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RICKI wrote:
> I completed the Race For Life on 01/07/06. I never do any exercise,
> apart from household chores. I did find it difficult but very enjoyable
> with the surroundings and atmosphere. I want to start walking more. How
> much walking in time/distance is sufficient to get my heart rate going?
> Where would I be able to check for safe areas for walking? Thank You
>

Speak to your doctor first.
He will advise on a good plan that'll suit your state of fitness and
allow you to build on that.
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For safe & suitable areas, look for a local running or walking club.
(whereabouts are you, maybe I can point you to some, or you can look in the
local paper.) They'll know about these things & even some running clubs have
walking groups. Volksmarching (http://www.ava.org/) is a good org. for
walking in a more "social" & organized context than just-by-yourself.

As for getting your heartrate going -- that's highly individual. Just don't
go so fast that you can't talk as you go (even to yourself -- just check now
& then you don't have to do whole monologues the whole time!); don't go so
far that you're wiped out every time. And be sure to get good, supportive,
*properly fitting* shoes.

Do make sure you're "medically fit" to start an exercise program, though.
Walking is usually advised as a good way to start. You can, if you're
*really* concerned, buy a heart-rate monitor to wear while exercising, but
this shouldn't usually be necessary unless you have some medical condition
(& then your doctor would be in on the conversation)
or you're getting pretty vigorous. You can walk until you start to breathe
pretty hard & deep, then take your pulse. The "target %" are pretty general
but can give you an idea of where you stand for your age.

Since (I hope) this is to be a lifelong lifestyle change, don't worry about
your "rate of progress". Don't compare yourself to anyone else whether older
or younger or the same age or anything else as you. Do a little bit often &
regularly. Don't feel you have to do the same thing at the same time every
day! Variety may keep it more interesting. If you feel you *really* need
more rest, then take it -- and back off in how much you're doing & build up
again slowly if you need more than a day or so to "recover".

You might enjoy walking in a 5k charity race -- many of them do have walkers
at the back of the pack, so don't let the "race" part bother you. Getting
the T-shirt might also inspire you to keep at it. Depending on your
finances, though, this could get expensive if you take it up as a hobby!

I started from near-sedentary too. I walked on a treadmill, gradually
increasing the length & vigor of my workout. When I switched to outdoors I
just continued the trend. Now I run regularly (though slowly) and enjoy
frequent road-racing at various distances.
Best wishes.
bj

"Commander Powell" <yeah.DeleteThis@like.sure> wrote in message
news:dNWdndw1H_MvY3PZRVnyqQ@bt.com...
> RICKI wrote:
>> I completed the Race For Life on 01/07/06. I never do any exercise,
>> apart from household chores. I did find it difficult but very enjoyable
>> with the surroundings and atmosphere. I want to start walking more. How
>> much walking in time/distance is sufficient to get my heart rate going?
>> Where would I be able to check for safe areas for walking? Thank You
>>
>
> Speak to your doctor first.
> He will advise on a good plan that'll suit your state of fitness and allow
> you to build on that.
 >> Stay informed about: FEEDBACK REQUIRED PLS