As most of you know I’ve an illness that’s caused heart failure and it’s also attacking other muscles This has meant I’m struggling to walk far now and I end up in a lot of pain when I do. well a while ago I took up Nordic walking It’s basically walking with two poles which you use to push off with from behind The great thing is it spreads the load over your whole body so the pain isn’t as bad and it also keeps you upright and your chest open so you actually take in more oxygen. It’s also a whole body and cardio workout I’ve been doing it a while now and it Really has been a big help. I wasn’t able to do more than half a mile without being in agony. well today I managed a mile and was proper buzzing it felt like I had some chance of improving my situation. Anyway not far from home I hear a car approach from behind and slow down before starting to beep at me. I stopped and turned round to see what was going on. The women in the car then drove round me and pulled her car in front of me to block me. I had to go onto the other side of the road to try and get passed. She’s wound the window down and starts shouting at me I shouldn’t be on the road with sticks I’m breaking the rules of the road. (There’s no pavement it’s a narrow country road) I inform her I have mobility issues and need them She then goes on to say I should be walking on the other side of the road facing on coming traffic so I’m breaking the road rules again I say to her I’m aware that the Highway Code advises that but I have to keep changing sides of the road as the edges of the road are all crumbled full of holes mud and puddles and it would make me fall trying to walk on sections like that. she just sidesteps everything I said and repeats those are the rules of the road don’t let me see you break them again and drives off. I was in a great mood as that’s the furthest I’ve walked in ages but she’s just took the shine right off it. Why do people have to be *****s All the other traffic so far has just sat behind me and I step to the side and stop and they go round me normally with a hand up to say thanks. This women lives in my village so I can see this growing as time goes on. Next time I’m tempted to tell her to go ***** her self
I don't like to label people as 'Karens' because I think labelling is a bad thing anyway. But I'm going to make an exception in this case. You should be chuffed with your victory. Don't let this 'Karen' steal your joy.
Next time, pull out the mobile phone and start calling the police because you believe you are in danger of being assaulted.
True but it might scare somebody who is so bound by rules. You dont actually have to call the Police, make up one side of the conversation. And explain that she is causing an obstruction too.
It's hard to let things wash over you sometimes, but enjoy your achievement in the knowledge that you've done more in one mile than she has probably done all year. Imagine being her and being that angry all the time. Feel pity not anger. You done good x
I’ve been Nordic Walking every week for 7 years, after finishing in cardiac rehab. It’s all that you say it is. Have you had anyone shout “where are your skis” yet? As far as Karen is concerned, I’d just ignore her, or suggest that she reports you. Don’t let people like that spoil what you enjoy.
It’s worth remembering, you only had to deal with the knob for a few minutes… she has to live with herself 24/7. Congrats on getting on your achievement, don’t let her take that away!
Wow that’s some time well done I’ve not had the skis comment yet but I’ve been pre warned it’s quite a common thing for people to shout. Im blown away by how much those two poles used in the right way can change things I thought I was a lost cause and the nhs aren’t really interested in me because the illness is so rare I felt like I’d been chucked on the scrap heap Nordic walking has given me something back and I’m hoping I can build some fitness up as I certainly feel like I’ve done a workout compared to just walking. The nhs cardio team have been fantastic with me I have to say It’s just my muscle problems they don’t seem interested in They just want me to take anti depressants and very strong painkillers.
Even now, I’m getting flack on here, by moderators, for writing something that was just an observation that I saw once. They are even telling me that it was in a completely different place, to where I was, and that I’m a ‘racist’, ow. I feel like Father Ted!
Well done para.. Good work.. Makes sense to use the poles.. Btw.. Im not a gender expert these days.. but she sounds like the female version of a knob..
Ignore her as she has the problem, not you. Anyway, good on you for getting back out and about, slow and steady steps, keep at it and dont let her put you off. You got this!
That’s a shame . I think some people have no empathy and are just all about themselves . Hopefully you will meet more nice folk on the way than nobbers x
Well done on your achievement Para, not heard of how nordic walking can help like that, have a friend who I might mention it too. Sorry that the person in the car stole some of your joy, hopefully not all of it.
From the research I’ve done it appears to be of great help to people who have arthritis also people who have had hip and knee replacements. It’s recommended by some physiotherapists to help correct gait imbalances. It’s a cardio workout as well so good for heart health. Make sure your friend has a read round the net,looks on you tube etc first to get an understanding of it Then make sure they get the correct poles Normal trekking poles are different The length of Nordic poles you need is in relation to your height. I bought mine from decathlon and they had a sizing chart along with the product photos. I hope it can make a difference for your friend.
