LOOK OUT TURTLES HERE I COME!

This is me for sure!  LOL

Just started the new training program last week and so far so good.  I've been adding some running to my scheduled walk and yesterday I ran for 12 minutes straight and 19 minutes total for the entire training program.  I know, oh boy 12 minutes at one time, yippee, but for someone who is not typically a runner and overweight to boot, I'm proud of this accomplishment.  Just saying!
Those turtles have nothing on me!

On race day, I don't want to be left in the dust, so running for some of the race may be my only option.  Even if I choose to run for 1/2 of every mile, or even every other mile, I know that I'll be able to finish and still be able to breathe.  :-)  That is if I continue to train the way I am.

Wish me luck and oh, by the way, do you have any peanut butter to spare, I need to slow those turtles down a bit, quick little buggers they are.  LOL

To week two and beyond...

SORRY TO HAVE BEEN AWAY...

So sorry to have been away from my blog.  Had nothing to post because I hadn't been doing anything, well maybe just a few days worth, but nothing to brag about for sure. 

But today I've recommitted to my training program with only 19 weeks to really train before the 1/2 Marathon, I've got to get a move on.  My husband, Jim, had a dream that I lost my medal from the race and I was very upset, well if I don't get my butt in gear I am going to lose it by not finishing the race.  That would be such a dipsappointment!  :-(

As the motivational picture above says, success does not come to me, I've got to work to achieve it.  So that being said, I'm working towards my goal, my success, and it's not going to be an easy ride but I'm up for the challenge.

This morning I walked, ran on my new treadmill for over an hour and although it was hot and I was getting tired.  I pushed my way through the pain and discomfort and finished doing the time I had decided to do, following a training program for beginning 1/2 marathoners.  The program calls for every other day OFF which I've never done before, but I figure they know what they're talking about, so I'll follow the plan.  If I feel like I need more, I'll do more.  The plan is 16 weeks long so I'll be finishing it a whole month before the race, I'll just redo the last four weeks of the plan and I should be all set.  Race day here I come!

Wish me luck!

To the rest of week one and beyond...

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE...

Just so the other racers know, see above!  LOL

So for the past two days, I've been doing my walk in the pool.  Not only is it cooler but the resistance is so much more that I actually feel like I'm doing something to help my training get kicked started again.

Pool walking is not only a good resistance way of training, but there's so much less stress on all of your joints.  Believe me, these older joints need all of the help they can get. 

With only 5-1/2 months left to train I'm doing what I can to reach my goal of the finish line, without being driven there, on my own two feet.  The hotter summer months  can cause issues for me and the colder winter months can cause issues for son, but if we want it bad enough (and we do) we'll figure a way through it.  Hence, pool walking!  :-)

25 Saturdays from now we should be well into the race, going strong and feeling confident!  Wish us luck!

To the next 24 Saturdays and beyond...

LIFE FULL OF EXCUSES!

So I've messed up my diet, didn't exercise and according to the above I should just say "so what", but that's not how I feel!  Of course I need to get back on track!  And of course I need to fuel my body with better foods!  But believe me when I say that this is harder then it should be.  :-(

Getting back into a routine, like walking everyday, long walks on the weekends, is not an easy thing to do!  Believe me when I say, I WANT TO!

I want to get a treadmill so that I really have no reason/excuse not to walk.  

Don't have to leave home, bathroom accessible at all times, water for hydration at my fingertips.  No dogs chasing me, biting at my heels.

What more could a girl ask for?!

Early morning events since our return home have prevented me (EXCUSES) from getting out early enough to beat the heat.  Even though I don't want to go out later in the morning, I need to do something to kick start myself again.  Maybe some pool walking this afternoon, hopefully overcast skies will make that easier.

I'm going to do it!  I promised myself!

To today, tomorrow and every day after...

OH NO!!!!

Oh no, what's happening to me?  Why am I not doing what I need to do to be ready for January?  Has my motivation waned?  Have I given up, thinking I'll never be able to do this anyway?  Do I feel lost in my quest for a healthier life?

In answer to my last question first, I know that since being in PA with family for the past 3-1/2 weeks I've eaten all the things that I used to eat on a regular basis, no calorie counting here!  Wow, what a mistake that is, stomach pains most of the time, overly full most of the time, fried and unhealthy foods most of the time.  What am I thinking?!  I still have a week and a half here and I need to make better choices so that I can go home not feeling like this.  There have been a couple references to me being fat during my stay and boy did that hurt.  No one wants to hear that they're FAT!  I think I really need to pray for help now more then ever. Any prayers you can send for me would be appreciated.

As far as the other questions go, I have just stopped walking every morning.  I know I could but I don't.  I always find things that I want or need to do that interfere with these plans, some not important at all, others are necessities.  I have to find out why this is happening, why I'm losing the momentum that had gotten me to where I was before this trip. Maybe vacations are my downfall. Maybe I'm thinking I can make it up when I get back home. Maybe, maybe, maybe...

Now that I'm finally posting again, I discovered last night that my fitbit isn't even working. I've tried different things to get it to work, but haven't had any success so far.  I'll try again today and see if I can get it to work. I know, just another excuse. :-(

Oh well, to tomorrow and beyond (hopefully!  prayers greatly accepted)...

WORTH IT? ABSOLUTELY!!

I'm not looking for this training to be easy because I know that it will not be, at least at first or second or third for that matter.  But do I believe that it will all be worth it, you betcha!!

Being here with my son for some together training is a bit more challenging then I thought it would be.  After all he's 6'2" and I'm 5'5", you can just imagine how different our strides are.  Here's me,
--------, here's his step count, -  -  -  -!  No way for me to catch up unless I double time.  Lol

We did have a great walking weekend though.  Not real long walks but very pleasant ones.  Temperature was wonderful, sun was just rising and home before it got hot out.  I must admit that it was a bit of a challenge for me as I haven't been walking everyday, or almost everyday, like I do when I'm home so the legs were a bit sore, got new sneakers so my feet felt fine.  Today is a day off but tomorrow morning out the door I'll go.  Looking forward to the coolness and beauty of the early morning hours.

To tomorrow and beyond...

TESTING, TESTING, 123

This past week has been nothing but testing, testing, testing, with a couple of doctor visits in between.  All good stuff, but they take up so much of the day and week.  Now the follow up rest of the doctor visits, then it's clear sailing for the rest of my visit to PA.

Besides all of these events, it's been raining every day since my arrival, so going for a walk in the rain hasn't been an option with only one pair of sneakers here.  Wet feet and wet sneakers are not the kind of thing I'd like unless I have to do the race in the rain.

But this morning, the sun is shining, the temperature is delightful and I was able to go outside and enjoy a nice walk.  Because I was "off" for a week I took my time and didn't push too hard, two miles that really felt like 4 or 5, but tomorrow will be even better.  More sunshine and beautiful temperatures await me in the morning.

Here's to the next four weeks of enjoying my visit to PA and walking my little (okay maybe not so little, hahaha) feet off and pursuing the 1/2 marathon dream that awaits me.

To tomorrow and beyond...

NEW, OLD MANTRA!

I know that I really don't have to remind myself of this when I'm out there walking or running, but I'm going to be training, in person, with my training from afar partner for the next couple months and I think I'm going to have to remind him and myself of this.

With long legs and long gait, it's going to be a challenge to keep up with him.  And let's not forget that he's 27 years younger then I am!  YIKES, 27 YEARS!!!  Never sounded like a lot until I wrote it down.  LOL

I know that we'll be walking/running everyday while I'm visiting, but that's good because it keeps me motivated going with someone.  I'm not only accountable to myself but now I'm accountable to him, and no one likes to let their son down.   :-) 

Old news, the sahara dust has finally blown out of here and it's a bit easier to breathe while exercising.  Yesterday was still a walk inside using the dvd but that's ok because after I finished I went right to work getting ready for my trip. 

Clothes packed √, some shutters closed √, freezer cleaned out √, I'm on a roll.  This exercising thing is really good for you!  Got so much done that a couple of months ago would have taken two or three days to do what I did in one! 

Oh look a squirrel!

Again my train of thought was disrupted and I got off my message.  I know I don't have to run/walk at a fast pace to finish the 1/2 marathon, I just have to show up and keep going.  One step after another, fast or slow, I'll get to the finish line and be proud of all that I've accomplished!

Just keep going, and going, and going...

To tomorrow and beyond...

NOT ME, NO SIR!

I'm just doing it!  I walk almost every day, most of the time 6 days a week, sometimes only 5, but I'm DOING IT!

This graphic really does tell it all.  Getting out there and moving, no matter what the reason, makes you feel proud of your accomplishment. 

I happened to pass a neighbor the other day while out for my long walk and I have to say I was laughing so hard at her comment.  (Love ya girl!)  Here's what she said to me as I was finishing my walk, "just wondering if you're doing this for health reasons or if you have a boy toy!"  I almost wet myself laughing!  A BOY TOY!  Seriously?!  An overweight, 64 year old, out of shape women and a boy toy?!  LOL

At least she said that she has noticed a difference in my appearance and that I look healthier.  When I came home and told my husband, after we got finished laughing, he said, totally unprompted by her comment because I had yet to tell him that part, that he thought I looked so much better, healthier, fitter.  So maybe all this walking/running is finally starting to pay off.  :-) 

My only thought about this is don't ever doubt the good that you're doing for your body, soul and mind by just getting out there for a walk, jog or run.  Life is short enough, let's not waste it!

To tomorrow and beyond...

LOOK LIKE ANYONE YOU KNOW?! :-)

Before I started this journey to better physical health and being able to complete a 1/2 marathon, the picture above was me, totally!  How easy it is to get into a rut of saying you should get up and exercise and then just sit there and not do anything.  It happens to me and I'm sure it happens to you too!

Yesterday was a phenomenal walk for me.  I didn't do any running, just walking,  but my split times were FANTASTIC!  I even got a split of 16:07 for my second mile!!  I need to be able to complete a 16:00 minute mile to complete the race in the allotted time, and now I'm oh so close, with 7 months left to perfect my walking speed and distance.  All three miles were at a great pace, 16:21 for mile 1, 16:07 for mile 2 (my best time) and 16:27 for mile 3.

Today is a walk inside, but that's ok.  Doing the dvd workouts are a good change of pace, because my outside walks are just back and forth on the same roads anyway.  LOL

So I better go now, before I sit and think about it too long. 

You know I'm easily distracted right?!  Oh look, a squirrel!

Hahahaha

To tomorrow and beyond...

I'M BAAACK!! :-)

Just when you thought, "well maybe she's not as committed as she says she is",  this morning I did a four mile walk!  It was a great feeling to move even though it was only one day off and the motivation level went down dramatically, I felt good about moving this old body for 4 miles.  There wasn't any running because I did a 4 mile walking dvd.  The air has been so heavy with sahara dust, it's been hard to breathe when walking outside.  For those who don't know what sahara dust is, it's a large dust storm that comes off the coast of Africa, across the Atlantic Ocean and falls on us and the other Caribbean Islands with a blanket of "dust".  It does have it's positive side though as it keeps storms from developing in the Atlantic Ocean. 

I am in such a positive mood this morning.  Knowing that it was going to be a great day, and so far so good.  I'm upbeat and happy, filled with excitement about what the future holds for me.  I have a very supportive husband, who loves me dearly, as I love him, and children and grandchildren who are the inspiration for my journey to better health.

It is true that one positive thought each morning can shape your whole day.  Be happy, positive and smile a lot because if nothing else, how can you be negative when you're smiling?!

Already thinking about my long walk on Saturday.  Haven't quite decided what the distance will be but whatever it is, I'll be happy and positive about doing it.

To Saturday and beyond...

WALKING WITH A PURPOSE OR PURPOSELY WALKING!

Unlike this little penguin, I didn't walk with any purpose this morning.  In fact I didn't walk or run at all.  Besides having a terrible headache when I woke up, the motivation wasn't there to just push through it.  I do indeed have a purpose, other then being able to do the 1/2 Marathon.

My purpose for doing all of the walking and running is to be able to be here for my family as long as I can.  This means being healthier and walking and running to keep my heart strong will sure help.  Of course, one never knows what is in the plan for them so I'll do my best to just keep plugging along.

Although I didn't "go" for a walk today, I've already racked 1+ miles by cleaning and doing some things around the house because today we have a house showing to a prospective buyer, and whatever is meant to be will be.  I have faith that things will all fit into the "plan" God has for us, that's part of the purpose for my life. 

Here's to having my motivation return and working on my "purpose".

To tomorrow and beyond...

I'M TRYING EVERYDAY!

I truly want to be better then I was yesterday and better the day after that and so on.  I have a great life, one that others might envy, but there's always room for improvement.  I can be a better person, physically, mentally and spiritually.

I'm not saying that a healthy competition isn't a good thing.  After all, I'm going to be joining 34,999 others competing in a race to see who's the best of the day.  Now I know that I'll be no where near the top of that list but doing this 1/2 marathon will make me a better person just by itself.

Be proud of your accomplishments and remember what you do today makes you a better person then you were yesterday.

By the way, I took the day off from walking/running on Sunday, first time in 34 days.  Although I felt a bit guilty by not being out there, I felt that my old body needed to relax for a day.  It really was a welcome respite.  Back at it on Monday with two 10 minutes in a row runs and very little walking in between.  It felt great until the mosquitoes decided it was time to carry me away!  YIKES, they were swarming me!  I made it home safely without too many bites and today I made sure to spray down with Cutter's before even leaving the house.  Did a 3.15 mile walk/run with split times of 16:27 and 16:23.  Pretty good for an old lady!  See I am better then I was yesterday or the day before.  :-)

Continuing on this journey.  To tomorrow and beyond...

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

While checking facebook this morning, I came across an article posted by Every Body Walk.  Immediately my reaction was, what the heck?!  Now that I've finally started to exercise more and run more, they now say that I'm at a greater chance of dying from heart problems.  SERIOUSLY?  Of course the study was with men, so maybe I have a better chance being a woman.  LOL  I've attached a copy of the article below for your reading pleasure.

So today was a real good running day for me, even better then yesterday.  I ran for a total of 20 minutes!!!  Some walking, 8 minutes running, walking, 4 minutes running, walking some more, then 8 more minutes running, finishing with a short walk.  I'm really happy about this accomplishment because I never ran before.  The best part of this walk/run was that my split time for the second mile was 15:37 and the third mile was 16:07.  I may beat out the scoops after all at the 1/2 Marathon at Disney World in January!  LOL

Day 33 completed.

To day 34 and beyond...

Too Much High-Intensity Exercise Could Hurt Heart Health

I DO, I DO!!!

After this morning's walk/run, I most certainly believe in myself!  I feel stronger then ever and I'm so thankful to God for giving me the strength and ability to do this exciting race in January.

So, this morning was a short walk of only 2 miles, but during those 34 minutes, 14 minutes of it was jogging!  Wahoo!!  I walked a bit, ran 6 minutes, walked a bit, ran 2 minutes, walked some more, then the final 6 minute running with a short walk to finish the 2 miles.  I'm proud of my efforts, but again I'm very thankful to God!  

Son has been running too.  His legs are so much longer then mine and I'm positive I won't be able to keep up with him on any run, but at least we're doing this Training Together From Afar.  I encourage him when he posts or text messages me and he does the same for me.  I can feel his energy when he tells me "great job" or "AWESOME" or any other words of encouragement.  We're doing this together, not only for saying we did it, but for that feeling knowing we can accomplish anything if we put our heart and soul into it.  Thank you again God!

By the way, today is day 32!  Yippee

To day 33 and beyond...

FUNNY BUT TRUE! (NOT)

This really made me laugh when I saw it.  And although my underwear hasn't caught fire yet, the thighs are still rubbing more then I'd like them to be.  I have to keep reminding myself that I didn't get in this shape overnight, and it's not going to go away overnight either!  PATIENCE!

Well today is day 30 and I'm feeling good.  I've been dedicated to my walking program everyday and I'll continue to as long as these chubby legs will carry me.  LOL

I had an amazing walk on Sunday, Mother's Day, I treated myself to an 8 mile walk!  My longest walk prior to this has been six miles so I really felt accomplished!  I did overdo a bit and took a nice nap after I had something to eat, but I did it none the less.  I do have to remind myself to carb up before doing walks of this length because the body needs to have fuel just like a car needs gas.  Because I live in a warm climate, I need to rehydrate too, replenish the electrolytes that I sweat out.  So today when I went shopping I got just the right things to make the next long walk a less stressful on the body one.

Running or jogging is still on the agenda so hopefully tomorrow will be a running/jogging/walking morning and I can start to make those thighs cause less friction!  :-)

Well, to day 31 and beyond...

TO CHI OR NOT TO CHI?!

Running for me is SLOW GOING, but as the message above says, I still run!

I'm trying to do more and more running by increasing my run time each week.  So far this week I've done 10 minutes of intermittent running for two days.  Considering I haven't run since I was like 8 years old or in high school where we had to run in order to pass PE, I think that's pretty darn good.  Plus, I'm not 8 anymore!  LOL

My training partner, hereby known as my son, has starting exercising again, running for a couple of miles all at once.  My day will come I'm sure of it.  Anyway, son told me about ChiWalking/Running and although I haven't had the chance to try it yet, I'm looking forward to seeing how it works for me.  I have exercise induced asthma and breathing becomes labored if I don't use my inhaler, but thankfully I got a new inhaler yesterday so I'm ready for that next run, Chi or otherwise.  :-)

Wish me luck!  Today is day 25 by the way, onward and upward.

To day 26 and beyond...

GREATEST MOMENT, SO FAR!

I had one of the "greatest moments" in my training yesterday.  Besides that it was day 22 of my 21 day challenge, I ran for 10 minutes of my 3.1 miles, 53 minute walk/run!  I have never run that long on any of my training so far, and although they weren't consecutive minutes, they were 10 minutes.  3 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 2 minutes!

The illustration above is oh so true.  I never realized that I could run for that long two weeks ago.  Determination, I think, is the key.   Now that my Training Together From Afar son is starting to run a bit again, I feel I need to try to do more and more.  I want to be able to at least run some of the half marathon with him.  I think hoping to run the entire race would be a pipe dream.  But who knows, I never thought I'd be running at all, two weeks or two months ago.

Can you just imagine what it will be like two weeks from now?  I can hardly wait!

By the way, today is day 23!  YEAH!!!

To day 24 and beyond...

21 DAYS, DONE!!!

I DID IT!  I completed my self inflicted 21 day challenge and I'm still standing. Lol. 

That's 98 miles, and approximately 225,200 steps!  

I'm really happy that I didn't shrug this challenge off and skip a day here and there.  Of course that would have been easy to do, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.

I've already thought that tomorrow maybe should be a rest day, but now that it's become a routine I'm not sure I can skip the day's walk without feeling guilty.  Maybe a short 3 miler with some running will be the plan for tomorrow.  Wish me luck for the next 21.

To day 22 and beyond...

GETTING STRONGER

This journey that I'm on isn't easy, it's takes dedication and desire!  Today was day 20 of my self inflicted 21 day challenge and it was a great one.  Cool breezes blowing, sun hidden behind the clouds so that it wasn't too hot, a perfect long walk day.  :-)

I was only planning on doing 5 miles top, but ended up doing a bit more, 5.8 miles.  And my step count, well that was 12,059!  Wahoo!!!  All of that before 8am.  This was the happy part of my day so far.

On this journey, I'm learning lessons too.  I've learned that if I want something bad enough, I've got to work at it because it doesn't happen all by itself.  I've learned that if I challenge myself and set a goal, that I can accomplish it.  I'm learning to be stronger with every walk/run I do, both mentally and physically. 

The weight isn't moving, but I'm sure that's diet related.  This is the down in my life right now, but I know that I'm STRONG and can do anything!  I have faith in God and myself and I know He will guide me through this and help me make the right decisions for my health and well being.

Maybe changing my diet for the better will have to be my next self inflicted challenge.  We'll see.

To day 21 and beyond...