walking in circles ... make that figure eights

Saturday I did the Deja Vue Half Marathon with fitness friends Jennifer and Nora.

I downloaded google directions and headed to Landsdale. I was driving and reading and I thought I was to follow 63. That took me nowhere, so I came back and was going to go to the Wawa for directions. Turns out I was supposed to go straight! It was the directions off the turnpike exit the messed me up.

It said to go 3.8 miles. I checked my mileage and set off. Right into sun glare. Couldn't see a single street sign. Boy I was missing Starr! I'm at five miles and nothing. I turn around and come back. I drove right past the park and the street. I left 1.45 to arrive for a 50 minute trip. I arrived with 15 minutes to spare.

Why is it called Deja Vue? You see the same thing over and over. The loop is about a mile. Not quite a mind numbing boring as a Relay for Life, but close. This one was in the shape of a figure eight, sort of.

We looped around the baseball fields and the amphitheater, then back into the woods and back out and around.  There was this odd 50-100 yard space were you went out and back and then back out. Clearly they were adding mileage. Must have come up short. I can't tell you how tempted I was to skip that part. But I didn't.

The hat and gloves came off on the first loop. the sweatshirt on the second. I toyed with the idea of removing one of my shirts, but didn't. I had two on. Clearly it became warmer as the day progressed.

I was counting loops on my finger but became confused. I wasn't sure if I was on lap 12 or 13. I asked. They said "one more". I did one more and the man said I was "done". I finished in 3:41:xx I think. They gave me my medal and I left.

When I got to the car I called Barb, like I do after every race. (Gotta tell somebody, and Bonnie is usually with me.) Then I headed off to Annapolis for the next race.

Nora finished after me, and checked the results. She's a half-marathon maniac. The official results only have me finishing 12 laps.  I have no idea what happened. It's kind of poopy.

I am on walking coach Michelle Staten's FB page. In addition to being a coach she writes a about fitness. A week or so ago there was a post. She was looking for people who stand all day for a story she was working on—nurse, teachers, whatever. I didn't respond. Shocking, right?

Wednesday or Thursday she posted that she was looking for people who use anti-fatigue mats. this time I responded. She called me Friday morning, I think. It's shocking to think I've been standing at work for almost 2.5 years. I told her 2, but I looked it up in the blog today it's May, 2012. I got the mat about a month into it. Today, I sent her a pix of my DIY standing desk just for kicks. Maybe I'll make the cut. Maybe not. Doesn't matter. In case it does happen it's Weight Watchers magazine.

Not quite dead last, but finished.

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Yesterday was the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run/Walk. You read that right. A Half-Marathon with walk right there in the title where everyone can see it. About 20% of the athletes were walkers. How cool is that.

Walking coach Michele Stanten, who I worked with on several Rodale projects, organized the walking portion. Maybe next year she’ll get the 300 walkers she hoped for.

In addition Saturday night she organized a dinner for out of town walkers. I attended. Race-walkers attended from Wisconsin and Georgia. If she ever offers a race-walking seminar I’m going to take it. Don’t think my knees could handle more than one day.

This was different from other walks I’ve done. There were “pacers” 3, 3:15, 3:30 to 4:30. 4:30 was the time limit. My fitness friend Nora was the “sweep” bringing in the last walker at about 4:17. As a pacer, she left the walker cross the finish first.

It was cold. And windy—really windy. Which made it even colder. I had on long underwear, a shirt, a fleece and a jacket. I looked like the Michelin Man.

We arrived at 7 am, as required, then sat in the car. I was bored to tears so I left after 17 minutes. As long as I kept moving I was okay. Then Megan came, and Bonnie came last.

It seemed forever until they said start and we were off. Bonnie and Megan moved out ahead. I didn’t even try to keep up. I was sick all week. I also promised my sister Barb that I would not be a hero. Besides, they both had music on their phones. Talking wouldn’t happen.

I planned to try and stay with the 3:45 group. I walked with a couple for a half-mile, and then walked with a woman from Bethlehem for about 4 miles. I never got her name. She told me about a trial in Stockertown. Gonna check it out. It was her first half. For the first two miles I could see Bonnie and Megan ahead.

Once she moved ahead I walked the rest of the race mostly alone. All these people kept passing me. Then I saw a pacer and checked out her time. It said 3:45. Here I was killing myself and I was in the 3:30-group. Too late, I had already depleted my energy and I hoped not to fall behind the 4-hour group. I was not breathing deep. I didn’t realize how much energy it took to breath shallow.

Twice I was going to quit. If one more bike riding trail safety person asked if I was okay I think I would have said no.

I checked off landmarks that I knew—birdhouse fence, the skeleton on the bike in the tree (btw he has a friend now), farm animals in the yard, ect.

Mile 8 or 9 was really windy. I started to think of that old Paula Abdul song that has the refrain "two steps forward, one step back". 

At mile 11, the Slatington trailhead, the water guy offered me a Munchkin. A little bit of sugar was all I needed—and a restroom. I have never stopped for a bathroom before in a race. When I came out I saw the 4-hour pacer in front of me.

I knew there was only a little more than two miles left. I could do this.

Waiting for all the walkers at the finish line was Michele. She also came to visit on her bike. Also at the finish was Mulegellan, the D&L mascot. I bet s/he was warm! I crossed at about 4:03.xx. Slightly better than my Atlantic City half time of 4:06.xx. Then sent me an email with the total. I don’t remember it. Megan looked it up. I don’t remember that either. It was more than 4, past my goal, that’s the only thing I remember.

Bonnie finished slightly ahead of Megan at 3:47.xx. Bonnie swears this will be her last half. Also no more 10Ks. I’ll believe it when I see it.

The course appears flat, but anyone who has driven from Northampton  to Slatington knows that one is at the bottom of the mountain. The other at the top.  Imagine when we looked at our fit bits and saw we climbed 149 flights of stairs. Megan was way ahead at 190. How that is possible I don't know. Though by the time I synced mine it was 189. Maybe it was tired on the bus. I didn't have the energy to walk up to Wyandotte street to get 200.

Speaking of the shuttle bus. Every time we bounced it gave us a step! It thought we were moving.

Next weekend I have a half and a 10K. Heaven help me.

costochondritis and walking.

http://kcra-kw.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Costochondritis.gif

Monday I went to work. walked a bit at lunchtime. It was a beautiful day.

Came home and started feeling odd. Indigestion maybe? But I ate dinner and turned on the computer and went to class. By 10PM I felt like there was a man standing on my breast bone. And he wasn't invited. I shut off the computer and moved to the couch to watch The Blacklist.   Laying down was worse. Was I having a heart attack? I didn't know. Took my blood pressure. Perfect. Decided it was indigestion and found some generic pepcid that expired in 2012. I took it and went to bed.  By that time my whole left side hurt and my breast felt like bricks.

Tuesday I woke up. I was happy. I woke up. Not a heart attack but it was still there. I couldn't sneeze. Coughing was traumatic. As long as I didn't make any sudden moves I could function. We needed chicken to add to our leftover "rice surprise" (damn it was good) so I took the scenic route to Aharts. Walking up to Sioux street I was both fine and miserable. Walking up Fiot and 8th was even worse. I kept taking my pulse. Perfect. It felt like cracked ribs. The pain is sudden and sharp. The "little man" was really being a PIA and I lost all sense of concentration.

Driving to work I missed the school zone sign flashing. It was 4:00! I got a ticket. $169!!!

Since I was miserable, I decided to listen to the voice in my head and go to the doc in the box. Maybe it's Pneumonia. Maybe a heart attack. The horror visions were dancing in my head. And I have a half marathon Sunday. I decided to go after work. The stress of not knowing was killing me. I could hear Bonnie yelling, "stop being so cheap and go to the doctor". So I did. It's Costochondritis. A virus in the chest wall near the breast bone. There isn't a blasted thing you can do for it but take Aleve. 3 OTC=1 Rx. (I wasn't taking any pain meds because I didn't want to mask the symptoms.) The doc-in-the-box was $148. This is why I don't go to the doctor. It's just a money vacuum. On the up side my heart and lungs are healthy.


Did I mention there's a half-marathon on Sunday? One that I haven't really trained for? Not a good time to get sick. Have another one tomorrow.


Wednesday I walked at work a bit. But the Aleve was making me sick. Thursday I did very little. I drove Lydia to Lehighton and that took my walking time. My online class and my on ground class take up the day. Plus cooking dinner mid-afternoon.


Today I drove Miss Lydia to her home visits. Last week I went walking with Betsy. this week she wasn't available so I walked myself in a whole new neighborhood. The easiest way to explain it is the backside of the muni golf course. I'm guessing 50-60 'burbs. Lots of splits, ranches and amazing mid century architecture. When I was a kid I thought it was hideous. Now I think it's beautiful. I was about three blocks away when Lydia buzzed that she was done.

 Hand-painted, with a great view of the golf course.

 In front of an amazing mid-century house.

Multi-color ghosts.


My breathing was not normal during the walk. But I still have two days till the half. I cannot breath deep so pushing it might not be possible. But I breathed thru my nose the whole time. I rarely do that when walking. I'm an open mouth person.

I did promise my sister that I would not be a hero. I would get my ample butt in the sweep car  if I had to. I think if I pick a steady pace I should be okay. I will take two Aleve before I go. Don't want to lose my breakfast on the trail. Who am I kidding? Breakfast will be after the race. No personal records will be broken. I will use the full four and a half full hours if needed and the route is flat as a pancake.


Tomorrow we are walking on the D&L in the area of the marathon. The more familiar you are with a course, the better it is. Then after walking we'll go pick up our race gear. Michelle, the walking coach, is hosting a pre-race dinner on Saturday night.


If with my weak walking totals this month, I am still past 1000 miles for this Tail on the Trail Challenge. That is about six times around. The challenge ends Sunday.

i think i've watch too much "law and order"

I didn't go to the Moon Walk. My heart is broken. I so wanted to do it. But I couldn't bring myself to walk next to Central Park, alone, wearing a bra. I've watch too much Law and Order. I know what happens in Central Park at night.

I asked friends / family /random people what to do and all but one said don't go. I posted the question on facebook and got two replies.I expected a large opinionated response.

The Moonwalk people said there would be tons of people and volunteers and police along the route. But the fact remains that doesn't happen when I'm in a half. That happens for the first 75, 80 percent of the people. Those of us bringing up the rear, get nothing. Sometimes not even a finish line. The food is gone, the tents are being taken down, everyone has gone home. It even happened at the Biggest Loser race.

So instead of having to look at pictures of me wearing my outfit, I submit this drawing:

1. The cap they gave me. The top is pink and white stripes with a blue brim. That means half-moon. (the full marathon is the full-moon.)

2. An old black bra (the one they gave me didn't fit. It's in the goodwill box) with a large Sex In The City style flower in the center. I used it for the 3-Day. Also recycled would be recycled magenta beads that I've picked up at cancer events.

Also, I'd be wearing my flesh colored generic Spanxs camisole to cover the belly fat. Really, nobody wants to see that.

3. My HipKlip flower purse. Big enough for ID, phone, a little money, tissues and of course the camera. No backpacks were allowed. When you check your bag they put your stuff in clear plastic bags.

4. Tutu. We were given a mylar blanket and instructed to tie it to our fanny pack or wear it around our waists as a reflector. I cut it up and made it into a tutu. Good thing I had others from the 3-Day.

5. My bib. I'm #2224. We were instructed to attach it to your pants. You have to use a marker and write the number across your chest and on your arms.

6. Black crop pants. Prevents chafing and covers a very ample butt.

7.  Birkenstocks. Don't I wish. No I would have worn my black and pink sneakers. I'm not crazy.

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.

looks like I'm walking nyc in my bra!

Today registration opened for the July 26th moonwalk in NYC. I wanted to do this event last year. But I found out too late.

From the website:

The Girls are back in town … and the boys, so sign up now for Walk the Walk’s famous Power Walking challenge. Thousands of women and men will be choosing from a Half Marathon (The Half Moon) or go all the way… a full 26.2 miles the Full Moon Marathon distance, and you can be sure that every step that you take is not only going to help you become more honed and  toned…. your fundraising will help to give New Yorkers the best care for breast cancer,  for the best outcome, regardless of their circumstances!

Plus…what make this challenge really exciting and unique, is that everybody will be wearing the charities trademark, decorated bra!  Not what you would expect to do on a Saturday night and  if that takes you slightly out of your comfort zone then think ‘Rockettes’, think magical jewels and feathers to sparkle your way around Manhattan.

I mailed the others in every two feet, and my friend Gail from the 3-Day. Hopefully someone wants to come along. If not, I'll go alone. I signed up for the half, and the 4-5 hour time slot so I can have fun along the way. It went to 7 hours. The times started at 2. Really, 2? Who can walk 13.1 miles in 2 hours? Not even super-walker-Michele can do that! Mostly, it's so they have enough shuttle buses to take you back to the start point.

The walk starts on Randall's Island, the campsite for the Avon. You meet at 8 pm and eat. The food is vegetarian and organic. You had a choice between pasta and rice. (Bonnie, rice...no gluten...just saying.) At 10 pm you hit the streets.

And I only have to raise $150. That's probably already in my spare change jar. But if you want to donate to this insanity, click the half-marathon link above.

If you want to participate in the insanity and join Bonnie's Boobies, than click on this link. The more the merrier! Oh, and the pink footed boobie birds will get a makeover for this race.

no disk in the camera.

Oops. We took a lovely picture today at Burnside with the police horses grazing in the background. We knew it was lovely, we saw the preview. When I returned home, I went to remove the disk, and no disk. It was still in the computer. Poop. This one is from last year. Very generic, but nice.

We had a lovely day anyway. And Bonnie will be happy I didn't post a picture. She hates having her pix taken.

We left my place and headed downtown. We parked under the hill to hill bridge and headed up Conastoga to the Monocacy Way trailhead. It's right next to the Union Blvd entrance of Rte 378. When we arrived at Burnside there was a private party scheduled. But we walked thru anyway. The police horses were out grazing in the pasture.

When you come out of Burnside you cross Eaton Avenue and continued. Instead, we headed toward the Compost Center and the Wawa. Then down 8th avenue all the way to Lehigh, back Lehigh to Conastoga.

The walk wasn't quite four miles, so we walked past the car, then turned around and came back to make it 4 miles.

The pony express finally brought Lydia's fridge, so next weekend she'll be walking again. I hope. The next Half is about 6 weeks away.

passport finished!

Today Bonnie, Dawn, Lyd and I went to Hugh Moore Park in Easton. It was a two-fer walk. It qualified for both the Passport to Fitness and the Tail on the Trail Challenges.

We met at my place and headed to Easton using the back roads. Of course I made a wrong turn and ended up on the wrong road. I could get us to the right one, but the bridge was out. Very frustrating. We could see the park but not enter it! I almost had to have Bonnie press Starr's button for directions. But alas, I was able to get us to the park.

We parked, and I said, the bathrooms are this way. I know that's always our first stop. I did not remember them being a half mile away!

We entered the trail at the canal boat ride. They didn't start running until 1 pm, so there was no using the BOGO tickets today. We'll have to use them another weekend, since the rides are only Wednesday thru Sunday. Guess they can't over work the mules!

This section of the trail was grass and loaded with goose poop. By there were no geese in sight. After we had switched to the macadam path, we found the geese. There was, well, pooploads of them!

We walked for about a half hour before we found the post. It takes a while with four people doing rubbings.

The trail turned to gravel for awhile, and we finally reached the lock.  Dawn and Lydia were always behind us, but usually we could hear them talking so they were not far. When we didn't hear them, we turned around to make sure they were there. However, there was never a need to double back to get them.

After crossing the lock, we headed into the woods and took the upper path. I thought they both went the same place. The upper path is an old railroad track and it goes to the hump yard. The hump yard has a big "no trespassing" sign (Norfolk and Southern), so we doubled back.  We were going to take a cut off path, but that just led us to a bird watcher in a tent!

We returned to the trail. At the start, it was decided that we'd walk an hour one direction and then come back. The hour came about a mile away from the Forks of the Delaware. I gave the others a choice and we decided to continue on and reach that milestone. We were so close.

Then we turned around and headed back. The D&L in Easton is bright and sunny. We took some cut off paths into more wooded areas. It was hot and humid today. A little shade goes a long way. We arrived back at the car at exactly 10:30. Seven and a quarter miles. After a stop at the Wawa for the bathroom and gas (no hiking back to the park bathroom!) we arrive home by 11. Adonis was waiting for his walk!

Another half mile with Adonis. Then Bonnie, the roomie and I headed to the Saucon Valley Farmers Market. More walking. Bonnie dropped us off and then we headed for Illicks Mill to have our finished Passports verified. My pedometer says I walked 8.5 miles today. I feel it!

Lydia and Dawn both achieved personal bests for distance today. (:

Tomorrow Bonnie and I are going out at 7 am to do the Allentown to Hanover section of the D&L. It's about three miles one way.  This challenge is 165 miles over 5 months. Right now I'm at a total of 18 miles with 18 only weeks left. Two of those weekends I'll be out of town for other walking events (the Biggest Loser Half Marathon in Erie, and the Freedom Walking Festival in D.C.). So let's drop that to 16 weeks. That means I'm going to have to average nine miles a week on the D&L. That's gonna be tough! Because if I break the 100 mark, I'll have to finish. I know what I'll be doing Monday morning for the rest of the summer.

Wednesday, since I don't have Zumba, I'm going to a walking clinic at the Rose Garden. Lydia is coming for dinner and coming along. I think Bonnie might be coming too. Bonnie and I know what to expect. Lydia, I'm not so sure.

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Trail Update

The Palmer Bike Trail that goes from Easton High School to Riverside Park off 25th street was always a bit of a pain. If you wanted to go to Hugh Moore Park, you had to walk on a road with no shoulder. It was dangerous.

I'm happy to report that the connecting trail is done! All you need to do is cross the street and keep walking till you get to HMP. That's very exciting if you're walking the whole D&L, or training for an ultra walk or marathon.

and the heat goes on ...

Another scorcher, and it's only May. One week ago it was in the 40s. Today 92 or 94 depending on who you listen too. Wacky weather, indeed.

Today I took Bonnie to hand therapy and then we met my friend Betsy a little earlier to do the Friday walk. She tried a new route that had some shade, but it was still pretty hot.  But we did it.

Tomorrow is the Kreidersville Covered Bridge Challenge. That hill. This heat. Can't wait. At least The Hill is in the shade.

Lately, Lydia has been a walking machine. I don't know if it's the Half that's motivating her or what, but she's out walking me. She goes out every day at lunch, and today hiked with a friend in the heat. Looks like she doesn't need the Task Master anymore.

Me? I have 500 steps to go to reach 10K today and have been procrastinating for hours. I'm pretty sure I'll wait another hour and go out right before dusk.

race against racism

Today was the annual Race Against Racism at the YWCA. I've done all of them but one. All have been poorly attended. This one was no exception.

I paid Lyds way so she'd come along. I also started her half marathon training by sticking with her for the whole race. She has a habit of slipping into a comfort zone and slowing down. That was not happening today. Not on my dime.

There was about 50 runners, and maybe 15 wallkers. Lydia's goal was not to have the little people couple pass her. They were twice her age and half her height. They also looked fairly physically fit. My motto, get your motivation were you can. I remember one time where I didn't want the wheel chairs to pass me. And one did. I was crushed.

We finished 5th and 6th of the walkers. Right above middle. Two sets of 30-something girls were in front of us, as well as Lyds old neighbor Mr. Gallagher. He was probably 70+.

I finished in 51:20, Lydia in 51:40. Once I left her—a half block from the finish—she slowed down and sauntered over the finish line. That's when I want to speed up.

Tomorrow it's the Beat Beethoven 5K at Alvernia Universty. It benefits the Reading Symphony. We get live Beethoven instead of canned pop or country. Can't wait.

Congrats to Megan and Jillian for kicking walker butt at the Derby Mini-Marathon. A new Personal Best for Jillian.

Weekend I of training for the Biggest Loser Half Marathon Done. Fifteen to go.

it's snowing!

It was supposed to snow today, so Bonnie and I went early for our walk. Our original plan was to go to east Allentown, by my brother Dave's, and do the triangle—Hanover Ave to Club to Union and back down Irving. We'd pass the Scoobie's Gentlemen's club, where we'd have the photoshoot.

Lydia overslept and didn't come. The snow, and at times hail, had started by the time Bonnie arrived in her new car and I was worried. Instead of wasting time traveling,  we just walked in my hood. Actually we did most of the Fountain Hill killer hill loop. Seven, I think. A couple tough buggers. Fast and furious.

We also planned out the training schedule for the Derby half marathon she is doing with her daughter. Weather will be unpredictable so we'll do serious training starting March 1. In the meantime we'll have weekend walks, and do our walking for the Idita-walk.

Megan has started a Facebook group called the Skinny Shimmy as everyone ventures into the new year. I hope she invited her Uncle Dave. He'd enjoy being in a group with mostly ladies! One of the things she suggested was weighing and measuring. Something I hadn't done before, and should have. Part of the Presidential Challenge is to take a fitness test. So Bonnie and I have decided we will do both things January 1. Why not. It's the day to start over, right? Hopefully Lydia will want to join in the torture fun.

prevention magazine and skittles?

How's that for a headline.

Well I fell off the sugar wagon yesterday and ate Skittles. Mostly out of habit. I ate them all and didn't feel well afterwards. But I brushed myself off and got back on the wagon. this morning I didn't make french toast because everything I could think to top it with was fat (butter!) or sugar (Maple syrup, pancake syrup, karo, honey...). Made dippy eggs instead.

Yesterday was hard. There were brownies at work. And Munchkins. And I was well past bored. Oh well, to quote Scarlett, "tomorrow is another day."

This morning I also found two emails from Prevention. About the dreaded photo shoot. I was hoping they forgot about me.

I am contacting you regarding the walking workout feature you are participating in for the February issue of Prevention Magazine.

Sending a HELLO...and my contact info. 

We will be setting up a photo shoot of each of you as the success image of your progress for the story.

Please send me a little more info about yourselves.

Where are you located?

Sizes...top, bottom shoe. bra.

your availability over the next 2 weeks.  I realize Thanksgiving is in there...we can work around that.

Not sure if we will bringing you into NYC or sending a photographer to you.

 Ooh. Trip to NYC. Yeah. But then the second email came.

I hear you are all in the Emmaus area.

Any chance you are all available this weekend for a photo shoot?

Looking to do a quick photo of each of you walking outside.  Working on finding a local park with a nice scenery.

Let me know if this weekend works for all.

Would like to shoot it before the holiday if at all possible

 So it looks like my 15 minutes of fame will happen Sunday. 

Tomorrow we're going hiking at Hawk Mountain.

Today, I'm doing the three miles with Betsy. Also shopping to fill the Holiday Hope Chests. Much of the money I use to fill them comes from money I pick up walking.

I also signed up for the Biggest Loser Half-Marathon in Erie, August 17. A six hour drive is far, but from the list it doesn't look like they are doing major cities.  It will be a lovely long weekend away. I've always wanted to go to Presque Isle State Park. I think there's a lighthouse. I just looked. There's three! And a 90 minute boat tour. I am so there. "experience the scenic beauty of the Peninsula and Erie waterfront while viewing three historic lighthouses." I don't think I'll be able to get Bonnie and Lyd to stay in a cottage or a yurt. I think they'll need air conditioning.

omg

It's here. We're leaving at the butt crack of dawn on Saturday. Race begins at 7:50 am.

Hoping to finish in 4.5 hours. Have 6.

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?