We kicked off this week’s episode of Collateral Nation with a story that every PAD warrior can relate to — doing everything “right” yet still feeling stuck. Karen, who has been walking daily for more than a decade, joined us live to share her frustration that despite her effort, her legs still cramp, her feet still feel heavy, and her progress seems to be slipping away. Her story struck a chord because she represents so many who are doing their best but missing the one ingredient that can make walking work — the right technique.

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Kevin explained again that walking is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It’s about stride control, posture, and pain management — walking to the edge of pain, resting briefly, and starting again. “It’s that moment when you feel the burn,” Kevin said, “that you’re stimulating collateral growth — the body’s own natural bypass network.” He described his five-level pain scale that helps patients walk smart instead of just walking long. “If you reach a level five, when your feet start to slap, stop. Let the pain settle to a two, then go again. That’s when collaterals grow.”

Karen listened closely and tried to apply the advice in real time. Like many PAD patients, she had been walking at an even pace without pushing through those structured intervals of discomfort and recovery. By adjusting her stride, she began to see immediate improvement.

Kevin demonstrated how the PAD100 exercise technique strengthens circulation by using the feet as mini blood pumps. “Gently stroke the ground with your toes, engage the calves, then relax and spread your toes to let blood flow back in,” he explained. “Do that rhythmically as you walk, and you’re literally training your body to bypass blockages.” I even joined in on my treadmill during the live broadcast and felt my hip pain ease up — proof that even small corrections in technique can transform how the body moves and recovers.

We shared a reminder for viewers who wanted to see the PAD100 in action: Kevin’s full demonstration video, available here —

— offers a visual guide for perfecting the movement and understanding why technique matters so much.

But the episode wasn’t just about mechanics. It was about mindset. Kevin quoted Nietzsche, saying, “Anyone who has a why can overcome any how,” and we both emphasized that the “why” for many PAD patients is simple — to keep their legs, their independence, and their life. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. The collaterals you grow through this kind of walking aren’t just physical; they’re emotional, too.

We also talked about how technology is advancing, with new devices and stents designed to restore blood flow more effectively, but we reminded our audience that the body remains its own best engineer. “The tech can help,” Kevin said, “but you can’t outsource walking. Collaterals are built step by step.”

Karen left the show feeling more confident, armed with knowledge and a renewed sense of control. “I’ve got a plan now,” she said. “I understand what to feel for, when to stop, and when to push. I’ve been walking — but now I’m walking smarter.”

That’s what Collateral Nation is all about — turning frustration into empowerment. Every story becomes a shared lesson, and every step becomes a victory. If you want to learn how to walk smarter, build collaterals, and connect with others doing the same, join us for Collateral Nation, streaming weekly through the Global PAD Association. You can watch full episodes and technique demonstrations at YouTube.com/@FitOldDog and find resources at PADhelp.org.

Because when it comes to PAD, progress doesn’t start with the first step — it starts with learning how to take it.