parkway

Most every week I send out an email with my walking plans to about 6-8 people. Usually it's just family that comes. Occasionally I'll get a reply from someone else.

This week it was Lydia's friend Dawn. Since we've spent enough time together that I kind-of know her, I'm going to now refer to her as a fitness friend.

Dawn arrived early. We called at about 8:15 and said we were running late, but she was already there. We were just leaving. Bonnie called a few minutes later that they were leaving.

Ultimately we didn't start walking until about 8:45. We started at the Robin Hood parking lot and then headed toward the Iron Bridge. Under the Iron Bridge and thru the solar system walk. Eventually arriving at the covered bridge. That's where I discovered that my camera was dead. Dawn took the group shot with Lydia's phone.

Then we headed back on the north side of the creek to the parking lot. Dawn left for home, and Lydia played in the lot with the baby. Bonnie, Megs and I did that last mile loop. Near the end of that loop is a set of stairs which I did. It put me a little behind the others, but that's okay. Then we headed home.

Funny thing was we had two cars, went two different directions and both ended up at the Wawa. then we both ended up at Valley Farm Market—2 cars away. We didn't see each other at either place.

After we arrived home we took the dog out for a walk. He really doesn't care how far you walked without him.

Bathrooms, according to Bonnie, were an I-3.5 (composting toilets!)

a walk on the D&L

Thursday Bonnie, Megan, the Wee One, and I walked again to the south side farmers market. We took the scenic route through Fountain Hill to get there.  Again I bought heavy food. Will I ever learn. This time it was a giant head of cauliflower. I almost wished I would have had a knife with me. I could have cored it and left all the leaves there. It probably would have weighed half as much.

I had mail to take to the post office. I put it in my grocery sack to carry it for the first part of the walk. At the farm stand, I took it out, but needed to set it down to get money out. I was nearly to Broughal when I realized I left my mail (and Bonnie's mail) at the farm stand. I ran walked back and it was still there.

Next stop, the post office. I needed to mail the letters, and buy 100 stamps. They have no machine at that branch. There were two people in line and the person in front of me looked aggravated. I can see why. The person in front of him had 50 letters and each one needed to be weighed individually. Because it was lunch time there was only one clerk on. Bonnie and Megan though I got lost.

We finally reconnected and walked home. We were about 2 blocks away when the Wee One decided he no longer wanted to be in his stroller.

Friday I walked with Betsy early in the morning. then Pat and I headed up to the Monroe campus to see the faculty art show.

Yesterday, we all did the D&L tow path from Bethlehem to Freemansburg.  It was advertised as 6 miles. It was a little longer. An no, I didn't get the uniform memo.

We started at the ice house and headed east thru Sand Island to the D&L. The weeds on the side of the trail are giant. You can see that in the group picture. The narrow portion of the trail is very narrow. We arrived at the first Freemansburg bridge in about an hour. We only had one stop with the baby. He was not a happy hiker and cried a lot. By Freemansburg he was asleep.

Megs, Bonnie and I wanted to climb the stairs to the bridge. Lydia didn't. So she took the baby and walked ahead. We'd catch up.

Back when mama was alive if we gave her a grocery cart, she forgot all about her arthristis and flew thru the store like she had wings. Apparently Lydia is the same with a stroller. I had to run to pass her to take the picture. She stopped so Bonnie and Megs were able to catch up.

Megan took over the stroller until we reached the Minsi Trail bridge and the same thing happened. We climbed, she took the baby and flew away.

By the time Lydia gave him back at Sand Island he was awake and unhappy.  Megan took the stroller and kept moving. But he was over the stroller.

When we returned to the road I took him out and I gave him my piggies hat. And we walked back to meet Lydia. She had climbed down some stairs to get a picture of the Steel.  We took selfies. He didn't understand. But he was quiet. In the distance I could see Megs and Bonnie coming down the Fahy bridge stairs. I gave them back the baby and I climbed them. All in all it was about 7 miles.

Bathrooms, according to Lyd were an I-3.5.

When we arrived home, we took Adonis out for another 1/2 mile.

Later in the afternoon, I went out for another mile or so. My total for the day was 20K steps, and 25 stairs.

wednesday night

Wednesday I received a text from Lydia. Walk and dinner tonight? I replied sure.

After eating dinner (mom's pastich with sausage instead of ground beef) we took the dog for his half mile loop. Then we hopped in the car and headed to ArtsQuest. After parking in one of the lots, we headed out towards the casino. I figured it would be 2.5-3 miles. And only one hill.

After crossing under the Hoover Mason Trestle, we stopped for our photo op in front of this huge silver item that says "Safety Involves Teamwork".  Guess that means we shouldn't have been standing in the middle of the street.

On thing I noticed was a lot of families. The Event Center must have been having a family show. the parents and children were all dressed up!

We walked past the hotel, the outlet malls, and headed past the casino to 4th Street. We stayed on the casino side of the street and walked back toward ArtsQuest. When we arrived at the car, we were a little short of Lydia's goal, so we walked in circles in the parking lot. People must have thought we were crazy!

saving birds

This morning we walked in Bonnie's Salisbury neighborhood. She has routes. The east route. The west route. And variations on all the routes to add or subtract hills. This one was LV flat.

We were near the park and there were several lime green 4-pack rings on the ground. (Why are beverage companies still using these things? The dangers to animal life is well known. I digress.)

When I walk, I walk past/over all kinds of trash. There is not enough time to clean the streets as I walk, and it looked like there was quite a party at the park last night. Let's just say the sales at BK were very good.  I did walk past the lime green 4-pack rings. Maybe a whole two steps. But I had to go back and pick them up. I could not leave them sit. A goose from the pond my get it's neck in them—and I don't even like them.  Bonnie and Megan kept going. When Bonnie looked back she probably thought WTH?

I carried those buggers for nearly two miles. When we got back to Bonnie's, I forgot to take a picture of them before Megan cut them up.

Tonight school starts. I should begin to see my walking numbers go out. Still don't have a chance in hell of catching my friend with her "working retail" steps. But I'm going to try.

I also signed up with the Wellness Center (that's the fancy name for the nurses office) at NCC for the 10K a day challenge. That should help keep my fat butt moving.

and the carillon played

Yesterday we drove to Valley Forge to do an 11K Volkssport walk.

I've been to Valley Forge before. I don't remember it being so ... sparse. Lots of fields and woods. Few historic buildings. I kept thinking how did Washington command his troops—everything is so spread out. I pity the poor courier that had to ride back and forth to get from place to place.

I guess I am spoiled by Gettysburg where there is a tombstone every 5 feet.

We followed the Multi-Use Trail or the MUT around the park, and then down to Washington's Headquarters. About 2/3rds of the way to Washington's HQ we passed the Washington Memorial Chapel. It was a huge church. With a carillon. Megan had just finished changing the baby when the carillon began to play. Timing is everything. I have never heard one in it's natural setting. Just off the Cast In Bronze truck. It is even more beautiful when the sound dissipates into the air and falls downward. (If you are near Valley Forge, free concerts, Weds. at 7, I think in July and August.)

After coming back from Washington's HQ, we followed the MUT to the history trail. It was nice to walk in gravel. It was a nice break from macadam.

After returning to the MUT, we headed thru the arch and back to the parking lot.

There were a lot of hills on the walk. We discovered that the fitbit might not be as accurate as we thought. Our steps were similar. Our distance was similar. But our stairs (it measures inclines and can't tell difference between a stair and a hill) Megan had about 70 flights of stairs (stairs/hills) Bonnie had nearly 50. I had the fewest. We walked exactly the same route. Megs thought it might be pushing the stroller. But that makes no sense to me.

veg fest —not quite a washout

I woke up at 4:30 and it was raining. It stopped at maybe 7:30. Hurray we can still walk. So I talk to everyone and by the time 9 am rolls around it's drizzling.

Bonnie and Megan arrived with the baby at 9:15 and come in so Pat can see the baby. It starts to pour. No VegFest walk for us. It poured for an hour and a half. The baby played with the dog and on the floor. He was happy. Pat seemed happy.

The rain slowed and they went home. Lydia and I took Adonis for a longer walk in the drizzle. And then we waited. In the mean time I started a batch of moms barbeque. It's more like "manwhich" than BBQ, but that's what she called it. It is yummy. And without additives. We haven't made it since before Henry died and it was delicious. I even got the white spongy hamburger rolls instead of real bread. When in Rome.

VegFest started out as a way to celebrate being vegetarian right at the end of the harvest. Now it's moved into August and has a decidedly "vegan" theme. Though it's a great place for people with allergies to eat. Everyone has signs up that says gluten, nut, whatever free. There is a marketplace for craft vendors, an animal spot for "save the {fill in the blank}" — all creatures great and small are represented. My favorite are the pigs. Hense the picture. They all have donation cans out. I gave a dollar to the pigs. I didn't want to ask, but why is there a need for a "basset hound rescue".

Another aisle is activism. That the green energy, no GMOs, laundry soap, whatever. Also three performance stages, and a place for lectures and demos. Oh, and a cooking stage too.

Then there is the aforementioned food court. The Cinnamon Snail came down from NYC and they started lining up before the festival opened, in the rain. When we walked past the line was a block long. I can think of nothing that would be worth a block long line. And it's all veggies!

 I don't even want to think about what the hot dog cart was selling.

We did get a "gluten-nut-dairy-soy-free only 45-83 calorie—with no added sugar" ice pop. Mompops had a cart. OMG delicious. Lydia had chocolate with sea salt. It tasted like a fudgesicle. It was made with coconut milk. I had the strawberry lemonade. It was pureed strawberries thinned with lemon juice. It was tart. Both were delicious. They are out of West Chester so if you are in the Philly area, look for them at coffee shops, healthy stores, and farm markets.

Lydia kept a look out for fried veggies but none were to be found.

Sadly, I guess because of the rain, there were a lot of no shows.

The clouds were getting blacker so we high-tailed it home. Then, because it was still clear, we took the dog for another walk. He was a happy boy today.

two walks

Last night Lydia and Adonis came over for dinner an a walk. We took Big A out first for his typical 1/2 mile. I was already hot and sweaty and we hadn't even started the main event!

Lyd doesn't like doing hills after work. She's on her feet seeing clients a good portion of the all day. We drove the few blocks to the hospital and parked. The we walked out Jeter avenue towards Salisbury. When we reached Public Road, we played in the park. The swings were nice, and high. The spinning thing was old and made horrible noises.

Then we headed up Public to Graham, and down the long Graham street hill and back to the car. Turns out that loop is 2.5 miles. Not bad for after work.

This morning I headed to Bonnie's to walk in Salisbury. The baby fell asleep so Megan stayed home. We did what she calls the west loop, with all the hills. It's just under 3 miles but I was flop sweating when I returned to her house.

Even with the walk I'm at less than 6K for the day. If it doesn't start to pour, I'm going to need to go out for another walk. I have not chance of catching my friend in the FitBit race, but I at least need to make my goal for the week.

Tomorrow we are doing the two-bridge walk and Veg-Fest. Sunday we'll be doing the Volkssport walk in Valley Forge.

when walking, watch what you buy

After a dismal week again on my FitBit—my friend is kicking my butt—I got some miles in today. Need to get more proactive about getting miles. I have half marathons in November!

Today I walked down to the southside farmers market. I bought potatoes and beets and peaches ... what was I thinking? Oh yeah. Yummy food. I also bought tomatoes, beans, greens, and kifles. The bag was heavy. Thankfully my walking-shopping bags has long handles so I can throw it over my shoulder. But I should take two for balance.

Then I headed down to the Banana Factory to pick up my friend Betsy last night pin. They couldn't find it. Then home. I really didn't go more than about two miles.

Lydia is headed over tonight to walk. Not sure where we are going. Wonder if we could take the dog to ArtsQuest and the casino?

Tomorrow, Bonnie and I are walking, hopefully in the morning. Betsy is in Ohio. Probably Megs and the Wee One will come also. I'm trying to make plans for the weekend but so far have not gotten any feedback from anyone.  I think Saturday we might go over the New Street bridge, out Market, back the Minsi Trail bridge, and home the Greenway and thru VegFest (but it doesn't open till 11). That would be about 3.5 miles. If we go up to Broad we might get closer to 4 miles.

Sunday, not sure. I'd like to do a Volkssport walk.  There are several that are ending. It's hard coming up with places that are baby friendly.

a mad cap adventure

This mornings walk was crazy. It was a mad cap adventure of confusion.

When I woke this morning it was raining. No walking. Then it stopped. Walking back on.

We decided to go to Fairview Park in Palmer to do the bike trail—9:30. Bonnie's car doesn't hold 5 adults with the babies car seat so we need to take two cars. I assumed Bonnie was going to call like she normally does, and then we'd head out. She assumed we were meeting at the park. We are waiting at the house. She is waiting at the park. Nobody is going anywhere. Finally Megan called "Where are you?"

We started about 10:20. Oops. By that time the sun was out. The trail is out and back. We head toward Rt 33, turn the corner and go toward the hospital. At the back entrance to the hospital, we turn around and come back.

On the way back Lydia and Megan were in front doing a 14 minute or less mile. (Lydia's PR) and they turned right. They were headed for the swings. The baby was sleeping. But as soon as we got airborne he woke up. He had his first ride on the baby swing and loved it! He also loved going down the slide with me. Too bad there was water puddled at the bottom.

The park was set up for Community Days. It was starting to smell good.

On the way home we stopped at the farm for eggs and corn, then picked up lunch at Lehigh Pizza. Any calories burnt were consumed.

After lunch we took the very patient dog for his walk.

fitness challenge—making believe you are still 10.

Yesterday was the 75th Anniversary celebration at Camp Mosey Wood. The oldest Girl Scout there was 92. Yep, it's true. Our blood is green.

I picked up my friend Mary Liz first. Her mom was instrumental in the creation of Mosey Wood. Her father designed some of the buildings. They courted there. It's so romantic. Have her tell you the story of the trees.

Then I picked up Angel and Little Miss at the Rt. 33 Park and Ride and we were off. You should have heard us driving down 80 singing girl scout songs. You just knew it was going to be a good day. And it was.

We arrived in an hour—there is no traffic at that hour in the morning. Mary Liz immediately started her reunion. Because of her walker she spent the bulk of the time visiting and talking with old and new staff members and scouts. I missed a great picture. The vintage girl scouts sitting on the dining hall porch talking. I ran in for my camera, but the moment was gone.

There was a lot to pack into a small amount of time.

First stop—archery. On my second round I hit the target four times. One is even in blue.

Second stop—hiking. We started on the lake trail and then branched off to Harvey's Hike. HH was part of one of the Ranger's Gold Award projects. It's in fairly good shape. The back end of the lake trail, not so much. Bug is looking for a Silver project. This just might be it.

The back side of the Lake Trail, and Harvey's Hike are great places to pick blueberries. It's no coincidence that they call it blueberry hill. In addition to having a nice snack, we carried some back for Mary Liz.

 After lunch we went to the waterfront. We had about 20 minutes to kill before it opened so we ran up and down the steps. The real 10-year-old is still a bundle of energy.

The waterfront opened and Angel and I chose the row boat. It was cool, we had no interest in getting wet. The child chose stand up board paddling (SUP). She actually dove in a couple times. I had a mommy moment and yelled that she was too far away from the other people, and the lifeguard boat. She had to come back. The real mommy didn't whack me for overstepping my bounds.

We were trying to get back to shore and the child is giving lessons on the waterfront. She has an incredible memory (except when mom requests something) and was doing pretty well. The waterfront staff didn't stop her. Somehow she convinced mom to SUP. Mom did stand up, but fell off the board. The child didn't have her adjust her paddle or use it as a third leg. They probably don't teach children that. Balance comes naturally to them.

Next stop—climbing wall. The child was a monkey and did all the walls at least twice. Angel did two. I could not get past the first row. She wanted to go again, but then there would be no high ropes course (HRC).

We hiked back up the hill to the HRC. When we arrived there was a backload of people. Someone was stuck on the swing. She couldn't jump. It took at least 15 minutes. Waiting is not good. I was no longer feeling confident after the rock wall, and now I get to watch someone sweat it out. The child, on the other hand, took to it like a fish in water. She kept saying she was terrified. That she couldn't do it. Does she look terrified? No. Did she come down and say can I do it again? Yes. I gave her my spot if she gave up a swim. Angel also completed the course successfully.

That was the end of the adventure portion of the day. We headed back to DJs Place for dinner. On the way back we stopped for our t-shirts and or "cookies" for the wishing ceremony.

First in the water was 1939-1959. Little Miss took Mary Liz's and placed it in the water. (She also created it.) I get a little bored at a Scouts Own so mine is sitting on top of the sandbiodome I made. As you can see I picked some gnarly wood and doodled on it.

 It floated well.

The night is nearly over. It was 9 when the ceremony was over and the campfire was yet to begin. We all agreed we could skip the fire. The child—and the adults—were fading fast and the child slept all the way home.

I arrived home at 10:30 and went straight to bed with a realization. I am no longer 10.

southside walk

I haven't walked much at all this week. I have been up to my eyeballs in work. The semester starts in a week and I am hopelessly behind. I feel like a rat trapped in a maze. My pedometer barely nudged past 6K steps. Yesterday, at 10:30 am it was under 700. I had been working since 6:15. My friend, as expected, has surged past me in the weekly Fitbit standings, leaving me in her dust.

Oh well.

Last night Lydia came over and I made her eat eggplant. It must not have been horrible. She went back and got two more slices. Clearly Elin didn't like it. It was one of mom's summer staples. It's really good with applesauce dumped on it. Like a latka.

After eating we took the dog for his 1/2 mile loop. Then I brought the dog back to Pat, and we headed out Itaska towards Lehigh. Our ultimate destination was CVS. Lydia's new-to-me FitBit battery was acting wonky. It needed to be replaced. We headed up Wyandotte, out Summit and to campus. We crossed diagonally across campus, out Packer and down the New Street stairs. Then it was out the alley to a sculpture garden, down to Campus Square. Then down Brodhead to CVS. Ultimately we wove our way home. Sadly it was only 2.5 miles.

fitness challenge 8 — stand up paddle boarding

I DID IT! I stood up. Okay, it was only 30 seconds and the instructor was holding one end of the board, but I got up. twice. Then I fell into the lake.

Walking coach Michelle has done it with her family and loves it. So I found a class about 3 weeks ago thru the LL Bean Discovery School while surfing the net. (Now I know full well that these classes are offered to get you into sports and ultimately buy the equipment from them. I'm cool with that. And hey, it worked with the snow shoes.) It was $20. Over my limit for this challenge, but all the equipment was included. Equipment rentals can get steep.

I sent out an email to the rest of the every two feet group. My friend Pam said yes. And she'd bring the family. Kathy was interested in a weekend, so I sent her my availability.

Wednesday was the night. It was held at Lake Nockamixon at 6 pm. I left work at 3 and headed over the bridge to Jersey for gas. It was $3.17 for cash. Credit is about a dime higher, but still cheaper than the it's $3.39+ in Pa. I always take cash to Jersey for gas. And got on I-78 to go home. At Rt. 33 where it merges from 4 lanes to 2, traffic stopped. On a night I had to be home on time.  Thankfully whatever happened was over and the road thinned out about 3 miles down. By the exit there was no backlog at all. Still it took an extra 20 minutes.

To go to Lake Nox I usually go thru Quakertown. But it was still rush hour. It would have taken an hour. So I googled directions and they sent me down 412. What a delight.. I will never use 309 again to go there.

I arrived at exactly six. I had water shoes so I didn't need to use theirs. I also was issued a life jacket and filled out the "if you die don't sue us" waiver. People were still arriving so I hit the comfort station (L-3) and realized I had no hand sanitizer in my bag. Oh well. I'll be in water soon.

Pam arrived with her husband, daughter and friend. The teens were excited about the new adventure. Pam and I were excited but questioning our abilities to do it.

We met the instructors — Phil and Heidi. Then the safety talk, the anatomy of the gear, and a demo on how to get on the board, balance and stand. They asked if we had questions or needed to give them any info. Yes, I can't swim.  "That's what we're here for." They had a tow rope and have towed people bigger than anyone in the group.

 (The boards, water side up, so the fins don't get damaged.)

Now I can't stand gracefully on the ground. How was I going to pull this off in water.  I had practiced a few times but my leg muscles and knees don't cooperate. I have to concentrate. After learning how to pick up the board we were off.

We waded into the lake and went in about knee deep before we got on the board. I was wobbly but managed to stay afloat. I was behind everyone. Lack of confidence really puts you in the back of the pack. Phil hung back with me and I got the rhythm of the paddle down.

It didn't take long to stop wobbling. Phil said it's like riding a bike. Once you find your balance, your body learns where it is. I noticed everyone was getting up. And soon everyone was up. Phil asked if I wanted to try. I was paralyzed with fear but said yes. Ultimately he held the front of my board (training wheels) and I got the first knee up. Balancing all my weight on my wrists and my hands I got the other leg up. But now I am stuck. My back leg wouldn't come front. I willed that sucker to move and it finally did. I WAS STANDING. And Phil left go slowly, and I put my paddle in the war and tried to stroke. And wobbled. And wobbled more, and then leaned back (bad move) and did a back flip into the water. All I could think about was losing my new glasses. And my board. And for a brief moment the flashback of the last water adventure in Willy Wonkas chocolate river. But nothing happened. I didn't even lose my board or paddle. And Phil was right there.

I decided to stay on my knees and we joined the others. They were doing yoga. (The yoga class uses the waist straps like water aerobics). When I met up with Pam, her daughter was doing a back bend.  The fell in. To be 17 again. Everyone fell in at least once.

Then they taught us to sit on the board, move further back so the nose was in the air, and spin. Then it was time to go back. But I had difficulty getting back to the kneeling position. But I did it. I was getting great at paddling and steering. But I headed to the wrong shore and got hung up in shallow water. I got off the board, pushed it out and got back on.

I headed to the correct shore. Phil asked if I needed help and I said yes. I'd like to stand one more time. He said yes. We went a bit further out and I tried again. It was better. Not great and the result was the same. Splash. I was the last one out of the lake.

I had jelly legs when I hit shore. My wrists, knees, ankles and shoulders all hurt. But not in the true ouch sense. I did lust for Aleve, but didn't take it.

Kayak class. That's next. All the Discovery Courses are just $20.

Yesterday I still sore. The I have used muscles that have never been used before kind of sore. By the end of the day it was just my calves and the back of my thighs. Pam and her daughter had black and blue marks where they hit the board falling in. Pam was also sore. She didn't mention if her husband or the friend had difficulties.

I'm ready to go back. Anybody want to come? Once September comes it's only weekends.

Tomorrow is Moseywoods 75th anniversary. Rock climbing? Kayak? Row Boat? What will I chose?

This challenge got off of a slow start, but now I'm cooking. Next year, I'll be spending a lot of time in the Discovery School.

irt and monocacy park

There was a Boot Camp class at the Hokey Playground today and three of the gang were planning on going. So we planned to walk the IRT afterwards. But things happened on Saturday night and everyone but Megan backed out. And she didn't really want to do it alone, so we ended up walking earlier.

We also ended up doing the entire loop—5.3 miles.

The IRT is a nice walk. Fairly flat. Visually interesting. You meet a lot of friendly people because it it such a popular spot. The baby did fairly well with the longer walk. He got fussy and then fell asleep.

Bonnie rated the the facilities an P-2.5.

After I returned home, Lydia sent me a text—she felt well enough to go out for a walk. Wanting to avoid Musikfest on both the north and south side we headed to Monocacy Park. Another happening place. Again, the lot was packed. Could be because someone was getting married at one of the pavilions.

We took the nature trail that rail next to the creek. We encountered a family laying in hammocks in the creek. Looked delightful. We also encountered a lot of downed trees.

 Here's me climbing over a couple. Slow and steady. Have I mentioned I had Birks on?

On the way back, Lydia noticed a rock moving. Turned out to be a turkey hen. Her dinner is laying next to her.

We crossed the lot and the street and looped the park. While Lydia was taking pixs on the waterfall, I hit the comfort station. The last time I was there there was a fish in the sink. Today, it rated a I-3.5. The toilet tissues was padlocked to the roller. Are things so bad that people steal TP?

Of course we walked the dog when we returned home.

walks I'm planning

People always ask what I'm signed up for. Even though I am mad, frustrated, discourage, and generally pissed off at myself right now these events are a go. I've already paid for the bulk of them.

2015, on the other hand, may be a very different story.

September
1-- Saucon Rail Trail 10K 8:30 am, the give you the best, most comfortable, and ugliest socks ever. Mine from last year are threadbare I wear them so much.

13 -- LBW 30th anniversary walk and picnic. It's a 10K around Lake Galenda.

19 -- Bacon 5k run/walk Challenge if you are crazy, you can eat a half pound of bacon at the half way point. No thank you. I could easily eat a half pound, hell a whole pound, of bacon. But not during a race.  Ordered a larger t-shirt. I'm giving it to Dave. He's a huge bacon, and Iron Pigs fan.

20--Tail on the trail event in Palmer (rt. 33 access point). These usually start around 9

27--Morning Star Rotary Celtic Classic Run/Walk, 8 am.

October 
5--Yuengling Octoberfest 5k run/walk, 10:30 am. Pricey but you get lots of stuff. Most of which I will give away.

11 (maybe)--Turn Bath Pink 5k, 9 am. The pink fire trucks will be there the weekend before.


17-19 -- we've been talking about doing the State College Volkssport weekend. Hard to get counties. But if we are going we'll need to make reservations soon. Even after their staff's fall from grace, Penn State is football.

November
2--D&L Half Marathon. Walker Friendly. 4.5 hour time limit

8--Deja Vue Half. Walker friendly. 5.5 hour time limit. You have to scroll to the bottom of the page for the half.

9-- Across the Bay 10K. I think I told them I'd finish in 1:45. So I'll be under the gun.

bringing up the rear

There will probably be very few pictures from now on. I lost my camera, again. Maybe I should take my iPod.  Photo on right is a "file" photo.

Since Lydia didn't come to the Alburtis 5K today, it was my turn to bring up the rear. I came in last of our group at 51:02.

I am not getting any better. And it frustrates the hell out of me. In 2010 I came in at 51:20 which was a personal best at that time. In 2011 I finished in 48:38. Pretty much my best time ever, especially with all the hills. In 2012 I came in at 49:58. Last year I signed up, but didn't go. I don't remember why.

Clearly my times are getting worse. Why? I have no idea. It certainly wasn't the weather. It was a beautiful day. It wasn't the course. I've walked it at least three times before. I know where all the hills are and I power walked down each of them. I know I'm slow going up them. I know when I walk alone my times are always worse. I tend to daydream and listen to the woodpeckers.

Three things I know for sure. 1) I am frugal. I'm doing less races to save money.  2) I am healthy. I go slowly up hills but my heart doesn't feel like I'm going to explode. Though today it felt like I was walking on the side of my shoe. 3) I am easily distracted. This is the big one that impacts my time. My head goes on these little journeys and I slow down. I did not stop today for wildlife or art or architecture. But it does happen.

When I first started doing 5Ks I walked alone and my times sucked. Then Bonnie started coming and I did better. I had someone to talk to, and least until the last 1/2 mile, later the last mile, still later the last half. Now, she's off at the start and I see her at the finish. She always beat me, but now she cleans my clock. Bonnie was on fire today. She finished in less then 48 minutes. And "wasn't pushing" herself. I was giving it everything I had. She was cheering me on at the end and I told her to "shut up". I was already pissed about my time, I did not want a cheerleader.

I totally "get" why Lydia doesn't want to do a half alone. We are very much alike.

Megan was about a minute ahead of me. I don't know her time. I could at least see her.

I am so frustrated right now with exercise. I think my frustrations started to boil this week. First golf. then shitty results at the race. Then a friend bought a fit bit and is scoring 10-15K a day WITHOUT going for a formal walk.

What the hell am I doing wrong? And more importantly how the hell do I fix it? It's hard enough to fit in the exercise I do, do. I just want to crawl in a corner and cry sometimes. Instead, I'll go grade.

fitness challenger 7 — golf!

Earlier this summer I registered for the PGA Ladies Get Ready program at the Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course. Three classes, one a week, for three weeks.

Today was the day. I got up early and checked the website. There are a lot of "rules" for golf. The class wasn't there. Did I really put it on three calendars incorrectly? I went to the golf course at the scheduled time. Apparently the class was cancelled. I was the only one registered. They forgot to contact me. Instead he is giving me three private 1 hour lessons. The cost difference would be substantial. But I don't have to pay it.

GOLF IS HARD. My brain hurts. I think I got putting down. Chipping on the other hand is kicking my butt. The basket of balls he left me with had about 100 balls in. I think maybe 10 were hit correctly.

My knees also hurt. A lot. I had to fill out a form about any physical issues. I didn't list my knees. You know me. I put my head in the sand and ignore it. I don't think about it as an issue. It's an issue. A big issue.

I have homework. I have to go hit balls--500 of them. A bucket is about 100. If I pick most of them up I might get away with only getting two buckets. One each day. (Yes, I'm cheap...but not lazy.) I also need to watch some videos. And I have to make an appointment for the next lesson. I just checked the calendar and there is no free times when I'm free. That will be a problem.

Maybe it's the cosmos way of telling me golf isn't my sport.

I was sitting here dreaming of Aleve for the pain in my knees. Instead I walked around the block. Down the hill, out Broadway and up Wyandotte to Sassafraas (The playground/cemetery) down the hill, out Itaska, down Hellner, out Broadway and back up my hill. It might have been stupid, but my knees hurt less.

Last night Lydia, the dog and I walked. It was just about 2.75 miles.

Tomorrow I'm walking with Bonnie and Megan and the baby. Then Saturday is the Alburtis 5K. No plans for Sunday ... yet.

On a related note, I had my last Chriopractor appointment for the year. It's a very slow process and I'm responding, but not as quickly as others. Actually I see no difference in the way I feel or move what so ever. He wants me to commit to another year, once a week. I'm on the fence. My brain and wallet say cut your losses. Try something different. What do you think?

fitness challenge 6 -- water exercise

Today I went with Bonnie to her deep water exercise class. This activity isn't really new to me. I tried it 30 years ago at the YMCA on Broad Street. I enjoyed it then. I enjoyed it now.

(Yes I am wearing bike shorts and an exercise top. Bonnie did offer me a suit. That won't happen. Ever. Unless it has legs.)

Modern Aqua exerciseis much more sophisticated. We used empty milk and juice bottles with the caps glued on for resistance. They have actually aqua dumbbells now! No trash can with milk bottles in different sizes. They come in different sizes ( like the pix I borrowed from the net). Actually I think the milk bottles were harder to use and provided more resistance.


It was okay. Lots more water running and leg work that I anticipated. The pool had four classes going on and I really just wanted to sneak into the 4 foot pool and do that one. It looked much more difficult and more like what I remembered. But there was a substitute teacher. So that changed things a lot.

The pool is on the Cedar Crest campus. It might be something I try again, but I'm lazy and that is way to far to travel. Guess I should check out the Y!

It's nearly 3:00 and I've only got about 3000 steps on my pedometer. I'm going to Musikfest later to pick up Bug and see some Polynesian dance troop. Hopefully, I can bring that total up to 10K.

new hope and washington crossing

Yesterday we all went to New Hope to do the Volkssport border crossing walk. When we were done, we headed to Washington's Crossing and did it again.

This trip was more complex than most. We had to take two cars. the infant car seats only allow one passenger in the back. In many ways it's terrific. Since you are following people you obey the speed limit and every sign. In other ways it's not. One gets the light, the other doesn't. One gets a little ahead and turns, and the other gets lost. (That would be me.)

The start point for the New Hope walk was a Ramada way out of town. Then we had to drive back into town to do the walk. We did a little of New Hope walk, then crossed the bridge and saw 14 turtles, then headed out the D&R (Delaware and Raritan) Canal path. Quickly we came to a detour and followed it. It returned to the trail at — you guessed it — the turning point. We headed back into town and back over the bridge to New Hope.

 Megs leave the little on in New Jersey, while she stays in Pennsylvania. We won't tell Papa.

I'm in Jersey. Bonnie is in Pennsylvania and Lydia is straddling both states.

The route wound around New Hope and picked up the canal path near the Locktender's House. Megan couldn't take the baby down the steps so the Stephens' family went on an adjacent street and Lydia and I went to the D&L. Of course, we misplaced each other. Phoning wasn't working so I said to Lydia let's go to Main Street and just stand there. They'll come. They did.

Then a pitstop at the train station to change the baby (who flirted with the conductor) and for the adults to use the restroom (I-3.5). Then it was back to the car.

After a stop for a late lunch it was off to Washington's Crossing in New Jersey. The start point for that walk. New Jersey State Parks charge for parking on weekends. Who knew? There was a little chaos finding our way into the visitor center but we finally got there and signed in.  The ladies room (I-2.5) had no changing table for the baby so Megs changed him on the sink!

Then we headed off to walk back to Pennsylvania! The sidewalk on this bridge is skinny (and not turtles). The bridge is skinny. We kind-of went off course and walked around the Pa. side of the park, stopping at the Visitors Center. It's beautiful. Looks fairly new. (I-4.5. I bet it's a 5 first thing in the morning!)

We decided not to follow each other going home. I came back thru Pennsylvania. Bonnie thru Jersey. I wanted to stop at Bowman's Hill Tower for the "best view of Bucks County." And to climb stairs. The ranger was closing the park when we arrived at 4:15. (The pix is from Wikipedia.) On Wikipedia I read that they remodeled in the 80s and put in an elevator. I wonder if stairs are still an option. You only must climb 23 for the top most point.

When we got home, I walked the dog. He was happy.

the marvelous murals of allentown

Today a Senior Girl Scout in the Heritage Patrol was doing a walking tour of the murals in downtown Allentown. My niece is a member of the patrol and volunteered to help.

Originally today was supposed to be raining. Driving rain. Rain of Biblical proportions. The type that gets a weather person so excited. it went north or south or to Timbuktu. Who knows. It's humid, but gorgeous. I called the girl and talked to the mom, what happens if it rains? She told me the plan B, and also mentioned that a minimum of 10 people needed to attend to make it count. I emailed all the people that usually walk with me and we changed course and did The Marvelous Murals of Allentown walk. We were not disappointed.

Attending: Bonnie, Megs, the wee one, Lydia, her friend Joleen, Angel, Darrell, and Bug. Yes, I brought 8 of the 10 people needed to reach the minimum.

 Plaza for the Spirit of the Arts, 2006; lead muralist Michael Webb

 Love Educates, 2006, 4th and Gordon; lead muralist Russell J Buckingham

Weaving the Fabric of Tomorrow, 2012, Gordon and North Jordan; lead muralist Matt Halm. Assistant muralist Alwing Lopez-Lewis. (Megan knows him. Not surprised he grew up to be an artist.)

 Alliance Park Mural, Chew and Law Streets

Bridging Communities, Embracing Change, 2004, 7th and Chew sts; lead Muralist Michelle A Ortiz. Assistant muralist Matt Heim.

 Sam's Mural, 2012, west Turner Street; lead muralist Rigo Peralta

 Preserving the Past to Brighten the Future, 2010, 10th and Turner

Rebirth, 2012, front wall. All three located on the same building between Turner between 9th and 10th. Lead muralist for all, Matt Heim

 Togetherness, 2012, side wall

 Youth, 2012, rear wall

 Better Days, 2013, 113 9th street, side wall of tattoo shop. Lead muralist Alwing Lopez-Lewis

All totaled it was a 5K. A slow 5K, but nevertheless 3.25 miles.  If you had the time, and it was open, then I'd also go to the post office at 5th and Hamilton. Eleven murals, all painted by Grifford Reynolds Beal as part of the New Deal. Murals on the walls, Mercer tiles on the floors.

Right before we returned four more walkers came.  I don't know how many came after I left, but you should go. It's terrific.

Before we left, the girls had a group hug.

[Since I do the Volkssport directions I have suggestions: Cross chew at 10th, not at Poplar. Give instructions to get back and to avoid construction. Make sure the girls talk to the group, not the wall. finally, and this might not be possible, try to always keep in mind a bathroom stop. Lydia was in dire straights. She finally went into a beauty salon and they left her go.]

The event started at the Art Park in Allentown. Right across the street from the Allentown Art Museum.  AAM is free all summer! (The art museum is usually only free Sundays.) Since my niece didn't need to be at her aunts as early as we first thought, we decided to take advantage of free art museum. Little did I know that the child had never been to an art museum. How is this possible? "I didn't know paintings came that large". "Wow". "Awesome". Need I say more? I promised to take her to Philly or the Met. We may never come out.