Monday, October 30, 2006

Time Change Blues

I hate to get up early. The Fall time change is always easier on me than the Spring change for that reason. Unfortunately, I also hate having it get dark so early in the evening.

Today was absolutely beautiful, but because of errands I could not get out to walk while it was light out. I needed to make a quick trip to the store later and decided to walk so I could get a few steps in.

I wore a jacket and shoes that reflect well and I carried a flashlight. The flashlight was more so cars would see me than for me to see anything in particular. Everything was fine on my way to the store - cars seemed aware of my presence and the walk was uneventful.

On the way back, nothing big happened, but in the dark everything takes on more importance. For example, the cars at the big intersection I cross were not using their turn signals. Not normally a big deal when you can see the drivers and can tell if they can see you. It creeps me out when they just suddenly turn in my direction with no notice. I have to hope all of my reflective gear and the flashlight keep me safe!

Regardless, this time of year I have to figure out how to keep walking. I guess I'll just have to stick to the local neighborhood streets or "walk" my errands earlier in the day.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Product Reviewer Needed

I have received a sample of FitDeck Exercise Playing Cards to review for a future issue of WALK! Magazine. The deck includes a variety of exercises on cards that you would carry with you while walking. At preselected points on the walk you would stop and perform an exercise. This reminds me of the exercise equipment that used to line many walking paths in the 80s.

This is not something I would normally use because when I walk, I just walk. Unfortunately, most of my walking buddies feel the same way.

So, anyone who is interested in trying out this product, let me know and I will send it to you. To be fair to the manufacturer, I would prefer it if only someone who has an interest in this type of product offer to review it.

Send an e-mail to me at admin@walk-magazine.com

Thanks!

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Does "Moonwalking" Count?

It's Halloween weekend and as usual I went to a Friday-night party. This year my husband and I went against tradition and did separate costumes. It was entirely my fault - I found something perfect for me, and we couldn't think of anything to go with it.

OK, I went to the party as Michael Jackson. I'm not sure what decade I represented, but the wig was pretty long, I wore dark aviator sunglasses and my skin tone was just about perfect as is. Very few people who know me guessed I was behind the glasses. Those who saw my husband were told I didn't feel like going to the party. (It did feel weird avoiding him most of the night.) The good news is, I technically won the costume contest! The bad news is, the DJ made a mistake and I actually received third place. All of the judges told me after the fact that they had voted for me. The funny thing is, they were more ticked about it than I was.

So, now my question: Does "Moonwalking" count for training miles?

A bonus for those who read this blog is a picture of me as Michael. Check it out here: http://www.walk-magazine.com/halloween.html

Sunday, October 22, 2006

A First Step

OK, I finally had all of my aches and pains checked out by my doctor. In addition, as soon as I get back home from a short business trip, I'll be seeing a massage therapist and possibly a chiropractor. Between the anti-inflammatories and massages, I should be feeling great in no time!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Walker Friendly Event Nominations

Would you like to see WALK! Magazine come to an event in your area? If you know of an event that treats walkers great, send an e-mail with the subject line "Nomination Event" to Walk! Magazine at admin@walk-magazine.com.

Qualifying events include marathons, half marathons, charity races, walker-only events or any distance event that attracts over 1,500 participants.

People nominating events will be eligible to win entry to a local event (up to $60), a WALK! Magazine T-hirt, or a subscription to WALK!

Hurry! Nominations must be received by December 1, 2006.

Silence is Golden

Lately, because I am so busy, I have very few opportunities to sit back and relax. I am working on the next issue of WALK!, writing news releases, attending expos, completing subscription orders, filing paperwork, etc. In addition, I try to get in some walking, I go to my son's football games and I'm driving car pool to various kid activities. Reading is one of my favorite ways to relax, and I never have time anymore.

I have become the Queen of multi-tasking by listening to books on tape wherever I go. They are great for keeping me alert while driving a long distance, or after dropping off a carload of kids, while working on layouts and especially while walking.

Just the other day I noticed I am never surrounded by silence! My brain never has the chance to just think what it wants to think, to wander, to unwind. I was totally unaware this was a problem until the other day when I was alone with my thoughts for the first time in I don't know how long, and I came up with a terrific idea for the magazine. After writing down some basic thoughts and running the idea by several people, I realized it had been a long time since I was alone with my thoughts.

Granted, when you are busy you do need to multi-task to some degree. Listening to the news while entering subscription orders, listening to a book while driving, putting in a load of laundry before heading out for a walk. But there comes a time when the brain just cannot handle anymore. It needs a break. I will make sure I have at least a little bit of silence in my life everyday. I think my brain will appreciate it.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Printer Error

Due to printer error, the Fall issue of WALK! Magazine mailed 10 days late. They are in the mail and you should be receiving your issue soon.

Resigning as Walking Director

I started a posting earlier this week to let people know I had resigned as Walking Director of the Columbus Marathon, but weather and Internet connection problems prevented it from posting.

Here's the scoop. In September I resigned as Walking Director of the Columbus Marathon. It was within a week of finding out that all of the strides we had made in making the Columbus Marathon walker friendly were removed without consultation. I don't know why everything was cut back because I was never given a reason. In fact, I didn't even know until September. But what upset me the most was that they made changes to the Walking Division and never once discussed it with the two Walking Directors - me and Phil Heit. I'm even a member of the Running Community Advisory Committee, which is supposed to provide the marathon board with input from marathoners. I have been to only one meeting this year, so maybe I'm no longer a member and don't know it.

Anyway, the delay in notification had a lot to do with not knowing what to say. I didn't really want to trash the race, and I was pretty ticked to put it mildly. Also, they very nicely asked me to reconsider, and I was thinking about it. I decided to wait to see what they will do for next year. I don't want walkers to think I condone the changes that were made.

Also, I had a booth at the Expo and I didn't feel comfortable bad mouthing an organization that was doing business with me. From the number of walkers I saw, I'm confident they had a LOT more walkers than last year, and I'm sure it was because of the half-marathon option.

Because of injury (yes, it is still my IT band and I swear I will get to a doctor soon) I did not enter the half marathon as I had planned. I have been pushing for a half marathon for a long time, and wanted to support that. It was very weird sleeping in today. I have not done that on Marathon day in a long time!

I know I'm starting to ramble, but it has been a long weekend and I'm tired.

If you entered the Columbus Marathon, let us know what you thought of the event. And if you don't like something, it would be a good idea to let the marathon staff know. (Of course, if you liked the event, you should tell them that, too.)