weekend roundup

Lydia texted me Friday night that she wouldn't be walking this weekend. So Bonnie and I were left to our own devices.

Yesterday after the party she and I walked in her neighborhood. We headed down Lehigh till it ended and wove our way back. That's us at Laubach Park. It was just under three miles, I think. I'm wearing Jarrod's hat. I forgot mine. It was very warm.

When we returned Bonnie took a long look at the WYBO book. Something, I still haven't done. Too much grading.

Today she came to my place and we took a hilly 5 mile, four town walk. I took advantage of Lydia not coming along and made it long and hard. It did not disappoint. I could have taken a nap when I got home.

We started at my place in south Bethlehem, headed out Sioux and up 8th Street. Then we came down the steep section of Montclair, out Packer and down Broadhead, then up the 2nd street ramp of the bridge. We crossed the bridge and headed to Brighton and Fountain Hill. We continued out Ostrum, thru the hospital parking lots and out Jeter into Salisbury Township.

In Salisbury we took Jeter to Cardinal and then to the end of Graham. Came back Graham to Dotson and down Dotson. The downhill felt good. We stopped quickly at Bottom Dollar for lettuce then up Broadway to Dorothy. Up Dorothy to Moravia, back Moravia to Lechauweki, out Church, and back up to Moravia. Before returning to Fountain Hill, we crossed the corner into Lower Saucon Township. I almost forgot about this odd little U-shaped town that touches Fountain Hill at Frederick Street.

We headed out Moravia till it ended, came downhill at Findlay and back out Sioux to where we started.

It was odd not taking the dog for a walk when we got back.

Next Saturday morning I'll be walking in Easton, P'burg, and Alpha. Bonnie isn't coming. Haven't asked Lydia yet. Apparently I'm going on a dinosaur hunt in Alpha, NJ with my favorite local 8 year old and her mom. Clearly Alpha is a hot spot for dino activity. Who knew? After we're done wer're going to Charlies Pool Room for hot dogs. 

Then they are going to the State Theatre for Pinkalicious, and I'm going to make a stop at the Easton Winter Market, the indoor, winter farmer's market. Lots of local meats, cheese, fresh baked breads, but I'm guessing little fresh produce.

When I get back we—I'm sure sure yet who—will head out for walking. If Lydia comes, Big A will surly demand a walk also.

WYBO party

Boy don't I know that. The first nutritionist I went to told me that I "didn't exercise". Walking was being "active".

Today we got to see the books for the first time at the author, Sarah Lorge's house. The piano had piles of books on it. We each got a copy.                                                                            

Several people took their books around and got everyone autographs. I didn't do that. Actually I talked to few participants. Mostly just Sarah and the walking coach Michelle.

My before/after is on page 131.  I see no difference. I'm also almost all of page 206.

It was a nice party, with lots of healthy food AND cake. Everything in moderation.

I thought my outfit today made me look slim. But it made me look awful. Look at the rolls of fat! And that's with Spanxs.

Sorry about the sunglasses in the pix. Nobody told me I had my sunglasses on. I didn't notice.

It was a lovely party.

walking in warmth

Today, I didn't walk with Betsy. She had other plans, so I was left to my own devices. Never good. I kept putting it off.

I had to go to BJs for ink. So I thought I'd go to BJs, park, and walk around the industrial park. As I entered, I had a different idea. I'd walk around BJs. Every single aisle. There are aisles I've never seen—pet food, diapers, depends, you name it I haven't seen it. I started with TVs. They sure have come down in price. A 28 inch was under $300. Though I'm too cheap to buy a new one. This old analog will probably last another 10 years. But if I move, it's staying here. It takes two people to lift!

Then I went thru electronics and grabbed my ink on the go. Then I hit hard goods, detergent, paper and storage, pets, beverages and was done with that side. My only distraction was the Brita pitcher. I stopped there and seriously considered it. Bethlehem's water is tasting like chlorine lately. It's horrible and I'm drinking less of it. I didn't know if $29.99 was a good price for the set. I think I need to do research. Bet it's cheaper at BBB with those amazing 20% coupons.

My next stop was weaving thru the bakery area. On the way there I saw the ice melt and picked up a 50 lb tub. (I barely can lift it. It's still in the trunk. And the snow has begun.) The center of the store where all the seasonal stuff, clothes and books.  Then I headed back to the back of the store, and wove thru the meats, produce, freezer and grocery sections. Last stop babies and health and beauty.

It took forty minutes.

I thought about taking my stuff to the car and doing it again, but the snow began. I headed home.

Tomorrow I pick up my copy of Walk Your Butt Off. Then Bonnie and I are going walking.

ice on the delaware

This morning when I left the house it was 9 degrees. At lunch time it was 15 degrees. So I decided to go take a walk and shoot the ice floating down the Delaware. Pretty, huh?

Actually it wasn't horrible except when the wind blew. Yesterday I thought was much worse. But then I was out for over an hour.

windy walk

Lydia called last night that she wasn't walking today. Then Bonnie called and asked what time and where. We talked for a while about possibilities, and Bonnie said, how about the trail we use for the Firecracker 5K. (Palmer Bike Trail). We decided to go at 11.

Now the PBT is about 6 miles and goes in a horseshoe. It starts behind Aldi on 25th street and runs parallel to  Easton Avenue. Right before 33 it takes a sharp left and heads downhill. That's where the 5K does the turn around. Bonnie's never been on the other half of the trail.

This morning I thought, let's do the other half. And Bonnie was game.

We headed down 25th street to Palmer Riverside Park and picked up the trail. I've walked this section many times, the first section is part of the D&L. It's flat and paved and runs next to the river. At about 1.5 miles the PBT turns right and heads up the hill. The D&L goes straight. We kept on the D&L and walked past the split, the dam, the dock, and to Rt. 33. Then turned around and came back.

I'm guessing it was about 4 miles. Maybe a bit more.

Then, when I returned home Adonis was there and I took him for a half-mile walk. Then again later for another one.

poole wildlife santuary

Today Lyd and I headed out to the Poole Wildlife Sanctuary to meetup with the Center Valley Outing Group. It's part of L. L. Bean's  Outdoor Discovery Series. They do every activity that L.L. Bean sells gear for.

Today was to be a snowshoe hike, but alas there was no snow. So it was just a hike. I'd say two miles. It took about an hour. Lots of hills and even some stone stairs. Plus a large wood path that went over the flood plane. Surprisingly I was in the front of the pack for the whole thing. Of course, because there was no snow, that pack was about seven.

We met in the lot. Before beginning, we had to sign a wavier, which surprised me. (I think it's one a year.) Then we introduced ourselves. There was another Lydia and she was about the same age. It's such an old fashioned name it's always a surprise to meet someone with it.

In the parking lot they were talking about the trails at South Mountain Park. I've never hiked there, but since the park is at the top of the mountain, my guess is it is hilly.

On the way home Lydia needed groceries so we stopped at Giant. While waiting to check out I looked at the February Prevention magazine The same thin, blond girl from the website was on the cover, and featured in the story on Walk Your Butt Off. Only two women from the group were featured in the "I lost..." section. When I was emailing back and forth there was four people. Things are much clearer. So I didn't buy the magazine.

When we arrived home Adonis was itching for his walk. So we headed outside and hit the pavements again. Furry friend in tow.

When I returned home, a Brownie was calling about buying cookies. Thank goodness they don't arrive till late February.

I'm thinking Jacobsburg tomorrow. But I'm not sure if Bonnie can go in the woods yet.

walking in the ’burbs.

Today Bonnie joined Betsy and I for our Friday walk in the 'burbs. Then we shopped until we dropped. Fun day.

We did our route that goes thru the development, cuts thru the church parking lot to another development, past the temple, the middle school, and back to her house. It's about 3 miles.

"walk your butt off" book release

I got an email yesterday that the official release for Walk Your Butt Off is February 26. I'll get my copy next Saturday at a little book release get together at the author's house.

If you're dying to read it you can order it now on Amazon. That's where I borrowed the picture! Looks like there will be a Kindle edition too!

After many emails from Prevention, I never did get the photo shoot. Guess they went a different direction with the article. Or maybe they totally killed it. Who knows. But they are advertising it on their website. With a blonde, pretty, skinny girl. I guess that sells better.

The young participant featured on the website "has lost 60+ pounds" because she kept on the program. Makes sense if they stuck with it. I, of course, didn't stick with it. As soon as I'm no longer accountable, I stop. Oh well. Maybe I can escape the whole book launch thing with no publicity. That would be nice.

joke from my brother

At least I think it's a joke.

"I am tired of going to the gym and plan to hide out for a while. I am planning on joining a Fitness Protection Program."

Boy have I had days like that.

funny sign

Clearly this sign is a joke. People barely stop for the light before making a right on red. They really expect them to watch for pedestrian?

hunt for a sculpture garden

Today Lydia overslept so we didn't walk till about 10. We headed out. My original plan was to go up the hill, out to Lehigh, thru campus, maybe around the casino and back the Greenway.

While we were waiting to cross Wyandotte Street, I said—for not apparent reason whatsoever—do you want to go find Lehigh's secret sculpture garden? Lydia is always up for an adventure and said yes. I even told her there would be big hills. She still said yes.

So we walked up the hills and the stairs to the Lookout. In the fog you couldn't tell where we were. I saw no path. Just a road. Another hill. I told Lyd to stay put. I walked up to the next road. Nothing. The road I was on continued, but it looked like more of the same.

On the way back down the hill, I met Lyd. I told her there was nothing. We agreed to go home, check the map on my mac —her phone was uncooperative—then get the dog and come back.

We were right there. Where could it be?

So after parking at a frat, we set out. The dog was in hog heaven. All new things to smell and explore. We turned onto the road that I dismissed earlier and saw a bridge over a creek. Lyd decided to take the dog. It was steep, wood, and wet. She used two hands to go up. And fell coming down. She fell hard. I heard it. Thankfully she didn't break anything. But will be stiff in the morning.

Hurricane Sandy was not good to the trail or the garden. Lots of trees down. We climbed over many.  The dog went under so we had to pass his leash back and forth.  Quickly we started to see art. Or what was left of it.

We went further, till we found Mr. Imaginations arch entrance. It felt like we were entering Brigadoon. The fog was that dense.

The grass was long. The trees were bare. There's was trash everywhere. Sculptures were toppled. Mother nature was trying to reclaim her space, which made it even more interesting. Hopefully in spring the art students clean it up, and fix it up. It was interesting.

On the way out, we saw the toppled marker that indicated the trail.

Turned out to be a fun adventure. Even Adonis had a ball.

trout creek park

Since Bonnie is back on the DL it was just Lydia and I walking today.

We parked at Bonnie's mother-in-laws house and headed out Lexington to Chapel. Down Chapel and then out to South Fourth Street where the fast-food industry is booming. They are building more. Knocked down a couple of houses to do it.

Then we headed out Dixon to Mack Boulevard, and in towards Center City. When we arrived at Trout Creek Park we cut thru the park and followed a very poor path that wound thru the park. Huge potholes and big cracks were everywhere. The closer we got to the Susquehanna Street bridge the better it got. The path continued under the bridge and I'm guessing went to Walnut or Union.

We turned at the bridge and crossed. After crossing in the no pedestrian crossing zone, we headed up Susquehanna to Meadow, down to Chapel and back Lexington.

On out way back down Lexington, we called Bonnie to see if she wanted to go on a short walk, but she had plans. So we headed home where Adonis was waiting for his walk. Total mileage 3.75.

Yesterday it rained so Betsy and I didn't go. Later in the afternoon there was a break in the storms and I walked to Ahart's and back. Got back just as the rain started to fall again.

Wednesday I almost forgot to go to Zumba! But I remembered and went. Didn't want to miss my last class till spring break.

School starts Monday so the challenge of getting three jobs done and walking will begin again.

throw away the scale.

Got this in my Idita-Walk email today. Now could someone please tell my doctor.

signed up for myfitnesspal.com

It's online, and if you have a smart phone, you can do it there. I have a stupid phone, so that won't happen.

Basically it's an online food journal. Does all the math for you. That means I have to weigh and measure everything. I lose weight when I do that. Shocking, huh? It also tracks the calories burnt exercising. That means I'll be tracking my exercise twice!

I've heard of it before, but kind of ignored it. Today I was bored at work, and saw it on Megan's Skinny Shimmy FB page, so I signed up. We'll see how it goes.

If I keep to the 1750 I should lose one pound a week. I'd rather have two, but oh well.

Dave, good luck on the weigh-in!

it is like girl scouts!

When I first discovered Volkssport walking I compared it to Girl Scouts. Lot's of rewards to keep you moving forward.

In December I finally finished my starter book. I only do events. I haven't done any year-round walks on my own yet. Instead, I want to reinvent the wheel each week and do my own.

So I sent my and Lydia's books in. I forgot about it until today when a package arrived. It included a patch, a certificate, a pin, and a achievement record book. They also sent back my starter book, with holes punched in it. Guess they don't want me getting the goodies twice!

Yep, it's just like Girl Scouts. I am so much more motivated. Will get to 30 by the end of the year. Mark my words. It's only $3 a walk for credit, free if no credit. Hope the others can keep up with me! Gonna go mark pages in the book now.

Wonder if Lydia got her package?

east allentown

Today we did the East Allentown triangle. It's a hair over 3 miles. Closer to the marathon we'll do it twice, once in each direction. That will add hills and other challenges.

We started at Planet Fitness and headed east on Hanover, with a quick photo stop in front of Scoobie's Gentleman's Club. 

Then we headed west on Union, and came down Irving and back Hanover. The new pedestrian safety island is nice, adds a little something to the 'hood. Will it help save lives? Not sure.

I must say that the sidewalks in Allentown—at least where we were walking—are much better than some of the ones we walk on regularly.

This route can be made four miles quite easily, and even six when it is closer to the half marathon. Which for Bonnie is in May. I'll have to plan loops, so those who do want to go the distance, don't have to.

I also took a pixs of a new restaurant. I thought it was a funny combo. But my friend assures me that in North Africa kabobs and pizza share space. I'd like to try the kabobs. No website. Foolish. One day I'll go anyway.

ironton rail trail spur

I live in a city. A small city, but still a city. All the Christmas snow is pretty much gone. Or so I thought.

For the first official walk of the new year, I choose the spur trail of the Ironton Rail Trail. The IRT is a paved loop. The spur is straight and about two miles. I think it's the part that was actually the railroad tracks.

Bonnie was early and we headed off to pick up Lyd in the boonies.  (AKA bumfucknowhere) Her address is Northampton, but she's out in farm country. The closer we got to her house the more snow was on the ground. Ut oh.

Lyd got in the car, we waved hi to the dog, and headed to the IRT. We had hoped not to park at the first lot in the Whitehall Parkway, but couldn't find any others, so we parked there. It was plowed. There's a barn covered with hex signs, and tiles with hex signs. I took too many pics.

Thank goodness most of the snow on that trail from that lot had melted.

After walking a bit we arrived on the IRT. It was snow covered with ruts. It didn't look horrible so we headed out, walking in single file, often in the ruts.

When we reached Egypt (the town, not the country) the trail was totally snow covered. We walked on it for a bit, but the road was running parallel, so we moved out into the street.  (Facing traffic of course.)

When we arrived at the Troxell Steckel House the trail bent to the left. We left the trail and walked up to the house. It wasn't open, but we could around the grounds. One day we'll come back when it's open.  The counties website says "this colonial stone farmhouse is an excellent example of German medieval style architecture brought to eastern Pennsylvania by German settlers." It was built in 1756 and is on the historic register.

I really like the inlaid stone sign. Can't read a word of it. Maybe I'll ask when we go again.

We continued on the trail until it ended, turned around and came back. We walked past our entrance point and headed toward MacArthur Road. The trail got worse and worse. It was clear that this section was plowed and it was icy. We tried to double back, and hit dead ends. We ended up going back on the main trail, the way we came.

We walked about 4 miles in 1.5 hours. Clearly we need to get ice grips for days like this. I think I might have a pair up in my camping stuff. Unless I gave them away.

We drove back to Lyds, and dropped her off. And headed toward my house. Bonnie had an appointment and time was running short. I had her drop me off at New Bethany and walked home.

Tomorrow we're meeting at Planet Fitness and doing the East Allentown triangle we planned to do last week.

yep, this is me

My siblings posted this for me on Facebook. It's so me. However, I haven't fallen in at least 9 months. Hopefully posting this doesn't kill the karma.

zumba night

I haven't been there since the beginning of the term. And I'll only get to go twice—this week and next—but it's better than nothing. (And then during spring break!)

While I was gone it switched from regular Zumba to Zumba Toning. The toning is only about 20 minutes. You begin with the warm up, move to regular Zumba, then tone, then Zumba, then cool down.

I borrowed Zumba sticks—one pound weights. They have sand or something in them so they make noise. Like a rain stick. About half the class had them. The others had other weights. They also have 2.5 pound ones.

It was kind of fun. And a lot slower than the old class (yes!) and less foot work. Thank heaven for that. I did more than 50%.

The class is held at the Epic Center, the old Ft. Hill American Legion. When I was there the last time, the stairs in the back were still old, narrow, and a little creepy. As the Epic people remodel bit-by-bit, they have replaced the scary stairs. Yeah!

It was odd not walking. It's maybe 5 blocks. But I'm not walking on Broadway alone in the dark. That's just crazy.

snowshoe clinic

I went to L.L. Bean tonight for a snow shoe clinic. Everything you wanted to know about snowshoes but were afraid to ask.

Actually, there isn't much.

It's pretty much walking with really big shoes. You need to lift your legs high, think almost marching, and move forward. You land with your toes, then your heel. Your heel is actually not strapped to the shoe.

Turning is fun. You take one foot and move it into a V pattern the direction you are going. Then bring the other one to meet it. Repeat as often as necessary.

Most important, don't walk on your shoes, especially when turning.

The aluminum and plastic base disperses your weight. There are claws (they told me the name, I don't remember) that dig into the snow.

The recommend you wear higher boots because the snow will kick up behind you. Or gators. They also recommended poles for balance, but they aren't mandatory unless you are snowshoeing something like the AT.

They are sponsoring a snowshoe adventure on January 19. If there's no snow it will be hiking. Thinking about going.

t.m.i.—the fat girl fitness test

This post will be too much information—tmi—but that's life. I have to be held accountable if I'm ever going to shed this weight for good.

So if you are feeling miserable, maybe reading this will make you feel better.

Part of the presidential challenge is to take a fitness test before you start. So I've been walking four years, maybe, and doing the challenge for seven months. It's about time I bit the bullet.

The online calculator did not accept fractions, so I had to round.

I was pleased that my mile was 13:47. I think after the WYBO it was 14. My resting heart was 60 (nurse Bonnie insisted) and the after was 78.

My height, sadly, is down to 5'9.5".  and my weight, on my new scale, is 226. So this will be the scale of record now.

I did 23 half sit ups in one minute. My shoulders and neck still hurt and for two hours after I felt like I was going to vomit. I cannot do a proper sit up. You could dangle a million dollars in front of me and it still won't happen. I really need exercise for dummies.

I fared less well with the push ups—6. I could not do even one on the floor. Even from my knees. I did them kitchen counter, but my shoulders were still hurting from the sit ups. I think I could do more. More on that later.

The sit and reach flexibility was 24.5 inches.  The results say I'm in the 95%. Wow, Bonnie must be in the 150%.

Overall, she's much more athletic than I am. No surprised. That investment in the gym paid off.

For this we only needed or waist measurement. For Megan's Skinny Shimmy group we needed the everything. We saved that for last. Here are the disgusting numbers:

Boobs: Upper 42.5, mid 44.5, lower 40.25
Waist: High 40.25, mid 40.25, low, 49.5
Hip: 49
Thigh: 26
Calf: 16.5
Bicep: 13

So her post for today says:

Happy New Year everyone! First challenge for the New Year: One Hundred Push Ups! This is a 6 week challenge designed to build strength and at the end of the 6 weeks, you should be able to complete 100 consecutive push ups. Please go to www.hundredpushups.com to complete the initial test to find out which level you fall into if you are participating. We will begin the challenge on 1/6/12!

100 push ups. Is she kidding? Did she inherit the Jillian gene from her mother? And Lydia calls me the task-master. 

I read everything, despite the constant pop-up to get a phone app. It says you can start with the wall, and basically do what we did with WYBO. However, my goal is 50. Maybe on the stairs. Clearly not on the floor. That will take more than 6 weeks.

I'm level 1—0 to 5. We will see.