Part of what got me started walking back in the late 90s was not being able to keep up when hiking on a family vacation. I was depressed and felt old and out of shape. Walking for health and fitness changed everything.
Last week, while on another family vacation with many of the same family members, a couple of us went on a hike. My brother-in-law is one of the people I could not keep up with way back then.
Well, I still could not keep up, but not because I'm not fit, but because I'm short! For every one of BIL's steps, I had to take at least 2 to match him. If we were on a flat surface where I could use my pseudo-racewalking form, I could have easily beat him. But those rocky, uneven trails meant I had to watch every step. Well, I SHOULD have watched every step.
The biggest difference I noticed was, I couldn't go faster this year because of safety and short legs. (I could have gone quite a bit farther.) The last time I was gasping for breath, my legs were killing me and I rested a lot! I definitely could not have gone farther.
None of the others from that infamous hike over 7 years ago were with us. I wonder if I would have still been last if they were.
Monday, August 06, 2007
You Know it is Hot When...
* When the thermostat in the house says it is 80 degrees, yet it is still cooler inside than out! (Our air conditioner broke, and it is rigged to produce slightly cool air for about the next 48 hours, until the replacement can be installed.)
* Even your wicking fabrics cannot keep up with the amount you are sweating.
* The ice in your water bottle melts within the first 5 mins of being outside.
* I wore shorts and a tank top to walk in, even though it looks like I've been through a recent car wreck with all of my scrapes and bruises. (From the fall when hiking last week.)
* My Mom's dog doesn't want to sit in anyone's lap.
* A person like me, who rarely uses AC, is dying to drive somewhere just to cool off.
* The dog that normally charges me when I walk by his house, just strolled to the edge of the sidewalk and barked only three times.
NOTE: I know I should have waited until dark to walk today, but I knew if I waited I probably would not go. My schedule is off from vacation, and I need to get back on track. So I walked when the motivation hit me.
* Even your wicking fabrics cannot keep up with the amount you are sweating.
* The ice in your water bottle melts within the first 5 mins of being outside.
* I wore shorts and a tank top to walk in, even though it looks like I've been through a recent car wreck with all of my scrapes and bruises. (From the fall when hiking last week.)
* My Mom's dog doesn't want to sit in anyone's lap.
* A person like me, who rarely uses AC, is dying to drive somewhere just to cool off.
* The dog that normally charges me when I walk by his house, just strolled to the edge of the sidewalk and barked only three times.
NOTE: I know I should have waited until dark to walk today, but I knew if I waited I probably would not go. My schedule is off from vacation, and I need to get back on track. So I walked when the motivation hit me.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
A Few New Things I Don't Like about Walking in Summer
1) Ticks.
2) Bikes. (I haven't been hit yet, but they have come close!)
3) Humidity.
4) Days when the air does NOT move.
5) Did I say ticks? I really, really hate ticks.
6) Swarms of gnats that gather around your face.
7) Mosquitoes.
8) I still really hate ticks.
9) Having my favorite hat lost in the lake.
10) Sweat in my eyes because a couple of kids lost my hat in the lake. (The kids who played keep-away with it eventually found it again.)
2) Bikes. (I haven't been hit yet, but they have come close!)
3) Humidity.
4) Days when the air does NOT move.
5) Did I say ticks? I really, really hate ticks.
6) Swarms of gnats that gather around your face.
7) Mosquitoes.
8) I still really hate ticks.
9) Having my favorite hat lost in the lake.
10) Sweat in my eyes because a couple of kids lost my hat in the lake. (The kids who played keep-away with it eventually found it again.)
More Things I Like About Walking in Summer
1) Wildflowers.
2) The ocassional rain that cools you off at just the right moment.
3) Ice cold watermelon when I get home.
4) Wildlife. We saw about 4 deer crash through the woods last week. They are prettier and more interesting in the woods than at the side of a highway. We also saw some amazingly beautiful birds.
5) The smell of freshly mowed grass.
6) The days are long enough I can walk pretty late in the day if I have to.
7) Not needing to wear several layers.
8) Breezes feel great.
9) Hearing kids cheer while playing baseball or softball nearby.
10) Wicking fabrics.
2) The ocassional rain that cools you off at just the right moment.
3) Ice cold watermelon when I get home.
4) Wildlife. We saw about 4 deer crash through the woods last week. They are prettier and more interesting in the woods than at the side of a highway. We also saw some amazingly beautiful birds.
5) The smell of freshly mowed grass.
6) The days are long enough I can walk pretty late in the day if I have to.
7) Not needing to wear several layers.
8) Breezes feel great.
9) Hearing kids cheer while playing baseball or softball nearby.
10) Wicking fabrics.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Jet Lag?
Can a person get jet lag if he/she was driving? I am so lethargic today it is ridiculous! It feels exactly like jet lag.
We were in a different time zone for a week, and we stayed up much later than usual, but I'm still surprised I can feel so "blah." The kids appear to be fine, but even my husband seems lethargic.
I need to get back into my regular walking schedule, tomorrow. The Crim is just a couple of weeks away!
We were in a different time zone for a week, and we stayed up much later than usual, but I'm still surprised I can feel so "blah." The kids appear to be fine, but even my husband seems lethargic.
I need to get back into my regular walking schedule, tomorrow. The Crim is just a couple of weeks away!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Heading Home
On our way home from Land Between the Lakes we stopped at Mammoth Cave. We did one of the longer hikes - over 2 miles and about 2 hours. The more than 160-stair climb at the end was a nice workout.
It has been so hot and humid all week, it was really great being in the cool dark cave. It's a shame our group was so large! I think our guide was cutting a few things short because it took so long to get people gathered.
Regardless it was fun! I'm a little less stiff though my neck still hurts. My "mosquito" bites are obviously NOT from mosquitoes now. I think they are chiggers. (Yuck!) Anti-itch creams have saved my life, that and Ibuprofen, air conditioning and a little bit of Merlot. (For the antioxidants, of course.)
It has been so hot and humid all week, it was really great being in the cool dark cave. It's a shame our group was so large! I think our guide was cutting a few things short because it took so long to get people gathered.
Regardless it was fun! I'm a little less stiff though my neck still hurts. My "mosquito" bites are obviously NOT from mosquitoes now. I think they are chiggers. (Yuck!) Anti-itch creams have saved my life, that and Ibuprofen, air conditioning and a little bit of Merlot. (For the antioxidants, of course.)
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Hiking Mishap
I love hiking. Earlier this week I went with my daughter and brother-in-law on a trail here at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. It was hot and humid, and VERY hilly! The trail was well marked and we had planned to turn around and head in the opposite direction after about 1.3 miles so we could see what was north of where we started. (There just happened to be a sign that said we had gone 1.3 miles, so we turned around.)
My BIL has VERY long legs. My daughter is very nimble and really more of a runner. As we were walking I realized that she just kind of skipped along barely touching the ground. My BIL was taking one step for every 2-3 of mine. Though on a flat surface I can racewalk faster than they can walk, keeping your feet low to the ground and not bending knees doesn't work on a trail. I decided to just walk a little behind them and not stress. On a hairpin curve down a hill, I cheated, cut through and caught up with them. I was a little cocky and laughing, not watching the trail. My right foot caught on a big immovable rock, and before I knew it, I was in mid-air, thinking "This is going to hurt." I hit the ground on my right arm, hip and shin. I laid there a minute wondering if I was hurt, and when my BIL looked all worried I got worried. I was scraped up pretty good, but nothing was broken. We cut the hike short when we got to the point we entered (About 2.6 miles total.) and went back to the cabin. The middle of my upper arm is a pretty purple, my hip has another pretty purple spot, and my leg is scraped with a little more purple underneath. I feel achy all over, and my neck and back are especially throbby.
I'm very lucky I wasn't hurt worse. Unfortunately, it really cut down on my desire to get in more walking. I probably will do a little later today when it cools off, but not necessarily on a trail.
I'm amazed how yucky I can feel after an impact with the ground. It does make me wonder how football players do it.
Anyway, we are still on vacation, and expect to be back over the weekend. If I can get to the library again to get Internet access before we return, I will.
My BIL has VERY long legs. My daughter is very nimble and really more of a runner. As we were walking I realized that she just kind of skipped along barely touching the ground. My BIL was taking one step for every 2-3 of mine. Though on a flat surface I can racewalk faster than they can walk, keeping your feet low to the ground and not bending knees doesn't work on a trail. I decided to just walk a little behind them and not stress. On a hairpin curve down a hill, I cheated, cut through and caught up with them. I was a little cocky and laughing, not watching the trail. My right foot caught on a big immovable rock, and before I knew it, I was in mid-air, thinking "This is going to hurt." I hit the ground on my right arm, hip and shin. I laid there a minute wondering if I was hurt, and when my BIL looked all worried I got worried. I was scraped up pretty good, but nothing was broken. We cut the hike short when we got to the point we entered (About 2.6 miles total.) and went back to the cabin. The middle of my upper arm is a pretty purple, my hip has another pretty purple spot, and my leg is scraped with a little more purple underneath. I feel achy all over, and my neck and back are especially throbby.
I'm very lucky I wasn't hurt worse. Unfortunately, it really cut down on my desire to get in more walking. I probably will do a little later today when it cools off, but not necessarily on a trail.
I'm amazed how yucky I can feel after an impact with the ground. It does make me wonder how football players do it.
Anyway, we are still on vacation, and expect to be back over the weekend. If I can get to the library again to get Internet access before we return, I will.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
My Mistake - Appleton Update
In my letter from the editor in the Summer issue of WALK! Magazine, I implied that walkers who enter the "competitive" division of the Appleton 13.1 Miles PowerWalk must racewalk. (Actually, that is what I thought.)
This is wrong! I just found out today that competitive walkers are NOT required to racewalk either. Basically, the judges are there to make sure everyone walks, not to watch for proper racewalking form.
I hope this misunderstanding has not kept any of you from entering the race!
Don't forget, the race is September 23.
This is wrong! I just found out today that competitive walkers are NOT required to racewalk either. Basically, the judges are there to make sure everyone walks, not to watch for proper racewalking form.
I hope this misunderstanding has not kept any of you from entering the race!
Don't forget, the race is September 23.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Another 8 Miles
I got my 8 miles in today! Though it was supposed to be a "not so easy 8", I started out slow. The first mile was 17 minutes! I have not used the lap feature on my watch yet, so I'm not sure how fast the last few miles were, but I did 4 in 63 minutes and I tried to go progressively faster.
The weather was perfect. It was sunny, but not hot. There was a pretty consistent breeze, so I never got over-heated. Unlike last week, I was totally aware of the hills. I think it is because I was trying to walk harder.
I feel as if I could do the 10-mile race in Flint next week! My training is going great!
The weather was perfect. It was sunny, but not hot. There was a pretty consistent breeze, so I never got over-heated. Unlike last week, I was totally aware of the hills. I think it is because I was trying to walk harder.
I feel as if I could do the 10-mile race in Flint next week! My training is going great!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Disappearing Racewalking Division
It's not often that I hear about a race from more than one reader. Two told me they entered the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon, registered as racewalkers, then found out the day of the race there was no racewalking division.
I sent an e-mail to ask about it. Here's what the race director said:
I appreciate his getting back to me so quickly.
I sent an e-mail to ask about it. Here's what the race director said:
The racewalk was only a registration category and was to let people know we welcomed racewalkers to our event (my mother is a nationally ranked racewalker). NOCRAP used to be involved and we are no longer allowed to present awards since it is a point to point course and we cannot afford to judge it. We've been told by participants and officials that awarding racewalkers when there is no mechanism to prevent run/walkers, is not fair and should stop. So, we stopped posting on the website that we'd be awarding any racewalk categories. However, we can provide a separate category for times and post that. I apologize for the confusion.
I appreciate his getting back to me so quickly.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
See Cindi in Appleton
Saturday, September 22 at 1:15 p.m. I'll be speaking at the Appleton Expo. It looks like the preliminary title will be something like "Why Walk?" I'll discuss the benefits of walking and goal setting, weightloss, overall fitness and maintaining motivation.
Come see me!
Come see me!
8 is Great!
I got 8 miles in today and it was great! I was a little nervous because once I get beyond 5 or 7 miles during training, I worry about how I will feel.
I went to one of my favorite parks that has an almost 4-mile loop. It has great trees, hills (hard to find in Columbus), varied scenery and deer. It also has drinking fountains, one 2-miles into the loop, and bathrooms.
Because it was hot I decided to take it easy for a couple of miles until I knew whether the heat would bother me. After about 2 miles I decided to just take it easy today. I enjoyed seeing how much everything had grown since my last trip there. There was plenty of shade and I even saw one deer. In fact, the walk was so enjoyable, I didn't even notice the second time I hit the hills.
I finished feeling fantastic!
Dave's Crim 10-mile training schedule has us do two 10-mile days. I know by the time I get to Flint for the Crim, I will be more than ready. I'm confident it will help my half marathon training, too!
I went to one of my favorite parks that has an almost 4-mile loop. It has great trees, hills (hard to find in Columbus), varied scenery and deer. It also has drinking fountains, one 2-miles into the loop, and bathrooms.
Because it was hot I decided to take it easy for a couple of miles until I knew whether the heat would bother me. After about 2 miles I decided to just take it easy today. I enjoyed seeing how much everything had grown since my last trip there. There was plenty of shade and I even saw one deer. In fact, the walk was so enjoyable, I didn't even notice the second time I hit the hills.
I finished feeling fantastic!
Dave's Crim 10-mile training schedule has us do two 10-mile days. I know by the time I get to Flint for the Crim, I will be more than ready. I'm confident it will help my half marathon training, too!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
4 Miles today
My Crim race training program called for 4 miles "acceleration" today. That means, I had to start out at a reasonable pace and each successive mile to go faster and finally finsh very fast.
During my first mile I kept going too fast. I had to work at keeping myself at a reasonable pace. The last mile was pretty tough! I walked as hard as I could and still maintain it for a full mile. When I got close to home I sprinted. Well, what passes for a sprint for me.
What a great workout! I had forgotten how invigorating it can be to walk to change the pace. I finished feeling great - tired, but great!
During my first mile I kept going too fast. I had to work at keeping myself at a reasonable pace. The last mile was pretty tough! I walked as hard as I could and still maintain it for a full mile. When I got close to home I sprinted. Well, what passes for a sprint for me.
What a great workout! I had forgotten how invigorating it can be to walk to change the pace. I finished feeling great - tired, but great!
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Racewalking? Maybe
I've had racewalking lessons, but I never really felt like I "got" it. I seriously need more lessons, but haven't had time. I wish I could have been to the Bonnie Stein clinic when she was in Columbus last month. I always attempt to racewalk, but I'm really not very good at it.
Anyway, today during my 6-mile walk, I wasn't really thinking about walking. Suddenly, I felt as if my stride was so smooth I was floating. I've been told you will feel it when you are really racewalking, and I think today I might have been doing it somewhat correctly!
I'll have to keep trying.
Anyway, today during my 6-mile walk, I wasn't really thinking about walking. Suddenly, I felt as if my stride was so smooth I was floating. I've been told you will feel it when you are really racewalking, and I think today I might have been doing it somewhat correctly!
I'll have to keep trying.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Just Plain Tired
I just did NOT feel like walking today. It was hot, humid and I was still tired from our neighbors setting off fireworks until the wee hours this morning. I guess they didn't have to work today.
I decided to just go out and walk casually for 3 miles. I did that for about 40 min. and started feeling a little better as time went on. At that point I also stopped to watch an auto accident at the end of our street. It attracted several firetrucks and ambulances, and looked as if it involved 4 cars. I couldn't tell how many people were hurt.
That short break was just enough of a rest that I felt great! I picked up my speed and even added a couple of cul de sacs I Originally planned I would skip.
I feel bad about the accident, and wouldn't normally stop to gawk, but I needed to regroup. And I left feeling more energetic.
I decided to just go out and walk casually for 3 miles. I did that for about 40 min. and started feeling a little better as time went on. At that point I also stopped to watch an auto accident at the end of our street. It attracted several firetrucks and ambulances, and looked as if it involved 4 cars. I couldn't tell how many people were hurt.
That short break was just enough of a rest that I felt great! I picked up my speed and even added a couple of cul de sacs I Originally planned I would skip.
I feel bad about the accident, and wouldn't normally stop to gawk, but I needed to regroup. And I left feeling more energetic.
Discovery
I just discovered that the house with the invisible fence and the charging dog also has the invisible sprinklers that soaked me recently. If I see the dog, there is no water - if I see the sidewalks are wet, no dog!
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Columbus Monthly Article
Earlier this year I was interviewed by Columbus Monthly magazine for an article about walking. Well, the article finally came out in the July issue! I'm pretty happy with how I came across. I'm quoted significantly, which was nice --especially since I sounded OK. The magazine did a good job of running photos of most of the people interviewed, and my photo was flattering. I'm a little hyper critical because I was on a medication that caused weight gain back then, and have lost more than 10 lbs since the photo was taken. Regardless, it's a nice photo. (My hairdresser will be happy my hair looks great!)
This is funny. I skimmed the article yesterday evening and was all excited. Then several hours later, when showing it to a friend, I noticed the subhead above the portion about me said "Unfit Thin Person." Now, I have always described my "before walking" life that way, but it hit me as humorous seeing it as the subhead about me!
I'm hoping that the publicity helps to generate some interest in WALK! Magazine by Columbus area walkers.
Thanks to Phil Heit for suggesting I be included in the story! Congratulations to everyone in the story, especially Larry Smith, who reads this blog!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Magazine Update
OK, I know this is an old excuse, but the printer did not mail the Summer issue of WALK! Magazine on Friday as I was told. In fact, it didn't mail today either.
With this printer it's SSDD.
With this printer it's SSDD.
3 Miles
Today was an easy 3 miles in my training schedule. It definitely helped with the stiffness I had left over from Saturday's walk.
What is funny is that it was chilly enough that I wore leggings and a long-sleeved shirt! In July! I never would have expected it. Granted, I had to walk after 9 p.m., but I still can't believe it was this chilly. I start my speed workouts tomorrow.
What is funny is that it was chilly enough that I wore leggings and a long-sleeved shirt! In July! I never would have expected it. Granted, I had to walk after 9 p.m., but I still can't believe it was this chilly. I start my speed workouts tomorrow.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Stiff
I'm a little bit stiff and sore today. It usually happens when I'm training for an event, but this time it seems a little more uncomfortable than usual. In fact, yesterday it was bad enough that I took Ibuprofen to sit through the baseball game and had to take even more today. Slow casual walking in the grocery store helped.
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