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I just walked a 10k Volksmarch. I was unsure if I could really do this as I have only been on my new walking program for about a month. But, determined I made the decision to walk. To ensure that I would stick to it I invited others to join me. At the starting point we signed in along with two women in their sixties - maybe seventy. We said polite hellos and started down the trail. It was a beautiful day and a great walk. We kept a steady pace even on the hills. Along the trail we met up with these same two women several times, finally stopping for a water break and a chat. Seems they met on the trail during a Volksmarch and now they participate in these events every weekend, traveling around Texas and soon to a big event in Canada. We said our good-byes and went on down the trail with the older women leading the way. After finishing the walk I felt great. We did it and I didn't even feel awful! (Don't get me wrong, I was tired, I just didn't feel awful.) I HAD really huffed and puffed on some of those hills. We met up with our new "older" friends again in the parking lot. They were having a snack as we drove away, preparing to walk the second walk at this two walk - two day event. They were even planning on returning the next day to do the same thing. (These two in their 60's were walking two 10k events in one day and then doing it again the next day. Wow!) We were so happy to have just completed the first 10k! I had many reasons for starting this walking program. The most important one, I think, is that I want to be healthy and active later in life. I have to say that these two will be an inspiration to me to keep it up. I know I will think of them often. I wrote this after spending a few years away from a regular exercise routine - When just walking 2 miles a few times a week was a big accomplishment for me. It had been ages since I had walked 10k (6.2 miles) AND this walk was on a rugged trail. I was exhilarated after the walk. I felt like ... "There is no stopping me now"! Since then I have walked in many Volksmarches, races, and marathons; and become a certified personal trainer, and marathon walking coach. Everyone starts somewhere.
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