walking miles

**PhotoGirl** · 05-05-2010 05:46 PM

I am new to this forum. I haven't even had the chance to read on here but I sorta need help and don't know where else to look. This is a little long and I apologize for that but I don't know who to ask.

I am a full time wife, mom and a part time photographer. I was very thin as a kid and teen. I was born with a very large heart murmur and always had limitations. At 18 I had my first dd, it put a huge strain on my heart. At 21 I miscarried, quit smoking, had heart surgery, and was pregnant with my 2nd dd. (all within 9 months) I put on like 30lbs. 5 yrs later I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and put on steroids along with my RA meds. Again gained another 30lbs. I have been slowly gaining more and more over the years, and I don't get much physical exercise. I am now close to 35 and weigh 256lbs. I am not liking myself anymore and decided it was up to me to fix this, SO 1 week ago today I decided to at least start walking.

Wed. I walked 1 mile
Thurs. I walked 3 miles
Fri. 2 mile
Sat. 4 miles
Sun. 2 miles
Mon. 4 miles
Tues. 4 miles
Wed. (today) 1 mile

Now where I need help. On Monday my feet and calves where really hurting as I was walking. I thought I was going to just have to call it a night after less than a half a mile. My dd who was walking with me said trade me shoes and see if that helps. So I did and wow what a difference. I walked 4 miles that night. Still a bit of pain but nothing I couldn't handle. So Tues. I decided to go buy a good pair of walking shoes. I bought a pair of new balance walking shoes for woman. Then went for my 4 mile walk. In a bit of pain but again nothing I couldn't handle. Till I got home and sat for a few then I was sore. This morning I went to walk and I barely made a mile before I could feel my feet, ankles, and calves burning. So my question is how do I know if my body just needs a break or if my shoes are causing me some serious pain?

If you made it this far thank you so very much for taking the time to read this.

HuGs
PhotoGirl

**PhotoGirl** · 05-05-2010 05:55 PM

I wanted to add when I walk it is up and down hill. My shins are also starting to hurt. Today was the hardest day and I am still sore even after being home for an hour now.

**tictactalk** · 05-05-2010 06:10 PM

Walking is a good exercise especially to people on the go. For busy people like me, weight loss is one of my problems. So what I am doing is I try to walk as much as I can so I can get exercise and help loose some flabs.

**sourpuss** · 05-05-2010 06:22 PM

I think a lot of the soreness is from the fact that you are new to exercise. Your body will adapt. You're taking it slow, so that is good.

Every night, after your walks, rub your legs out. It would also be a good idea to take an ice bath, or at least ice your legs with an ice pack. The ice bath is the best, but really hard to stand. You could stand in the shower and turn the water on as cold as it will go and let it run on your legs, front and back. Then turn the water up to as hot as you can stand it and do the same. Switch back and forth 4-5 times. It will really help your body recover.

**KMonte85** · 05-05-2010 06:27 PM

I agree w/ Sourpuss that its most likely just your body reacting from the new exercise regime.

Another thing you could try to help alleviate/reduce the soreness is to stretch well before and after your walk. Getting your leg muscles nice and warm before working them, and then stretching them out after should help reduce the burning!

**PhotoGirl** · 05-05-2010 07:00 PM

Thank you so very much. I am a bit odd because I like cold baths. I don't know if I could handle the ice but cold is ok. I will definitely be trying the shower thing.

After I posted this I put on my dd shoes and decided to just try a 1/2 mile. I was barely sore in her shoes and ended up doing the full mile. So I do think the new balance are some of my ankle and shin pain. I'm going to go tonight and buy a pair of Asics and see if they are any better.

**kayleeabc** · 05-07-2010 09:57 AM

i do agree that Walking is a good exercise especially to people on the go. i work in an office where i have to sit in front of the computer in the daytime , so weight loss is one of my problems. So what I am doing is I try to walk as much as I can during my go on and out of work.