fisher stadium

When we worked on campus I used to do the steps of Fisher Stadium on a regular basis. I had forgotten how shallow the stairs were. Today, I could only do five sections (about 500 stairs). It's part of the new summer workout program.

My car pool buddy and I decided that since the kids are gone we were going to try the gym before work. You know how I love a gym. So today we parked at the office and walked to Kirby gym. And it was closed. My heart did a happy dance. It seems like everything around here is closed the week between finals and graduation except our office.

So at first we were going to just walk, and then I said, lets do the stadium. And we did. When jelly legs made their appearance, we stopped and took the scenic route back to the office.

Next week we'll try for the gym again.

another weekend, another nor'easter

I had great plans to really pack on some miles this weekend, after kicking off 'Walking 2010'. The week has been so sunny and warm and bright.

Yesterday the rain came.

Today the Nor'easter came. Heavy downpours, high winds, the whole nine yards. At least I don't live at the shore. With the tidal flooding the beaches have to be gone. (Maybe Mother Nature will take some of those multi-million dollar beach house too. Stupid fools for building on the ocean front.)

I walked, at least a little everyday this week. It was crazy at all my jobs, so free minutes are fleeting. Thursday, I got to the College early and did the walking path in my heels, while talking to my sister on my cell. I really need to wear my pedometer again.

Hope the storm ends by Monday. I need to walk every day this week at least three miles. My 2nd stairclimb is Saturday in Wilkes Barre. I need to get in shape!

This time it's at the Wachovia Arena, so it will be more like when I climbed the stadium this summer at Fisher Field. There are 22 sets (or pairs) of stairs- 22 down, 22 up for a total of 44 — 1,224 total  individual steps, both up and down not counting the walk in-between the sets of stairs to the next set. Those in-betweens will be a nice rest point. This is for the American Lung Association and several members of my family have lung disease. Most of them self-inflicted by cigarettes. They take a finish line photo. Or at least that's what it says in the email update.

The email update also says spectators will have an area to sit and watch, and they'll be able to take pixs. So maybe I'll ask Bonnie to come along. They even gave us coupons for Red Robin. I think that's funny. A burger joint and exercise in one package!

Avon update:
Beth made reservations this week for the host hotel. So we'll be right in Times Square. That will be cool. I'm working to get our team established.

Achey feet update:
One of the reasons my feet hurt so much last weekend was an ingrown toenail. I got that taken care of Tuesday to the tune of $225.Wow what he pulled out was big. (And yes, I do support universal healthcare. If they don't give us that then there should be two-tier pricing one for us cash payers and one for the insured. I too realize that hell will freeze over before either happens.)

sharon's stepper

Sharon bought this stepper weeks ago. Henry assembled it. She tried to use and really couldn't make it move. "It's really hard" she exclaimed. I mumbled something about changing the resistance.

So today when I came back from walking she asked if I had a minute to change the resistance. So I went to her place. I got on the thing and couldn't make it move. She gets the book. There is no place to change the resistance. No dial, no nothing. Crap.

So I ignore the instructions and put it close to the wall. I finally made it work. Having something to hold on to other than those straps, helped greatly. I did it for 2 minutes...159 steps...thought I was going to die. I climb six flights at Acopian, the stadium at Fisher Field and walk up Frederick and Wyandotte streets with less effort.

I still think it's resistance. Maybe Henry screwed it together too tight or something. But I'm not mechanical, I can't help her.

does shoveling snow count?

I have not been exercising much at all lately. And I've been eating out a lot. But I have shoveled lots of snow. Does that count?

Over the weekend we had about 8 inches. Philly had about 15. I did three sidewalks, two parking spaces, the path thru my yard and the garage. I did the sidewalks three times. I'd rather shovel two to three inches three times than  eight inches ones.We also had a lesser snow about a week earlier. That time I just did the sidewalks.

I  did one walk with Betsy and the dogs last week. And I did the stairs maybe once each week.

I also hiked up the trail and cut a Christmas tree. Does that count?

Nope. It's all smoke and mirrors.

Next week I have off and I've got to come up with a winter schedule. The First Night run/walk is the 31st and Betsy and I are doing it together.

I need motivation to keep me going thru winter. So I will sign up for the stair climb I mentioned before in Wilkes Barre. And perhaps a Philly one too or the Empire State building. (Beats paying $20!)

I did it!

Today, I put on some socks, and strapped on my Simple shoes and finally tried the stairs at Fisher Stadium. To my surprise I got to and completed the 50 yard line! It was pushing it, I was breathing hard and my knees started to feel like jello.

It was funny. There was a real athlete running up them, being timed by his coach. Never could I do that. He ran up, then down, then did 5 push ups and repeated 5 times. Then he ran the track a couple of times and repeated. You would have taken me away in a stretcher!

I think I try to go one row further each time and after I can do them all, try to do them faster.