The Ladybug

Tag: Fitness

  • Hello…It’s Been a Minute! And You Can Help with My Come Back! 

    Welcome Readers of The Ladybug Blog! Here are some important updates! First, I took a break from social media and daily writing. This was a much-needed rest time due to physical illness and mental exhaustion. In western first world society we are encouraged to hustle, and rest is looked down on. However, taking a break is also a luxury that many in this world are never afforded. I do not take the blessing of stepping away lightly. I am thankful to recharge and now…come back! 

    Second, I will be typing away again now, and I hope to return to regular blog and Substack posts. Please check back frequently at the links in my bio! In addition, this is the 48th post of The Ladybug Blog. I have decided to make a major announcement for the 50th post with some exciting news that readers will NOT want to miss out on! Look out for that coming soon!  

    Third, I would like to share in this post about a new goal of mine. Throughout my time writing for The Ladybug Blog, I have frequently discussed my love of walking for charity causes. Well, I have had to slow down in recent months. My physical health has been a barrier to achieving mileage and physical fitness. But I have addressed my need for healthy exercise with my professional care team. With their help, I am being guided in ways to return to being “in shape.”  

    With a view to health and social justice causes, I have signed up for the Abby’s House 50th Anniversary Hybrid Virtual 5K Walk in mid-October 2026! Raising funds to support Abby’s House is a deeply personal cause for me. Abby’s House is a shelter and safe place for abused women and children located in Worcester, MA. Domestic violence is a cruelly all too common occurrence in relationships. Abby’s House provides a safe landing for women to save and re-start their lives. I cannot emphasize enough how important their work is!  

    Now, your turn! There are two ways that you can support me! You can directly help Abby’s House by sponsoring me for this walk at the following link: 

    Gaelle McLoud – Abby’s House 50th Anniversary Hybrid 5K Run/Walk

    To gain assistance from Abby’s House for yourself or a friend/family member, you can visit Get Help | Abby’s House

    Finally, you can aid me by reaching out to offer a friend for me to go on a training walk with, followed by an iced coffee or iced matcha green tea latte! I have approximately 3 months to get physically ready to walk a 5K after an extended period of doctor enforced bed rest. It is going to be hard for me! But I am determined. If you are feeling extra generous, you can meet both of my requests for help. I appreciate your support. Let’s Go! 

    Blessings and Sunshine, G. 

    Here are some pictures from the beginnings of my training:  

  • Restorative Walking: A Personal Journey

    Walking is such a wonderful activity, and full of many different benefits!  I do not take my ability to partake in this gift lightly!  And walking truly is a gift, as it allows one to exercise in a gentle way.  If you have read The Ladybug this year, you may already know that I feel especially connected to the Spirit of God while in nature and moving my body.  I also like to partake in charity walks to raise money for worthy organizations that do good in our imperfect world.  In addition, walking with a friend, family member, or group, is a blessed way to be in community and form connections.  I could go on and on about the benefits of walking, but I want to get a little more personal with my readers today about my 2025 walking journey.

                Walking is, in general, a little more difficult for me than for the “average” person.  I have been diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardic Syndrome) and hEDS (hypermobile sub-type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome).  Both illnesses affect an individual’s ability to exercise.  However, I persist with a routine of walking and yoga as a way of maintaining healthy and joyful movement in my life.  The year 2025 began with a blast, with my body being strong enough to complete the American Cancer Society 31-Mile Challenge in January.  I walked 42 miles in the month of January, while raising money to fight cancer. 

                As the year continued, I began to feel a bit like I was struggling with my health.  I completed less mileage in the months of February and March.  Half-way through March 2025, I became ill with a bad bronchitis and lay in bed feeling sorry for myself.  In April 2025, I woke up on Easter Sunday extremely ill with a tick-borne illness like Malaria.  If you want more details on that experience in my life, see my former Ladybug post I’m Back! Let’s Talk Honestly About Anxiety and Faith.  By the end of May 2025, I was barely walking down to the mailbox. 

                Facing a huge deficit in my physical stamina for walking and getting outdoors for exercise has been hard on my mental health as well.  As the month of June began, I was determined I would regain my strength.  Gently, I began with restorative yoga practices.  Then, walking 0.50 miles up and down the sidewalk near my apartment building.  When I was visiting my parents’ home, I walked short distances with the family dog.  I carefully stayed under a mile at first until I felt strong enough to barely reach that distance. 

                It seemed that my fitness was on an up-swing, but the universe had other plans!  In early July, I was admitted to the hospital on a med/surge floor for testing and the procedures set me back yet again.  When one has POTS and hEDS, it is harder to recover from “normal” testing which other individuals may bounce back from.  I left the hospital on shaky legs, walking with a cane.  I do not want to complain too much at this point, because let me be clear that walking is a privilege.  Even with the set-back, I knew I was still blessed.  So, the journey now starts again to gain momentum and stamina.

                I would like to choose a charity walk in the Fall 2025 to plan to complete.  It will be beneficial to have a goal to train for as I navigate the difficulties this year has thrown at me, and may continue to provide.  Please comment your suggestions!!  I live in New England, but virtual walks are welcome, too!  Last October 2024, I completed a 10K distance virtual walk for The Jimmy Fund.  I would like to choose a walk with a good cause.  My walking journeys are never all about me.  I like to use my body, in whatever shape she is in, to spread love to others.  I hope that my passion for sticking to it and not giving up will inspire you as well.  Think of a cause you love and find a walk/run/hike/roll that you can accomplish!! 

                In Progress, G.

    PS The photo below is of me walking the family dog today.  I completed 1.03 miles!