Run Around Silly!

Tundra Toughy!

2011-12-28T21:38:00.000-05:00

I did it! I actually bundled up and went out there in very cold very windy snowy weather. I was able to walk 1.5 miles. The road was covered in snow, but it wasn't too deep and it wasn't too slippery. I wore my fleece, my parka, my balaclava, my running tights and my new running knit hat lined with fleece. I carried a cup of coffee and I was comfortable for the most part. The wind was whipping on parts of the circle.

The rest of the day I stayed inside, so that makes this walk a bit of an achievement. I was planning to go to the 6:30 PM Zumba, but the roads,wind,snow did not warrant a drive. I enjoyed the luxury of a vacation day without commitments outside of the house! Aaah.

Tomorrow is another day, and with the new year coming, I must say this publicy: There are push-ups in my future! I. must. weight. train.

Gobble Trot Gobble Trot

2011-11-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

I am proud to say that I walked 5 miles at 7:20 AM on Thanksgiving Day! I was up and in my kitchen by 5:30 and was good to go by 7:00! My habit of 'early to bed, and early to rise' is really paying off! It wasn't easy, but it was enjoyable, along the Erie Canal talking with a friend I don't get to see very often! My very first Turkey Trot, and my first event of any kind with 5 miles. I'm considering running a 'freezeroo' of 5 miles, but that sounds like too long for me. I wish it were only a 5K. The name sounds horrible, but my friend is considering doing it, so I'll think about it. It would mean missing Zumba. : ( But I'd be connecting with another friend and would get really good exercise that day... and... I might actually increase my intensity/mileage in order to prepare for this thing! Hmmm.

Anyhow, my Thanksgiving was the best ever! I learned how to make cranberry sauce. I made my best ever sausage stuffing. The giblet stock was simple, and made a fantastic gravy without any salt. I can't believe it! It honestly was fantastic & nobody missed the salt... even on the mashed potatoes. I was prepared with the shakers on the table, but alas, they were untouched!! Good for us!

I ate my first pomegranate this morning and it was phenomenal on top of my cereal. Thank you to Wegmans for the sample they gave me and for making it accessible in my 46th year of life! I rejoice in any "firsts" I enjoy at this point.

Going to snuggle up in my first electric-blanket heated bed of the season!

Skipping

2011-11-16T21:05:00.000-05:00

...and I don't mean with joy! I've skipped a couple mornings now and I'm not proud. I just ate a handful of chocolate chips, and a maple-syrup sweet potato and I don't feel much eagerness to get outside tomorrow. It's so dark and it has been such a grey day and tomorrow it's going to be significantly colder. But out I will go. I'll help the cause by laying out my clothes tonight and heading up early to read in bed (translation: fall asleep reading). Tomorrow I don't need to get to work extra early, so out I shall go. I will wear plenty of warm clothes so I feel cozy, at least to start. Maybe I'll look for a runner's skull cap warm hat to buy, one that's very reflective/bright!

I'll also drink more tomorrow. I will.

I'm feeling guilty for skipping a nice yoga class at work and for not doing any weight training these days... not good.

I will not over-eat, and I will enjoy the sky and the quiet and the solitude. Man, thinking positively sure changes my mood. I love the peace and quiet and the darkness. The chill in the air can be awesome too. If it's so cold, I'll include a coffee lap and enjoy the warmth of the coffee going down my core as the chill tries to nip my skin.

I found out a friend is an avid runner and I sure can tell by looking at her body and I suspect by noticing her sunny attitude and high energy. I'm sure it helps that she doesn't work outside of the house, but she runs.... fast and wins races! She weight trains regularly and she looks great!!! I won't say I'm jealous, but I wonder if I'll ever feel fit like she looks.

Up to bed and book I go.

...And the Moon Sees Me

2011-11-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

I've been getting such a kick out of early morning running recently. I actually am enjoying looking at the sky. For the first time in my life, I've figured out the moon phases, and orbits and find it fascinating. As I opened my eyes this morning in bed, the first thing I saw was the almost full moon shining right in my window. I got such a kick out that, because I haven't seen the moon in the morning for almost a month! Now I know why.

Probably you do too, but I am embarrassed to say I never took Earth Science. Our middle school had a a set 7th & 8th Grade science program. Then in HS, I took the honors track which was Bio, Chem, Physics, and a full year of College Bio, which I do love, by the way. Anyhow, the gaps in my knowledge are finally being filled. What a hoot to learn something new at age 46!

So... this morning at 5:30 I saw the moon. Then I got my coffee, read a chapter and checked again... and it was gone over the horizon already!! Who'dda thunk that there is a set moon-rise & moon-set time that has nothing to do with our day and night!?!

I did not run this morning as I opted for a day of rest for these muscles. My quads are tight and almost sore & I'm hoping they'll heal and feel back to normal by tomorrow. Plus, the trade off is that I could get to work early, which is always wonderful for a teacher, especially when you have 90 kids scheduled for a rehearsal with you at 8:00 in the morning! Yup!

A note about changing my blog name. While I like the alliteration of Rita's Ramblings, I don't choose to have the inbred humility or even put down any more. I've been known as Serious Rita for most of my life, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to publicly strive for "silly" which I do believe is a much healthier/happier way to be, at least sometimes! Plus, I've been circling my block six times most mornings and it seems a little silly, like a mouse on an exercise wheel.

Run on! ... and Smile at the Moon!

Zumbarrific!

2011-11-06T22:21:00.000-05:00

Years ago, I thought Jazzercise was the cat's meow! But Zumba opens a new world of cool dancing to me. When I started I was mostly awkward and stumbly, but now I'm recognizing/anticipating patterns and actually getting better at 'shaking it'. It is a riot thinking of myself dancing like that, but now I'm starting to stop thinking about myself doing it and actually starting to just enjoy the music and the movement. Yay me! I am in control of my thoughts, and my emotions. I can do this!

When I stop trying so much, I progress!

2011-11-05T20:17:00.000-04:00

It's amazing. A few months ago, I started out walking again, because darn, I can do that! I walked for 3 miles (six laps), because darn, I can do that! I did not plan or make any goals. If I end up walking up to three miles sometimes for the rest of my life, than that will be OK. If I can get it up to 4-5 times a week, that would be better and if I can make it be brisk walking, for 45 minutes to an hour, then I'd be in the recommended exercise zone & it really could help me live longer and better!

Well, eventually I started the old, "Well I can run to that mailbox anyway" thing. Then I chose 5 mailboxes that made good stopping points on my circle. So I'd run to the first, walk to the next, and alternate. Each lap had the opposite lengths walking/running, so I could count my laps easier. On my hesitant mornings, I'd start with a Coffee Lap of walking with a cup of coffee, no pressure. Well, surprise surprise, I started really running on some mornings... notjust my shuffle run. I even chose to shuffle run my coffee lap in part and then I started leaving my coffee home on some days and just run/walk.

Well, blow me down, I started feeling like I could run past the chosen stopping driveways, so I created an optional "Driveway + One" deal. Lo and behold I'm up to "Driveway + three and then some" so that I'm actually headed to the NEXT driveway and just stop running one house ahead of time to catch my breath. I'm not on any schedule or self-pressure to increase the running & decrease the walking, but it actually is happening this time. I'm surprised because I have tried this in the past in various forms. Now I just run six laps stopping here and there, because I want to run.

When I skip a run, I start feeling eager to get out the next day. This is INCREDIBLE! I've read about it, but never really felt it... that is the internal urge to run. It feels so good, and honestly I am so surprised.

One of my resolutions is to get some exercise each day. So even a lap or a mile is better than none. I spent one morning bouncing on my trampoline while enjoying the morning news program. On Sundays I go to Zumba! That is a topic for another day.

I am grateful to have a body that doesn't feel pain when I run. I am newly interested in the starry sky. I've seen it my whole life and only now I'm developing a real curiousity about the moon's orbit, the constellations and planets that I see. Good thing my neighborhood has very little traffic because I'm often running with my eyes to the sky. I am proud of myself!!

My running has been revived and I am revitalized.

Walking is my new thing!

2011-03-19T21:39:00.000-04:00

I've tried to run. I've jogged and logged and shuffled and sprinted. I've read and read and scheduled and not-scheduled, and now I'm 7 years into this running thing, still waiting for it to kick in. Well, after my last gallant effort in 2010, where I ALMOST stuck with my New Year's Resolution for a whole year, it still isn't any less painful, or any more pleasant to run for more than a few driveway's worth. Oh well. I'm old enough to let it go and embrace what I do enjoy. Plus, there is this wonderful thing which is supposed to extend our lives and our mental acuity: Walking! Woo hoo! I've been doing that for a long time now, so it should be easy to turn it into a fitness activity.

At my last ob/gyn check up, my doctor spoke quietly and solemnly about how walking has been shown to help in the fight against dementia! OK, I'm in!! Eating my blueberries and walking! Check!

My approach to this walking thing? Well, just do it when I feel like it, and try for every day, mixing up the time, place and duration. I'm also not timing, not measuring distance, and certainly not logging! I'm just going with what feels good, knowing that longer is better. I'm seeking walking partners and finding them in my husband, my students, and hopefully my friends when the weather breaks! What really would help is to get another audio book onto my mp3 player. My stories have a way of grabbing me.

Oh yeah, my bike was fixed this winter and it feels like a totally new bike with a new computer now! My kids do love biking & I'm toying with planning a long canal trip with them this summer. One problem though: I have a hard time keeping up. Hey, I was always seeking speed too at their age & would've been thrilled to leave my mother in the dust... if my mother knew how to ride a bike. Really, she never did believe it or not! Well, I love it and plan to spin those wheels for many miles and years to come!

OK, Spring, bring it on!

Light & Dark

2010-10-18T16:20:00.000-04:00

There have been beautiful sunny Fall days recently! Unfortunately, I run in the dark most days. At 6:00 A.M. it is chilly & cold, though very often starlit. Today I walk/ran 2 miles in about 34 minutes & I think that will be my new direction: 2 miles with a count-up timer. I'm loving my 'stories' as I call them. I have one on my mp3 player and one on CD's for my car. I'm between novels now and am catching up on magazines. I also love having appropriate running gear at the ready. My day-glo wind breaker is perfect over my tech l/s shirt. My head band and convertible mitten/gloves are keeping me comfortable out there in the weather which has been in the 40's mostly.

On Sundays I run in daylight & go for 3+ miles around the 'big block'. Yesterday I saw pine needles helicoptering to the ground. I heard an Osage orange go kerplunk and was rained on by many many leaves. I almost could catch a few in my hand. I'm looking at their flight, the patterns on the trees, the pretty fields of corn and I'm noticing beauty more than ever. I often wish we had mountains, rivers, woods or something naturally impressive to run through right out of our front door, but if I make an effort to open my eyes for beauty, I can see it.

Running Hot!

2010-07-17T07:53:00.000-04:00

My scale numbers are still yucky, but my running is going well. With extra time in the summer, I've been going out longer, not really timing the duration, but often exceeding 45 minutes. I bring a cup of coffee with me for my warm-up. This gets me out the door sooner. I don't get stuck on the computer, which is a good thing! The heat has been pretty bad (high 80's and 90's) so the earlier the better. I wouldn't stand a chance running in the afternoon.

I've also changed my run to 5,4,3,2,1, and today added 30 sec, and 20 sec. If the run is long enough, I can totally recover in between each one & I don't feel rushed. The 5 min run is soo slow, you wouldn't believe it. I feel like I could go shuffling on like that forever and I often do go soon into the 4 min. run. I gradually pick up the pace and by the time I get to the 30 sec, I'm dashing! And I'm proud.

I've been trying to encourage active fun for my kidlets too & so we have been riding bikes a lot in the last few days and my daughter has discovered that she can bike to certain places on her own! Very cool.

Today is an almost blank Saturday and it is full of possibilities!

Back Slide

2010-06-30T10:40:00.000-04:00

Ugh! My scale numbers are back to where they were when I started recording them on 1/1/10. That stinks, but I can't give up. I think it may have been the relaxing after the recent hospital stress. I started up again eating some cookies and cake that seem to abound at the ending of the school year. Yuck! You know I didn't even really enjoy either the cookies or the cake. I just ate them because they are sweet and they are there. Not a good reason. Plus, there has been candy around for the chorus parties and birthday party. I always buy plenty and now there are lots of left-overs. I really like the Twizzlers. They don't like me so well.

OK, so maybe I need to start becoming aware of my ingestion of sweet treats. I'd say one or less a day. Today I already had two and a third cinnamon rolls for b'fast. It was nice to clear the table and sit with my kids who were happy to have cinnamon rolls. I made it into a 3/4 family meeting and let them know the expectations for the summer: Chores/practicing/reading or math/outside time== all before their screen time which will be up to an hour a day. I got this idea from another mom on the soccer side-lines and I like it because it is simple and it mixes perceived fun (reading, outside play) with not so perceived fun (chores/ practicing) as the basic expectations. I did go further than this other mom though and added financial bribery. I upped their allowances to a dollar a day. I also added an optional Helpful Hour for $2 a day. I hope it all catches on.

As for my running. I went out this morning and it felt good. I didn't run at camping this weekend & the hiking I thought would cover it didn't materialize except for one day. I was sluggish & it felt great. I will start up again and reward myself with new songs on my mp3 player.

Movement

2010-05-05T21:13:00.000-04:00

Finally the scale is recognizing my efforts. I think I officially lost a pound which doesn't seem like much, but I'm on my way. I'm comfortable not eating so much, finally!! I welcome the feeling of hunger, finally!! I try to fill my plate with at least half vegetables/fruit, finally!! I find myself craving vegetables sometimes. I accept Birthday treats at school with appreciation and bring them home for my kidlets... and they actually make it home, finally!!! I'm honestly impressed with myself. Now I must keep moving!

Nice way to start the Day

2010-04-02T08:35:00.000-04:00

My son went running with me. It was the first day we could wear shorts and tee shirts! Yippee!! He talked and stayed with me for a mile (two laps) and then went home while I did my last little bit. He also said he was training for his Kids 5K which I think is great. I'd better get the details on my calendar. Then we had our breakfast on the back deck which was quiet and wonderful. We're planning a bike ride together later, too. I consider it my duty to model and offer an active life-style for my kids.

Small Celebrations

2010-03-31T16:36:00.000-04:00

I must celebrate my small successes or I'll go crazy, because the scale is not celebrating with me!

Today I passed up a Birthday Cupcake from a student. I felt bad declining, but I had my class sing Happy Birthday to the Birthday girl and I let the girl offer my cupcake to my college student Participant/Observer. So, all were happy this time. My colleague says to accept the BD treat from the students, but to then throw it away. I think by the time I get to my desk after teaching, I've been seeing/thinking about that treat the whole time that I'll just devour it. Plus, after teaching my classes, I often feel like I deserve a Gold Medal... and in the absence of that, I'll accept a sweet treat! So...

I've vowed to try to give up Cake,Candy,and Cookies... especially cookies. Cookies go thud in my stomach and I don't even feel good after I eat them. Candy, I don't really mean. There must be exceptions, but that will be a rarity, I hope. Today was my first day of this and I didn't even pause in picking up a mini candycane from the pile that was left in the Faculty room. I crunched it in a few minutes going out to my car and I regretted it!

Another success is my running. I've increased to 4,3,and 3 minutes of times running, but I'm doing more after that and it feels good.

Last night I made a bag of popcorn, and served myself half. When I wanted to go back for the other half, I started enjoying my glass of ice water. I LOVE eating ice cubes, and it can be a good substitute for extra calories.

Now for my rant: My wrist, or elbow or arm hurts... moreso with use. I've started learning to mouse with my LH, but it hurts now typing and I think it hurt a bit when I was practicing piano before. It's been x-rayed and I think it was bursitis in the elbow, but I don't know about the wrist. I'm sick of inflammation. I guess I'd better try taking my ibuprofen and seeing if that helps. It doesn't hurt too bad, but I worry more about it restricting my activities. I LOVE using the computer, and I love playing piano. I'd like to be one of those old ladies who can still play piano at my nursing home.

My other rant: My weight is going up!!!! I'm hoping it's water-weight corresponding to my cycle, but who knows. This stinks!!! I've been relatively good in my eating/exercising for 3 months now and NOTHING very noticeable in the weight department!!! And it definitely is NOT muscle gain. I wish I could say I was continuing with strength training, but I'm focusing on running now and am letting the other stuff pretty much go for now, though I am stretching here and there. My calves were almost painfully tight today.

Let's see, oh yeah... another plus: I like to drive thru McD's and get a large Diet with extra ice and a small French fry for an after school snack. Well, I've been skipping the fries on many of the days recently. Today I skipped the soda and am not even stocking it at home any more! I have diet lemon lime stuff, but am thinking about switching to tea and water. That's good. I've had quite the "Diet Coke" habit going in the past.

Ok, that's enough ramblings for now... feels good!

Spring!

2010-03-20T07:21:00.000-04:00

I've been doing well with my running. I've been running outside in the early morning. I've overcome the broken treadmill, and the broken mp3 player. I am listening to a PlayAway audio book from the library called Firefly Lane. I think it may even have been a MC book club choice recently. I am thankful for my appropriate gear: My worn joggers bra I've had for years... it's comfortable and all I need. I have a tech l/s shirt which does much for warmth, and a nice pair of lined work out pants with pockets. I keep those in my bedstand drawer so I can pull them on when I wake. I have a head band to keep my ears warm, and my new convertible gloves/mittens which I LOVE! I also am happy to have my cycing jacket which is entirely dayglo yellow/green, so I can be seen in the dim light of dawn. It is a phenomenal wind breaker too and I can pull the sleeves over my hands if I haven't worn my gloves. Ipop a kitchen timer in my left pocket and the PlayAway in my right pocket. I also love my Asics sneakers with red trim despite the salesperson's advice to get something less bright. I love RED! So, I don't guess or gather in the morning; I don, grab and go.

I am charting my running and trying to make one tiny increase in duration or intensity eAch week on my way toward my goal: 30 minutes of solid running 4 times a week by Fall. I'm up to 22 minute runs with 3X3 minutes minimum of solid running. I allow myself to have easy days (walking or light running) and that is up to 35 minutes. I'm proud of my efforts and feel good running.

Unfortunately the scale is not tipping in my favor toward my weight-loss goal. I actually went up in February and back to my forever-normal weight so far in March. It is so difficult. I truly believe I'm fighting my age (45), but I'm determined! I do love certain sweets and am trying various techniques to eat better and less: Keeping crunchies in the house like celery and pepper pieces, enjoying 3 bites of a sweet and tossing it, filling up on salad before a heavy meal, waiting 5 minutes when I suspect I might be full, trying not to eat at night, substituting ice water for snacks, trying to leave something on my plate. Wow! That is a huge amount of strategies. None of them are totally new to me, but most of them are not actually happening as much as they can. Sooooo, I guess I know what I should do, that's the first level of learning. Now I have to thoughtfully force myself to do more of it, then hopefully it will become less thoughtful and more automatic... a much higher level of learning.

OK... I'm still at it!!

That was a close one!

2010-01-30T07:05:00.000-05:00

I almost blew my New Year's Resolution in the first month... too cliche for me! My treadmill has been broken for a while & I've been bundling up to run outside. This week we got hit with arctic temperatures (teens) and snow, so I let a few days go by without running. I needed one more run by today to be successful with this week's quota. I decided I could 'run' in the basement. I did 'stairs' on the stairs and I jogged on the mini-trampoline. I ran a few laps, moved a few heavy bins and swept the floor. I'm quite sure I got a work-out and I'm proud of myself!!!

Do What Feels Right!

2010-01-26T05:54:00.000-05:00

I just read a Mommy on the Run blog about feeling antsy and needing to go out on a run. Yeah right! My body usually always wants to be lazy. I'm so proud when I feel a true honest-to-goodness urge to get out and run. Feeling it a bit right now. I missed yesterday's light rain and warm temperatures (due to work! : (). Today there is a coating of snow, but I can't let that stop me because the treadmill still lays broken and it will forever I'm sure. When my dh & I agree to buy something new, it takes forever (maybe years) to actually buy it. On the treadmill we don't even agree. I think he wants to take a look at it, as he wouldn't endorse me calling in a repair guy. So... I'm stuck in a holding pattern and I don't predict I'll be running on a treadmill any time soon!

OK, enough procrastination. Here I go!

Oh Noooooo!!

2010-01-19T06:18:00.000-05:00

My teadmill broke! It just went klunkpfth#%#! while I was on it one day. What a catastrophe. We are in the middle of January and I'm having to go outside. Brrr. I am lucky that I have good gear though. My balaclava is wonderful to put over my head and now I'm enjoying my new convertible mittens/gloves. my tech l/s shirt is indispensible and my day-glo yellow cycling jacket continues to be my long-running favorite item!! There was a bit of a thaw & I was out in 30-something weather twice this weekend.

We had a long (MLK Day) weekend and it was much appreciated. I was really in need of a mental-health day off recently, but couldn't bring myself to use a Personal Day for nothing imparticular. I feel so much better now, maybe I will keep this option open in the future. I'm either blessed or riddled with excellent attendance syndrome. My employers should love me for it!

Anyhow my New Year's Resolutions are in tact! All 9 resolutions are going strong! I almost lost the running frequency one, but I hung on by a fingernail and was able to chart 3 runs each week so far.

Here we go!

2010-01-01T22:19:00.000-05:00

Today is January 1st and I'm off to a good start on my resolutions. Officially, they are:
1. Keep the desk blotter free of coffee rings : )
2. Maintain a lower weight by year's end (8 pounds by Christmas, 4 by summer, 2 by spring, 1 by my birthday)This should be easy. Chart it.
3. Eat less junk food, more fruits/veggies... make "5 2 1 0" part of our lives (keep celery, carrots, apples, kiwi, sliced pepper in house as much as possible). Chart it.
4.Speak nicely to my family members, consistently. Remember what's important.
5. Stay calm, shriek less.
6. Don't accept disrespect.
7. Run 30 minutes non-stop at a reasonable speed, by Fall! 3-4 times a week, non-netotiable, starting at 30 minutes of walking or 20 minutes mixed, increase with slightest tiny increments each week, including more running, increased incline, etc.
Chart progress toward running goal and stick with it.
8. Do at least one unexpected kindness each month! Chart!!

I like it. I composed these kind of spur of the moment, but I think they're workable and they reflect my honest values.

So, today, I
1. unwrapped my pristine new desk blotter. I love this!! It is beautiful.

2. I weighed in and printed out my chart with an aim to record my weights. Keep in mind, these weights are in the morning just before entering the shower. In the afternoon and evening I always seem to weigh much more, and I'm wearing clothes, so I thought I'd go with my morning weigh-in which is already habit. I turn on the shower, move my bath towel, step on my scale and then get in the shower... in the dark, automatically. I was surprised to find out my friend had received a desired scale for Christmas because they didn't have any.

3. Anyway, I ate a delicious warm salt bagel with butter, bean soup, crunchy veggies, baked Lays, 6 Dibs, grilled cheese with tuna, and a side salad. I'm proud and satisfied with my eats. Let's see, I had 5 servings of fruit/veggies I think, 2 hours or less of screen time, probably one hour of activity (with my exercise and walking around the museum for several hours), and 0 sugary drinks. I sure hope artificial sugar is OK. I also bought kiwi, carrots, celery, peppers for the house! Mmmm..

4. I think I spoke respectfully and calmly to my family, though it seems to require such patience so much of the time.

5. I did not shriek. : )
6. I didn't accept disrespect, and I think my son and daughter are both making gains in listening to me. I don't let them talk back, walk away, scold me, or defy me. I really think the stricter (more consistent) I can be with this, the better... for their positive development, and for my self-worth!

7. I did a 20 minute program on the treadmill (at 9:30 P.M.!!) and nearly killed myself. I had to take a 1.5 minute break at the peak to lower my heart rate. It's all good, though. 20 minutes is a very short time... and... I'm getting involved in my audio book a bit: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.

8. My official charts are either by the week or the month. The week charts begin on Sunday, so I'm set to go.

9. My kindness I plan to do tomorrow... deliver a frozen lasagna to a super-nice family who has helped us out several times in the past and especially last week!

Life is good!

Oh blast!

2009-12-28T21:45:00.000-05:00

Re-reading my posts I'm reminded of my 1-dessert a week goal. Where did that go?? When did it go?? I'm having multiple junks a day now!! Ugh!! I'll try starting with only one a day! I saw a license plate I liked today: Aaarrgghh!!

Old Year Ending

2009-12-28T21:23:00.000-05:00

The end of the year is upon us and I'm hoping I can feel the renewal to exert some effort for the new year. In the past, resolutions have really boosted me into new fitness habits! I'm feeling so sluggish now & I frankly don't feel the urge to do anything. I just know I have to. The scale says I've gained 1-3 pounds since Halloween... not terrible, but doesn't feel good.

My big sister is getting skinnier (over age 50!!) and passing me former large sized clothing. Next time I'd love to say, "Oh, I don't fit into size 10's any more. Thanks anyway!"

I did successfully upload an audio book onto my mp3 player, though it hasn't grabbed me yet. I will continue to use it to get me down to the treadmill. One problem is that when I get up to running speed, this old treadmill is so load I can't hear my story unless I put one hand to my ear. Sooo, I've found yet another reason to walk, not run. I think if I switch to headphones, I should be able to hear OK.

I'm thinking of setting this standard for the treadmill: either 20 minutes hard, or 30 minutes easy... on most days. I should also try to instill my little 6 minute workout on most days. Oh, didn't I tell you of that:

It's so simple & beautiful in it's simplicity:

-15 full regular push-ups (or however many I can manage... usually 12 ish)
-a Pilates 100
-15 Superman lifts for my back
-15 lunges (on both legs).

DONE!! It takes me about 8 minutes!! It really does something to me & if I did it regularly I'd build on it, but I'm haphazard with it. Plus I tend to add stretches and some yoga poses in between so that it turns into a big deal. But I won't apologize for stretches and yoga... that is wonderfully good stuff!!

OK, just writing has helped me feel a little more determined. I'm thinking maybe I should devise a charting and reward system. I like dollars for clothing shopping, so I'll think on that! Hmmmmm.....

Dark & Cold

2009-12-15T06:49:00.000-05:00

We usually have very cold mornings from November to March around here. We occasionally have a 30 something degree morning with safe roads, so I can sometimes go outside, but I use my treadmill many days.

About the dark, you can get lights and reflective vests so that you can be seen by drivers. A teen I know was hit by a car when she crossed the road on a run to return home. A neighbor of mine expressed how alarming it is for her to come upon me suddenly running in our circle in the dark, even though I get off the road when the rare car comes by. So, over the years, I've learned to be safe! Now I have a reflective vest I can put over everything. I have a clip on light that goes right on my front. My favorite item is my wind-breaker cycling jacket I bought when I was training for a 100 mile bike ride. It is awesome quality for weather protection and it is totally BRIGHT Yellow/greenish! That was totally worth the high-price I thought I was paying at the time. I've also just purchased a white running cap. I've also carried a flash light... awkward, but potentially life-saving.

I've been comfortable going outside down to 22 degrees. I have a tech l/s shirt to layer under the jacket and lined work-out pants that do a nice job. Mittens and head covering are essential.

I usually check the weather, moan, and if I do push myself to get out there, I am usually always invigorated and proud of my fortitude! I only regret it when there are high winds.

Today I thought about doing some weight training! At least my brain got exercise. : )

I Can Do This!

2009-12-13T21:17:00.000-05:00

Spent some time cleaning, vacuuming & dusting the treadmill and vicinity in the basement today. We have 3 cats down there, so they track cat litter dust everywhere. Plus there were cobwebs and general dust everywhere. The treadmill is quite old, but it still works. The programs are limited, but today and yesterday I enjoyed the 30 minute interval program with 3.6 as my max mph. It seems pretty lame as I don't even have to run, but I did get a work out. I'm going to aim for most every day to go down there. I put an old pair of sneakers, so when I wake up, I can put on a pair of socks and go straight down there. I'm going to try to load an audio book into my mp3 player now and leave that down there, so I'll be all set. I weighed in at 129.5, and that seems really high.

At the doctor's the other day, I weighed in at 138! What is up with that? I know I gain weight as the day goes on and as I get dressed, but 8 pounds??!!?? Some of my dress pants are seeming a bit tight around the middle. Yuck!! Must do something about that.

I had a bowling appetizer party and I bought peppers. I loved them! I also honestly enjoyed a simple salad for two meals this weekend... with fresh mozzarella, yum! I made a chicken sausage, cannellini bean, and Kale soup for dinner exchange & that's pretty good! The Kale is a superfood, so I'm proud to be eating & serving that! We were out all three nights this weekend... fun, but tiring!!

OK, let's see if I can really purchase and download an audio book & then get it onto my mp3 player... on your mark, get set... go!

OK, OK, I'll Go...

2009-12-07T06:20:00.000-05:00

I started running at age 39 and now at 44 I'm still barely getting started. I was recently run/walking 2-3 miles every other day, but with the cold weather, I've just sort of stopped. I don't have an appealing treadmill, but I'm thinking I might as better resurrect it so that I can use it when the weather is formidable. I actually have good warm gear and have run through the winter before, so I know I can do it. I've been feeling lowly and slight-sickly recently too, so there are my excuses. Sorry to dump.

When I stop I think, "I'm not a runner". When I run I think, "Well, I'm out here, so I guess I'm a runner... of sorts." Even when I'm on a good stretch of habit, I wait for the urge/stamina to run further/faster, and it really doesn't come or it's so hardly noticeable. I keep thinking I'll build up gradually to a 'respectable' distance/time/frequency, but it hasn't happened yet. Now as I get older (yes, 44 feels old much of the time) I'm resigned to be content with walking since I can get my heart rate up and a really good feeling after a walk anyway.

All that to say... I'm suited up here at my computer in the 6:00 A.M. hour... temperature is in the 20's outside and.... here I go. I am once again determined to be an active fit adult. Thanks for listening,

Winter Slugs

2009-12-04T06:56:00.000-05:00

It's not even winter, but I'm feeling lazy and skipping workouts. It's cold, damp, and I've been waking up with a headache for a few days now. This happens almost every month at a given time. Yuck! I really don't like cold weather. My treadmill is gross and disgusting downstairs, covered in junk and dust, and dirt. Plus it is downstairs in a yucky setting, plus there is NO TV that works down there. I would use and love a good treadmill upstairs in front of a TV or book I could enjoy.

On our trip to Philadelphia, the Hotel was affiliated with and connected to a world-class fitness club. This place was amazing and posh!!! I enjoyed the treadmill and nautilus once by myself. On the limited kids hours we all played basketball in their full sized gymnasium and then racketball. That went really well and it was fun. Jane & I enjoyed the spa showers and I dipped in the adult-only hot tub. Todd & Andrew swam in the olympic-sized (supposedly) pool. It was a laps only pool and didn't appeal to me. Somehow getting almost naked, and cold, and cold-wet, just to exert myself doesn't appeal to me. I aim for cozy warm plush chairs with a good book.

My weight is OK, though I did cross that 130 lb. line yesterday morning. I am slowing down on amount of food. I'll try. I love to eat and I love to munch. I think portion size control will help a lot. I've toyed with the idea of leaving a bite of food on my plate all the time. I tried once or twice but it didn't catch on. I have such a strong urge to clean my plate, whether I'm hungry for it or not. I know I should stop when I'm full, but it is freakishly difficult if there is still good food in front of me. Take popcorn for instance... there is no way on earth that I need to eat a whole bag by myself... but I usually always do. If I leave some in the bag it takes monumental effort and I seem to feel I deserve a trophy for it. OK, I'll try harder!!

Plus, when I go to Tim Horton's this A.M. I should be able to order a BELT without the B. So what if I'm paying for it? Egg and cheese on a bagel is plenty of food for me!!! OK gotta go!

Increasing Mileage

2009-08-30T11:05:00.000-04:00

Two days ago I ran maybe an extra 1/4 of a mile on my 2 mile run. I went a few houses past the usual turning point. It wasn't hard at all and it added probably 4 minutes to my run. I came in at 33: and something. It was a nice cool morning (in the 50's) and I pulled on pants for running which I regretted. Today was a cool morning too, but I kept in my shorts and it felt terrific, even coming back in the bright sun at 8:00. I walked/ran the big block today which is about 3 miles. I was happy to be going longer without the pressure to run. Plus, I started a new audio book: An Unfinished Life, by Mark Spragg. So far, so good.

I'm loving my FlyLady water bottle. The water is always VERY cold. It's amazing. Plus the kids won't use it since it is my dedicated bottle. So I know it is always as full as I left it last.

Yesterday, I did a Power Yoga routine (Yoga Zone) which was effective. I look forward to doing the next 20 minute routine on there tomorrow.

Summer Run

2009-08-14T07:31:00.000-04:00

8/14/09 - I ran my two miles in 29:01, easy. Picture perfect weather today. I started listening to Afternoon in a Park by Neil Simon. It's cute. I laughed at parts already. Laughter is good for us and I think some days I just don't even laugh at all. I'm working on smiling too.

I went for ice cream yesterday with my kids. We biked a bit to get there & really enjoyed it. That would be my one dessert for the week. I'll count the zucchini bread as a half dessert, so I'm at 1 1/2 desserts this week & it's Friday. That's my best yet. It was nice actually planning to enjoy that ice cream instead of resisting, resisting, then giving in and feeling guilty and then regretting it. Thanks FlyLady for the quota suggestion.

Stretch and Strength

2009-08-13T14:41:00.000-04:00

This morning I did my stretch and strength routine in the family room while watching the morning news programs and sipping coffee. I stretch all parts of my body & focus on the legs which were extremely tight from running two days in a row. It felt terrific. For strength today, I did the Superman, for my back. I did a few pelvis lifts, and I did the Pilates 100. I also did some push-ups just with the top half of my body, for my back. These are easy & I should've done full-body push-ups, but I didn't. Also, for one commercial break I did a weight move with two hand-bells, maybe 3 pounds each: curl, lift, overhead, back down & squat. I like not having to count my reps, but to do it for the full commercial break, which feels plenty long enough.

I'm doing well this week eating real food, and trying to get off of junk. 2 1/2 weeks ago, FlyLady suggested we eat dessert once a week, so I started trying. The first week I had 3 desserts, but at least I was aware. The second week I ate a few, all on the last day... it was those chocolate chip muffins and a cookie at the neighborhood picnic. That was bad.... sneaky muffin eating! They weren't even very good. : ((( The next week is still in progress. It is now Thursday and I've had only one smallish piece of zucchini bread over at Debbie's house on Tuesday. I will count that as half a dessert. We are going for ice-cream today, so I'm not sure what I'll do. I think I'm planning on enjoying ice cream, but not a big one! Hey, at least I have a plan. At home, I'm eating smart!! I'm still eating chips & French fries in moderation. I think I may be onto a successful dietary change. Since I'm 44 I think I may really need to do this.

Healthy Living Goals

2009-08-12T13:39:00.000-04:00

-Lose 5-10 pounds, forever
-Be able to run respectable distance and speed
-Eat real foods- get off of sugar food
-Feel Strong, fit and young