Hey, somebody’s gotta post something. Maybe we’ll get a laugh or two out if it. HAVE AT ME DOGS! :GRIN:

I started this yesterday, June 9 2025

Howdy Ho little doggies. Well the Old Skunk is no longer gonna (hopefully) rest on his laurels. There’s nothing wrong with me but me.

I’ve started today HOPEFULLY walking a mile or two almost every day (weather and health permitting). Well I’ll probably take off on Sunday. BUT I am tired of being tired after a rather lite day of shopping for/with Patty. IT HAS TO STOP. And I’m gonna do my best to NOT give up/in. Setting in my recliner to much is a sure way to make sure I don’t get to see my 8th decade (I’m 9 more years) of life. I like living and buying more guns and knives. grin

Now I’ve just got to convince myself to get out and do it. Once it becomes a habit I’ll have it made. But before that…

Well day two is over (halfway at least). I will probably try another one this afternoon. My infamous apple health walking detector said I walked 1.07 miles so far. By my best guess it took me 18 minutes to complete. Not the best in the world, but I’m not trying out for the United States Olympics Speedwalking team. I’m just an old fat out of shape man trying to keep my body moving so I can keep my body moving.

Have I felt tired after walking, well yeah. But it’s not the same tired I felt before. Before I just felt Blah. No energy, no gumption to do anything but set on my asterisk wink. It’s a good tired that I recover from fairly quickly. It feels good.

Since Patty won’t let me climb ladders any more, or mow the lawn or much of anything where I might fall down (I ALWAYS walk with one of my hiking staffs) I HAVE to do something or it will get so bad I won’t even have the strength to open a bag of Cheetos. grin

But I bet you can still open your fruit roll-ups.

Yup, ALWAYS!

Well I did 3 rounds yesterday, just to test myself out. A OK. Somewhat tired afterward, but no extra aches or pains. Plus I had a partner. He’s three and a half years old and weighs about 60 pounds, stands about 2 ft tall and has 4 feet. His name is Hugo and he lives across the street from us. He kinda hangs out over here cause his owners don’t pay him any attention and Patty felt sorry for him so I have to give him snacks and brush him. He seems to be at least part pit and just all around mutt. He is a friendly smart dog though and simply LOVES to be petted or brushed.

Hugo sounds a lot like our girl Mingo, we THINK she is a Pit Bull / German Shepherd cross. She is super friendly and loves attention.

Oh Hugo will nuzzle up to me and just stand there like a statue while I brush him. But he doesn’t realize how strong he is. He almost knocks Patty down and when he gets that tail swinging, you’d better watch out.

Did another 2.9 miles total today, But that includes some shopping. But it does all count I guess. Thing is I really do enjoy walking, but my problem is that my normal gait (so far) is to fast for me to maintain the whole distance. I ne3d to slow down some and build up my speed and endurance. I DO NOT want to fail at this. My life could literally depend on it. But Hugo keeps me company and that helps.

I basically started Monday June 9th with my walking. 24,837 steps later Thursday comes to a close. I weighed myself this afternoon and came in at 255.9 and I am 6ft tall. I am Old (71) fat and out of shape.

Patty can no longer walk around in the stores when we go shopping, therefore I have to at least help push her around. And she doesn’t have the arm strength to constantly propel herself. I MUST get in at least some type of shape/endurance or we won’t be able to do anything. And if I lose weight, win win. 👍

And it is kinda therapeutic as I can just let my mind zone out and just concentrate on breathing in and out through my nose unless I need a deep breath then through my mouth.

I thought I was gonna have to use “The Staff of Power” ( got it from my Dad before he died) today. Hugo and 8n were of course walking our circuit when two designer digs (golden doodles) came running at us from the far side of their yard. I turned to face them with my staff in a “Little John” fighting stance. Luckily for us they stopped right at the edge of the asphalt. Oh they kept barking of course, but they didn’t come any closer. We went on and completed out 2 mile walk without further incident. But I’ll tell ya those last 4 steps up to the front door made me REALLY glad we’ve got railings on each side of the steps.

I know I’ve named this thread “Walking with Skunky” but guys, let’s ALL post on here what we’re doing first exercise or just getting I to or staying in shape. ANY physical activity you do would/can help encourage each and every one of us. THE LESS WE DO, THE QUICKER WE GET TO OLD TO DO ANYTHING. Don’t get older any quicker than you have to.

Post on my friends.

There's always plenty to do around the old ranch for exercise.

Yeah, walking, running Farm work, gardening and yard work are all forms of exercise. A LOT of us don’t do near enough “exercise” to keep us going in our old age. I’m trying to keep from PREMATURELY aging because of my sedate inactivity.

It hasn’t killed me yet so I guess I’ll keep pushing my luck. .

Come on folks, I can’t be the only Crusty Old Redneck trying to keep my body functioning.

Randy, I think ALL of us "Crusty Old Rednecks" are trying to keep our bodies functioning.

I might have spoken to soon. Yesterday evening after walking (which was interrupted 3 times by rain), I finally made my full two rounds around our 4 block area.

Then after being home for about an hour or so I started hacking, coughing and getting some crud out of my throat. I felt miserable. Woke up 3 times coughing and hacking up some thick mucus.

Then this morning I felt even worse. Coughing that real deep hacking cough that hurts when you cough. I’ve been overdosing on zinc tablets and taking some cough syrup. Then this morning cough isn’t as bad but man do I feel weak. I think my 11 year old grandson could take me in a fight, easily. Hope I’m much better tomorrow cause I have to see my Urologist tomorrow afternoon.

Good luck on your doctor visit.

I’ll be out to join you as soon as I get the M2 mount welded to my walker.

Thanks Ray. Backup is ALWAYS welcome.

Ray IS prepared.

Haha, I’d say so. Some friends of mine, brothers, might have him beat though. They have an old style military Jeep AND a two and a half ton. Oh and THEY have a Ma Deuce as well. They mount it on the truck for parades.

Well yesterday I felt good enough to walk again after a week off. But I only did a half round. I probably hit it a little too fast as I was really bushed afterwards. But it’s a start.

Today I did a full round. Slowed my pace a little and feel a lot better. If I still feel OK this evening I’m gonna do another round.

I’ll tell ya, whatever this crud it is it’s kicked my butt. I’m still hacking a partial lung every once in a while but overall I am getting better. Someone has to chase those dancing girls and since Ray’s kinda out of commission I guess I’ll have to bite the bullet and take over this onerous task. Oh, does anyone know the way to the Radio City Music Hall?

I guess (hopefully) I’m recovered better than I hoped. I just completed another longer round. I added a short block and handled it just heat and all. Actually there was a slight breeze blowing so it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

So today after tallying up both walks my phone says I walked 4687 steps or 2.3 miles in two separate walks. That’ll probably be it until Monday as I plan on Taking Sundays off. I just want to get into shape good enough so I don’t get all tuckered just carrying in the groceries from the car. Plus an added benefit is I’ll feel better about myself and will know I’m not just gonna set down and waste away. I’ll keep on Goin some as long as I can.

It really doesn’t take all that much doin, just do what ever you can to keep spiders from spinning webs on your immobile car cass

Thanks, and as Mr Natural said “Keep on Trucking”.

And for those of you to young (or had strict parents), I present a small overview of Mr Natural hisself.
https://www.theattic.space/home-page-blogs/2023/2/9/the-wisdom-of-mr-natural

Doh, I lost my post.

I hit the trail again today, got in 3416 steps which my phone converts to 1.3 miles. It took me 32 minutes and I tried walking slower than I normally do. I’m still not up to par (for me) but I’m trying to to get there, one day at a time.

It was 92 degrees today and even though I knew I was only gonna be out for less than a half hour I took along a water bottle. And I did use it a couple times. I MIGHT look into a 2 liter water bladder. I have a carrier, but not a bladder. That would make it a lot easier to carry plus would add about 5-6 pounds counting the water and carrier which would be good for stamina.

My hiking staff sure does help, a lot. I could probably do it without the stick but it would take a lot longer as I would have to slow down more. I’ve found out if I walk too fast (without my stick) my left foot goes kinda wonky. Kinda like it just flops around like it was asleep but not that really either. Oh well when it happens like that I just slow down some and it gets a bit better. Strange.

Oh and my buddy Hugh the Brown Dog was no where to be seen today. But about 5this afternoon he showed up wanting in. Patty’s let him in and fed him a hotdog. But what he wanted more than that was to be scratched and petted, which he did get.

I walked down to my mailbox and back, 125 YARDS each way. Does that count ?

Yes sir! EVERYTHING counts.

Like I’ve said before, I HAD to do something. When it wears you out just lugging groceries from the car into the house and you’re completely tuckered out, something has to be done.

We just returned from Walmart and unloaded the car, but I still feel pretty good.

That just proves how sedate I have (had🤞) become.

Well it’s official now. The neighbors are putting Hugo inside during the hot day while they’re at work. It makes Patty feel a lot better knowing he’s not stuck outside in this heat all day.

Had my walking done by 9:30 this morning but it was still hot, 82 with 75% humidity. But I still did 3877 steps for 1.4 miles.

We have to take the Grandson to his batting/pitching practice this afternoon but I think I MIGHT try walking a shorter route this evening once it’s not Africa hot any more

I mowed the grass yesterday, and with the slight breeze it felt like I was in a convection oven. The General did some work in the garden, and after we were done it was time for a shower and I took her to dinner and then Walmart. Today we're taking it easy and enjoying the a/c.

Good morning Yard. Another hot day on tap so we're taking it slow and easy today.

I took my pet snail out for a walk today. It was exhausting trying to hold her back.i might need a ckoke collar or a spade bit.

Some of them are quite fast, specially when you’re trying to get’em with a fork. although it DOES help if you boil them first.

Well Dawgs I warmed up the ole Shanks mares yesterday.

Between having to walk around the Hospital to get my CT Scan done and the lab work, then go shopping with Patty in Hobby Hobby (yeah had to push her around in her wheelchair chair a little) and then stopping at a gun store for a couple minutes I got in 0.86 miles.

Then when we got home I walked around our neighborhood for 23 minutes amassing a total of 1 Mile. So today all I all I did 1.8 miles. So my phone is telling me that I have averaged 1.4 miles a day from June 20-26. I’m hoping to up that average tomorrow.

If I have it figured out right, if I walk every street in our area south of the highway I’ll have done about 2 miles. Now that does include backtracking down one street I think. I’ll try and check it out again tomorrow if I feel up to that far at one time. My back still bothers me a little but not as much as it did in the beginning. Perhaps the walking is helping my posture or strengthening my back some. Plus I’ve founding that walking for just 30-40 minutes is easier to handle if I drink about 500-750ml of water .

I’m TRYING to breath I. Through my nose and out through my mouth. What I’ve done the last couple days is when my mouth starts feeling dry I take a couple good swigs of water. Yesterday it was 92 degrees when I walked and 80% humidity. IT WAS HOT AND MUGGY.

Oh I forgot, I walked 2 miles total Yesterday in 2 circuits.

Whew, Friday was a killer. Started walking at 8am and it was 76degrees, but the humidity was 91%! It did not feel good. But Hugo and I did pretty well.

I had to backtrack twice a half block each time, but I finally made it completely around every street on our side of town. Took me 45 minutes but I walked 5000 steps for 2.3 miles. Actually I didn’t feel all that bad when I got back to the house. I mean I was tired and hot but not sick feeling or anything. But I did drink about a half liter of water during the walk and I’m sure that helped some. AND, I didn’t have to use my hiking stick for support. I carried it in my hand the whole way. So that in itself is an improvement.

I’ll hit it again tomorrow (not sure if I’ll do every street again) or divide the walk in to morning and evening. I’ll just have to see how I feel in the morning once I’ve gone about a block.

I ain’t dead yet so I reckon Ray will have someone to pick on for a while longer. (Sorry Ray)

Why did you have to backtrack twice a half block each time? You couldn’t remember if you walked it?

Haha no, had to do that to cover the remaining portion of the cross streets. Didn’t want to but that’s the only way to cover every part of every block in our area. No biggie, it just gave more distance.

Well did another two laps around the maypole today. Total of 5720 steps for 2.4 miles. 44 minutes of stepping and sweating.

Sounds like you’re getting better. Keep it up. Maybe I’ll see you in the Boston Marathon next year.

Haha, NO marathons for me. I’m just trying to keep my body moving at least somewhat.

I don’t walk on Sundays. And on Monday we decided to take a nice leisurely drive in the country. It was relaxing.

Tuesday and Wednesday I hit it again with a combined distance of 3.2 miles. I’m still trying to, slowly but surely.

Keep it up. You’re doing well.

I did 1.4 miles Thursday and Today. It was 90 degrees but only 48% humidity. Not that bad really, it we’ll see what tomorrow brings. If I feel OK in the morning I might try walking then and again later that evening. We will see.

You're doing very well Randy, keep it up.

Well I reckon you could say I’ve been slacking some the last 4 days. On Saturday I wasn’t feeling to good and only did 0.19 miles. I don’t really walk on Sunday but did manage 0.14. Then yesterday I was sorta kinda back up to par with 1.4 miles and 3241 steps and today I broke out the stationary bicycle pedal kinda thingy and did 1.7 miles and my phone said I did 3451 steps.

I had the peddle thing set at 5 out of 8 and it was just as good a leg muscle workout as actually walking. I did start huffing and puffing a bit but it shore beat 90 degrees and 76 percent humidity.

I’m not actually trying for all that much cardio (though there is some there) but to just keeping my muscles goin so they don’t atrophy quicker from non use. And I use 5 pound weights for my arms. May not sound like much but the way I do it 4 different ways with 4 sets each of 15 reps, but the time I’m done my arms definitely know they’ve had a workout.

Try stacking up your gold bars from one side of the vault to the other. Since your vault is air conditioned, it should give you a good cardio and you would still stay cool.

I hadn’t thought of that Ray, Thank You.

Well it’s a tad cooler (84) and overcast today, so no hot sun beatin down on my Redneck head. 76 percent humidity was bearable.

Did 2550 steps today which my way overly expensive iPhone 12 said was 1 mile. I feel good though.

Only got about a mile and a half in the last couple days, so nothing to really speak about.

But today after spending a couple hours at the range with my MP5 Clone I did a mile and a half walk this evening.
Feeling pretty good and as soon as I finish my cup of coffee I’m gonna break Sigrun down (Norse Mythological Valkyrie) and give her a good cleaning and lube.

Earlier Today it was 92 degrees with 92 percent humidity with a heat index of 110 they claimed.
At about 7:15 pm tonight it was about 87 degrees and 70 some percent humidity. Wasn’t all that bad walking. I got in 2773 steps at 1.2 miles. Tomorrow is Sunday and I’m gonna take a day off and HOPEFULLY hit it again Monday.

Finally cool enough to walk outside again. Got in 3/4 mile before my ankles of all things started aching. Guess I’m gonna have to build back up again.