# I just started walking **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 4, 2023, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575 "2023-05-04T18:52:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/21 "2023-05-05T01:12:08Z")
> [@Kropotkin](#): > > Be careful: hydration is important! Thanks. šŸ˜‰ ---
**Author:** ![Snooooopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/22 "2023-05-05T02:14:23Z")
I used to walk a ton when I lived in my previous apartment. The location was absolutely fantastic, so I was within a reasonable walking distance of all kinds of shops and restaurants and such. My current place is not as well-situated, and without the promise of lunch or the movies or whatever at the end of my journey, I guess I kind of fell out of the habit. All I have here to motivate me are fresh air and sylvan trails. Who digs that kind of stuff? ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2023, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/23 "2023-05-05T17:42:42Z")
Iā€™m so happy for you, OP! I started walking about 4-6 times/week during a really awful time in my life a couple of years ago. I needed something I could do just for me that was away from everybody else. The sunlight, the fresh air, the ability to choose what I did and when I did it just for a little while helped my mental health so much. Then there were the side benefits of lower BP, etc. Just a few minutes can make a world of difference. ---
**Author:** ![Steven\_Maven](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steven_maven/32/3272_2.png) [@Steven\_Maven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Maven)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2023, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/24 "2023-05-06T15:31:26Z")
I measure my walks by the amount of TIME I walked rather than the DISTANCE. Iā€™m not saying that everyone should use that metric. Iā€™m just offering options. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2023, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/25 "2023-05-06T15:41:33Z")
I would like to work up to 1 hour but at this point I am not even close. If I walk at a fast pace 15 min is my limit right now, a week ago 8 min was my limit. If I slow down the pace 30 or 40 min is no problem. When I hit a plateau at my current pace I will likely adjust my pace so I can walk an hourā€¦ I like the feeling of breathing hard and some minor aching in my legs. If I go too slow I donā€™t get that. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2023, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/26 "2023-05-06T16:34:52Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > > [@zimaane](#): > > > > Thatā€™s great @HoneyBadgerDC , I hope you keep it up and have many enjoyable walks. Do you use a step tracker ? I find that mine motivates me to keep up walking. > > No, not yet but I plan to get one. I use and recommend the Map My Walk app. Congrats on this big step, @HoneyBadgerDC mmm ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2023, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/27 "2023-05-06T17:55:56Z")
The walking app I use on my Android is ā€œSimply Walkingā€. Does what I need without excess complexity. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2023, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/28 "2023-05-06T17:57:33Z")
> [@HoneyBadgerDC](#): > > If I walk at a fast pace 15 min is my limit right now, a week ago 8 min was my limit. If I slow down the pace 30 or 40 min is no problem. All that is excellent news. And shows somebody ready to make this a long-term change, not a one-month experiment followed by a return to sloth. (Says the guy sitting in a recliner at 2pm while a wonderful day beckons outside without me). Congrats and good luck! ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2023, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/29 "2023-05-06T21:46:30Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > All that is excellent news. And shows somebody ready to make this a long-term change, not a one-month experiment followed by a return to sloth. (Says the guy sitting in a recliner at 2pm while a wonderful day beckons outside without me). > > Congrats and good luck! Part of the reason I started the thread was for just a tad more motivation if I am feeling lazy, which is everyday. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/30 "2023-05-08T14:39:27Z")
Good for you! Walking is the best exercise. I started about15 years ago and havenā€™t quit. I walk 3 miles every morning starting at 5:45am. I have three dogs and I take them each for a 1 mile walk. Then in the afternoon or early evening, I either do that all over again or I take them out in our woods behind our house so they can run. I walk no matter what the weather is. I generally walk 4-6 miles/day, 7 days/week. If for some reason I miss a walk, I donā€™t feel right. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/31 "2023-05-08T14:43:40Z")
I hope to be where you are in a few months. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/32 "2023-05-08T22:02:56Z")
Well today I got in two 1/2 mile walks. The biggest improvement is in my breathing, my recovery time to normal breathing is about 2 minutes now. My legs still fill weak, noticing a little improvement in how long the stiffness lasts after my walks but still need a huge improvement in leg strength. I still have good muscle they just fatigue very quickly. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/33 "2023-05-16T19:58:49Z")
Improving steadily, Today was the first time I hit 1 mile at a decent pace, just slightly under 3mph. I almost felt like it was a bit too much but I recovered quickly and felt the best I have felt in a long time within about 1 hour of walking. I failed on the smoking but not giving up. The walking seemed to just cut it in half naturally. I think I may have gotten just a twinge of that endorphin rush. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/34 "2023-05-16T20:46:56Z")
That is the best post Iā€™ve read all week. Hooray! If youā€™re struggling with the smoking thing, you might try one of those nicotine patches or gums. Done right they can keep the cravings down without trashing your lungs and allow a better weaning off he drugs. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/35 "2023-05-16T20:52:15Z")
Well done, congrats! This reminds me of a favorite quote: _You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago._ ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/36 "2023-05-16T21:37:30Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > That is the best post Iā€™ve read all week. Hooray! > > If youā€™re struggling with the smoking thing, you might try one of those nicotine patches or gums. Done right they can keep the cravings down without trashing your lungs and allow a better weaning off he drugs. I was just thinking last night I should probably go to the patch. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2023, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/37 "2023-05-17T12:10:36Z")
This reminds me that Mrs. Cheesesteak and I need to get back to having nightly walks. Thereā€™s a small park right across the street from the house, and 3 laps is a nice little workout. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2023, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/38 "2023-05-17T12:17:32Z")
Iā€™ve been walking on a local trail with Simi, our coconut retriever. Iā€™ve worked on making him stop, sit, stay, whenever a bicycle passes us. Walking combined with low carb dining and intermittent fasting (no breakfast or lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays) has caused me to drop some pounds. Iā€™ve also replaced some of my beer with vodka, so I refer to my vodka on the rocks as a health drink. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2023, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/39 "2023-05-17T13:43:40Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > This reminds me that Mrs. Cheesesteak and I need to get back to having nightly walks. Thereā€™s a small park right across the street from the house, and 3 laps is a nice little workout. I made a cherry cheesecake on Saturday night by Sunday night I had eaten the whole thing. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2023, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575/40 "2023-05-17T13:46:23Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Iā€™ve been walking on a local trail with Simi, our coconut retriever. Iā€™ve worked on making him stop, sit, stay, whenever a bicycle passes us. I wish my dog would walk more instead of stopping every 20 ft to examine or piss on something. I used to take him on 1 hour walks in the evening for exercise but we stop so much I donā€™t ever get my breathing going. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-started-walking/983575.md?page=3)