turkey's trotting

Yesterday was the Turkey Trot in downtown Bethlehem. This race is huge. There is probably 10K people entered. There are three categories—run, competitive walk, and fun walk. All were 5Ks.

Only Megan and I went. Bonnie was afraid of falling. Since she already had surgery on her hand, it would have been devastating if she fell.

The line began near the stone bridge at the Luckenbach Mill and wove it's way down to the log cabin. That's where the competitive walkers started.  The fun walkers started up the hill further. You can see the vast amount of people in the photo.

The route was also altered slightly to accommodate the snow and ice. No canal path. Instead we walked around the "fairgrounds" twice. It was a tad weird.

Megan looked at the clock when we started —it was chip timed—and it was about 2:45 when we crossed the start. It was 55:47 when we crossed the finish so we figured we finished in about 53:05. The official record says 54:18. I do not understand why.

It was cold, and Sand Island was icy. Our first and last legs were indeed quicker than the middle one. We watched for black ice.

and it isn't even thanksgiving

It's snowing. Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Clearly global warming is messing with mama nature's calendar again. So begins the winter—in fall—shoveling.

The snow is wet and heavy. It's been a few degrees above freezing all day. So it's like falling slush. We have maybe three inches of it. The ground is warm so the main streets aren't too bad. But I wanted to get the slush up before it froze after dark. That would be a nightmare in the morning. And I have a 5K in the morning.

Shortly I'll be walking to the grocery store for some last minute items. I'm taking the direct route so it's going to be barely two miles. Though it's silly to be shopping since I am not cooking the big meal this year. (That's a good thing. I'm a horrible cook.) But the roomie is really looking forward to these calorie laden holiday treats. So I'll make them.

Between shoveling and the walk—I'm taking the most direct route today—I might, get my 10K steps in today. In an effort to get my mojo back I reduced my fitbit goals. Maybe actually meeting goals will propel me forward. They also designed all new silly icons. I like the old ones better.

Three hundred and sixty eight days till my sixtieth birthday. How the hell is that possible?

fitness friday

When I get up I grab my Fitbit and my glasses—they have an illicit relationship and sleep together.  Usually I clip the fitbit to my jammies and run around doing morning things. Then switch it to my clothes for the day. I didn't do that yesterday. It was a bout 12:20 when I realized it. It registered less than 500 steps.

Thankfully I discovered it before my walk with Betsy. We did our normal 3 miles in her neighborhood. I did a few errands than headed home.

At 5 I met up with Bonnie and Megan and we headed to Coca Cola Park for the Bacon Challenge. It's a 5K where half way thru you consume a 1/2 pound of bacon. We all opted out. Nothing makes me want to vomit more than the thought of chugging a half pound of cold bacon and then racing.

When we arrived, Megan sent a text to Lyd.  Lyd and Dawn were already there, and Dawns friend Cindy met us a bit later, We had a big group. Dawn wanted to know where the baby was. "He's part of the team now." Luckily he was home with daddy.

Cindy was nervous. Her first 5k. We did our best to assure her everything was okay. She'd finish and she wouldn't die. I took a before shot, and promised a finish shot. But of course that stupid camera died. Again. So I had Megs take it with her phone. Dawn and Lydia stayed with her and they finished in 61 minutes. And they were not last!

The course never left the ballpark. We started in front of the main gate, and went down the hill to the American Parkway and back up again. The head east and circled those lots, and entered the ball park and looped around the concourse.  We left the stadium by the lower gate then headed toward the west parking lots behind the Western Electric building. (I have no idea what the current name is. It changes yearly.) This is where people stopped to eat bacon. We heard little good about it. I'm guessing about 10% of the people went in the pass-by lane.  You could not leave the bacon lane till you finished. I did not see a vomit bucket.

After circling the west parking lots we headed down that hill to American Parkway, back up and followed the road at the rear of the stadium. I thought we'd enter then by the pork racer door, but no, they had us pork racer the lot first. Then we entered the field and looped of the dirt path.

I had managed to catch up to Bonnie several times, but when we entered the door, she went into finish line mode and kicked it into high gear. Bonnie is now a half block ahead and I hear running behind me. It's Megan. I yelled "Megan is running." Bonnie looked back and started running too. NOBODY, not even her baby, will beat Bonnie. She crossed 1.9 seconds before Megan. I finished in my typical spot 20 seconds behind.

Bonnie 49:02
Megan 49:03.9
Gayle 49:22.8
Dawn 61:35.5
Cindy 61.36.6
Lydia 61.37.5

My fitbit was at about 18K when I returned home. I would have made 20, or maybe even 25 had I remembered to put it on in the morning.

this tortoise didn't win the race.

Heck, she didn't place or show either, but she finished.

Today was the annual Memorial Day Tortoise and Hare 5K race in Wind Gap. It's a great race with lots of walkers as well as runners. In 2010 I finished in 53:49. In 2011, 53:00. In 2013 51:28. I thought I was getting better. But today I was 51: 40, I think. Backsliding. Maybe it's because I stopped to take a picture of the woodpecker. My first. That tree stump must have been an all-you-can-eat-buffet.

The course is exactly the same each year. Sneaky hills. You don't really realize how far you've gone up  unless you look backwards and see. It's a gentle and deceiving rise. Pretty much you go around the block. A three-mile long block. Then head back into the park.

We parked a 1/4 mile away. So I got an extra mile in walking to and from the car twice.

After the race we waited for the pokiest massage person. He was very thorough. The person ahead of us in line took full benefit of it. Treated it like an office visit.  He spent about 10 minutes working on my neck and shoulders. Interesting he told me why I get the headaches behind my right eye. (I just assumed I had brain cancer.) I don't remember the medical stuff, but I can show you where the muscle is! I even felt when it released.

Lydia didn't go today. She went walking with a friend. She'll probably skip the next couple races unless they are free. The budget troll has his dirty paws around her money and won't let go. Damn, I hate when that troll visits.

Since it's officially race season, I'm going to list my upcoming events. There isn't many. I want to sign up for two every weekend. But I don't want a visit from the budget troll. He's mean. (Volkssport walks are only $3 or free if you don't want credit.)

May 31 -- Volkssport walk to Lackawaxen
June 1 -- Kreidersville Challenge. 1.25 miles. Straight up. Heaven help me.
June 14 -- Volkksport walk, north Bethlehem. I'm the point of contact. I have to go.
June 28 -- Race Against Racism. I volunteer for the YW.
July 26 -- Moon Walk, NYC. Half Marathon at night wearing your bra on the outside. Breast cancer people are either insane or clever.
August 9 -- Alburtis 5k
Sept. 13 -- Volkssport walk at Lake Galena. 30th anniversary of the club. Special stamp and pin.
Nov. 2 -- D&L Half.
Nov. 8-- Deja Vu Half.  13 one mile loops.
Nov. 9 -- The Chesapeake Bay Bridge 10K. Nearly 5 miles are on the bridge. You rise to 185 feet. I'm guessing there will be a little uphill!

The first half of November will be a nightmare.

first competitive race since august!

Year 58. Day 2. Completed my first 5k since the Biggest Loser Half in August. I thought it would be tougher, but it was about usual.

It was the first time I went to a race where they had a "competitive walker" category. We started 10 minutes after the runners. The course changed slightly this year—we only went partially on Sand Island, and we made a loop around the "fairgrounds" instead coming straight down Main. The major problem was there was no cop at Broad and Main to cross us. I got stuck. That made me angry. Also, initially anyway, they were stopping the walkers to let the runners thru! Another big NO!

This year Bonnie and I met Michele, the walking coach, and her colleague at the event. We all started together but Michele walks faster than some people run. She finished in 35. But she always waits at the finish line for everyone she knows.

I finished in a little over 48 minutes. Bonnie came in about 47. We don't know the exact number because the clock was about 10 minutes fast. Last year I was closer to 53.

Walking back to the car with Michele, I was telling her about my virtual trip around the world. As you know, in addition to being a walking coach, she's a writer. I met her through the Walk Your Butt Off and Sugar Crushers test panels. She's working on a walking article for Dr. Oz's new magazine. She was interested in the project for the article. We'll see what happens.

UPDATE 12/3:
Official scores posted. Bonnie was  46.44 and I was 48.40. We were two minutes apart. Soon we will be 5, then 10. She goes faster and faster and I get slower and slower. I don't know why.

not quite dead last

Woke up on race day (Saucon Valley 10K) with a thunder storm and torrential rain. Was not thrilled. By the time I left for Bonnie's it was raining normally. At her house it was a drizzle. By the time we reached the race there was no evidence of rain whatsoever. We were in Center Valley. WTF?

It was humid. Really humid. Bonnie regretted immediately wearing a short sleeve shirt. And it was grey. But it didn't rain. A couple times the sun even came out.

We arrived at the race and went to check in. They couldn't find me on the list. I thought I registered weeks ago. Did I? They left me in anyway.

We lined up on the Saucon Valley Rail Trail and waited. That's where we took the picture above. Then the horn blew and we were off. Bonnie chose a pace that was really, really fast. It's like "where's the fire." I was exhausted by the end of mile one. We were walking 4 MPH! That is a 15-minute mile. Holy moley.

Shortly we were passed by Michele, the walking coach. She was about a 12-minute mile. I think secretly Bonnie wants to go that fast. I had to run a few steps to keep up occasionally. We were close to the turn when we saw Michele. I told her if the timers were going to turn off the clock to break their arms. I was only half kidding.

At the turn we were together. When we got around the turn she was 30 feet in front. How the heck did that happen? When I caught up, she was trying to catch the run-walkers in pink. She had met them earlier in the bathroom line.

We returned to the start line, then went down the hill and around the baseball field toward the finish. That's when Bonnie got a second wind and took off. She finished the race about 30 seconds in front of me.

Michele was waiting for us at the finish line, cheering us on.

Bonnie finished in 1:38:28. Me in 1:39 solid. Five minutes below last year's time. A personal best.

the walk "around" the world begins.

Day 1 of the Walk Around The World is today. Are you coming? Details are here.

My plans were to walk a 6:30 am with Bonnie. A kick-off walk so to speak. She's doing the continent challenge. I awoke to downpours, thunder and lightening. The trail we planned to walk is next to a creek. Walk cancelled. It's not that I'm a fair weather walker. Far from the truth. I'm just smart enough not to walk in flash floods and storms.

Attempt two will come this afternoon. I have plans this afternoon to walk a 5k (or much less) with a friend who has MG — Myasthenia gravis — in Zionsville. It's a virtual walk with the MG Foundation which also hosts traditional 5Ks. But none are in the Lehigh Valley. How far we go together really depends on how well she feels. I'll do the remaining part alone. Or maybe with her brood of children. But again, it's raining. We'll see.

Day 1 is not off to a good start. I might be "Walking at Home". Not exactly the best way to start this challenge.
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8 pm. The sun came out late this afternoon. After dinner I took the scenic route to CVS and still only did two miles. But it inched my pedometer up to the 8000s. More importantly I've done 40 whole minutes to the Walk Around The World challenge.  40/24,900. I have a few more to go.

While I was at CVS I bought another Walk At Home video for $5.99. This might be the fourth one I bought, but I have none. People borrow them and don't bring them back. Many of the workouts are online, but I worry so about copyrights. It's the Graphic Designer in me. So I'd rather buy them at bargin basement prices.

beautiful day in wind gap

Each year when we do the Tortoise and Hare 5K it is horribly hot and humid. We drag our sorry butts over the finish line. Not this year. It was bright and sunny, warm, but not humid. It was a lovely day to do a 5K.

 We didn't do this annual Memorial Day event last year. We were on a Volkssport weekend. In 2010 I finished in 53:49. In 2011, 53:00. This year I finished in 51:28. I guess I am getting better.

My goodness we got a lot of goodies at this race. This year's race was dedicated to someone who died and always wore a bandana. So we received a bandana, a string backpack, and  a tech shirt. The bag was also filled with all the usually stuff. This is my second string backpack in a week. If you know anyone who needs one, let me know.

Bonnie came in at 51:30, and Lydia at 54:30. She even found a person to walk with and they sprinted to the finish.

The course starts with a nice long downhill, but you pay for it later. The end is uphill. Not steep, but consistent. You can tell you are going up. Especially if you looked backwards.

We were back at the park, waiting in the food line, and they started to announce the raffle winners. I didn't pay any attention. My mind was focused on a brownie and a banana. Bonnie and Lyd said you won a raffle! Huh? It took me a while but I finally found the raffle table. I won this huge box full of Crayola products. An artists dream.

Lydia took the Toy Story item and sidewalk chalk for her boyfriends son. I took some stuff out for Eryn's kids. Kept a few things for myself, and put the rest upstairs for the Christmas shoe boxes/Toys for Tots.

While we were there we found the fliers for the July 4th 4 miler. Also we saw a sign for the Saucon to Boston 5k on the Saucon Rail Trail. Proceeds benefit The One Fund for victims of the terror attack.

When I went into the website, I found out that the walk is only two miles. That might impact my decision whether or not to do it. Also, it is the same day as Bonnie's birthday surprise. Thought we don't need to make the bus till 2.

When we returned home I put the bandana on Adonis. He didn't mind, after his initial fussing. We went walking wearing it. He looked cute. Bet Lyd took it off the minute she got in the car! Since he was so good walking today, he got an extra long walk.

wednesday walk

When school let out, I had made a firm pledge to walk everyday one hour. I was doing fine till Monday. Then I just walked a little at lunch. Same on Tuesday. Tuesday night I was feeling guilty, and ultimately did a Walk At Home tape. Even though it was perfectly beautiful outside. It was fun to break it up a little.

I get bored easily., as my dear readers know. I'm always driving everyone crazy looking for new routes, new terrain, new adventures. Today online I saw an article in the Chi Walking page that supports me on that.  They advocate:

• Hilly walks (work your upper body and strengthen your heart)
• Hiking trails (work your lateral muscles and improve your balance)
• Focusing walk (focus on your breath, repeat a sound or watch a point on the horizon to teach your mind to relax by focusing on only one thing)
• Energizing walk (inhale deeply for 3 steps, then exhale full for 3 steps to help circulate more Chi through your body)
• Aerobic walk (distance walking at a consistent, comfortable pace builds aerobic capacity)
• Fun walk (have fun exploring some new territory with a friend)
• Group walks (build your social skills while getting fit)
• Form walks (take the time to work on improving your bio-mechanics)

It's good to know I'm doing something right!

Today, was a new day. I was going to walk alone, and my sister reminded me Bonnie was home and bored. I called her and we went out. I really wanted to finish the route we started the other day, but ultimately decided I needed some hills. And there is a doozy by Bonnie's house. Our route went down Juniata, around the Fearless, thru the cemetery (to say hi to Jarrod), and then out to Chapel Avenue. We went down Chapel to Emmaus Avenue and back to the high school. Then we wove our way back up the hill. Invigorating. Challenging. Different. All things I love. Then I came home and worked in the garden.

Tomorrow I take her to therapy. So afterwards I think we are going to Trexler Park. Fridays are Betsy 'burbs. And then Saturday I think I'm doing the Volkkssport walk in Doylestown. Sunday, I haven't decided. Maybe we should go to Bangor for the Passport, and then to the megalith park to hike?  Monday is the Tortoise and Hare 5K.

Five totally different walks. Just what the doctor ordered.

technicolor!

This morning Lydia, Angel, Bug, Bonnie, Dawn and two of Dawns friends did the Color Me Rad race. It was a technicolor wonderland. A few thousand of our closest friends joined us. In the rain.

It started with everyone clean. As in the before photo (above) Angel's husband took. We also had the pro shot taken before and after.

It started at Arts Quest and we got hit with pink pretty much right away. It wasn't until we reached the north side that we were squirted with yellow. Yes, it was liquid color. We continued on Lehigh, Went down Conestoga thru Musikfest and back through the historic quarter. When we arrived atMain and Lehigh we we hit with orange. Back over the bridge and out Columbia. When we approached the Steel, we we hit with liquid blue and then at the finish lavender. There was a camera at the finish line with a big sign that said smile!

We never lost the child, and found the husband pretty easily considering how many people were there.

Bonnie's cast was beautiful!

Now I need to take the car to the car wash. Even with blankets and plastic, Aretha is a technicolor diva. Won't work well for carpool!

fight for life walk

This is a new 5k and took place at the Rodale Fitness park in Trexler- town.

I didn't sleep well last night, and I woke up with Sharon's cold. My expired drugs (1/11 and 11/11) don't seem to be working. As I type I have on two sweaters and an afghan. And I'm shivering. Last night I thought being in the Poconos triggered my allergies. Wrong. Might have to go to CVS for fresh drugs.

Lydia arrived about 8 and after we got Adonis settled with the "crazy lady in the yellow chair" we headed to pick up Bonnie. Since this walk was non-competitive, she could do it. The doctor doesn't want her to stop exercising. She had gotten ready by herself (sure he husband is delighted), except for her hair. Hair done, we hit the road.

We arrived at the park with 20 minutes to spare. I think there was more walkers than runners. Lots of yacking, and then they released doves. Finally time to go. Walkers had no bibs, but Pretzel City is a great operation and they leave the clock on.

We all stayed together, and we did about an 18 minute pace consistently. Lydia, on occassion, got a bit ahead, which was great. But in the end, Bonnie stayed true to her form. She saw the clock. Her competitive nature took over and she raced for the finish. She finished in about 48:21. Lydia in 48:23 and me right behind them at 48:27.

I think this was a personal best for Lyd.

Next week I'll walk a lot, but I'll do it at Hershey Park. Taking my international student before she goes home. She loves roller coasters. I told her to bring a friend.

light lager jogger, race day

Today was race day. It was a nice day for a race. Remind me never to do a race in Pottsville in July heat. It might kill me.

First off, I forgot my camera. I put it in my purse, not my backpack. Moron. Jillian, had her cell so we used that. But as a consequence, it died on the way home talking to her mom. We used my car, instead of her fancy talking car which I've named Kitt, after the car in Knight Rider. Though hers is a woman's voice. Not Williams Daniels. Clearly, it's not the 80s anymore. We have equal opportunity—at least in car voices.

I arrived at Jillian's at 5:35 am. She was in bed. Or maybe she just got up. Either way her husband was surprised to see me. I thought we were leaving at quarter of. Clearly I was wrong. I packed some Kind Bars and OJ for the trip since there would be no time for breakfast.

We arrived at about 7—no traffic— and parked at the train station. It was a short walk to the brewery. The church next store already had a bake sale up, and they were selling fruit cup. Yeah. Breakfast, part two. The block party was in full swing. People were eating crab fries at 7 am!

We went to Corral Four. The one labeled walkers. We were not lone. All in all about there were 200-250 walkers. Nice turnout. It took a good five minutes till we hit the start line.

Then it was up that long one mile hill. Jillian blazed out ahead. I always get left behind on hills. Yesterday when I walked it, I didn't do the little jug handle. That was a mistake. There was a surprise on that handle. At one mile there was water and we went down a hill for just one block. It wasn't horrible. Then it was level for about three blocks around a park. I caught up with Jillian for those three blocks. Then we turned and went to go up 22nd Street. OMG. It was a steep as Federick Street. Jillian plowed up it, not to be seen again till the finish line. I struggled up it and made it to the top without stopping. The rest was downhill. My goal was to catch up with my walking buddy. It never happened. The gap was two, maybe three blocks. But I did finish only about 10 or 15 seconds behind. What I lack in uphill, I more than make up for in downhill.

After the race we walked down Centre Street and took pixs. One was this groovy art at a hair salon.

I thought I was walking with Lyd this afternoon. But she hasn't shown. Guess this whole being in love nonsense is making a dent into her walking time. Oh well. I'm sure he's better company.

Tomorrow we're walking in Slatington. Four miles on a rail trail.

light lager jogger, day one

Tomorrow is the Light Lager Jogger 5k at the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville. Today was packet pickup day. Glad we went today. Six thousand people are registered. The lines were long today. Can you image what they'd be like tomorrow?

Pickup started at 11, and it takes a generous hour to get there. We headed up to Pottsville around 11:15. I had a mini school crises, and we wanted to take the brewery tour at 3 and eat lunch.

Packet pickup was at a pub. It took about twenty minutes to get thru the line. Before heading up to the pick up, we put our name in at the pub for lunch. They were busy. Captive audience. With doing that, we still had to wait a few minutes when we were done.

After lunch, we headed to the brewery. All the streets were blocked already (there's a block party after the race.) and the meters closed. It proably took a good ten, maybe fifteen minutes, to find a parking space. (Let me assure you that Pottsville is a hill. It makes Bethlehem look flat.We discovered that quite quickly.)

I like when I can walk a route ahead of time. I think the race goes more quickly. I'm familiar with my surroundings, and I'm not stopping to take pixs of art. I'm so happy I did that this time because this race is all up hill for the first mile. But what goes up must come down, and the second half is downhill!

The walk took longer than anticipated, so we had to wait for the 3:30 tour. It took an hour. Lots of walking. Lots of stairs. Even a hill.

Who says being a tourist isn't exercise!

Tomorrow Jillian and I leave at 5:45 for the race. We need to be there at 7! Race kicks off at 8.

Ghost mural on the side of the pub. I took a lot of pixs of type. I will take even more tomorrow. Pottsville is a typofile's paradise. I need at least a week there to capture it all.

big fat lazy day

Today started like every other day. With great intentions about walking. I've had a pretty slim week, all week, under 10K steps, but usually around 8K.

The plan for today was to start early and set up my new online class. Hit the streets for a walk and get a sympathy card, then come back and grade and attend a webinar. I knew it wasn't going to be a supper active day, but I thought it would be a little active.

Wrong.

It is 1 pm and I have done a grand total of 484 steps. Even with taking the scenic route to the parking lot to class and back.

Things when out of whack when I discovered that one of my classes, that I haven't taught in a year, was rewritten. Instead of taking a 1/2 hour, it took took two hours. And I still have to read everything. By the time I was done, it was time for the webinar.

Some days you can't win. On a happier note let's talk about the Color Me Rad—it's like the Color Run (7/14 in Philly), but in Bethlehem. All the fun, less travel. It starts, of course at ArtsQuest. The most artsy place in south Bethlehem.

Angel and Bug and I are already signed up for Color Me Rad/Bethlehem. If you want to join our team go register. When it asks if you want to be on a team, enter every two feet and hendricks. And you're in. We picked the 9:15 wave.

Does this mean I'm not doing Philly? Heaven's no. It just means I haven't decided yet. It's the day after the 5K off road challenge in Palmerton. Will I be able to move?

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Updates: Lydia and Adonis joined me yesterday in "Nome". They are not staying in the cold, rather they are going back to Anchorage. I'm staying put in the hotel, right on the finish line drinking so much hot cocoa that I'm going to be sick.

I have cloned myself and am also walking to Jerusalem. The whole group should be there by Good Friday. Right now we are a little way into the Atlantic and are walking on water. Not a new idea.

I'm not good at cartooning so I think I might spring $5 for a 5 minute logo for the "Round the World" virtual walk. I might start another blog just for that, or have a colleague put together a simple site, or maybe ask my brother Dave to help me with WordPress. Just in case someone else wants to join me. Then I could put together fun things like a logo or a map, or a tshirt pdf for people to download. I don't want it to turn into a new career!

Finally,  this summer I'm thinking about taking a class to become a certified walk leader. I think it's more own a business oriented (like a Zumba instructor). That's not me. I have enough trouble balancing my own budget.

turkey trot 5k

This is the third year, maybe the fourth that I've done this race. Another hilly course. About 1200 people participate.

I'm not sure what my finish time was. I crossed the line at a little over 53 minutes. However, we were at the back of the pack, so that time can be as much as 5 minutes off. Lydia finished in her best time ever, no matter what. 55.2. And she didn't stop on any hills. Yeah.

We parked in front of the Moravian Book Store in the new fancy angle spaces. They are pretty wide, so it wasn't as tough as I thought. But I parked crooked, and had to redo it. We put $2 into the meter. After the race, we still had 15 minutes left and could go to the bookstore.


We walked down to the Lucken-
bach Mill and it was cold down there. Finally we moved to the sun and it was better. Lots of people in crazy hats, and Santa Claus too. Not the mall Santa, the real one. With a long white beard, a hat, red LL Beam jacket and jean. Mrs Claus was running. He was a good sport and dealt with all the kids who yelled "there's Santa!". See I told you he was real.

The people above had crazy hats and tee's. They got into order so I could read their shirts:

Five fat turkeys are we
We slept all night in a tree
When the cook came around
We couldn't be found
And that's why we're RUNNING, you see

Turns out it's a preschool song with multiple verses.

Finally it was time to start. The runners head out, and they just keep coming from nowhere. Finally our section started to move. Lyd and I stayed together to Main Street and then I moved ahead. The route was the same as last year.

When I arrived at the bridge the first place runner was coming. I bet it was under 15 minutes. He was flying.

No water stop this year. I was disappointed. I count on it.

Bonnie will still be away tomorrow, so I think we'll walk in Northampton.

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Update

The times are posted. Well, Lydia's time is. I'm not on the list at all. Maybe my timing chip was busted. There was at least 25 people behind her.

Looks like she finished 2.10 before her clock time. So I guess that puts me at about 51 minutes, just like Thursday.

picking up race packets

Betsy opted for Black Friday shopping with her daughter, so I walked alone today. I needed to pick up our race packets for the Turkey Trot at the Luckenbach Mill.

What is a race packet? It's usually a plastic bag with your bib, pins, t-shirt and a lot of crap from the sponsors. Sometimes you get a granola bar, or some Mike and Ikes, but it's basically worthless stuff. You come home and recycle the bulk of it.

The mill was busy when I got there, and when they found me I was on the list four times! They asked if I registered online and I said no. I did it the old fashion way with a check. I have no idea what''s happening.

So I decided I wanted to walk home the Fahy Bridge. There was a sign I wanted to take a photo of. When I arrived in town, the Christmas Village was set up, and suddenly the walk turned into a photo essay.

If you know Bethlehem, You'll be able to follow my path. Sorry, the sun was in my way in many photos. Should have left earlier.

 The new star in the middle of Main Street. Traffic was a nightmare as they built it.

 Several groups were playing Christmas music on the corners.

 Christmas Village. Just like in NYC. Three areas of downtown.

 The city tree and nativity. Sorry about the sun.

 The mayor's tree. Decorations made by school kids. Clearly they needed a ladder.

 Overlooking the Fahy Bridge.

 Someone lost their bear.

 Japanese garden

 Ghost bike.

 It's a bridge. Yes, they want you to walk in the street. It's safer than the sidewalks.

 Under the bridge.

 Adams Street.

 The up and down 5 & 10.

 Massage parlor.

Old firehouse, now a bar.

Redbox at Ahart's. Wanted a movie. Couldn't make it work. It didn't like my card. I miss video stores.

a sea of pink

Today was the Making Strides breast cancer walk. There was a lot of people.

Is anyone familiar with Connestoga Street?  We came down the hill to the historic district and out Old York Road, down Union Blvd., and back Connestoga. When we reached the little bridge, about halfway down, We could see people still coming down the hill! A mile plus solid of people.

Kathy had a death in the family, and Bonnie had a conflict, so Sharon went along and did the first section of the walk. Pooped, and unwilling to walk up both the Center City and New Street hills, she bagged and went back to the start line. Lydia and I finished the route. It was better—we could walk slightly faster, but not extremely fast because of all the people.

The highlight for me was see in my friend Gail, who has been doing the 3-Day for about a decade. We trained together when I did it.

I think I probably did in excess of four miles today. Walking from the parking garage to the site and back, and then walking Adonis on his 1/2 mile route.


Now, it's off to a Mexican joint for dinner!

walked tomorrows 5K today

Bonnie and I walked today. She's not back 100% yet and didn't sign up for the Iron Pigs 5K which is tomorrow. Yesterday I picked up the packets, and the map was inside. So we walked the route today! It took 50 minutes and we did not power walking at all.

Most of i is in the ball park, but both the run and the 5K take the hill up to the stadium. The run is also on the American Parkway.

Why is that important? I need to finish in less than 45 minutes tomorrow. I'm signed up as a runner. The walk, which Lyd and Sharon are doing, is only 1.5 miles. Seriously?  On one hand I'm glad that this is a family event—a run, a fun walk and a piglet race for the kids—but there's many people, like me, who would want to do the competitive walk.

So tomorrow for the first time I'll be run-power walk-walking hoping to be finished in time. Maybe it will be the start of something new.

Or maybe it means I'm in much better shape than I think I am. Or maybe both.

I signed up for another cross country race, it's called the Camper Scamper and it's in Horsham. A little bit of a drive, but oh well. The whole walk is in the camp ground. Hopefully the trails are a little more groomed than at the farm. It's Oct. 2.

Next week is the Volkssport Octoberfest "walk" at Bear Creek. It's more like a hike. But it's fun.

Need to do longer walks before the AC Half Marathon.


And I need to buy gum before tomorrow!

Left: This black walnut was on the road into piggie park. Look at the size! It could have been a green grapefruit. You don't see stuff like this in the gym.