"A walking coach motivates people who want to start"

"As a passionate walking coach, you guide and support a walking group," says Floor Devriendt (Wandelsport Vlaanderen). "Those who have (had) breast cancer often struggle with physical and mental difficulties. Walking turns out to be an excellent remedy. It improves your general condition and increases your muscle strength. Walking also has a positive effect on fatigue, something many breast cancer patients suffer from. Your sleep quality and mental health also benefit. We find, for example, that feelings of anxiety are reduced and that people get energy from being on the road together. So walking contributes to your quality of life in a general sense."

First step

The first step is often the most difficult, especially for ladies recovering from breast cancer. Devriendt: "A coach motivates and connects people who want to start. During the walks, he or she coaches the group. That means: having fun along the way but also offering a listening ear when needed." In the training (one full day), a you get a first aid course and learn how to walk safely. You also think about possible games and exercises for on the road. An Suys participated and can now call herself a walking coach. Her walking club steadily expanded from 2 to 16 participants. "Every Monday we gather at 8 p.m. at the sports square in Galmaarden," she says. "First we step our legs a kilometer warm on the Finnish track, then we leave for a 5 to 7 kilometer hike."

Fixed value

"In 2019, I could barely walk 3 km at a stretch," An looks back. "Two girlfriends convinced me to set out together. If you believe in something and persevere, a lot is possible. Gradually, our hiking club became a fixture in my life. I love to hike, it gives me energy and keeps me healthy. When I saw the call for a walking coach, I did not hesitate for a second. Here was the opportunity to make our group official. It gives me great satisfaction that I can now give candidate walkers a boost themselves. Fear holds many people back. At first I too was afraid to slip on unpaved roads. But with good guidance, a lot is possible."

Walking as a tribute

"As a coach, I always bring first aid materials and a printed road map. We laugh a lot together but there is also room for sadness. Last year a good friend, who also walked with us, died of cancer. As a tribute, we participated in the winter edition of the Death Walk, spread over three months. That helped us process her passing."

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