Saturday, December 1, 2012

   Today I ran / walked the 5K Reindeer Run in Macon, Georgia.  This completed my goal of competing in five 5K's during 2012.  There were about 800 participants, some dressed in elf costumes, many others with reindeer antlers.  It was a festive time and fun race.  I met a new friend, Gail; we walked/ran the whole race together.  She was a first time participant in a 5K.  I know she enjoyed it, and said she will participate in many more.
     Here is a picture of me at the start/finish line.  

     Now I need to start thinking about next year's goals................

Monday, October 29, 2012

    This past Saturday, October 27, I completed the 5k for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure that was held in Byron, Georgia.  This was about five miles from home.  I first did the Survivor Walk where we finished by crossing the stage and all survivors received a medal.  It was amazing how long it took all of us to cross the stage, then to see all the pink shirts gathered together in front of the stage. Following this was a 5k Run and Walk.  It took a while for the back of the pack to get started - there were soooooo many people participating.  Maybe 2,500???  This was a fun race with no pressure and for a good cause.

The lady with the pink hair and crazy leggings is my new friend, Jan.

I am in this picture, if you look hard enough.  Sort of like 'Where's Waldo?'  
(Hint:  I am near the corner of the stage; I have a pink shirt on.)

Photographs are from the Macon Telegraph.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

   I cannot believe this much time has gone by since my last post.  I have been to Dot's twice, walked on the beach with her both times:  two miles the first trip and three miles the second.  Wish I could make it over there more.    

   I completed the Bookin' It 5K on Saturday, October 6.  This was sponsored by the Junior League of Macon to benefit their literacy program.  A real fun race around Wesleyan College and nearby areas and a very organized race day. 

   

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Walked at soon as I got home from church.  I did the power walking with Jillian Michaels, day 2.  What a work out.  It goes up to a 7% incline, 3.2 miles per hour.  Today's workout lasted 25 minutes. I feel great when I finish - I know that I have had a strenuous work out.  

Thursday, July 12, 2012

I love that my treadmill is fixed.  Walked for 30 minutes and completed just over 1.6 miles.  Not where I used to be, but I'll get back there then surpass it.  Need to go find another 5K around the end of August.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

I walked again today, this time it was for 25 minutes.  My treadmill has the ifit and I am using the Power Walking with Jillian Michaels.  I started with Level 2 and it is exactly where I am in my walking program.  What a workout! I loved it.  Can't wait to walk again tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

I keep making excuses for not walking - it's too hot, it might rain,...well, it is too hot for me to go walking.  Just got back from a trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Lo and behold, my dear son fixed my treadmill.  Now I have no more excuses.  I walked for 20 minutes this afternoon.  Felt good to walk, I'm not really sure why I keep fighting it. 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

I cannot believe so much time has gone by and I have not posted.  I have slacked off some since my last race.  This body takes time to recover. I am going out tomorrow and do two miles, maybe two and a half.  Looking forward to an invigorating walk.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

I completed another 5K today. I was in Ohio for the weekend and found a race in Geneva to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Two of my sisters and a brother-in-law competed with me. My brother-in-law was second in his age division (65+)  He received an aluminum water bottle as a trophy. 

Here are some pictures......

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Here are some pictures from the Low Country Legal Aid 5K in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Saturday, May 12, 2012

     Sorry - I have been missing in action for a few days.  But I am back now and going strong.

    I competed in and completed a 5K run/walk in Hilton Head Island this morning.  I participated with my sister and her husband, and one of their friends.   I finished first in my age category. (Yea me)   Our little group all received medals for our finishing placements.   This race was to benefit the Low Country Legal Aid.

     We felt so good after the race, when we got home we started looking for another 5K for Memorial weekend while we are in Ohio.  Do we have the bug?

Monday, April 30, 2012

What a beautiful day!  Sunshine and over 90 degrees.  I had to wait until evening for the sun to go down some before I could go for my walk.  Completed 3.2 miles.  I am happy with that.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

     Returned from Statesboro this afternoon.  We did a great deal of walking through different stores, doing our grocery shopping and couponing.  I did not keep track of how far we walked on Thursday and Friday, but I know it was a lot.  My body is tired from it.

     This evening Gabby and I walked for about an hour.  We covered about 3.5 miles.  I feel great.  Why does walking for health make me feel better than walking for groceries?  hmmmmm....

Monday, April 23, 2012

     Is this really day 28 of our walkabout?  This was so enjoyable, walking, talking with others walking.  I have lost 5 pounds in the last four weeks, my blood glucose numbers are coming down, and I feel mentally more alert.  I know I will keep on a walking program as long as I can.  I am really starting to like walking.

     I walked two and a half miles this evening.   I wanted to walk a little more than that, but I started too late and ended my walk in twilight.  I wouldn't give up my time babysitting my granddaughter this afternoon, and it was a little to chilly to take her out for  a walk.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

      I just finished a 3.2 mile walk around my neighborhood.   I saw people I have walked with in the past and met two new neighbors.  This was a very satisfying walk.  As I sit here typing, I hear the wind picking up and the rain is not far behind.  Finished just in time.  
      My feet feel great.  The rhythm fitness walkers are tops in my book.  You know what else I noticed?  The laces on these shoes do not come untied on their own. This may not be a big deal to some, but I hate double knotting my laces.  Just another reason to love my shoes.

Friday, April 20, 2012

I took a leisurely walk today pushing my granddaughter in her stroller.  It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon.  We both enjoyed being outside, enjoying nature. 

Thursday, April 19, 2012

I did it!!! Today was my first day of interval training (To start off, I walk 4 minutes, jog 1 minute, repeat 5 times)  After the first one minute jog, I felt pretty good.  After the second one minute jog, I thought I was going to give up.  My next four minute walk let me recover and I went on to finish all five reps with no problems.  Ended with a 5 minute cool down.  Two miles in 30 minutes.  I think I am going to like this. 

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

I had planned a great walk this morning. Was going to start my interval training.  Had my clothes all laid out, ready to go.  Got out of bed, ran to the door, and.....rain!!! It has rained all day, so I finally rode my stationary bike for a half hour.  My rhythm fitness walkers felt good pedaling, too.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Another beautiful day in Middle Georgia.  I went for a two mile walk with my son's girlfriend.  It was a pleasant walk and chat for a Sunday evening.  I am enjoying my commitment to walking and sharing these walks with a variety of people and pets.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

I walked two miles today with my new walking buddy, my one year old granddaughter, Abby.  She loves to be outside and enjoys the sunshine.  These Rhythm Fitness Walkers are still wonderful.  I don't want to take them off; they are so comfortable.

Photos from Hilton Head Island, SC April 2012

April 8, 2012 - Easter Sunday

     I spent the weekend at my sister Dot's home in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  Saturday, we took a three mile walk on the beach.  We had to walk into the wind for the first half of the walk. The return trip was much easier, I must admit.       After sunrise service this morning, we walked three miles to get back to her house.  The beach was so beautiful this morning; sunlight bouncing off the water and wet sand,with the tide coming in.  This was a true walkabout, not just a walk today.
     These Rhythm fitness walkers are great on sand, too.

Day 7

What a great day to walk!  Sun just starting to go down, clear skies, comfortable temperature.  As I started my walk, two neighbors were also walking so I joined them.  After we introduced ourselves,  I explained the walkabout and my journey.  I also had to tell them about these wonderful shoes.  They had questions about them and I was able to answer most of them.  Their company made the walk time go quickly.  We walked two miles together, and I headed for home.  I hope we run into each other again soon.

Day 6 - April 1

This afternoon, I went to the neighborhood behind me to walk.  Their road is a mile circle.  I did one lap - - I felt great.  I continued on for a second lap, completed it without resting and still felt great. This was a good start for the week.   I can't stop telling people about these shoes....my feet feel wonderful. 

Day 4 - March 30

I put my shoes on and walked out the door.  It was a really good start. Then I looked up at the sky.  Those are some really dark clouds....  looks like rain.... Maybe I should stay home and not get wet..... NO NO NO - quit the stinking thinking.  If I walk fast, I will get done before it rains.  Then again, it is so warm, the rain might feel pretty good.  

How did this end?

I completed my walk just as the sprinkles started to fall.  
And ohhhhhh, my feet feel sooooo good.  These rhythm walkers are wonderful. 

Day 2

Love, love, love the shoes.  (Rhythm fitness walkers)  Thank you Dr. Weil.  I am a barefoot kind of person, and believe me, once I had these shoes on, I didn't want to take them off.    I am so glad to be a part of this Walkabout.

                                                             See why I am so excited?

Day 1 of the 28 day Walkabout Challenge

     I have been named one of 50 Ambassadors for the 28-day Walkabout Challenge for Orthaheel USA and Weil Integrative Footwear. The nationwide Walkabout campaign officially begins today -  March 27, 2012, and will continue over a 28-day period, during which I will post about my journey.

     I received a large package yesterday, containing the necessary items for my trek. In the Walkabout Welcome Package were:  Rhythm fitness walkers (from the new Active Walking Collection by Dr. Andrew Weil Integrative Footwear), Dr. Weil's newest book, Spontaneous Happiness,  t-shirt, ball cap, and Australian boomerang.  

     I hope you will follow along as I walk to improve my health.

THIS IS DAY ONE AND I AM EXCITED TO GET STARTED.

I walked for about 20 minutes today - pushing a stroller with my granddaughter.  Walking is enjoyable when I am with Abby.  I started walking a little faster at the end due to feeling a few raindrops beginning to fall.  We arrived home safe and dry.

    I exercised for 30 minutes today.  Called my sister and we walked together while we talked.  This is a nice habit - getting to talk with my sister and getting my exercise done. 

The beginning

     I have been told by many medical professionals that I need to exercise.  Tell me something I don't know - like how to get motivated to exercise.  I know I need to exercise; I really want to exercise.  My treadmill is broke - so I don't walk.  My exercise bike doesn't have an odometer; I won't know how far I rode.   My elliptical thingamagig rattles... maybe it isn't safe to use. I don't want to get my indoor walking shoes dirty by wearing them OUTDOORS.   I have excuses..... what I don't have is motivation.

     My wonderful sister from Ohio called me the other night (I live in Georgia). 
     "You can do anything for fifteen minutes," she reminded me.  "Let's ride our exercise bikes together."  
     So we rode and talked to each other on our cell phones for fifteen minutes.  We ended our conversation at that point, made a date to do the same thing the following night, and got off our bikes.  Well, that wasn't too bad.  I still don't know how far I went, but I did exercise for fifteen minutes.
     The next night I rode for 20 minutes.  I sweated, and enjoyed it.

     MAYBE I will start an exercise program.