peeps 5k

I think this is the fourth time I've done this race. This year I finished in 50 minutes. Bonnie in 49:36.

Bonnie took a half-day to do the race with me. Lyd couldn't get off. Bonnie picked me up about 12:20 and off we went. The start and end was at ArtsQuest—The Peeps Festival. We parked at Webster and First, at OraSure, thinking we'd have to walk back at the end. Wrong.

Bonnie needed to register. Online registration was closed when she logged on. She brought a check to sign up, but no ID, so she had to race back to the car for ID and back again to register. She clearly walked a mile extra today.

Finally we started. The route was about the same as last year. Out First, around Webster, over the Fahy, up Center, out Church and Market, back the Minis Trail Bridge and Third.

It was really cold, but my new hoodie was off by the time we passed Nisky Hill. Note to self. Untie sweatshirt before pictures. In the bag is an apple and bagel they gave us.

When done, we walked around the "festival". I don't get it. We missed having our pic taken with the Peep, but a nice man took the one above in front of the Peep Mobile.

They had music, and an outdoor area to make Peep s'mores. I think it was only a buck. The thing that got our attention was the Peeps nest. Basically it's a funnel cake with jelly beans and a Peep. The lady left us take a pix of the sample. Bonnie told her we were gluten free!

PS...that sweater Bonnie is wearing Mom made for Alan 30+ years ago. I think she'd love that Bonnie wearing it to walk.

it's snowing!

It was supposed to snow today, so Bonnie and I went early for our walk. Our original plan was to go to east Allentown, by my brother Dave's, and do the triangle—Hanover Ave to Club to Union and back down Irving. We'd pass the Scoobie's Gentlemen's club, where we'd have the photoshoot.

Lydia overslept and didn't come. The snow, and at times hail, had started by the time Bonnie arrived in her new car and I was worried. Instead of wasting time traveling,  we just walked in my hood. Actually we did most of the Fountain Hill killer hill loop. Seven, I think. A couple tough buggers. Fast and furious.

We also planned out the training schedule for the Derby half marathon she is doing with her daughter. Weather will be unpredictable so we'll do serious training starting March 1. In the meantime we'll have weekend walks, and do our walking for the Idita-walk.

Megan has started a Facebook group called the Skinny Shimmy as everyone ventures into the new year. I hope she invited her Uncle Dave. He'd enjoy being in a group with mostly ladies! One of the things she suggested was weighing and measuring. Something I hadn't done before, and should have. Part of the Presidential Challenge is to take a fitness test. So Bonnie and I have decided we will do both things January 1. Why not. It's the day to start over, right? Hopefully Lydia will want to join in the torture fun.

what are you doing new years day?

I was going to do the Commitment walk. But the Philly one was cancelled. Supposedly they are giving me my money back. Not a great way to start the new year.

But it's okay. Today it snowed, and I played outside. Then when I opened my email there was two events from the LLBean Center Valley Outing Group.

The first one was for snowshoeing basics, January 1st. That gives me a week to find shoes. Hard to learn without them. Hoping for snow.

The second was for a snowshoeing hike on January 19. That's a Saturday or Sunday. It would be at the Poole Wildlife Sanctuary. If no snow, it would be just a hike. Thinking about that one.

Off to troll craigs list and ebay.

it's snowing!

I am so excited. I should have gone to LL Beam this morning and bought those snow shoes. I so want to try them out.

Alas, I walked to the post office instead. And boy was it cold. Not as exciting, but exercise none the less.

I'm making a huge pot of sauce and carbs for dinner. I ate a European style lunch. Homemade cheese, an apple and grapes. All I was missing was the crusty bread and the wine ...

merry christmas

It's Christmas day  and like most every other day I walked. Today I delivered bourbon balls to friends in the neighborhood and left them on their stoop. No note. They'll know where they came from. They always do. I was late making them out this year.

I probably only did two miles. I just rambled thru Fountain Hill and the FH side of south Bethlehem.

As I was coming up my hill my brother Dave and his wife Barb were getting out of their car. My timing is perfect for a Christmas visit..

They bought me a hand painted, painters cap from a craft show in Virginia. So I didn't need to wear ball caps all the time. It's wonderful. And beautiful. Other walking gifts included a walking stick from the roommate, and a tote bag that says "lead scoobie" on the front AND a hoodie, from Bonnie. I am so spoiled.

It's funny. I had been using "scoobies" for two years, and in the last six months it's caught on like wild fire. Lets not forget the name of the group is every two feet, remember?

Monday is the Peeps 5K. We'll walk as a group on Friday. Maybe in East Allentown.

The IditaWalk is a month away.

so fat ...

.. that I broke my desk chair! Actually it's an outdoor bistro chair.  Sharon had it out for charity when she moved, and my chair was crap. So I stole it from her porch. Wednesday I'll take it to the recycle center.

the christmas city at night

Today we did a late walk. Things we're happening downtown...in the dark.

We left my place at 3:15, and headed down the Greenway to the Minsi Trail Bridge. Over the Minisi and into town via Broad Street. It was about 4 miles.

It was a fun walk because it was so different. But it was cold. The wind blew hard, and I was bundled up for the 2nd day of winter.

On Main at Broad, the Coca Cola truck was parked. It was still a little light when we arrive. The Peeps mobile was there wearing a giant Santa hat.  The Coke polar bear was there too. The truck sides were covered with lights. It was lame, but fun never-the-less.

We also had a great pix taken with a very slim, very young, Santa. No Bonnie is not sleeping. She had all the prints but there was a URL on the bottom to grab a digital version. (Had links to post on social media too!)

After walking around the event, we headed back into the Christmas Village to get Bonnie more gluten free treats. There we encountered Santa. He was actually collecting donations for the soup kitchen.

Then we walked down to Central Moravian for the Putz. If you haven't seen one, they are  quite interesting. The website says "the Christmas Putz is a retelling of the story of Christ’s birth through narration and music, while tiny lights illuminate each miniature scene.  Putz is from the German word “putzen” meaning to decorate.  The figures in Central’s Putz, many of them antiques of German origin, are displayed amidst live moss, driftwood and rocks. The building of a putz is unique to the Moravians and Bethlehem’s first settlers brought their figures with them when they settled here. I think I prefer the one at East Hills, myself. I looked there was nothing inappropriate hidden in their Putz. There is also one annually at Edgeboro.

Then we headed back into town in search of dinner. At the Goundie House they were having the final opening of the door for Advent. It was packed. In the doorway is one of my old girl scouts Debi Lehr Rice. Sunday is the last Sunday in Advent. (The liturgical period preceding Christmas.)

Food couldn't be found on the north or the south sides. An hour wait. We finally ended up eating at Starters Pub on 378.

qure water

After yesterdays walk I mentioned we stopped at the Shell station. I decided to get some water. Their selection was slim. Deer park, Aquafina, Dasanti, lots of sports waters, and Qure.

Again, I was attracted to the bottle.

The website, and the bottle, say that it " a powerful and stable alkaline pH of 9.5".   It's got all kinds of infographics on the back which might help with my class with their beverage assignment. And a really cool QR code.

I tasted it. It was wet. Gave some to Bonnie and she concurred.

nor-bath trail

Today we went to Lyds and did the Nor-Bath trail—well, part of it anyway.

We picked Lyd up in Bonnies new car. Her phone comes right out of the car speakers. She presses a button, tells it who to call and Lydia answers. So cool. We did discover that 2 of us talking turns into a muddy mess.

She was waiting outside when we arrive. The trail is less than 10 minutes from her house.  We parked, and hit the trail. Must of rained last night, because it was muddy. It was nice not to be on macadam for a change. And no curbs. When we reached the East Allen Twsp. Park we went in the park, did a loop around and searched for an open potty. All closed for the winter.

We headed back, got in the car and went to the Shell station on the Kopper Penny corner for a rest room. Dropped Lyd off and did a few errands.

Then I helped Bonnie wrap gifts, made a ribbon chain and went and got a Christmas tree. I'll be up till midnight grading, but it was a good day and so worth it.

finally finished my starter book

Volkssport walking has a lot of components. You can just walk. You can become a member locally or nationally. Or you can earn awards and credits. Kind-of like girls scouts for grownups.

Each time you go to an event you have your book stamped. You can have multiple books. Some are thematic like Americas Trails. Others are for distance. Then there is the "starter book". Ten little walks. It took me over a year to finish it! Mostly because most of the group walks are in the Philly area. We have a copy of the book to do our own self-guided ones, but we haven't done them yet.

We have the starter, mileage, states, and capitol books. We should get others. Like the covered bridge one. Last year I think we did about six different covered bridges.

Lydia also finished her starter book. I'm sending them both off. I have no idea what happens next. I'm guessing we get another book or some sort.

Today was the Bethlehem walk. It left from the Hotel Bethlehem. When we arrived the hotel was packed. We were squeezed into a corner, signed in and waited. At the Bear Creek walk I ordered polo shirts. At the Glen Lake walk I ordered patches. I arranged to pick up both today.

This walk wasn't nearly as much fun as normal. This area is old hat for us. We went thru the industrial quarter, sand island, God's Acre, and Market Street for the first 5K. (At the church at Market and Center, Jesus was not in the manger. Hopefully he's just waiting for Christmans and wasn't stolen!) The second loop took you down Lehigh, over the Fahy to the Steelworkers monument, back, and east down Market and back thru Nisky Hill, then past the city center.

I think I'm going to find out about submitting walks. We clearly need one for Fountain Hill / South Bethlehem.

After we were done walking, we shopped. All the stores were packed. (Yeah! Keep downtown alive.) As was the Christmas City Village. Donegal Square did not have the item I wanted. Bummer. Back to the drawing board.

 As we were walking around the Sun Inn Courtyard, we saw the police horses. Raven is wearing the antlers and nose. George is wearing the Santa cap.

Overall it was a good walk and a very nice day. Tomorrow we're going to Northampton for the rail trail. Maybe. Let's see what else I can dig up!

Next week we're walking late in the day. I'll take the car to the north side and park it and walk home, so the car is available later. (I love the southside, but I am not crazy enough to walk on the southside after dark.) Then about 2:30 -3, we'll head to the northside. Why? The Coke truck will be in town. You know the one from the commercial. It drives down the street and all the lights in town light up? The 18-wheel semi-truck, decorated with 25,000 twinkling red and white lights. Inside the truck will feature a portable holiday scene — complete with Christmas trees, wooden benches, fences and a stage. And choirs. How fun is that? Oh, Santa too. I want to see it in the dark!


Then at 5:30 we can go to the live Advent calendar door opening at the Goundie House. It's only 10 minutes. We'll probably also head up to Central for the Putz.

walking with betsy

Every Friday I walk with Betsy in South Whitehall. I don't post every week, because that would be boring. However, each time we walk thru her development more Christmas decos appear. Some are really nice. Others might look better lit.

Today we encountered Santa in a hot air balloon. So cute. Clearly he got caught in a tree.

I took off my coat when we left, so my camera wasn't on me. Betsy took the pixs with her Droid. Then we figured out how to email it from her Droid.

Tomorrow is the 10K Bethlehem walk with the Liberty Bell Wanderers. Then were going to shop downtown. Wonder if we are going for lunch? Hmmmm.

the masons have been busy on campus

The stone masons and brick layers have been busy on campus. In the master plan it's called "greening" the campus. But eliminating roads and bricking sidewalks is making it much more pedestrian friendly.

Campus has been a mess for months and I haven't walked there much. Usually taking to college hill instead. But it was beautiful today and most of the construction is done, so I decided to do another walking photos essay.

Of course, I was shooting into the sun.

At Cattell Street and McCarthy, I think, is the president's house. The property has always had a three foot or so stone retaining wall around it. Now, as you turn the corner you see this huge sign. The masons did such a great job you can't tell where old and new meet.

 This is the circle in at the west side of Pardee. Notice the rounded curbs. The gutters also also banked so that the water run into the street instead of collecting at the curb. People who walk appreciate these touches.

 One section of the Quad. This used to be a road.

 Quad on the Pardee side.

 Courtyard in front of Pardee. Used to be parking spaces.

 Stairs leading to Quad and Skillman Library.

 Courtyard in front of Watson. Okay, this was done last year. There used to be a road that went all the way back and around and parking spaces. Now there isn't.

 Even the interestions got bricked.

 I get easily distracted. Type carved in stone. Looks art deco.

New entrance from High (I think) street. In front of the theatre. It will mirror the brick and iron that is other places on the campus.

 The other side of the entrance in front of the health center.

New dorms meant to blend in with the neighborhood. (March and Cattell) Big fail. They are twice the size of the houses. But they get points for trying. These were open in time for the fall term.

Hope you enjoyed your tour!

idita-walk 2013

The party is in Nome again.

Grab your sneakers or snowshoes and join "The Scoobies" as we take the virtual Idita-walk. This is an event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is 1049 miles long beginning at Anchorage, Alaska and finishing in Nome, Alaska.

Bonnie, Megan, Kathy, Adonis, David and I all did it last year. Who's coming this year? (See February and March posts. The discussion on FB was priceless!)

Bonnie was the first Scoobie to sign up. She's participant #70. Dave is 101, and I am #102. What number will you be? It's only $10 and supports boy scouts.

Update 12/1: They sent my certificate. Almost forgot to post it.

Dave emailed that his wife "Barb is #116" and that "Teresa, a friend from the gym, is going to sign up too".

Later he emailed that they reordered the numbers. Bonnie is 69, Dave 98, me 99, and Barb 115.

getting into the christmas spirit.

I live with Ebinezer Roommate. She sucks all joy out of the house everyday, for every holiday, but especially Christmas.

One way I get to have a little Christmas fun is our annual Christkindlmarket walk. Christkindlmarket is a huge craft fair under heated tents. In theory you're supposed to Christmas shop but rarely I do. I just walk around and look at the cool stuff. And visit St. Nick (aka Bud). For about 20 years it was on the north side of town, and last year moved to the Steel brownfields that are being redeveloped.

Today we met at my house and headed up Sioux, then up 8th street and thru Lehigh's campus. We came down Buchanan Street to the front gates of the Steel. Of course they were closed, so we headed down to Polk and went around. We spent the next two hours walking around the market.  One of our first stops was St. Nick. And I bought the digital version of the picture. Expensive but nice.

When we came out it was raining. We walked to the casino to meet Bonnie's husband for dinner. Lydia had won a gift certificate at the Celtic Classic 5K for the Irish pub there. Dinner for the four of us was $1.85 and the bar bill. Not bad.

When we finished dinner, we headed to the parking deck, grabbed the car and drove back to CKMT to watch the holiday light show. Christmas carols and colored lights flashing on the blast furnace. It was kind-of lame, but fun anyway.

Between the walk down, and the walk to the casino, we might have done two miles. And at least another mile inside the festival.

Yesterday I walked with Betsy. It was kind-of rainy, so we did several small loops, so we were never too far from her house.

Tomorrows walk is to the supermarket. Exciting, huh?

oops!

I haven't really spent much time in Catty. But we were going there to make wreaths today. Bonnie thought it would be a good idea to walk in Catty before wreath making.

I went to google pedometer and mapped out a catty route. There was this large green area that I thought was a park with lots of trails. It became apparent pretty quick it was a golf course. We didn't see any signs saying we couldn't enter. (I did see several for adjoining agricultural areas.) I can now see why golf is such good exercise, if you don't drive around the course.

We were having a lovely time walking in the golf course, when the man mowing the lawn (in December?)  stopped Lydia and told her we were trespassing. Didn't we see the signs? It was posted. No. If we would have saw the sign we wouldn't have gone in.

Oops. Bonnie and I were far ahead and Lyd tried to call but I didn't have my phone. So while Bonnie was in the job johnny, they caught up and gave us the bad news. I don't think we could have gotten out any sooner than we did, unless he gave us a ride.

As we were leaving we saw the sign in the driveway. Oops. They need to buy more signs. Or a fence.

So we picked up the route I mapped out. Sharon was pooped, so Lydia short-cut her way back with Sharon. Bonnie and I continued. We got back to the greenhouse at the same time.

over the river and back

Today was a simple walk. I was short on time. Had a lunch date with my Asian students.

We (Bonnie, Ly & I) left my place, headed up to the hospital, ad out to the Hill-To-Hill bridge. Then headed over the bridge, thru the Christmas village, and back over the Fahy Bridge and home. About 3.85 miles. Then of course we took Big A for his 1/2 mile walk.

At noon I headed to Easton to pick up my Chinese students. Then back to Bethlehem to eat at the Malaysian restaurant. Lots of driving. Belinda having a car spoiled me. Since I don't instagram your stuck looking at food here.

I just finished the sugar-fast and it was not the time to order bubble tea. Mine's the pink one. Holey Moley was it sweet. I don't remember that from the last time I had it. This time the balls were black-ish color. I chewed one, but couldn't pick a flavor. The white is coconut, and peach is iced Thai chai, and the orange is juice.

The portion sizes were not over the top like American Chinese places. Probably still bigger than they should be and I ate everything. I ordered Malaysian veggies with curry. It also had squares of tofu. The veggies were potatoes, eggplant, peas, broccoli, peppers and cabbage in a red-brown curry sauce. My tastebuds are still wide awake. A little spicy for me.  It came with rice in a separate small bowl. It was delicious and I don't think horrible with calories.

I'd go again. The girls said it was good.

Tomorrow we are walking in Catty. Bonnie and I have a wreath workshop at 10:30, and then the indie craft fair at the fearless afterwards. Lyd will meet us in Catty at 9:15 to walk.

Off to make a route now. Know nothing about Catty. This will be an adventure.

clearly there was a party at the stable ...

Saw this Nativity on today's walk. Clearly there was a party at the stable. The sheep and donkey have fallen over from the festivities. (Or poor design.)

meet fred.

I met Fred at the Sheetz station. His shape made him attractive. (I'm teaching package design this term!) He's basic spring water, and way over-priced. But I didn't care. How many times can you drive down the street looking like your drinking vodka from the bottle?

The back says "Hello. I'm Fred. Aquarius. Velvety smooth and easy to hold. (It is shaped like a bottle of Jack after all.) I'm your daily allowance of awesome in a fully recyclable package and I'm born in the USA. Find me. Friend Me. Follow me. ..."

But he really isn't car friendly. He doesn't fit in the cup holder!

The spring water is from New York, but the company is from California.

Clearly this water was purchase for the bottle and design. Not the content. It was better than tap water, but no better than say Deep Park. Not worth the extra money. Unless your a graphic designer.

l.l. beam

Stopped at L.L. Beam today on the way home from Betsy's. I wanted to check out walking sticks. I have been searching on line, and they give me ton's of information, but frankly it might as well be in Chinese.

I got derailed looking a snowshoes, and the clerk asked "Would you like some help with snowshoes?" I said no, I came for hiking sticks. They were in the next section.

I went to pick one up to look at it, and he said "No." And in the kindest way possible he told me that heavier people needed this type, with the locking adjustment, not the screw like adjustment.

I asked why. Because the screw style is not stable enough to hold the weight if you fall. It will collapse.

Of course, these at $79. (20% off till Sunday.) But they are a pair, instead of one stick. With cork handles, so they won't get all sweaty. For slightly more I could get the all season ones. A good idea if I'm thinking about snowshoeing.

Speaking of snowshoes, this is their basic model.  First thing you do is get on a scale and find your side. I was right on the line between 21 and 25.

Below is the basic model. (Again, 20% off.) They run about $100. And have detailed instructions on how to adjust them. I'd prefer if someone would do it for me.

But before I buy, I must rent a couple times. Don't want to waste money.

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas

Today we went walking in Betsy's neighborhood, and many people are decorating for Christmas. The reindeer seem really happy. It's fun seeing what is put out. But then, I like Bill White Christmas tour.

We did our regular loop around the development, around the synagogue, and around the middle school.

Next week I have to pick up my Christmas greens from the girl scout sale, so I'm going to see if the others want to walk in Betsy's neighborhood.

snowshoeing?

 I love snow. Regular reader are saying, there she goes again, snow, snow, snow. That little wet snow has given me the winter itch. Can't help it.

It must be karma, because today I received my Volkssport newsletter and in it was a snowshoeing adventure in Vermont. A $500 bus trip. Sadly you'd spend two days on the bus, and two days in the snow. Not my idea of a good time. Plus I'd have to miss some work. Not a good idea.

So while my students were working on their projects and I was killing time till the next question, I looked up snowshoeing on line. The rail trails will be a great place to do it, but I'm a klutz (regular readers know that as well!) I want some instruction.

My search lead me to the LLBean Center Valley Outing Group. They have all kinds of cool adventures. (Of which the equipment you can purchase at their stores.) Last night was snowshoing basics. My timing is off. I couldn't have gone anyway, I had class. So far there is no group outing, but we'll see. I signed up on their meet-up page and became part of the group. I think I'll go to the book club meeting. An odd activity for a outdoor group, but at least I'll meet people. These shoes run in the hundreds of dollars. I'd need to rent first. Maybe the ski places?

I found a first-timers article/video in Snowshoeing Magazine. I'll have to give it a read when I get time. It's also where I borrowed the pix.

We'll see what happens.

Now what's really odd is after class I went to check FB, and Lydia is posting all about snowshoeing on her bariatric page. Coincidence? Perhaps. Or maybe the angel spiked the snow with some sort of snowshoeing fairy dust.

We'll see.

a walk in the snow.

It's snowing. Too bad you can't see my happy dance.

I love snow. Even more now that I only have to shovel one walk.

So we decided to walk today at lunchtime in the snow. Then go to the benefits fair at the college center. We mostly went for lunch. Savory root slaw with carrots, rutabaga, turnips, celery root and daikon radishes. No sugar in this dressing. I could have ate the whole bowl. There was also couscous and barley salad with spinach, and mushroom, tomato, mozz, carmelized onions and basil on a pretzel rolls. No sugar in anything. I have to trust them on that. They gave me recipes, not nutrition facts.

We ate, and walked around. Since I'm part time, I don't need to talk about bennies. I have none. The line was long for BP. But I just did that Tuesday at the doctor. So I'm fine. Usually I wouldn't turn down that opportunity. Those of us without health insurance take whatever we can get for free.

Warren Hospital was doing Hologic Heel screenings. It tests for Osteoporotic and Osterpenic. They put my foot in this contraption, strapped it down and it told me I was normal—.07. Frances Hendricks' daughter is nether osteoporotic and osterpenic—I got her arthritis and her high blood pressure, but not her crappy bones. Glory be.

I don't know how long we were walking—we took the scenic route back—but we finally did come back to work.

We didn't walk especially fast, it was quite slippery and neither of us had the correct shoes on. My right shoe, actually, has a leak. Time for a walk to the show repair!

what I've learned over the past 18 days

The "No Sugar" challenge ends on Friday. What have I learned? Nothing. Everything.

The week before the challenge started, I warned my family and colleagues that I'd be a raving b*tch for the next 21 days. "Please don't take it personally", I told them. But I wasn't. I wasn't even missing sugar laden foods. I did discover that waffles without sugar are gross, but not non-eatable.

And that there's a reason peanut butter and jelly go together. But was I jonesing for a PB&J? No. Not at all. That was not the case two years ago when I was taming the soda-beast.

I cook a lot from scratch, and shop at the pop-up farmers markets, so hidden sugar is not as big of a problem as I thought it would be. But checking the sugar content takes two more seconds after checking the salt content. No biggie. Though I wonder what the safe percentage is. For sodium I try to keep it under 5%, but no higher than 10% on processed food. On the Livestrong website I read 300 grams of added sugar a day. That isn't much, I don't think. If I did the math right that's 1.5% daily in a 2000 calorie diet.

I have learned that I am not addicted to sugar. Hallelujah. Just food in general. Sh*t. I think I had that epiphany before. But I ignore it. I blame other things. There-in lies the problem. Classic addictive personality. Blame everything but the true cause. You.

Why am I surprised? Addictive personalities run in my family. We are a family of drunks—my dad, my brother, two sisters… Food is my drug of choice. I don't eat to sustain. I eat because I'm bored. Or stressed. Or happy. Or sad. or pissed. Clearly I'm an emotional eater. But even worse, I eat until there is nothing left. If you gave me 5 M&M's I'd eat them and be happy. But if you put an entire pound bag in front of me. I'd eat them all. Not at once. But over the course of the day. I don't eat till I'm full. I eat till it's gone.

I believe, intellectually anyway, of the "everything in moderation style of eating".  80% good food / 20% not so good. There is little I won't eat, and even less that I will try, at least once. (Malyasian food Saturday!) Growing up I was 40 pounds underweight. Now I'm 80 or so overweight. I have a basic knowledge of nutrition. I studied vegetarian and even vegan diets and can cook (poorly, mind you) for any food situation that crops up. I learned as a child to can and freeze and eat fresh. My mother made Hamburger Helper once. Boxed food was expensive and we didn't have money. But we did have lots of carbs. They filled you up. And veggies and a salad every night. Okay, it was slathered with dressing, but that's beside the point. Really not much different than the "My Plate" guide lines. But our protein was always meat.

Sorry, I tend to go off track. Never can figure out how to weave in the back story.

Back to the topic at hand. How did this no sugar-challenge effect me. Snacking. I pretty much had to stopped snacking. There was nothing in the vending machine I could eat. I drank huge amounts of water. Right now it has pomegranate seeds in it. Fruit, floating in your water makes it seem more special. I'm also drinking apple cider because it's in season. And even bought orange juice for the first time in forever.

I am eating much more fat. Which is worse, fat or sugar? I had pretty much given up eating bread with butter on it, instead subbing cinnamon sugar or jam. Now I'm back to butter. Whenever I try and overhaul my eating lifestyle, breakfast is always trouble. Reality check here. Cooking breakfast during the week, and leaving for work at 6:30 am is not happening.

The doctor said I gained weight. I was hoping to lose. I am clearly eating less. In an effort to avoid sugar, am I eating worse?

Was I 100% sugar free during the 21-Day challenge. Nope. But I was more than 90%. I ate fruit tart on Thanksgiving. I had ice cream one night out of habit, not hunger. There were other minor slips. But it is what it is. I did it.

The question is now, can I continue to restrict, not eliminate, sugar? Diabetes runs in this family also.

canal street park heritage trail

Lydia, Sharon and I went walking today in Northampton. (Bonnie was on her way back from the wedding.)

I thought we should check out the Canal path and head toward Catty. But the web said that trail was unfinished. So then I thought we'd head to Walnutport.

We picked up Lyd at her place and she mentioned on her way into town she wanted to stop at the Siegfried train station to take pixs. It is her name after all. So we did. But instead of going to the trail head many blocks away, we just went across the street, and picked up the Canal Street Heritage Park Trail. It's exactly 1 mile long. It says start and end. And is marked every quarter mile. Sadly, it does not have any signs talking about the heritage.

It does, however, have one of the exercise courses on it. I tried a few things but the metal was really cold! Near the end of the trail was a playground. We hit that on the way back.

After the "end" post, we saw the D&L marker.  One side shows the mileage to Allentown, the other to Walnutport. Walnutport might be a good training route for later in the summer before the next half marathon.

We left Sharon there and she headed to the playground to wait for us.

The path continued to a footbridge over the Hokey Creek, and then the trail was totally ungroomed. It was pretty clear, I think because it is used heavily. But it's clearly unfinished.

We walked a little longer then turned around and headed for the park. These "little" girls like swings! And it's a full body workout. If you haven't tried since you were 10, give it a try. It burns about 200 calories an hour. I don't think I can last 15 minutes!

 We played 10-15 minutes, and then headed back towards the car. Total mileage about 3 miles. Mybe a little more.

When we were leaving the Tri-Boro Rod and Gun Club was advertising an ugly sweater 5K on Dec. 8. Sounds like fun. But I think you need to be a member. Couldn't find much online. Though there is one in Louisville.