I had no idea how much falling hard a couple of weeks ago would affect both my balance and my self confidence. As my injuries healed enough to walk without pain, I really wanted to start walking again. I had been building up my daily step count from about 2500 in June to 6000 when I fell. I didn’t want to start over, and I didn’t want to walk on our uneven sidewalks for a while.
Fortunately we live near a circular walking path covered in crushed stone. Although we have to drive to it, the trail promised a much less risky walk. Monday we tried it for the first time and I was able to calculate the number of steps, 1000, in a full circle. I started out with two loops to see if my knee hurt. It felt fine the next day and I have now gone to three circles. My pace, according to Charlie, hasn’t suffered at all, which comes as a relief. I had hoped to not lose any stamina while I recovered.
The only hazard I encountered came as Charlie warned “look out” just as my right foot squished down on dog droppings! I have no idea why someone wouldn’t clean up after their dog on a path. Apart from that minor annoyance, I am thoroughly enjoying the new routine. Snow is coming of course, since this is New England, but for the time being I am happy to be back on the “road” again.
Saved By Words 
Glad to hear you are managing that good exercise. I always clean up after Ollie, but a fair percentage of other dog-walkers never do. I have learned to walk looking at the ground ahead.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I do seem to get into trouble when I forget to look down.
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That’s marvelous that you are back on the road. When we lived on Long Island, I drove to the village to walk. The sidewalks were well-lit, and it was safer than walking in our hilly neighborhood. I’m glad you’ve found a good place to walk outside.
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It is only relaxing if the fall hazards are minimal.
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I’m glad to hear you’re back on your feet and walking! Slow and steady does it. I use a Fitbit to count my steps, too. When I first got one, I set an arbitrary goal of 8,000 steps. I sometimes reach that but am happy if I get 5 or 6,000. And I honestly think ANY number of steps outside in the fresh air is good!
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I think between 5000 and 6000 is very good and I am nearly back to it.
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So very sorry to hear about your fall. I always caution people to give your body more time than you want to recover. Our Yoga instructor tells us to let your body tell you how to deal with pain. It has been good advice.
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Hello again. Glad to see you posting.
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So glad you are mending Elizabeth! Happy trails!
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Thanks.
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Lovely to hear you’re on the mend Elizabeth & getting back to your walking routine!
Blessings,
Jennifer
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Thanks.
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That’s great – I believe for some, gaining confidence after a fall, can take a while to happen. Our streets are so ‘up and down’ where I live I’d have to go to a nearby running athletics track to get that level surface to walk on. Is there an indoor mall nearby for when the weather turns (nasty with all that white stuff)
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As soon as covid is over the mall is a great place to walk. Sadly not at the moment. It even opens early just for walkers.
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Exercising in the winter is more challenging. I’m just getting over my annual sinus infection. It’s discouraging when we lose our stamina because starting over is frustrating.
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Absolutely. At least after a while we know that is how it goes if we are going to stay healthy.
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Falling certainly has more consequences as we age … I’ve found that out the hard way a couple of times in the past year. Glad you’re doing better.
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I hope we both stay on our feet.
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Great that you are back on your feet again, Elizabeth, and out in the fresh air
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Good to hear you are mending well and that the fall hasn’t discouraged you from reaching your goal.
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I feel so much better when I walk that I needed to keep going.
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Great to hear that you are well on the way to full recovery Elizabeth. Steady and slowly has to be the way after a tumble.
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I am gradually nearly back to full speed.
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This is good news, Elizabeth!
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Glad to hear you are getting back on your feet!!! It has always bothered me so much when people don’t clean up after their dogs!
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I know what you mean about walking without “balance and self-confidence”. It’s baby steps in the beginning.
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Who says walking around in circles isn’t a good thing! 😉
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I have spent much of my life doing just that.
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That’s good news, Elizabeth. Apart from the dog mess of course. You’re back on track!
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Yes, literally.
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Hi Elizabeth, a fall is anxiety producing, I have seen that with my aunt and Terence’s grandmother. Granny Una is very reluctant to walk now. I am really glad you are keeping yourself mobile and fit. I am going off-line for a few weeks and I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and happy new year. Hugs.
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Merry Christmas to your family too. I am reassured that anxiety after a fall at my age is normal. I hadn’t known that.
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Glad you are getting better. Take care.
We wish you and your family a Happy Christmas.
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Same to you. I hope one year you and your grandkids can see each other in person.
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