Hi I am Kathy aka Kat! !

Welcome to our WonderWalkers (WW) site! You are visiting a very special place that is near and dear to my heart. Not only is walking a fun thing to do, but it's made extra special by all the people who you see here. We are a group that came together from all over the States; we've never met each other, but a few of us have exchanged pictures and phone calls.

We consider ourselves a "family"........not only do we motivate each other in our personal fitness goals, but we motivate each other in our personal lives as well. We truly share and are all better people for having "walked into" each other :)

I joined the "walking board" in 1996, wanting to stay healthy. Then, as now, I had some physical problems for which I didn't have a diagnosis and a lower spinal fusion. Walking was the best and least taxing way to stay in shape. I also did free weight lifting. Had myself in the best shape I'd been in a looooong time! There weren't too many "steady" walkers looking for or giving support at that time. A lot has changed! We've grown in numbers, strength, and love.

I'm known "on the board" as "kat" and live in Wisconsin. I'm 53, married to a very special man, two beautiful married daughters, and became a first-time Grandma this year (1999)......and of course, I've inundated the "WW" with pics of my little dimpled darlin!

Health, walking, the support and love of my WW friends really came into play for me in January, 1998; I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I not only got that surprise, but received another surprise........that I was loved by so many people that I hadn't even met! My WW buddies!

They, along with my immediate family, helped me get through something that no woman should have to go through. We cried and laughed together. They graciously let me "vent" when I felt the urge, and the times were often. Their prayers, positive vibes, good wishes, and love were so loud, everyone in cyberspace should have been able to hear and feel them! I was enveloped within the wings of my "on-line" family!

In September of same year I finally got a diagnosis of that "mystery problem" which has plagued me for nine years.....Fibromyalgia. It is a bio- chemical/auto-immune disorder. Achy flu like symptoms, pain migrates rapidly, and can be minor or excruciating. Muscles won't relax, become rigid and spasm. Also includes vision problems, and fatigue is common.

The brain stops or makes it difficult to build muscle. Fibromites get confused easily.... (as my WW buddies know first hand :) ... called "fibro fog"......hard to think, talk, walk at times. The brain is telling the body what to do .....the message doesn't get transferred. Memory lapses abound, and my WW friends have been very patient, for I may ask them to repeat things many times ... The "conversation" is lost; I've been "disconnected", so to speak...:)

I tried to keep up my walking this past year; some days "yes"; most days "no".....lack of energy. The body's been through alot........ So I do what I can, when I can, however long I can. Getting stronger every day. Hope to be back to regular walking this Spring with a little "help" from my friends.

Though unable to keep up with the WW and all their great exercise regiments, I still feel like a part this family. For the time being, I'll play cheerleader for them as they have for me. As my motto goes........"Move those hoofies, Shake that bootie, Suck in that gut and go........bOOga-bOOga!"

And now they are "rahing, rahing" for me again. I have lymphedema of the arm, and am awaiting the next results regarding cancer tests........but if I have to go thru cancer treatments again, I can count on these great people to get me through it - again! Have told them many times how much their friendship, love and support has mean't to me.....bears repeating here - for all of cyberspace to see/read......Couldn't have done it without you, dear friends!!!

Walking is a wonderful exercise that is not hard on the body. My hubby and I walk in the fresh air of spring, summer, and fall as much as we can. Other times I use the treadmill. The wonders of nature are bountiful and would like the whole world to appreciate them! So get out for a stroll, and stop and smell the roses...or anything else that is blooming along your route.........and vary your path; surprises in your area will be many. Birds, trees, streams - remember to keep looking up as you tour. Sidewalks and ants are boring!*G*

Treader time in the house will seem to go faster if you listen to music (walkman), read a book or listen to tape of a book, watch a movie etc. Start by stretching, start walking slowly - and soon you can "up" your speed/incline...finish by stretching. Eventually you may want to add free weights to your exercise routine. Follow the same procedure as for walking......take it slow, and start with light weights.

Drink lots of water! Keeps you healthy and the food out of your mouth (as we all watch our weight these days) because your stomach feels full......

Hope you check the rest of our site out, and visit our "Walking For Health" board.........perhaps we'll "meet" on a walk this summer! That would be oh so nice..........Remember, life is short........don't let it pass you by........get out there and enjoy!

Kris	Home	Howard
Lynn	Sandi	Jim
Carol	GwenA	Susan
Ruby	Johanna	Gwen1
Irene	Karen	Mary Kay