I'm old!!!

[Glo]

I thought I was in good shape for being 66. I do deep-water training 6 days a week, have lost about 40 pounds over the last couple of years, and eat right 95 percent of the time.

Did I get a rude awaking during my current vacation! I can't walk very well! We were doing a lot of running around and sightseeing with DS2 and DIL. I was miserable after the first hour; my back ached and knees and ankles hurt. I didn't complain and pushed on, but after about 8 hours I just couldn't do any more--I was completely exhausted! So disappointing; I just can't believe I've come to this point. We're suppose to go to NYC with friends in the Fall, but I'll have to back out because I won't be able to keep up. I just feel terrible!

[sweetana3]

I find that the food I eat on any type of vacation seems to be more laden with salt and I retain a lot of excess water. I also don't do well strolling or plain standing and sightseeing. It also helps to be able to walk "at your own speed". I find it difficult to walk with husband because our strides are so different and we speed up and slow down at different times.

Don't change all your plans based on one time. Work on walking while home. Take some time to work up to an hour fast walk.

Check your shoes. I found my old ones were affecting my walk. I hurt when I got new ones that were not worn and slanted due to wear (I wear them far too long.) I have to get used to a properly supported walking shoe and get used to them.

I think anyone that tries to keep up with their kids for 8 hours is going to be in trouble.

[mtnlaurel]

I'm with sweetana3, don't let your last trip end things for you but rather help you identify the areas for improvement.

Sadly I must confess that I have been a part of many of my MIL's "Lasts". My husband is terrible at reading people's exhaustion signs and thinks we are all still in our teens, including his parents. His idea of lunch is a PowerBar on the ski lift.... no, we want to sit down and have a proper lunch and rest for more fun later. To me part of being host or 'tour guide' is reading my 'client's' energy levels and adjusting the day accordingly.... not everyone will speak up because they don't want to ruin the others' good time.
But since it IS your son, maybe next trip you figure out a way that you can get some periods of rest.... really soak in a specific vista while son & DIL take an hour to pack in more sites and then you all meet up together.

There are some tricks that you can do that can make standing for long periods of time easier... something like you put one foot in front of the other one and tilt out your forward toes and distribute your weight equally between both legs. (I bet you could find some things on youtube that are helpful). Then I had someone show me a different way to hold my hands as I walk with my thumbs pointing forward.... the pain in my knees left immediately. Is there a Movement Class at the place you take water aerobics with a person super knowledgeable about general movement? Or do you have a friend that is a Physical Therapist?

Again, not a fitness guru, but you hear often that you should vary your exercise to keep your body on it's toes - I think it's called Muscle Confusion (?)
I think our bodies are super adaptable and can get used to the same kind of exercise for efficiency.

Congrats on your 40#s..... that is EPIC!!!!!

[catherine]

There is no way in heck I would give up a vacation because I can't do what I could in my younger days. No way. Just lower your expectations for stamina, and raise your expectations for enjoying the moment!

Kids, even adult kids, simply don't understand that there is a difference between what a 30 year old can do and a 60 year old can do. Plus, I think there's an element of "C'mon, Mom, you can do it!!" And I think we're too eager to please, and too fearful of letting them see our cracks. But I think there's nothing wrong in saying, "Can't wait to go to the Empire State Building with you guys, but why don't you two go ahead to the walk around Greenwich Village--I'm going to enjoy a nice cup of tea at the Plaza--that sounds great to me!"

[domestic goddess]

I definitely agree with the others that you shouldn't give up your vacation just because you can't do what you used to do. I also agree with Catherine that "kids" won't get it, even your own, or most especially your own. My dd also seems to think that because I am slowing physically, I am also suddenly mentally defective. You just wouldn't believe the instructions she thinks she needs to give me for things I taught her how to do! I'm not even as forgetful as she is, though se tries to make it seem that I am far worse. Since I am twice their age, and do have some physical challenges, I don't hesitate to pick out what I most want to do and let the rest of them do the other things without me. If a little one wants to opt out, too, then I have company. Since there will soon be a new baby, I will have an excuse for a few years.

[Aqua Blue]

((hugs) I do know the feeling-actually way to well. I have Ankolosing Spondilosis and a lot of trouble with my SI joint(where your hips attach to your pelvis), I can't walk far at all, altho I do walk in a channel at the water center for 3miles 3 times a week. It is hard, because I have siblings and older friends who can out walk me easily. My one brother particularly thinks I am just lazy and I could walk more if I put my "mind to it".

Don't let them get you down. Do what you can. I would go to New York and do what I could and wanted to do.

Domestic goddess, I get that mental stuff too, particularly from one brother. He acts like just because I can't walk far I am unable to think. His hangup not mine.

[razz]

If these are friends, real friends, simply tell them that you need some relaxation between activities and see what they say. I suspect that they will be thinking in that way already.
As others have said, modify your holiday to suit your needs. Good heavens, do not cancel. When we had small children, we modified our activities as needed and kept going. As they got older we modified once more and I will continue to modify to maintain an active life according to my needs. Nothing more than a normal part of life.

[Glo]

Thanks for all the kind words; I definitely feel better. I do know about "muscle memory". I'm trying to lose 20 pounds and a trainer suggested that I do the elliiptal (sp?) as long as I can and then ride the stationary bike for 1 hour. I did start that and worked up tp 18 monutes on the elliptical and 1 hour on the bike. It's hard!! No weight-loss results yet, but vacation interferred. I will keep at it when I get home. The couple we're going to NYC with are our age--66 and 70. Thanks again!

[domestic goddess]

BTW, remember that doing exercises in water is not the same as weight bearing activities on land. With the water to take the weight off your joints, you can strengthen muscles, and range your joints, but when you are weight bearing on land, you will lose that 'weightless' benefit. You might want to prepare for walking by doing some more walking, and make sure your shoes are supportive, or get orthotics if you need them!

[LilyB]

Glo, Everyone has great advice. Don't give up your NY trip. Pace yourself and enjoy yourself. You don't have to be in lockstep with the rest of your group. If they have more stamina than you, speak up and let them know you need a break. You won't spoil the fun.

I also feel you that 8 hours is a LONG time. You are in great shape just being able to do as much as you did.

I do agree Sweetana that you might need different shoes. A visit to a podiatrist and the walking shoes and inserts he suggested made walking enjoyable again for me.

[nswef]

I agree with not canceling your NYC trip. Friends will understand and might be glad of the slow down as well. Sometimes you just need to speak up, even when yu just want to keep up!! At 64 I know I am slower and it takes me more out of me to do things. That doesn't mean I cannot enjoy things- I might just opt out of some activities. Make a list of all you WANT to do in NYC and figure out how to arrange rest in between.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Frankly that schedule sounds exhausting. I'm often sore and sometimes in pain after a day full of using muscles I don't usually use. I need to nap after a hike or really long walk. I threw up once on a hike with elevation gain (just was so not ready for it). I'm not particularly old, so maybe not everything is aging, some is just a question of what muscles you regularly use (unless you have problems with bones or joints when it's no longer just muscles).

[catherine]

Actually, looking at that 8 hour schedule--I remember when my MIL used to run us around at DisneyWorld (me, DH and our 4 kids). She was a very frugal woman, and her philosophy was, if you're not up at the crack of dawn and staying until they close the place you're wasting the price of admission.

I was half her age, but I HATED it! I never wanted to get started that early, and if I was tired, I just wanted to go back to the hotel. But she was relentless--even at age 75. So I think how much activity a person can stand is an individual thing and has nothing to do with age.

I wouldn't enjoy 8 hours non-stop either.

[domestic goddess]

Yes, 8 hours is brutal. Dsil and his whole family are hyperactive folk who will keep going until they are so exhausted they just can't go anymore. That time comes much earlier for me, especially since I need more alone time than they do, and just the presence of extra people is exhausting to me. Talk with the friends you are travelling to NYC with; they may welcome the chance to pare down the activites some, and a bit of time built into your schedule for everyone to do what they want, apart from the others, if necessary, may be welcome, too.

[dado potato]

It's what's left that counts.

Today I walked up the Bad River, and it took my breath away. When the tea-colored water gushes out under 3 feet of ice, it is the Thaw. At last.

[Gardenarian]

8 hours is a long time for anyone to be on their feet - my 13 year old would be complaining!
I think you are in great shape! Site-seeing is exhausting.

Sometimes it's best to just say "I'm going to hang out here for a while. Where can we meet up?"

[puglogic]

I agree with doing walking to prepare for (train for) doing walking.

And 8 hours of sightseeing would be MISERABLE for me. Break it up into 2-hour blocks, and get some rest in between!

[larknm]

I am 70 and in the last couple of years my hip surgeon and my rheumatologist each mentioned that I had to slow down. Before that an acupuncturist told me I had to start acting my age. So it's been an uphill battle, but I love being realistic and pacing myself and getting better at it. So what if I can't do everything I did--I have the memories and I have what I can do now.

[Wildflower]

I'm 55 and due to a debilitating disease and spinal condition that has disabled me this past year I now have to do trips in a wheelchair mostly, as I can only walk a few feet at a time now. It's been hard to accept, but I am NOT going to let it keep me from enjoying life and traveling with my family. Plus they are so supportive, which helps alot...

Glo, you should just be honest with your friends and family as to your limitations. Maybe harder for you since you are just slowing down some. For my kids, they heard it straight from the doctor's mouth....and they've been wonderful in their acceptance and support.

larknm, you have a great attitude! :) I like to think I do too. It's the only way to cope with this stuff...

[dado potato]

I get aches in two places that sometimes make me want to give up trying. But then... Shamble Onward! The only way I know to to see and hear the waterfalls this time of year is to be beside them. That could be walking, or rolling, or just being still.

[Float On]

Don't give up - the trip to NYC sounds fun with your friends.
Training in a gym (water, treadmill, etc) are very different than walking streets. Add some outside walking to your routine. See a foot specialist;maybe a change in shoes for street walking or an insert will make all the difference - my son's $300 inserts means he can walk and run instead of hobble which he was doing at age 13. Maybe a pain management specialist. My dad 72 (building a cabin) is seeing one and very pleased with the results. Dad can run circles around us when he's in pain I expect he'll look like the Tazmanian Devil now that he's pain free.

[citrine]

8 hours is amazing! The fact that you were able to do it is awesome! I do understand, DH has to be up at the crack of dawn and see everything and can keep going regardless of hunger or fatigue. I am so the opposite! I would not cancel either, just come up with a schedule of what you want to see, work on walking, get some good shoes, and make sure that you are resting throughout the day. Another thing is to make sure that you are well hydrated as you are sightseeing, that will help a great deal.