Ready to return

We're getting ready to return to Columbus, and then in September we'll be flying off to Ireland. I don't think I'll reach my goal of 250 miles before Labor Day, but it's been fun trying. Here are some of the sights from my walk yesterday.



Meeting friends along the lakefront.

A gull resting on a rock.

Families gathering to chat.

Early Sunday Morning

A week of walking added 15 miles. Rain and work took a big part of my walking time and since I don't do the "dreadmill", I only have myself to blame. All in all, I met three new puppies and two new acquaintances that live along my routes. I also see that the squirrels are really starting to gather food and hide it away for the winter - and it is only August!

We have had such a wet summer that some of the yards are being mowed twice a week. The lilies and daylilies bloomed so beautifully this year. And I found a garden devoted to zinnias, so bright and colorful. I just made it back to the house before it started raining really hard.

Beach walking

Last week I had a few days off and managed to do some longer walks, on Friday we walked the length of Blakeney Point on the North Norfolk Coast- a walk of 7 miles there and back! The sea was beautiful, the air fresh, with a cooling breeze...bliss!

Sultry Sunday

A sultry morning, but not as bad as afternoons. It is walk early and then work inside in the afternoon. Haven't done much walking in the afternoon because of the heat and humidity.

My route is basically the same - down the 1/2 mile road, into the little town of Colona, then along the Canal bicycle path, and then back to my home. I always encounter new "critters" and fellow walkers, bicyclists, and some trying their luck at fishing.

The turtles are really active and growing and if I'm lucky, I'll see some fish surface feeding. The dragon flies are zipping through the tall grasses along the banks of the canal.

Three hundred and counting

I made 300 miles...whew. Now I'm trying for 200 miles over the next 100 days.

Walking the lakefront

It has finally stopped raining and feeling like a steam bath, so today I got out and walked 2 miles. I think I'm at about 125 in my 250 mile goal to meet by Labor Day. I'll certainly have to hustle, won't I? We are going to Ireland in September, and I think I'll be doing some walking while on tour. Despite all the fabulous ice cream stores here, and eating out more, I think I'm sticking with my weight loss which was reached in February. Took a writing class and watercolor workshop this past week, and attended some lectures on Asia. You can catch my Lakeside entries at http://collectingmythoughts.blogspot.com/search/label/Lakeside

Busy Weekend

Another 26 miles. Busy week and totally stressed out about having to go to workshop. Seems like everytime a workshop is planned, all the problems start the workday before. Would rather be fixing the problems.

Missed my walk this morning - raining.Then, it was too hot and humid and I was busy getting my act together for the next week. My Jeep decided to have a problem with the back door latch and dome light so I'll be leaving at the dealer to fix while I'm gone.

The walks this week were early in the AM. Saw lots of baby turtles and baby rabbits. One squirrel was hauling off a big walnut. Almost every walk I stopped to pet a big orange cat that lives near the canal.

More next Sunday.

Friendly Sunday

Another week as gone with an additional 29.5 miles. All week has been good walking weather. But it will be warmer this week. My walk today was filled with meeting friends and talking so I really was not very speedy. The walk down my country road was filled the gold finches sitting on the fence, singing and chattering. By the canal, I came across a ground hog just heading to his burrow, met up with the rabbits and squirrels, and spotted some turtles diving for a meal. On the way back, stopped by friends to see their puppy and stopped at another friend's garden to discuss tomatoes and peppers. Then back home. I did a little work outside, but way too humid for much more than about an hour. Taking a few days off this week to work in the yard in the morning and clean house in the afternoon. Next week I'll be in at a Dept of Labor training session. Hopefully the hotel will have a treadmill so I can at least get a mile or two in.

Beach walking

3 miles today- it was beautiful!

More photos here

Twelve more miles

I'm twelve miles short of 300 this morning - having walked more than 30 miles while on retreat 10 days ago. My goal is to finish the 300 miles by the weekend - then commit to another 300 before the new Church year begins!

I told my spiritual director that I think I pray with my feet...and have some serious discerning to do in the next days and months, which I hope I can walk and pray through!

Rethinking A Goal

Time to rethink my original goal. Since I've added 2 - 1/2 hr exercise sessions to my program and on August 1 am adding every other day at the gymn for weight training, I've reset my miles to 230 miles. I need to build up my stamina and endurance, hence the weight machines. Plus the hours at work have slowed me down since I am working later than I had planned.

Still my walks are joyous. This week it was rainy and I couldn't walk for two days - no treadmill (dreadmill) for me. I'm trying to get out by 5:30 to 6AM - beautiful sounds. There are families of bobwhites, meadowlarks, and whip-poor-wills living in the fenceline. The whip-poor-wills usually sing in the evening, but I hear soft songs at sunrise. The whole 3 and 1/2 miles are filled with bird songs.

Monday, Monday!

Aonther week has passed. I wasn't able to walk last Monday, but have every day since. The secret for me is up and out just before dawn. I see so many creatures in the early morning. The blue heron was hanging out over the canal - waiting for breakfast maybe. Two squirrels, a black and a grayish red, were having a game of tag. A turtle was catching his breakfast. There are so many dragonflies and butterflies this year - I did not know they were such early risers.

Finished the walk with watering the potted plants and then off to get ready for work.

Technology failure!

My laptop failed to bootup yesterday, so I'm in the hotel lobby. Won't be doing much blogging until I can get it fixed back in Columbus. It was too hot on Monday and Tuesday to do much walking, but I have been riding my bike. That keeps the air moving. Yesterday a lovely cool front moved in, so today I'll have no excuse.

Walking, swimming and gardening

Well I haven't done much walking apart from last Friday about 4 miles at the beach, but on Saturday I did lots of lifting and carrying, on Sunday I swam 3 miles, and today I've spent a few hours in the garden.... lots of excercise one way or another and I'm feeling good!!!

HOT! HOT! HOT!

That is what it was today. Still did another 3 and 3/4 miles, but really was lazy afterward. I really did do just as I pleased this week, must now pay the piper for a while.

We're enjoying the lake. It is supposed to be quite hot today, so I'd better start early. I've got 84 of my proposed 250 by Labor Day (September 3).

Freedom Walking

It has been a week of walking for freedom. I cherish these walks during the week of our nation's birthday. Mom was first generation born in the United States and Dad came through Ellis Island in 1920. Both were ardent lovers of American history, with Dad putting a Scottish twist on the American Revolution.

I have had some vacation time during this week and have taken full advantage of just doing what I want. The walks have been filled with the sounds, smells, and sights of summer - baby birds learning to feed themselves, bunnies nibbling at purple and white clover, and young squirrels with not so thick tails seeming to play tag in the trees. Schools of small fish are darting about in the canal and the turtles sun themselves on the floating branches. I haven't seen the blue heron - I don't suppose I was out early enough.




So it is back to work on Monday with a renewed spirit!

small steps

The weather in the UK has been foul so to walk it is a case of grabbing the opportunity between frequent storms- I have done a bit of tai-chi though, just to get my body moving, and managed a couple of beach walks- so all will be well- small steps.....

Saturday Wanderings

3 and 1/2 miles each morning since last Sunday so I've conquered another 21 miles.
I may walk again this afternoon after weeding by the patio - we'll see what I get done. Tonight I'm off to see "High School Musical" cast with our local high schools' students - best friend's daughter has a part. So it is an early off work outside day for me.

The mornings have been cool, but not without humidity. Yesterday and today were just perfect - very little humidity. The day lilies in the yards are just gorgeous - mine are yet to bloom and I think the moles decided the bulbs were good to eat.

Monday a small plane crashed in a soybean field, about a 1/4 mile from my home. No survivors with the crash being under investigation - it was very foggy at the time, visibility on my road was about a 1/4 of a mile.

walking at last

Only about a mile as I am suffering from terrible backache, but it was good to be moving! I went to the beach, and though it threatened to rain, it was quite lovely, I even saw seals close to the shore!

I need to get back to walking

I need to get back to walking, having spent the last few months studying, I now find I have thyroid problems, and recurring bouts of depression- and though I know walking would help I find I am motivationally at a low ebb. The weather here is not helping....so I guess this post is a request for prayer and a statement to myself...I need to get back to walking; it might even help my bad back!!!


(poppies on the sea wall at Snettisham)

Catching Up on Sunday

It has been rainy and cloudy since Thursday, but this week I managed 3 and 1/2 miles each day on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and then 3 and 1/2 miles today - 45.5 miles to my goal. God is gracious and has made my life so good. I realize now that even though I have a full load at work there is time for me to enjoy the Lord's Creation. The walk today was pretty brisk, but I stopped to talk to some teens fishing and to an acquaintance walking a daschund. The walking sticks are helping me to lengthen my stride - maybe I'll be close to a 13.5 minute mile by September.

Home is mostly now a peaceable kingdom, with the three Kit Cats really doing well together (only with a few spit spats). Lots of yardwork and housework to catch up on, but I am able now to do most things on my own (except for lifting real heavy stuff). I think that was the hardest part of this whole hip infection thing was not being able to do just simple things, like putting on socks and shoes. Especially when you are a "Thank you very much, I can do it myself person."

Walking the vineyards

I've walked almost 10 miles since we arrived at my dad's farm in the central California foothills. I've been walking down the dirt road that winds through fallow fields and lush vineyards. The wild artichokes are in bloom, and the violet spikes against the golden dried grass makes a rich contrast. Nearly the whole family is assembled now, and getting the 30 minutes alone is keeping me sane. Even on 10 acres, it's hard to hide. My introverted oldest was trying to find a few minutes peace, which I finally enforced by telling his brother and various cousins to beat it up the hill to their aunt's. They left, spitting out "introvert!" as if it were an epithet.

Watch out for ticks

It started to rain just as I readied for a walk, but we really, really needed it. If you're walking this summer check out my entry on ticks. There's a new tick disease (i.e., about 15 years old) in the southern states. I've got 56 miles of my 250 mile goal. We leave for the lake tomorrow, so hope to do a bit more up there.

Walking along the river

Two rivers go through Columbus--the Scioto and the Olentangy. Our condo streets are filled up with trucks resurfacing our asphalt, so while out on an errand today I stopped at the park along the Scioto and walked a very plesant mile along the river. I'm at 52 miles into my 250 miles by Labor Day.

Monday Miles

Today was another 3 and 1/2 miles, so with my Saturday and Sun day walks, I'm at 31.5 miles to my goal. The morning was cloudy and not so warm. I was walking earlier than the last two mornings - my route was filled with the early morning outside sounds. I met a groundhog who didn't quite know whether to stay or wander off. The rabbits were munching on new clover.

This afternoon we got some much needed rain - we could use more. The ground is so dry and the little flowers that were planted wilt fast in the hot weather.

We'll see what tomorrow morning brings with a little cooler temp.

Does this happen to you?

Usually I change my clothes when I go out for a walk. When I return, they've been taken over by Prettiest Kitty in the World who seems to think I've created a new bed for her.

Friday Follies

And here it is my new goal - hopefully by Labor Day - another 5K is on.
I have walked 3 and 1/2 miles each morning since Sunday. Still need to get it together to walk in the evening after work.




I also have plans of hitting the Nautilus machines on July 1. I need to fax my surgeons the name of the machines I use to see which ones I can still use after hip replacement.

The days really are hot by 10 AM, but walking in the real early AM is neat. I see the Blue Heron almost every morning and enjoy watching God's little creatures having their breakfast feasts - bunnies and squirrels all over the place. We could use less heat and some good gentle rains. The yards and flowers are not doing so well.

Walking hi tech style

I thought you all would find this interesting. this person has built a desk to fit on the treadmill and is "walking across American" while he works. Check it out at:

http://walking-desk.blogspot.com/

I walked 1.7 miles on the treadmill today - I'm a little frustrated because it is so hot here and I am using the treadmill inside. I think I enjoy walking outside more! I need to get my ticker to readjust also as I thought I might want to do minutes, but I like the mileage better.

You walkers are really inspiring me!

Sticking to the shady spots

I think I'm at 41 miles in my 250 mile walk. It got a little warmer than I expected, so I walked in the shade near the creek. Watched a family of 13 ducks.



It was at least 10 degrees cooler under the trees.

Walking and Praying

I'm delighted to find more walkers, thanks for asking me Cathy! I've been trying for 2 miles a day -- the exercise is one goal, more important is finding 30 minutes a day to be "off duty": not Mom, not the department chair, not the research advisor or teacher. Some days I end up going in circles around the block at 9:30 at night, but I go!

I've been walking with the British Jesuits' daily meditations. Calm music, one of the daily readings, an invitation to prayer and reflection.

Saturday and Sunday Walks

Race for the Cure 5K - 3.11 miles. I managed to knock 2 minutes a mile off my pace per mile - now am at 17.84 minutes per mile. Then home to work on flower planting. Worked so long that I just had time for one mile before it got dark so - I missed my goal for this time by a 1/2 mile.

Sunday after Church, I finished 3 and 1/2 miles and am out again to plant flowers. This flower planting takes longer than it used to since I am really slow and careful at kneeling down to plant and getting up to water what I just planted.

Time to re-up, set new goal through Labor Day, and make a brand new ticker.

Golden Friday

On Wednesday, 3 and 1/2 miles in the morning and 2 and 1/2 miles in the evening with a chocolate Dairy Queen cone as a reward. Thursday, too windy to walk in the morning. I moved the potted plants to a sheltered place - straight line winds of 30 mph with higher gusts were predicted. In the evening, stayed later at work and then stopped to pick up our Race for the Cure packets, so no walk.

This morning was beautiful - a day off and it just seemed golden outside. I walked a leisurely route and stopped to talk to some friends I hadn't seen since early last fall. God's creatures were certainly busy along the canal. I heard cardinals, orioles, blue jays, robins, wrens, and red-winged blackbirds. The fish are still jumping and there were squirrels scampering along eating their breakfast. The 3 and 1/2 miles went so fast. So, I'm at 95.5 miles. With the 5K tomorrow and a quick walk tomorrow evening, I will just meet my downsized goal of 100 miles and finsh planting my flowers tomorrow.

93 degrees predicted for today

So I got 3 miles in--2 at the park and 1 around the condo sticking to the shady areas. I'll have to check the ticker but I think I'm at about 30 miles on my 250 mile walk to Lakeside and back.

A Rethink of Goals

Have managed 3 and 1/2 miles Sunday, 7 miles on Monday, and 3 and 1/2 miles this morning bringing miles to 86. Kind of overdid last weekend and Monday and still have much yard work to do, as well as some work related crises to handle through the end of June. Would rather have flowers planted and shrubs trimmed, so I'm revising goal for Saturday to 100 miles total and having the flowers planted and some trimming and weeding done. Will re-up goal on Sunday. Saturday is the 5K Race for the Cure and I want to be able to complete that.

Saturday Times Two

I finally quit procrastinating about the second 3 miles - even did 3 and 1/2 this afternoon! I really need to do this everyday I can - increases my energy level instead of just loafing around.




This morning's walk was filled with squirrels, rabbits, and robins everywhere. When I was returning around my driveway - I heard several parent birds calling to their young and was just in time to see a red tailed hawk fly out of the corner evergreens and across the field. I don't think he managed to catch any baby birds.

This afternoon's walk was at a faster pace. I was thinking about what I wanted to accomplish this June. On the way back - I was able to hear and see the Air Force Thunderbirds streak accross the sky several times. The Quad City Airshow is on this weekend and is performed about 20 miles from my house.

Working it in

I helped with my daughter's garage sale yesterday, but got there early and walked about 1.5 miles in her neighborhood and a near-by park. I walked past a house we had looked at when for sale in 1998. Still cute--backs up to a woods, which was the attraction for me. But we love where we are now. Then I walked another mile around the condo grounds when I got home. Check my regular site for my great garage sale finds. So that puts me at 16 for my 250 mile walk by Labor Day. It's back to the lake today so I should get some walking done there. I wonder what has happened to the feral kittens.

Frivelous Friday

Another 3 miles this morning. The canal was very quiet today, but the birds were truly singing. Lots of baby birds wanting to be fed. Some of the babies are now almost as big as mama bird.

I was going to do another 3 later today. We had storms move through this afternoon and then I procrastinated about the second walk. There was quite a bit of damage in southeastern Iowa. I am fortunate that we had the rain, but no tornadoes.




I had ordered a garden scooter to make the yard work easier. Of course there is some assembly required. I am challenged on"assembly required" because I don't want to take the time to assemble. But it arrived today so I am in the middle of assemblage. This added to the procrastination for the second walk. I will have to put a hustle on to meet my goal.

Trotting Along on Thursday

Thought I would not be able to walk this morning, because of rain. But the rain quit just in time for me go the "3" before I got ready for work.

The trees were still dripping with the new rain. The air smelled so fresh and all around was glistening with the sunlight on the leftover raindrops. My neighbors down my road passed me on their way to work and gave a wave. I really missed the walks last fall, winter, and earlier this spring.




I have tomorrow and Monday off - so 4 glorious days of digging in the dirt, planting flowers, and walking.

My ticker

My ticker with the sailboat is also set at my regular blog, and my Thursday Thirteen is about this imaginary walk. I'm at 14 miles now for the walk to Lakeside (250 miles). I walked in the park today at 7:45--supposed to get to 93, so I didn't do the outside trails, but stayed in the shade.

A Windy Wednesday

Another 3 miles this morning. The Blue Heron was checking out the food line in the Canal. The fish are very active right now - not sure if he was able to snag one as he swooped down over the water. Many baby rabbits and squirrels are running about along the path. At the edge of the water, I saw the blossom of a spiderwort and along the other side of the path, the crownvetch is just starting to bloom.




Met the other Malamute-Siberian Husky on my route. He barks more than his sister - she howls. They live across and down the block from each other. This weekend, he had made himself some trouble by tearing up the lawn cushions - snowy stuff all over the yard.

Pentecost to Labor Day

Mixing my religious and secular holidays, but I'm saying 250 miles of walking by Labor Day! I'm calling it Walk to Lakeside and back. Lakeside is our summer home on Lake Erie, and my husband says it is 244 miles round trip, but he's a bit anal (he also knows the number of minutes with pit stops and if the cat doesn't get sick), so I'm going to call it 250 miles. I did 5 on Sunday, 2 on Monday, 1 on Tuesday and 2.5 today, so I'm setting up my little ticker at 10.5 miles toward my Labor Day goal. I don't set goals for just anybody, so you ladies are very SPECIAL! This Thursday I'll do a Thursday Thirteen on the plan.

Tuesday was Monday Today

Monday holidays are always hard to come back from. Tuesday has double the work.
Managed 3 miles yesterday and 2 and 1/2 this AM before work. After seeing the weather forecast through next Monday - rain on and off, I may have overset my goal. I wanted to complete 3 miles in the AM and 2 in the PM. We'll see what happens - Either way it is good for me to walk, keeps me focused on when I should be thinking about work and when I should be thinking about play.

I met up with my Malamute-Siberian Husky friend and her owner this AM. We had quite a talk about our pets and how they light up our lives.

Finish the season at 89

I walked a mile on Friday and on Saturday. It was a bit rainy at the lake, but that brings the season to 89. I guess I'll start Pentecost still walking, but setting a goal doesn't work well for me. I walked 5 miles on Sunday and 2 today, so I'm at 7 for this new season. Walking is about the only exercise that works for me, so I'll stay with it.

Saturday morning when I left our cottage at Lakeside about 5:30 it was still dark. I heard some strange squeals, so I went back inside and got a flash light. Six kittens between the steps and the foundation. I'm afraid they are getting so big she won't be able to get them out. It's one thing to drop down with the little blob of fur in your mouth, quite another to jump straight up. After talking to the neighbors I think this is the 3rd location.

New Goal, New Ticker, New Post

Had to do some revisions. Decided to continue on with the Walking for a Focus on Work/Life Balance. First goal is an additional 60 miles by June 9th. After that, who knows?




Added 3 more miles after Church. Sunny and a little breezy, but such a wonderful day. Tackling cleaning garage and basement - would rather be walking.

Minutes of exercise

Here is my new ticker to start off the new season. This is my goal for the week and will change as I figure out the bigger picture.

Friday and Staurday

Late in posting, but wanted to finish out the week. Well, I did not think I could do it, but with some sunshine last evening, I did - 2 miles on Friday and 2 and 1/2 miles on Saturday evening - 51 miles. Met more old friends from my route last night and spent about an hour catching up with news.




I am ready to set new goals and a new ticker.

The sun is out, ready for a bright and glorious day.

Transitioning

Tomorrow is the Feast of the Pentecost and for some will be their time to transition to a new goal. Mine will change for several reasons:

The weather is so hot down in the deep south that the heat is oppressive much of the time and takes the enjoyment out of the exercise - not to mention health issues.

Going inside to the YMCA offers to diversity in what I can do. Treadmill, bicycle, elliptical and swimming. SO... my challenge to myself is going to go in minutes beginning tomorrow.
I am very content with my accomplishment below. Since beginning to exercise and changing my eating habits in mid-late February, I have walked close to 120 miles, and I am down 26 pounds.




I will keep up with my miles on a separate ticker from my exercise minutes - but I am going to set my goal to 180 minutes a week - that's 30 minutes a day with a day of rest there. I haven't decided the duration of the ticker yet, so I may just set it up for one week and make changes so I can keep up with it weekly. Clear as mud -eh?
What are your goals for the summer?

Friday Morning Sun

Friday AM this time,. Haven't been out yet today, but wanted to update where I am.




2 and 1/2 miles each on last Sat, Sun, Mon, 3 miles on Tuesday, 5 miles on Wed - the last 2 were in the early evening - walked with a friend to get a Dairy Queen. That was the incentive. Thursday AM was 3 miles. Just can't seem to get home from work in time to do some at night. The walking sticks are great. If you happen to get a hold of the April issue of FITNESS magazine - there is an article about using them. There are several brands - mine are LEKI. There is a website - leki.com.

My route by the canal is coming alive with Big Fish jumping. I'm watching construction on a new home. This weekend will be just for R and R - no work brought home. I am going to do some more walking, plant some annuals in posts, and just have a glorious weekend after 12:30PM today.

Tomorrow Lake Erie

I walked a mile last evening and a mile this morning so that makes 87. Tomorrow we head for Lake Erie for the Memorial Day week-end. We'll be loaded down. Paintings by my husband to go in a show, the cat and all her needs.

Wednesday and really hot!

I walked a mile yesterday and a mile today, and may go out again. It is clouding over. So I'm at 85. Today I took 2 plastic bags with me; one for trash and one for my hand. I'd seen something blowing around in our area. By the time I cleaned it up I decided someone had cleaned up a pet or a baby, and then tossed the tissues out the car window. Yuk. Good thing I had that extra bag! A good waistline exercise.

Tuesday and HOT

It was in the 90s today while walking, I had to cut my walk to 1 1/2 miles today because of the heat, but I am nearing 3.0 mile an hour walk now! Woot!

Update!

OK...on my last ticker I was at 50 miles, then I posted 3.6 without ticker update. Yesterday I did .5 (those tenths add up!!) on the treadmill before workout and today Beta the Chubby Bordie Collie and I walked (no "wogging" today) 4 miles. So I am at 58.1 miles. And I put my goal out to 70.

83 miles

I didn't get any walking or meaningful exercise yesterday. It was a munchie day. My husband's Haiti Mission group had a reuion--food. Then our SALT (church couples group) group met--more food. I really needed that walk. So I walked 2 miles today bringing my total since Easter to 83.

Friday-Saturday update

One mile each day, so I'm at 81 miles. Not really spectacular since the weather's been good for walking--a bit coolish. So many "eating" events. Should do more--walking, that is.

mile upon mile...

3.6 for me and Beta the Border Collie. I even tried (like Cathy) to "jog" abit here and there. Not really a jog but not a walk. I'm going to call it a wog! Would like to get back to being able to do a 5K - with all wog and no walk! Going to the cabin for the weekend so hope to get more miles in...will update the ticker when I return.

Friday Already!

Here it is - another week gone. Time really does fly.




I am still trying to walk twice a day - but am late getting home after work. Even so I managed to add 18 miles this week. When I hit the 50 mark - I'll set my ticker for new mileage and a change of ticker scenery. As I was walking this evening the neighborhood resident pair of geese flew over and landed for just a few minutes in the half plowed field. Then off they flew. My farmer neighbor is really late in getting his crops in - he usually is done planting by Mother's Day. As I walked down by the canal, I heard a big splash. The fish are again starting to spawn and feed more from the surface, probably mostly carp.

I have managed to shave 5 minutes off each mile - now at a twenty minute mile. That puts me in better shape for the Race for the Cure 5K on June 9. I'll still be using the walking sticks , really like them.

79 and cool

I got one mile in yesterday afternoon and one today, so I'm at 79. It has turned very cool again. Today I wore one of those nylon 2 piece outfits over my clothes, but it got sort of hot. Soaking rain early--I hope it moved on over east to help put out some fires.

yippieee!

This is nifty - I reached 50! Previously posted the 6 and today am adding 3.5 miles of ground covered on a beautiful day in the great northwest with Beta the Bordie Collie. 50! And have bumped the "goal" now out to 60. This is so much fun. Sometimes I think to myself I'll have nothing to post if I don't just get out and get going - and then off I go!!! It is motivating and encouraging. Picked up the books Eat Cake and Step Ball Change and realized I'd read Julie and Romeo as well as Julie and Romeo Get Lucky. I thought that author sounded familiar! And I am on a mission to understand and then put into action the buying of an appropriate (maybe the word is compatible) mp3 and then downloading audio books on it. I'll be doing a lot more walking outside and biking over the next 3 - 4 months because that's the only time you can go outside up here in the otherwise frozen tundra of MN!!! And the vet says Beta the Border Collie needs to lose a few pounds so I'll be addressing that issue with daily walking!! Biking does nothing for her because she's older and can no longer keep up on longer distances so we bought her a burley (pulls behind the bike) and now she rides in style.

Walkin' in the Rain

I walked 3.3 miles and the last 1/2 mile it rained! Glorious rain we need so badly in south Georgia. Just hope others in this area reap the benefits of the precipitation. It wasn't much, but better than nothing!

Wednesday at 3

I walked a mile yesterday afternoon, but none yet today. So I'm up to 77 miles. I'm really fuming. I'll need to walk it off. Read about my new cooktop.

Tuesday morning

I walked four miles yesterday in the immediate neighborhood, enjoying the flowers and trees, and one mile this morning. So I'm at 76 miles. I'm waiting for the carpenter who is going to install my new stove top, so I'm walking close by where I can keep an eye on the drive-way. It's a given that an opening made in the countertop in 1990 will not fit a different model 17 years later, so this could get messy and dusty. I've moved everything that wasn't nailed down, put skillets and roasters into the wall ovens and covered bookshelves and furniture with sheets.

Old stove top, one eager burner, two half-hearted, and one out to lunch.

3 + 3 = 6

3 miles on Sunday with my daughter and 3 miles today with my dog. I'm at 46.5 miles so far. Will upgrade my ticker on my next post.

Mother's Day

After church, attended with our son, we went to our daughter's for a wonderful salmon dinner--with tender crisp asparagus and tossed salad. I walked 2 miles on Saturday and 2 on Sunday late in the day (like 7:30 p.m.) so that puts me at 71 miles. Oh yes, and a lemon pudding pie for dessert. Now I remember why I thought I needed that walk!

Sunday Morning Walk

Got up early this morning and decided to walk - it was in the 60s and I knew the day would get hot so decided to go ahead and enjoy the morning. Walked 2.6 miles which put me over a milestone of 100 miles since I have been keeping up with walking around the world

Listening to Vivaldi's Four Seasons on my IPod. I want to know how the birds know the right time to chirp in the music???

I did play a little game with myself -- I made mailboxes along part of my route as points where I would start "jogging" and then stop.... then walk some.... then "jog".

I use "jog" very loosely, since the jog was not faster than my walk, just a different movement.

Norma, I just got notification that Eat Cake was ready for pickup so I will be getting that tomorrow.

Walking in Kalamazoo

I have no way of quantifying my long walks around campus--lots of steps and hills--during this enjoyable several day medieval conference, as well as in the airport. But I'm sure it adds up to at least three miles, so I'll claim 30 miles done and 20 to go.

Friday's Child

Well - here it is Friday - 7 days and 10 miles. I am trying to walk in both the morning and when I get home from work. That hasn't worked out yet since I manage to stay at work too late. Tomorrow I will be able to try 2 miles - AM and 2 miles - PM

My route is familiar but always new in sights. A huge Oak tree by the canal bicycle path came down sometime before my Wednesday walk. I had to investigate - right at the root line -there was nothing left of the deep roots. I would imagine the people who live near by heard a "big thud".

I haven't seen the blue heron yet, but many ducks and geese, lots of squirrels, and bunnies.

I have to really concentrate on coordinating my walking sticks to my steps - getting better. Maybe I'll be able to cross country ski next winter.

67--walking my age

I walked a mile yesterday late in the afternoon (with 1776), and 2 miles this morning in the park. While there I complimented another walker (maybe mid-70s) on her outfit, and heard all about her kidney disease and why she was carrying an umbrella on a sunny day (she had beautiful skin). I told her she was smart--but I also learned about a disease I'd never heard of and can't begin to pronounce. Found out her parents had come from Russia, so I asked her if she spoke Russian, and she said, in Russian, "Yes, I speak a little bit, but my parents said it's like a child." Must be why I was able to understand her.

Then there was a group setting out potted flowers and I asked one of the volunteers if they were for sale. She said No, they were all ordered and to be picked up at the park. Must have been a huge project. Then we realized we used to walk together in 2001 at one of the rec centers when they still had open time for walkers. But she was very busy, so I moved along. Not a day to get the heart rate up, I guess.

Our bedroom is just about finished. Stop by for the before and after photos. We had to mix early 60s modern with arts and crafts since nothing else was available.

40.5 miles

Finally in the 40s!!!! Just swimming along! I do my walking on the treadmill before workout. I got a mile in Wednesday and 1.5 miles in for today. Tomorrow my daughter is running her 2nd half marathon south of the cities. (She ran her first full marathon last fall.) Will get some walking in there I'm sure as we walk to a place along the route to cheer her on then walk back to the finish.

Heat is working against me

It was in the 80s Tuesday and Wednesday, so those 2 days I had 3 miles, and one today, so I'm at 64 miles. Might sneak another in yet today.

Sea Lion

Walked the beach again yesterday--a little shorter cause I was still finishing up my paper and otherwise getting ready for my trip. Prayed my office and saw a big beautiful sea lion (well, it could have been a seal--didn't get a good look at the ears)swimming really close to the beach. Wow!

Twenty-seven miles. :-)

2.4 miles today!

I walked 2.4 miles today with my route around my neighborhood. Norma, loved the sharing of your books for your book club. I, too, read mostly nonfiction, but the book club gives me an opportunity to read fiction with others. We flip flop each month alternating between non fiction and fiction.

I have and idea for the long season of Ordinary Time or season after Pentecost. Why don't we set our own goals? Some of us might want to do "activity minutes", some might do bicycle miles, others walking. We can set the goal as we like, either by month, or until Advent. Be thinking if this is something you would like. That way we can have some flexibility during this time.

Added 2.4 miles today...

Three more today--60!

The weather was fabulous today. I walked a mile in the early morning, a mile after lunch, and another mile about 4 p.m. I'm moving right along with my audio book, and got it on the list for next year's book club. So I'm at 60 miles now.

Walking a New Week

Two Days of Walks


2 miles yesterday and 2.5 miles today

I had my ticker in last night, but I wasn't able to have it paste as a ruler, it just pasted as computerese. I'm not a techie at this stuff, any ideas at what I did wrong?

I think I am getting the hang of the walking sticks somewhat, but I'll never be great at coordinating with arms and legs. Went a half mile on the canal bicycle path and kept looking for some turtles. I think it is too early for them. I saw a beautiful duck just gliding along. I also saw my friend"Moose"-a big Alaskan Malamute who now has a friend- a Siberian Husky.

Not sure if tomorrow AM will bring rain - I hope not. I'm on a roll with the walking AND my yard has not yet been mowed. Just found a new contractor to mow - we'll be making hay from the grass if it gets any longer. Looking forward to seeing more tomorrow!

Three more--57 miles

One mile yesterday and two today. It's a great day to walk, but I have book club tonight and need to stay on task and finish our May selection. I rarely read fiction, but Eat cake by Jeanne Ray is just delightful. I've been laughing out loud.

Every mile counts!

Had planned to do more walking up north this past weekend but the weather was not all that good. We did get to do 9 miles of biking on the trail - old, now tarred, RR track - no hills =) with Beta the Bordie Collie in the Burley. Some fierce pollen was in the air because I sneezed much of the weekend! Think I could log that on Get Fit on Route 66 as a legitimate postable activity????? Did walk 2 miles tho and stayed after workout today and did another mile on the treadmill. I'm chugging along!!!!!!!

Halfway There

Did a little shorter pier walk yesterday while Matt and the kids splashed, cause I had to make sure and hit the highway in time for the 5:00 mass I was supplying for.

25 Easter miles. :-)

54 miles

I went out after supper for a mile + last night and thought I'd get some in today, but the rain started. We're going to a Derby party tonight, and I know the outfit will spot in the rain, so I'm thinking of wearing a long raincoat, and carrying my slacks in a sack, changing in the rest room when I get there.

My First Miles Back On Track

Hi All,

First - you all have been real busy - congratulations on all the miles!

This week was the week.

I am now off the walker and on one cane part time.

I did two miles this morning with the Nordic Walking Sticks. What a great way to start off my weekend! I may regret my zeal later today, but I could not contaim myself when I started down the road. In my little town of Colona, there are still many flowering shrubs blooming, as well as tulips and wild sweet william. I love it -the smell of newly mowed grass, the flowering shrubs and spring flowers, seeing renovations being done on my deceased uncle's house, and again meeting my 4 legged friends from my last year walks.

My ticker will be in at the next walk.

Have a wonder-filled weekend!

53 miles

One yesterday and one today, so far. We've got painters and carpenters here at the house, so I have to stay close by. After they leave I'll have a massive clean up of dust that has landed on every surface.

Dolphins

Matt took today off so he did the pier-to-pier walk with me, and was impressed at what a workout it was taken at a good pace :-). And since it was midday and quiet we saw tons of dolphins, including a pair who paced us right along the beach for quite a while. Makes me want to walk with my sweetie more often...

23 miles for Easter.

51 miles

I walked a mile at the park and 2 miles at the condo today. Waved to a gal who was my aerobics instructor 25 years ago--now she makes house calls to help people get in shape.

Faster!

Walked the piers on Sunday, saw a dolphin arching and troops of pelicans that looked like Klingon birds of prey. Matt and the kids played ball and frisbee and I cut ten minutes off my normal time of 1hr, 20 minutes--felt good to get my heart rate up more.

20 miles down, 30 to go!

mile upon mile....

Went early again to workout and walked a mile....slow and not all that steady but I am going to keep at it! Know this blog is not about anything but walking but on Monday I did bike around the lake near my house - 10 miles in an hour! Killer hills on the west side!!!! When I get better/stronger I'll pull Beta the Border Collie in the Burley. Gotta get y'all a picture of that. It is good for a laugh. Walk on, walk on......(bike on, swim on, dance on...just keep moving!)

High heat today

I added two more miles on Monday and three today, so I'm at 48 miles. I think I'm going to have to push that little marker ahead to extend the miles. Time goes fast with an audio book (1776 by David McCullough). I'm into the winter of 1775-76 and hearing/reading about the awful conditions. The British sentries froze to death at their posts--we've always heard about how tough the weather was on the American soldiers who were poorly clothed and armed (they were issued spears to save on gunshot), but the British soldiers were really unaccustomed to ice and snow of the Boston area.