Walking--good point

A toasty May 19

I headed out for an afternoon walk about 3:30 and discovered it was quite hot! So I headed for the shady spots along the creek on our own property. Much more pleasant than walking along a four lane street with hundreds of cars zipping by.

Role of Irisin in exercise

Exercise stimulates the release of MYOKINES which offer protection against many diseases including diabetes, cancer and dementia, but until recently they weren't sure why. Now there's a newly discovered myokine named for the Greek goddess Iris (messenger), IRISIN, which is the messenger from the muscle during exercise "talking" the white fat into brown fat which burns calories into heat. Or something like that. When I googled it I see there's already a pharmaceutical company producing it, but you can do that on your own by exercising. Read a dumbed down version here.

April 17, walking

I walked about 35 minutes today, although I slowed down a bit up the street to break off branches that were sticking out over the sidewalk. Lots of people out working in their yards--or hiring it done. Also saw a home being remodeled. One drive way had 8 trash barrels and when the man noticed me looking at them he said, "They've been gone for 2 weeks." I smiled and moved on, but who even has that many trash cans?

46 and doing it for God's glory

http://bodybuildingandfitnessdaily.blogspot.com/2012/04/npc-texas-shredder-2012-post-prejuging.html

April showers are needed in Central Ohio!

We finally got some nice April showers yesterday. When we got home from the movie (October baby), our power was out from a storm, so supper was more cold picnic style than the bbq pork roast I'd planned. Today we're looking a temps near 80. Steam bath? I did my 20 minute walk after church about 11 a.m. before it got hot. Windows open, we'll eat in the dining room and enjoy the spring air.

High calorie week-end

Last night my husband's Cursillo team had a meeting--lots of snacks plus homemade ice cream. Then today we attended a party for our friend Jim DeVore who died in February. There was lots of food. Then tomorrow night our couples group from church will be meeting. So I hopped on the exercycle this evening, for 23 minutes and 83 calories.

Monday morning

After exercise class today, I stopped at Thompson Park and walked for 15 minutes. The day promised to be unusually warm, so I thought doing it early would be a good idea. The low spots were flooded, but it wasn't too hard to get around. Not many people out and about since this is spring break week for Ohio State and many of the local schools.

This photo is from Spring 2006--looks much the same, though, without the dandelions.

Dark clouds rolling in from the northwest

But I got in 25 minutes of walking in the sunshine. The forsythia are glorious. They were cut down to about 6" two years ago when the street was repaired and the wall and sidewalk built, and now are about 6' tall. If you have scrungy, straggly bushes, cut them back. You'll thank yourself (or your gardener) next year.

Now for a nap

I had a 30 minute walk this afternoon. It's nap time.

Evening walk

Walked around the neighborhood after 7 p.m. Rain had stopped. Forsythia are beginning to bloom. 20 minutes.

Record heat--almost

I walked outside this afternoon for 25 minutes, and did stretching and weights in exercise class 1 hour this morning. Unusually warm for mid-March.

A lovely day in the neighborhood

Despite my cold, I went out and walked about 20 minutes. Really lovely day. Also 15 minutes and 55 calories on my exercycle.

Exercycling on Thursday

52 calories, 15 minutes. Raining outside. Later while watching HGTV, 20 minutes 73 calories.

First day of my first cold this winter

Sigh. I just hate colds. They last forever, it seems. So I'm skipping exercise class this morning, and got on the bike for 20 minutes. 2 miles and about 54 calories. Slow and easy.

Watching HGTV and cycling

20 minutes, 80 calories, 3.2 miles on the exercycle.

We haven't had our winter yet

10 minutes 32 calories on the exercycle, and 20 minutes walking outside at 65 degrees on Feb. 29, plus 45 min of exercise class this morning.

Exercycle while listening to. . .

the philosophy of freedom. It's a 54 min. lecture. I cycled for 15 minutes, 2.2 miles, and burned 63 calories. I'll have to finish the lecture some other time.

Exercycle on a windy day

10 minutes tonight watching the Lawrence Welk show on PBS--it was Salute to New York, originally filmed Oct. 15, 1977.

Exercycle--planning ahead

Just got off the exercycle. 30 min. 4 miles. 81 calories. Going out for our Friday night date tonight. Rusty Bucket.

November Thoughts

Where has the year flown - my walks keep me posted on the seasons. The trees are certainly shedding their leaves fast this year - had only a couple of days to enjoy the colors (late for the Quad Cities) before the winds started. This morning's walk included a stop to talk with a neighbor about some changes to make in my yard next to the north field (not now - need time to think about it for retirement years).

Then, on my route back - lost in thought, almost missed seeing our resident doe and buck "leaping" across the cornfield. Such a sight really made my day! Haven't seen the blue heron by the Canal - hope he just headed south. Although I have seen him other years all through November.

October Skies

Been doing the 4 miles everyday - sometimes cloudy this week but mostly deep blue October skies (even early in the morning). See all the wild critters getting ready for winter.

Love this weather - hope it stays this way through the first week in December.

Shin splints

Kathy tipped me off to a Walking FB site, and on that I saw this. Shin splints are a huge problem for me (that and hating to exercise), so I might try this. And I love big words--"medial tibial stress syndrome" will be my next "organ concert" topic with the retired librarians.

When we were in Illinois last week, the Chicago station we were listening to in the car said it was the best October weather in 18 years. It's been gorgeous also in Ohio, with cool and rainy just showing up a few days ago. But it's times like these I miss our old neighborhood where I could walk to shopping and the library. I could do that here too--if I were 10 years younger and didn't mind dashing across 4 lanes.

Long time no post - have a little more time to walk now - no changes at work, in fact hours working have been more. But in August and October, managed to get weekend trips to Nebraska and Minnesota to see family.

Today - home and just accomplished the 4 miles after puttering around the whole day. The leaves are really slow in turning here. Some Maples have turned - the Oaks are still green. We haven't had a frost yet. Not many people out this afternoon - I'm surprised becaused it is sunny and fairly warm. The "4" was okay, but I really enjoy my early morning walks more. I guess I like to watch the world wake up.

Met my new neighbors - and a really big dog. Big but very friendly!

Logging for 6 months, pt. 5

The rest of August was fairly predictable. Even when we had rain, it was usually at night, with clearing by my morning walk, which became later and later. 20 minutes a day walking and 10 minutes a day strolling, and about 2 bike rides a week were the best I could manage. A few times I got up to 30 minutes. I only missed one day in August--when we returned to Columbus to take the cat to the vet.

Logging in for 6 months, pt. 4

The view of the Pavilion on August 8 at sunrise, all lit up for "Light up Lakeside."

August 7 50 min walking
10 biking
20 strolling
August 8 25 min walking
20 strolling
August 9 30 min walking
20 strolling
August 10 35 min walking
20 strolling
August 11 40 min walking
20 min biking
10 strolling

Logging in for 6 months, pt. 3

August 4 walking 35 min., strolling 20 min.
August 5 walking 40 min., strolling 10 min.
August 6 walking 40 min., strolling 20 min.

Logging in for 6 months, pt. 2

August 2, 25 min. walking, 20 min. strolling, 10 min. ambling
August 3, 40 min. walking, 20 min. strolling, 10 min. ambling

Wonderful breeze from the lake today. Walking is much more fun.

Logging in for 6 months

No doubt about it. I do hate to sweat. However, recent studies of aerobic exercise show that women and men benefit differently. Women get more cognitive benefits, particularly executive function, than men. But it does need to be at least 45-60 minutes a day for 4 days a week for 6 months to show improvement.

Laura D. Baker, "Effects of aerobic exercise on mild cognitive impairment," Archives of Neurology, Jan 2010; 67(1):71-79

So. . .

August 1, 25 minutes of walking, and 20 minutes of strolling.

It's too hot to do much

Landscapers were supposed to come yesterday, but their employer thinks it's not safe. City has also called off road repairs because of dangers for workers. I've been walking between 7 and 7:30 a.m. at a near by shopping center parking lot, because it's mostly shady at that time, and I don't have to walk on concrete. One day I did maybe 10 minutes after lunch, but it was just breathless. Then I might do 20 minutes late in the day on my spinning bike.

Now I'm Back

Long time since I have posted - needed to change e-mail accounts.

Still walking my route of 4 miles to, by, and back from the Hennepin Canal. Fewer walks so far this year, but that is going to change. My walk this morning was purely for pleasure and not for speed. Saw lots of acquaintances along the way. Too late to see the Blue Heron, but saw and heard robins, cardinals, gold finches, wrens, and other birds, as well as the squirrels and rabbits.

Although we have had quite a bit of rain, the mile stretch of the canal path I walk shows that section of the canal as needing dredging. Don't think that will happen - but, maybe it will someday turn into a wetland.

Break time is over - going out to dig in the dirt and plant roses and other flowers.

Back spasms

I began having back spasms Saturday evening, so I only did a tentative slow walk around the condo grounds yesterday and today. The rain has been so persistent, walking really wasn't on the calendar anyway. Columbus set an April record for rain, and May is looking much the same.

Walking in Tustin, California

What a lovely community! And while Columbus is getting a late spring snow dusting, we're enjoying blue skies and palm trees in Orange County, California. We toured "Old town Orange," and "Old town Tustin," both with wonderful arts and crafts and modest Victorian homes, with tidy restored areas and business districts. I walked about 3 miles round trip to buy a Starbucks coffee to put aside for this morning. Shins hurt a little, and we've got quite an agenda for today. I think I'll need to buy another pair of shoes . . .

New Walking shoes

They feel and look like they have little golf balls on the soles. Can't find the ones I liked so much and have used the past 2 years, so I had to try something different. These are only for WALKING--an entire pamphlet was in the box explaing why I must not run or twist in these shoes. L.A. Gear Walk n Tone. On sale at Meijer's.

Today I walked through a condo community that was one of the first places we visited in 1967, because it had been designed by the firm which was interviewing my husband. At that time, it was still an apartment complex, but later the owner sold out to a community. Trouville. I walked for 30 minutes.

Get out and walk! Vigorously!

"Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory, "
PNAS 2011 108 (7) 3017-3022; published ahead of print January 31, 2011

In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study, "scientists started with 120 elderly volunteers who were relatively inactive but did not have dementia. Half were randomly assigned to begin walking 40 minutes a day, three days a week for a year while the remainder only stretched and performed toning exercises for the same time period. After 12 months, the group that walked showed an average 2% growth in the hippocampus compared with when they began, while the control groups suffered a more than 1% shrinkage in the same region compared with when the study started.

“If you estimate the change at an individual level,” says study co-author Arthur Kramer of the University of Illinois, “a yearlong exercise program can turn back the clock about two years with respect to the volume of the hippocampus.” "

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/01/31/want-to-improve-your-memory-take-a-walk/#ixzz1Euftky36

News about Cathy

I just read on Cathy's blog that she had a heart attack on December 1. She founded this group/team of exercisers as I recall. She has an amazing post about her experience that every woman should read here. This link for Cathy is not the blog on the right hand column here, so she has more than one.

A cooling rain

Columbus got a quick downpour this morning about 11 a.m. and then it cooled off. This afternoon I went for my first walk this week--in the 90s it's just too hot to walk on concrete and asphalt. The neighboring apartment complex had all its streets repaired this spring and summer, and is quite pleasant now for walking. Several little Chinese and Indian girls were playing and picking up acorns--they became treasures--gold coins, babies, jewels. Same things I played with my friends back in the 1940s.

When the sidewalks were installed last year, our street side bushes were cut down almost to the ground, but they are now about 7 ft. tall and blowing in the wind.

The heat is back

After a brief respite with wonderful cool evenings and nights when we could sleep with the windows open (until a skunk strolled by), the temps are back up. Passing through Bucyrus, Ohio, last evening about 6:30 p.m. the temperature sign read 100 degrees! So I'm inside today--no walking for awhile. I may be out of shape, but I'm not stupid!

Too hot to walk much

We've been at our lake home most of the summer (on Lake Erie), but except for 6 a.m., it's been too hot to walk much. I've done quite a bit of bike riding. This week we had a lot of family here, and there was almost non-stop eating. It's going to take a lot to burn up all those calories.

Easter Monday

Pretty good for this last week. Easter Sunday was only 2 miles because it started to storm. Had I not been so lazy, I could have walked right after church and made the 4 miles.

All yesterday I thought about how much Easter means to me. Our church service centered around new beginnings and the resurrection. The music, the lilies and other spring flowers on the altar, and pastor's sermon about "God's got you" meaning no matter what happens He has you in His hands to guide you had me thinking on my walk about how God is with me through tough times and through beautiful times.

My walk today was brisk and full of bird twitterings. I know it is Spring here because I heard a meadowlark and a brown thrasher. The juncos are still here, but by tomorrow morning, I bet they will be flying North - no matter when Easter is on the calendar, most seem to go north on Easter Monday (leaving just a few stragglers behind).

Monday Walks

So far, so good - now it is three days in a row. I really haven't lost much in the way of pace - just need to get it under a 15 minute mile. Saw lots of squirrels today. Yesterday watched a muskrat - funny little guy and amazing how he just dove under the water. I never did see him come up for air.

It is now Spring - the scillas are in bloom and the hyacinth are popping up.

Back to work tomorrow, but home in time to walk.

From my mall walking days

A tall, nice looking man carrying a broom stopped at my table at Panera and said, "Didn't you used to walk at the Lane Avenue Mall?" I had no idea who he was and didn't recognize him, but I agreed, that was indeed me for many years. Coffee at Caribou; walk for 30 minutes at Lane; on to open the Veterinary Library at 7:30.

"How did you remember me after all these years?" I asked, after he told me he was a maintenance worker there in those years.

"I always remember pleasant people," he said.

Maybe he remembers the times I forgot to change back into my dress shoes and had to come back and look for them.

Thursday Thoughts

Well, 3 days out of 5 days isn't too bad! Still did my exercises, but missed walking 2 days. Today was really brisk and breezy, but it did step up the pace.

I am on vacation til next Tuesday so I should get my miles in, my exercising done, and my time to enjoy the coming of Spring, besides doing Spring Housecleaning.

The famer neighbor moved his cattle back to the field along my route. When the cattle were at his other farm I missed seeing the newborn calves. I counted at least a half a dozen - I'm sure over the next week the number will grow. I am looking forward to my walks and the awakening of the Canal. Each day brings new bird songs and new joys of Spring.

60 minutes a day? Everyday?

This reminds me of taxes. We're all getting used to the health police telling us we need to exercise 3 x a week, and then they up the ante.

"If you want to prevent your weight gain over time you need to be physically active at the level of 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, so the equivalent of one hour a day of brisk walking or 30 minutes a day of jogging or running," said I-Min Lee, M.B.B.S., Sc.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Dr. Lee and co-authors studied more than 34,000 women starting at an average age of 54, following and updating their activity level for 13 years. The women were divided into three groups. Those exercising 60, 30 and less than 30 minutes. "These two lesser activity groups of women were significantly more likely to gain weight compared to the most active group of women," said Lee.

The study appears in this week's JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association. "We found that physical activity was effective in controlling weight only among women who started off with a normal BMI," said Lee. "The women who were overweight or obese, physical activity, with the range done in the study was not sufficient to control their weight."

For heavier women, researchers say not to let the 60 minutes of daily exercise discourage you from starting or continuing to exercise. "While our study shows that this might not be sufficient to maintain normal weight it clearly is sufficient to reduce the risk of developing many chronic diseases including heart disease, certain types of cancer, type II diabetes," said Lee.

Researchers report that women in the study consumed a regular American diet and did not restrict their calories."

Article here.

Word definitions

Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.

Chilly Sunday

Here it is - a week gone. I did manage short walks on Monday through Friday. Then it snowed Saturday and is colder today. The few days we had of warm weather spoiled me and turned me into a sissy with the drop in temperature yesterday and today. Even so, my other goals are doing better than I expected. I look forward to my Sunday morning breakfast and newspaper, then to church for some reflection and inspiration to guide me through the week. I know that the job I have is where God wants me, but need a little reinforcement to continue for the next 3 and 1/2 years.

At home, Spring housecleaning and my walks are on the agenda for this week after work, as well as next Saturday and Sunday. Then some Easter preparations.

As for my walks, saw robins and the finches are turning yellow. The male cardinals' feathers are brighter red and all the birds songs tell me Spring is here. The purple crocus are blooming and more buds are showing on the daffodils.

I have plans for my walks this week - each evening out of the office by 5 and home in time to do the 4 miles.

Almost Spring

Here it is my first walk since way last December and 4 miles at that. I have been such a slouch at my personal life - no work/life balance this year. But I'm working on it - really behind with what I need to have accomplished so here goes.

Walking 4 miles a day - weather permitting, that means leaving work at no later than 5PM

Nautilus starting April 3rd every other day until April 30th - then Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

At least 30 minutes of exercises/modified yoga every day

Take at least 2 hours each day to enjoy the world around me

No checking work e-mail from home on days off

No more than 2 hours overtime each week and working only 1 Saturday a month - until September 30th. Then no over time at all until after January 31, 2011.

"Like the last 2 will happen, but it is a goal."


Now for my walk - the snow is gone and most of the ice is off the canal. Saw a few critters - some squirrels and some song birds. The cardinals' songs are now of Spring. I am seeing little sprouts popping up - some of the daffodils are already budding out. The canal was pretty quiet - but I know it won't be long before I'll see turtles and fish. Am waiting for the Blue Heron to come back.
The farm fields are pretty rugged in places - erosion in some places and the ground is saturated. The ditch along the road is slowly draining. And so it was not very eventful, but it felt so great to be outside walking again.

Sunday Thoughts an d New Year Ramblings

Although late in posting, Best Wishes for the New Year! The holidays were great with another Minneapolis Christmas at my niece's home.

Now that the holidays are past, I have taken time to gather my thoughts. The weather has not contributed much to walking, so I'm doing some jazzerize, modified yoga, and will start with weight training in a couple of weeks. Work is still a bear - when this "stimulus money thing" is over, I hope to never hear the word "stimulus" again. Managing the stimulus funding is a trip and a half, especially when the rules are changing constantly.

I have been able to schedule a day off for most weeks between now and Easter to restore my soul and my sanity. I still put in extra hours, but that day off helps me from getting burned out.

One thing I am looking forward to is a new computer at home, a digital camera, and hopefully hi-speed internet. I have procrastinated long enough for the new computer. If only I could just buy the thing and like magic have everything working in one hour. That truly is wishful thinking!

Oxidative damage--what is it?

Can we improve cognitive function with diet and exercise? Watch this video about Alzheimer's Disease research.

The belly dancing mama

We had a great work out today--lots of punches, kicks, jogging with weights, crunches, leg lifts and waist twists. Our instructor told us a funny story. She is taking a belly dance class--says it's great exercise (she has a toddler). She also has a junior high daughter. You know ho within a year they can go from being your BFF to not wanting to be seen with you. Apparently, she has threatened her with showing up at school in her dance outfit if the daughter doesn't behave herself!

If I would just quit blogging and go outside

This is what I'd see. Should get near 70 today--some beautiful fall color.

Beautiful October

I'd probably not count this as exercise but I did get out today and walk around to take a few photos down by the river.

October Blue Skies

Today the weather is just so October- brisk, sunny, and blue skies - my favorite month of the year. I have been walking when I can, but work and weather interfer. Last Sunday we did a 5K and that was the walking for the week.


Today, after church, I headed down my usual route - 1/2 mile country road, a mile and 1/2 through down, then along the canal path for a 1/2 mile. Round trip is 4 miles. Saw lots of squirrels hiding away nuts. And saw the Great Blue Heron - he's not too flighty, ended up about 6 feet from him when he decided it was time to fly a little farther from the bike path.

Am hoping this weather stays much of October so I can take care of my wild yard - golden rod as tall as me, as well as giant rag weed and tall grass. I'm trying to have a couple days off each week from now til the end of the year - no time for a weeks vacation so I schedule days off between reporting deadlines, budget deadlines, and other responsibilities.

Last week's sunrises

I was back at the Lake for the Midwest Birding Symposium Sept. 17-20, and again had a chance to walk at sunrise.

Monday August 17 walk

Aug 15, 2009
I still haven't missed a sunrise walk, although it's later each day. I see the 7 a.m. ferry instead of 6 a.m. Today I saw a heron, terns, gulls, a family of mallards, and a barefoot bathrobed dog walker.

Before I forget

This morning's sunrise was incredible. I haven't missed a sunrise this summer during the time we're at the lake. One morning I carried an umbrella, but it only misted. This morning the cloud formation was incredible. I never actually saw the sun, only the orange, pink, fuchsia, cobalt and gray backing up a huge cloud that looked like the old fashioned ships that used to sail the Great Lakes. Then when I turned back west, there was the full moon brilliant above the trees. It was just incredible.

This photo is not this morning--I think it was 2 days ago. It was a cloudy morning with the sun just peaking over the horizon. I wanted to get a photo of the freighter over at Marblehead, Ohio which takes ore from the quarry. There's much less traffic this summer as the economy hurts even the traffic here that fed so many industries.

The rip rap you see is not "native" to Lakeside, but was brought in from the quarry about 20 years ago because the lake was rising and covering the natural flat rocks on which you could easily walk out into the lake. You can't fool Mother Nature and the lake then receded, and many of the man-made protections and ideas in Ohio, New York, Michigan and Canada just made the shoreline worse, and many beaches were destroyed.

Yesterday I did 2 walks along the lakefront, one at dawn and one at noon (very brisk walking with a younger friend), plus the back and forth to various places. So I'm guessing 5 to 6 miles.

Way Too Long Hours

Trying to manage some 4 milers in between 60 hour weeks at work. It rained here until about 2 in the afternoon. By that time I was just getting my act together and cleaning house. So I'll get my 4 in tomorrow before church.

I'm taking a day off on Monday, will still be working about 50 hours for the week. It is really "funny" - I'm the oldest at work, but have the most stamina for the long hours. I'd better not be "crowing" too much - pride goeth before a fall.

Looking foward to a real early walk tomorrow and Monday so I can maybe catch a glimpse of the blue heron and other favorite critters. During the week, Im changing my walking time so I'll be at work by 7AM and home by 6:30 in the evening to do "my 4"!

Walking at home this week

It's just not the same walking a dawn in the suburbs. You can't see the sunrise.

Saturday, July 18, walking along the lakefront at dawn.

Lakefront cottages on July 18 reflecting the morning sunrise. These were all built around 1915-1920, I think. We rented the one on the far right (a 4-plex) in the mid-70s when the children were small.

Traffic jam

I took an evening walk along the lakefront last night about 8:30, and my oh my, so many people. There were crowds everywhere. But it's good to see people out and about, away from TVs and computers, especially the kids. This group seems to have their own clubs for miniature golf.

Health and Wellness Week at Lakeside

All the programs I attended (5) were excellent with qualified speakers, good graphics, and prepared hand-outs. The problem, as I see it, is in the audience. In most cases, they were preaching to the choir. Also, as I look around and observe people within 10-20 years, up or down, of my age, I see two really common problems that could have been successfully addressed if we'd started 20 years ago. Bones and Obesity. When I see an 82 year old woman who is still 5'10" and walking briskly, with attention to fashion, tall and proud, I want to take a photo and interview her. Is it genes? Nutrition? Exercise? Continues at Collecting my thoughts

Not so wild life

I frequently see this woman with her lab at dawn when I get in about 2 miles along the lakefront. He's getting his exercise--she's down there a long time. Many people with large, athletic dogs just don't give them enough attention or exercise and they develop behavior problems. This week is "Health and Wellness Week" at Lakeside and yesterday I attended a lecture on "Exercise is medicine" by Kitty Consolo. I think I knew most of it, but it is always good to be reminded. One of her suggestions was to have a work-out buddy--something that never has worked for me. Hers is her black lab.

Morning walks

I've been watching summer slip away by walking at dawn. It's only July 5 and already I think the sunrise is about 15 minutes later than when I started this 2 weeks ago. But I've been walking 4-6 miles a day, usually 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening, and counting all the steps in between.


I often see this lady "walking" her cat later in the day--although I'm not sure who is walking whom. I doubt that my kitty would tolerate this.

You mean...you WALKED!?

An essay on walking from a daily five mile walker and 8 year cancer survivor*

"Walking, I have noticed, is the first thing we want to do and the last thing we are want to give up in our old age. I took my first walk (I am told) with my father at about two years. The story goes we were gone a long time and my patient dad reported to my mom that I investigated every leaf and twig en route. I have been walking ever since.

We walked to play with friends in the neighborhood, we walked to school, we walked to the library and even walked to and from some of our first dates. I learned to love walking from my dad and my grandpa, both walkers all their lives. My dad was inclined toward rural, out of the way dusty country roads for his ambles. My grandpa likes to roam the woods to the north of our family farm. He raised sheep there and the farmland was heavy with nut trees and berries. My summer walks with my grandfather were some of the best to be had.

Over the years I have walked for many reasons. I have walked to sort things out, avoid depression, to make me sleep and to lose weight. They have all worked. Now I walk for the sheer joy of walking. It is my "drug” of choice. I walk the outskirts of town, I walk on the old high school track and I walk the town walk path. I sometimes even walk to Pond Road and rest by the Leaf River (Illinois) bridge and then return. I celebrated my 70th birthday recently with a 7 mile walk.

Going tramping is at first an act of rebellion; only afterwards do you get free from rebellion as nature sweetens your mind. Town can make man contentious; the country walk smooths out the soul. Lots of people have been great walkers. Dickens is said to have walked 25 miles a day! and we know Henry David was a great walker. . .why not, he had Waldon Pond, and Justice Douglas to name just a few...

The changing of the season would be reason enough, even if the health benefits were not there. Autumnal walks, with the russets, yellows and browns and the mists that hang, are nature’s melancholy. Winter walks make you strong my dad would say, as we bundled up on a zero day for walking to school. And they do--the air incredibly pure and sunlight gently caressing your shoulders. Spring walks, perhaps the best, full of hope of a glorious summer ahead. Summer walks, simply put, just hum, I do not mind the heat and find these walks my most rewarding. . . watching children ride bikes, or play in puddles and the exchange of smiles from fellow walkers.

Well, I have gone on enough. . . "I will arise and go now" - William Butler Yeats

Come join me in a walk and have someone say, "You mean-you walked!"
* Lynne Fleming Wilburn

Making it to 7th

We had a huge wind storm last night and lost power for several hours, cancelling the program. The photo is our neighbor's car covered up by a falling limb. As far as we could tell, the only damage to the car was the rear window. On this morning's walk I could survey the damage. I had attended a program on care of trees yesterday afternoon, so I could observe why some trees fell and others survived. Silver maples are quite frail and don't even have the life expectancy of a human but grow quickly (we were told in the class, and several of the biggest trees I saw damaged were silver maples.) I did make it to 7th street, which is almost the last street on the south end, or would be if there weren't a nice camp ground with an entire community of its own another street south of 7th. I'm not sure if I'm allow to walk in there. I'll have to take a peek tomorrow. But I did get about 5 miles in yesterday. I walked in the afternoon choosing to hop from shade to shade, because the heat index was near 100. It really is amazing how grass and trees lower that.

More wildlife

This black cat in my path is probably not feral. She didn't seem afraid, but neither did she come when I called. Smart kitty. Owners should not be allowing their pets to run loose--just because it's safe for children, doesn't mean it's OK to let your pets "litter."
This morning I walked about 35 minutes leaving the house about 5:45--east along the lakefront, then up to 7th on Poplar and back west, then north to our cottage on 3rd. I stopped several times to enjoy the scenery, and once to get my breath from that hill on Poplar between 4th and 5th. I'm not a tennis player, but those clay courts on 7th look mightly fine.
The story is that back in the 1870s when Lakeside was very young, a 14 year old girl named all the north south streets after trees. Louise Franck's father was an engineer and laid out the streets and she helped him.

Progress

The weather has held--no rain, and cooler than northern Illinois or central Ohio. So I've been able to add a street each day to my west end to east end walk--all the way east along the lakefront, then Monday I returned on 3rd, Tuesday on 4th, and today, Wednesday on 5th. Fifth is a bit of challenge in that there is a hill between 4th and 5th. But it's interesting to see the changes from year to year--although there are more houses for sale than I realized. Yesterday I saw a huron sillouetted against the sunrise but didn't have my camera. Today I took the camera, but he/she saw me first and flew off. The only wildlife I caught was this very shy calico (she's feral but gets food from all the neighbors).


After Lynne's inspiring comment at Joanne's post a few back, last night I did a second round trip along the lakefront, so combining those two with my walks to the grocery, the farmers market and Rhein Center I think I did at least 6 miles yesterday. Yeah! The calories, however, keep coming. Boo!

The start of summer

It's almost as good as a New Year's Resolution--arriving at the lake and resolving to take advantage of the walking and biking opportunities. Yesterday, first day of summer I began the day with 25 minutes along the lakefront with about 4 shorter destination walks during the day, for at least an hour of walking. I think that's about 4 miles. I can manage that if I break the walks up.


Then today I began with a 30 minute walk along the lake returning on 3rd St. Then about 6 blocks round trip to the grocery for ingredients for tonight's potluck, then about 6 blocks round trip (walking) to the coffee shop. So I've already got about 3 miles in today.

Part of this glorious plan was inspired by the coffee shop which this year isn't opening until 8 a.m. instead of 6:30 last summer. But on my way there today, I see that the new proprietor of Abigail's is opening at 6 a.m. Oh my! My plan might fail.

SHARING NATURE

My walking has been confined to the weekends, but wanted to share a close encounter yesterday morning.

As I was starting my morning exercise, I was surprised by a doe and a fairly new born fawn in the orchard. Of course "Mom" jumped the fence, leaving baby in the tall grass on my side of the fence. If only they had stayed in the woods on the other side of the road. The doe, as they do, bounded into the field. I imagine she wanted to head for the small woods between two fields - about a 1/2 mile away. I went to the fence line and there the fawn lay so quiet, yet not seeming to be frightened. I lifted the fawn over the fence and into a bed of tall grass. The baby was light as a feather. What a sensation to be that close to God's new creation! The doe had stopped not too far away and watched. I then went into the house.

Lucky that I did what I did for the neighbor's yellow hound was in my yard right after my going inside. Thank goodness he was too busy sniffing for rabbits. I called out my window for him to "Go Home!" and for once he did.

The doe was there with the fawn when I left for work - hopefully they reached the woods and are safe, as the farmer neighbor was spraying the fields when I came home from work.

WALKING WITH NATURE

I am finally getting with the program - it is taking a little longer than I thought (won't start Nautilus for another month).

My walks have been fruitful with flora and fauna.Along the canal path, I have watched mama goose, papa goose, and 4 goslings. My other bird finds include 2 blue herons, at least 1 pair of Eastern Bluebirds, lots of Robins and Goldfinch, Flickers, Red-Headed Woodpeckers, Red-Winged Blackbirds, and the most surprising of all - a Pileated Woodpecker. The canal is alive with turtles and fish and along the banks and path squirrels and bunnies are playing. Plants and shrubs are blooming in abundance - even found a shrub in my rose bush brambles that I'm not sure whether it is something I want to keep or if it is a pest - must look it up in my gardening books.

This weekend has been spectacular. My brother was here from Nebraska for a couple of days and I have been digging in the dirt and trimming and weeding. This is a good start this year - slow,but if I remember to get myself out of the office early enough in the evenings, this will be a great stress reliever besides helping my waistline.

"JUST DO IT"

I just read Norma's post - wake up call! I have a physical in 3 weeks and have really let myself get into a lazy mode. Work has been stressful and rain has been much, but it is time to set aside time for some unstressing - diligent walking and weight training as well as yard work. I should be able to do some good in those 3 weeks and then keep at it. I'm promising myself 4 miles in the early morning and Nautilus every other day right after Memorial Day (need time to build up some stamina with the walking). Did 3 miles today in just over 50 minutes, so that is a good start.

Here's a good reminder

High intensity exercise is more beneficial. Boy I hate that! I don't like to sweat. I'd prefer to stroll and enjoy the sights. But that’s what this article in Prevention says. The calories are the same--the results are different.

"Researchers from the University of Virginia found that women who did three shorter, fast-paced walks a week (plus two longer, moderate-paced ones) lost 5 times more belly fat than those who simply strolled at a moderate speed 5 days a week, even though both groups burned exactly the same number of calories (400) per workout. Those speed walking also dropped more than 2 inches from their waistlines, pared about 3 times more fat from their thighs, shed 4 times more total body fat, and lost almost 8 pounds over 16 weeks--all without dieting!

The improvements didn't stop there. The high-intensity exercisers lost about 3 times more visceral fat--the dangerous belly fat that wraps around organs such as the liver and kidneys and has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. "Vigorous exercise raises levels of fat-burning hormones," says lead researcher Arthur Weltman, PhD, director of the exercise physiology laboratory at the university. It also increases afterburn (the number of calories your body uses postexercise as it recovers) by about 47% compared with lower-intensity workouts."

Regroup Time

Weather and work have slowed progress. If I make 40 miles by Easter, I'll be doing great.





Today's walk was the first since last Sunday. I figured I'd better make use of a nice day and was able to do 4 miles in just over an hour. In the fields by my house I counted at least 16 calves - two and 1/2 weeks ago, there were 5. Spring is slowly showing along my route, watched a robin wooing a lady friend and saw some crocus and scillas peeping up out the ground.

Doin' My Best

I can see this is going to be a challenge. Workdays may get longer in order to prepare for working with the economic stimulus funds. Tried to leave at regular time this week, but the best laid plans of mice and men.....Even so from this time forward, I hope on workdays to pack up by 5:00 so I can be home to do my 4 miles each evening. Managed 3 and 1/2 today. Once this is going - back to some weight training.

Today's walk brought some new calves and my usual stops for petting the pups and talking to acquaintances. Grass is barely beginning to show and I think the pink hyacinth by the wall may not have made it through the winter - the first snow of last winter ended with a truck running over where they are planted. If not I'll be working near where they were planted to rebuild a small rock wall. Maybe I'll be lucky and find the bulbs to replant.

Spring is Coming Better Get Ready

After a long winter, I'm back to writing about my walks as I continue to seek a work/life balance. What better way to do this than require some discipline from my self regarding work hours so I will make it home in time to do a 4 mile walk before dark. With the world in the current economic crisis, my agency will be in the front lines, providing training services locally for those affected by layoffs, plant closings.




I managed 3 blocks shy of 4 miles with this first walk since the Christmas Minneapolis walk. Saw robins, cardinals, a squirrel and crow having issues, some old puppy friends, and talked to some acquaintances. The farm field next to my home showed me a week old calf and saw some signs of green grass along the road. As always, I thank the Lord for all He has created and thank Him that I am able to enjoy His creation.

Exercise in the New Year

I've gone back to a 3 times a week class. I just wasn't doing it on my own. Two of the classes have stretching and weights, and third (led by my husband) is more cardio. I did this class in 2000-2002 and then dropped out, preferring to walk--which I rarely kept up. So back to some discipline. . .

Holiday Greetings and Happy 2009

Yes - I know it is after Christmas, but really this is the 10th day of Christmas.

Christmas was again in Minneapolis, where we did some walking and playing with my niece's newest addition - an Australian cattle dog named Pip.

Since then there has been no real time to walk and no good snow to try out snow shoeing. But am doing an exercise routine twice a day!

Hopefully time and weather will allow me to get out to do some winter walking and try out the snow shoes - they are not the old fashioned kind, but "hi-tech" (LL Bean) with poles and a storage case. One of my resolutions is to set aside an hour + on weekends for just doing walking or snow shoeing.The other resolutions are the continuations of last year - "works in progress".

Just want to wish all a Happy New Year!

Saw a silly Robin today - doesn't he known he should be south of the Illinois Quad Cities?

Thanksgiving Weekend

First of all, must say my Thanksgiving Blessings to each and all!

Still keeping up the walks, at least 3 days a week. Work is pulling at me, but I'm taking time off each week to use up some vacation days and comp time. The funding has not improved, so my staff person and myself are taking one day off unpaid and we have had to lay off 2 employees indefinitely.

The walks by the canal are ongoing. I cannot believe how many squirrels I have seen busily storing away acorns. The red-tailed hawk is back and the path is a busy place with all the little critters preparing for winter. The fours miles can take anywhere between 1 hour and a hour and a half, depending on the number of fellow walkers, pups, and cats I stop and greet.

I just ordered hi-tech snow shoes. Now for some snow so I can put them to good use.

QUAD CITY MARATHON 5K

Just finished my last 5K for the year. That's not to say I won't be continuing my walks and jogs along the canal bike path. Although our governor thought he would cut the budgets for several park facilities and historic sites, hopefully the Illinois law makers will approve funding for those areas. If so, I will be walking still when the snow flies and maybe even through the snow. I'm still comtemplating snow shoeing - we'll see how that all works out.

My work is still ruling most of my life, but I am making more time for a life outside the office. I really have lots of yardwork to catch up on, but I love working outside in the fall so I will enjoy every minute of it.

The exercycle

Everyone probably has one on which to hang laundry and gather dust. Ours has moved from bedroom to basement to my office, and has been in the garage for over a year. Today I looked at it and decided it would fit between the cars so I could use it, instead of along the wall gather spider webs. Cold weather is coming. Wheeeee.

Labor Day Walk

Just finished the 5k for a Memorial Run for a student that was hit by a car. His folks have set up this run where the proceeds go to scholarships for 2 high school students each year. No walking sticks this time and even did some sprints.

Since I procrastinated the last two days - this "Labor Day" will be a labor day. I really haven't done much of anything in keeping the yard up this year and then there is the garage. I have good intentions, but now time's a flying so this is the big fall push for cleanup and hopefully a bathroom remodel. Off to the projects!

Pain free travel

We'll be at Lakeside another 1.5 weeks and then head home. The ride isn't all that long (about 2.5 hours) but I do get stiff. Here are some exercise/stretching tips for pain free travel from Johns Hopkins.

Four Miles a Day

This is becoming a monthly post. Managing to get in 4 miles a day most weeks, unless the weather says otherwise. I'm working on sprinting at least a block - 5K's are more fund if you sprint across the finish line. Those days I leave the walking sticks at home. It is a little strange sprinting with the hip replacement and I am really careful when I do sprint. But it is such fun even at almost "63" to kick up my heels for the joy of being.

Walking Catchup

It has been just over two weeks since I've written some thoughts. I have been able to get 4 miles in most days - down "my country road", through the little town, and then to the bike path along the canal. I see so many neat "critters" on my walks, even the red winged blackbird who dive bombs me because there are babies nearby.Work has taken over for a little while, but the walks are keeping me focused.

It is very humid today, storms early this morning, but not too hot for a late morning walk. Now to wash and clear coat the Jeep - I've been going to do that for two weeks.

Exercising at Lakeside

Although I see some vigorous joggers and walkers, most of us here for vacation or the summer just get more exercise than usual because we don't use our cars. I might walk 10-12 blocks a day or ride my bike several miles and not even think about it. I think this is why our parents and grandparents didn't carry as much weight. During the day I might walk 3 blocks and back to the little grocery store, or 2-3 blocks to the little business district, or stroll a mile along the lakefront and not even notice it. It's a wonderful way to get around--when the weather's good--and for the most part it has been. Occasionally Joanne sends her storms from Illinois that she has been dodging.

Walking at sunrise along Lake Erie

Back from Italy

We got back from Italy in the wee morning hours of June 30, and I'd planned laundry, photo sorting, blogging, etc. and getting ready for Lakeside, but a virus overtook me and I landed in the hospital, dehydrated. A few others on the tour were also doing poorly, so either we ate or drank something that didn't agree. One gal spent the flight in the rest room--thank goodness mine waited until June 30! But I seem to be on the mend. My little one-mile-a-day walks around the condo grounds weren't up to cobblestone streets and Umbrian hills! Also we had a heat wave. I'm posting photos and stories at my regular blog, Collecting My Thoughts as the inspiration hits. So far, the brain isn't in gear. But Joanne is always an inspiration and I plan to go for a short walk now that the sun is out. It's like a rain forest here in central Ohio.

Happy Fourth of July!

Another month has come and gone. Weather has turned better. This was a great morning for walking. I've been able to walk 3 and 1/2 to 4 miles most mornings before work. Ive sloughed off at Nautilus so that is the next goal to get going on.

We are still Mississippi River flooded in an adjacent county and the local portion of Rock River is still higher in some places than normal. We have lots of mosquitoes and little gnats and I hate wearing bug repellent. But the alternative is worse.

Now that I'm finished with my morning walk, I tackling the weeds and tall grasses in the rose bed that lines the west border of our land. Tonight I'll be able to see some of the fireworks from my yard.

Rain and Water Everywhere

This has been a soggy month. So thankful that I am on high ground and at least a mile and 1/2 across woods and grassland to a river. The Mississippi is over the banks and the river I live near hasn't been totally in its banks since Dec 23.

I've been trying to get outside for a walk but the thunder showers keep coming- it is supposed to let up later - I'll try later this afternoon. Yesterday my friend and I did Race for the Cure 5K - a little over 3 miles of walking. I don't think my pace was up to par. I need to work on that, but my form with the walking sticks is much better.

I miss the early morning walks, but the weather has been really rainy this last 2 weeks. Better weather this week so I have no excuse. Can't wait for those early morning walks to clear my head and prepare me for the day.

Lots of yard work to do - still 7 roses to put in and the normal trimming and weeding. That is just for a start. The bramble rose bed is covered with wild grape and poison ivy is creeping in. I'm off for 2 and 1/2 days this week - Ill be working in the bramble rose and cleaning the patios of grass and whatever between the blocks. Then the rock walls need to be weeded. Once I get done, time to start the cycle again.

Back after a long break!

Well I am back after a long break where depression had slumped into real lethargy, a couple of photos have convinced me of my need to diet, and to exercise. I have not been caring for myself too well!

This week has been good though; I walked on Sunday & Monday, went for an hours swimming on Tuesday, did the yard work on Weds ( no small task) and am planning on attending an aqua fit class today!

Amazing what one good long honest look at yourself will do!!!

Weather is clearing

We've had some rain here in Ohio, even flooding south of here, but tomorrow should be clear and warm. The audio book did the trick--when the weather was nice I was going out 2 or 3 times a day with my head phones. Now I'm finished, so I use the radio. Haven't moved to an i-pod yet. Need to build up a little strength--we're going to Italy soon and will be doing quite a bit of walking.

Rainy Time

Weather has played havoc with the walking. I think this is the least amount of walking I have been able to do because of spring weather. Rained last night through this morning - found some basement leaks I didn't know about. That will be a project for this year as well as remodeling the bathroom.

Tomorrow will be another goal to set - I'll be more conservative this time and allow for weather and work. Still, my walks in March, April, and May have brightened my days. The canal is beginning to come to life with frogs and turtles as well as fish starting to top feed. I see so many birds - all busy with their nests. I'm so hoping the blue heron comes back this year - he was such a sight to see early in the morning mist.

Second walk today

It's just too pretty to stay inside, so I loaded a new book on disc player and off I went. Boy, am I out of shape. I'm breathing hard still. The book is "People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks. It's fiction but based on a real event, so I hope it will hold my interest, and pull me outside to walk (since I don't listen to audio inside).

"Way Short"

Well, weather and work has cut into my walks. But if all goes well for the next 5 days, I'll be able to log at least 4 miles a day.

It is good to be back walking down the country road, through the little town, and along the canal path. Next week will start my early AM walks on Tuesday thru Sunday, hoping that the blue heron has again decided to take up residence nearby. Monday will be a walk in the early evening.

Since the budget crisis has hit at work, management is taking 10 days off unpaid and we are down to a skeleton staff at our counseling office. Even unpaid, I do enjoy these times off (fitting my hours in between required reports due at state with hopefully some full days off to accomplish much needed projects at home and to "smell the roses".)

Yesterday I spotted a muskrat, one small turtle, two leaping fish, and too numerous birds to mention. I stopped to talk to some friends that I haven't seen since last fall and took a few minutes to check out some flowering shrubs along the way. Along my own driveway, I smelled the luscious sweetness of the pink viburnum and soon will be smelling the masses of white and pink lily of the valley. The lilacs are budding -maybe they will be okay to take to the cemetery for Mothers Day.

Along my 1/2 mile road, the cattle have now been herded to the back pasture and the fields are being readied for planting corn and soybeans. Soon I'll be watching for the corn and soybean seedlings.

This is truly a glorious world and I am so grateful to be able to enjoy what the Lord has given.

Walking 101

Finished the 5-K in just under 50 minutes. Need to get back my pace of at least a 14 minute mile this year. This is a good start. It was cool and a little breezy but no rain. No bagels, but I had some some grapes, scrambled eggs, a small apple sugar roll, and coffee.




Sun is out so time to do some raking.

A REALLY SLOW START

I have really been a "pansy" about the weather. I had hoped to start walking right at Easter, but weather and work really haven't been cooperating. First 5K of year, Gilda's Fun Run, is tomorrow. So off I go with the walking sticks. When I reached 60, this 5K for me used to start with a 2 block sprint in the beginning and some sprinting in the middle, and another 2 block sprint at the end. Now it will be walking the route.

I can sprint some, but with the hip replacement comes having to admit I need to be careful. Tomorrow will be a good incentive to get it together again. It is only to be in the 40's, but at least no rain. We have done the Gilda's Fun Run in the rain, but best friend's umbrella turned inside out and the umbrellas were more trouble than they were worth. We ended up just getting wet and we didn't melt!

Am looking forward to tomorrow, especially the bagels after the walk. This will be a great start to get back to Nautilus and "unstress" from my agency's budget issues and the federal government's funding cuts for this year and next year.

New goal is at least 85 miles of walking though May 11th.

Spring almost

It's been in the 70s here the last 2 days so I've been able to walk outside instead of inside the church. Most people would walk outside in the 40s and 50s, but not me! My artificial flowers are blooming (brought them out of the garage).

Easter Eve

Short of goal, but better than I thought I would do. I'll be back in the swing of things this next week with walking. I hope to be able to walk at least two miles after work depending on when I get home and the weather; then four miles Saturday and Sunday. I really can't wait to hear the click clack of the walking sticks - that really keeps the stride from dropping back.




Sending Joyous Easter Greetings to all!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG?

And so the first day of Spring, with snow forecast north of here tonight and tomorrow and a mix of rain/snow for Monday in the Quad Cities. But Life is Good any way you look at it. I missed my goal, but will do better with the next one as walking will be in the mix. I will be so glad that once again, I'll be able to write what I see, hear, feel, and smell during walks along the canal. Those jotted down thoughts remind me what a glorious world I live on and how gracious God is to share His World with me.

Farmer Neighbor has three cows that have calved - two had twins. I stopped at the township cemetery last evening to place spring flowers on family graves for Easter. The cemetery is about a quarter mile from my home. As I was going down the lane to the road, I stopped and watched both sets of twins romping and playing in the field. They were just born last week. More calves will be coming in the future!

My hour of exercise is helping to take the edge off layoffs at my agency. This last group of five employees will be temporary - they will be reinstated by July 1. Federal funding is being cut for the current year and next year's funding will be less than the total funds received this year. It is a sad state of affairs when agencies in place to help the unemployed have to lay off members of their own staff.

Palm Sunday

Up early and accomplished one hour of exercises plus an hour walk after church. I'll be short of goal for First Day of Spring by 10 hours. I'm going to contine on through Easter Sunday, then start a new short term goal until I can walk in the early mornings before work, about April 13. We have a 5K Gilda's run that day. I should be able to at least get 2 days of walks in each week before then and right after maybe 2 miles in the morning before work. Once May is here, I'll be walking my usual 4 miles before heading to work.

I have been so unfocused on what I need to do this year. So I made a new resolution, that for each day, I will do what I should not put off until tomorrow!

Sunday Thoughts

What a deal - I really am behind, but need to get motivated over this "Day Light Savings Time Thing". Still too icy on the bike path, so at least til mid week, stuck inside. If I make my goal, I'll just make it with nothing to spare. Even so, I'm keeping up with the aerobics and hope for some real walking by Thursday. It is surprising how much the aerobics and stretching keep me limber. Am now working on healthier eating habits.




Have some time off this week and next for catching up at home and regrouping from the loss in funding at our agency (my position will be okay for a while, but you never know). I hope to have at least some semblance of order by this time next Sunday so I can enjoy Easter week.

Wet and cold

I obviously won't be meeting my goal by March 7 (2 days from now, 7,000 steps a day), but perhaps I've been making December's goal of 5,000 steps a day? (163900 in 28 days)

We had 70 degree (almost) days Sunday and Monday, and I didn't even walk outside. I'm such a slug--just sit here and blog. I'm a sblogger. Then the temps dropped 40 degrees and the creeks are rising.