Today was the First Night 5K. It's actually named wrong, it should be the Last Night 5K. But it's all part of the First Night festivities for New Year's Day. (BTW is there no dumber holiday?)
It snowed this morning. Two-three inches. I really din't want to wear my pink sneakers but I did. The snow stopped about 3 hours before the 1 pm start.
It would have made a beautiful picture with the snow on the blast furnace and people milling around. But no pictures. My camera battery was dead.
As I arrived at the skating rink start line, a member of the Coordinated Health staff was leading a group stretch. Apparently they are one of the sponsors. CH a physical therapy / sports medicine place, and apparently they have a full service fitness center too. I hid behind a trash can and joined in. I wasn't sure if it was a sign-up ahead of time thing. Then the female PT announced into the mike that they had people inside doing individual stretches, and she'd be outside doing them. Nobody went to her. They went inside. Fools. I went to her.
She stretched out my legs and dang did it feel good. I know never stretch enough before these events. I especially don't during the mega walks. I think it actually helped my walking. I felt really good thru the whole event.
They changed the route this year. It started at 1st and Polk, went over the Fahy Bridge, up the Center St. hill, out Church, thru the "pee tunnel" up to Main, then down the Musikfest path (was it pretty looking down to the historic area) to the Luckenbach Mill. We walked all that in the street and it was just wet. They did a great job clearing the snow. Until we got to Conostoga Street. It was snow covered and hard to walk on. When we got to Lehigh Street, we had to use the sidewalks, because Peeps Fest needed to have the traffic come thru.
We crossed the foot bridge onto Sand Island, went to the Ice House, turned around came back and continued to the Fahy Bridge. Back over the bridge and back to the skating rink.
My time was 53.05 and I was disappointed. There was at least 12 people behind me, after I passed two people on the bridge, and four people fifty meters from the end.
Oh well.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
hopefully my knees will forgive me
Today I signed up for three winter stair climbs. That should keep my fat butt moving. Two are the same day. Hopefully my knees will forgive me. I didn't plan that. Really. I was hopping back and forth on the lung association page page between the Philly one that goes straight up fifty floors (1,088 steps) and the Wilkes Barre event which is in an arena and is 1,224 steps both up and down. That's the one I planned to sign up for. Oops.
The Philly one is at 8:30 am and Wilkes Barre at 2:30 pm. I can do both...if my knees hold out. March 20 is the big day.
The third one is February 28 for cystic fibrosis. Also in Philly. Fifty three flights (1,019 stairs). I entered the "fun" climb. The lung association one doesn't have that option. I'm planning on dead last, but finished.
All say if you can walk a 5K you can do it. Some sites suggest in 20 minutes. I suggest an hour... and a half, maybe. I'm going to train on south Bethlehem hills because I don't have any 50 story building to climb stairs in. Martin Tower is closed. I don't think security would let me in even if they were open. I also think that's about 25 floors.
Bonnie is my emergency contact. Haven't told her yet that she's on-call that day.
Anybody want to come along on either event, let me know. I'll even buy lunch. Hopefully there will be someone at the top to take a picture.
Monday, December 28, 2009
pedestrian friendly?
Lately these signs have been popping up like weeds. Has the city finally become pedestrian friendly? Or did they just get a new sign making machine? 
I started thinking about this today while walking on Third Street. Traffic was busy, as always, and I was waiting at the corner to cross. Cars stopped for me. It happened three times today. And a few times before today.I could get use to this.
reflections
(I'm often told by my siblings that my memories are wrong. I'm sure I'll hear from them.)
Yesterday on CBS Sunday Morning they did a story of "nostalgia". I kind of pooh-poohed it and went on my way.
But perhaps it's because of the Christmas season...the time of the year when the past invades the present...I got to thinking about the past today while doing errands, on foot of course.
(I'm not a writer, so I can't seem to make this flow properly. I apologize if it rambles or is disjointed.)
I live in a small city. On what some people might call the "bad" side of town. The benefit of a city is that you don't have to drive to get the daily necessities of life. I can go to the elementary or middle school, post office, State Store (booze), grocery store, a public library, three university libraries, a tailor, dry cleaner, drug store, two dozen churches and bank on foot. I can also go to three live performance spaces, a casino with five restaurants, a university, a half dozen galleries, a dozen ethnic restaurants, several good bars and a couple seedy ones. All within two miles of my house and without crossing a bridge. If I cross a bridge, the possibilities multiply dramatically.
Yes, the choices aren't as great as they were back in the 60s with a thriving steel mill. But they are still there. (Although I'm hoping for a Target or Kmart or something like that when they redevelop the steel property. I'd never have to drive to shop!)
When I was growing up we walked nearly everywhere—school, shopping, errands, activities.
Just like today, with list in hand, on Saturday mornings mom gave us each a list of errands to do, on foot, and we would not return until they were done. My job, before New Years Eve, was to find pickled herring for my Nana to eat at midnight. I'd procrastinate and the seafood shop (sadly now closed) would be out.
And I was really, really thin. None of us were fat. (I shall search for a picture but it will be a week before I'm near a scanner.) When we got a car, it was my dads. "God gave you two feet" our parents would say. "Use them." I referred to this as the "shoe-leather express." When we weren't walking, we took a bus.
The day after Christmas we were talking in the car about the obesity epidemic. I've read that one reason Americans are fat is because of the decline in the family meal. Every night my mother cooked our meals, then we ate around the table as a family. Shoveling food into our mouths and telling tales, sometimes tall tales, of the day. Restaurants, for the most part, were not in the budget. Most days we carried our lunches to school.
My mom fed us well according to 1950-60s standards. Every night we had one meat, one starch, two veggies and a salad. Many nights the first four elements were thrown into one pot. She—well all of us including Nana from her perch on the pretzel can—canned and froze a lot of our food. We didn't have soda, and frequntly only had prezels for snacks, except at holidays when there was cookies galore.
There was "bad" food too. I'm sure we ate too many fats. And carbs. We ate margarine (oh the trans fat I've consumed!), or oleo as she called it. On white bread she bought at the thrift store. We didn't snack. She had a fondness for trying prepared food for the convenience, but rarely made them twice. Except for Noodle- and Rice-A-Roni.
So what's the point of this trip down memory lane? I have no idea. What does have me curious is why am I thinking about all this now, on the cusp on 2010.
I do know that I've been battling my weight now for three decades. I want this war to end. Once and for all.
Yesterday on CBS Sunday Morning they did a story of "nostalgia". I kind of pooh-poohed it and went on my way.
But perhaps it's because of the Christmas season...the time of the year when the past invades the present...I got to thinking about the past today while doing errands, on foot of course.
(I'm not a writer, so I can't seem to make this flow properly. I apologize if it rambles or is disjointed.)
I live in a small city. On what some people might call the "bad" side of town. The benefit of a city is that you don't have to drive to get the daily necessities of life. I can go to the elementary or middle school, post office, State Store (booze), grocery store, a public library, three university libraries, a tailor, dry cleaner, drug store, two dozen churches and bank on foot. I can also go to three live performance spaces, a casino with five restaurants, a university, a half dozen galleries, a dozen ethnic restaurants, several good bars and a couple seedy ones. All within two miles of my house and without crossing a bridge. If I cross a bridge, the possibilities multiply dramatically.
Yes, the choices aren't as great as they were back in the 60s with a thriving steel mill. But they are still there. (Although I'm hoping for a Target or Kmart or something like that when they redevelop the steel property. I'd never have to drive to shop!)
When I was growing up we walked nearly everywhere—school, shopping, errands, activities.
Just like today, with list in hand, on Saturday mornings mom gave us each a list of errands to do, on foot, and we would not return until they were done. My job, before New Years Eve, was to find pickled herring for my Nana to eat at midnight. I'd procrastinate and the seafood shop (sadly now closed) would be out.
And I was really, really thin. None of us were fat. (I shall search for a picture but it will be a week before I'm near a scanner.) When we got a car, it was my dads. "God gave you two feet" our parents would say. "Use them." I referred to this as the "shoe-leather express." When we weren't walking, we took a bus.
The day after Christmas we were talking in the car about the obesity epidemic. I've read that one reason Americans are fat is because of the decline in the family meal. Every night my mother cooked our meals, then we ate around the table as a family. Shoveling food into our mouths and telling tales, sometimes tall tales, of the day. Restaurants, for the most part, were not in the budget. Most days we carried our lunches to school.
My mom fed us well according to 1950-60s standards. Every night we had one meat, one starch, two veggies and a salad. Many nights the first four elements were thrown into one pot. She—well all of us including Nana from her perch on the pretzel can—canned and froze a lot of our food. We didn't have soda, and frequntly only had prezels for snacks, except at holidays when there was cookies galore.
There was "bad" food too. I'm sure we ate too many fats. And carbs. We ate margarine (oh the trans fat I've consumed!), or oleo as she called it. On white bread she bought at the thrift store. We didn't snack. She had a fondness for trying prepared food for the convenience, but rarely made them twice. Except for Noodle- and Rice-A-Roni.
So what's the point of this trip down memory lane? I have no idea. What does have me curious is why am I thinking about all this now, on the cusp on 2010.
I do know that I've been battling my weight now for three decades. I want this war to end. Once and for all.
Monday, December 21, 2009
does shoveling snow count?
I have not been exercising much at all lately. And I've been eating out a lot. But I have shoveled lots of snow. Does that count?Over the weekend we had about 8 inches. Philly had about 15. I did three sidewalks, two parking spaces, the path thru my yard and the garage. I did the sidewalks three times. I'd rather shovel two to three inches three times than eight inches ones.We also had a lesser snow about a week earlier. That time I just did the sidewalks.
I did one walk with Betsy and the dogs last week. And I did the stairs maybe once each week.
I also hiked up the trail and cut a Christmas tree. Does that count?
Nope. It's all smoke and mirrors.
Next week I have off and I've got to come up with a winter schedule. The First Night run/walk is the 31st and Betsy and I are doing it together.
I need motivation to keep me going thru winter. So I will sign up for the stair climb I mentioned before in Wilkes Barre. And perhaps a Philly one too or the Empire State building. (Beats paying $20!)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
planes, bridges, and automobiles
Another entry that has nothing to do with exercise. I've spent the better part of the last five days in the car, shuttling people to airports in three states. I have been eating poorly and have drank too much caffeinated soda to keep me awake. Things must change or I will be the really fat girl, not walking, by spring.January 1st I decided I was going to do one new thing a month. It was prompted by an article on a local "polar bear" event. I thought it was a doable new years resolution.
Wrong.
I'm sure I did something new in January and February, but who knows what. Wouldn't I have been the most motivated then? But the calendar offers no clues. My old blog, Tall and Fat Tales (my old blog) probably would have netted clues, but that died in July, I think. I didn't copy it. Boy am I dumb.
In March I took two different walking classes. (Hey wait...the blog has walking references....it is relevant. Cool.) First Strides, a 12-week program that I hated. That adventure was chronicled in my old T&FT blog, as well as my 3-day blog. The other was a really cool one-day seminar called BreathWalk. It's run locally by Walk For All Seasons. It kind of combines yoga breathing and walking. I couldn't do it. It's like walking, chewing gum, and rubbing your head counterclockwise all at the same time. But I might try again in 2010. Both events I found while looking for new walking challenges in the dead of winter.
In April I became a training walk leader for the 3-Day and the Avon. (Does that count?). In May I did yoga on the stairs of the Philly art museum for Breast Cancer research in memory of my friend Karen, and in June I went to visit the worlds largest Big Mac outside of Pittsburgh. Okay, that's a stretch, but I did pay extra money to go an additional exit on the turnpike! In July, or maybe August, I walked over the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time, explored Brooklyn by food, and also hiked the High-Line Park. (that was in T&FT also. Drats!) In August, I started to keep my doodles and started my doodling blog a little while later. In October I did two big Breast Cancer walks and in November I took a cheese making class. A fair average, if I could think of what happened in January, and February.
That is until December.
This week I had a ton of firsts. I drove in Manhattan (okay, at 4 am. Herald Square is gorgeous at Christmas time with the lights on), and thru the Lincoln Tunnel (again, 4 am), and over the Verrazano Bridge three times. Twice at night. I went to JFK Airport twice, both in the dark. It makes Newark and Philly look like the LV Airport. Going North instead of South on Rt 404 today had me go over the Bayonne Bridge and the Pulaski Skyway at morning rush hour.
And I saw the best road sign ever at 5:45 am on the Staten Island Expressway. "NYC GRIDLOCKED. USE MASS TRANSIT."
So in 2010 I'll try again. And this time, I'll write down the new things. Maybe as a postscript in this blog.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
climbing stairs
If I'm seriously thinking about doing one of those stair climbs. I need to find larger buildings locally to practice in. And of various ages. Stair rises change from building to building, especially in old ones. No standardization prior to what, maybe 1960?Last Thursday I had to go downtown to the Williams Visual Arts Center to deliver something to one of the professors. It's a the base of campus. There are stairs which go from behind Keefe dorms, around the Civil War Statue (no that is not Lafayette!) to the Alumni Arch on 3rd Street. As I finished my descent, in heels, I noticed that the sign I designed was on "The Spot", the student nightclub. I didn't have my handbag, so no camera. I vowed I'd return today.
The first picture is my sign. The second is the Civil War Monument. In the mid-ground in Rt. 22 and behind that is center square Easton. The peace candle is in the center of the square. The last picture is of the Alumni Arch and stairs from 3rd Street and College Hill. The other is of my sign.Later today I hope to do my typical 6 flights at Acopian. I should really do the five flights in the old section of the building. They are much different, smaller, and steeper that the "new" ones. And I should also try the ones in Pardee again. They are knee-torturers.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
jingle bell run/walk
This is always a fun event. First of all they keep up the finish line till everyone crosses. But because it's a Christmas race with prizes for costumes, many people dress silly. Tons of Santas and elves. Dogs and kids dressed up also. One trend I saw this year was red and white stripped knee high with fur tops. I'll have to look after Christmas and get me some of those.
The runners go first. Someone fell getting out of the gate and the ambulance was put into service. Hope she's okay.
Then the walkers. They allow kids and dogs and strollers. The walkers follow the same route as the runners. But there are only 3 winners in each gender. The runners go by gender and age. No way I'll ever win, but today I finished in 51.04. I wish I would have downloaded my old blog. I think that one was 1:01.0. This time that won't happen. My cousin Cindy sent me a link to have your blogs printed like journals. Too bad it isn't compatible with my breast cancer blog sites. Those I extracted as generic text files and archived.
The final group to "hit the streets" are the kids. Their course is in the parking lot and I think it's one mile. Maybe next year I'll take some with me. I wonder what the low age is.
Sharon borrowed my camera, so I took some pictures with my phone. I hoped to download them here, but it didn't work. I have to wait till later.
The race started and ended at the community college so I'm taking the opportunity to get some grading done while here. Nobody will sit next to me in the computer lab, I'm sweating like a pig!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
i am a dumbass!
Occasionally I will stray from the topic of walking and talk about something that has riled me up for some reason. It doesn't happen often, but it happens. Well today is one of those days.
One of my jobs is teaching at a local community college. I have a set of keys for all the classrooms I use. I keep them on a separate ring, I don't want to carry them all the time. They sported a keychain that someone gave me that said "world's best graphic designer". Okay, it was a lie, but I like the keychain anyway. They weren't marked. So, what I've been doing, and it worked well was to come from class and put them in a cup holder in the car. Always have them whenever I go to campus. I've been doing it about two terms.
Then I started going to the gym and needed my faculty ID to get in. Being the scatterbrained dumbass that I am, I added the faculty ID to my keychain, so I wouldn't loose either. Keeping it in the same cupholder.
Now, most of my friends and family know that I don't regularly lock my car. Hell, I have to force myself to lock my house. It's not high on my list of priorities. I just am too trusting. Yesterday, after the Turkey Trot, I left my handbag, camera and phone on the front seat of my unlocked car in front of Bonnie's house. I was aghast, but it's typical for me.
Last summer my new GPS was stolen from my car. Never even got to use it. (Next weekend when I need it, I won't have it.) I still didn't learn.
The keys are now gone. I discovered it this morning.
It's kind of ironic because over the weekend I thinking what a dumb idea it was to leave them in the car with the ID hanging on them.The situation needed to be rethought.
I tore apart my car, and my office. I don't see them. They were most likely removed by someone. It worries me because my ID was attached. Between the keychain and the ID someone could figure out where they belong too.
But when?
Wednesday I had class, and had them when I left. I'm pretty sure. Will check the gym tomorrow.
Thursday I didn't use the car. So it was in the garage, fairly safe. But more than likely unlocked.
Friday I went to the Farmers Market. Did I lock the car. More than likely not. It was in the garage, probably unlocked, the rest of the time.
Saturday I went to the Turkey Trot, then Bonnie's. I'm guessing they would have stole my cell phone, camera and purse had they been lifted at Bonnie's. So that leaves the Turkey Trot. Maybe. Was the car locked? I doubt it.
So my new year's resolution should be to lock the damn car and stop being so trusting. It's the perfect day for a new year's resolution. A new year starts for me today.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
i did the turkey trot in sneakers!
Today was HPI's Turkey Trot. Some towns actually have there's on Thanksgiving. I wore my pink sneakers for the whole race. I didn't fall or anything. Amazing.
It started and ended at the Luckenback Mill.
I really wanted to take pixs of some of the people. Runners and workers in Moravian garb, there were even a couple as Native Americans, and that select group of crazy peopl wearing tiny shorts and tank tops on November 28.
I ran into someone from the 3-Day. Donna, part of Gail F's team, and her husband. Donna took the pix of me. Another sourpuss shot. I'm beginning to think that I'm always a sourpuss! Am I?
Donna's hubby was running, she was speed walking. Her goal was 45 minutes. Mine was not finishing last. We started together and then she was off.
On Main Street I got behind a couple and their shaggy dog. The dog was a pain. He wanted to sniff every leaf and every Christmas decoration downtown. I almost tripped over her several times. Thank goodness I walk with Izzy and Logan, I know how to do the doggie walking dance. I finally managed to pass them.
After Main street we went under the bridge to Sand Island, made the 1-mile loop and came back out to Lehigh. We walked into the wind a lot. Then we went around city hall by the sculpture garden, through the historic area, and back down to the Mill via the "Musikfest" path.
I got past the Mill and couldn't find the finish line. At first I thought they had already taken it down. But then I noticed it past the tents, under the Broad Street overpass. I probably lost 20-30 seconds in my confusion. I actually stopped. I crossed the finish at 52.35. I was not last. At least 10 people were behind me.
I guess that's okay. But I walked as fast as I could and tried not to get distracted. And still got 3MPH.
Next week is the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. My brother Dave might do it with me. He kicks butt on the treadmill and elliptical at the gym, and thinks maybe he can make it out on the streets. I'm sure he can. Plus he'll have his wife Barb as a cheerleader. I bet he beats me by at least 5 minutes.
It started and ended at the Luckenback Mill.
I really wanted to take pixs of some of the people. Runners and workers in Moravian garb, there were even a couple as Native Americans, and that select group of crazy peopl wearing tiny shorts and tank tops on November 28.
I ran into someone from the 3-Day. Donna, part of Gail F's team, and her husband. Donna took the pix of me. Another sourpuss shot. I'm beginning to think that I'm always a sourpuss! Am I?Donna's hubby was running, she was speed walking. Her goal was 45 minutes. Mine was not finishing last. We started together and then she was off.
On Main Street I got behind a couple and their shaggy dog. The dog was a pain. He wanted to sniff every leaf and every Christmas decoration downtown. I almost tripped over her several times. Thank goodness I walk with Izzy and Logan, I know how to do the doggie walking dance. I finally managed to pass them.
After Main street we went under the bridge to Sand Island, made the 1-mile loop and came back out to Lehigh. We walked into the wind a lot. Then we went around city hall by the sculpture garden, through the historic area, and back down to the Mill via the "Musikfest" path.
I got past the Mill and couldn't find the finish line. At first I thought they had already taken it down. But then I noticed it past the tents, under the Broad Street overpass. I probably lost 20-30 seconds in my confusion. I actually stopped. I crossed the finish at 52.35. I was not last. At least 10 people were behind me.
I guess that's okay. But I walked as fast as I could and tried not to get distracted. And still got 3MPH.
Next week is the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. My brother Dave might do it with me. He kicks butt on the treadmill and elliptical at the gym, and thinks maybe he can make it out on the streets. I'm sure he can. Plus he'll have his wife Barb as a cheerleader. I bet he beats me by at least 5 minutes.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
it twas the day before Thanksgiving ...
... when all thru the house
not a creature was not stirring not even a mouse;
The sneakers were resting on the stairs with no care,
In hopes that this fat girl soon would be there.
I started to go on, but there's not that many people in this house.
There is no feast planned. I invited several people to dinner and no one accepted. They realize of course that I'm a really bad cook. Although I strive to be Martha, I'm not. Such is life. The roasting chicken I bought is way too big for my sister and I, but not nearly as big as a turkey would have been.
Thinking about Thanksgiving made be remember a Shel Silverstein poem my Girl Scouts read during a scout's own the weekend before Thanksgiving. We were at Camp Helena, and there's was a lot of wild turkeys. My vegetarian friends will like this.
Enough about Thanksgiving.
I have worked out a bit this week. I am still sick. My cold is about 90% gone and I can breath again. My ear was infected and is still blocked and ringing. I can't really hear out of it and it has an odd echo. I now know how crazy people go crazy. I don't really have another $90 for the doctor, so this is how it shall be. I will adapt. When you don't have medical insurance that's what you do. Adapt. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Or at least that's what my mama told me.
Friday I went out walking with Betsy and the dogs. I was supposed to do the Philly marathon Sunday. That didn't happen. Watching the start on television was bittersweet. Monday I did the walking path at the College, then after class went to the gym. I did about 20 minutes on the eliptical and another 20 on this bicycle-like thing. It pedaled like a bike but your legs were out in front of you. It was actually nice, and had little impact on my knees, which is good. Two thing I can do in that gym. Yeah me. Sadly today it closes at 5 for the holiday and my class isn't over till 6. I will, however, do the walking path. I'll also need to go at least 3 miles both Friday and Saturday because the Turkey Trot is Saturday. I do not want to finish last.
I also signed up for the First Night 5K, New Year's Eve. So I have three 5Ks in the next 5 weeks. That should get this fat girl moving again.
I need to move. I walked the stairs at Acopian yesterday and was breathing like daddy by the fourth floor. A few weeks ago I could get to the top without breaking a sweat. A few short weeks of limited activity is undoing everything I accomplished over the summer.
This must stop.
This will stop.
not a creature was not stirring not even a mouse;
The sneakers were resting on the stairs with no care,
In hopes that this fat girl soon would be there.
I started to go on, but there's not that many people in this house.
There is no feast planned. I invited several people to dinner and no one accepted. They realize of course that I'm a really bad cook. Although I strive to be Martha, I'm not. Such is life. The roasting chicken I bought is way too big for my sister and I, but not nearly as big as a turkey would have been.
Thinking about Thanksgiving made be remember a Shel Silverstein poem my Girl Scouts read during a scout's own the weekend before Thanksgiving. We were at Camp Helena, and there's was a lot of wild turkeys. My vegetarian friends will like this.
Thanksgiving dinner's sad and thankless
Christmas dinner's dark and blue
When you stop and try to see it
From the turkey's point of view.
Sunday dinner isn't sunny
Easter feasts are just bad luck
When you see it from the viewpoint
of a chicken or a duck.
Oh how I once loved tuna salad
Pork and lobsters, lamb chops too
'Til I stopped and looked at dinner
From the dinner's point of view.
Enough about Thanksgiving.
I have worked out a bit this week. I am still sick. My cold is about 90% gone and I can breath again. My ear was infected and is still blocked and ringing. I can't really hear out of it and it has an odd echo. I now know how crazy people go crazy. I don't really have another $90 for the doctor, so this is how it shall be. I will adapt. When you don't have medical insurance that's what you do. Adapt. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Or at least that's what my mama told me.
Friday I went out walking with Betsy and the dogs. I was supposed to do the Philly marathon Sunday. That didn't happen. Watching the start on television was bittersweet. Monday I did the walking path at the College, then after class went to the gym. I did about 20 minutes on the eliptical and another 20 on this bicycle-like thing. It pedaled like a bike but your legs were out in front of you. It was actually nice, and had little impact on my knees, which is good. Two thing I can do in that gym. Yeah me. Sadly today it closes at 5 for the holiday and my class isn't over till 6. I will, however, do the walking path. I'll also need to go at least 3 miles both Friday and Saturday because the Turkey Trot is Saturday. I do not want to finish last.
I also signed up for the First Night 5K, New Year's Eve. So I have three 5Ks in the next 5 weeks. That should get this fat girl moving again.
I need to move. I walked the stairs at Acopian yesterday and was breathing like daddy by the fourth floor. A few weeks ago I could get to the top without breaking a sweat. A few short weeks of limited activity is undoing everything I accomplished over the summer.
This must stop.
This will stop.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
the big bad head cold that won't go away
It's back. My head cold from two weeks ago has made a return visit. I feel like crap. Yet, I'm going to do the walking path today and stairs before school, and hit the gym for elliptical after class. Not much, but it's something. I stayed in bed till after 8, then laid on the couch in my jammies till after 9. I was the poster girl this morning for lazy.
Friday I walked with Betsy and the dogs. I was wiped out when we were done. The last few blocks were very long. I chocked it up to the end of the cold. I know know that it was the beginning of the cold coming back.
Sunday it was beautiful. I had planned a five mile walk, but instead I cleaned up graffiti on my garage and helped a few neighbors. It was certainly an upper body workout!
Monday I went to the gym at did the elliptical for about 15 minutes at 3.5-4 MPH. Not bad for my second time. I even figured out how to make the TV work!
I've been thinking a lot about what's next. I had signed up to do the Philly marathon but I withdrew.
I have been looking at stair climbs. There's one in Philly March 20 for the American Lung Assn. The website says Most people who can walk 3 miles can climb 1,088 stairs in about 20 minutes. Yeah, sure. With my knees? They also have one in Wilkes Barre at the Wachovia Arena, same day. It's 1,224 steps up and down the arena. Hmmmm. That might be doable. I could practice at Fisher Stadium. The downs always give my knees a break. I'd have to be able to do it 3 times, I think. They start people 20 seconds apart. Crap, these people are probably running. I don't run. On Feb 28 there is a stair climb for CF sponsored by wawa. It's 53 flights, 1019 steps.
My head is spinning with wild ideas to keep moving.
For now it's 2 5Ks: the Turkey Trot and the Jingle Bell run. My goal is to not come in last place.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
I wanna go here
I took both back to Communications Hall to eat. The Communications department rips apart the Sunday NYTimes and plasters it on the wall. Right at the table I chose was a three-full page article on "Hiking Into History". Suddenly the disaster in the gym seemed far away. I was in love with walking again. I no longer cared that I was out of shape.
From The Times: "The Ridgeway is the oldest continuously used road in Europe, dating back to the Stone Age. Situated in southern England, built by our Neolithic ancestors, it’s at least 5,000 years old, and may even have existed when England was still connected to continental Europe, and the Thames was a tributary of the Rhine." The ancient road is about 40 miles.
I wanna go. Now. But there's a couple of problems. Money, time, and oh, yeah, I don't fly. But it's another goal. One that I can save money for. Time I can plan. Especially if I include enough for a ocean voyage. A girl can dream.
If you have a dream of walking thru ancient England, you can come along. Here's the website to visit in the meantime.
Again, I borrowed the image from Wikipedia.
the 10th circle of Hell
The Divine Comedy written by Dante, is a 14th century epic poem about the Christian afterlife. I thought about it while I was at the gym today with the tears streaming down my face. I was certain I had entered the tenth circle of Hell. I was equally certain that Dante only mentioned nine. Nevertheless it gives me an excuse to use an Italian fresco in a walking blog and that's always a good thing.I arrived for orientation at 11 sharp. But I forgot my ID card, so I had to go back to the adjunct office to get it. So we might have started at 11:10. I was taken back to the young man for my orientation. I think his name was Josh. It doesn't matter. He was barely old enough to have facial hair. I'm guessing he's one of the Colleges athletes.
He pulled out a goldenrod sheet of paper and took me thru the quick circuit. (Seated leg press, leg extension, leg curl, pulldown, chest press, shoulder press, biceps curl, triceps press, back extension, ab machine) Never asked my name, what my fitness goal was, nothing. He demoed each machine. I tried it, and we went on to the next. I immediately forgot what he said about the prior machine. 10 minutes later we were done. He asked if I wanted the goldenrod paper. I said hell yes. And then I was released into a gym alone. It wasn't pretty.
Instructions on the goldenrod paper. 1) Warm up with 5-10 minutes of light aerobic activity and mild flexibilty exercises. We only covered weight machines. So I thought I'd try the elliptical. Heard it was easy. After staring at it for a while I figured out how to make it work....sort of. I got it going and I was quickly zooming at 5mph and was ready for takeoff I managed to get it to stop, but then it erased everyhting I had already done from the monitor. Total time, maybe 2.5 minutes
So maybe that wasn't a good idea. Maybe I can get the treadmill to work. Turn that on and start walking. It's barely moving. I couldn't get it to go more than .25 miles per hour. Meanwhile around me people are running. Not a good sign. Should have went home then and there. But I was stupid and didn't.
2) Use a complete range of motion with each exercise to fully develop range strength and flexiblilty. 3) Never hold your breath while training. (Always a good rule of thumb. Makes life possible.) Try to exhale while exerting the muscles and inhale when return in to the starting position. (You're kidding right? This is one reason I can't do yoga. The whole controlling breathing thing drives me crazy.)
4) Move slower, never faster, if in doubt about the speed of movement. 5) Select a resistance of weight that allows you to complete: Beginner: 12-15 repetitions. Form should be smooth and steady thru the full range of motion. If the min. number of reps is not achieved, the weight is too heavy. If the max can be exceeded, then the weight is too light. (Swell. How about giving me some starting point and then work from there. The machines are all set at 250 pounds and 100 pound 18-year-old girls are lifting them.)
6) Rest a min of 48 hrs and not more than 96 hrs between workouts. End of instructions.
So I went to the "seated leg press". My knee was supposed to line up with this gizmo and it didn't. I couldn't get the seat to move. I pulled, pushed, went up and down and left and right. Nothing. It worked fine when he did it. I tried it without moving the seat it hurt my knee.
It got worse from there. I could never find the right machine and walked around the gym trying to find them. Such a waste of time. I did manage to get one adjusted, but that's it. By the middle point the tears were streaming down my face and I was getting more and more frustrated. Everything hurt, I could never find the right weight, it was always to light or too heavy. Finally I was finished. Thank goodness. I was sweating like a pig and I didn't do much.
I decided to give the elipitcal a second shot. I picked one with the tv on. ESPN. Left it on figuring ou the tv can wait for another day. Turned it on and got it moving and realized I was going backward. It said I was going 3.2 MPH which is about what I walk on the streets, but in 5 minutes I was exhausted but pushed on.
Then I had an epiphany. And it wasn't pretty. I thought all this walking and stair climbing I was doing had me in decent shape, cardio-wise. I have apparently been kidding myself. I'm not in any better shape than the Lazy-Boy potato that lives with me. That was quite a kick in the ass.
So for now, I'll go back but only to do the elliptical. (They don't have a stairmaster.) I only did 10 minutes today at 3.2 MPH. My first goal is 30 minutes. Then I'll up the speed and difficulty.
I'll save my money so that when I return to a gym for weight training, I can have a month or two with a personal trainer. I'll kill myself with those damn machines without one.
(Image from Wikipedia) Artist: Domenico di Michelino "Dante and his Poem", 1465, fresco, Florence Cathedral. Maybe someday I'll actually get to visit it.
ready or not, here I come
I walked Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I'm back on track, or at least I was. Thursday I started hacking, by Friday I had the chills, and Saturday I was congested. Oh it was a killer of a cold but it wasn't the piggie flu or the regular flu, so I don't mind. I did battle with OTC drugs and it worked. Monday was the worse. I think it was peak day.
Tuesday was better, but when I walked to Pfenning I felt it. It felt like I just did 15 miles. I walked across campus. Later (my office is in the basement of Watson) I needed to go upstairs, so I ran up the steps like usual and by the time I reached the upper floor I was panting. Say what? Clearly my lungs were not clear.
Today I feel better. And it's a good thing. It's the big day. Orientation at the College gym. 11 am, sharp. I'm both excited and terrified. Forrays into gyms have never been successful, and sometimes are painful.
The plan after today is to go after class at 6:30. But since I'll be there at 11 I'm going before class. Class starts at 3.
Hopefully I'm dressed for both. I don't want to lug a gym bag. Today I'm wearing yoga pants and a tank top, and my Finn Casual shoes. I have a nice sweater to wear for class. More under-dressed than the average day, but less under-dressed than some other faculty member who look like they just rolled out of bed in their sweats.
They told me to bring a lock for the locker. I'm not going to bother. If they want my sweater, they can have it. I'm keeping my keys with me. My handbag will be either in the truck of the car or the adjunct office. I'm not a big fan of locks, even after my GPS Flora was stolen.
Other updates from the week past
Friday I went to the Dr. after I walked. My BP was 145/90. Not great, hell not even good, but better than the last time. I take what I can get. At least he didn't yell at me. My weight was 236. So since I started this adventure two years ago I've lost 14 pounds and three sizes. Somehow doesn't seem fair. I don't think I lost any inches this year. My 199 goal gets further and further out of reach. At this rate it will be about 2020 and according to the Mayan calendar the world will end in 2012. So it's a moot point. Besides, hasn't someone predicted the end of the world every year of my life? I think so.
Shaku did walk the 3-Day in Dallas. It looks like she had a blast. I'm glad she could have a real 3-Day experience.
My training walk group is meeting at the Thai Kitchen for a celebration dinner Friday. (We need to pick someplace that had also had vegan food). I think we're going to further explore the idea of a walking club.
Tuesday was better, but when I walked to Pfenning I felt it. It felt like I just did 15 miles. I walked across campus. Later (my office is in the basement of Watson) I needed to go upstairs, so I ran up the steps like usual and by the time I reached the upper floor I was panting. Say what? Clearly my lungs were not clear.
Today I feel better. And it's a good thing. It's the big day. Orientation at the College gym. 11 am, sharp. I'm both excited and terrified. Forrays into gyms have never been successful, and sometimes are painful.
The plan after today is to go after class at 6:30. But since I'll be there at 11 I'm going before class. Class starts at 3.
Hopefully I'm dressed for both. I don't want to lug a gym bag. Today I'm wearing yoga pants and a tank top, and my Finn Casual shoes. I have a nice sweater to wear for class. More under-dressed than the average day, but less under-dressed than some other faculty member who look like they just rolled out of bed in their sweats.
They told me to bring a lock for the locker. I'm not going to bother. If they want my sweater, they can have it. I'm keeping my keys with me. My handbag will be either in the truck of the car or the adjunct office. I'm not a big fan of locks, even after my GPS Flora was stolen.
Other updates from the week past
Friday I went to the Dr. after I walked. My BP was 145/90. Not great, hell not even good, but better than the last time. I take what I can get. At least he didn't yell at me. My weight was 236. So since I started this adventure two years ago I've lost 14 pounds and three sizes. Somehow doesn't seem fair. I don't think I lost any inches this year. My 199 goal gets further and further out of reach. At this rate it will be about 2020 and according to the Mayan calendar the world will end in 2012. So it's a moot point. Besides, hasn't someone predicted the end of the world every year of my life? I think so.
Shaku did walk the 3-Day in Dallas. It looks like she had a blast. I'm glad she could have a real 3-Day experience.
My training walk group is meeting at the Thai Kitchen for a celebration dinner Friday. (We need to pick someplace that had also had vegan food). I think we're going to further explore the idea of a walking club.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Inching back toward activity
My sister Barb called Monday morning. "Did you go walking this morning?"
"No"
"Why not, it's a beautiful day."
I offered up all my typical excuses and she pretty much told me to get my fat butt out for a walk. So I did.
I left for school early and did the 1-mile track around the College, in my heels, carrying my briefcase. As I passed the gym I thought about checking it out. Me, a gym. Right.
When I got to my classroom I checked out the gym on-line. There was minimal information but the hours were good. My classes finish at 6 and they were open till 10 on my class nights. It's also free for students and employees.
About 6:30 all the students were gone so I went over to the gym. Ran into a colleague from one of my other jobs and talked about work for a half-hour. Finally I went in. My bubble burst.
There is nobody to show you what to do or make you a program. You get what you pay for, I guess. The man said I just needed to was bring my ID card, fill out a wavier and get a lock for my locker and that's it. All the machines had picture instructions on them. Follow the pictures.
Say what?
The last time I did a gym at my other job WITH supervision and I was often scolded for using the machines incorrectly. Following pictures is not for me.
So I'm still looking.
I could use the gym at Kirby, the one I liked, but it's in Easton. I'm far too lazy to drive a half hour, work out for a hour, and then drive home. That's pretty much the reason I stopped going the first time. It's very cheap, about $25 a term, and they now offer personal trainers, if I read the email right.
I love water aerobics and they offer them for a reasonable price at Cedar Crest, but again, the travel time is crazy. I have multiple jobs I have no free time for travel.
The Y is close, has a pool, classes and machines. But it's very expensive. I have no money.
So my sister calling from Kentucky telling me to get my lazy butt in gear is going to have to do for now. It's flexible, fits the budget, and takes off inches. I signed up for the Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 5. (http://jbr-lv.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=315466 Join me. We'll make a team. Heaven knows this family has arthritis!) It's a 5K and I swore them off. But I know they keep the finish line up for us pokey people. I'm also going to look for the info on the Turkey Trot. Another 5K in historic Bethlehem. Again, I know they keep the finish line up. (http://tinyurl.com/ygm3kmw)
Today, I'll be walking before class again. I'm also taking my camera to see if I can get a shot of the College gym for the blog. I'll be walking with Betsy and the pups on Friday afternoon. And Bonnie called and said she'd walk with me Saturday and Sunday. That will get me thru the week. Maybe all I need to do is just develop new habits
We'll see Friday if it does anything for my BP. If history is any indication, that would be a no.
---------
Postscript. Read the waiver he gave me before class. It had a small section on the bottom that had you sign to refuse the orientation? The man Monday night said nothing about orientation. So I went in again. This time there was a young athletic student behind the desk. I asked her about this "orientation". She said sure and bee bopped across the gym for a clip board. I signed up for Wednesday morning, 11 am. Weights are scary without supervision. But I'll give the eliptical a shot. And maybe the stair climber. I can't hurt myself too badly on them, can I?
"No"
"Why not, it's a beautiful day."
I offered up all my typical excuses and she pretty much told me to get my fat butt out for a walk. So I did.
I left for school early and did the 1-mile track around the College, in my heels, carrying my briefcase. As I passed the gym I thought about checking it out. Me, a gym. Right.
When I got to my classroom I checked out the gym on-line. There was minimal information but the hours were good. My classes finish at 6 and they were open till 10 on my class nights. It's also free for students and employees.About 6:30 all the students were gone so I went over to the gym. Ran into a colleague from one of my other jobs and talked about work for a half-hour. Finally I went in. My bubble burst.
There is nobody to show you what to do or make you a program. You get what you pay for, I guess. The man said I just needed to was bring my ID card, fill out a wavier and get a lock for my locker and that's it. All the machines had picture instructions on them. Follow the pictures.
Say what?
The last time I did a gym at my other job WITH supervision and I was often scolded for using the machines incorrectly. Following pictures is not for me.
So I'm still looking.
I could use the gym at Kirby, the one I liked, but it's in Easton. I'm far too lazy to drive a half hour, work out for a hour, and then drive home. That's pretty much the reason I stopped going the first time. It's very cheap, about $25 a term, and they now offer personal trainers, if I read the email right.
I love water aerobics and they offer them for a reasonable price at Cedar Crest, but again, the travel time is crazy. I have multiple jobs I have no free time for travel.
The Y is close, has a pool, classes and machines. But it's very expensive. I have no money.
So my sister calling from Kentucky telling me to get my lazy butt in gear is going to have to do for now. It's flexible, fits the budget, and takes off inches. I signed up for the Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 5. (http://jbr-lv.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=315466 Join me. We'll make a team. Heaven knows this family has arthritis!) It's a 5K and I swore them off. But I know they keep the finish line up for us pokey people. I'm also going to look for the info on the Turkey Trot. Another 5K in historic Bethlehem. Again, I know they keep the finish line up. (http://tinyurl.com/ygm3kmw)
Today, I'll be walking before class again. I'm also taking my camera to see if I can get a shot of the College gym for the blog. I'll be walking with Betsy and the pups on Friday afternoon. And Bonnie called and said she'd walk with me Saturday and Sunday. That will get me thru the week. Maybe all I need to do is just develop new habits
We'll see Friday if it does anything for my BP. If history is any indication, that would be a no.
---------
Postscript. Read the waiver he gave me before class. It had a small section on the bottom that had you sign to refuse the orientation? The man Monday night said nothing about orientation. So I went in again. This time there was a young athletic student behind the desk. I asked her about this "orientation". She said sure and bee bopped across the gym for a clip board. I signed up for Wednesday morning, 11 am. Weights are scary without supervision. But I'll give the eliptical a shot. And maybe the stair climber. I can't hurt myself too badly on them, can I?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Fat lazy girl not walking.
I really have been hating myself the last couple weeks because I can not get my fat lard butt out walking or stair climbing. I don't know if I'm burned out or what. Any ideas on how to light the fire again?
I even had a great moment on Friday and it didn't motivate me. I was driving Lyds car. She was the passenger since she had a medical procedure. I was really far from her house, but my car was in front. So I left her car run, and went to move mine. I walked to my car, moved it another 25 feet toward the corner. Then for no apparent reason I ran back to her car. It was maybe a 1/2 block. I haven't run a half block since middle school. I hopped into the car and pulled into the newly opened spot. Then it hit me. I wasn't breathing hard. I wasn't panting. I ran and physically I was normal. I was excited. But not excited enough to get walking again.
Today it's beautiful out. I should have walked for hours. I had planned to go with a friend and she called and bagged out. So instead of going out alone I sat at this stupid computer and worked all day. And snacked. I have turned eating into an Olympic event the last two weeks. I've been grazing. And I don't normally graze! I'm eating like there is no tomorrow. And if I keep it up there isn't. My sweet tooth is in another universe it's so active. The timing is awful too. I need to go to the doctor at the end of the week. There will be no weight loss this time.I don't have a clue what my BP is. This will not be pretty.
I walked one day this week. Friday afternoon with Betsy and the pups. And last Sunday I did feel guilty enough to take the scenic route down o Aharts and back. Both times I wore my new pink shoes and they were comfy.
Yesterday I killed another pedometer. I was helping Elin move. It was fine at the old house with all those steps. (So was I come to think of it.) I will not miss the steps at Elin's old house. The front ones are horrible. The ones to the second floor are really horrible (and they've been fixed. They were insane before!) And the attic ones are beyond description. Of course those I did about 50 times. I got Elin and her broken leg up to the second floor (first time in 3 months) and then I shuttled boxes from the attic. Later, Elins friend Charlette came and helped me. It broke at the new place. Walking in the back door carrying nothing. Doesn't really matter. Since the 3-Day I think I've had one day over 10,000 steps. Most average 5,000. I haven't even bothered writing it down on logging it on beewell.com.
I'm thinking of signing up for a stair climb in February, but am not sure if my knees could take it. I have the form here for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. It's a 5K. I've sworn off 5Ks but it's for arthritis, so maybe I should reconsider. Will it be enough to get me moving again. The Turkey Trot is Thanksgiving weekend. Again, a 5K.
What to do, what to do? This fat girl needs to stop grazing and start walking again. Any ideas to motivate me would be appreciated. "Just do it" won't work.
I even had a great moment on Friday and it didn't motivate me. I was driving Lyds car. She was the passenger since she had a medical procedure. I was really far from her house, but my car was in front. So I left her car run, and went to move mine. I walked to my car, moved it another 25 feet toward the corner. Then for no apparent reason I ran back to her car. It was maybe a 1/2 block. I haven't run a half block since middle school. I hopped into the car and pulled into the newly opened spot. Then it hit me. I wasn't breathing hard. I wasn't panting. I ran and physically I was normal. I was excited. But not excited enough to get walking again.
Today it's beautiful out. I should have walked for hours. I had planned to go with a friend and she called and bagged out. So instead of going out alone I sat at this stupid computer and worked all day. And snacked. I have turned eating into an Olympic event the last two weeks. I've been grazing. And I don't normally graze! I'm eating like there is no tomorrow. And if I keep it up there isn't. My sweet tooth is in another universe it's so active. The timing is awful too. I need to go to the doctor at the end of the week. There will be no weight loss this time.I don't have a clue what my BP is. This will not be pretty.
I walked one day this week. Friday afternoon with Betsy and the pups. And last Sunday I did feel guilty enough to take the scenic route down o Aharts and back. Both times I wore my new pink shoes and they were comfy.
Yesterday I killed another pedometer. I was helping Elin move. It was fine at the old house with all those steps. (So was I come to think of it.) I will not miss the steps at Elin's old house. The front ones are horrible. The ones to the second floor are really horrible (and they've been fixed. They were insane before!) And the attic ones are beyond description. Of course those I did about 50 times. I got Elin and her broken leg up to the second floor (first time in 3 months) and then I shuttled boxes from the attic. Later, Elins friend Charlette came and helped me. It broke at the new place. Walking in the back door carrying nothing. Doesn't really matter. Since the 3-Day I think I've had one day over 10,000 steps. Most average 5,000. I haven't even bothered writing it down on logging it on beewell.com.
I'm thinking of signing up for a stair climb in February, but am not sure if my knees could take it. I have the form here for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. It's a 5K. I've sworn off 5Ks but it's for arthritis, so maybe I should reconsider. Will it be enough to get me moving again. The Turkey Trot is Thanksgiving weekend. Again, a 5K.
What to do, what to do? This fat girl needs to stop grazing and start walking again. Any ideas to motivate me would be appreciated. "Just do it" won't work.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday off?
I've been training for the walks since about April. neither went exactly according to plan. Such is life. Today I was going to train for the marathon with my GS friend Betsy, but she's ill. So I decided to take the day off; at least for now.
The sun is out and it's warm. I did the laundry and hung it outside to dry. I cleaned out some of the garden and picked the volunteer pumpkins and cleaned up the vines. I had extended pumpkin picking invites to all my friends and family in town with wee ones. Nobody came. So now I have 5 beautiful pumpkins to process with the Kitchen Aid. If you need pumpkin for your Thanksgiving pies, let me know. The puree gets so beautiful in the Kitchen Aid that all you need to do is add cream, spices and call it soup. If only I liked pumpkin.
So now I'm getting caught up on paperwork, getting Sharon's address book updated, and her Christmas labels printed out for her client Christmas cards. It almost sounds like a average day.
Today on the CBS Morning show, yep I watched tv too, it was all about obesity. It did not inspire me. Usually that kind of stuff does. Maybe taking a little time off is good. But not too much. I have to go back to the "doctor" for my blood pressure by Thanksgiving. If I slack-off too much it will skyrocket back up, he'll get angry, and give me more drug. I don't want more drugs. I want less. Actually I want none.
I don't think I'm even going to try the marathon. I can't walk fast enough and I'm not that motivated to train. Back to back breast cancer walks have burnt me out. I haven't had my pedometer on in about a month!
Maybe I'll go walking later today. It's only 10:30 am and already I'm feeling guilty for not get my lard-butt moving. I really do want to break in my new sneakers.
So now I'm getting caught up on paperwork, getting Sharon's address book updated, and her Christmas labels printed out for her client Christmas cards. It almost sounds like a average day.
Today on the CBS Morning show, yep I watched tv too, it was all about obesity. It did not inspire me. Usually that kind of stuff does. Maybe taking a little time off is good. But not too much. I have to go back to the "doctor" for my blood pressure by Thanksgiving. If I slack-off too much it will skyrocket back up, he'll get angry, and give me more drug. I don't want more drugs. I want less. Actually I want none.
I don't think I'm even going to try the marathon. I can't walk fast enough and I'm not that motivated to train. Back to back breast cancer walks have burnt me out. I haven't had my pedometer on in about a month!
Maybe I'll go walking later today. It's only 10:30 am and already I'm feeling guilty for not get my lard-butt moving. I really do want to break in my new sneakers.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The 3 day and the Nor'easter
I brought this over from my 3-day blog. Since it's a major portion of my walking experience, it must be represented.
The Event
The 3-Day (-2) finally happened on Sunday. Shaku and her niece Tanuja picked me up at 4:45 a.m. and we drove to the Philly Naval Yard, where they bussed us in school buses to Fairmont Park.
It was raining when we arrived. There was at least an inch of standing water on the grass. This is where we would have been camping if it were a true three-day. It's good they canceled.
We finally met up with Shirley, Lori (Dixie Cups), Jen and Angie (Girls Kick Asphalt). It was organized chaos.
The 3-day organizers set up the start line as they do on each day with the big blow up balloons and the alley of flags. Nevertheless, there was no opening ceremony to inspire us. A DJ was playing music and the speaker from last year's 3-Day (I'm guessing the head of the Philly affiliate) opening ceremonies was attempting to motivate us. It was not working. I was already cold and wet.
I do not know whose brilliant idea it was, but they lined us up in the muddy grass instead of the street. I guess to keep us out of traffic. However, I am a woman on a mission, so there is no use complaining. As they say in the Nike ads, "Just Do it."
Shaku and her Tanuja got out first, then me, the "Cups" and "Asphalt." It took maybe 45 minutes to get thru the shoot. By rest station one, I had lost everybody.
I walked the 3-Day alone; again. It was much harder this year, with the rain and the cold. I had to concentrate hard not to fall; it was olde city day; lots of bricks, slate and cobblestones.
Again, this year my footwear was the topic of conversation for the people who passed me.
The course was different. We walked thru Fairmont Park and came out near the Zoo. It was early in the morning and the animals seemed to notice the unusual activity. The giraffes seemed to be especially puzzled, they were thinking "who left the humans in so early in the morning". We came out in the Frog Parking Lot and entered Manchua. The overpass walls are covered with animal murals. I only took a shot of the lions, because I couldn't spend 10 minutes taking pictures! It was in Manchua that I started taking pictures of the murals. Maybe I should do a walking mural tour.
The rain slowed down and even stopped for a time. It looked like the sun was battling to come out. I peeled off some layers, but then I had to carry them.
I took no breaks at the rest stations. I stopped to use the bathroom if there was no line, and to fill my water bottle. I wanted to rest, but there was just no place dry to sit or lean. I just kept pushing thru. I was planning a big stop on South Street with Bonnie, Beth and Sharon. But they were lost and told me not to wait. They could not find "the hippest street in town!" Santa needs to bring them a GPS unit for Christmas.
As I passed Geno's and Pat's Steaks in south Philly I noticed, the huge lines filled with hungry walkers wearing pink. Lunch was the next stop and they were not waiting. (Geno's had the longest lines.) They were eating south Philly soul food.
A short time later, still in south Philly, mile 12 I could not go any further. My body said no, no, no. I saw a church with huge marble stairs and they looked dry. I sat down. It felt wonderful. Three 3-day safety bikers stopped to ask if I was okay. I was cold, wet, bored and tired. I felt like I had walked all 60 miles. "Sure" I said, "as much as I could be. Just stopping for a break." Those 5 minutes rejuvenated me, and I was off again.
Lunch was the last rest stop. It turned out to be a pseudo finish line: they scanned our tags, fed us lunch, and we picked up our shirts... things that usually happen at the finish line. We were told to wait in the auditorium and we would walk as a group the last three miles to closing ceremonies. The clouds were getting black and the wind had picked up. The temperature was dropping. I think the organizers did not want us waiting in the holding area by closing ceremonies if yet another storm happened thru.
I ate lunch outside, not in the cafeteria, my first real food since the night before. (At 4 am, I had a Tastycake Kandycake. That doesn't count as real food, right?) It was a sandwich made of thick, yummy, multi-grain bread with spinach, sprouts, humus, and peppers. I picked up a bag of Cheezits, but did not eat them. (Last I saw them they were on the kitchen table. They evaporated.) I also picked up a bag of grapes that I ate later at the Navy yard while waiting for the lost scoobies. I only ate about half the sandwich. I wasn't hungry.
I left the school and started walking to the finish. So did many other walkers. After sitting a while and eating a little, I felt even better. As I arrived at the Navy Yard, I was getting excited. I could hear people cheering. The finish line.
I chose to wait for Bonnie and the gang to cross it. As we entered the crowd of people were there, but the balloons were not. The flags were not there*. No official finish line. What a disappointment.
We did not stay for closing. We drove back to Coopersburg and had margari-tatas and Mexican food at Casa Toro. Seemed appropriate since I had a fundraiser there.
--
ps. Just looked at the photos on line. Looks like the closing ceremonies were held at the school!
---------------------------
Non-Day One
It's the first day of the 3-Day and I'm sitting in my living room working like always. There is something wrong with this picture.
As noted in the previous post the first two days were canceled. The third day will go on. When it was believed that only day one would be canceled I had several call, the first from Beth, saying "don't be a hero. If you want to stop, I'll come pick you up." That's a really nice feeling. I don't think I would have taken anyone up on the offer. I'm stubborn. I probably would have ended up in the hospital.
Sunday, it will still be cold and raining and windy and a Nor'easter. I was kind of pouty today because I was disappointed. It really didn't rain much, it was the lull between the two storms. It was cold.
The FAQ I just received was in QA format. It says: "How will you provide us a safe walk on Sunday when the forecast is similar to Friday and Saturday? Part of our decision to cancel Friday and Saturday's events was the physical deterioration of our camp location which prevented us from implementing the camp portion of the event that occurs on those nights." On the news it said the big tents were sinking in the mud at the park. Talk about dangerous. It continues: "We have made additional accommodations on Sunday's route to include more indoor stops providing locations for participants to stay warm, extra buses to pick up participants along the route and heated tents at the holding area.
Ultimately our participants know their physical limitations better than anyone else and we do rely on them to listen to their bodies. If walkers have reservations about their ability to participate under these weather conditions we recommend they either skip the walking portion of the day and join us in the holding area at Navy Yard or take advantage of the SAG vehicles along the route."
Beth is still coming down. So is Sharon. I'm not sure yet about Bonnie. I guess she'll decide in the morning. No use getting anybody getting sick, other than me.
On the news we saw group of out-of-towners hitting the malls to walk. The FAQ opened with "We realize it has been a challenging weekend with the extreme cold and rain and today you showed us what it means to be a Breast Cancer 3-Day participant. Inspiration is the word that defines you, the 2009 Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day community. Walkers and crew members alike have shown us this weekend nothing - including the rain and cold, or a modified event - will stand in the way of your fight against breast cancer. You laced up your shoes, organized your own indoor walks throughout Philadelphia today, keeping the spirit of the Breast Cancer 3-Day community vibrant for all to experience. As event organizers and beneficiaries of the Breast Cancer 3-Day, we applaud your strength and thank you for being the true heroes in our collective goal to put an end to this deadly disease."
Because our event was canceled, we don't have to pay a registration fee next year. But I won't be doing the 3-Day next year. If I do an event, and that's a big if, it will be with Bonnie and most likely the Avon 2-day.
We also have the option of walking in one of the upcoming walks. Again from the email FAQ: Can I walk in another city in 2009 since I didn't get to complete the Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day, even if I participate on Sunday, October 18th? Yes. You can choose to walk in one of the remaining five 2009 events if you raise the fundraising minimum of $2,300 for the Philadelphia event (you have until November 18th to meet that fundraising minimum). If this is something you would like to pursue, please email our coaches at ----@The3Day.org to transfer your registration to another event. You will be notified as to when you can begin the online check-in process for that event via email." Sounds really tempting but face it I don't fly and the remaining events are in Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Arizona (beautiful but ick) and San Deigo.
So Sunday will be it for me. Energizer is a sponsor. Maybe I'll see the very wet pink bunny.
--------------
2 DAYS CANCELLED!
It's been quite a night. The rumor mill has been working overtime. Here's the official word.
"In light of the extreme cold, windy and wet weather conditions, the Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day will now be a one day walk on Sunday. We will not walk on Saturday since the weather forecast currently does not show improvement. The weather has also caused physical deterioration of our camp location preventing us from implementing the camp portion of the event. As organizers of the Breast Cancer 3-Day, our main priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of our participants. After consultation with medical and safety experts, a modified version of the event was determined to be the most appropriate action.
We will start our walk on Sunday, October 18th, at 7 a.m. from Fairmount Park, located at 2030 Belmont Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19131. We will walk the route originally planned for Sunday and end with our Closing Ceremonies at 5 p.m. at Navy Yard, located at Intrepid Ave., and Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19112. Additional logistical information for Sunday's event will be posted on this webpage by tomorrow, October 16th, at 5 p.m. Please monitor the weather and dress appropriately for the current weather conditions.
It disappoints us to have to change your journey because we know the level of dedication shown by you, our participants and volunteers, especially after you've spent months training, fundraising and devoting your time to help fight breast cancer. Please know we are committed to showing you the best Breast Cancer 3-Day possible despite what Mother Nature has served us. We look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Bummed.
The Event
The 3-Day (-2) finally happened on Sunday. Shaku and her niece Tanuja picked me up at 4:45 a.m. and we drove to the Philly Naval Yard, where they bussed us in school buses to Fairmont Park.It was raining when we arrived. There was at least an inch of standing water on the grass. This is where we would have been camping if it were a true three-day. It's good they canceled.
We finally met up with Shirley, Lori (Dixie Cups), Jen and Angie (Girls Kick Asphalt). It was organized chaos.
The 3-day organizers set up the start line as they do on each day with the big blow up balloons and the alley of flags. Nevertheless, there was no opening ceremony to inspire us. A DJ was playing music and the speaker from last year's 3-Day (I'm guessing the head of the Philly affiliate) opening ceremonies was attempting to motivate us. It was not working. I was already cold and wet.
I do not know whose brilliant idea it was, but they lined us up in the muddy grass instead of the street. I guess to keep us out of traffic. However, I am a woman on a mission, so there is no use complaining. As they say in the Nike ads, "Just Do it."
Shaku and her Tanuja got out first, then me, the "Cups" and "Asphalt." It took maybe 45 minutes to get thru the shoot. By rest station one, I had lost everybody.
I walked the 3-Day alone; again. It was much harder this year, with the rain and the cold. I had to concentrate hard not to fall; it was olde city day; lots of bricks, slate and cobblestones.
Again, this year my footwear was the topic of conversation for the people who passed me.
The course was different. We walked thru Fairmont Park and came out near the Zoo. It was early in the morning and the animals seemed to notice the unusual activity. The giraffes seemed to be especially puzzled, they were thinking "who left the humans in so early in the morning". We came out in the Frog Parking Lot and entered Manchua. The overpass walls are covered with animal murals. I only took a shot of the lions, because I couldn't spend 10 minutes taking pictures! It was in Manchua that I started taking pictures of the murals. Maybe I should do a walking mural tour.
The rain slowed down and even stopped for a time. It looked like the sun was battling to come out. I peeled off some layers, but then I had to carry them.
I took no breaks at the rest stations. I stopped to use the bathroom if there was no line, and to fill my water bottle. I wanted to rest, but there was just no place dry to sit or lean. I just kept pushing thru. I was planning a big stop on South Street with Bonnie, Beth and Sharon. But they were lost and told me not to wait. They could not find "the hippest street in town!" Santa needs to bring them a GPS unit for Christmas.
As I passed Geno's and Pat's Steaks in south Philly I noticed, the huge lines filled with hungry walkers wearing pink. Lunch was the next stop and they were not waiting. (Geno's had the longest lines.) They were eating south Philly soul food.
A short time later, still in south Philly, mile 12 I could not go any further. My body said no, no, no. I saw a church with huge marble stairs and they looked dry. I sat down. It felt wonderful. Three 3-day safety bikers stopped to ask if I was okay. I was cold, wet, bored and tired. I felt like I had walked all 60 miles. "Sure" I said, "as much as I could be. Just stopping for a break." Those 5 minutes rejuvenated me, and I was off again.
Lunch was the last rest stop. It turned out to be a pseudo finish line: they scanned our tags, fed us lunch, and we picked up our shirts... things that usually happen at the finish line. We were told to wait in the auditorium and we would walk as a group the last three miles to closing ceremonies. The clouds were getting black and the wind had picked up. The temperature was dropping. I think the organizers did not want us waiting in the holding area by closing ceremonies if yet another storm happened thru.
I ate lunch outside, not in the cafeteria, my first real food since the night before. (At 4 am, I had a Tastycake Kandycake. That doesn't count as real food, right?) It was a sandwich made of thick, yummy, multi-grain bread with spinach, sprouts, humus, and peppers. I picked up a bag of Cheezits, but did not eat them. (Last I saw them they were on the kitchen table. They evaporated.) I also picked up a bag of grapes that I ate later at the Navy yard while waiting for the lost scoobies. I only ate about half the sandwich. I wasn't hungry.
I left the school and started walking to the finish. So did many other walkers. After sitting a while and eating a little, I felt even better. As I arrived at the Navy Yard, I was getting excited. I could hear people cheering. The finish line.
I chose to wait for Bonnie and the gang to cross it. As we entered the crowd of people were there, but the balloons were not. The flags were not there*. No official finish line. What a disappointment.
We did not stay for closing. We drove back to Coopersburg and had margari-tatas and Mexican food at Casa Toro. Seemed appropriate since I had a fundraiser there.
--
ps. Just looked at the photos on line. Looks like the closing ceremonies were held at the school!
---------------------------
Non-Day One
It's the first day of the 3-Day and I'm sitting in my living room working like always. There is something wrong with this picture.
As noted in the previous post the first two days were canceled. The third day will go on. When it was believed that only day one would be canceled I had several call, the first from Beth, saying "don't be a hero. If you want to stop, I'll come pick you up." That's a really nice feeling. I don't think I would have taken anyone up on the offer. I'm stubborn. I probably would have ended up in the hospital.
Sunday, it will still be cold and raining and windy and a Nor'easter. I was kind of pouty today because I was disappointed. It really didn't rain much, it was the lull between the two storms. It was cold.
The FAQ I just received was in QA format. It says: "How will you provide us a safe walk on Sunday when the forecast is similar to Friday and Saturday? Part of our decision to cancel Friday and Saturday's events was the physical deterioration of our camp location which prevented us from implementing the camp portion of the event that occurs on those nights." On the news it said the big tents were sinking in the mud at the park. Talk about dangerous. It continues: "We have made additional accommodations on Sunday's route to include more indoor stops providing locations for participants to stay warm, extra buses to pick up participants along the route and heated tents at the holding area.
Ultimately our participants know their physical limitations better than anyone else and we do rely on them to listen to their bodies. If walkers have reservations about their ability to participate under these weather conditions we recommend they either skip the walking portion of the day and join us in the holding area at Navy Yard or take advantage of the SAG vehicles along the route."
Beth is still coming down. So is Sharon. I'm not sure yet about Bonnie. I guess she'll decide in the morning. No use getting anybody getting sick, other than me.
On the news we saw group of out-of-towners hitting the malls to walk. The FAQ opened with "We realize it has been a challenging weekend with the extreme cold and rain and today you showed us what it means to be a Breast Cancer 3-Day participant. Inspiration is the word that defines you, the 2009 Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day community. Walkers and crew members alike have shown us this weekend nothing - including the rain and cold, or a modified event - will stand in the way of your fight against breast cancer. You laced up your shoes, organized your own indoor walks throughout Philadelphia today, keeping the spirit of the Breast Cancer 3-Day community vibrant for all to experience. As event organizers and beneficiaries of the Breast Cancer 3-Day, we applaud your strength and thank you for being the true heroes in our collective goal to put an end to this deadly disease."
Because our event was canceled, we don't have to pay a registration fee next year. But I won't be doing the 3-Day next year. If I do an event, and that's a big if, it will be with Bonnie and most likely the Avon 2-day.
We also have the option of walking in one of the upcoming walks. Again from the email FAQ: Can I walk in another city in 2009 since I didn't get to complete the Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day, even if I participate on Sunday, October 18th? Yes. You can choose to walk in one of the remaining five 2009 events if you raise the fundraising minimum of $2,300 for the Philadelphia event (you have until November 18th to meet that fundraising minimum). If this is something you would like to pursue, please email our coaches at ----@The3Day.org to transfer your registration to another event. You will be notified as to when you can begin the online check-in process for that event via email." Sounds really tempting but face it I don't fly and the remaining events are in Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Arizona (beautiful but ick) and San Deigo.
So Sunday will be it for me. Energizer is a sponsor. Maybe I'll see the very wet pink bunny.
--------------
2 DAYS CANCELLED!
It's been quite a night. The rumor mill has been working overtime. Here's the official word.
"In light of the extreme cold, windy and wet weather conditions, the Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day will now be a one day walk on Sunday. We will not walk on Saturday since the weather forecast currently does not show improvement. The weather has also caused physical deterioration of our camp location preventing us from implementing the camp portion of the event. As organizers of the Breast Cancer 3-Day, our main priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of our participants. After consultation with medical and safety experts, a modified version of the event was determined to be the most appropriate action.
We will start our walk on Sunday, October 18th, at 7 a.m. from Fairmount Park, located at 2030 Belmont Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19131. We will walk the route originally planned for Sunday and end with our Closing Ceremonies at 5 p.m. at Navy Yard, located at Intrepid Ave., and Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19112. Additional logistical information for Sunday's event will be posted on this webpage by tomorrow, October 16th, at 5 p.m. Please monitor the weather and dress appropriately for the current weather conditions.
It disappoints us to have to change your journey because we know the level of dedication shown by you, our participants and volunteers, especially after you've spent months training, fundraising and devoting your time to help fight breast cancer. Please know we are committed to showing you the best Breast Cancer 3-Day possible despite what Mother Nature has served us. We look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Bummed.
Avon Walk--With a laptop on my back
Originally posted on my Avon Blog the day after the walk. This is a bit more permanent.
--
October 9-11...with a laptop on my back
Event weekend. We left P'burg about noon, by the we gassed up, banked, and picked up everyone. We hit Brooklyn at about 2. Surprising, but traffic was heavy. The event eve party had already started.
We got settled in our room and went in search of lunch, and found Trader Joe's, came back and went to event eve. It was sort-of like Expo at the 3-Day but tons more fun. There were people begging for money so that they could walk. Some were as little as $100 short, others much farther. One lady was $1100. I wouldn't have went. We have till about Dec. 1 to get all the $ in but I guess they weren't willing to give over their credit card number to assure the donations. For $100 I would have. For $1100, no way.
We met Beth and Pat's walker buddy Tara several times thru the weekend bu the first was at Event Eve.
At event eve we collected lots of stuff. Pedometer, water bottles, blister block, hand sanitizer, lip balm (of course they were Avon), pink ribbon pins, etc.
In the hall people were hawking their wares to make their money. I bought a big button that says "blisters don't need chemo." Also bought one that says "walking chick" and one for both Beth and I that said "I'm a street walker".
I took my laptop to do my online classes. The hotel internet was $14.95. I took my lap top to all the usual wi-fi places and nobody was free. (Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, McDs, Dunkin Donuts....) I guess they don't want people hanging out all day using the Wi-Fi. When I came back to the hotel, angry, I was riding up the escalator when the light bulb went on. I'm an idiot. (but then you knew that.) Avon is in there checking people in, and registering people for next year. They had to either bring an internet connection or are using the hotels. So I sat outside the ballroom and turned on the laptop. Opened "airport" and there it was on the list. AVON1, AVON2. Now I pray they didn't ask me for a password. The 1st one did. The second one didn't. I shoot, I score, I get into class. However my cell phone died the minute I reached Brooklyn.
We went to a pub for dinner and hit the hay early. We needed to be up at 3:30 am to make the 5 am shuttle. With three people in the room it would be a challenge. It went well and we got downstairs by 4:45.
The shuttle took us to Pier 84 where bagels and orange juice awaited us. The opening ceremonies started at 6:15 and we hit the streets by 6:45. I had my laptop in my backpack. No way I was letting the gear guys have it.
This is the route for Saturday. We started at Pier 84 (about 42 street) and walked up the riverfront to about 149th street. Then we walked all the way back down to city hall, across the Brooklyn Bridge, back the Manhattan Bridge and back uptown to about 110th and then over to Randall's Island near the Tri-Boro bridge for the night.
We met up with both Pat and Diane that had done training walks with us. We walk part of Saturday with Pat.
Along the route was also the Youth Crew. Girls from 10-14 who sang familiar songs with much different words and cheered and were very perky. They had yellow shirts like ours with Youth Crew on. At camp a few had t-s on that said the "Itty Bitty Titty Committee" I didn't get a pix.
We stopped in Brooklyn, about 18 miles, and bussed it to Randall's Island. The route closed at 6:15 and we heard Diane was still out there. She refused to come in. Sounds like me if I was alone. (Although I think if they said get in the van I would have. At Koman you get disqualified for not following the rules.) They had a van follower her and eventually a police escort. She did all 26 miles and finished at 7:30. Last I heard she had feet full of blisters and started walking on again Sunday. She was finishing come hell or high water. Fool.
I loved camp! podiatrist, PT, chiropractors, yoga, massages and 5 SHOWER TRAILERS (filled with Avon products. The pink shower gel was nice. I wonder if the boys got pink too?). No lines!. So I showered, and had my first chiropractors visit (fun!), a massage (1st time, fun!), and then I did the machine-foot massage in their tent (2nd time-fun!). A couple of Boy Scout offered to set up my tent. I resisted the urge to say scram, and said sure. Why not. Took three tents before we got one that wasn't wet and had poles. Didn't get to take a yoga class.
FYI Avon's blister block is great. Might have to order some. So is their vanilla hand sanitizer available at every rest stop 2.5 miles apart. Food was so-so.
Sunday we got up about 5:30 showered again, took down the tent and found what looked like litter. It wasn't. It was a ribbon to wear, that pixies delivered to certian tents during the night. It represented that every 3 minutes someone is diagnoised. We decided to share wearing the ribbon, but I wore it the whole time. Apparently they were also given out on the room. By closing there was lots of them.
We ate breakfast and hit the streets. We left the island and were going around Central park. All of it. We had to deal with lots more traffic and a lot more stop start. At one point a woman (not a walker) fell down the steps of a store and was in the middle of the sidewalk, face down. Our little medical car radioed for help (good thing he was there...karma, it's a good thing) and stayed with her until the ambulance came. The walkers had already covered her with mylar blankets. Someone said she looked like she was having a seizure coming out of the store.
We stopped walking at lunch time. Beth's feet really hurt, so when the bus drove us to the finish line we cross the line, took our victory pix, and she headed for the medical tent.
So for me it was a good training walk. For Beth it was a personal best.
Koman, here I come.
--
October 9-11...with a laptop on my back
Event weekend. We left P'burg about noon, by the we gassed up, banked, and picked up everyone. We hit Brooklyn at about 2. Surprising, but traffic was heavy. The event eve party had already started.
We got settled in our room and went in search of lunch, and found Trader Joe's, came back and went to event eve. It was sort-of like Expo at the 3-Day but tons more fun. There were people begging for money so that they could walk. Some were as little as $100 short, others much farther. One lady was $1100. I wouldn't have went. We have till about Dec. 1 to get all the $ in but I guess they weren't willing to give over their credit card number to assure the donations. For $100 I would have. For $1100, no way.
We met Beth and Pat's walker buddy Tara several times thru the weekend bu the first was at Event Eve.
At event eve we collected lots of stuff. Pedometer, water bottles, blister block, hand sanitizer, lip balm (of course they were Avon), pink ribbon pins, etc.
In the hall people were hawking their wares to make their money. I bought a big button that says "blisters don't need chemo." Also bought one that says "walking chick" and one for both Beth and I that said "I'm a street walker".
I took my laptop to do my online classes. The hotel internet was $14.95. I took my lap top to all the usual wi-fi places and nobody was free. (Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, McDs, Dunkin Donuts....) I guess they don't want people hanging out all day using the Wi-Fi. When I came back to the hotel, angry, I was riding up the escalator when the light bulb went on. I'm an idiot. (but then you knew that.) Avon is in there checking people in, and registering people for next year. They had to either bring an internet connection or are using the hotels. So I sat outside the ballroom and turned on the laptop. Opened "airport" and there it was on the list. AVON1, AVON2. Now I pray they didn't ask me for a password. The 1st one did. The second one didn't. I shoot, I score, I get into class. However my cell phone died the minute I reached Brooklyn.
We went to a pub for dinner and hit the hay early. We needed to be up at 3:30 am to make the 5 am shuttle. With three people in the room it would be a challenge. It went well and we got downstairs by 4:45.
The shuttle took us to Pier 84 where bagels and orange juice awaited us. The opening ceremonies started at 6:15 and we hit the streets by 6:45. I had my laptop in my backpack. No way I was letting the gear guys have it.
This is the route for Saturday. We started at Pier 84 (about 42 street) and walked up the riverfront to about 149th street. Then we walked all the way back down to city hall, across the Brooklyn Bridge, back the Manhattan Bridge and back uptown to about 110th and then over to Randall's Island near the Tri-Boro bridge for the night.
We met up with both Pat and Diane that had done training walks with us. We walk part of Saturday with Pat.
Along the route was also the Youth Crew. Girls from 10-14 who sang familiar songs with much different words and cheered and were very perky. They had yellow shirts like ours with Youth Crew on. At camp a few had t-s on that said the "Itty Bitty Titty Committee" I didn't get a pix.
We stopped in Brooklyn, about 18 miles, and bussed it to Randall's Island. The route closed at 6:15 and we heard Diane was still out there. She refused to come in. Sounds like me if I was alone. (Although I think if they said get in the van I would have. At Koman you get disqualified for not following the rules.) They had a van follower her and eventually a police escort. She did all 26 miles and finished at 7:30. Last I heard she had feet full of blisters and started walking on again Sunday. She was finishing come hell or high water. Fool.
I loved camp! podiatrist, PT, chiropractors, yoga, massages and 5 SHOWER TRAILERS (filled with Avon products. The pink shower gel was nice. I wonder if the boys got pink too?). No lines!. So I showered, and had my first chiropractors visit (fun!), a massage (1st time, fun!), and then I did the machine-foot massage in their tent (2nd time-fun!). A couple of Boy Scout offered to set up my tent. I resisted the urge to say scram, and said sure. Why not. Took three tents before we got one that wasn't wet and had poles. Didn't get to take a yoga class.
FYI Avon's blister block is great. Might have to order some. So is their vanilla hand sanitizer available at every rest stop 2.5 miles apart. Food was so-so.
Sunday we got up about 5:30 showered again, took down the tent and found what looked like litter. It wasn't. It was a ribbon to wear, that pixies delivered to certian tents during the night. It represented that every 3 minutes someone is diagnoised. We decided to share wearing the ribbon, but I wore it the whole time. Apparently they were also given out on the room. By closing there was lots of them.
We ate breakfast and hit the streets. We left the island and were going around Central park. All of it. We had to deal with lots more traffic and a lot more stop start. At one point a woman (not a walker) fell down the steps of a store and was in the middle of the sidewalk, face down. Our little medical car radioed for help (good thing he was there...karma, it's a good thing) and stayed with her until the ambulance came. The walkers had already covered her with mylar blankets. Someone said she looked like she was having a seizure coming out of the store.
We stopped walking at lunch time. Beth's feet really hurt, so when the bus drove us to the finish line we cross the line, took our victory pix, and she headed for the medical tent.
So for me it was a good training walk. For Beth it was a personal best.
Koman, here I come.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Another pair of sneakers
Last night Beth and I went to the Promenade Shoppes. She wanted to get another pair of sneakers before Saturdays walk. Hopefully she can break them in. New Balance is a 3-Day sponsor (for 20 years!) and they give a discount to walkers. So off we went.When we arrived they had outdone themselves with pink for October. There was pink everywhere. There on the shelf was pink sneakers, made in the USA. I was tempted. But resisted. We got Beth's sneaks and left.
After walking around the "lifestyle center" I said those pink sneakers are cute enough to make me want to try them on. I had worn my Finn Casuals on Sunday for 6 miles with no problems, but they really didn't offer any cushion. They felt like my Birks. That's not good for long-distance walking. This is one thing I know.
So we went back and tried them on. They fit. I think. I have to wear them a couple times to know for sure. And as a bonus I got a little box of stuff. A workout video (ha ha) and a sneaker shaped USB drive. Loaded on it is the Koman video. But I can erase that. I was hoping to use it for school, but there's not way to hang or attach it.So there it is. I've bought two pairs of shoes for walking. Now will I wear either one? Not for the Avon or the 3-Day. No time to break them in. But the Philly marathon has potential. Stay tuned.
A trip to Wawa
This morning I made an innocent trip to Wawa for milk. I was in the car and following the city bus. As I approached Broadway and Delaware a family got off the bus to walk the 2 blocks to the grade school. Now in Bethlehem, if you live more than 1 mile away, you ride the school bus. These people took the bus maximum 7-8 blocks. Mom was really overweight. The kids were overweight. The walk would have done them good. Besides, who want's to throw that kind of money away everyday to ride the bus. It's $2.50 per person! Even with passes it's got to be $1.50.
Then as the bus pulled away the girl child, maybe 6 years old, took her empty two-quart Gatorade bottle and tried to toss it over the hedge into someones yard. I was aghast. First of all she was drinking Gadorade with no exercise, and it was 8:15 am. Then she was obviously trying to throw her trash into someones yard. And when she missed she left it lying on the sidewalk. The mother didn't discipline her. She ignored it and the family jaywalk across the street.
I was livid. Another stupid parent, doing stupid thing in front of their children. These kids will not grow up to be productive members of society. I can assure you that.
By the time I reached the Wawa I had settled down. Coming in thru the other door were fit and healthy parents wearing workout clothes. They were sweaty and didn't have an ounce of fat between them. The child was a bit overweight wearing his school uniform. I attributed it to stocking up before a growth sput. He was maybe 10. He walks into the store and gets Gatorade and a chocolate doughnut for breakfast. And his parent let him. In a store full of better choices.
Since when did Gatorade become a breakfast drink? These kids aren't playing football, or little league or running a marathon. They don't need the stuff that's in there. They need vitamins and minerals and protein and stuff like that. OMG I beginning to sound like my friend Angel.
Then as the bus pulled away the girl child, maybe 6 years old, took her empty two-quart Gatorade bottle and tried to toss it over the hedge into someones yard. I was aghast. First of all she was drinking Gadorade with no exercise, and it was 8:15 am. Then she was obviously trying to throw her trash into someones yard. And when she missed she left it lying on the sidewalk. The mother didn't discipline her. She ignored it and the family jaywalk across the street.
I was livid. Another stupid parent, doing stupid thing in front of their children. These kids will not grow up to be productive members of society. I can assure you that.
By the time I reached the Wawa I had settled down. Coming in thru the other door were fit and healthy parents wearing workout clothes. They were sweaty and didn't have an ounce of fat between them. The child was a bit overweight wearing his school uniform. I attributed it to stocking up before a growth sput. He was maybe 10. He walks into the store and gets Gatorade and a chocolate doughnut for breakfast. And his parent let him. In a store full of better choices.
Since when did Gatorade become a breakfast drink? These kids aren't playing football, or little league or running a marathon. They don't need the stuff that's in there. They need vitamins and minerals and protein and stuff like that. OMG I beginning to sound like my friend Angel.
I'm mad as H ELL & I'm not taking it anymore.
The classic line yelled by Howard Beale in "Network" thirty years ago sums up my feelings this week. So this blog has nothing to do with walking. It's my blog, I can do what I want. As long as I'm careful what I write.
Maybe I have been in denial and my rose-colored glasses were smashed to bits last night.
All summer I have been stewing over the increasing graffiti in the neighborhood. But last night my tolerance ran out. I was hoping to see something in the newspaper this morning, but nothing.
Prior to this summer there was a little tagging. Annoying, yes. Newsworthy, no. The one I saw the most was "5P". I'm guessing it was a gang-tag for Five Points.
This summer one garage got hit two nights in a row, then the family finally painted/cleaned over the old graffiti it got hit again. Another shed-like/outhouse structure gets hit frequently. We have now elevated to what I call "hate" graffiti. Time frame I think was Sunday night.
I went down they alley early Sunday evening and all was okay. When I went down Monday night, someone had sprayed a start of David and a series of numbers a garage door. Now, unless I'm wrong that is a "hate" crime, and deserves some attention. (At first I thought the family was Jewish, it would make sense for a "hate" crime. But I have found out that that is not true. Regardless, it still punches me in the gut every time I drive past.)
Unlike in Philadelphia or NYC Action News did not show up.
Is the south side as horrible as it's reputation? I am always talking about how great a place it is to live. That once you get off the main drags there is nice houses, and nice working families from around the world.
I think graffiti degrades a neighborhood. And destroying someone else property is a crime, right? Perhaps I am making a mountain out of a molehill. But isn't this a quality of life issue?
Maybe I have been in denial and my rose-colored glasses were smashed to bits last night.
All summer I have been stewing over the increasing graffiti in the neighborhood. But last night my tolerance ran out. I was hoping to see something in the newspaper this morning, but nothing.Prior to this summer there was a little tagging. Annoying, yes. Newsworthy, no. The one I saw the most was "5P". I'm guessing it was a gang-tag for Five Points.
This summer one garage got hit two nights in a row, then the family finally painted/cleaned over the old graffiti it got hit again. Another shed-like/outhouse structure gets hit frequently. We have now elevated to what I call "hate" graffiti. Time frame I think was Sunday night.
I went down they alley early Sunday evening and all was okay. When I went down Monday night, someone had sprayed a start of David and a series of numbers a garage door. Now, unless I'm wrong that is a "hate" crime, and deserves some attention. (At first I thought the family was Jewish, it would make sense for a "hate" crime. But I have found out that that is not true. Regardless, it still punches me in the gut every time I drive past.) Unlike in Philadelphia or NYC Action News did not show up.
Is the south side as horrible as it's reputation? I am always talking about how great a place it is to live. That once you get off the main drags there is nice houses, and nice working families from around the world.I think graffiti degrades a neighborhood. And destroying someone else property is a crime, right? Perhaps I am making a mountain out of a molehill. But isn't this a quality of life issue?
Monday, October 5, 2009
I've "walked" to Miami
I just logged in my beewell miles (beewell.com) and I've logged in 1200 miles walking since April. I wanted to see how far that was so I decided to play with google maps. Miami is 1200 miles. Damn. That's far.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Kidney Walk
Today was the Kidney walk. A cause near and dear to my niece Eryn. She found out she had kidney issues when she had her last child.Eryn and I walked last year. It was so much fun she decided to bring the twins and baby this year. Her team was called "Life's A Beach, Love Your Kidneys". Okay, whatever. At the eleventh hour her friend Kayla (pushing pink stroller) joined us with her baby.
It was at Lehigh Parkway and only about 1.5 miles. A short walk. The Marines were doing drills in the park and the ladies were very interested in them. We had only gone about two blocks when J started whinning about walking so far. She promply told him that he walked further to school, so put a lid on it. He did.
Soon he decided nobody was walking fast enough. The girls were pushing strollers and A has to be about 50 pounds. Tough work.
I offered to take J with me and we booked it. I wanted to take a pix of him crossing the finish line. I did, then lost him. I had a moment of panic. Where is he? I screamed his name and there he was. Pshew.
Friday, October 2, 2009
It's official, I have the tee shirt
I'm not sure if I can do it at the minimum 16- minute mile, but I will complete the course. My best time is about 17.3 with other people talking and walking with me. Alone it's more like a 30-minute mile. As you know, I get easily distracted.
The breast cancer walks are more like a walking party. For the half-marathon you need to concentrate and move fast. Those that are really successful must power walk. You have to finish all 13 miles in 3.5 hours. I've got my mothers joints, power walking is out of the question.
But there's no turning back now, today my Team Prevention tee shirt came. It's pink and mostly sleeveless, which is kind-of funny for a November event. More than likely it's going to be cold! I assumed it was going to be performance fabric and it is so I'm glad I ordered the 2x. It just fits.
But first things first. The Avon next weekend. The 3-Day the following. After that's over I'll go to a track and try to walk fast. IF I could finish the 1/2 in 3.29.9 I'd be excited. But I'll be happy if I finish in 4 hours.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Excuse me but I have the right away
Everyone recognizes this light. It's a walk light. On some of the versions, not this one, the little white man looks like he's scratching his butt. You see him., you walk. If you see the evil red hand, you cool your heels until the little man comes back. Every 5 year-old knows this.If you are driving a vehicle. And someone is crossing the street, especially with the little white man and a cross walk, the pedestrian has the right of way. Do they not? They sure do when I'm driving.
Today I was nearly hit.
I was crossing at the flat iron building and had the "go" signal. Broadway to Broadway. The person who almost hit me was going 4th to 4th. I don't know if the light was green or red. Does it really matter? But he was going pretty fast for "right on red". Most people at least slow down. Your supposed to stop.
Now I'll admit I was in a hurry. I parked the car, put money in the meter, saw the little man, and double timed it into the street. I'll admit I didn't look. Maybe I should have. I was in a cross walk, with the go signal, and in my world pedestrians have the right of way. PERIOD.
The official word: The Pa. Driver/Pedestrian Law: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Pedestrian/web/laws.htm
pink heals
Hope is Green, a charity run (?) by the fine people of Looper's Pub in south Bethlehem hosted a block party Monday night. The guests were a couple of pink fire engines and pink clad firefighters. And they say real men don't wear pink. Poopykosh.Lydia and I went after school. I picked her up, we parked illegally (it was after 5) in a lot that said permit parking only.
There on Polk street were two pink fire engines, a cute black dog, and a couple of firefighters. Not a bad way to end an evening. Men were having their heads shaved, and so were a couple of women. If 25, I think, people shaved their heads a local doctor was going to have his legs waxed in public. And I think with the magic number of 100, his chest waxed. Ouch.
There were burgers and dogs. And beer somewhere, but I never found where. It would have tasted good.
I met up with Wendy who I trained with last year for the three day. She looks really good. I bought a t-shirt for both Bonnie and I that says "Pink Heals". http://www.pinkheals.org
It was all part of the Guardians of the Ribbon, Pink Ribbon Tour 09. http://www.pinkribbontour.com/ These firefighters are all volunteers and use their vacay time to travel the country in their pink engines. When asked why, I heard one say on tv something like the most important people in our lives are women. (mother, spouse/lover, daughter). That's really kind of cool.
I signed the engine in memory of Karen, and with good wishes for Bonnie who is newly diagnosed.
For more pixs go to my webshots album. Hopefully Lyd will give me copies of her. She got the cute dog.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Jarrod's Jems kicks asphalt at Heart Walk
Sunday was the Heart Walk. It was about 2.5 miles around the industrial park. Fairly level, all macadam. There was a lot of people, I'm guessing maybe 2,000.Jarrods Jems were well represented by (left to right) Bonnie, Sharon, Mandy, Bev and me. We got the team registerd in 2 days. The only money we raised was money we kicked in ourselves. Maybe next year.
Pat bailed before we left the house. She was excited and I needed to bring a chair for her. (She could have walked a block!) But she didn't like the chair I picked, and the only lawn chair left wass dirty in the garage so she took her marbles and went home. Whatever.
Bethy cancelled as we were leaving the house. She had done landscaping the day before at the salon and injured her back and ankles. She was going to spend the day on the couch. Her ankles were still bothering her this morning when we walked on the canal path in Easton.
We all got to the walk about a hour early so we'd get decent parking.Sure glad we did, because they ran out of space. it was bumper to bumper coming in. there was a classic rock band playing, and vendors had displays. Bonnie wanted to see former 76er Darryl Dawkins. Megan and Jarrod used to hang out at the Valley Dawgs games (He was coach) and she wanted to say hi. He didn't remember her, but it really seemed like he remembered Jarrod and gave her a huge bear hug. Of course with pro athletes you never know. They meet so many people, they are good at faking knowing you.
I put some additional photos in my webshots album. Go to page 11 for the Heart walk. http://sports.webshots.com/album/571159089UYLujf
The next Jarrods Jems event will be Shaku's Basket Bingo on Friday night. Since we had the shirts made, we're all wearing them.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It ain’t the LINC but I did it!
You'll remember (or maybe not since I think no one reads this) that a few weeks ago I decided to add to my exercise routine by climbing the stairs at of Fisher Stadium at Lafayette College at lunchtime.Yesterday I did the whole thing. Nine concourses, about 100 steps in each direction, in about 20 minutes. Walking of course. I've got my moms knees and my father's heart, this fat girl doesn't run. I was pretty damn proud of myself until my niece asked how big the stadium was. Nothing like taking the wind out of my sails. Okay, so it not the LINC.
Now I'm going to add the visitor side. Or maybe do the visitor side one day, and the home side once and then start of working my way back. Maybe by the end of football season I can go across and back. We'll see.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The secret walking path
I've heard rumors about a walking path at Northampton Community college. Anywhere from 3-5 miles. I thought this would be a good thing to get some pre-event training in before class. Class days are always tough days to train on. Especially now that it's getting dark earlier and earlier.
It is not on the web. it is not on the printed maps. And if you ask anyone they give you blank stares. I needed a super sleuth.
I had a student who was all-into NCC. He is an alumni offices dream student. He knows everything about the college and its history. I couldn't find the path so I emailed him. If anybody would know, he would. Bonus points: he works in student life.
He wrote back and said he checked with the director of student life, did I try athletics? Athletics? A walking path, yeah, right. But he provided me with the AD's name and email so I wrote.
He said sure there was one, it was only a mile, and it's well marked. (Huh?). It starts behind the Spartan Center. Yesterday I went to check it out. Apparently in addition to remodeling the cafeteria and student life over the summer they did some work on marking the paths. The are now tiny signs. You have to be looking for them to see them, but they are there.
The AD also said there was a trailhead marker. Really? I found it next to the Sparta
n Center, on the Oakland Rd. side. (Sorry, not good with East-West). And inside it there is a printed map. This must be a new printing or it was printed off the computer, because I haven't found one on campus or online. The trail is a poorly shaped figure eight. If it was a person it would be pear shape. Like me. Heavy on the bottom and middle, light on top. The first loop is 1/4 mile around the athletic fields and then it continues in a second, 3/4 mile loop around the big parking lots, I think. it's hard to read the map. And I'm directionally challenged. Ask my Girl Scouts or my brother Dave. He'll be more than happy to tell you about getting lost in a one-mile "macArthur Rd" style stretch in the Outer Banks.
It is not on the web. it is not on the printed maps. And if you ask anyone they give you blank stares. I needed a super sleuth.
I had a student who was all-into NCC. He is an alumni offices dream student. He knows everything about the college and its history. I couldn't find the path so I emailed him. If anybody would know, he would. Bonus points: he works in student life.
He wrote back and said he checked with the director of student life, did I try athletics? Athletics? A walking path, yeah, right. But he provided me with the AD's name and email so I wrote.
He said sure there was one, it was only a mile, and it's well marked. (Huh?). It starts behind the Spartan Center. Yesterday I went to check it out. Apparently in addition to remodeling the cafeteria and student life over the summer they did some work on marking the paths. The are now tiny signs. You have to be looking for them to see them, but they are there.
The AD also said there was a trailhead marker. Really? I found it next to the Sparta
n Center, on the Oakland Rd. side. (Sorry, not good with East-West). And inside it there is a printed map. This must be a new printing or it was printed off the computer, because I haven't found one on campus or online. The trail is a poorly shaped figure eight. If it was a person it would be pear shape. Like me. Heavy on the bottom and middle, light on top. The first loop is 1/4 mile around the athletic fields and then it continues in a second, 3/4 mile loop around the big parking lots, I think. it's hard to read the map. And I'm directionally challenged. Ask my Girl Scouts or my brother Dave. He'll be more than happy to tell you about getting lost in a one-mile "macArthur Rd" style stretch in the Outer Banks.