I just walked five miles.

[AndyCelt]

Five years ago I was as fit as I have ever been. Six miles was my usual treadmill routine and I lifted weights. Then I shattered my right ankle in an accident. Gained thirty pounds in the year after. Gained another 30 this past year, partly due to medication changes. A year ago I was struggling with one or two miles... really struggling. Each step was like lifting a foot tied to a pile of bricks. Six months ago, I simply gave up. What was the point in being miserable on the treadmill when there seemed to be no improvement in weight or in my depression?

Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and started CPAP. Last week I started in on the treadmill again. Tonight I walked five miles.

I feel great and I still don't have my AHI below 7. It hovers at about 7.1-7.3; in a week I go to the sleep doc and I'm betting they'll increase the pressure from 10cm slightly. If I feel this good now, how will I feel when the AHI is below five?

I am so happy!

[rested gal]

I am so happy!

As well you should be! You're a CPAP success story, you know?

[proctor78]

You just made my day I get my cpap friday and I so want to feel great again....

[Lizistired]

That's terrific Andy! I'm very happy for you.

[OutaSync]

That's fantastic, Andy!

The most I've ever gone at one time is 2 miles, and I'm still draggng the bricks, lol.

[2flamingos]

Congrats! It's amazing what a good night sleep will do. Happy for you that you are now getting them. Keep up the good work, and keep posting about it.

[Slartybartfast]

Dont' overdo it on the treadmill without stretching. When I got on the hose last September, I felt like Superman. Started walking on steep rutty hiking trails in the hills near where I live, and after about three months of doing that, I injured the Achilles tendons on both hind legs. Got big knobs on them the size of golf balls and it became excruciating to walk. I ceased exercising and allowed them to heal, which took about 6 months. I'm back to walking pain-free, but on flat ground now, preferably the cushy synthetic track at the local high school.

My doc said 10,000 steps/day is what you need and handed me an article reprint to read. Can't find it, but here's some info: http://www.shapeup.org/shape/steps.php#intro. 10,000 steps translates to about 5 miles.

[carbonman]

I am so happy!

That's great!
It's going to just get better and better.

Pace yourself and let it happen....it will.

I second the stretching.
If you can, throw in some yoga.
Amazing things are in store for you.

I'll see you on the road.

[WhoDatSleeping]

Congrats my friend!!!

Take it a little easy and do not over do it!

[ozze_dollar]

Good on you Andy. I think a lot of us have similar comeback stories after injuries.I find its really hard to get a fitness level back after an injury. It can take a year. Must be the age.

[kempo]

Congrats on your 5 mile walk.

I turned 60 this past April and I walk 6 miles every morning which takes 2 hours. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons I go to the gym for a good 1 and 1/2 hour work out. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons I play 18 holes of golf.

I am retired and have nothing else better to do.

Just remember to work yourself up slowly to avoid injuries.

If you stay with it, your going to find out that daily exercise = a good night's sleep!

[Drkirishdancer]

Congrats on the 5 miles!
I'm not much of a walker but, could dance my way to 5miles easily...well, once I get used to CPAP. At the moment, I'm still in the "want to sleep all day" phase. Your story gives me more hope that this zombie feeling is just a phase and I'll be back to my old self soon enough

Thanks for the uplift!