My name is Robert Clydesdale, member of the Nooaitch Indian band, and living in North Vancouver. I would like to start off with a BIG thank you out to the team at FNHA for setting up and hosting this challenge.
It’s definitely amazing, the effect this challenge has made on me. I have lost, and never found again, 12 lbs. I have more energy, and have cut out close to 90% of my carbonated beverages, without even feeling like I have sacrificed much. I have always considered myself to be a fairly active person, but having the Fitbit and being a part of this group has really elevated my personal awareness to being mindful of my daily activity, not just at the gym or at the rink, but at all times.
Choosing to go to the gym or go for a hike can be very time consuming, and often if I didn’t have a couple hours to spare I wouldn’t go. Although I still like to make time for the gym or go do the "Grouse Grind" for the most punishing 6,000 steps imaginable, I now realize that making the time to exercise, doesn’t need to require so much time and planning. A few simple choices have made such a big difference for me. Choosing to "Talk the Walk" has probably been my biggest discovery. There is an advantage to being a Blabbermouth, why sit and talk when you can put on your headphones and get a ton of steps the more you talk!
This challenge has also benefitted me hugely in my work. As a realtor it is so important to know your neighbourhood and prospect all the time, this has given me an added incentive to get out and do it. I have somehow managed to grow an even greater appreciation for the land we live in, seeing the leaves change in the fall, and seeing the flowers blossom in the spring, really reaffirms that we do live in paradise (but don’t tell anyone) ;-)
In my walks I think I’m now on a first name basis with the local raccoons and I have encountered squirrels, rats, skunks, and even got a close up view of two eagles in a tree down by the water, a nice surprise that I would have never expected so close to the city.
The biggest piece of advice I could give anyone wanting to start a walking routine is to invest in the right shoes. Who wants to walk, or do anything for that matter, if it’s just going to mean pain and sorrow. For me it meant twice the steps and no sore paws. Second piece of advice is to have a partner in crime, it’s amazing how time flies when you’re out getting fresh air and shooting the breeze with a friend or a cuzzy. It’s very important when starting out, to set lower achievable goals, start small, and enjoy growing your achievements.
The most important thing to remember when you’re doing all this is "ENJOY YOUR STEPS!!!!"
Robert Clydesdale, Nooaitch Indian band