what a difference

It's much cooler today, but still very humid. I went out alone at 6:30 to beat the heat. I decided to go up Dodson Street today.

First I went to ML's and dropped off the paper. Then I headed out Broadway to Bergen, Up Bergen and around FH Park. When I got to the pool I noticed that construction has begun again on the new Bottom Dollar. Whatever eco-issue they were having must have been solved. I turned the corner and headed up THE HILL. Yes, it belongs in caps. It's a dozy. But not as bad as Frederick St.

The plan was to go up without stopping. Coming down the hill was a middle-aged woman. I said hi or good morning like I do to everyone. She warned me not to go past the fire hall because there was two creepy guys that tried to pick her up one day. She promised her mom she wouldn't go that way any more. Because we were chatting I stopped walking. Oops. After assuring her I wouldn't go past the fire hall (not even sure where it is!) I finished going up the hill, and came down Graham and home Bishopthorpe. I think I passed Tiffany's new house. There was a "Go Pigs" lawn sign.

Total mileage, about 2.25 miles.

This afternoon I'm going out for the Friday quick walk with Betsy and the dogs. She's dog-sitting whaile her daughter is in California. Hopefully the temp doesn't go up too much.

Looks like rain for tomorrows outdoor event. Bummer. It will be like girl scout camp. I should have know it was going to rain. It's reunion weekend at school. It always rains reunion weekend.

The graphic below is from Lyd's facebook page.

.....oooO..............
.....( .... )...............
......) .. /.....Oooo..
......(_/.......( .... )... KEEP WALKING!
................ .\ ...(....
.................. \_).....

coming up with a plan

Walking today with Betsy and Logan (her 4-legged grandchild) we talked about lots of stuff. (Ut oh. I think that's a picture of Izzy. Now I'm knee deep in doggie doo-doo.)

One thing we talked about was my lack of a goal to keep moving. So Betsy suggested one.

Perhaps we plan our own long walk on a Saturday near the 3-Day/Avon. Maybe 10-12 miles. Anybody can come that wants to. But with the stipulation they need to make a donation to a breast cancer charity. No stress. No fund raising.

It's a pretty good idea. I know they'll be three of us—Bonnie, Besty and me. Maybe we can get Kathy to join us. Perhaps even Lydia.

After dinner Sharon and I walked another 1.5 miles. Maybe  my drought is over. I hope so.

it snowed on thanksgiving

This week I went walking Tuesday at lunchtime, it's only about a mile but it's great to get out of the birdhouse. Since we went to see Harry Potter after work, I skipped t'ai chi. (Bad fat girl.)

On Thanksgiving I thought about doing a 5K in Doylestown. But there are no buses running and my sister was volunteering at the senior center serving Thanksgiving lunch. So I didn't go, and drove her uptown instead. I came back and wrapped her "corporate" gifts and then took a walk. It was snowing. I haven't measured the distance, but I went to Aharts and back so it was at least 2 miles.

Today I went walking with Betsy. It's always about three miles. Maybe a little more. And Logan and Izzy were visiting and they came along. It's been a while since I walked with the dogs. Takes a bit of getting used to. Izzy likes chasing falling leaves. Logan likes to "do his business" in leaf piles.

Bonnie was hoping to walk in the Turkey Trot tomorrow, but she just called and canceled. Her knee is really swollen again. Drats, my one chance to beat her and she doesn't come. Because of the race, I don't think I'll make t'ai chi tomorrow either.

Sharon picked up our race packets this afternoon, so I'll actually have my shirt. From what she said, they are switching to chips instead of clocks, so I "pick up my timer chip tomorrow".

Timer chip. I am so freaking excited.

the start of a busy weekend

My Hollywood doo.

Last night I worked late. I car pool, and didn't want the driver hanging around till 6 for me, so I told her to leave. I could get home. My friend Angel lives in Wilson, so the plan was to walk there, and then she'd bring me home.

I left the office, crossed the street and headed down College Hill. And then the sidewalk ended. Crap. It's nearly impossible to cross College Hill at that hour (okay, any hour) and live to tell the tale. So I decided to walk on the grass and in the street when I couldn't. At the bottom of the hill I was going to head out 248 to Northampton, then up to the Mary Meuser Library to Angels.

Logan (aka Duncan)

As luck would happen I was picked up by a colleague and given a ride. Secretly I was happy. I had on really bad shoes to walk, and I was not looking forward to that hill.

Today I walked early this morning with ML and Sharon, the typical pokey 2.25 or so route. When I got home there was a message from Betsy about our Friday speed walk. Even better news, she has the dogs for the weekend! It's been a while since we've walked with the dogs.

Betsy and Izzy

But before walking I had to go to the salon for my hair cut. Normally I would head to the farmers market afterwards but it is closed for the Allentown Fair. Brian knows this. So he says to me, I guess you're going home today. when I told him I was walking her put my hair up in a fancy messy Hollywood doo.

As I'm heading to Betsy's it starts to drizzle. We head out with Logan anyway. It rains a little harder, and then a little harder still. Felt good. When we got back to switch dogs, we thought about not going out again. It was begining to rain. Glad we continue on. It stopped.

Tomorrow is the 5K, and I'm going to go pick up my bike...and a lock.

Can't wait till the pink firetrucks on Monday.

dog tales

I live in a small city, on what some might call the wrong side of town. I love it, most of the time. What I don't love is the dogs.

I'm not much of a dog person. I had a really bad experiences in my teens and then my 20s with dogs. And with the exception of Logan, Izzy and Harry I could live without them.

Living in an urban environment, everyone has dogs. Not cute furry dogs, but big dogs like retrievers, mean guard dogs or those yappy little Taco Bell dogs. Each spring I re-learn where the rottweilers, pitbulls, and dobermans live. And then avoid them.

There's one house I cannot avoid. I have to pass it to go home. They have some sort of small furry matted brown dust mop things that bark from the minute they see you coming to well after you've left. But they don't just bark. They spin in circles and jump much higher than the rickety fence. They snarl. They nash. They terrify me. And the owners make no attempt to shut them up or discipline them. I am certain one day I will come home with one attached to me as it flies to attack me. They are insane.

Today Sharon and I walked. They were already in full psycho mode when we got there. A man was across the street walking his very well-behaved dog.  So I said to Sharon, "lets cross the street, those dogs scare the heck out of me". A voice replies "Me too. That's why we're on this side of the street."

He was 6'4" and walking a pitbull.

i did the turkey trot in sneakers!

Today was HPI's Turkey Trot. Some towns actually have there's on Thanksgiving. I wore my pink sneakers for the whole race. I didn't fall or anything. Amazing.

It started and ended at the Luckenback Mill.

I really wanted to take pixs of some of the people. Runners and workers in Moravian garb, there were even a couple as Native Americans, and that select group of crazy peopl wearing tiny shorts and tank tops on November 28.

I ran into someone from the 3-Day. Donna, part of Gail F's team, and her husband. Donna took the pix of me. Another sourpuss shot. I'm beginning to think that I'm always a sourpuss! Am I?

Donna's hubby was running, she was speed walking. Her goal was 45 minutes. Mine was not finishing last. We started together and then she was off.

On Main Street I got behind a couple and their shaggy dog. The dog was a pain. He wanted to sniff every leaf and every Christmas decoration downtown. I almost tripped over her several times. Thank goodness I walk with Izzy and Logan, I know how to do the doggie walking dance. I finally managed to pass them.

After Main street we went under the bridge to Sand Island, made the 1-mile loop and came back out to Lehigh. We walked into the wind a lot. Then we went around city hall by the sculpture garden, through the historic area, and back down to the Mill via the "Musikfest" path.

I got past the Mill and couldn't find the finish line. At first I thought they had already taken it down. But then I noticed it past the tents, under the Broad Street overpass. I probably lost 20-30 seconds in my confusion. I actually stopped. I crossed the finish at 52.35. I was not last. At least 10 people were behind me.

I guess that's okay. But I walked as fast as I could and tried not to get distracted. And still got 3MPH.

Next week is the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. My brother Dave might do it with me. He kicks butt on the treadmill and elliptical at the gym, and thinks maybe he can make it out on the streets. I'm sure he can. Plus he'll have his wife Barb as a cheerleader. I bet he beats me by at least 5 minutes.

the big bad head cold that won't go away

It's back. My head cold from two weeks ago has made a return visit. I feel like crap. Yet, I'm going to do the walking path today and stairs before school, and hit the gym for elliptical after class. Not much, but it's something. I stayed in bed till after 8, then laid on the couch in my jammies till after 9. I was the poster girl this morning for lazy.

Friday I walked with Betsy and the dogs. I was wiped out when we were done. The last few blocks were very long. I chocked it up to the end of the cold. I know know that it was the beginning of the cold coming back.

Sunday it was beautiful. I had planned a five mile walk, but instead I cleaned up graffiti on my garage and helped a few neighbors. It was certainly an upper body workout!

Monday I went to the gym at did the elliptical for about 15 minutes at 3.5-4 MPH. Not bad for my second time. I even figured out how to make the TV work!

I've been thinking a lot about what's next. I had signed up to do the Philly marathon but I withdrew. 

I have been looking at stair climbs. There's one in Philly March 20 for the American Lung Assn. The website  says Most people who can walk 3 miles can climb 1,088 stairs in about 20 minutes. Yeah, sure. With my knees? They also have one in Wilkes Barre at the Wachovia Arena, same day.  It's 1,224 steps up and down the arena. Hmmmm. That might be doable. I could practice at Fisher Stadium. The downs always give my knees a break. I'd have to be able to do it 3 times, I think. They start people 20 seconds apart. Crap, these people are probably running. I don't run. On Feb 28 there is a stair climb for  CF sponsored by wawa. It's 53 flights, 1019 steps.

My head is spinning with wild ideas to keep moving.

For now it's 2 5Ks: the Turkey Trot and the Jingle Bell run. My goal is to not come in last place.

Inching back toward activity

My sister Barb called Monday morning. "Did you go walking this morning?"

"No"

"Why not, it's a beautiful day."

I offered up all my typical excuses and she pretty much told me to get my fat butt out for a walk. So I did.

I left for school early and did the 1-mile track around the College, in my heels, carrying my briefcase. As I passed the gym I thought about checking it out. Me, a gym. Right.

When I got to  my classroom I checked out the gym on-line. There was minimal information but the hours were good. My classes finish at 6 and they were open till 10 on my class nights. It's also free for students and employees.

About 6:30 all the students were gone so I went over to the gym. Ran into a colleague from one of my other jobs and talked about work for a half-hour. Finally I went in. My bubble burst.

There is nobody to show you what to do or make you a program. You get what you pay for, I guess. The man said I just needed to was bring my ID card, fill out a wavier and get a lock for my locker and that's it. All the machines had picture instructions on them. Follow the pictures.

Say what?

The last time I did a gym at my other job WITH supervision and I was often scolded for using the machines incorrectly. Following pictures is not for me.

So I'm still looking.

I could use the gym at Kirby, the one I liked, but it's in Easton. I'm far too lazy to drive a half hour, work out for a hour, and then drive home. That's pretty much the reason I stopped going the first time. It's very cheap, about $25 a term, and they now offer personal trainers, if I read the email right.

I love water aerobics and they offer them for a reasonable price at Cedar Crest, but again, the travel time is crazy. I have multiple jobs I have no free time for travel.

The Y is close, has a pool, classes and machines. But it's very expensive. I have no money.

So my sister calling from Kentucky telling me to get my lazy butt in gear is going to have to do for now. It's flexible, fits the budget, and takes off inches. I signed up for the Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 5. (http://jbr-lv.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=315466 Join me. We'll make a team. Heaven knows this family has arthritis!) It's a 5K and I swore them off. But I know they keep the finish line up for us pokey people. I'm also going to look for the info on the Turkey Trot. Another 5K in historic Bethlehem. Again, I know they keep the finish line up. (http://tinyurl.com/ygm3kmw)

Today, I'll be walking before class again. I'm also taking my camera to see if I can get a shot of the College gym for the blog. I'll be walking with Betsy and the pups on Friday afternoon. And Bonnie called and said she'd walk with me Saturday and Sunday. That will get me thru the week. Maybe all I need to do is just develop new habits

We'll see Friday if it does anything for my BP. If history is any indication, that would be a no.

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Postscript. Read the waiver he gave me before class. It had a small section on the bottom that had you sign to refuse the orientation? The man Monday night said nothing about orientation. So I went in again. This time there was a young athletic student behind the desk. I asked her about this "orientation". She said sure and bee bopped across the gym for a clip board. I signed up for Wednesday morning, 11 am. Weights are scary without supervision. But I'll give the eliptical a shot. And maybe the stair climber. I can't hurt myself too badly on them, can I?

Fat lazy girl not walking.

I really have been hating myself the last couple weeks because I can not get my fat lard butt out walking or stair climbing. I don't know if I'm burned out or what. Any ideas on how to light the fire again?

I even had a great moment on Friday and it didn't motivate me. I was driving Lyds car. She was the passenger since she had a medical procedure. I was really far from her house, but my car was in front. So I left her car run, and went to move mine. I walked to my car, moved it another 25 feet toward the corner. Then for no apparent reason I ran back to her car. It was maybe a 1/2 block. I haven't run a half block since middle school. I hopped into the car and pulled into the newly opened spot. Then it hit me. I wasn't breathing hard. I wasn't panting. I ran and physically I was normal. I was excited. But not excited enough to get walking again.

Today it's beautiful out. I should have walked for hours. I had planned to go with a friend and she called and bagged out. So instead of going out alone I sat at this stupid computer and worked all day. And snacked. I have turned eating into an Olympic event the last two weeks. I've been grazing. And I don't normally graze! I'm eating like there is no tomorrow. And if I keep it up there isn't. My sweet tooth is in another universe it's so active. The timing is awful too. I need to go to the doctor at the end of the week. There will be no weight loss this time.I don't have a clue what my BP is. This will not be pretty.

I walked one day this week. Friday afternoon with Betsy and the pups. And last Sunday I did feel guilty enough to take the scenic route down o Aharts and back. Both times I wore my new pink shoes and they were comfy.

Yesterday I killed another pedometer. I was helping Elin move. It was fine at the old house with all those steps. (So was I come to think of it.) I will not miss the steps at Elin's old house. The front ones are horrible. The ones to the second floor are really horrible (and they've been fixed. They were insane before!) And the attic ones are beyond description. Of course those I did about 50 times. I got Elin and her broken leg up to the second floor (first time in 3 months) and then I shuttled boxes from the attic. Later, Elins friend Charlette came and helped me. It broke at the new place. Walking in the back door carrying nothing. Doesn't really matter. Since the 3-Day I think I've had one day over 10,000 steps. Most average 5,000. I haven't even bothered writing it down on logging it on beewell.com.

I'm thinking of signing up for a stair climb in February, but am not sure if my knees could take it. I have the form here for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. It's a 5K. I've sworn off 5Ks but it's for arthritis, so maybe I should reconsider. Will it be enough to get me moving again. The Turkey Trot is Thanksgiving weekend. Again, a 5K.

What to do, what to do? This fat girl needs to stop grazing and start walking again. Any ideas to motivate me would be appreciated. "Just do it" won't work.