I have many excuses not to walk – this last week has been full of them – first it was my ankles swelling up, then it was a couple of days full of doctors appointments, then the pain from having my big toenails removed … lots of very good excuses … but none of them made me feel any better.

Today I was feeling tired, reminiscent of the fatigue I suffered during AC chemo. We went to the market for the first time in a long time. It was nice to pick up some fresh organic veggies and fruit. The markets are not as bountiful in the winter as they are in the summer, but there is still lots of great produce to choose from.

When I got home I was still feeling tired. I was tempted to lay down and sleep – but instead I went for a walk. At support group yesterday one of the ladies commented that no matter the problem, the best thing for it is enough sleep, drinking lots of water, and walking 3 miles a day.

It feels like it has been forever since I’ve been able to walk 3-miles in a day, but in reality it has only been a few weeks. And now that my ankles are no longer swollen and my toes are no longer too painful, and some feeling is returning to my feet, I have no more excuses. So instead of napping I went out for a walk – and you know what? After about 5 minutes I started still get numb while walking and my ankles sore, but the rest of my body is feeling good … so from now until my next surgery, I shall set a target to walk 3-miles per day (about 8,000 steps). I may do it in multiple trips, sitting down on park benches when needed, but still getting out and walking, cause I know it makes me feel better.

I am also looking forward to having this surgery over with. Once this surgery is done, I can start recovering from this assault on my body that has been cancer and treatment. I can start the new year re-building strength. Oh how I want to rebuild strength … how I want to start riding again, and feeling strong enough to re-climb Mount Hamilton.