I’ve been over-weight since childhood. I always loved good food, and felt secure when experiencing a full tummy. I played rugby as kid and teenager, but had a bad fall during a rugby match at about age 14, and diagnosed with Osgood-Slatter disease. Treatment then entailed withdrawal from sport to restrict movement. I later attempted to play some tennis, nut never quite mastered.
I lost substantial weight during initial military service and during subsequent short-term duty periods, due to being more active. Also lost substantial weight when I got divorced. However, gradually just gained weight again. Worse point 121kgs.
Diagnosed with osteoarthritis, I was encouraged to reduce weight, become more active and take supplements to rejuvenate cartilages. I occasionally made an effort through some cycling and walking.
At age 47, a pre-teen poked my tummy and remarked it is ‘soft and wiggly’; my knees were often sore and I often out of breath.
On 20 May 2006 I joined Walk/Run for Life—an excellent way to commence a journey towards better health. After the registration formalities and a thorough briefing, I had been required to do only 7.5 minutes of aerobic walking. By means of a structured programme of stretching and walking, I advanced though the levels from 1 (5-17.5 minutes of aerobic walking/running) through to 7 (10km). A logbook is meticulously kept; progress closely monitored; and encouraging support provided.
Some medical aids, such as Discovery, encourages members to join Run/Walk for Life, substantially supplement (80%) membership fees and reward members with 100 Vitality points for each event of less than 5 kilometres completed, and 300 Vitality points for each completed event of more than 5 kilometres.
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