Kathy Donica
Belton, Texas
Today is Jan. 15, 2003. On Jan 3rd, I made myself a commitment. I would Lose the excess weight like I did four years ago. My battle is with High blood pressure. Exactly four years ago, I gave birth to my daughter, six weeks early because of my High BP. Some days it was 210/140. TOO high! I had decided then to walk off the weight. I succeeded. I went from 155 to 130 and walked an average of four miles a day, five days a week. Unfortunately, I have slid back. That's what my story is really about. I NOW weigh 170 (two pound loss!) and started a walking program on the third of this month. Would you believe, that after that first day, I came down with a terrible flu and had to NOT walk for six days! But that did NOT stop me! I started right back on the ninth of this month, walking two miles every day. My goal is that beautiful, realistic 130 pounds on my five foot two, apple shaped frame. Sure, Id love to be 110, but numbers aren't important to me. I have a goal of wearing that size nine, and I WILL do it this time! For good! All this, before my fortieth birthday, in July. My success has already started, because I am doing something about it TODAY!
Martha Rubenstein
Ormond Beach, FL
On 7-11-96, I was 5'7", and weighed 189 lbs. My mother had already died of cancer; my father had heart disease; so I took my welfare into my own hands, and started walking (1 hour per day). So far, I've walked 9,215 miles, losing over 20 lbs and several slack sizes. I'm still walking 5 times a week.
Lisa Lachance
Over the past several years I have been a member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training Program. Due to a foot injury that culminated in surgery in December I have become an active member of their walk team. Since January of 2002 I have increased my distance trained (I have walked 13 miles and have a Half-Marathon planned for May), I am averaging a 13-minute mile in my training (which is at least a mile a minute faster then I ever ran) and have lost 30 pounds! I find that I work out more consistently when I work out with friends and a group like Team In Training keeps me active.
Lynette Morinville
Duluth, MN
As I read a few of these stories about all the success these people were having... I began to feel more confident in my decision to start my walking program all over again... I had my son last January and because of his size (13 lbs 1.8 oz) I felt pretty banged up for quite awhile... He's 15 months now and I realized that I couldn’t not exercise and expect to lose all the weight I gained from pregnancy and inactivity I have subjected myself to... I have to thank all these people who took the time to write their stories because they given me the encouragement (indirectly) and ambition to take myself off the couch....( it hurts the tail bone to sit for so long anyways)... and get going out the door... I have only two nights walking under my belt (yeah I really did just start my exercise again) but I feel good about my decision.... Thanks for the stories people... keep them coming.....
Michelle Cooper
Landover, MD
For the past 20 plus years I have been over weight as a result of over eating and not exercising. After having my daughter 22 years ago, my weight has continuously fluctuated between 160 and 188. I now weigh 157lbs, because of the walking program I started two weeks ago. Everyday that the weather permits, I go out at lunchtime and walk for 40 minutes. On the days that I do not make it outside, I have videotapes that I use indoors to walk. My goal is to loose 27 pounds in 3 months. Walking has helped me become more focused and it also relaxes me. Walking is changing my life for the better. Everyone that hates to exercise should try walking to reduce stress and also to reduce weight and other health problems.
Rhonda Heide
Tequesta, FL
I started walking on 6/1/03. I was 80 pounds overweight and was as athletic as my remote control. I started with short distances and have worked up to 3 to 4 miles per day. Now I am working to decrease the time it takes to walk the same distance each day.
I'm so fortunate to live close to The Walker's Warehouse showroom in Tequesta. It has been such a help being able to try on different kinds of shoes and equipment. The staff in the store is extremely knowledgeable about the types of shoes they carry and it was easy to get just the right fit. What I had read in magazines about 'getting the best shoes you can afford' was the best advice I've gotten. Feeling comfortable while walking has kept up my enthusiasm and dedication.
In less than 6 months I've lost 50 lbs and I feel TERRIFIC. In October 2003, I walked in a 5K event and had a marvelous time. I'm looking forward to another 5K in January. Everyone at work is amazed at how quickly the weight came off and is always asking how I've done it. I'd recommend walking to anyone--young, old, fit or unfit. It is a great way to improve your health, loose weight and relieve stress. I'd imagine I’ll be walking for years to come! Thanks Walker's Warehouse!
Barbara Tieskoetter
Farmersburg, IA
Just couldn't let the week escape without thanking you for the recognition of being Walkers Warehouse Weekly Walk Winner! I've been using the site for over a year. I began my walking program of one mile per day EVERY day and have worked my way up to a three times a week 4 mile run and three times a week six-mile run. Recording my times each day on the site has given me a sense of accomplishment along the way as this regimen was a very large part of my weight loss plan. I currently weigh 135, having lost 80 pounds since April 1, 2001. More important that the weight loss is the health benefits, which are too numerous to mention. While I do not like to tell my age, both of my children are nearing the end of their 30's! So there really are people who use your site and appreciate it very much.
Thanks again. Barbara Tieskoetter
