Once upon a time, in my late 30’s, I used to walk 7 miles a day no problem. I was averaging one charity walk per month and training for longer distances. I slowed down a bit in my early 40’s and was only walking 3-5 miles per day. And then I started having hip pain and stopped walking unless it was necessary.

Now just short walks can be painful, especially if I’m not wearing supportive shoes. The last time I walked to our mailbox at the end of our street, I thought I was going to die, I was in so much pain. I barely made it back to the house. But I’m slowly starting to increase my daily steps and adding some mid-day walks at work (just a few laps around the building for now).

I want to start doing more, but I know I need to work up to it. If I push too fast and injure myself again, I’ll undue any progress I’ve made. Eventually I want to be strong enough for hiking again. And longer walks. And maybe just walking up the stairs without getting winded.