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.

never take your kindle for a walk.

I have a half marathon in less a week. I have not trained. Actually for the last three weeks or so I haven't even met my goals for regular walking. I'm averaging 6K a day. Hopefully the hills will pay off.

Yesterday I thought was the Allentown, Pa. Volkssport walk. The email said "On Saturday the group walk will be Allentown, Pa. Be at the start point at 10:00 am. The start point is the Comfort Suites Inn on Hamilton Blvd." Perfect. I needed to take Lil Bug to Girl Scouts at Betsy's. She'd be there for three hours.

I arrived at 9:30. Got everything out and waited. Nobody came. Not even Bonnie and Megan. (They did a training walk in the 'hood.) I left at 10:30 and walked alone. I decided I would walk slower and read-and-walk. Paved trails, not many people. I had started a book the day before and wanted to finish it. I rarely get to read and the prospect of picking it up in January did not appeal to me.

Things were semi-fine when I started. The screen was a little dark in the shade but still readable. Then I hit a sunny stretch. Nothing. The next two miles was a sunny stretch. I just closed the case and walked on. Kind of pissed I didn't bring a real book.

Now I have a like-hate relationship with Kindle. I bought my first one all excited and quickly decided I didn't like to read on a screen. I read a few books, and kept it in my purse for when you get stuck places or stay longer than you plan.  Sharon wanted a Kindle for Christmas so I gave her mine and bought the smaller, lighter, newer version. (Sharon STILL is uding that one.) One day I fell and broke Kindle. So Barb sent me her old one. That lasted about a year before I fell with it again. I bought yet another new one.  (#4 if you are counting.) Still the old fashioned keyboard kind, with the white pages that you could read anywhere. It wasn't even a year old--maybe not even 6 months-- and I dropped my purse in Doylestown. It broke again.

I swore, no more Kindles. I'm done. Paper is better.

Christmas morning 2013 arrives and guess what's under the tree? That's right. A new Kindle—a Kindle Fire. I had no desire to own the tablet version. That could be the reason I disliked it from the moment I plugged it in. I really haven't had a chance to read it much since. When I'm home I work. And when it was given to me the rule was "you cannot carry it in your purse" it became even more useless. In my purse was when I used it the most.

The last time I read any thing on it was in July at Barb's house. I didn't even open it again till Friday when I was driving Lydia to appointments. I knew I had a quick read on it (The Silkworm, Robert Galbraith aka JK Rowling) that didn't take much attention. I was too lazy to go upstairs to get a real book. I only had 14% battery at the first stop--and the wrong cord. This doesn't happen with paper books. I was able to read it at the first appointment. And walked with Betsy during the second. I knew there were screen issues at the third. I had to sit exactly right in the car to see anything.

So Saturday not working in the sun did not surprise me. I was prepared for the sun blocking the screen. What I wasn't prepared for was the over 200 page skip. I was on about 168 when I started. The next time I reached a shady spot I was at about 398. Apparently my moving arm turned the page. Maybe not each time. But more than 200 times. This does not happen with paper books. I had to scroll back to find where I was. Aargh.

If it wasn't that I had 4K pages of Ken Folliet's newest trilogy on there, I think I'd give it away. Maybe I should anyway. I don't have time to read 4K pages.

free beer, laziness, and swag

Another lazy week. I was hoping to hit my goals today but it's pouring. Maybe this afternoon.

Updates from last Sunday: There was quite a racquet on FB, Twitter and traditional media last week about the race.  Yesterday I received an email with a photo link (I'm looking down on them all) and an apology for the chaos last week. It also said I could use those free beer tickets this weekend at the festival. Problem is, I tossed them last week. Trash man comes on Tuesdays. Oh well.

Oh, it also gave us this little badge for our website.  That an a coupon won't get you a free beer.

Monday and Wednesday I was in Easton. So busy I could even take a little walk at lunch time. Lydia came over Wednesday night and we took the dog for a walk, then walked south Bethlehem. I were my slide sneakers without socks and paid for it. The tops of my toes were blistered by 2 miles. They were busted open by the time we got home.

Tuesday I walked to the north side and back. I tried to find every hill. Including up Wyandotte street. Good workout in an otherwise lackluster week.

Thursday I had planned on taking the scenic route to the dentist and back. Didn't work out that way. I was in one of my online classes working away when the voice from the yellow chair said "Don't you have a dentist appointment at 10?" It was 9:50. I took the car, then also drove to the farm market.

Thursday I also picked up my Walking Warriors swag at the college. A short sleeve tee shirt and a water bottle. I rinsed out the bottle and used it during class. I made the mistake of filling it ... twice. I was up all night. The tee is grey with walking warriors on the front and the logo on the back in orange. The water bottle is orange with the logo. This is the last week of the challenge. So far I haven't won anything.

Friday in the mail the first level prize arrived for the 165 challenge. Yep, another tee shirt. But this one is long sleeve and a really soft cotton. It will make a nice under shirt. The Tail On The Trail logo is on the back. They also sent a car magnet. I have one from last year. Neither will be on the car.



Yesterday I walked with Betsy in her surburban neighborhood.


Okay, maybe I'm not so lazy after all. But the reality is I'm at 72% of my weekly goal. 25% more is maybe 25K in steps. I might have done that walking the eight miles today. I see little chance of that happening.


Off to work while it's raining.

five miles, adventures, stairs, swings, and bouncing bees

Clearly I should have taken my camera today. This picture is from last year, or at least winter/fall. It was cool today but not that cool! Do I look different? I doubt it.

Bonnie came about  7 and we headed up to Moravia. Now we are in Lehigh County and Fountain Hill. At Frederick St. we entered  Lower Saucon Township, then back to Fountain Hill.

When we arrived at Lechauweki Spring Park I asked Bonnie if she wanted to explore. Neither of us had our Deep Woods Off, but off we went. According to the Borough website, the property was originally the home of the Lechauweki Springs Summer Resort, built by John Smylie, Jr. (Smiley Avenue. The pieces come together!) This famous mountain resort had three hotel buildings that were situated on a 63-acre tract.Now it's only 5-acres and a passive activity park.

The spring was dry except for a trickle of water. There's a gazebo, and we followed what might have been a deer run, or bike run. Coming out we found a gravel path  with signs telling us about the property. All in all we did about a 1/2 mile in this little park. (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/7537290)

We headed toward KidsPeace and back down to Broadway. Crossed at the Bottom Dollar and went out Spiegel Street to Stanley avenue and the playground recreation area.

Of course we played on the swings for a bit. As we were heading to the walking path, Bonnie saw these bouncing bug things and got on one. I think hers was a snail. I got on the bee. It was like doing supported squats. Finally we got back on the road and went out Russel and Jeter avenues. Then down the stairs thru the hospital parking lots, and down the steep hill and out Ostrum. Now we are in both Northampton County and Bethlehem again.

At the bridge we head south to the Five Points and up Wyandotte to Sioux. Out Souix and down Bishopthorpe.

For breakfast I made us omelets with leftovers—roasted potatoes, peppers, beans, spinach, feta, and broccoli. I'm sure I forgot something. Bonnie cut up all the veggies and also washed my dishes. Embarrassing. Clearly they hadn't been done since Friday. Why? The designated dishwasher will only wash them every three days, otherwise there isn't "enough". Today was her day. Well at least I know they are clean. Thanks Bonnie.

this time we were on the delaware canal!

Today we went to Wy-Hit-Tuk Park in Williams Township to hike the on the D&L. We've hiked a lot of Lehigh Sections from Bethlehem north, but this is the first time south of Easton,  on the Delaware.

It's quite different than the Lehigh sections that we have been doing. It's narrow, rustic, and has minimal signs. One place was all grass. At one point early on, Lydia asked what trail we were on because not of the D&Ls "signage" was there. Not even the mile markers.


We started in the park. There were beautiful comfort stations. And walked down the parks nature path crossed a bridge and connected to the D&L.

This trail runs adjacent to 611. It is very noisy. There are no buffers. The motorcycles screamed down the street. There were many pedestrian bridges crossing the canal. But we saw no parking. There weren't many houses, but clearly access was being provided.

We did see a family of ducks. All the kids. No mama or papa.

And a blue heron or two. Hard to tell if it was the same one, twice.

We only crossed one street. We found a few cabins and a foot bridge but are clueless where one would park if they lived there.

Ground Hog Lock was supposed to be 3.4 miles away. Lydia's phone measured just over four. Bonnie's fancy watched measured just under 4. So total we walked about 8 miles.

At the Ground Hog lock, the D&L signage returned, plus a couple of state markers. The bathrooms were inside and nice from what i hear.

After we finished, we took the BOGO coupons that we earned doing the Passport to Fitness, and rode the Josiah White II at Hugh Moore Park. It takes about 40 minutes to go less than two miles. We learned a lot about life on a river boat, how the canals were built, and the identity of some of the ruins we've been looking at over the past couple weeks.

The tickets included the museum and the lock tenders house. We didn't have time to do  either of those things. We'll take the tickets and go back another day.

.

10+ miles on the D&L

Another training walk for the half marathon. It's in less than three weeks. yikes!

It was 69 degrees when we left and 80 when we drove back for the car. (left one in Northampton, one in Slatington)

Today we walked from Slatington to Northampton Cementon. 10.3 miles. Thought it would be a little further. For Dawn and Lydia it was the furthermost they've ever gone.

The trail often led us deep in the woods with the Lehigh on our left. But sometimes, you could reach out and touch the traffic on Rte. 145. It was an interesting juxtaposition.

The trail, as always, was flat, gravel, wide and shady.At times it was very busy. At one point it was like rush hour with bicycles. They came in packs like wild animals.

There were three additional trail heads between our start and end points. And not a single bathroom was available. Even the nice bathrooms at Slatington were still locked at 7:30 am! I kept saying go in the woods. But no one took me up on it. We went to the Redner's gas station in Northampton.

Lydia and Dawn had enough at about the 8 mile mark. Bonnie and I had been walking ahead, and looping back when they got too far behind. I heard Lydia say, I'm done. We had two miles to go. I left Bonnie go ahead and switched to sweep team. At one point Lyd tried taking a nap. The task master made her get up. Nothing will tire you out quicker than resting. At one point they were going 3.1 MPH and by the end it was 2.7. Oops. But they made it and that's all that counts.

Next week, another 10 miles walk.

this week

I thought this week was pretty non-eventful until I saw this truck today. (More on that later.) But then I started to type.

Monday Bonnie and I walked in her neighborhood. I'm not sure how far. About three miles I guess. We wove in an out until we reached the Daisy Hill store, then came back Emmaus Avenue a bit before returning into the residential neighborhood. It was still hot, but the heat wave broke.

Tuesday was a work day. But Lydia came over after work for supper, and we walked thru the Lehigh campus and did a little grocery shopping. It was fairly cool that day, but a downpour blew thru and the humidity returned. It was hot walking. Lydia went thru one of the fountain sculptures to cool off.

Wednesday, another work day. Didn't walk much and went to what might be my final Zumba class, at least for a while. I get more exercise at the walking clinics. If it rains or snows I'll go to Zumba.


Thursday I was in Emmaus at 7 am, for the "Starve Off Sugar" test panel for Prevention magazine. What have I gotten myself into? It said there would be a diet. Duh. No Hershey bars But what I didn't expect was a list of recipes and eat this only. Yikes! They don't have to live with Pat. Though some looks yummy.

I guess I was expecting a diet plan that said "NO x-y-z". And then "eat more x-y-z". Eat so many calories of which x% has to be protein/fat/ect. I never dreamed that there would be pre-determined meals. (Kind of reminds me of a healthier version of Jenny Craig. By that, I mean all the decisions are already made.  When you stop doing it, you go back to eating the way you were. [And no, I never did any kind of program like that.] )

This very much reminds me of the Paleo diet. (No, I haven't done that either. But everyone around me is on some sort of weird diet.)  Lots of eggs. The farm will get sick of seeing me. Lots of meat—mostly fish and poultry. I think I'll hate all by the end. Meal planning will be essential to making this work. Steak is one of the meals, but I can't cook steak. So that's off the plan.

Then there is also a poop-load of exercise with weights, and yoga. Plus training for a half-marathon. Eating the four days I'm away will be a challenge. Eating during Musikfest will be more of a challenge.

On the up side all my blood work was normal.

I got to work late and didn't get a walk in. I barely crossed 5000 steps on my pedometer.

Today, Bonnie, Betsy and I were out at 8 am walking. The weather has cooled off dramatically. It's lovely. Hopefully it holds for the weekend. We have a 10 mile and 6 mile walk planned. We walked thru her development, which, at 8 am is a lot shadier than at 1 pm. Bonnie's watch said four miles.

On the way home we stopped at Wegman's for some gluten free groceries. When we got back to the car I saw the truck. This is an official City of Allentown vehicle with municipal plates. It's covered with veggies and the back says "Fruits and veggies on the move". They must be doing rolling nutrition workshops. Check out the speakers in the cab.

Oh, I decided to go to the chiropractor regularly. Right now when I come home I feel like I went a couple rounds with Ali. Apparently that takes about a month to go away. Not sure if I will feel any different in a year. But if my leg stops hurting, it will be a good thing. I guess. Now it's just finding time to go.

Tuesday is the dreaded trip to the doctor. If she gives me the "you need to lose weight" lecture. I'm walking out.

tail on the trail challenge

Today we headed for the D&L canal path. You'll see that a lot this summer. We have 165 miles to do to meet the challenge!

The plan was to start in Bethlehem, head to Freemansburg, and come back. That was not meant to be. There was a 5K race on Sand Island!

So we drove to Freemansburg and did the 3-mile section between Freemansburg and Sand Island. When we arrived, they were mowing the canal! Clearly, water is not allowed in that section. The rest of the canal was ready to overflow.

Each milestone on this section of trail, is about a mile apart. Makes for an easy gauge of where you are. It's about a mile between the New Street and Minsi Trail Bridges. Then another mile to the Freemansburg bridge. The trailhead is on the other side of town and Freemansburg is exactly one mile long.

When we finally arrived back in Bethlehem the 5K was over.

All the sections I've walked on the D&L are pretty wide, and well groomed. But the section between the Freemansburg and Minsi bridges has always been narrow. You have to walk single file. Rumor has it that they will finally finish this section next year. I hope so. And they removed the port-o-potty in Freemansburg. That stunk.

We broke from the canal path to use the bathroom on Sand Island. I was going to walk the actual trail to find the Passport to Fitness marker while the others took the direct route to the comfort station. Not necessary. After we crossed the bridge onto the island, the post was right there. We did our rubbings on the way back.That leaves Trexler, Monocacy and Hugh Moore left on that challenge.

That seven miles we did today is the start of our serious training for the half marathon. Bonnie and I can do it, we did it in Atlantic City. But Lydia doesn't have the endurance yet. She's getting better. I think we finally broke the four mile wall.

We'll gradually make the walks longer. That's why the D&L is perfect. It's flat, even, for the most part, and has bathrooms. Except in Allentown. (Always locked!) When we do the four miles from Allentown to Bethlehem, we'll start in Allentown. Bethlehem's bathrooms are open. Won't make that mistake again.

Hugh Moore might be good for next week. Another two-fer. The Passport markers and another three mile section of the canal towpath, to the Forks of the Delaware and Lehigh. Another six mile walk.

Lydia is very influenced by advertising. For weeks she has been talking about a Hot Chocolate Coolata. I looked up the calories and said not worth it. Today, she said, I walked seven miles, I earned the Coolata. So I went to the DD drive-thru and got one—with three straws.  It tastes like really cold chocolate milk. Certainly not worth the calories.

We came back over the Minsi and headed down Third. We came across the Art District Farmers Market. They were closing up, but farmers will stop packing for breathing customers. I had no money with me, so know I owe Bonnie. She knows where I live.

Tomorrow I think we're doing Monocacy. Lydia may have a Father's Day date at the Philly Zoo.

canal street park heritage trail

Lydia, Sharon and I went walking today in Northampton. (Bonnie was on her way back from the wedding.)

I thought we should check out the Canal path and head toward Catty. But the web said that trail was unfinished. So then I thought we'd head to Walnutport.

We picked up Lyd at her place and she mentioned on her way into town she wanted to stop at the Siegfried train station to take pixs. It is her name after all. So we did. But instead of going to the trail head many blocks away, we just went across the street, and picked up the Canal Street Heritage Park Trail. It's exactly 1 mile long. It says start and end. And is marked every quarter mile. Sadly, it does not have any signs talking about the heritage.

It does, however, have one of the exercise courses on it. I tried a few things but the metal was really cold! Near the end of the trail was a playground. We hit that on the way back.

After the "end" post, we saw the D&L marker.  One side shows the mileage to Allentown, the other to Walnutport. Walnutport might be a good training route for later in the summer before the next half marathon.

We left Sharon there and she headed to the playground to wait for us.

The path continued to a footbridge over the Hokey Creek, and then the trail was totally ungroomed. It was pretty clear, I think because it is used heavily. But it's clearly unfinished.

We walked a little longer then turned around and headed for the park. These "little" girls like swings! And it's a full body workout. If you haven't tried since you were 10, give it a try. It burns about 200 calories an hour. I don't think I can last 15 minutes!

 We played 10-15 minutes, and then headed back towards the car. Total mileage about 3 miles. Mybe a little more.

When we were leaving the Tri-Boro Rod and Gun Club was advertising an ugly sweater 5K on Dec. 8. Sounds like fun. But I think you need to be a member. Couldn't find much online. Though there is one in Louisville.

irt

Today we did the large loop on the Ironton Rail Trail (IRT). It's a great trail and we've walked it several times.

We left Bonnie's at 7 am and it was not hot, but it was humid. Right now it's 77 at 75% humidity. Ick.

The Boy Scouts have been busy making all kinds of improvements for the Eagle projects. How do I know? They leave signs by their improvements! (The RR X-ing sign that Bonnie is standing in front of is one of them.)

My favorite improvement is the mural that covers an old cement support.Not sure if that is done or not, but there is no sign.

Another favorite was done by a trail side neighbor. They decorated the back of the shed, and added a ticket taker.

When we arrived, I turned down the wrong street so instead of parking in the lot we parked in a neighborhood. Since we are training for the half-marathon we tried to do it at almost race speed. We succeeded. That loop is just over 5.5 miles and we were done in just over 1-1/2 hours.

Now I just need to get my butt out there and do it again tomorrow!

Meanwhile, I need to take a shower. I'm off to Girl Scout Camp Moseywood in less than an hour.

april fools half marathon

A few weeks ago the route for the fall Bethlehem Half Marathon was printed in the Morning Call. We decided to walk it. On April Fools Day. We're crazy "walking fools"!

Potentially I had six people going: Me, Bonnie, Kathy and Lyd who went, and my friends Betsy and Pam. Betsy had another commitment, and Pam's husband had an accident, so they both had to back out.

The half starts at the Sands Casino at the former steel mill. I wasn't sure what the rules for parking there were, so we met at ArtsQuest, right in front of the blast furnace. Lydia only wanted to do a 10K so she left her car at Monocacy Park. Bonnie and I picked her up and brought her to the southside.

We left ArtsQuest and headed up Polk to Packer and past Lehigh. It was then I realized we were supposed to go to the casino first. Oops. We headed down Brodhead, across the Fahy Bridge, around the city center, and up Main. At Geopp we headed over to Monocacy and followed the creek to Paint Mill Road, and up the hill to Schoenersville. It was a hilly walk and we were only about 4 miles into it.

After a potty break at the Wawa, we continued down Illicks Mill Road to Lyds car—the pitstop. There we had items to replenish our supplies. We filled our water bottles, and had a snack. There was even gluten free ones for Bonnie. At the car, Kathy decided to bail, so Bonnie and I proceeded out Dewberry and down Linden to Washington. Then we went past Lyds old house, which is up for rent. Bonnie and I thought we should make an appointment to look at it. Not to rent it. We're just noisy. How did they rehab the house?

We worked our way back down to Broad and out Market to Linden, and back Church, and over the Fahy Bridge again. We finished the walk by going down First Avenue to the car.  Bonnie's feet hurt, so we never went to the casino. Missing that both times shaved about a mile off the route. Oh well.

I felt good and it took about 4 hours. It was a good training walk for the 100K—less than a month away.

relieved

My friend Angel forwarded me a portion of an email this morning (translated from French, no doubt) from Michèl. We'll be doing the One Day Hike together.

"Oh and plant a bug in Gayle's ear that I will most likely need to reduce it down to the half-walk. Work is killing me and I have done no training. NONE. I don't even know how I will make the half!"

Since he's her friend, I asked if he'd back out totally. She replied "He's not the back-out type".

So it's a go. And I'm relieved that it's (more than likely) only 50K. 30ish miles I'm confident I can do. I haven't trained really well, but I've walked a lot and adrenaline will kick in. It's not like the 3-Day where you do and then do it tomorrow and again the next day. I can channel that energy. And I hear Michèl is very competitive.

I still wonder about where I'm meeting him, where we are sleeping when we are done, and how the heck will I gt back to my car. I'm sure this will work itself out. Angel travels the globe with him without incident. Trust. It's hard for me. But I'll do it.

walking fools

Bonnie emailed me shortly after I made the last post. She's in. We decided on April 1. I guess that makes us walking fools. My friend Betsy is also in. Just waiting to hear from Kathy and Lyd.

UPDATE: Kathy is in.

waiting patiently in nome

It's a chilly -17 this morning in "Nome". Still have ample supplies of hot chocolate for the gang when they arrive, but the whipped cream is gone. Wishing I would have brought some rum. David said he'd "ship" some marshmallows.

I have walked every day this week while waiting.

Back home, it was announced in the Morning Call that Bethlehem is getting it's own half marathon in mid-October. But it's for runners only. They printed the map in the paper. (Yes, I still prefer newsprint to internet for news.) It's a nice route with flat and hills. I cut it out. Might be a good training walk for the 100K. Even at 3MPH we'll be done in less than 4 hours.

What's nice is it is at home. If someone needs to drop out, they can hop on a bus or make a phone call.

Any takers?

walking purchase park

Bonnie came before her tax appointment to walk 3-5 miles.  I wanted to do hills to build my stamina for the 100K.  So we headed up Bishopthorpe, then Graham into Salisbury. When we reached the top of the hill I had planned to go down one block and come back Jeter, then down Dodson and cross Broadway and up Dorothy.

Bonnie said, where does that street go. I said Walking Purchase Park, and before you knew it we headed down there. All the way down to the river and the railroad tracks. Then we had to come back up one heck of a hill.

So we changed the walk and went down Dotson, out Smiley/Stanley, down Lynn, across Broadway and home. It came out to 5 miles, and Bonnie was late for her tax appointment. Oops.

That walk, in addition to my walk with Sharon this morning, added an additional 165 minutes to my Idita-Walk total. I'm at 902 miles. Won't finish this weekend, unless I double walk again tomorrow. If I would have walked with Betsy Friday, I would have made it.

Wonder what the weather is like in Nome? Hope they are having a mild winter too.

Tomorrow we'll be doing another 3-5 miles.

bethlehem to bethlehem (and back!) wrap up

This morning was the wrap up breakfast for the Bethlehem to Bethlehem walking challenge. My last report had us treading water 2000 miles off the coast of Jersey. We made it back to land, just not quite back to Bethlehem.

There were 89 participants and we walked a combined total of 10, 540.8 miles! Yeah us. That works out to an average 118 miles per person. This was a family project so we had children, teens and adults walking. Forty people averaged more than 100 miles. Eight 200-299 miles, and two over 500 miles! The top walker was Linda M who walked 581.1 miles. Chelsea M. came in right behind her at 572 miles. Both Sharon and I came in over 200. Barb and Dave were just under 200. As a family we rocked!

They were also talking blood pressures. Mine was 128/76. I was doing a happy dance in the lobby!

This virtual walking is taking me places I'll never go. So it's on to Alaska and the Idita Walk!

idita-walk?

This link came in the Volkssport email this morning—Idita-walk 2011! 

The Idita-walk is an event to promote physical fitness in the spirit of the Iditarod Dog Sled race. The race is 1049 miles long from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. To complete the walk you track minutes, not miles. Thirty minutes a day for 35 days between February 1 and March 31.

Very similar to what I just did for the Bethlehem to Bethlehem challenge. 

I'm went for it, and they sent me this lovely walking contract. It will keep me walking thru winter. If winter ever gets here!

still hot, hot, hot

The heat wave is supposed to break tomorrow. I hope so.

Today and Monday we went walking a lunch time in the heat. We only went about a mile and a quarter. It didn't seem horrible outside, but when I walked in our building it was cold. Started sweating like mad. The three flights of stairs didn't help much either.

The plan was to walk again at night but that fell through. Last night I ended up taking my niece to the pharmacy and ice cream with the children while we waited for the prescriptions. Tonight I went with another neice to Walmart and Home Depot. I can't start class much past 7 pm, because otherwise I'll be in class till midnight.

Monday I signed up for a poop-load of 5Ks thru October.  I remember how to write checks and use stamps. Several had discounts for early-birds. One had a discount for no shirt.

One was for the Kreidersville Covered Bridge 5K/10K. They called me today to tell me it was non-competitive. That I figured. They've had inquiries. She also told me there was a major hill near the beginning. Lydia was not thrilled with that news. I'll walk a bit slower with her, at least to the top of the hill. I want to make sure she makes it and doesn't chicken out. Then I'll try and power it thru to the end. We'll see.

walkabout with adonis

Lyd, Adonis and I went out for a walk in Fountain Hill. It was only 1.25 miles but had 2 good uphills and one long downhill. I believe that makes it aerobic and anaerobic. Could be wrong.

Adonis needed to mark every telephone pole. He also stopped to poop. That's when we discovered we forgot bags. Oops. Bad pet owner.

I need to throw my shirt in the hand-me-down bin. It looks awful on me. It's stretched out, too short and makes me look twice as fat. It goes.