lights in the parkway 5k

It was the perfect night for a 5k. Not too cold. Not too warm. And we met a potential new friend.

I know Nora thru the Sugar Crusher program. We've never met. Until tonight. We've been talking on FB thru the groups page, and then we became "friends". We met her in person tonight at the park. Coming from Montgomery County, she beat us there. We left a little later and got stuck in the parking traffic jam.

She was surprised we could take a selfie with three people. Heck we can do it with five!

I'm glad we took the headlights. It was about a half mile walk to the parkway. Once we turned the corner, it was dark. We needed to turn them on. We needed them during the race in one section also. 

There was a lot of people there. We headed for the start line, and I tried to take pictures. I tripped over a guide wire. Swell.

We kept walking and walking to get to the end of the start line. It took three and a half minutes to cross the START line.

We headed up the hill, and around the police academy. There were no lights in this area. Then we came back and under the stone bridge to the lights. We followed the creek path, to the iron bridge. We crossed the iron bridge, made a loop, and then headed up to the 15th street entrance. Looped around again, and came back the road, and back up the hill.

Bonnie finished in about 47 minutes. Nora and I in about 49. We have to wait for official numbers to know the real times.I'm sure this time is much better than my times in 2010.

Saturday we'll be walking in Slatington, and then doing a Christmas greens workshop at the nature center.

Wednesday is the Sugar Crushers test panel get together. Can I lose 10 pounds by Wednesday? We will be getting the books. That was fast. The Walk Your Butt Off book took nearly two years. But then eliminating sugar is the hot diet trend right now.

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.

walking clinic

Last night was the walking clinic sponsored by the cities rec department. It was held at the Rose Garden and run by Michele Staten, from the Walk You Butt Off program. There was only six people in the group.

Lydia came for supper, and we left early. The dog wanted to go for a walk. There wasn't enough time. So we skipped out on him. We got to the park early and looked at the roses, then headed over for the clinic. It was similar to the four hour one we did last fall. Just much shorter.

It started out with paperwork. Everything today starts with a wavier. Then we took a moderately paced walk around the park. That was the warm up.

Followed by stretches and drills. That's Lydia doing the ladder. We also walked on our heels (hard) and toes (easy).

Then the man event. Intervals. Last night we did a pyramid. Gradually building up speed and endurance and then bringing it down.

We ended with more stretches and a cool down. You can see how sweaty we were looking at the final pix. Lyds head was dripping wet.

It was so much fun, we're going next week.

laughing at my nightmare 5k

This 5K was a little different. It was advertised as a run, walk or roll. I was a little disappointed that only the organizer was rolling! (Though there was a guy with one leg. He was running.) I had visions of a fleet of wheelchairs. Oh well. But there were bunches of walkers

It was a well organized race. I think it was the first race I've ever done that started with a prayer for our safety and success. It started and ended at East Hills Moravian Church, and went up Shakespere Road, looped around the education park, and came back. The course had up and down hills in both directions and a fair amount of shade. Except at the schools! All proceeds went to the Laughing At My Nightmare Foundation.

We ran into Michelle from Walk Your Butt Off. She's having walking clinics the next two Wednesdays in the Rose Garden. Since I don't have Zumba I might go.

Bonnie finished in about 50:30, me at 50:48 and Lydia at about 54:50. Michelle, finished in less than 35 with the slow runners. I can only dream about going that fast.

Yesterday I didn't walk at all. I went to see Suessical, The Dr. Seuss Musical. Then went to the Turkish resturant where Bug had Turkish bubble gum flavored soda. Unilke something you'd find in AMerica, it was clear and didn't taste like the whole pack of Bazooka. The flavor was very subtle. She was happy mom said yes to soda. When I returned home I spent over two hours washing windows.

Tomorrow we're headed to Hugh Moore Park in Easton. Hopefully we'll find out last Passport marker while we're there, plus get six miles on the Tail on the Trail challenge. Lyd is in the 20s and Dawn is in the 50s. We've got some catching up to do!

walking classes in bethlehem!

Wow, the internet is filled with possibilities in our fair city this week.

First the new high line trail announcement and now Fitness in the Park! It's walking, boot camp and toning. I found out about it from my coach in the Walk Your Butt Off Program.

Michelle, the fitness director of WYBO has launched a website MyWalkingCoach.com. She'll be facilitating the walking portion. "This isn’t your ordinary stroll around the block. You’ll learn walking techniques that will help tone up your entire body—not just your legs. You’ll practice drills that will help you increase your speed and boost your metabolism so you can get a great workout in less time. You’ll also play walking games and explore new neighborhoods to keep walking fun and exciting." She has a link to the flier posted on the site. If you're interested you can download the flier here.

Clearly I can't sign up till the June sessions, since classes still run thru May. But I might even try one week of the boot camp. That will be hysterical. If nothing else the instructor is easy on the eyes.

Michele is also looking for testers for another walking program. If you want to apply, click here.

The other thing I stumbled into today, and I'm not really sure how, was Chi Walking. Everyone knows how much I had loved doing Tai Chi. I finally gave up since my schedule did not allow classes. "The Chi Walking technique emphasizes the proper biomechanics of walking including: good  posture, loose joints, engaging one's core muscles, and relaxing the peripheral muscles of the arms and legs." The closest instructor in around Philly. I might just buy the DVD. I'm intrigued.

Anything to keep me walking.

Finally, my niece Bonnie—the one that beats me in all the 5Ks and races—fell down her basement stairs and broke her wrist in seven places. Ouch. It will not keep her from walking. Or kicking my butt.

WYBO party

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was a lovely party.

walking in warmth

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

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

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

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

It took forty minutes.

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

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

poole wildlife santuary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"walk your butt off" book release

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

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

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

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

speed walking clinic.

Bonnie and I learned a lot about walking. My fears were not realized. But then that's me. Always look for the worse case scenario.

It was cold. I had on a tee, a long sleeve tee, a fleece and a jacket, plus gloves. As the day progresses I stripped down to my tee shirt. 

First we corrected our posture/form and walking technique. Wow there's a lot to remember. I'm being vague because I'm not really sure how much I can say.

Then we walked, practicing out new techniques. We need to find a park with a line to follow.

We continued walking while each participant was videoed with an iPad. Then the film was reviewed. I lean forward. That wasn't news. After the half my back and shoulders hurt. I punch in with my right arm, instead of back, so I send the energy the wrong way.  Scuff my one foot. It's amazing what a stranger can see in 90 seconds.

Then we did drills. Look out Lydia. Walking will never be the same! One we counted our steps. Mine always stayed the same. I didn't get any faster. But in another, I did get a little faster.

At the end of the drills Bonnie said we had to go. It was already 5:00, and she needed to help her mother in law. So we said goodbye as they moved the clinic to DeSales University to do a hill demo.  When we got in the car, the car said 4:00. Bonnie never reset her watch from the time change! So I did a U-y and headed for DeSales.

At DeSales we worked on techniques that would work on a hill. I want to see them work on an actual hill—Wyandotte Street. Frederick Street. My street. That was an incline. I think the hill to the rail trail at the partk we were in is steeper. So the jury is still out on that particular technique, until I can try it on an actual hill.

We finished the day with strength exercises.

All in all a great afternoon and well worth the money.

they didn't cry wolf this time

Itaska Street. Two blocks from my house. If you remember Mrs. Billiard, from Advent and First Church, it's her old house. Remarkably, no cars or homes were damaged.

The storm arrived, big time. Destroyed the Jersey coastline that was so beautiful two weeks ago. It will take years to recover. The eye of the hurricane came thru Atlantic City. The eastern edge of the storm flooded lower Manhattan and all of Long Island. They've even cancelled tomorrows New York Marathon. Yeah, it was that bad.

What hit us was a tropical storm. It's been cold and wet. Nothing tropical about it.

Locally, I was without power two days, Lyd three and Bonnie four. Lyd stayed her because there was a tree leaning over her house. Thank goodness it didn't fall.

My primary college was closed all week but I got called in. The magazine had to go to press. So I went.  Apparently graphic designers are "essential" personal. The boss dangled a "vacation day anytime they wanted" carrot, and people responded. Why wouldn't you? Lights, heat, and the gym was open for showers. Really, coming to work was the better idea.

The community college was open by Wednesday, and the online school never closed.

Tuesday-Thursday I didn't really go on many walks except with Adonis. There were trees and power lines down everywhere.

Friday Betsy and I went for our Friday afternoon three fast miles in south Whitehall.

This morning, Mary Liz called to walk. They are moving and her new place doesn't have power yet. So they came to her old place around the corner. She's still recovering from back surgery, so we did about 1/2 mile at a slow pace.

Last night, Bonnie couldn't stand the lack of sunshine anymore, and said "Let's walk tomorrow." (Lyd had a planned autumn cleanup party at her house.) So this afternoon we went. Up to Moravia, down Lechaukecki, behind the finally opened Wawa to the Stanley Avenue park. We swung for a while and continued to Hoffert. Down Hoffert, out Seneca, down fourth, and back Broadway. We just wandered and managed 3.25 miles. Not fast, but not slow either. Then I came home and did .5 miles with Adonis.

For a lazy butt mid-week, I made up for it today.

Tomorrow I'm doing a walking speed clinic with Michelle Stanten, the Walk Your Butt Off book walking coach and Canadian Lee Scott of WOW Power Walking.

To start, you’ll simply walk while we videotape you. That way you can see what you’re doing well and areas you can improve. From there, you’ll receive group and one-on-one instruction on posture and technique to improve your speed. You’ll also learn drills and exercises that you can continue to do after the clinic to get even faster. This is not race walking.

Hopefully I learn different things than I learned in WYBO. I'll be very disappointed and will have wasted a nice chunk of change.

I've been way out of control diet-wise, and my sugar tooth is working overtime.  I have a doctors appointment at the end of the month and that Prevention photo shoot coming up. So, I've also signed up for her 21-Day Eat-Move Commitment. You only have to walk a minimum of twenty minutes a day. And I guess stick to a non-processed diet. Motivational emails (golly how I hate motivational emails and posts on FB. They make me want to gag.) come straight to your mailbox and you have to email your progress daily.  I do so much better when someone holds me accountable. The thing that sold me on this was "Eat no added processed sugar (incl honey, maple syrup, agave, cane sugar)." Twenty-one days without sugar. More than likely I'll be a raving b*tch by the time it's over.

Time will tell. It starts next Saturday.

looks like it's happening

Back in mid-September I was contacted by Prevention magazine about the Walk Your Butt Off test panel. I had to send a current photo in workout clothes.

I was fairly certain they'd see a fat girl, and cross me off the list. Clearly I was wrong. Another email came today.

"Would you let me know the city and state where you’re located? We’re gearing up to finalize this story, and our art department will most likely be in touch within the next week or so to set up a photo shoot. Most likely, the photo shoot will be in Emmaus. Are you able to get to Emmaus easily?"

Shoot. Looks I need to lose 10 pounds before next week.  And exercise a lot.

walking clinic

 (banner, http://wowpowerwalking.com/wp/  
But y'all knows that this is my gym too. Just not in Toronto.)

I'm on a email list for walkers because of my involvement in Walk Your Butt Off. So I got this invitation in the mail today, and it looked like a great opportunity. (I had gotten an earlier email to reply if interested for this list. Of course I said yes.)

The only bad thing is I can't invite the others. It's only open to the people she emailed. Unless there are spaces left. That leaves me no alternative but to show them, or attempt to show them, what I learned.

Hi everyone,

Hope you're enjoying the beautiful fall weather--perfect for walking!

Since you expressed an interest in attending a Speed Walking Clinic, I want to give you first dibs on signing up. Here are the details...

For this clinic, you'll get the opportunity to be coached by one of my mentors Lee Scott from Toronto.

Lee is a certified personal trainer who's been coaching walkers for more than 10 years. She developed the WoW Power Walking® program and the Simple Secrets for a Great Walking Workout DVD-CD as a way to engage people in a challenging and sustainable lifelong activity. She has coached thousands of walkers for fitness and marathons. She has power walked more than 70 distance events including a 50k ultramarathon and 22 full marathons including winning the 2008 Cleveland Marathon walk division and achieving a personal best of 4:51:51 in 2011 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon—that's about an 11-minute per mile pace (5.5 mph)!

Okay, I'm exhausted reading that paragraph. 5.5 miles an hour for a walker! I'll be doing a naked happy dance when  reach 4mph!

Joelle Junior, a certified group fitness instructor and former Prevention magazine colleague, will also be assisting. Joelle was instrumental in making the Prevention marathon walking program that I started a success. She's also walked several marathons and half marathons and has gotten progressively faster.

So you will have three of us coaching you to provide a lot of individual attention.

We will videotape you so you can see how you're walking and ways to improve.

We will work on proper technique and form.

We will do drills to help you get faster.

We will give you exercises to do after you leave that will help you to continue to improve.

And we'll have fun!

We are limiting the group to 20 people so we can give you more personal attention.

The clinic will be Sun Nov 4 from 1-5 pm.  ...

So I replied yes. The price isn't horrible.  And it really is the only time I'll get to work with Scott, so when opportunity knocks, I should answer.

I'm just thinking I should be 30 years younger....

didn't think things thru, again

As everyone knows, I was in the test panel for the book Walk Your Butt Off. It was fun. I might have learned a few things.

Then about two weeks ago I got a call from the author to fact-check my information. Excuse me? Yes, I'm actually in the book at several places. With my stats and photo. Yikes! What was I thinking?

Yesterday I got a email from Prevention magazine.  They are printing an excerpting of Walk Your Butt Off in the February issue. The email had questions like: Am I still walking? Am I still doing the program? Have I maintained my weight loss? Yikes! They might want to interview me.  I need to send them my current weight and a photo in workout gear.  Hopefully that scary picture will chase them away.

But think about it. This fat girl in a national health magazine, fat. Would I make a good poster girl for walking my butt off?  I don't think so.

But think of the other ramifications—the internet ones. I have done a fairly good job of keeping my private self, private. I have FB locked down tighter than Fort Knox. I have this blog set to non-searchable. I really don't want to be found. I didn't even give them permission to post the blog address in the book.

Something like this will pull all the haters out of the woodwork. So in February, if the blog disappears, and my FB page goes down, you'll know why.

3 walks, one morning

It was a three walk day. One would think I was training for something. Oh yeah, I am.

First walk was at 7 am with the Walk Your Butt Off Group. It was a little larger this week. Bonnie needed to be at an appointment by 9 so we only walked 3 miles. Again it was at the Upper Saucon Rail Trail. While I was waiting for Bonnie at the comfort station, I noticed that the trail went the other direction thru the park. As we were driving out, it looks like it goes under the road toward the library. We must check it out one day.

Second walk was at 10:30 or so. Lydia came and we did 2.5 miles thru Fountain Hill and south Bethlehem. Sharon came along for about half. We did the long Fourth Street hill down and took Carolton Avenue back up.

When we were almost home we called Pat and told her to get Adonis ready. We'd take him for a walk. Lydia hasn't been giving him good walks lately because of the high heat and his lack of tolerance for other animals. There are several dogs in her trailorhood that are not chained. It's asking for trouble.

He was so  excited. He sniffed at stuff half as much as he used to do. And he practically ran.  He was a tired, but happy camper, when we got home.

almost six miles

Today we walked with Michelle and some others from the Walk You Butt Off group. We did the Upper Saucon rail trail and part of the Lower Saucon trail.

It's a rail trail so it's relatively flat,  and gravel. Rich people houses and yards on either side. A few street crossings.

It was hot and humid. I hear it's going to get worse. Right now, I really need a shower. I bet I sweated off three of four calories! Which we put right back on at the Coopersburg Diner. We both had omelets with spinach, feta and tomatoes. Then we crossed the street and went to the Coopersburg Farm market. All before 10 am!

One of the things we talked about was the Atlantic City Half. Michele says the second half is all boardwalk, and there is one hill where they close the highway and you go up the exit ramp. It's in the beginning. When I got home I signed up.

My niece who owns the Pole Dancing Fitness Studio is participating in a Slut Walk today. In stilettos. It's only a mile. If she doesn't kill her self doing it, I've asked her to guest blog. It's for rape awareness. The name is derived from the idiom that women dress like sluts and are "asking" for it. From the pixs I've seen on the net people at this walk dress the extremes—Fredricks of Hollywood to regular walking clothes. I hope she says yes. And posts pixs!

It started in Toronto and has been spreading across the US. If it comes to Philly, count my fat but in.

-------

Found the Slut Walk Philly page on FB. No date set yet. I did not click the "like" button. I can't imagine what kin of lists the web crawlers would put me on. I book marked it.

back on track.

Zumba Wednesday, walking Thursday, Friday and again tomorrow. I think I'm getting back on track. About time.

Thursday I got an email from Michelle, the walking coach from the Walk Your Butt Off program.  It said "Anyone up for a group walk at Upper Saucon park on Sat AM? I'm thinking on the earlier side, like 7-7:30 a.m. Let me know and we'll work out the details."

I thought why not. Bonnie was having her family picnic, and even if Lyd wanted to walk it would be later. So I replied yes. Bonnie called this morning, the picnic was cancelled—someone died—so she could walk. She's coming along.

This morning I got another email. "I'm planning on doing 6 miles, but you can walk any distance you like. It is an out and back so I'll let you know when to turn around based on how far you'd like to go.

Six miles is a lot for a lazy person, but maybe it will kick me into gear. I know full well that Jillian will make us go the six miles.

Planning ahead: I am hoping to do group walks weekly for the next 3 weeks. If you're interested, let me know if you have a particular time you'd like to walk. Weekday mornings? Weekday evenings? Also locations. If I have enough interest, I'd love to do one at the Ironton Rail Trail in Whitehall. Lehigh Parkway and Bethlehem canal towpath are other options." I replied yes. Why not. Hopefully Bonnie wants to come.

She continued "Anyone know of any tracks that are open to the public in the Lehigh Valley area? I'm thinking about offering some speed training and doing it on a track would be ideal." Speed walking. I could try that. Maybe burn two or three extra calories. I'm in. But if she doesn't know of a public track, who would? We have one at Lafayette, but I'm sure that's for Lafayette's community use.

In the initial email Michelle mentioned the Wildwood Half Marathon, August 26.  "Flat terrain and beautiful views!" But you must finish in 4 hours. That's better than 4 miles an hour. Don't think I can do that. But a weekend at the shore would be nice.

The Philly half is Nov. 18, but that also has the 4 hour limit. And it isn't flat.

However, the Atlantic City is on Oct. 21. A half and a full. AC should be flat, right? 6.5 hour time limit. I can do that, easy. It's a goal. I like goals. A weekend at the beach with a salt water taffy orgy afterwards. I'll talk to Michelle tomorrow. I wonder if I can talk Bonnie into it. Ly would do the 5 or 10. And we could do one or two of the Volkssport walks. Getting excited.

Better to try and fail, than not try at all, right?