/1/2008 2:00:22 PMwalkingBarbie @ 7/1/2008 2:00:22 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=62&post_id=221#posts-221 I LOVE ABBA!!!!! I am the same way, my ipod is filled with a mixture of different genres. I really want to add some new songs and I want to hear what other people love, just in case I've forgotten something!7/1/2008 10:38:02 AMwendi_churchman @ 7/1/2008 10:38:02 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=61&post_id=220#posts-220 Hey Wendi: I like to listen to my Ipod while I walk also. I have a whole mixture of music on mine. I'm a musician by trade (sort of - I have a degree in music) and am active in music ministry at my church, so some of the songs I have are sacred. I also like classical music, so I included a few "upbeat" classical pieces. I have several "techno" style songs to help get my pace up, but I also have some slower, more relaxing choices to help me keep relaxed while I'm moving. One of my favorite groups is ABBA, and they have a nice mixture of disco, techno, and ballads - so that works out well. I also have a lot of soundtracks from various movies and musicals. I guess you could say I'm a walking juke box! :-)7/1/2008 9:04:42 AMjstant01 @ 7/1/2008 9:04:42 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=61&post_id=219#posts-219 Hey Everyone! I love listening to music when I walk/exercise. I happen to like all different genres of music, so I would love to hear what you love to listen to while walking. I happen to really like electronic dance music, so the soundtrack to the movie "Swordfish" is a favorite of mine. It builds up and then comes down, so it's perfect for a workout. Wendi6/27/2008 10:39:13 AMwendi_churchman @ 6/27/2008 10:39:13 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=5&topic_id=61&post_id=216#posts-216 I love to make eggs and wrap them in a whole wheat torilla with avacado, tomatos and pinch of mozzerella cheese. 6/27/2008 10:29:11 AMwendi_churchman @ 6/27/2008 10:29:11 AMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=2&topic_id=58&post_id=215#posts-215 I have made this recipe in a variety of different way, #1 by simple removing the peanuts, #2 not putting marshmallows in, #3 not putting marshmellows nor peanuts in, and #4 using colored marshmallows. I double this whole recipe for parties, people will love it. Caramel Apple Salad (Weight Watchers recipe) 3 or 4 cups diced apples (3 if they're extra-large) lemon juice 1 cup dry roasted peanuts 1 cup miniature marshmallows 1 small sugar-free butterscotch instant pudding 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple 1 8 oz container fat free cool whip Toss diced apples with lemon juice (just enough so the apples don't turn brown). Add peanuts and marshmallows. Mix in separate bowl butterscotch, pineapple, and cool whip. Add to apple mixture. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. You can use peeled apples or unpeeled. Makes 7 (1 cup) servings, estimated POINTS per serving 46/19/2008 2:50:56 PMwalkingBarbie @ 6/19/2008 2:50:56 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=2&topic_id=59&post_id=214#posts-214 My pounds are coming off ever so slowly these days, it’s so easy for me to get discouraged but I try not to be. I went for a long walk around noon today, it felt so good. These cooler days are making it very pleasant indeed. I took along my daughter's dog, Peanut so I wouldn't be alone. Peanut is a dachshund with these little bitty legs but he kept up with me. He was tired when we got back home hehehe hopefully I'm back on track and can lose a bit more. Slowly but surely, walkingBarbie6/18/2008 6:09:21 PMwalkingBarbie @ 6/18/2008 6:09:21 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=4&topic_id=53&post_id=213#posts-213 walkingBarbie is right...I've discovered this truth myself. For YEARS, I put others, my job, my community obligations, EVERYTHING, before myself. The result? 430 pounds, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, black and blue legs, and a death sentence. It is NOT worth it. I know kids are demanding. Let's face it - it's a full time job having a child or children. But, you simply must find a way to make time for you. What good will you be to your children if you're in the hospital or on your death bed? It is not selfish to make some time to care for yourself. Life is about balance, and probably one of the biggest challenges is finding a way to balance. I have a sister who is very much like you. She's over 300 pounds now and finds herself often short of breath and with numbness in her arms. My best advice would be to eliminate what you can and find at least an hour for you each day. Volunteering is great, but limit it so you have that hour for you each day. That hour can involve walking, meditating, relaxing, whatever it takes to make sure you are taking care of you. You are important, your health is important - find some time for you!6/18/2008 3:23:55 PMjstant01 @ 6/18/2008 3:23:55 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=6&topic_id=33&post_id=212#posts-212 Thanks, wendi_churchman. I find great joy in knowing my lifestlye change helps inspire others. My weight has been "hovering" for a while, but it's still dropping slowly. I don't know how much I weigh currently since scales are not my friend, but I do know that it's just about time to hammer another notch in my belt. I've kept my original belt as a reminder. I've had to hammer 16 holes in it since I started, for a total of 16 inches off my waist. It looks kind of goofy now that it's wrapped almost halfway back around my body, but it's a good reminder, so I keep it. I still have struggles every once in a while with food, but nothing like I had in the beginning. I usually take it a little easy on the weekend, and will enjoy pizza and/or desserts, but just in much more "normal" quantities. I am having some problems with my left foot. I'm going to make an appointment to see a podiatrist soon. I haven't let the pain slow me down, but it's been an ongoing issue for quite a while now. My "gait" has always been unusual, and I always attributed it to being so heavy. I tend to walk on the sides of my feet, with my left foot pointed "out" while I walk. I thought it would go away as the weight drops, but it hasn't so I'm going to see if I might need a brace of some kind to correct it. I've been riding my bike a lot lately too. I pretty much walk in the afternoon (about 2.5 miles), and then bike 6-8 miles in the evening after supper. Life is good, and I'm still feeling so much better than before, despite the foot pain, and occasional knee issues (I think my knees are still in shock after carrying 400+ pounds for so long, they don't know what to do, so they just decide to ache! :-) I never want to go back to feeling as awful as I did when I was 430 pounds - that is powerful motivation to keep walking and living a healthy lifestyle!6/18/2008 3:11:32 PMjstant01 @ 6/18/2008 3:11:32 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=4&topic_id=36&post_id=211#posts-211 little_momma: I like to tape or DVR shows or programs that I think I might like and then watch them while I use my ellipitical machine. It makes a 30-60 minute session go much quicker and then I have something to chat about with freinds and co-workers (I have a soft spot for horrible reality TV shows)!6/18/2008 2:49:20 PMwendi_churchman @ 6/18/2008 2:49:20 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=1&topic_id=32&post_id=210#posts-210 jstant01 - OMG! Even though I have been a member for awhile, I haven't really taken the time to read the forums. Reading your story overwhelmed me with emotion! I am so happy that you are doing so well and sharing your story with others. It is so inspirational! Congrats to you and please keep us updated. 8-)6/18/2008 1:24:41 PMwendi_churchman @ 6/18/2008 1:24:41 PMhttp://www.walkytalk.com/forum_topics.asp?forum_id=4&topic_id=36&post_id=209#posts-209