"i've never seen so much pink"

My 11-year old niece saw a brochure for the Making Stride Breast Cancer walk at a subway. She convinced her mom, brother, Bonnie and I to join her team—The Pink and Powerful. Mom was the team captain because 11-year-olds don't meet the age requirement.

We decided when to meet. Eryn and the kids would meet us about 9. They live 6 blocks away. I received several texts, the most important being "we are waiting at the pink Camero." She loved that Camero and wants one when she can drive. I told her Uncle Dick had one when he and Auntie got married. But his was blue. I think she was a bit jealous.

It was cold this morning. Thirty-seven degrees when we left my house.  Everyone had lots of layers on. We had about an hour to kill. First the registration line, then we just went from vendor to vendor. We even had our picture taken in a photo booth. Hopefully in a few days I can download the electronic image. They gave each of us a strip. That has never happened before.

Finally it was time to line up. After a countdown we were off. We headed up Lehigh street to the Fahy bridge. Lil Bug had never walked over the bridge and was fascinated by the river. By the time we crossed back, Lil Bug was walking with Bonnie and I was walking with Eryn and KoolJ. We walked around the city center, out Church, up New and down the alley by the city garage. We returned to Main Street and headed down to the Hotel B., down the ramp and thru the historic area. Finally it was out to Union and back Conastoga. There were people in pink as far as you could see. I picked grey shirts because of Kool J. Though we did see one on a guy that was regular green camo and in huge hot pink said "Boobie Brigade". There were all men on the team. I need to keep that in mind for next year. 11-year-old boys aren't comfy wearing pink.

Kool J was tired. I think that's the furthermost he ever walked. Lil Bug asked when she could come with us again.

dead last but finished

It's my lot, what can I say. Did I mention that there was only four walkers?

This 10K was to buy tricycles for differently able children. I didn't know they came in so many varieties. Some even had a single handle on the back so a able-bodied person could hold on to them.What is really cool is that the bikes are there for the kids when the race is over. After each child is called up and claims the bikes, they get fitted, get helmets, and get to be part of the kids race. Really. That would bump my confidence up a zillion percent.

The 10K is on the Ironton Rail Trail loop, and part of the spur. Lydia couldn't make it, she had to work. But Jillian and I walked it with another pair from Hazleton's Seasons Change event. They were scouting out the organization of the race and maybe whether doing a 10K walk was possible. Right now they have a 10K run, 5K run/walk, and 3 bike routes of varying distances. But the really cool part is walkers are eligible for awards! We have to kick up our speed this summer. It says it's a flat and fast route. In Hazleton?

Near the beginning of the race we picked up the bike sweep-guy. He followed us the whole time. About half way, two more joined him. Really we didn't need three guys escorting us.

Last year I finished in 1:43:58.  I thought it was 1:42 plus change. This year I finished in 1:41:05. Jillian finished in 1:40:55, I think.

Speaking of Jillian, the real Jillian Michaels is doing a lecture/motivation tour. One of the stops is Philly. I checked out ticket prices. Way too steep for me. Clearly I haven't bought lecture tickets in a long time. Jimmy Carter, Tony Blair and Jane Goodall are free this month at Lafayette. (No tickets left, sorry.) Clearly more important people than Jill. No offense Jill.

I have not mad my 70000 steps for this week, so I have to go out and do another 2.5 miles. Oh, goodie. I think I'll go them at Giant and get my groceries at the same time.

Tomorrow is the 10 mile race in Harrisburg. My upper thigh and knee hurt a lot today since the race. I hope I can make the 10. I will finish. I'll just crawl. We leave at 6 am.

Walking was supposed to beat off arthritis at the door clearly, it isn't working.

A trip to Wawa

This morning I made an innocent trip to Wawa for milk. I was in the car and following the city bus. As I approached Broadway and Delaware a family got off the bus to walk the 2 blocks to the grade school. Now in Bethlehem, if you live more than 1 mile away, you ride the school bus. These people took the bus maximum 7-8 blocks. Mom was really overweight. The kids were overweight. The walk would have done them good. Besides, who want's to throw that kind of money away everyday to ride the bus. It's $2.50 per person! Even with passes it's got to be $1.50.

Then as the bus pulled away the girl child, maybe 6 years old, took her empty two-quart Gatorade bottle and tried to toss it over the hedge into someones yard. I was aghast. First of all she was drinking Gadorade with no exercise, and it was 8:15 am. Then she was obviously trying to throw her trash into someones yard. And when she missed she left it lying on the sidewalk. The mother didn't discipline her. She ignored it and the family jaywalk across the street.

I was livid. Another stupid parent, doing stupid thing in front of their children. These kids will not grow up to be productive members of society. I can assure you that.

By the time I reached the Wawa I had settled down. Coming in thru the other door were fit and healthy parents wearing workout clothes. They were sweaty and didn't have an ounce of fat between them. The child was a bit overweight wearing his school uniform. I attributed it to stocking up before a growth sput. He was maybe 10. He walks into the store and gets Gatorade and a chocolate doughnut for breakfast. And his parent let him. In a store full of better choices.

Since when did Gatorade become a breakfast drink? These kids aren't playing football, or little league or running a marathon. They don't need the stuff that's in there. They need vitamins and minerals and protein and stuff like that. OMG I beginning to sound like my friend Angel.