Sharon is having a bit of a financial crisis. The bulk of her clients are elderly. They are dying or going to nursing homes and she's not getting new ones. So money's tight and she's looking for ways to slash her budget. Plus I think she's a bit of a shop-a-holic.
So this morning on the way to the gym she said it would be the last time. The $20 a month for the gym was one of her slashes. I can't believe I talked her out of it. A) she needs to work out, even if it is half-assed. Something is better than nothing. B) Unlike me she enjoys it. Fun is something she certainly needs more of.
Instead, I talked her into changing from the super-dooper Planet Fitness plan to the bare bones $10 basic one. I think she only took the super dooper one because she could bring guests (me). She doesn't use any of the other services that come with it. Now of course she's looking to find another $10 to slash. (My idea—drink/make coffee at home. I bet she spends $10 a week or more on coffee out!)
So now when I take her to the gym I can walk the 'hood. That's fine. I prefer it. Too bad she goes on a Sunday or I could mosey up to my brother's place and have fancy tea while I waited.I need to plan out a forty minute route or three.
Last night I did 10 minutes of step-ups in the hall. Today, I did the bike on 10 for 10 minutes, the thigh master and other lower body machines. I'll do step ups, and maybe the sidewalks will be clear enough to walk for a bit. A big ice storm is headed our way. It might be my only opportunity to walk this week.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
the piggie in the stairway
Today's I was in Boscov's to look at curtains, and to get there I walked thru housewares. They have an entire line of piggy themed do-dads for the kitchen. I just glanced as I walked thru and this adorable pig caught my eye. It's a "kitchen" timer. He now lives in my stairway for when I do step ups.I tried him out tonight and set him for 10 minutes. It took less than four to do the first 100. The other six to do an additional 125. It's pretty obvious that the more I do the slower I get.
After I did my grading I did Day 3 of the walk tape. "Slim Your Legs". A 14 minute mile. It included lunges and swats. More than likely I won't be do that one again. My knee do not do squats or true lunge. Sansome is so fit when she lunged her back knee nearly touched the floor. She also added a grapevine side step. This is getting too much like aerobics in the 80s. Been there, done that. Not coordinated enough to walk and chew gum yet alone all that and keep walking.
Maybe Saturday I'll try the speed walk. It shouldn't have any fancy crap.
fat girl still shoveling
I did the usual group of sidewalks and my "driveway" and this time I'm house sitting, so I went down to do theirs. When I arrived their neighbors had already done it. I owe those strangers dinner.
Sharon's former downstairs neighbor Carmen works at St Luke's. During the storm she called Sharon to see if she could crash there for the night. Sharon, of course, said yes. So when Carmen stopped by here before she went home, she remarked on how much weight I lost. I thanked her, but I haven't lost any. And my clothes size hasn't changed in two-years. Maybe I'm relocating the fat? More than likely she was just being nice.
I'm up to 200 step-ups, and I've done the walk tape once since I bought it Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
follow thru
I like her bedazzled walking shirt. Wonder if it comes in breast cancer pink?
As I was walking thru housewares to get to back to the pharmacy, I thought I needed something. Couldn't remember what. Now I do. I went into the hall to do my step-ups and realized I never bought a timer. Counting is getting old. I did 150 today.
Before I left for school and Walmart, I sent my check into the Volkksport people. I decided if I go on one, and everyone is 80, I don't need to go again. A one-hour 5Ks cost as much. What appeals to me is the 10Ks.
If the weather people are right, this fat girl will be shoveling again. Another storm is due Wednesday night.
decisions
It's tough walking outside right now. It's bitter cold and icy. Another big storm is due tomorrow. But I need to keep moving or in March I'll be back at square one. Besides, I have two stair climbs to do before the weather breaks.
Most would tell me to go to the gym. Let's not and say we did. Yes, it is the logical choice for winter, but when have I ever been logical?
Decision No. 1 ... the easy one
When I'm at Walmart today picking up Pat's drugs, I'll buy a walking DVD. I certainly won't be able to do it everyday, I'd be so bored. But if I did it once or twice a week till the weather breaks it will be worth the money.
Decision No. 2 ...
the hard one
I have been thinking about disbanding every two feet. The walking club that isn't. I really thought I could take my experiences from being a training walk leader into the real world. Make friends. Have fun. Marketing it solely on FB is not working. I have lots of "fans". But nobody other than family comes. Family I can email.
So do I pull down the page? I was seriously thinking about it. Still am. Or do I make up some poster or postcards or even business cards and distribute them. I'm sure Lyd will take them to her Barri Buddies. Where else? I'm not fit enough to be in the exercise column in the Morning Call. that would be great advertising.
every two feet had it's first walk May 15. So we're barely 7-months old. Maybe I should give it more time? Maybe I should throw some money at it?
Any ideas for marketing?
On a happier note Lyd has lost 101 pounds. The gastric bypass had a lot to do with that. I'd like to think her walking with us has helped also. You go girl.
Decision No. 3 ...
Do I join the Volkssport group? This is a national, perhaps international walking group. They do long short and long walks and multi-day walks. I remember talking about this during another winter. I couldn't find it in this blog, so maybe it was in the previous one. It sounds fun. My biggest concern is that everyone will be 80. (I have a hard time remembering that I'm 55.) Membership is only $25/year. I spend more than that on a 5K. They also have a $6 new walker try-out packet. They are goal oriented, and each time you do a walk you get some sort of a patch ... like GS and a log book to track your mileage.
The closet club to me is in Quakertown, the Keystone State Volkssport. They have splinter groups. I think mine would be the Liberty Bell Wanderers. They have event's in Allentown, Bethlehem and Hellertown. Not to mention the Philly murals and sculpture.
I think I might be talking myself into walking with old people. Wonder if Bonnie would want to? She's a Girl Scout. She likes patches.
On a different note Jack LaLanne died yesterday. I remember watching him when I was a kid on the old black and white. He was on, but I never remember exercising. Mom either. Guess some things never change. He was my introduction to health and fitness as a child and I didn't listen. Guess I'm still not. Goodbye Jack.
Most would tell me to go to the gym. Let's not and say we did. Yes, it is the logical choice for winter, but when have I ever been logical?
Decision No. 1 ... the easy one
When I'm at Walmart today picking up Pat's drugs, I'll buy a walking DVD. I certainly won't be able to do it everyday, I'd be so bored. But if I did it once or twice a week till the weather breaks it will be worth the money.
Decision No. 2 ... the hard one
I have been thinking about disbanding every two feet. The walking club that isn't. I really thought I could take my experiences from being a training walk leader into the real world. Make friends. Have fun. Marketing it solely on FB is not working. I have lots of "fans". But nobody other than family comes. Family I can email.
So do I pull down the page? I was seriously thinking about it. Still am. Or do I make up some poster or postcards or even business cards and distribute them. I'm sure Lyd will take them to her Barri Buddies. Where else? I'm not fit enough to be in the exercise column in the Morning Call. that would be great advertising.
every two feet had it's first walk May 15. So we're barely 7-months old. Maybe I should give it more time? Maybe I should throw some money at it?
Any ideas for marketing?
On a happier note Lyd has lost 101 pounds. The gastric bypass had a lot to do with that. I'd like to think her walking with us has helped also. You go girl.
Decision No. 3 ...
Do I join the Volkssport group? This is a national, perhaps international walking group. They do long short and long walks and multi-day walks. I remember talking about this during another winter. I couldn't find it in this blog, so maybe it was in the previous one. It sounds fun. My biggest concern is that everyone will be 80. (I have a hard time remembering that I'm 55.) Membership is only $25/year. I spend more than that on a 5K. They also have a $6 new walker try-out packet. They are goal oriented, and each time you do a walk you get some sort of a patch ... like GS and a log book to track your mileage.
The closet club to me is in Quakertown, the Keystone State Volkssport. They have splinter groups. I think mine would be the Liberty Bell Wanderers. They have event's in Allentown, Bethlehem and Hellertown. Not to mention the Philly murals and sculpture.
I think I might be talking myself into walking with old people. Wonder if Bonnie would want to? She's a Girl Scout. She likes patches.
On a different note Jack LaLanne died yesterday. I remember watching him when I was a kid on the old black and white. He was on, but I never remember exercising. Mom either. Guess some things never change. He was my introduction to health and fitness as a child and I didn't listen. Guess I'm still not. Goodbye Jack.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
trailorhood
Halfway thru the first lap, Sharon announced she was bailing after the first loop. It was too icy. Lyd and I went around twice more. It totaled out about two miles. It was slip, sliddy fun. Some places, like in the photo, were good. Others were kind of nasty. It alll depended on where snow blew back onto the road.
The trailorhood has mostly rolling hills, but there was one nice one that wasn't so rolling. It was sort of steep.
Otherwise I've been doing stepping on the stairs. Nearly every day. 100 at a time, at least twice a day.
* trailorhood—there neighborhoods of a mobile home park, aka trailer park, or aka the politically correct, modular home community. It comes from a Toby Keith song. Lydia likes Toby Keith. I've never heard the song, even though I just posted the link.
Friday, January 21, 2011
another day, another storm
This time light, fluffy ever so beautiful snow. Maybe four inches. I did as many sidewalks and driveways as on Tuesday in about half the time. Although this time there was a lot of snow over the shoulder action. Many less calories burnt.The plow just went up the street, maybe a half hour ago, so Betsy and I decided it wouldn't be a walking day. (I always have off Fridays, no snow days for me!) I need to get out of this house.
Some teens just walked up the hill carrying a huge sled. I really wanted to ask if I could come along. Just what they'd want. Someone as old as grandma coming with them.
So I'm thinking when the was is finished, I'm going to walk down to the store. Ironically for bread and milk. Have the eggs. No, I'm not making french toast. We just ran out at breakfast.
I also need to get my steps in, in the stairway. I have an airport run tonight, so there will be a lot of sitting going on!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
ice, ice baby
Okay, so it's a line from a bad rap song by Vanilla Ice. But I had to do it.We had about two inches of snow, another 1/4 inch of sleet, and a good 1/8 inch of ice last night and today.
So instead of walking I shoveled, alone. It was wet and it was heavy.
I did four sidewalks—mine, Sharon's Phillipe's and the house on the corner. The "slumlord" doesn't shovel and it leads to the corner. Sharon can't get to the bus stop so we shovel a path there also. Came in, got dry clothes on, ate some breakfast, and went back out and did the "driveway, patio and sidewalk thru the yard.
So I went back to last year's entry called fat girl shoveling to look up how many calories I burnt. I only burn 100 calories a mile walking (300) so this was less of a workout. Some sites said 20 calories a minute. (1200 calories!) One asked if it was light or heavy snow. Light was 12.5 calories, heavy 20. I went to Spark People, a site recommended by the nutritionist, asked my weight, time I spent shoveling and gave me an answer. I was out 70 minutes the first time, and about 30 the second. I keyed in 100 minutes and it came out to 1,176. So maybe snow and ice does burn more calories. I know I use more and different muscles.
School didn't start till noon, and the roads weren't bad. The sidewalks, on the other hand were a skating rink! Resistance walking?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
stair climbs
I've signed up for two stair climbs. Originally Bonnie was going to climb with me, but with the knee injury and the hernia operation, I'm guessing that won't happen. So I'm on my own. I'm sure Bonnie will come along to eat lunch, cheer, and take blackmail photos!The first one is February 28 in Philly at the Mellon Bank Building. 53 stories, 1,019 steps. Angel and Bug went with me last year. then we went to the Franklin Institute.
The second one is at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre on March 19 in the afternoon. It's 1,224 steps up and down thru the concourse. Last year the security guard wouldn't let me bring my reusable water bottle in. If you remember, Pat sat in the car and waited for me.Also this day, in the morning, is the Pediatric Cancer 5k on the Ironton Rail Trail. It will be a physical day and I'll need to be prepared!
Training. Hopefully the steps at Acopian. But they aren't very convenient anymore. And the other will be St. Luke's, both the 9-story part and the parking deck. Also, Lehigh if the snow melts. I'm sure they don't shovel all those stairs.
Plus my daily step-ups in my stairway.
(BTW the sun finally came out at 10:15 am. I guess it finally had breakfast.)
jimmy dean
Do you know the commercials for Jimmy Dean breakfast foods. The main character is the sun, and all the elements play his straight guy. Initially it was just him getting to work. Some are funny. Some are odd. The current one features a rainbow and the leprechaun.
Why is this relevant? Because Sharon and I planned to walk at 7 this morning, and I waited and waited for the sun to come out. We left about 8. I decided it was because the sun didn't eat it's Jimmy Dean.
Yes I am a product of advertising. Maybe that's why I'm a graphic designer.
So we walked. All the slush from yesterday was frozen, but for the most part we stayed in the street. The sidewalks at times are really bad. The city could make up it's deficits if it cited people for not shoveling! Sharon bagged out about half way because she needed a bathroom. Mama would have said you should go before you leave the house.
Then after breakfast I did 50 step-ups on the stairs. I think I did more the other night. But there's no way to time in the hall way, so maybe tonight I'll do 100 and keep increasing it 20 each day. It will certainly help prepare me for the stair climb.
Friday I went walking with Betsy in her neighborhood. We went mid-day and it warmer and the slush was softer. Again we stayed in the street. Only one time did I slip on a piece of ice.
Then last night I did the first mile with Sharon of her walking video. She bagged out at about 3/4 mile. I sense the video won't get much use. We did it at my house. Pat thought it might be an option for her. She sat on the chair and watched it. At about 1/4 mile she declared it wasn't for her. She didn't even try it.
Tomorrow I guess I'll be taking Sharon to the gym. If not, I'll probably go out by myself.
(As I finished typing this, she asked to go to the gym!)
Why is this relevant? Because Sharon and I planned to walk at 7 this morning, and I waited and waited for the sun to come out. We left about 8. I decided it was because the sun didn't eat it's Jimmy Dean.
Yes I am a product of advertising. Maybe that's why I'm a graphic designer.
So we walked. All the slush from yesterday was frozen, but for the most part we stayed in the street. The sidewalks at times are really bad. The city could make up it's deficits if it cited people for not shoveling! Sharon bagged out about half way because she needed a bathroom. Mama would have said you should go before you leave the house.
Then after breakfast I did 50 step-ups on the stairs. I think I did more the other night. But there's no way to time in the hall way, so maybe tonight I'll do 100 and keep increasing it 20 each day. It will certainly help prepare me for the stair climb.
Friday I went walking with Betsy in her neighborhood. We went mid-day and it warmer and the slush was softer. Again we stayed in the street. Only one time did I slip on a piece of ice.
Then last night I did the first mile with Sharon of her walking video. She bagged out at about 3/4 mile. I sense the video won't get much use. We did it at my house. Pat thought it might be an option for her. She sat on the chair and watched it. At about 1/4 mile she declared it wasn't for her. She didn't even try it.
Tomorrow I guess I'll be taking Sharon to the gym. If not, I'll probably go out by myself.
(As I finished typing this, she asked to go to the gym!)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
snow
It snowed yesterday, about 5 inches I guess. So yesterday's exercise was mostly shoveling. then later in the day I did about 5 minutes in the stairs as a joke. Walking up and down one step. It was quite a workout. I was shocked.Today we walked around campus at lunchtime. I don't have a clue how far we went. Not far, I guess, but it was fun. And the view was beautiful. The snow, the bare trees, the sunlight dancing off the Delaware. I wanted to take a pix, but all I had was my phone. The picture just doesn't do it justice.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
another snow day ..
...with more on the way.
Saturday it snowed and today it was bitter cold and a bit icy. No walking outside for me.
Saturday I took Sharon to the gym. No pictures. It's was packed. All those new years resolutions about getting fit I guess. She's taken to following me to the bikes, and then when I'm done, she's done. Excuse me? Who's paying for this membership? Don't you want to get your money's worth? So I tricked her.
She zoomed over to the bikes and I headed for the elliptical. I did five minutes and was exhausted. Need to build up again. Can't remember the number. Maybe 7 or 8. Then I went to join her at the bike. "Where were you?" "Eliptical." "But I can't do that." I just smiled and said to myself, yeah I know. I set the bike to 10, and watched the heart rate. I got up to the fat burning range, and did that for 5 minutes. Then I hopped off. And headed over to the "thigh master". Moments later Sharon arrived.
I do believe I have a shadow.
Everything I worked on was for the lower torso and legs. I'm okay with those most of the time. It's the upper body that I have trouble with. Thus the reason I'm as weak as a mouse.
By 10 the snow arrived so I got to shovel. That burned three or four more calories.
Sharon went out with Lyd today and bought a walking DVD. I'm doing it tonight.
Hopefully I'll get out tomorrow to walk outside. Another storm is due Tuesday and Wednesday.
Saturday it snowed and today it was bitter cold and a bit icy. No walking outside for me.
Saturday I took Sharon to the gym. No pictures. It's was packed. All those new years resolutions about getting fit I guess. She's taken to following me to the bikes, and then when I'm done, she's done. Excuse me? Who's paying for this membership? Don't you want to get your money's worth? So I tricked her.
She zoomed over to the bikes and I headed for the elliptical. I did five minutes and was exhausted. Need to build up again. Can't remember the number. Maybe 7 or 8. Then I went to join her at the bike. "Where were you?" "Eliptical." "But I can't do that." I just smiled and said to myself, yeah I know. I set the bike to 10, and watched the heart rate. I got up to the fat burning range, and did that for 5 minutes. Then I hopped off. And headed over to the "thigh master". Moments later Sharon arrived.
I do believe I have a shadow.
Everything I worked on was for the lower torso and legs. I'm okay with those most of the time. It's the upper body that I have trouble with. Thus the reason I'm as weak as a mouse.
By 10 the snow arrived so I got to shovel. That burned three or four more calories.
Sharon went out with Lyd today and bought a walking DVD. I'm doing it tonight.Hopefully I'll get out tomorrow to walk outside. Another storm is due Tuesday and Wednesday.
Friday, January 7, 2011
snow day
I had planned on walking today with my friend Betsy. It snowed. Five minutes after I canceled the plow came and did my street. Then the temperature went up and in two hours it was pretty decent out. I could have gone. Heck, I should have gone.
I shoveled snow but it was only about 2.5 inches. Really, not much of a workout. So tonight I tried some walking at home videos on YouTube. Some were good, some bad, and some a waste of band width. Kind-of typical for YouTube.
Leslie Sansone was the best of the lot. Even the 2- and 3- minutes breaks at the office got my blood going. Jason's Fit Kitchen was pretty good but he only had 1 walking video (with weights). He did have the extra benefit of being eye-candy. The best kind of candy for dieters. More often than not they weren't about walking. Or used a treadmill.
Tomorrow I'm taking Sharon to Planet Fitness. I'm thinking of using the elliptical. Maybe I'll take my camera and get some pixs.
I shoveled snow but it was only about 2.5 inches. Really, not much of a workout. So tonight I tried some walking at home videos on YouTube. Some were good, some bad, and some a waste of band width. Kind-of typical for YouTube.
Leslie Sansone was the best of the lot. Even the 2- and 3- minutes breaks at the office got my blood going. Jason's Fit Kitchen was pretty good but he only had 1 walking video (with weights). He did have the extra benefit of being eye-candy. The best kind of candy for dieters. More often than not they weren't about walking. Or used a treadmill.
Tomorrow I'm taking Sharon to Planet Fitness. I'm thinking of using the elliptical. Maybe I'll take my camera and get some pixs.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
bike number mystery solved
Yesterday I went for an hour walk around Wilson Boro with my friend Angel. I never realized how big Wilson was, nor how nice. We finished at the elementary school where we picked up the child after school. We got there a little early and was serenaded by the church next door with 10 minutes of carols from the bell tower. I liked it. angel hated it. Maybe I would too if I listened to it every day!
My brother Dave sent me an explanation of the stationary bike numbers at Sharon's gym that have been a mystery to me. In case you're interested, I'll copy/paste it here for you.
My brother Dave sent me an explanation of the stationary bike numbers at Sharon's gym that have been a mystery to me. In case you're interested, I'll copy/paste it here for you.
Thanks Dave.I read you were using the exercise bike and wanted to know what the numbers meant. They don't really mean anything if you are looking for something like pounds or a measurement. They are relative terms for resistance. The higher the number, the more resistance being applied to the flywheel. This is just so you have an idea what is going on. If you are doing well at 8 for several sessions, then up the value until you are doing that well consistently. It is far more important to work out at the proper heart rate. My doc says 25 minutes of active exercise with at least 50% of that time in the target heart rate. ... One thing that is suggested at 24/7 Fitness is the 40 minute aerobic workout. You do 5 minutes at the normal rate, then go all out for 1 minute, then back to normal. Continue that until you reach 40 minutes. I do this at times in the 25 minute cycle instead. That one minute really gets me going, sometimes up to near 150 heart rate. There are two ways to do the minute. Keep the tension the same and go fast, or crank up the tension and stay at the same speed. I find going fast is easier to deal with, especially if I feel I can't make the full minute.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
i stayed the same
Well, maybe I lost a half pound over the holidays. Not bad if I must say so myself.
I started the day with a scenic walk to the southside post office and home. I finished my day at the nutritionist. Thank goodness that's over.
Remember I mentioned she said I should see a psychologists for my stress and food addiction? Last night she suggested overeaters anonymous, mainly because it's free. I told her I'd consider it but didn't hold out much hope. I had checked them out years ago and decided against it. As with all 12-step programs it has a "higher power" component. When I rechecked into it last night almost all steps involve the "higher power". Anybody who knows me, even a little knows this won't work. I also took their little quiz. You needed to say yes to three of the items. I said yes to one.
Another strike against them was my history with Anonymous meetings. I tried AlAnon a couple of times in my late twenties, and also took Sharon to many AA meetings after rehab. I found them to be pointless. People standing around whining about their problems instead of solving them. I also thought they traded one addition for another. At the AA meetings then drank coffee like it was water and chain smoked. You couldn't breath in the rooms. I guess the smoke -filled rooms elements have changed since smoking is now taboo. To this day Sharon drinks coffee like it's water.
I've had about two-weeks off from work for the holiday. My blood pressure went down about twenty points. Is their a correlation? My one job starts today. Another starts Monday. The third in about ten days. I guess well see if it slowly goes back up.
In the meantime I've signed up for the stair climb in Philly. All 53 floors. I'm going over to Acopian today at lunch time to start training. Hopefully I can still make it to the sixth floor without stopping.
I started the day with a scenic walk to the southside post office and home. I finished my day at the nutritionist. Thank goodness that's over.
Remember I mentioned she said I should see a psychologists for my stress and food addiction? Last night she suggested overeaters anonymous, mainly because it's free. I told her I'd consider it but didn't hold out much hope. I had checked them out years ago and decided against it. As with all 12-step programs it has a "higher power" component. When I rechecked into it last night almost all steps involve the "higher power". Anybody who knows me, even a little knows this won't work. I also took their little quiz. You needed to say yes to three of the items. I said yes to one.
Another strike against them was my history with Anonymous meetings. I tried AlAnon a couple of times in my late twenties, and also took Sharon to many AA meetings after rehab. I found them to be pointless. People standing around whining about their problems instead of solving them. I also thought they traded one addition for another. At the AA meetings then drank coffee like it was water and chain smoked. You couldn't breath in the rooms. I guess the smoke -filled rooms elements have changed since smoking is now taboo. To this day Sharon drinks coffee like it's water.
I've had about two-weeks off from work for the holiday. My blood pressure went down about twenty points. Is their a correlation? My one job starts today. Another starts Monday. The third in about ten days. I guess well see if it slowly goes back up.
In the meantime I've signed up for the stair climb in Philly. All 53 floors. I'm going over to Acopian today at lunch time to start training. Hopefully I can still make it to the sixth floor without stopping.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
a muddy walk
Today's lesson. Never walk on a natural trail in winter. Especially after four or five warm days and a melting snow. Can you spell M-U-D?
The day started out normal. I took Sharon to Planet Fitness and spent my time on the bike. Only 20 minutes before the mind-numbing boredom takes hold. I started at 8, went to 10 and ended with one minute on 15. No, I have no idea what that means. I do know that 15 is very tough.
After wards we went to Target and Sharon was looking at exercise DVDs. One I pointed out was the Walk At Home series that Betsy uses.
At 12:30 I met Lydia and Bonnie at the Monocacy Trail. Odd we were all wearing pink! Where the trail begins at Monocacy Park's lot it is paved. At about 25 feet in it turn to inch thick mud and only got worse. At times we thought we'd slide into the creek. Since the trail follows the railroad tracks we decided to take the tracks. Heck, the train hasn't been thru in a while, they were rusty, someone might as well use them.
After a bit we saw the trail go off to the right and followed it. There were bad spots, but it was much better. Eventually we got to Burnside Plantation. The juxtaposition of 18th and 20th centuries made a great pix.
Not far past the Plantation the trail washed out. It must have happened after the last creek flood. We were thinking of turning back and a runner said it was fine and showed us the path other people had created.
As promised the trail got better and we followed it to Union Boulevard.
I must tell you this was a quiet bunch today. Therefore they were forced to listen to me jabber the whole time.
It took the better part of an hour to get from point A to point B. But then we navigated mud, an unfamiliar trail, and photo ops. It probably only took a half hour to get back. We took the trail next to the track and headed off to the right. It led us to the dog park which is next to the park. It was quite a hill for the end of a walk. When we finally reached Illick's Mill Road there was a steep hill to go down. Bonnie and I headed up toward the pool and walk around it. Lyd went down the hill. She's got more courage than me...and health insurance.
After I got home Sharon arrived to eat dinner. I decided to show her the sample Walk At Home workout on the net. I had no problem with it but I don't think I could do more than two miles without being bored to death. I found myself wishing for the end at 14 minutes. I started the workout with my slippers on but switched to bare feet. Sharon kept holding on to my desk.
Bottom line. It was a three workout day. And I actually might buy the 1-2 mile video. It's a nice 15-20 minute workout on busy days.
The day started out normal. I took Sharon to Planet Fitness and spent my time on the bike. Only 20 minutes before the mind-numbing boredom takes hold. I started at 8, went to 10 and ended with one minute on 15. No, I have no idea what that means. I do know that 15 is very tough.
After wards we went to Target and Sharon was looking at exercise DVDs. One I pointed out was the Walk At Home series that Betsy uses.
At 12:30 I met Lydia and Bonnie at the Monocacy Trail. Odd we were all wearing pink! Where the trail begins at Monocacy Park's lot it is paved. At about 25 feet in it turn to inch thick mud and only got worse. At times we thought we'd slide into the creek. Since the trail follows the railroad tracks we decided to take the tracks. Heck, the train hasn't been thru in a while, they were rusty, someone might as well use them.After a bit we saw the trail go off to the right and followed it. There were bad spots, but it was much better. Eventually we got to Burnside Plantation. The juxtaposition of 18th and 20th centuries made a great pix.
Not far past the Plantation the trail washed out. It must have happened after the last creek flood. We were thinking of turning back and a runner said it was fine and showed us the path other people had created.
As promised the trail got better and we followed it to Union Boulevard.I must tell you this was a quiet bunch today. Therefore they were forced to listen to me jabber the whole time.
It took the better part of an hour to get from point A to point B. But then we navigated mud, an unfamiliar trail, and photo ops. It probably only took a half hour to get back. We took the trail next to the track and headed off to the right. It led us to the dog park which is next to the park. It was quite a hill for the end of a walk. When we finally reached Illick's Mill Road there was a steep hill to go down. Bonnie and I headed up toward the pool and walk around it. Lyd went down the hill. She's got more courage than me...and health insurance.
After I got home Sharon arrived to eat dinner. I decided to show her the sample Walk At Home workout on the net. I had no problem with it but I don't think I could do more than two miles without being bored to death. I found myself wishing for the end at 14 minutes. I started the workout with my slippers on but switched to bare feet. Sharon kept holding on to my desk.
Bottom line. It was a three workout day. And I actually might buy the 1-2 mile video. It's a nice 15-20 minute workout on busy days.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
good riddance 2010!
It's no secret that 2010 created a vacuum in my family. Here's hoping for a better 2011.
I started the new year by walking with Sharon to Ahart's. We took the scenic route there and came back the direct route.
Not much, but something. Maybe I'll go out again this afternoon after I un-trim the house. It's a beautiful day and my last weigh in is Monday. I need to get rid some of the cookie-weight I'm sure I've gained over the holidays.
Tomorrow Lyd and I are going to explore the Monocacy trail. I know where it starts and ends, but not where it actually goes! It will be fun to start the new year with an adventure.
I started the new year by walking with Sharon to Ahart's. We took the scenic route there and came back the direct route.
Not much, but something. Maybe I'll go out again this afternoon after I un-trim the house. It's a beautiful day and my last weigh in is Monday. I need to get rid some of the cookie-weight I'm sure I've gained over the holidays.
Tomorrow Lyd and I are going to explore the Monocacy trail. I know where it starts and ends, but not where it actually goes! It will be fun to start the new year with an adventure.
We almost broke the 50 minute mark
Bonnie missed by 3 seconds. Me by 8. Drats. Had we noticed the clock fifteen seconds sooner we could have power walked it.Gayle, what the blazes are you rambling about? The Peeps 5K.
It was an afternoon, race. Started at 1:00. Bonnie picked me up at noon, then we went to Holy Family Manor and picked up Lydia. We found a parking space on the Second Avenue ramp of the bridge. Which was pretty good if I must say so myself.
Since Pat and I picked up the packets the day before, we walked around Peeps fest. (If they have it next year, don't bother going. Certainly not worth the admission price of $6. We got in free with our race bibs.) Took some silly pictures in front of the Peeps car and with the Peeps mascot. There was lots of mascots there, we soon found out why. They were having a mascot race!
Right before the race we met up with Lydia's bari-buddy Kathy. Walkers always start in back, so we went to the back and waited for the race to start. We all thought our times would be slow. Bonnie is coming off her knee injury, Lyd a 2-week cold/flu item. I thought for a fleeting second that I might have a chance in heck to beat Bonnie. Right. That just motivated her more.The course was a figure eight. We went around the quad, cover the Fahy, and then came back. Up the hill around City Hall and thru the historic area, and back Conestoga Street, around the quad again and crossed the finish line.
As we turned the last corner we heard some guy yelling but couldn't understand him. When we finally saw the clock we knew he was cheering us in to beat the 50 minute mark. We put two and two together too late.
the last week of the year
Okay, I must confess I did peak at my school email and FB. But I did not respond to anything. Oops, that's a lie. I had my cell phone on and it beeped. Like Pavlov's dog I looked. It was a text. I answered it. Access to instant information is a hard habit to break!
It appears all the things I did during my technology vacation are sedentary. I cut snowflakes for the Snowflakes for Easton. An annual blizzard of snowflakes. Knitting and reading are also very sedentary.
Shoveling snow wasn't. But we had very little…maybe four inches. I also walked down to the market on Monday. But that's maybe 3/4 of a mile one-way. Of course the route was not shoveled because most are rental properties and "not me" is in charge of shoveling. So I guess I had a little resistance for the walk. Not to mention the weight of the groceries I carried back.
Tuesday I again walked to the market, but since it was clearer and warmer I took a more scenic route and squeezed out about a generous mile one-way.
Wednesday I didn't walk. I checked my class email and I had been attached to my classes for winter term. I knew that would happen. The technology sabbatical was certainly over when I reached hour three of class set up. I need to do something about my internet connection. It just gets slower and slower. Three hours later I wasn't done and still have the other class to do.
Thursday I got up with Sharon and walked at the crack of dawn. Not recommended if you don't like cold and black ice. It wasn't horrible. We walked her rent check up to her landlord and came home. Two and a half miles at a fast snail pace. Sharon doesn't move quick.
Friday was the Peeps 5K. More on that int he next post.
It appears all the things I did during my technology vacation are sedentary. I cut snowflakes for the Snowflakes for Easton. An annual blizzard of snowflakes. Knitting and reading are also very sedentary.
Shoveling snow wasn't. But we had very little…maybe four inches. I also walked down to the market on Monday. But that's maybe 3/4 of a mile one-way. Of course the route was not shoveled because most are rental properties and "not me" is in charge of shoveling. So I guess I had a little resistance for the walk. Not to mention the weight of the groceries I carried back.
Tuesday I again walked to the market, but since it was clearer and warmer I took a more scenic route and squeezed out about a generous mile one-way.
Wednesday I didn't walk. I checked my class email and I had been attached to my classes for winter term. I knew that would happen. The technology sabbatical was certainly over when I reached hour three of class set up. I need to do something about my internet connection. It just gets slower and slower. Three hours later I wasn't done and still have the other class to do.
Thursday I got up with Sharon and walked at the crack of dawn. Not recommended if you don't like cold and black ice. It wasn't horrible. We walked her rent check up to her landlord and came home. Two and a half miles at a fast snail pace. Sharon doesn't move quick.
Friday was the Peeps 5K. More on that int he next post.