New Convert

badkarma · 09-29-2011, 06:33 AM

Howdy y'all. Yep, a redneck from the Ozarks.

Just found the forums and I like what I've read so far. Nice bunch of folks here it seems.

I'm a single old Navy Vet (81-85), 48 ancient years old. I was diagnosed Sept 2010 with Type 2 Diabetes. I was overweight and in pretty bad shape, neuropothy hit me pretty bad. In March 2011, I had lost 25 lbs and my blood sugars were getting under control. So to accelerate the weight loss I started walking. First it was a struggle to make it a mile, I had suffered a back injury in 96 that was a big hurdle to get around, but I managed.

Fast forward to today, I've lost a total of 52lbs. My sugars are back below the normal rate so my Dr cut my meds in half!!! w00t Looking at dropping tham altogether in March 2012. And yesterday I walked 4 miles in 1 hr 13 mins. I power walk 3 days a week so I started thinking about a weekend activity and hiking was suggested by a friend from another forum so I did a couple searches and here I am.

As a reward to myself, I decided to build from the ground up and small camping trailer, which will be my mobile basecamp.

I already know my biggest challenge will be to remember that I'm NOT power walking in the trail!!!!

Anyway, I'm glad to be here and I'm eager to learn and hope I can help out in some way.

Thanks

Karma

Lamebeaver · 09-29-2011, 06:38 AM

Howdy BK! Sounds like you're well on your way.

badkarma · 09-29-2011, 06:48 AM

Thanks LB.

Funny thing, after a couple months of walking 3 times a week, I found I actually liked it!!!!!
Before it was just a mode of transportation, now I actually feel out of sorts if I have to miss due to weather or work or whatever.

Funny how that works.

oldsarge · 09-29-2011, 09:02 AM

Hello and welcome Badkarma. Nice to meet another Vet, thanks for your service! Also congradulations on your health achievments. Wishing and praying for continued success. Drive on!

Grandpa · 09-29-2011, 10:17 AM

Welcome Badkarma, sounds like you are close to toting a 40 lb pack over the high passes. Congrats on you better health.

badkarma · 09-29-2011, 12:40 PM

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome.

And thank you sarge for your service. I served on the USS New Jersey BB-62 from 81-85.
Was in Beirut Lebanon 83-84.

Grandpa, not sure I'm quite ready for the high passes just yet. But it is on my list.

jason · 09-29-2011, 07:52 PM

Greetings and salutations. Thank you for your services. Glad to hear that the walking has helped. Would love to hear updates on your trailer.

badkarma · 09-30-2011, 05:39 AM

Thanks jason.

The trailer is going to be a winter project so the going will be slow, but that will remove any excuses I can use for not doing it right the first time. It's not going to be very big, basically a plywood tent I don't have to pitch!!

Mine will be based on a 4'x8' utility trailer frame and 4x8 sheets of plywood.

We'll see how it goes.

Karma