Shirley in Cary has a great story to share about her walking program, which is "only" eight to 10 miles a day! That's almost as much ground as Kathy and Gary are covering daily as they walk across the state:
"In 2000 my job took me to Denver, Colorado, for six months. I was staying in a hotel and eating all my meals in restaurants. At the end of my stay in Denver I found myself at least 45 pounds heavier. Once I returned home I knew that I wanted and needed to get the extra pounds off.
"I have always enjoyed walking, so I started walking one hour (at 4:30 a.m.) before work each day. With dieting and walking, within four months I went from a size 12/14 to 4/6. In 2001, the company closed our office and I became a full-time grandmother. During most of the next couple of years I would walk as much as four hours per day, and loved every minute of it.
"Today I am only walking eight to 10 miles per day, and still loving it. With walking I am able to meet new people in my neighborhood, chat a few minutes with my neighbors and enjoy the beauty that surrounds me. It's a great time for me to meditate, give thanks to God for my blessings and pray for others that may not be as healthy as I am. I hope to join you in Raleigh."
Getting active and losing weight is one thing. But doing it while working in the food service industry is quite another challenge. Donald, or "Chef Don" for folks in the Triad, is meeting that challenge head-on. Today he tells us how he's faring, no doubt with the help of tasty, healthy fare like the Shrimp Louis Salad featured in his video:
"Last year I started in the IDEA program at Wake Forest University, which stands for intensive diet and exercise for arthritis. So far in the last 12 months I counted what I ate and tried to stay within my daily calorie budget of 1,800 calories. So far I have lost 40 pounds and my goal is to lose 50 pounds.
"That last 10 pounds is very hard. I found that I must adjust my daily budget to 1,600 calories, this is very hard for me because I am a professional chef. I teach at Guliford Technical Community College, and have to taste food every day. I am a caterer as well. I have found that people will always do what they want to do, 100% of the time, and I really want to lose all this weight that I have been carrying on me for the last 16 years.
"This Million Step March has encouraged me to continue with my goal. I won't give up, neither should you. Hang in there. WE CAN DO THIS!!!"
We have a new Share Your Story item, and it's quite a success story. Sharon in Charlotte tells us how her health has dramatically improved through walking:
"Approximately three years ago, I weighed almost 300 pounds and was hospitalized with severe chest pain. I found out that I had high blood pressure and diabetes. I kept up with what my doctor told me and went to the American Diabetes Association classes on how to take better care of myself. Not only did I have to change my eating habits, but I was informed that leading a sedentary lifestyle had contributed to my health issues.
"I began walking every day of the week and worked up to at least one mile every day. I succeeded in getting my blood pressure under control without the use of medication, the diabetes under control without medication, and lost 100 pounds of that weight I was carrying around - all within the first year! I still walk at least three days a week to keep feeling good and to stay healthy. I have kept both the blood pressure and diabetes in check, and the biggie... I kept the weight off too! I am on my feet all day every day as I am a teacher in Charlotte, but I still go out and walk outside, in the gym, or on the track to stay as healthy as I can now that I have gotten that way."
Lew from Chapel Hill sees the benefits of keeping his commitment to physical activity. Congratulations, Lew, on making progress and sticking to it. Here's his story:
"Hey guys, you're truly inspiring walking all the way from Asheville to Charlotte already. Keep on keepin' on!
"I started walking seriously after a serious scare. Landed in the hospital. Started looking back. But frankly, I've learned to look forward, take walks, exercise regularly. I put down the fork and spoon and hop on the treadmill regularly. And I've got to tell you, it's worked. I've dropped 20 pounds and lowered my cholesterol.
"The challenge is keeping it up and making the commitment. This Million Step March is great. I'm following you on the blog regularly. And I'm getting accustomed to putting on the pedometer each day (alongside my cell phone.) I've got a ways to go to keep up with you, Gary and Kathy. But I hope to see you in Raleigh!"
