My friend Deb and I met at 2 p.m. today to get in our weekly long mileage. Normally we do distance on Saturday, but we refused to walk 8 miles inside a mall, and decided to give the bike trails a chance to thaw after Friday's rain and ice.
As we were walking we noticed we were wearing the exact same bright blue NB shoes (902s), dark pants, blue jackets and red mittens!
So, the answer to the question is no - we could not have been bigger geeks if we had tried. (Next time I'm calling to see what she is wearing!)
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tempo
We did our "tempo" walk tonight - we walked for 10 min to warm up, then 40 min at the pace we will for the 21-mile event at Big Sur. I was a little worried because it had snowed several inches earlier today. Luckily it melted pretty quickly and the park we went to was clear. It was 22 degrees and a little windy, but with the brisk pace we warmed up quickly and Deb and I were a little too hot by the end.
I didn't get out yesterday because of an early evening meeting. I need to do a better job of getting out every day I'm scheduled.
Regardless, today felt great! With all of this regular exercise I'm starting to lose a few pounds and I can feel my legs getting stronger.
I didn't get out yesterday because of an early evening meeting. I need to do a better job of getting out every day I'm scheduled.
Regardless, today felt great! With all of this regular exercise I'm starting to lose a few pounds and I can feel my legs getting stronger.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Feeling Better
I'm not quite right yet (am I ever?), but I felt well enough to get in some walking today. I decided to go ahead and do my scheduled speed workout in the cul de sac across the street from my house. The schedule called for 8 X 400, at my 10K pace, but I know I wasn't ready for that many reps after not walking for a few days. I opted for 4 X 800+ at a fast pace. My son was with me and did a good job of encouraging me to keep going. He was surprised that I can walk faster than he can. Luckily he didn't challenge me to a running race.
I feel OK, my shins were tight while walking and I slowed a little for each lap. The laps were 4:11, 4:21, 4:21 and 4:25. I know it was farther than 800 meters, I definitely walk faster than a 16-min mile. I'm going to have to measure out more specific distances.
NOTE: I've used MapMyWalk for general distances in my neighborhood with good success. The only problem I have is it seems to miss the round end of a cul de sac. On maps they show up as deadends - but I walk the full loop. I haven't figured out how to work around that yet.
I feel OK, my shins were tight while walking and I slowed a little for each lap. The laps were 4:11, 4:21, 4:21 and 4:25. I know it was farther than 800 meters, I definitely walk faster than a 16-min mile. I'm going to have to measure out more specific distances.
NOTE: I've used MapMyWalk for general distances in my neighborhood with good success. The only problem I have is it seems to miss the round end of a cul de sac. On maps they show up as deadends - but I walk the full loop. I haven't figured out how to work around that yet.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Probably Not Flu
Because I don't feel worse than I did yesterday, I'm pretty sure this is not the flu. The weirdest symptom is slight dizziness. If I walk too fast or turn my head too quickly, I have a couple seconds of dizziness. Scrolling too fast through computer screens causes the same result. Sounds more like an ear problem (though my ears don't hurt) or maybe it's related to the pain in my sinuses.
I'm going to try hot compresses on my face and saline rinses. Regardless, I think I'll recover quickly since I don't feel worse today.
I'm going to try hot compresses on my face and saline rinses. Regardless, I think I'll recover quickly since I don't feel worse today.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sidelined by Flu
OK, I don't know for sure it is the flu. I started feeling a little "draggy" as the week wore on. Last night I ended up with a tremendous headache I could not get rid of, and I've felt weak and rotten all day.
Needless to say, I did not make it out for my 7-mile walk today.
Needless to say, I did not make it out for my 7-mile walk today.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
New Weight Loss Plan
I've decided that if I truly want to lose weight, I should eat every meal at Fazoli's and use their forks with the crazy tines. The other day at the fast-food Italian restaurant I discovered that the shape of the plastic forks makes it impossible to pick up a piece of penne pasta, especially if the pasta is covered with low-fat marinara. I stabbed each piece of pasta at least 5 times before I could finally pick it up and pop it in my mouth. Forget trying to get more than one piece on the fork at a time.
Here is why this is a great weight loss program: 1) It took longer for me to eat. I had several seconds between bites fighting with the pasta. 2) Because I ate slower, I filled up faster and ate just half of the small portion. 3) Even if I was still hungry, the frustration level would have encouraged me to quit eating much earlier than normal. 4) The iceberg lettuce in the side salad was much easier to pick up, so I ate more of the tasteless salad than the pasta.
On a subsequent visit, I inadvertently ordered a pasta with a meat sauce. Oops! Because the meat sauce is thicker than the marinara, I had no problem picking up the pasta and eating the entire thing.
So, skip the garlic butter coated breadsticks (which can be eaten with your fingers) and stick to penne or some other hard to pick up pasta with marinara.
Here is why this is a great weight loss program: 1) It took longer for me to eat. I had several seconds between bites fighting with the pasta. 2) Because I ate slower, I filled up faster and ate just half of the small portion. 3) Even if I was still hungry, the frustration level would have encouraged me to quit eating much earlier than normal. 4) The iceberg lettuce in the side salad was much easier to pick up, so I ate more of the tasteless salad than the pasta.
On a subsequent visit, I inadvertently ordered a pasta with a meat sauce. Oops! Because the meat sauce is thicker than the marinara, I had no problem picking up the pasta and eating the entire thing.
So, skip the garlic butter coated breadsticks (which can be eaten with your fingers) and stick to penne or some other hard to pick up pasta with marinara.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Messy Night
What a difference a day makes! Yesterday, the temperatures were frigid and ice formed on my jacket.
Earlier today it snowed. Tonight it is so warm that the snow has turned to slush. Rather than risk soaking my feet in athletic shoes, I decided to wear winter boots and a winter coat. As I walked, I noticed that many people in my neighborhood did not shovel their sidewalks. (DARN!) As I walked, my boots got more and more wet, and after one unsuccessful leap across a gulley full of water, my right foot became extremely wet!
I ended up walking in the middle of the street because it was the least slushy spot and I didn't have to leap over backed up water to cross the street. Because I had my hood up, I didn't even realize it had started raining.
So, I arrived home with wet feet and a wet coat, but I got my 45 minutes in.
Earlier today it snowed. Tonight it is so warm that the snow has turned to slush. Rather than risk soaking my feet in athletic shoes, I decided to wear winter boots and a winter coat. As I walked, I noticed that many people in my neighborhood did not shovel their sidewalks. (DARN!) As I walked, my boots got more and more wet, and after one unsuccessful leap across a gulley full of water, my right foot became extremely wet!
I ended up walking in the middle of the street because it was the least slushy spot and I didn't have to leap over backed up water to cross the street. Because I had my hood up, I didn't even realize it had started raining.
So, I arrived home with wet feet and a wet coat, but I got my 45 minutes in.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Speed Workouts
4 x 800 meters at half marathon pace - that is what my training schedule said for today. I have a confession to make. Usually when a distance event's training schedule includes speed workouts, I skip them. I'm now doing my speed workouts.
There is one block in our neighborhood that I thought I had measured as one-half mile around way back when. I had intended to use this block for 800 meters.
I left a water bottle at my starting point and walked around the block at what I thought was my half-marathon pace - about a 14 min mile. (OK, it is really my 5K pace, but this is supposed to be a speed workout.) My first lap was 10:53! OK, I am faster than a 20-min mile. Obviously, it is more than a half mile around the block. For my two-min rest, I decided to walk slowly for 2 min., then start the faster pace at wherever I was. My second lap was 9:42 - still not down to half a mile, but closer. The third lap was 9:24 and fourth was 9:20.
Because I didn't measure accurately, and I don't know if I walked the same distance each lap, I can't tell if I was actually progressively faster. However, I felt faster. And isn't that important, too?
Other Things
It was about 18 degrees when I finally got out to walk tonight at around 7:30. I wore two long-sleeved shirts, fleece vest, jacket, long pants, knit hat and gloves as well as my gator for my neck. I also wore a reflective vest (Crashwear) and a head lamp. I started out feeling chilly, which I thought was a good sign. I took about 10 min to warm up before starting the workout. I left my water bottle near a tree.
I stoppped after every lap to walk slowly and to get a drink. I got pretty warm while walking fast and flipped open my gloves and unzipped the jacket a little.
When I finished walking and took off the reflective vest, there was ice down the front of it where the bottle had dripped! I have walked in all kinds of weather, and this is the first time I have formed ice on myself.
There is one block in our neighborhood that I thought I had measured as one-half mile around way back when. I had intended to use this block for 800 meters.
I left a water bottle at my starting point and walked around the block at what I thought was my half-marathon pace - about a 14 min mile. (OK, it is really my 5K pace, but this is supposed to be a speed workout.) My first lap was 10:53! OK, I am faster than a 20-min mile. Obviously, it is more than a half mile around the block. For my two-min rest, I decided to walk slowly for 2 min., then start the faster pace at wherever I was. My second lap was 9:42 - still not down to half a mile, but closer. The third lap was 9:24 and fourth was 9:20.
Because I didn't measure accurately, and I don't know if I walked the same distance each lap, I can't tell if I was actually progressively faster. However, I felt faster. And isn't that important, too?
Other Things
It was about 18 degrees when I finally got out to walk tonight at around 7:30. I wore two long-sleeved shirts, fleece vest, jacket, long pants, knit hat and gloves as well as my gator for my neck. I also wore a reflective vest (Crashwear) and a head lamp. I started out feeling chilly, which I thought was a good sign. I took about 10 min to warm up before starting the workout. I left my water bottle near a tree.
I stoppped after every lap to walk slowly and to get a drink. I got pretty warm while walking fast and flipped open my gloves and unzipped the jacket a little.
When I finished walking and took off the reflective vest, there was ice down the front of it where the bottle had dripped! I have walked in all kinds of weather, and this is the first time I have formed ice on myself.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
New Long-Sleeved Shirts
One of the hardest things for a small company to do is predict how much to buy and what will sell. It is especially difficult to order shirts because I have to worry about color, design and sizes, plus men's and women's sizes. I always end up with some sizes that won't sell, and others that sell out too quickly.
That being said, we are ordering a small number of long-sleeved ladies vee-neck shirts from the "heather" collection of Sport Science. The color we ordered is sand and the sizes are just mediums and larges. (Of course they will be printed with our favorite quote!)
Sport Science shirts are made with a great technical fabric that feels like cotton! I love these shirts because they don't feel like a technical shirt. They are soft and comfortable.
It will take a couple of weeks for the shirts to arrive and be printed. I'll keep you informed. http://www.smarterperformance.com/details70.html
That being said, we are ordering a small number of long-sleeved ladies vee-neck shirts from the "heather" collection of Sport Science. The color we ordered is sand and the sizes are just mediums and larges. (Of course they will be printed with our favorite quote!)
Sport Science shirts are made with a great technical fabric that feels like cotton! I love these shirts because they don't feel like a technical shirt. They are soft and comfortable.
It will take a couple of weeks for the shirts to arrive and be printed. I'll keep you informed. http://www.smarterperformance.com/details70.html
Fantastic New Park - 6 Miles Today
The Buckeye Striders walking club goes to a bunch of different local parks for our weekly group walks. Today we went to Three Creeks Park. Though it was my first time there, for many members it is their favorite spot to walk, even though it is a long way out.
This park has over 10 miles of trails along creeks, and a varied terrain of wooded areas, prairies and meadows. It is so different from any other parks in central Ohio, it felt as if we had gone somewhere truly special.
Sometimes I can be a stick-in-the-mud. I don't like to drive far too walk and I don't always like change. (I know David, quit laughing.) Today I was really glad that I went the extra 30-min each way to have the opportunity to enjoy this park!
For more info go to www.metroparks.net.
Today's Walk
Deb and I got in 6 miles today while others in our group walked 9 miles. The temps were pretty mild. The Weather Channel said it was in the high 30s, but it sure felt warmer. Surprisingly, I didn't even over dress today! I skipped the fleece vest and kept to just 2 long-sleeved shirts.
This park has over 10 miles of trails along creeks, and a varied terrain of wooded areas, prairies and meadows. It is so different from any other parks in central Ohio, it felt as if we had gone somewhere truly special.
Sometimes I can be a stick-in-the-mud. I don't like to drive far too walk and I don't always like change. (I know David, quit laughing.) Today I was really glad that I went the extra 30-min each way to have the opportunity to enjoy this park!
For more info go to www.metroparks.net.
Today's Walk
Deb and I got in 6 miles today while others in our group walked 9 miles. The temps were pretty mild. The Weather Channel said it was in the high 30s, but it sure felt warmer. Surprisingly, I didn't even over dress today! I skipped the fleece vest and kept to just 2 long-sleeved shirts.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Knees - Ice is my Friend
I had planned to avoid writing about my knees, but I have a few extra minutes right now and, frankly, my knees are bothering me!
This is not a new problem. I have had weak knees most of my life. As my doctor says, I have "girl knees." Basically that means that, because my hips are wider than my knees, the angle puts pressure on them. My knee caps don't stay in place when the muscles around my knees are not strong. All I have to do is keep those muscles strong and my knees won't swell.
Sounds simple, doesn't it? But when there is no swelling, I don't think about working to protect them.
Anyway, the point is, when I up my mileage while training for long-distance events, it takes a while for my muscles to build up. I usually have a couple week period where they are uncomfortable and swell - I'm in the middle of that.
I felt so uncomfortable earlier today, I went to Wal-Mart to get an ice pack. It helped. Until I get through this I just have to remember - ice is my friend.
This is not a new problem. I have had weak knees most of my life. As my doctor says, I have "girl knees." Basically that means that, because my hips are wider than my knees, the angle puts pressure on them. My knee caps don't stay in place when the muscles around my knees are not strong. All I have to do is keep those muscles strong and my knees won't swell.
Sounds simple, doesn't it? But when there is no swelling, I don't think about working to protect them.
Anyway, the point is, when I up my mileage while training for long-distance events, it takes a while for my muscles to build up. I usually have a couple week period where they are uncomfortable and swell - I'm in the middle of that.
I felt so uncomfortable earlier today, I went to Wal-Mart to get an ice pack. It helped. Until I get through this I just have to remember - ice is my friend.
Becoming Addicted
Today a couple of friends walked at Antrim Park again. The temps were in the low 30s and I again overdressed. (I don't know if I will ever get over my fear of getting cold.)
We started about 5 p.m., did three laps for 3.6 miles, and I was home for dinner by 6 p.m.! I was happy to see that my husband made spaghetti.
I had almost forgotten how addicting it can be to walk every day. When I get back into walking daily, especially when training for a long event, I feel better and I WANT to walk. It's a great feeling. I wish I could bottle it for days when I've lost motivation!
We started about 5 p.m., did three laps for 3.6 miles, and I was home for dinner by 6 p.m.! I was happy to see that my husband made spaghetti.
I had almost forgotten how addicting it can be to walk every day. When I get back into walking daily, especially when training for a long event, I feel better and I WANT to walk. It's a great feeling. I wish I could bottle it for days when I've lost motivation!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Late Walk
At 7:30 this evening I went out for a 60-min walk. Our Big Sur training schedule says 45-60 min (but I just remembered the 60 min part), so I walked 57 min thinking I was cheating. The joke is on me!
Anyway, it was about 38 degrees, which was actually chilly considering how warm it was earlier today. I wore a light long-sleeved shirt, fleece vest, jacket, etc., but the shirt was just a little too thin. My arms were freezing for a long time - probably 30 min.
Because our walking club walks on Saturdays instead of Sundays, I may have to adjust our walking schedule a little. For this week, I'm leaving everything the same, just switching the long day and rest day.
Anyway, it was about 38 degrees, which was actually chilly considering how warm it was earlier today. I wore a light long-sleeved shirt, fleece vest, jacket, etc., but the shirt was just a little too thin. My arms were freezing for a long time - probably 30 min.
Because our walking club walks on Saturdays instead of Sundays, I may have to adjust our walking schedule a little. For this week, I'm leaving everything the same, just switching the long day and rest day.
Monday, February 04, 2008
List is Fixed
Our subscription list is fixed! Sorry about the inconvenience for those of you who received unnecesary renewal notices.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Renewal E-mails
We sent out a bunch of renewal e-mails over the weekend. I made the decision to do this because I thought the mailing list was updated last week. Unfortunately, it looks as if we jumped the gun - the list was not completely updated.
So, if you received a renewal request by mistake, I'm sorry. The list will be completed early next week.
So, if you received a renewal request by mistake, I'm sorry. The list will be completed early next week.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Portland in 2009?
I've had a couple of people ask me if I would be interested in doing the Portland Marathon. Many of you know I have not walked farther than a half marathon since 2002 when I completed my last full marathon.
Part of the reason I'm considering doing Portland next year is that I'm entering the Big Sur 21-mile event this year, and the training for a marathon and the 21-miler are not much different.
Also, I figure if I start planning now, I might actually be ready.
So, anyone interested in doing Portland in 2009?
Part of the reason I'm considering doing Portland next year is that I'm entering the Big Sur 21-mile event this year, and the training for a marathon and the 21-miler are not much different.
Also, I figure if I start planning now, I might actually be ready.
So, anyone interested in doing Portland in 2009?
On Ice
Today I met with the Buckeye Striders for our weekly group walk. It was a beautiful morning with temps in the high 20s or low 30s and almost no wind. Most of the members were training for an upcoming half, so were scheduled to do 8 miles. This was a step-down week for me, so I planned to do just 4.
Though it wasn't particularly cold, the trails were slick!!! I think we spent most of our time walking in the grass beside the trail. It took us over 45 min to walk just 2.25 miles.
We saw over a hundred runners with a different training group coming from the other end of the trail. How they kept from falling, I don't know.
Regardless it was really fun! The runners were especially friendly today. We bonded over the slick walkway and laughed as we took turns slipping and sliding. Only two of us wiped out! (We were lucky.) And no one got hurt. I also feel as if I worked some totally different muscles today between walking on the grass and sliding around.
I hope those of you who walked today had clearer trails!
Though it wasn't particularly cold, the trails were slick!!! I think we spent most of our time walking in the grass beside the trail. It took us over 45 min to walk just 2.25 miles.
We saw over a hundred runners with a different training group coming from the other end of the trail. How they kept from falling, I don't know.
Regardless it was really fun! The runners were especially friendly today. We bonded over the slick walkway and laughed as we took turns slipping and sliding. Only two of us wiped out! (We were lucky.) And no one got hurt. I also feel as if I worked some totally different muscles today between walking on the grass and sliding around.
I hope those of you who walked today had clearer trails!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Another Great Day
Three laps around Antrim Park with friends this evening made for a great Thursday!
Because I was cold while walking last night, I worried about being too cold today. As a result, I ended up being over dressed. When I got back to my car I found it was just 32 degrees. Yesterday was definitely colder!
We walked at a brisk pace and did 3.6 miles in about 52 minutes. I haven't been doing speed workouts lately, so it is the fastest I've walked in quite a while.
Thanks Deb and Catherine! It was really fun.
Because I was cold while walking last night, I worried about being too cold today. As a result, I ended up being over dressed. When I got back to my car I found it was just 32 degrees. Yesterday was definitely colder!
We walked at a brisk pace and did 3.6 miles in about 52 minutes. I haven't been doing speed workouts lately, so it is the fastest I've walked in quite a while.
Thanks Deb and Catherine! It was really fun.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Chilly 45-minute Walk
Today was an unusually sunny day for January in Central Ohio. I had planned to walk no matter what the weather was like and was glad it was nice. That being said, it was COLD!
I wore one long-sleeved technical shirt, fleece vest, wind-proof jacket, thick walking pants, gloves and ear muffs. I walked for 4 min, decided I was not wearing enough clothes and returned home. I added a long-sleeved shirt and replaced the ear muffs with a knit cap. At first I thought I might be over dressed, but as I walked my arms got colder. Not often do I get colder as I walk - usually once I get warmed up I stay warm.
Anyway, after 45 min I finished my walk and had barely broken a sweat even though I was walking pretty hard. At 8 p.m. it was down to 19 degrees, but I know it wasn't that cold when I was out. (I wish I had checked earlier.)
I'm meeting some friends to walk tomorrow. I hope I do a better job planning what to wear before I leave the house.
I wore one long-sleeved technical shirt, fleece vest, wind-proof jacket, thick walking pants, gloves and ear muffs. I walked for 4 min, decided I was not wearing enough clothes and returned home. I added a long-sleeved shirt and replaced the ear muffs with a knit cap. At first I thought I might be over dressed, but as I walked my arms got colder. Not often do I get colder as I walk - usually once I get warmed up I stay warm.
Anyway, after 45 min I finished my walk and had barely broken a sweat even though I was walking pretty hard. At 8 p.m. it was down to 19 degrees, but I know it wasn't that cold when I was out. (I wish I had checked earlier.)
I'm meeting some friends to walk tomorrow. I hope I do a better job planning what to wear before I leave the house.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
21-Mile Training Schedule By Dave McGovern
Dave McGovern has generously volunteered to provide a 21-mile training program for the WALK! Magazine Walking Team heading to Big Sur! We should have the schedule at any day now.
I also now have the "code" for our online entries. Let me know when you are ready to register, and I'll send you the code.
I also now have the "code" for our online entries. Let me know when you are ready to register, and I'll send you the code.
Late Walk Tonight
The temperatures were very mild today so I had planned to walk as soon as I got home this evening. Unfortunately, it started raining and the wind picked up about the time I had planned to go. I waited and waited for the rain and wind to subside, but it was not going to happen.
So, at about 9:30 p.m. I put on a heavy coat with a hood, a reflective vest and gloves and head outside. The wind was blowing pretty hard and the light rain came and went, but it was not chilly at all. I didn't need the gloves or the heavy coat - though the hood was nice.
Because it was so late I walked for just 30 min., but it felt great! Now I wish I had started much earlier so I could have walked longer.
So, at about 9:30 p.m. I put on a heavy coat with a hood, a reflective vest and gloves and head outside. The wind was blowing pretty hard and the light rain came and went, but it was not chilly at all. I didn't need the gloves or the heavy coat - though the hood was nice.
Because it was so late I walked for just 30 min., but it felt great! Now I wish I had started much earlier so I could have walked longer.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Walking Team News - Propel
Propel has generously agreed to send samples of the Propel Powder Packets to be included in the Walk Magazine Walking Team packets! I should receive the shipment in a couple of days.
So, new members of the walking team will be receiving Wright Socks, Larabars and Propel in addition to the training log, water bottle, training schedule and great sport science technical shirt!
So, new members of the walking team will be receiving Wright Socks, Larabars and Propel in addition to the training log, water bottle, training schedule and great sport science technical shirt!
7 Miles Today
What a great day for a walk!
I met the Buckeye Striders at a park I had never been to that gave access to the great multi-purpose trails in Westerville (just outside Columbus). It was 22 degrees and the Weather Channel said the wind chill was 11 or 14 depending on what time we were watching.
There were about 9 of us who got on the trail at 7:30 and walked 3.5 miles out then turned around and went back.
Because of the wind chill, I ended up overdressed. I wore two wicking shirts, a fleece vest and my windproof jacket along with a pair of leggings and my thicker winter weight pants. I always wear my gator this time of year (I hate a cold neck!) and today I wore a knit cap and my fleece mittens that can open when my hands are too hot.
I did not feel cold when I got out of my car. Believe it or not, that is a bad sign. At that point I thought about taking off one layer, but it would have been tough to accomplish. The trail was VERY nice! It goes along a river and behind houses and apartments. In many places it has great trees all the way to the edge. Because of the houses and trees there was no wind. Because there was no wind, I got too hot pretty quickly.
Sections of the trail had light snow and patches of ice. We were not going particularly fast to be safe.
We all finished feeling great! It really was a great day for a walk with friends!
I met the Buckeye Striders at a park I had never been to that gave access to the great multi-purpose trails in Westerville (just outside Columbus). It was 22 degrees and the Weather Channel said the wind chill was 11 or 14 depending on what time we were watching.
There were about 9 of us who got on the trail at 7:30 and walked 3.5 miles out then turned around and went back.
Because of the wind chill, I ended up overdressed. I wore two wicking shirts, a fleece vest and my windproof jacket along with a pair of leggings and my thicker winter weight pants. I always wear my gator this time of year (I hate a cold neck!) and today I wore a knit cap and my fleece mittens that can open when my hands are too hot.
I did not feel cold when I got out of my car. Believe it or not, that is a bad sign. At that point I thought about taking off one layer, but it would have been tough to accomplish. The trail was VERY nice! It goes along a river and behind houses and apartments. In many places it has great trees all the way to the edge. Because of the houses and trees there was no wind. Because there was no wind, I got too hot pretty quickly.
Sections of the trail had light snow and patches of ice. We were not going particularly fast to be safe.
We all finished feeling great! It really was a great day for a walk with friends!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Spirit of the Marathon
A group from my walking club went to see Spirit of the Marathon tonight. As we entered the theater, it was interesting to see that most of the people there were in groups. I assumed they were walking or running clubs. There were 11 of us, and there were other groups that were quite a bit bigger.
The movie follows several marathoners as they train for and run the Chicago Marathon. Deena Kastor and a Kenyan named Daniel were the elite runners. (They said Daniel lives in Tokyo, but they showed him training in Kenya. I was confused.)
The non-elite runners include a young married woman who trains by herself. She is very cute! A young single mother, a gentleman in his 60s and his daughter who all train with a Chicago training group, and a young couple.
The highs and lows were very moving! And yes, at times my eyes teared up. The crowd clapped and laughed several times. Overall the movie was inspiring. I felt as if I've been a slug and should walk more. And I even thought for a moment about doing another marathon. It lasted just a moment.
Following the movie was a little more footage of deleted scenes and explanations. It was worth watching, too!
Whether you are a walker or a runner, I think you'll find the movie worth seeing!
_________________________
Note: A couple people in the movie struggled. The single mother had the hardest time, followed by the father and daughter. I don't know if anyone else saw it this way, but it seemed as if the people who trained with the organized group were the least prepared. Other than the elites, the woman who trained alone seemed to be the best trained. I found it interesting.
The movie follows several marathoners as they train for and run the Chicago Marathon. Deena Kastor and a Kenyan named Daniel were the elite runners. (They said Daniel lives in Tokyo, but they showed him training in Kenya. I was confused.)
The non-elite runners include a young married woman who trains by herself. She is very cute! A young single mother, a gentleman in his 60s and his daughter who all train with a Chicago training group, and a young couple.
The highs and lows were very moving! And yes, at times my eyes teared up. The crowd clapped and laughed several times. Overall the movie was inspiring. I felt as if I've been a slug and should walk more. And I even thought for a moment about doing another marathon. It lasted just a moment.
Following the movie was a little more footage of deleted scenes and explanations. It was worth watching, too!
Whether you are a walker or a runner, I think you'll find the movie worth seeing!
_________________________
Note: A couple people in the movie struggled. The single mother had the hardest time, followed by the father and daughter. I don't know if anyone else saw it this way, but it seemed as if the people who trained with the organized group were the least prepared. Other than the elites, the woman who trained alone seemed to be the best trained. I found it interesting.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Nice Stranger
Tonight I went out to the post office around 8 p.m. As I was posting packages, I noticed a gentleman weighing a pinewood derby car on the other postal scale. We chatted as he tried to pry lead weights off the bottom of the car - he "super glued" the weights to the car.
After he left he came back about 1 min later with my cell phone in his hand. Apparently, it fell out of my coat pocket in the parking lot.
I feel so lucky that this nice man found my phone! Thanks, whoever you are!
After he left he came back about 1 min later with my cell phone in his hand. Apparently, it fell out of my coat pocket in the parking lot.
I feel so lucky that this nice man found my phone! Thanks, whoever you are!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
6 miles Today
Bright and early this morning I met some members of the Buckeye Striders for the weekly group walk. Usually we meet, walk for an hour, then stop. Today some of the members are training for an upcoming half marathon, so they were starting ealy to get in 6 miles. I was there early (7:30 this morning!) to get in 6 also.
The temperature was about 25 degrees and the wind chill was around 11 degrees. The park we went to has a 1.25 mile loop and we did 5 laps. For the most part, I felt I dressed perfectly! Then we would round the loop and head straight into the wind and we would freeze for a few minutes. We turned the next loop out of the wind, and we would get too hot and start sweating. After sweating the cold wind felt even colder.
It is amazing to me how easy it is to work up a sweat even when it is so cold. Layering with wicking fabrics and a windproof jacket, something around the neck and lower face and a good hat or ear cover, and we were all comfortable.
If it was just left to me, I probably would not have gone early. As many of you know, I might not have made it at all. Luckily, Deb volunteered to drive, so I had a reason to be there. Actually, I had no excuse not to be there.
The temperature was about 25 degrees and the wind chill was around 11 degrees. The park we went to has a 1.25 mile loop and we did 5 laps. For the most part, I felt I dressed perfectly! Then we would round the loop and head straight into the wind and we would freeze for a few minutes. We turned the next loop out of the wind, and we would get too hot and start sweating. After sweating the cold wind felt even colder.
It is amazing to me how easy it is to work up a sweat even when it is so cold. Layering with wicking fabrics and a windproof jacket, something around the neck and lower face and a good hat or ear cover, and we were all comfortable.
If it was just left to me, I probably would not have gone early. As many of you know, I might not have made it at all. Luckily, Deb volunteered to drive, so I had a reason to be there. Actually, I had no excuse not to be there.
Delivery Problems
A friend in Georgia just received his winter issue of the magazine yesterday! The magazine mailed over a month ago. One woman here in Central Ohio just received hers last week even though I received mine nearly three weeks ago.
I can't believe there are subscribers who have received their magazines so late!
The people in the industry have no answers for me. Printers and mailing houses say two weeks for bulk rate is about as long as it takes. One postal employee told me four weeks was pretty good. (He was joking with me about other things, so I don't know if he was serious.)
So, I don't know what to do. I tried to get the Winter issue out early enough that most people could take advantage of the Gift Giving Guide. Receiving a magazine four weeks after it mails is unacceptable.
I will continue to see what can be done to get it to you faster - short of mailing the magazines first class.
I can't believe there are subscribers who have received their magazines so late!
The people in the industry have no answers for me. Printers and mailing houses say two weeks for bulk rate is about as long as it takes. One postal employee told me four weeks was pretty good. (He was joking with me about other things, so I don't know if he was serious.)
So, I don't know what to do. I tried to get the Winter issue out early enough that most people could take advantage of the Gift Giving Guide. Receiving a magazine four weeks after it mails is unacceptable.
I will continue to see what can be done to get it to you faster - short of mailing the magazines first class.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Great Thursday Walk - Minor Scare
My friend Deb and I met at one of my favorite parks today at 5 p.m. to walk. (OK, I was late, I showed up at 5:05.) We both love this park with the trail that goes around the lake, but neither of us feels comfortable walking there alone. The temps were in the high 30s and the skies were cloudy, with a few sprinkles earlier, so it was fairly isolated today.
While in the middle of our second loop we noticed two men behind us. They ran for a little bit, then walked. Then they would run a little, start to get close to us, then walk. We were a little bit unnerved by this, and weren't quite sure what they were doing. It looked like they were wearing camo, but we didn't get a good look. (I even took my keys from my pocket and held them between my fingers, just in case.) They finally caught up and ran right past us. They were wearing military camos with what looked like 40 lb packs on their backs! Obviously, they were training to run with a pack.
We both laughed, but each of us was glad we weren't walking alone! Once we got back to the starting point, we were recovered enough that I talked Deb into doing one more lap.
Three laps - more than 3 miles - on a Thursday! Despite the scare, it felt great!
While in the middle of our second loop we noticed two men behind us. They ran for a little bit, then walked. Then they would run a little, start to get close to us, then walk. We were a little bit unnerved by this, and weren't quite sure what they were doing. It looked like they were wearing camo, but we didn't get a good look. (I even took my keys from my pocket and held them between my fingers, just in case.) They finally caught up and ran right past us. They were wearing military camos with what looked like 40 lb packs on their backs! Obviously, they were training to run with a pack.
We both laughed, but each of us was glad we weren't walking alone! Once we got back to the starting point, we were recovered enough that I talked Deb into doing one more lap.
Three laps - more than 3 miles - on a Thursday! Despite the scare, it felt great!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Problems of Scale
Have you ever weighed yourself, stepped off the scale and stepped back on only to have it show a different weight? I doubt if I can lose 3 lbs by simply stepping off and on my scale. (Wouldn't it be great if you could?)
I have a history of weight issues - mostly with weight obsession. At my worst, I would weigh myself 20 to 30 times a day. I ended up throwing my scale away, (eventually we received our current scale as a gift). As Susan Powter would point out, the number on the scale is not important if you are healthy and your clothes fit the way you want.
So, now I have a faulty scale that varies 3-5 lbs. It doesn't seem to matter how many times a day I hop on it, I gained either 5 lbs to 10 lbs over the holidays.
I've decided today that I need to live what I know. The number doesn't matter. Tonight, I'm taking the battery out of that scale.
I have a history of weight issues - mostly with weight obsession. At my worst, I would weigh myself 20 to 30 times a day. I ended up throwing my scale away, (eventually we received our current scale as a gift). As Susan Powter would point out, the number on the scale is not important if you are healthy and your clothes fit the way you want.
So, now I have a faulty scale that varies 3-5 lbs. It doesn't seem to matter how many times a day I hop on it, I gained either 5 lbs to 10 lbs over the holidays.
I've decided today that I need to live what I know. The number doesn't matter. Tonight, I'm taking the battery out of that scale.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Spirit of the Marathon Movie Selling Out
Spirit of the Marathon is a movie/documentary that follows 6 marathoners to the Chicago Marathon. A couple of the marathoners are first timers and a couple are pretty well known, like Deena Kastor. It is showing across the country on January 24.
Our walking club, the Buckeye Striders, is planning a group outing to see it together. I found out just today that the theatre we had planned to see it at here in Columbus, OH, is already sold out! Luckily, it is showing at more than one theatre and the others still have seats. I bought my ticket online today.
So, if you or your walking group are planning to see this movie, I'd recommend buying tickets ASAP.
Our walking club, the Buckeye Striders, is planning a group outing to see it together. I found out just today that the theatre we had planned to see it at here in Columbus, OH, is already sold out! Luckily, it is showing at more than one theatre and the others still have seats. I bought my ticket online today.
So, if you or your walking group are planning to see this movie, I'd recommend buying tickets ASAP.
Lame Excuse
Yesterday morning I planned to walk with my walking club. I remembered we were meeting at a new park and wasn't sure where it was. I didn't want to have to leave extra early just to find a new park, so I rolled over and went back to sleep. Is that one of the lamest excuses for not walking you have ever heard?
I had an early hair appointment and planned to walk when I got back instead. A lack of food and the chemicals at the hairdresser's (plus it took much too long), gave me a horrendous headache that took hours to get rid of. Needless to say, it sidelined my plans for a walk.
When I awoke this morning, I decided I could not keep making excuses for not walking. I looked out the window, saw we didn't get the snow predicted and went out for 30 min. It was just in our neighborhood, I didn't have any good books on my MP3 player, and I just let my mind wander. If I couldn't make it to walk with my friends, this was a nice second best.
I had an early hair appointment and planned to walk when I got back instead. A lack of food and the chemicals at the hairdresser's (plus it took much too long), gave me a horrendous headache that took hours to get rid of. Needless to say, it sidelined my plans for a walk.
When I awoke this morning, I decided I could not keep making excuses for not walking. I looked out the window, saw we didn't get the snow predicted and went out for 30 min. It was just in our neighborhood, I didn't have any good books on my MP3 player, and I just let my mind wander. If I couldn't make it to walk with my friends, this was a nice second best.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Sidelined by Rain
A group of the Buckeye Striders was getting together at 5 p.m. today to go for a training walk. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate - a heavy rain started about 4 p.m. and lasted for several hours.
I offered to meet the woman who planned the walk if she was going to brave the weather. Thank goodness Deb is not a total fanatic! (I hate walking in winter rain!) So I was off the hook. Whew!
I offered to meet the woman who planned the walk if she was going to brave the weather. Thank goodness Deb is not a total fanatic! (I hate walking in winter rain!) So I was off the hook. Whew!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Functional Walk
My car was in the carage for minor tweaking, so I walked the mile to pick it up. It's nice having a garage close enough that I can walk.
My legs have felt less ansty since I've been trying to fit in even short walks (like this one) into each day.
My legs have felt less ansty since I've been trying to fit in even short walks (like this one) into each day.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Deadline Extension for Award Nominations
I just found out that many people have still not received the Winter issue of WALK! Magazine. It is amazing that this issue has taken so long to be received!
For that reason, we are extending the deadline for nomination for Best City for Walkers and Walker Friendly Event to January 14.
For that reason, we are extending the deadline for nomination for Best City for Walkers and Walker Friendly Event to January 14.
Columbus Marathon Info - Potential Boycott?
I recently received an e-mail from a reader who is pretty upset with the Columbus Marathon. Though "supposedly walker friendly," the race dropped the walkers' results from their web site shortly after posting them.
One of her friends sent an e-mail to the race director with an unsatisfactory answer. Apparently, the director denied that there was a walking division and suggested that walkers should pay more because they're out on the course longer. She went on to say, "As you know, many of us pass a lot of runners when we participate in a race of any distance. I think most of us don't mind not having walkers' times posted separately if we go into a race knowing that there is not a walkers' division, but when it's deleted after the fact, it just doesn't seem right. Some of us are going to boycott the race."
Not all races have to welcome walkers. We're adults - we'll just choose races that want walkers. However, if a race promotes itself as walker friendly, and says it wants walkers to enter (Remember the Prevention Magazine team?), then it should make an effort to actually be friendly to walkers.
Now, I'm not personally calling for a boycott of the Columbus Marathon (though I would not discourage people from skipping this race). However, on October 19, 2008 I'll be in Detroit walking the half marathon.
One of her friends sent an e-mail to the race director with an unsatisfactory answer. Apparently, the director denied that there was a walking division and suggested that walkers should pay more because they're out on the course longer. She went on to say, "As you know, many of us pass a lot of runners when we participate in a race of any distance. I think most of us don't mind not having walkers' times posted separately if we go into a race knowing that there is not a walkers' division, but when it's deleted after the fact, it just doesn't seem right. Some of us are going to boycott the race."
Not all races have to welcome walkers. We're adults - we'll just choose races that want walkers. However, if a race promotes itself as walker friendly, and says it wants walkers to enter (Remember the Prevention Magazine team?), then it should make an effort to actually be friendly to walkers.
Now, I'm not personally calling for a boycott of the Columbus Marathon (though I would not discourage people from skipping this race). However, on October 19, 2008 I'll be in Detroit walking the half marathon.
Keeping a Gym Bag with Me
One of the things I find frustrating is that by the time I get home, it is too dark to go anywhere to walk. I like my neighborhood OK, but I get bored walking in it everyday. (How many times can I go up and down the same cul-de-sacs!)And who really feels safe in a park at night?
This morning I packed a gym bag with workout clothes and took it with me to the office. My plan was to change before I left this evening and stop at a park on the way home while it is still light. I received a few last minute phone calls and did not get to leave as early as I wanted. I was bummed thinking I would have to skip the walk.
I arrived at a park along a river a little bit before 5 p.m. I decided to walk in one direction from the car for 15 min., then turn around and head back. I parked in an open area where there were few trees. I also planned my route along the part of the road where there are not too many trees. As it turned out, I didn't need to worry. On the way back, it was still light enough that I took a minor detour up a little hill to add a few more minutes to the walk. I ended up at my car after 33 min. and felt perfectly safe!
There were not a lot of people in this park today, and I'm not sure why. The temps were in the high 60s with a light breeze. It looked as if it would rain, which might have scared off some people, but it was still a great day to be out.
I've decided to pack a gym bag with walking gear and just keep it in my car all of the time. Then whenever I feel the urge to stop and walk, I can do it.
This morning I packed a gym bag with workout clothes and took it with me to the office. My plan was to change before I left this evening and stop at a park on the way home while it is still light. I received a few last minute phone calls and did not get to leave as early as I wanted. I was bummed thinking I would have to skip the walk.
I arrived at a park along a river a little bit before 5 p.m. I decided to walk in one direction from the car for 15 min., then turn around and head back. I parked in an open area where there were few trees. I also planned my route along the part of the road where there are not too many trees. As it turned out, I didn't need to worry. On the way back, it was still light enough that I took a minor detour up a little hill to add a few more minutes to the walk. I ended up at my car after 33 min. and felt perfectly safe!
There were not a lot of people in this park today, and I'm not sure why. The temps were in the high 60s with a light breeze. It looked as if it would rain, which might have scared off some people, but it was still a great day to be out.
I've decided to pack a gym bag with walking gear and just keep it in my car all of the time. Then whenever I feel the urge to stop and walk, I can do it.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Morning Walk
I got in 45 minutes this morning. The temps were in the 50s and I was overdressed in winter-weight pants, long-sleeved (ugly brown) shirt and wind resistant jacket. I definitely did not need gloves. It's gray today, but then again it always is in Central Ohio.
Still, it was a nice way to start the day.
Still, it was a nice way to start the day.
Restless Legs
I don't think I have Restless Leg Syndrome, but boy have I been uncomfortable lately. Last night was the absolute worst. I just could not get comfortable and get to sleep. My legs felt "antsy."
This has been a growing problem over the past month or so, and I'm not quite sure why. When I'm sitting at my desk I frequently need to get up and walk around inside the building.
It might be I'm not walking enough. It might be that when I do walk, I push too hard. Maybe more stretching is required. It might have nothing to do with walking at all.
Regardless, it is annoying. In the meantime, I'm going to try to get a lot more casual walking in and see if the situation gets better.
This has been a growing problem over the past month or so, and I'm not quite sure why. When I'm sitting at my desk I frequently need to get up and walk around inside the building.
It might be I'm not walking enough. It might be that when I do walk, I push too hard. Maybe more stretching is required. It might have nothing to do with walking at all.
Regardless, it is annoying. In the meantime, I'm going to try to get a lot more casual walking in and see if the situation gets better.
The Ugly Shirt
OK, the race I did on Jan. 1 gave out truly ugly brown shirts. Because it is a technical shirt and the neck is higher than most, and I like the feel of the fabric, I decided I'd keep it. Today I wore it. It's Ugly!!!
I have a small and when I held it up it looks huge! The arms are just the right length for me, the armpits hang really low and the body is huge. There is no brand name in the collar, so it is probably one of those off brand things. I can only imagine what kind of deformed person this shirt was designed to fit.
Needless to say, it is going into the giveaway bag as soon as it is washed.
I have a small and when I held it up it looks huge! The arms are just the right length for me, the armpits hang really low and the body is huge. There is no brand name in the collar, so it is probably one of those off brand things. I can only imagine what kind of deformed person this shirt was designed to fit.
Needless to say, it is going into the giveaway bag as soon as it is washed.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Big Sur is April 27
Argh! The Big Sur International Marathon is actually April 27 - NOT April 21 as it appears in WALK! Magazine on page 28. Sorry for the confusion!
Starting 2008 Right
I got up not so early today to enter my first race of the year - the 2008 New Year's Day 5K Resolution Run. The race directors were smart enough to schedule the start for 11 a.m.
I said that I would be there unless it was raining. I woke up this morning, looked out the window and thought, "Darn! It's not raining!" Despite the lack of precipitation, it was about 28 degrees and the wind was wicked! I dressed for the wind (I thought) and arrived about 40 min before the race started. I stayed in the car for a while and when I finally got out I was pleasantly surprised to see that about a dozen Buckeye Striders were also there.
The course was on bike trails around a park in Westerville, OH. It was very flat with trees just on the outside of one side of the park. Because of this, there was NO wind break until about 2.5 miles into the course. Did I say the wind was brutal? Walking into the wind was pretty bad, but because the course was big loops, the wind hit us from all directions for a little bit. Actually, having the wind change direction helped.
When we got to about mile 2.5, and we were close to the trees that blocked the wind, suddenly we were too hot and sweaty. After the race there was plenty of water, hot chocolate and Panera breads.
Overall the race was fine. It's a small race with just a couple hundred participants. It's inexpensive at only $25 last week and we did get a long-sleeved technical shirt. OK, the shirt is an ugly brown, but it is a technical shirt. The course was open long enough for even the slowest participants.
A couple of things I didn't like: it is not chip timed (though I'm sure they do for all of their other races), there was no water on the course (freeze hazard, maybe?), when I checked the race results online, the age group results included up to 30 people per age group, the results are not broken down for walkers, they allowed dogs.
Despite the weather and the dogs, I'm glad I went. What a great way to start the new year - in a fun race with lots of friends!
_______________________________________
My official finish time is 45:10 for 14:34 per mile. The finish line clock said 45:24. Deb's finish time is listed as 45:34 even though we walked the entire race side-by-side. Her number was not showing, and it took several seconds to show it to the finish line staff. That's the reason I prefer chip timing. Since we placed 305 and 306 out of 317 entrants, it really is not a big deal. Besides, this race was just for fun. I was 45 out of 48 in my age group and 158 out of 169 women. Add one and you know where Deb ranked.
I said that I would be there unless it was raining. I woke up this morning, looked out the window and thought, "Darn! It's not raining!" Despite the lack of precipitation, it was about 28 degrees and the wind was wicked! I dressed for the wind (I thought) and arrived about 40 min before the race started. I stayed in the car for a while and when I finally got out I was pleasantly surprised to see that about a dozen Buckeye Striders were also there.
The course was on bike trails around a park in Westerville, OH. It was very flat with trees just on the outside of one side of the park. Because of this, there was NO wind break until about 2.5 miles into the course. Did I say the wind was brutal? Walking into the wind was pretty bad, but because the course was big loops, the wind hit us from all directions for a little bit. Actually, having the wind change direction helped.
When we got to about mile 2.5, and we were close to the trees that blocked the wind, suddenly we were too hot and sweaty. After the race there was plenty of water, hot chocolate and Panera breads.
Overall the race was fine. It's a small race with just a couple hundred participants. It's inexpensive at only $25 last week and we did get a long-sleeved technical shirt. OK, the shirt is an ugly brown, but it is a technical shirt. The course was open long enough for even the slowest participants.
A couple of things I didn't like: it is not chip timed (though I'm sure they do for all of their other races), there was no water on the course (freeze hazard, maybe?), when I checked the race results online, the age group results included up to 30 people per age group, the results are not broken down for walkers, they allowed dogs.
Despite the weather and the dogs, I'm glad I went. What a great way to start the new year - in a fun race with lots of friends!
_______________________________________
My official finish time is 45:10 for 14:34 per mile. The finish line clock said 45:24. Deb's finish time is listed as 45:34 even though we walked the entire race side-by-side. Her number was not showing, and it took several seconds to show it to the finish line staff. That's the reason I prefer chip timing. Since we placed 305 and 306 out of 317 entrants, it really is not a big deal. Besides, this race was just for fun. I was 45 out of 48 in my age group and 158 out of 169 women. Add one and you know where Deb ranked.
Happy New Year!
We at WALK! Magazine wish all of you a healthy and Happy New Year! May you avoid injury and be healthy enough to achieve all of your walking and fitness goals in 2008!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Walk, Don't Run - The Movie
I've heard a lot about this movie starring Cary Grant, but had never seen it before. I finally checked it out of the library this week.
It was typical of 60s style movies in so many ways. But what I found funny was that Jim Hutton's character never tells anyone what Olympic event he is entered in. His friend is a hurdler and he says he "used" to be a hurdler, almost as if he is embarrassed by his event. Near the end of the movie we see he is a race walker.
If you have never seen this movie, you have to watch the last 20 min or so just to see how the race walkers walk. They are so slow that Cary Grant can keep up with them with no training whatsoever!
OK, after you watch this movie, pull out your video of the last summer Olympics 50K race walk and compare. (Yea, I know you still have it.) The movie is even funnier now, isn't it.
It was typical of 60s style movies in so many ways. But what I found funny was that Jim Hutton's character never tells anyone what Olympic event he is entered in. His friend is a hurdler and he says he "used" to be a hurdler, almost as if he is embarrassed by his event. Near the end of the movie we see he is a race walker.
If you have never seen this movie, you have to watch the last 20 min or so just to see how the race walkers walk. They are so slow that Cary Grant can keep up with them with no training whatsoever!
OK, after you watch this movie, pull out your video of the last summer Olympics 50K race walk and compare. (Yea, I know you still have it.) The movie is even funnier now, isn't it.
Thoughts on Diets
As far as I'm concerned, "Diet" is a 4-letter word. In my mind diet means deprivation, suffering and a short-term eating plan that cannot be sustained.
The majority of people I know who diet do it continuously and tend to mess up their metabolisms by not eating enough quality calories. Or the first thing they do is "deprive" themselves of some food they love, making it a huge taboo. Eventually they end up binge eating or giving up totally, gaining back the weight they lost or even more. It's a vicious cycle.
There are several things in my personal history which have added to my jaded view of diets.
1) My Mom never sustained weight loss on a diet. Granted, my Mom had no self control, but she made a big deal about dieting and we all had to suffer when she was on one. She never tried what I thought were fad diets, but I was pretty young then. Regardless, diets were all about suffering.
2) I remember some relatives who went on a bunch of fad diets: the grapefruit diet (they were miserable) and the hot dog, boiled egg and banana diet. They lost a little weight, but were sick of grapefruit, hot dogs and bananas. Oh, they gained the weight back.
3) I tried a 5-lbs in 5 days diet I found in a magazine. It was right before a big party and I wanted to look great in a clingy dress. (This was about 20 years ago.) I had to buy lots of unusual foods that I would never use again, but I followed the diet to the letter. After a full day of eating just vegetables on the last day I was to drink a glass of prune juice. Needless to say, I ended up rushing to the bathroom and spent over an hour in there, unable to leave. I felt pretty stupid that it didn't occur to me what effect the food combinations would have had, and I was angry that this diet's method of weight loss was a self-induced case of intestinal distress!
4) My in-laws lost weight on a packaged meal plan right before my wedding. Not only did my father-in-law need his gallbladder removed (a common side effect of this diet we found out years later), but as soon as they went back to their own cooking they gained back the weight.
5) I have family members who tried the Adkins Diet. They lost weight pretty quickly, and sweated over the 5 goldfish crackers they ate one weekend. The weight came right back on as soon as they went returned to their normal eating.
6) I know another person who was on a diet that seemed as if she was being deprived, but complained she had not lost a single pound even though she had been eating a local restaurant's taco salad every day for lunch. (Ugh!)
Compare all of that to my Dad. He never said he was on a diet, but had such great self control he could lose weight whenever he wanted to simply by controlling portions, eating lots of fresh vegetables, and planning his daily calorie consumption around special events such as parties. (His salad tub in the fridge was pretty amazing.) He could keep the weight off as long as he wished. Unfortunately, he really enjoyed food and drink and became a yo-yo dieter. Regardless, he remains the only person I have ever known who could decide to lose weight and lost weight making it look effortless. (He quit smoking the same way, but that is another story.)
OK, not everyone can be like my Dad and have such great self-discipline. (How much peanut brittle did you eat last week, Cindi?) Many people are more successful if they have a support group environment, such as WW. Many people have difficulty knowing what is healthy to eat without help, and there are some great books on the subject. If that is what works, great!
There are a few things that people seem to forget.
First, to lose weight you need to burn more calories than you consume. If you consume too few calories you will not be healthy. Feeling deprived will probably lead to failure. And it is better to find a healthy way of eating that can be maintained for life than to alternate between starving and gaining. Afterall, isn't maintaining our health our ultimate goal?
_________________________________
Note: This is what I remember from my Dad's weight loss plan. (He's been gone over 10 years, so it might not be totally accurate.)
For breakfast he ate one piece of dry toast with coffee.
At around 10 a.m., he would eat a small apple.
Lunch was a large salad, usually at a restaurant. I don't know about mid-afternoon snacks.
For dinner, he would fix a HUGE salad then have a small portion of whatever the rest of us were having for dinner. His salads had become legendary in our family, and the preparation was pretty elaborate. He had a plastic tub he kept in the fridge that contained everything he could possibly want on a salad. He had the standards of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, carrots, mushrooms, etc., and other choices such as canned beets, garbanzo beans, red beans, peas, corn, low fat ham or turkey and a wide variety of fat free dressings. You name it, and it had probably been on one of his salads. He would ocassionally just put lean chicken or a small scoup of chili on the salad and skip the rest of our meal. I think I even saw him put sauerkraut on one once. His theory was, as long as it was vegetable or bean, he could consume as much as he wanted. His other theory was, as long as his salads were not boring, he could eat them every day.
If he had a hamburger or other high-calorie meal for lunch, he would skip the higher calorie salad options at dinner and eat more lettuce.
In the evening, when he got the munchies, he would eat raw baby carrots. He loved crunchy snacks, so it was the perfect solution.
The majority of people I know who diet do it continuously and tend to mess up their metabolisms by not eating enough quality calories. Or the first thing they do is "deprive" themselves of some food they love, making it a huge taboo. Eventually they end up binge eating or giving up totally, gaining back the weight they lost or even more. It's a vicious cycle.
There are several things in my personal history which have added to my jaded view of diets.
1) My Mom never sustained weight loss on a diet. Granted, my Mom had no self control, but she made a big deal about dieting and we all had to suffer when she was on one. She never tried what I thought were fad diets, but I was pretty young then. Regardless, diets were all about suffering.
2) I remember some relatives who went on a bunch of fad diets: the grapefruit diet (they were miserable) and the hot dog, boiled egg and banana diet. They lost a little weight, but were sick of grapefruit, hot dogs and bananas. Oh, they gained the weight back.
3) I tried a 5-lbs in 5 days diet I found in a magazine. It was right before a big party and I wanted to look great in a clingy dress. (This was about 20 years ago.) I had to buy lots of unusual foods that I would never use again, but I followed the diet to the letter. After a full day of eating just vegetables on the last day I was to drink a glass of prune juice. Needless to say, I ended up rushing to the bathroom and spent over an hour in there, unable to leave. I felt pretty stupid that it didn't occur to me what effect the food combinations would have had, and I was angry that this diet's method of weight loss was a self-induced case of intestinal distress!
4) My in-laws lost weight on a packaged meal plan right before my wedding. Not only did my father-in-law need his gallbladder removed (a common side effect of this diet we found out years later), but as soon as they went back to their own cooking they gained back the weight.
5) I have family members who tried the Adkins Diet. They lost weight pretty quickly, and sweated over the 5 goldfish crackers they ate one weekend. The weight came right back on as soon as they went returned to their normal eating.
6) I know another person who was on a diet that seemed as if she was being deprived, but complained she had not lost a single pound even though she had been eating a local restaurant's taco salad every day for lunch. (Ugh!)
Compare all of that to my Dad. He never said he was on a diet, but had such great self control he could lose weight whenever he wanted to simply by controlling portions, eating lots of fresh vegetables, and planning his daily calorie consumption around special events such as parties. (His salad tub in the fridge was pretty amazing.) He could keep the weight off as long as he wished. Unfortunately, he really enjoyed food and drink and became a yo-yo dieter. Regardless, he remains the only person I have ever known who could decide to lose weight and lost weight making it look effortless. (He quit smoking the same way, but that is another story.)
OK, not everyone can be like my Dad and have such great self-discipline. (How much peanut brittle did you eat last week, Cindi?) Many people are more successful if they have a support group environment, such as WW. Many people have difficulty knowing what is healthy to eat without help, and there are some great books on the subject. If that is what works, great!
There are a few things that people seem to forget.
First, to lose weight you need to burn more calories than you consume. If you consume too few calories you will not be healthy. Feeling deprived will probably lead to failure. And it is better to find a healthy way of eating that can be maintained for life than to alternate between starving and gaining. Afterall, isn't maintaining our health our ultimate goal?
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Note: This is what I remember from my Dad's weight loss plan. (He's been gone over 10 years, so it might not be totally accurate.)
For breakfast he ate one piece of dry toast with coffee.
At around 10 a.m., he would eat a small apple.
Lunch was a large salad, usually at a restaurant. I don't know about mid-afternoon snacks.
For dinner, he would fix a HUGE salad then have a small portion of whatever the rest of us were having for dinner. His salads had become legendary in our family, and the preparation was pretty elaborate. He had a plastic tub he kept in the fridge that contained everything he could possibly want on a salad. He had the standards of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, carrots, mushrooms, etc., and other choices such as canned beets, garbanzo beans, red beans, peas, corn, low fat ham or turkey and a wide variety of fat free dressings. You name it, and it had probably been on one of his salads. He would ocassionally just put lean chicken or a small scoup of chili on the salad and skip the rest of our meal. I think I even saw him put sauerkraut on one once. His theory was, as long as it was vegetable or bean, he could consume as much as he wanted. His other theory was, as long as his salads were not boring, he could eat them every day.
If he had a hamburger or other high-calorie meal for lunch, he would skip the higher calorie salad options at dinner and eat more lettuce.
In the evening, when he got the munchies, he would eat raw baby carrots. He loved crunchy snacks, so it was the perfect solution.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
New Year Beginnings
Today I registered for my first ever New Year's Day race. I was a little bit leery about entering a 5K on New Year's Day, but decided it's a great way to start out the new year. Besides, it doesn't start until 11 a.m. No matter how late I stay up on New Year's Eve, I can be at a starting line by 11.
I'm not really big on making resolutions, but I do set goals for myself. And this year I do plan to walk more, improve my speed and enter more races. This race is a great beginning.
I'm not really big on making resolutions, but I do set goals for myself. And this year I do plan to walk more, improve my speed and enter more races. This race is a great beginning.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Zoo Lights
I usually get the "after holiday blues" a few days after Christmas. Before the holiday everything is crazy and stressful, but once the day is over it all hits me and I get that emotional "crash."
Exercise and sunshine are great for combating those feelings. Another thing that helps is visiting the Columbus Zoo Wildlights holiday display.
We went out to the zoo tonight and had a great time! The weather was perfect - temps in the 50s and no wind, the sky was clear. And because Christmas is over, it wasn't very crowded. (I'm not good with heavy crowds or being behind slow walking people.) We weren't walking fast, but we were faster than the crowds in a typical shopping mall.
The lights were great! It definitely put me in a festive mood. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a light dusting of snow on the ground.
The best part is, I got my family out walking with me, and we had a great time doing it.
Exercise and sunshine are great for combating those feelings. Another thing that helps is visiting the Columbus Zoo Wildlights holiday display.
We went out to the zoo tonight and had a great time! The weather was perfect - temps in the 50s and no wind, the sky was clear. And because Christmas is over, it wasn't very crowded. (I'm not good with heavy crowds or being behind slow walking people.) We weren't walking fast, but we were faster than the crowds in a typical shopping mall.
The lights were great! It definitely put me in a festive mood. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a light dusting of snow on the ground.
The best part is, I got my family out walking with me, and we had a great time doing it.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Walking this Evening
Today was absolutely beautiful! It didn't seem like December at all, more like late Fall or really early Spring. The sun was shining, the temps in the 50s and no wind. I was just aching to get out to my favorite park to walk around Antrim Lake. I got home around 4:30 and the house was empty. I was resigned to again walking around the neighborhood. Just as I was ready to leave, my husband came home and agreed to go to the park with me! Yea!
It took a couple of minutes for him to get ready and we left for the park before 5 p.m. It was so peaceful! There weren't many people and the parking lot was almost empty. The water was smooth as glass and reflected the colors of the already setting sun. It was exactly what I needed after a couple of stressful days getting through the holidays. It made such a difference in my mental attitude, my husband even agreed to do two laps around the lake!
I wish I could walk there as often as I want, but even in the cold weather and no leaves on the trees I don't feel quite safe alone. Because I can't get there as often, it did make this walk feel even more special.
It took a couple of minutes for him to get ready and we left for the park before 5 p.m. It was so peaceful! There weren't many people and the parking lot was almost empty. The water was smooth as glass and reflected the colors of the already setting sun. It was exactly what I needed after a couple of stressful days getting through the holidays. It made such a difference in my mental attitude, my husband even agreed to do two laps around the lake!
I wish I could walk there as often as I want, but even in the cold weather and no leaves on the trees I don't feel quite safe alone. Because I can't get there as often, it did make this walk feel even more special.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Winter in Ohio
I woke up early this morning, made pancakes for the sleeping members of my family and head out for a short walk. Typical of Ohio weather, just wait a few minutes, and it will change.
When I woke up this morning, the temps were in the mid-50s and it was raining. By the time I got outside, the rain had stopped and the temps were in the low 50s.
Later, when I took my son out for one final holiday shopping trip, it had started snowing and was in the low 30s!
I'm pretty proud of myself for making it out today. However, yesterday was absolutely gorgeous! It was sunny and warm with not even a hint of precipitation. If I would have just woken up in time to walk with my walking club, I could have enjoyed that beautiful morning. Lately, my timing has been pretty bad when it comes to planning walks and weather. If I would just get out when I know I should, I'm sure I'd have a lot more beautiful days under my belt.
When I woke up this morning, the temps were in the mid-50s and it was raining. By the time I got outside, the rain had stopped and the temps were in the low 50s.
Later, when I took my son out for one final holiday shopping trip, it had started snowing and was in the low 30s!
I'm pretty proud of myself for making it out today. However, yesterday was absolutely gorgeous! It was sunny and warm with not even a hint of precipitation. If I would have just woken up in time to walk with my walking club, I could have enjoyed that beautiful morning. Lately, my timing has been pretty bad when it comes to planning walks and weather. If I would just get out when I know I should, I'm sure I'd have a lot more beautiful days under my belt.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Great Race Today!
I entered Run Wild Racing's Holiday Run 4-mile race today and it was great!
Though it had snowed several inches earlier this week, rain was predicted for this morning. I woke up early, looked outside to see it was not raining, and went to the race. It was about 35 degrees, which was perfect weather. It was chilly enough to make you realize you were walking in a winter race, yet warm enough to prevent there being ice on the trail.
Doug Grout and Run Wild Racing do a great job, and today was no exception - hot chocolate, cookies, great breads and tons of other goodies awaited the finishers. The best thing is there is always plenty left for the walkers. And this year's shirt was a long-sleeved technical shirt! Gotta love that!
Though it had snowed several inches earlier this week, rain was predicted for this morning. I woke up early, looked outside to see it was not raining, and went to the race. It was about 35 degrees, which was perfect weather. It was chilly enough to make you realize you were walking in a winter race, yet warm enough to prevent there being ice on the trail.
Doug Grout and Run Wild Racing do a great job, and today was no exception - hot chocolate, cookies, great breads and tons of other goodies awaited the finishers. The best thing is there is always plenty left for the walkers. And this year's shirt was a long-sleeved technical shirt! Gotta love that!
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Morning Walk
Though I did not make it out to walk with the Buckeye Striders, I did walk this morning. It's funny how walking with snow on the ground is sometimes warmer than walking at this time of year when there isn't any snow.
No wind, a little sun and most of the sidewalks were clear. It was a great start to my day!
(If it is not raining in the morning, I'll be at the holiday walk at 9 a.m.)
No wind, a little sun and most of the sidewalks were clear. It was a great start to my day!
(If it is not raining in the morning, I'll be at the holiday walk at 9 a.m.)
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Columbus Marathon Info
I heard something about the Columbus Marathon tonight that was pretty shocking. (Part of the reason it was shocking is that everything I heard previously was that it was a great race. But then again, those walkers were 5-hour finishers.)
The rumor I heard today is that, though the course was supposed to be open 7 hours, support for walkers was pulled after just 5 hours! Walkers on schedule to finish in under 7 hours were forced to sidewalks, and there wasn't any water after mile 20.
Did anyone else experience anything like this?
If races don't want walkers that is fine. There are plenty of marathons that really want walkers! But, if you say you are going to have the course open 7 hours and that you have a walking division, then you need to have a walking division and leave the course open as long as advertised.
The rumor I heard today is that, though the course was supposed to be open 7 hours, support for walkers was pulled after just 5 hours! Walkers on schedule to finish in under 7 hours were forced to sidewalks, and there wasn't any water after mile 20.
Did anyone else experience anything like this?
If races don't want walkers that is fine. There are plenty of marathons that really want walkers! But, if you say you are going to have the course open 7 hours and that you have a walking division, then you need to have a walking division and leave the course open as long as advertised.
Fun Night - Reconnecting
Sometimes I get so caught up in the minutia of running WALK! Magazine, I don't think I have the time to hang out with my Buckeye Strider friends. Tonight was the annual Holiday Party and I'm really glad I went!
Not only did I get caught up on all of the great races these people have been entering, I talked to one person about doing Big Sur with the Walking Team, and others about going to Detroit! Saturday I'll be up bright and early to walk with them (unless it rains) and Sunday I've agreed to enter one of our favorite Holiday runs.
It's always nice to get together with friends and especially nice to get together with walking friends.
Not only did I get caught up on all of the great races these people have been entering, I talked to one person about doing Big Sur with the Walking Team, and others about going to Detroit! Saturday I'll be up bright and early to walk with them (unless it rains) and Sunday I've agreed to enter one of our favorite Holiday runs.
It's always nice to get together with friends and especially nice to get together with walking friends.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Gift Giving Guide Online
The Winter issue of WALK! Magazine will be going to the printer very soon. The problem is, it contains the annual the Gift Giving Guide and I'm not sure most people will receive the issue in time to actually be able to use this guide. (We have a couple of surprises on it this year.)
To help make your list making (and maybe even your gift buying) easier, we will post the Gift Guide on the WALK! Magazine website long before the Winter issue mails. Right now I'm expecting it to be up before the end of the week.
Happy shopping!
To help make your list making (and maybe even your gift buying) easier, we will post the Gift Guide on the WALK! Magazine website long before the Winter issue mails. Right now I'm expecting it to be up before the end of the week.
Happy shopping!
Friday, November 23, 2007
New Family Tradition - NOT!
Yesterday, after the turkey was in the oven and the house was straightened waiting for guests, I said, "Let's start a new Thanksgiving tradition and go for a walk at a great park!" My husband looked at me as if I were nuts and not too subtly indicated he would not be going. My son laughed aloud and asked if I was serious. My daughter said OK, then realized she was the only one who agreed. "I only said yes because I thought everyone was going," she said, and quickly declined. I even called my sister, who was coming over later for dinner. She said if I had called 2 hours earlier it she might have said yes. (Right...)
I had my heart set on walking at that great park with the pond - the park I no longer feel safe walking at by myself. I was pretty disappointed, but later decided I should just go ahead and walk in the neighborhood by myself if I really wanted to walk. Dinner was schedule for 3 p.m., and it was just about 1:00, so I knew I had plenty of time to walk quickly and shower before guests arrived.
I pulled on shoes, grabbed my MP3 player and walked out the door just as my sister pulled into the driveway. At first I thought I might be able to con her into going with me, but then I saw the high heels she was wearing.
Oh, well - maybe next year. In the meantime, I'll work a little harder to get out walking today.
I had my heart set on walking at that great park with the pond - the park I no longer feel safe walking at by myself. I was pretty disappointed, but later decided I should just go ahead and walk in the neighborhood by myself if I really wanted to walk. Dinner was schedule for 3 p.m., and it was just about 1:00, so I knew I had plenty of time to walk quickly and shower before guests arrived.
I pulled on shoes, grabbed my MP3 player and walked out the door just as my sister pulled into the driveway. At first I thought I might be able to con her into going with me, but then I saw the high heels she was wearing.
Oh, well - maybe next year. In the meantime, I'll work a little harder to get out walking today.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
It was sort of a weird Thanksgiving for our family this year. I'm used to lots of family and friends, lots of noise, too much food, not enough time, not enough chairs, a lot of stress, but tons of fun. Though this year has been quite a bit smaller and much quieter, it has also been a lot less stressful.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but a quiet, unstressed holiday was not it. Regardless, I'm thankful for the people I was able to share the day with, and I'm thankful for the remaining family we will share Saturday with instead of today.
This is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek, superficial, a little bit serious list of what I'm thankful for this year:
1) The turkey turned out great and was even done a little bit early!
2) The stuffing and gravy tasted OK. (Both were usually my Mom's job, and I've never had to make them before.)
3) I didn't have to eat Waldorf Salad, which I have disliked my whole life. Regardless, it felt wrong having Thanksgiving without it.
4) My family is currently healthy, and several of them have had great success. It's been exciting being able to celebrate their successes.
5) New nieces and nephews - Who would have known that adding a couple adorable kids to this family could be so fun!
6) I'm able to walk as far as I think I'm able to walk. No IT band problems, no sore knees, no sore ankles - I'm feeling great.
7) WALK! Magazine is currently growing faster than I can keep up with. I've hired help for processing orders. Though it is stressful, it is a good stress.
8) We have really enthusiastic subscribers! I get great e-mails and notes all of the time. I wouldn't be able to continue doing this without your positive comments.
9) The WALK! Magazine Walking Team was so much fun. When I envisioned this group, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. You all are great! As a side note, the events I entered this year have been a blast! Thanks to everyone who walked with me this year.
10) I have a somewhat new outlook on life. I am really appreciating mornings more than I ever have. Even cold and rainy mornings look great from my office window. I'm not always out walking when I should be, but I have a new appreciation for what can be accomplished very early in the day.
This isn't turning out the way I had intended when I started it. Though this year started out pretty rough for us, many good things have happened to balance it out, and I'm extremely grateful. I'm especially grateful for the friendships that have helped us get to this point.
To all of you friends, subscribers, Walking Team members and everyone else who reads this silly blog, I hope you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but a quiet, unstressed holiday was not it. Regardless, I'm thankful for the people I was able to share the day with, and I'm thankful for the remaining family we will share Saturday with instead of today.
This is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek, superficial, a little bit serious list of what I'm thankful for this year:
1) The turkey turned out great and was even done a little bit early!
2) The stuffing and gravy tasted OK. (Both were usually my Mom's job, and I've never had to make them before.)
3) I didn't have to eat Waldorf Salad, which I have disliked my whole life. Regardless, it felt wrong having Thanksgiving without it.
4) My family is currently healthy, and several of them have had great success. It's been exciting being able to celebrate their successes.
5) New nieces and nephews - Who would have known that adding a couple adorable kids to this family could be so fun!
6) I'm able to walk as far as I think I'm able to walk. No IT band problems, no sore knees, no sore ankles - I'm feeling great.
7) WALK! Magazine is currently growing faster than I can keep up with. I've hired help for processing orders. Though it is stressful, it is a good stress.
8) We have really enthusiastic subscribers! I get great e-mails and notes all of the time. I wouldn't be able to continue doing this without your positive comments.
9) The WALK! Magazine Walking Team was so much fun. When I envisioned this group, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. You all are great! As a side note, the events I entered this year have been a blast! Thanks to everyone who walked with me this year.
10) I have a somewhat new outlook on life. I am really appreciating mornings more than I ever have. Even cold and rainy mornings look great from my office window. I'm not always out walking when I should be, but I have a new appreciation for what can be accomplished very early in the day.
This isn't turning out the way I had intended when I started it. Though this year started out pretty rough for us, many good things have happened to balance it out, and I'm extremely grateful. I'm especially grateful for the friendships that have helped us get to this point.
To all of you friends, subscribers, Walking Team members and everyone else who reads this silly blog, I hope you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Morning Walk
One of the reasons I got out walking this morning was the great column Dave McGovern wrote for the Winter issue of WALK! Magazine. He has friends with health ailments that greatly curtail their abilities to walk ... yet they keep going. One even built a cart to carry his oxygen tank while he walks! After reading about that athlete, what excuse can I EVER come up with that would be even remotely plausible.
I'll be out walking again tomorrow.
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Side note: I'm starting to like these weekday morning walks. It's a shame I don't feel the same enthusiasm for them on the weekends. I wonder if it has something to do with the fact I feel as if I'm playing hooky on a weekday, and I feel as if I don't have time on the weekends. I wish my schedule allowed more morning walks. But then again, if the novelty wears off maybe I won't be as excited about them
It was chilly (50s?), and took a little while for me to build up any heat, but once I got going it was fine. I walked for just 38 minutes, but it still felt good. One thing that encouraged me to walk faster was a garbage truck! I walked as fast as I could to get away from that thing! Luckily it turned the corner.
I'll be out walking again tomorrow.
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Side note: I'm starting to like these weekday morning walks. It's a shame I don't feel the same enthusiasm for them on the weekends. I wonder if it has something to do with the fact I feel as if I'm playing hooky on a weekday, and I feel as if I don't have time on the weekends. I wish my schedule allowed more morning walks. But then again, if the novelty wears off maybe I won't be as excited about them
It was chilly (50s?), and took a little while for me to build up any heat, but once I got going it was fine. I walked for just 38 minutes, but it still felt good. One thing that encouraged me to walk faster was a garbage truck! I walked as fast as I could to get away from that thing! Luckily it turned the corner.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Are My Feet Sore!
I could just kick myself for not wearing my pedometer today! After all of our work was done, my friend David and I decided to walk all the way down the street from Circus Circus to the Bellagio. That really is not a big deal when you are wearing walking shoes. In fact, I just did it the other morning. Well, since we planned to actually go in the casinos, I wore cute boot-like shoes with a heel.
The walk there was pretty easy. Let me rephrase that - it was easy for walking in Las Vegas. I swear this entire city is designed to prevent people from getting from one place to another. Regardless, we went to Treasure Island to find out the Pirate/Sirens show is cancelled until late December. We went to the Bellagio,which is beautiful, gambled a little, saw the fountains, then decided to cross the street to see some of the hotels on that side. Trying to get inside the Venetian was NOT easy!(We've never been down that way before.) You keep following signs, and eventually you realize you've been walking forever, and you still are not anywhere near where you thought you were trying to go.
When we first walked to that end of the city we had anticipated taking a cab back to the hotel. We ended up walking all the way back. After being in meetings for a couple of days, I loved being outside moving. However, it would have been much more enjoyable if I had on better shoes. From the Map My Walk web site, it looks as if it was about 3 miles each way. Add in the extra walking trying to figure out where we were, and I'm pretty sure we walked over 7 miles - with me in heels.
So, my flight home is at 6:35 a.m., I need to get to the airport by 4:30 and it's 11 p.m. now. I think I better head off to bed. It's just that with all of that walking, I'm not sure how much I'm going to be able to sleep right now.
The walk there was pretty easy. Let me rephrase that - it was easy for walking in Las Vegas. I swear this entire city is designed to prevent people from getting from one place to another. Regardless, we went to Treasure Island to find out the Pirate/Sirens show is cancelled until late December. We went to the Bellagio,which is beautiful, gambled a little, saw the fountains, then decided to cross the street to see some of the hotels on that side. Trying to get inside the Venetian was NOT easy!(We've never been down that way before.) You keep following signs, and eventually you realize you've been walking forever, and you still are not anywhere near where you thought you were trying to go.
When we first walked to that end of the city we had anticipated taking a cab back to the hotel. We ended up walking all the way back. After being in meetings for a couple of days, I loved being outside moving. However, it would have been much more enjoyable if I had on better shoes. From the Map My Walk web site, it looks as if it was about 3 miles each way. Add in the extra walking trying to figure out where we were, and I'm pretty sure we walked over 7 miles - with me in heels.
So, my flight home is at 6:35 a.m., I need to get to the airport by 4:30 and it's 11 p.m. now. I think I better head off to bed. It's just that with all of that walking, I'm not sure how much I'm going to be able to sleep right now.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Great Walk!
I just got back from a great walk! I tried to get up extra early to be able to walk for an entire hour, but I was too sleep deprived. I finally got up at 7, 10 a.m. Ohio time. By the time I was dressed and reached the street, it was about 7:20. I head up what looked like a main street. There is a lot of construction on this side of Las Vegas, but that did not stop the many joggers I saw! The sun is shining, temps are mild, the sky is a beautiful blue, and I was walking down the street with joggers and diesel trucks.
I approached a mall that had a really long staircase leading up to it. (This is Vegas, so of course there was an escalator next to the stairs.) There was a really fit jogger running up and down the stairs, and I thought it sounded like a great idea. I started running up the stairs, got to about 5 from the top and had to walk the rest, legs burning and lungs huffing. Meanwhile the jogger was on her third trip up and did not look tired! I humbly walked down the stairs, stopped at a coffee shop to buy water and head back to the hotel.
I feel so much better already after sleeping in and getting outside. I feel less tense and so much more healthy. I even turned down a fat laden chocolate chip muffin when I entered the hotel and opted for my healthy granola bars in my room. I'll locate some fruit later.
I approached a mall that had a really long staircase leading up to it. (This is Vegas, so of course there was an escalator next to the stairs.) There was a really fit jogger running up and down the stairs, and I thought it sounded like a great idea. I started running up the stairs, got to about 5 from the top and had to walk the rest, legs burning and lungs huffing. Meanwhile the jogger was on her third trip up and did not look tired! I humbly walked down the stairs, stopped at a coffee shop to buy water and head back to the hotel.
I feel so much better already after sleeping in and getting outside. I feel less tense and so much more healthy. I even turned down a fat laden chocolate chip muffin when I entered the hotel and opted for my healthy granola bars in my room. I'll locate some fruit later.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is an interesting city, to put it mildly. It's not one of my favorite places to visit - mostly because it seems so adverse to a healthy lifestyle. Since my last visit, they have at least limited indoor smoking to just the casinos. This is a nice change and makes me feel a little less like the entire city is just a giant ashtray.
So it was great to be on the elevator to my room this afternoon when a gentleman in running clothes stepped on. How far did you go? I asked. His face lit up as he told me about his short run. The weather was perfect for it!
I'm jet-lagged and sleep-deprived today, so I won't be out walking. However, now I'm even more inspired to get up early and head outside for a walk. I hope the weather cooperates. (Later this week, I'm sure we'll get out and do some sightseeing, too. Just not tonight.)
So it was great to be on the elevator to my room this afternoon when a gentleman in running clothes stepped on. How far did you go? I asked. His face lit up as he told me about his short run. The weather was perfect for it!
I'm jet-lagged and sleep-deprived today, so I won't be out walking. However, now I'm even more inspired to get up early and head outside for a walk. I hope the weather cooperates. (Later this week, I'm sure we'll get out and do some sightseeing, too. Just not tonight.)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Traveling
I will be traveling in Las Vegas this week. Not for anything magazine related, but I do plan to squeeze in a walk or two while I'm there.
I had hoped to contact the local walking club there to see if I could find someone to walk with, but didn't get around to it in time.
Las Vegas seems to be more of a "nightlife" type of place, so I don't think it will be crowded on the streets in the morning.
I had hoped to contact the local walking club there to see if I could find someone to walk with, but didn't get around to it in time.
Las Vegas seems to be more of a "nightlife" type of place, so I don't think it will be crowded on the streets in the morning.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Winter Issue Will be Exciting
I'm finishing up the Winter issue of WALK! Magazine, and I have to admit, I'm pretty excited. I can't go into a lot of detail because of few things are still up in the air, but things are shaping up nicely.
In this issue:
- an informative article from registered dietitian Sherri Stager about why low carb diets are bad for athletes,
- a feature about Debbie Sokolov, a cancer survivor who used walking to help recover from surgery,
- cold weather training,
- Tim Seaman helps us prepare to watch Olympic racewalking next summer,
- our annual gift giving guide,
- and several surprises!
Anyway, I need to get back to work. I just wanted to take a break to share my excitement.
In this issue:
- an informative article from registered dietitian Sherri Stager about why low carb diets are bad for athletes,
- a feature about Debbie Sokolov, a cancer survivor who used walking to help recover from surgery,
- cold weather training,
- Tim Seaman helps us prepare to watch Olympic racewalking next summer,
- our annual gift giving guide,
- and several surprises!
Anyway, I need to get back to work. I just wanted to take a break to share my excitement.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Guest Editorial
Do you have thoughts about walking you would love to share with the readers of WALK! Magazine? Now you can submit your ideas as a Guest Editorial! It would run in place of the Letter from the Editor and we will even include your picture!
If you are interested in writing an editorial for WALK! Magazine, submit your idea and the issue you'd like it to run in to me at admin@walk-magazine.com.
If you are interested in writing an editorial for WALK! Magazine, submit your idea and the issue you'd like it to run in to me at admin@walk-magazine.com.
Preliminary 2008 Submission Deadlines
I really love having readers of WALK! Magazine submit articles! I have had more comments on Marlene Welch's A View From the Rear than on just about anything else we have published. (It really was a great story.)
For those of you who are interested in submitting articles for a specific issue, following are the submission deadlines for our 2008 schedule. Hey, if you don't care what issue it appears in, we are happy to accept your stories at any time.
Preliminary 2008 Schedule:
Spring Deadline - January 4
Summer Deadline - April 4
Fall Deadline - July 2
Winter Deadline - September 26
The Spring issue will again be the Shoe Review issue.
OK everyone - get writing!
For those of you who are interested in submitting articles for a specific issue, following are the submission deadlines for our 2008 schedule. Hey, if you don't care what issue it appears in, we are happy to accept your stories at any time.
Preliminary 2008 Schedule:
Spring Deadline - January 4
Summer Deadline - April 4
Fall Deadline - July 2
Winter Deadline - September 26
The Spring issue will again be the Shoe Review issue.
OK everyone - get writing!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Walking with a Doc
This morning I joined Dr. David Sabgir and his crew for the weekly Walk with a Doc program in Highbanks Metro Park on the north side of Columbus.
The group meets at 8 a.m. in a shelter way in the back of the park. Sponsors provide coffee, fruit, bottled water and bagels. The participants are friendly and look forward to walking with each other each week.
It was a beautiful morning! Frost covered the grass, wild flowers and weeds. The sun was low and made everything covered with frost sparkle. As the frost melted, the fall leaves glistened and the colors were fantastic!
Though it was just 32 degrees when the group met, it wasn't really cold. I'm sure the fact there was no wind helped it feel less cold. (I was comfortable in just a couple light layers without gloves or a hat.) I walked with a very interesting gentleman whose name I'm not sure about. He was very easy to talk to, and together we took one of the slightly longer routes, so I'm sure we went more than a mile.
I'm not much of a morning person. OK, let me rephrase that - I'm NOT a morning person. But after yesterday's morning walk and today's even earlier, more beautiful morning walk, I just may be converted.
_______________________________________________
Note on this morning's drive to Highbanks Park. I struggled to wake up this morning, took a shower, had my coffee and granola bar, and hopped in the car with an audio book in the CD player. As I drove up 23 North, I was not really half asleep, but it was about 7:30 in the morning, it was still dark and I was probably not totally alert. I was all the way to Delaware when it dawned on me that I had driven too far! I wondered if the sign had changed or maybe it was missing. I turned around, tried to pay more attention, and ended up at the park at about 8:02. The sign was there, bigger than life, right where it should have been. I must have just zoned out for a minute. Regardless, I hate being late, but I had really tried to get there early. Next time, I'll have to consume a little more caffeine before getting in the car.
The group meets at 8 a.m. in a shelter way in the back of the park. Sponsors provide coffee, fruit, bottled water and bagels. The participants are friendly and look forward to walking with each other each week.
It was a beautiful morning! Frost covered the grass, wild flowers and weeds. The sun was low and made everything covered with frost sparkle. As the frost melted, the fall leaves glistened and the colors were fantastic!
Though it was just 32 degrees when the group met, it wasn't really cold. I'm sure the fact there was no wind helped it feel less cold. (I was comfortable in just a couple light layers without gloves or a hat.) I walked with a very interesting gentleman whose name I'm not sure about. He was very easy to talk to, and together we took one of the slightly longer routes, so I'm sure we went more than a mile.
I'm not much of a morning person. OK, let me rephrase that - I'm NOT a morning person. But after yesterday's morning walk and today's even earlier, more beautiful morning walk, I just may be converted.
_______________________________________________
Note on this morning's drive to Highbanks Park. I struggled to wake up this morning, took a shower, had my coffee and granola bar, and hopped in the car with an audio book in the CD player. As I drove up 23 North, I was not really half asleep, but it was about 7:30 in the morning, it was still dark and I was probably not totally alert. I was all the way to Delaware when it dawned on me that I had driven too far! I wondered if the sign had changed or maybe it was missing. I turned around, tried to pay more attention, and ended up at the park at about 8:02. The sign was there, bigger than life, right where it should have been. I must have just zoned out for a minute. Regardless, I hate being late, but I had really tried to get there early. Next time, I'll have to consume a little more caffeine before getting in the car.
Early Friday Walk
Yesterday I had the chance to take a morning walk before buckling down to work on the magazine for the day. It was a cool morning and still a little dark as I head out the door. I don't normally get the chance to walk in the morning during the week, and it felt great. It's quite a bit different from the afternoon and evening walks I normally take.
As I walked I saw plenty of people scraping their windshields. I'm surprised at the number of people in my neighborhood who do not leave their houses before 8. The traffic was different, the sounds of the neighborhood were different, and seeing the kids walking to school was different. I almost laughed aloud at one little boy who ran past me who was obviously going to be late.
Though I started work later than I had wanted, I felt great the rest of the day. I think I could get used to this.
As I walked I saw plenty of people scraping their windshields. I'm surprised at the number of people in my neighborhood who do not leave their houses before 8. The traffic was different, the sounds of the neighborhood were different, and seeing the kids walking to school was different. I almost laughed aloud at one little boy who ran past me who was obviously going to be late.
Though I started work later than I had wanted, I felt great the rest of the day. I think I could get used to this.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Big Sur in Spring!
Here's the good news! WALK! Magazine will be at the Big Sur International Marathon in the Spring! Can you imagine a more beautiful place to be in April after a chilly, gray Ohio winter than on the coast of California? (I know you don't all live in Ohio, but winters are not pretty here.)
There are several race choices: Full Marathon, a 21-Miler (used to be called the PowerWalk), a 10.6 Mile event, a 9-Mile event, a Relay and a 5K. This series of events attracts a lot of walkers and should be a blast!
I'm really excited about doing the 21-mile race! So, let's all go to Big Sur!!!
Specifics
For the Full Marathon, participants must maintain a 15-min per mile pace to finish. For the 21-mile event, there is a 6.5 hour time limit, which I think works out to about 18 mins per mile. BTW: There is a Walking Division. (Though I couldn't find the info. today.)
Now for the bad news. The 21-mile race is already 68% full! The marathon is about 30% full. The shorter races will not fill up as quickly. I've asked the race staff to hold a few places in the 21-mile race for us, and they are willing to do that. I don't know yet how long they will hold the spaces for us, though. We had planned to have everything for the 2008 Walking Team ready for a January 1 kick off.
So, if you want to go to Big Sur with WALK! Magazine in April 2008, it is better if we know quickly.
For more information about the various races, go to www.bsim.org. For more information about the WALK! Magazine Walking Team, send me an e-mail.
There are several race choices: Full Marathon, a 21-Miler (used to be called the PowerWalk), a 10.6 Mile event, a 9-Mile event, a Relay and a 5K. This series of events attracts a lot of walkers and should be a blast!
I'm really excited about doing the 21-mile race! So, let's all go to Big Sur!!!
Specifics
For the Full Marathon, participants must maintain a 15-min per mile pace to finish. For the 21-mile event, there is a 6.5 hour time limit, which I think works out to about 18 mins per mile. BTW: There is a Walking Division. (Though I couldn't find the info. today.)
Now for the bad news. The 21-mile race is already 68% full! The marathon is about 30% full. The shorter races will not fill up as quickly. I've asked the race staff to hold a few places in the 21-mile race for us, and they are willing to do that. I don't know yet how long they will hold the spaces for us, though. We had planned to have everything for the 2008 Walking Team ready for a January 1 kick off.
So, if you want to go to Big Sur with WALK! Magazine in April 2008, it is better if we know quickly.
For more information about the various races, go to www.bsim.org. For more information about the WALK! Magazine Walking Team, send me an e-mail.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
New Advertising Sales Rep
I am proud to announce that Holly Loberg has joined WALK! Magazine as Advertising Sales Representative. Because of Holly's wide ranging experience in all areas of the publishing industry, you will see her name in bylines and eventually layout and design.
To place an advertisement in WALK! Magazine, on our web site or in our e-mail newsletter, please contact Holly at 614/940-6623, or via e-mail at holly@walk-magazine.com.
Please join me in welcoming Holly!
To place an advertisement in WALK! Magazine, on our web site or in our e-mail newsletter, please contact Holly at 614/940-6623, or via e-mail at holly@walk-magazine.com.
Please join me in welcoming Holly!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Growing Fast
I don't know how many of you I have told this, but we are really starting to grow fast! Last year at this time, we were receiving around 30 subscriptions a month - that includes new subscriptions and renewals.
At the beginning of this year, we were receiving about 80 subscriptions a month. Now, at the height of fall marathon season, we are receiving about 100 subscriptions a month!
All I can say is WOW! No wonder the staff who share data entry (with other duties) seem a little bit overwhelmed.
I'd also like to say a special thanks to all of you subscribers who encourage your walking buddies to subscribe. If we keep growing like this, we'll be able to add pages and add issues soon! Thanks!
PS: Go Bucks!
At the beginning of this year, we were receiving about 80 subscriptions a month. Now, at the height of fall marathon season, we are receiving about 100 subscriptions a month!
All I can say is WOW! No wonder the staff who share data entry (with other duties) seem a little bit overwhelmed.
I'd also like to say a special thanks to all of you subscribers who encourage your walking buddies to subscribe. If we keep growing like this, we'll be able to add pages and add issues soon! Thanks!
PS: Go Bucks!
Got Mine
I received my sample copy of WALK! Magazine in the mail today. That's a lot longer than it usually takes. But, as I tell everyone who asks, when magazines are mailed bulk rate, they can sit in any post office for up to three days. The more post offices between the mailing facility and the subscriber, the longer it can take to receive.
So, those of you in Ohio or Michigan who have not yet received your fall magazine should get it any day.
So, those of you in Ohio or Michigan who have not yet received your fall magazine should get it any day.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Walking and Talking
I must confess, I have not been walking enough. Today was beautiful and I decided that I needed to get out no matter what.
As soon as I got home, I changed, grabbed my phone and other stuff and left. The phone rang the moment I walked out the door! Argh! My calls do not usually last long, so I decided to start walking while taking the call.
I did my short little route around the neighborhood, and we were still talking. I even added two cul-de-sacs, and we were still talking! I finally got home and started fixing dinner.
Though it was really nice to catch up with my friend, I didn't expect we would talk for so long. I'm glad I didn't wait until our conversation was over to walk, or I probably would not have gone.
As soon as I got home, I changed, grabbed my phone and other stuff and left. The phone rang the moment I walked out the door! Argh! My calls do not usually last long, so I decided to start walking while taking the call.
I did my short little route around the neighborhood, and we were still talking. I even added two cul-de-sacs, and we were still talking! I finally got home and started fixing dinner.
Though it was really nice to catch up with my friend, I didn't expect we would talk for so long. I'm glad I didn't wait until our conversation was over to walk, or I probably would not have gone.
Items for Gift Giving Guide
We are still taking suggestions for the Gift Giving Guide. If you have a product you would like to recommend, send an e-mail to me. Please include a web site where we can find additional information.
Funny
I recently found out that most of the Canadian subscribers have received their magazines, however, I have just heard from two U.S. subscribers that they haven't received theirs yet! Who would have thought that the Canadians would be receiving theirs first?
Because the magazines sent in the U.S. are mailed bulk rate, each one can sit in any post office for up to three days. So, depending upon the number of post offices between the mailing house and you will determine how long it will take you to receive your issue.
BTW: I have not received my "test" copy yet, either.
Because the magazines sent in the U.S. are mailed bulk rate, each one can sit in any post office for up to three days. So, depending upon the number of post offices between the mailing house and you will determine how long it will take you to receive your issue.
BTW: I have not received my "test" copy yet, either.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Fall Issue
The Fall issue has been mailed and most of you should have received your copy by now. This issue was especially fun for me because WALK! Magazine's friend Joyce Prohaska is on the cover. Joyce is such an accomplished athlete, and a huge supporter of the magazine, it was really rewarding to be able to put her on the cover.
Other topics in this issue include: How to Recover from Your Next Long-Distance Event, How to Take NSAIDS Safely, and a feature about a Walking Tour Through Blankenberge, Belgium.
If you are not yet a subscriber, and would like to change that, go to our online store at store.walk-magazine.com/index.html.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Choosing Events for 2008
We are actively trying to decide which events WALK! Magazine will attend in 2008. Several current Walking Team members are very excited and want to start planning now.
I would like to have at least one Spring event and one Fall event. We also will support whichever event wins the Walker Friendly Event Award. Though we can go to more than just three events in a year (I usually go to more than that to have a booth at expos), but for the Walking Team, I don't want to spread us too thin.
We are looking at a wide variety of events from the Big Sur Marathon in the Spring (Or the Big Sur Half Marathon in November) to Detroit in the Fall and Little Rock in the Spring.... My buddy Chris provided a list of events that have both Walking Divisions and a half or shorter options.
What we probably need is a marketing study to determine whether we will have more members go to an event if it is a "destination" event. Or if it is a local, easy to get to event. Then again, "local" for me is quite a bit different than for those who live in Arkansas or Monterey, CA.
BTW: The Big Sur spring event attracts over 3,900 walkers. That could be a great group of walkers to reach.
Anyway, we are taking suggestions. If you know of an event you would like to see the Walking Team attend, let us know!
I would like to have at least one Spring event and one Fall event. We also will support whichever event wins the Walker Friendly Event Award. Though we can go to more than just three events in a year (I usually go to more than that to have a booth at expos), but for the Walking Team, I don't want to spread us too thin.
We are looking at a wide variety of events from the Big Sur Marathon in the Spring (Or the Big Sur Half Marathon in November) to Detroit in the Fall and Little Rock in the Spring.... My buddy Chris provided a list of events that have both Walking Divisions and a half or shorter options.
What we probably need is a marketing study to determine whether we will have more members go to an event if it is a "destination" event. Or if it is a local, easy to get to event. Then again, "local" for me is quite a bit different than for those who live in Arkansas or Monterey, CA.
BTW: The Big Sur spring event attracts over 3,900 walkers. That could be a great group of walkers to reach.
Anyway, we are taking suggestions. If you know of an event you would like to see the Walking Team attend, let us know!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
International Mail News
I happened to mention to one of my local postal employees that most of our Canadian subscribers didn't seem to receive the Summer issue of the magazine. Her first reaction was that the printer probably does not include the country on the mailing labels. If Canada is not on the label, it will not be delivered! I have been talking to printers, mailing houses, and others for advice. The printer and the mailing house have been conducting their own unsuccessful investigations. Yet an off-the-cuff comment to a postal employee may have solved our problem!
Regardless, I will continue to have the international subscriptions mailed by hand until we have a guaranteed solution.
Regardless, I will continue to have the international subscriptions mailed by hand until we have a guaranteed solution.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Perspective
Sometimes we need a little bit of perspective. There are times I get so caught up in the stresses of everyday life, meeting deadlines, getting household chores done, paying bills, driving car pool, fitting in exercise...it can be overwhelming.
I was out running errands this evening. (When I say evening, I don't mean 6 or 7 p.m., it was 9:00 tonight.) At first I was feeling sorry for myself, thinking about everything else I have yet to do tonight and wondering when I am going to get it all done. While I was out, I ran into an acquaintance who has had it rough - really rough. Between employment problems, family health issues, and more, it's going to be a while before this family sees the light of day.
I walked away feeling a variety of emotions, especially deep sympathy. But once I got to my car, it dawned on me how lucky I have it. Yes, I am pretty much perpetually stressed and I have not met a deadline in a very long time. But I have a great family and I am living the American dream (and MY dream!). I'm publishing my own magazine, it's growing (adding to the stress), I think I found an ad rep, I'm making some great contacts, I've entered some fantastic races and I've met some pretty amazing people! OK, so I never sleep - the rest of the stuff I can deal with.
I was out running errands this evening. (When I say evening, I don't mean 6 or 7 p.m., it was 9:00 tonight.) At first I was feeling sorry for myself, thinking about everything else I have yet to do tonight and wondering when I am going to get it all done. While I was out, I ran into an acquaintance who has had it rough - really rough. Between employment problems, family health issues, and more, it's going to be a while before this family sees the light of day.
I walked away feeling a variety of emotions, especially deep sympathy. But once I got to my car, it dawned on me how lucky I have it. Yes, I am pretty much perpetually stressed and I have not met a deadline in a very long time. But I have a great family and I am living the American dream (and MY dream!). I'm publishing my own magazine, it's growing (adding to the stress), I think I found an ad rep, I'm making some great contacts, I've entered some fantastic races and I've met some pretty amazing people! OK, so I never sleep - the rest of the stuff I can deal with.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Walking for the Environment
Today is "Blogger Action Day," and as a participant, I agreed to post an environmentally friendly message. Lucky for me, walking is environmentally friendly!
Instead of just using walking as a form of exercise, look for ways you can walk for transportation instead of driving. In many American cities this is tough because we are so spread out and need to drive.
I'm fortunate that the post office, a couple of grocery stores and the library are all within walking distance. My family is getting used to my reqesting we walk somewhere, but the neighbors still ask me if my car is broken.
Studies show that people who live in big cities with great mass transit are more fit than people who live in cities where they mostly drive. We can turn that around by walking a little more. The next time you feel like driving to get ice cream, check your mail or to pick up something light weight from the store, see if it is something you can do by walking first.
Instead of just using walking as a form of exercise, look for ways you can walk for transportation instead of driving. In many American cities this is tough because we are so spread out and need to drive.
I'm fortunate that the post office, a couple of grocery stores and the library are all within walking distance. My family is getting used to my reqesting we walk somewhere, but the neighbors still ask me if my car is broken.
Studies show that people who live in big cities with great mass transit are more fit than people who live in cities where they mostly drive. We can turn that around by walking a little more. The next time you feel like driving to get ice cream, check your mail or to pick up something light weight from the store, see if it is something you can do by walking first.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Canadian Update
The Fall issue of WALK! Magazine was mailed last week. OK, the magazines sent to the U.S. subscribers were mailed from the printer in Texas last week. In order to try get magazines to our Canadian subscribers more quickly, we are experimenting with mailing them first class from our Columbus, OH offices.
We received our bulk shipment of magazines Friday and the entire Canadian mailing list has been stuffed in envelopes and they are at the post office right now waiting for tomorrow's mail. Let me know when they arrive.
We received our bulk shipment of magazines Friday and the entire Canadian mailing list has been stuffed in envelopes and they are at the post office right now waiting for tomorrow's mail. Let me know when they arrive.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Electronic Magazine Available Soon
About 50% of the people who responded to the poll question on our web site said they would like to receive WALK! Magazine electronically! Of those, the majority said they would like to receive the magazine via e-mail.
We have a few logistical issues to work out. Look for more information on this new distribution method and how to sign up by the end of October.
(We'll have a new poll question posted soon!)
We have a few logistical issues to work out. Look for more information on this new distribution method and how to sign up by the end of October.
(We'll have a new poll question posted soon!)
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
You Can Tell It's Fall
I walked to the park by the library tonight and did a lap before heading back home. The typical signs of fall were everywhere! Not only are the leaves starting to turn, but the parking lots were packed, tons of people were out walking and the sports fields were full of kids playing soccer.
When you walk in local parks year-round, you start to learn the seasons based on useage as much as by weather. Spring and Fall seem to bring out the most people. Spring attracts the people who are excited the weather is finally warm. Fall brings out the people who are excited it has finally cooled off or are hoping to get outside a few more times before the upcoming winter. On the bike trails (where I don't walk anymore) you see a lot of people training for the Columbus Marathon this time of year.
Whatever the reason, I really enjoy being out and seeing the change of season.
When you walk in local parks year-round, you start to learn the seasons based on useage as much as by weather. Spring and Fall seem to bring out the most people. Spring attracts the people who are excited the weather is finally warm. Fall brings out the people who are excited it has finally cooled off or are hoping to get outside a few more times before the upcoming winter. On the bike trails (where I don't walk anymore) you see a lot of people training for the Columbus Marathon this time of year.
Whatever the reason, I really enjoy being out and seeing the change of season.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Does this Count?
Football season is in full swing. The team my son plays for does not have stands and it is difficult to watch a game when sitting in a chair. Most parents tend to walk the sidelines. Let's see, a 2-hour football game, 7 touchdowns scored, 100 yards here, 75 yards there... I give up. Next week I'll just wear a pedometer.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Congrats Renee!
Congratulations, Renee Soles!
Renee, a member of the WALK! Magazine Walking Team, took second place in her age group at the Appleton PowerWalk half marathon. She just received her plaque in the mail this week.
Though the running awards that weekend are presented as the runners cross the finish line, they mail the walking awards to be sure that walkers actually walked.
Renee, a member of the WALK! Magazine Walking Team, took second place in her age group at the Appleton PowerWalk half marathon. She just received her plaque in the mail this week.
Though the running awards that weekend are presented as the runners cross the finish line, they mail the walking awards to be sure that walkers actually walked.
Laptops and Nuts
I recently bought a laptop computer so that I'm not chained to my desk constantly. I am one of those people who, if given the option of being outside or inside, will choose outside 90% of the time. (You probably do not want to know how I feel about air conditioning. It's a constant battle at my house.) Even now I am on my deck while writing this. It's amazing how freeing wifi can be, too!
Earlier this week, I ate lunch at a beautiful park under huge old oak trees! I had my trusty laptop with me so I could edit some things. The breeze was light, but ocassionally I would hear noises from the trees. I assumed the squirrels were running around having a great time. Suddenly something heavy fell from the tree and crashed beside the picnic table, scaring me half to death. Yes, I jumped. It was a small bunch of the biggest acorns I have ever seen and they were still attached to a good portion of branch! I started looking around a little more, and noticed that the whole area was being pelted with huge acorns!
First, I'm surprised I didn't notice earlier. Second, I'm pretty lucky I didn't get nailed.
Earlier this week, I ate lunch at a beautiful park under huge old oak trees! I had my trusty laptop with me so I could edit some things. The breeze was light, but ocassionally I would hear noises from the trees. I assumed the squirrels were running around having a great time. Suddenly something heavy fell from the tree and crashed beside the picnic table, scaring me half to death. Yes, I jumped. It was a small bunch of the biggest acorns I have ever seen and they were still attached to a good portion of branch! I started looking around a little more, and noticed that the whole area was being pelted with huge acorns!
First, I'm surprised I didn't notice earlier. Second, I'm pretty lucky I didn't get nailed.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
I Need a Half Marathon!
My legs are getting antsy! I'm feeling a need to walk and I really want another half marathon before it is too cold.
There is a solution - the Columbus Marathon has a half marathon option on October 21. I was thinking about entering, but there are a few things stopping me: 1) I used to be the Walking Director and quit because the race is less walker friendly than it used to be. 2) Prevention Magazine is bring their group of walkers. I've read Prevention, and it is a waste of money! 90% of the articles they publish I could write doing absolutely no research, with the knowledge I have. (I'm not that bright -the magazine is that weak.) 3) This late it is $70 to enter. I'm thinking that $70 for a half marathon just a couple of miles from my house that will require me to start at 7 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. with the runners might be too much money. Besides, I hate getting up extra early for a race.
I can't decide what the most important issue is. It might be that my legs are antsy and I REALLY want a half marathon! Besides, if all of those walkers are willing to read Prevention, imagine how excited they will feel when they discover WALK Magazine!
There is a solution - the Columbus Marathon has a half marathon option on October 21. I was thinking about entering, but there are a few things stopping me: 1) I used to be the Walking Director and quit because the race is less walker friendly than it used to be. 2) Prevention Magazine is bring their group of walkers. I've read Prevention, and it is a waste of money! 90% of the articles they publish I could write doing absolutely no research, with the knowledge I have. (I'm not that bright -the magazine is that weak.) 3) This late it is $70 to enter. I'm thinking that $70 for a half marathon just a couple of miles from my house that will require me to start at 7 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. with the runners might be too much money. Besides, I hate getting up extra early for a race.
I can't decide what the most important issue is. It might be that my legs are antsy and I REALLY want a half marathon! Besides, if all of those walkers are willing to read Prevention, imagine how excited they will feel when they discover WALK Magazine!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Renewal Information
Those of you whose subscriptions expire with the Summer 2007 issue will have already received an e-mail, or will receive a renewal postcard, or both. If you responded to the e-mail, then just ignore the postcard.
If your subscription expires with the Fall 2007 issue, you will soon be receiving a postcard. I realized after I stuck them in the mail that they probably mailed about a week too early. Don't panic! You will still be receiving the Fall issue.
We are still trying to figure out how to put your subscription expiration date on the mailing labels. I'm hoping to have it figured out by the Winter issue.
I hope you all like the magazine and renew!
If your subscription expires with the Fall 2007 issue, you will soon be receiving a postcard. I realized after I stuck them in the mail that they probably mailed about a week too early. Don't panic! You will still be receiving the Fall issue.
We are still trying to figure out how to put your subscription expiration date on the mailing labels. I'm hoping to have it figured out by the Winter issue.
I hope you all like the magazine and renew!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Subscribe to Free E-mail Newsletter
We have just opened up our e-mail newsletter to EVERYONE! This quarterly publication, previously available only to Magazine subscribers, is now available to anyone upon request.
To receive this newsletter, send an e-mail to me at admin@walk-magazine.com. Please put "newsletter" in the subject line.
To receive this newsletter, send an e-mail to me at admin@walk-magazine.com. Please put "newsletter" in the subject line.
Ready to Start Training Again
OK, I've rested for a week. I've had a pedicure. And I'm planning to take my shoes back to the running store this week to have them checked out. I even have a couple of new audio books.
I have had really antsy legs on and off all week. I think I'm ready to start walking and training for something again.
Last week I thought I would enter the Columbus Marathon Half at the end of October, but I found out the cost right now is $70! That seems like an awful lot of money for a half marathon that is right down the street, and that does not have the aura of fun and excitement that other events do. (Let's face it. All you have to do is think about a flying pig, and you want to smile. A running Chris Columbus does not exude fun.)
I'll look around and see if there are any events nearby that sound like fun. In the meantime, I think I'll be walking again tomorrow.
I have had really antsy legs on and off all week. I think I'm ready to start walking and training for something again.
Last week I thought I would enter the Columbus Marathon Half at the end of October, but I found out the cost right now is $70! That seems like an awful lot of money for a half marathon that is right down the street, and that does not have the aura of fun and excitement that other events do. (Let's face it. All you have to do is think about a flying pig, and you want to smile. A running Chris Columbus does not exude fun.)
I'll look around and see if there are any events nearby that sound like fun. In the meantime, I think I'll be walking again tomorrow.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Appleton Report
I can't believe that I forgot to post a report about the Appleton PowerWalk Half Marathon! The race was great, the people were wonderful, the weather was perfect.
The 9 or so members of the WALK! Magazine walking team met at the starting line before the race. Most of us had on our green shirts. We even had a couple of "guests" who were wearing white magazine shirts join us!
The fast people went up ahead. A group of six of us started out together. Michelle was a little faster and eventually went ahead. The other five of us had the opportunity to chat and really get to know each other over 13.1 miles. The course is pretty flat and for the most part was pretty. The volunteers were very friendly and seemed to have a great time. My favorite water stop was the one commemorating the 100th birthday of the city of Appleton.
When we got close to the bay it was very scenic, and there was a great breeze coming in off the water.
A number of people were cheering us on. Instead of yelling for us by name, they were yelling things like "Go Girls in Green!" or "Go Walking Team!" We picked up a few other people along the way, like Heather from Menasha who walked several miles with us.
My absolute favorite part was when I heard people not with us talking about WALK! Magazine and discussing how much they liked the magazine. How cool is that!
The faster team members were waiting for us to finish and cheered us on. We took a few pictures after the race and went off looking for food. Unfortunately, they ran out of after-race sandwiches! (We finished in about 3:25. There were still plenty of full marathoners on the course!) I received an e-mail from a person associated with the race who said that people were grabbing food for their entire families! He also said there was more food delivered after we had left. We did get plenty of water, bagels, bananas and cookies, though. There were even cans of Coke products available.
This is a very nice small race. The walkers counted in the hundreds, but we were treated as if we numbered in the thousands. Our shirt said PowerWalk on it! The medals change every year, and this year's featured the lighthouse and felt pretty substantial. In addition to the shirt, we also got a great winter hat in our goody bags. Oh, there were shuttles from the local hotels to the starting line, and from the finish line back to the hotels! We caught one at 6:15 and had plenty of time to get to the start.
Conclusion: If you like smaller races, this is the race for you! It doesn't have all of the hoopla of a Country Music Marathon or the Flying Pig, but it is an extremely friendly event that treats the participants well!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Recovering from two Weekends of Racing
New Albany 10K September 16 & Appleton PowerWalk Half Marathon September 23
I'm a little bit surprised that I'm feeling really "draggy" still. Monday I knew I shouldn't walk very far and ended up just going to the post office and the Mexican restaurant nearby. (I needed an after-race weekend Margarita with my husband, afterall.) I walked pretty slowly because I could only walk slowly, not out of choice. Yesterday I didn't do any walking and today my legs just feel heavy.
The good news is. I'm not sore. In fact, I wasn't sore at all this week, just draggy.
Well, Dave McGovern has written a great column for the Fall issue about post-race recovery. For a full marathon, he says not to walk for two weeks. So I guess not walking for one week after a half marathon makes sense. I'm also relieved I don't feel sore.
This may come under the "too much information" category, but here goes. From all of the walking and abuse of my feet this summer, they look horrendous! (I've had more than a few blisters this summer!) And now that I have successfully finished all of the Walking Team events, I think I'm going to treat myself to a pedicure.
I'm a little bit surprised that I'm feeling really "draggy" still. Monday I knew I shouldn't walk very far and ended up just going to the post office and the Mexican restaurant nearby. (I needed an after-race weekend Margarita with my husband, afterall.) I walked pretty slowly because I could only walk slowly, not out of choice. Yesterday I didn't do any walking and today my legs just feel heavy.
The good news is. I'm not sore. In fact, I wasn't sore at all this week, just draggy.
Well, Dave McGovern has written a great column for the Fall issue about post-race recovery. For a full marathon, he says not to walk for two weeks. So I guess not walking for one week after a half marathon makes sense. I'm also relieved I don't feel sore.
This may come under the "too much information" category, but here goes. From all of the walking and abuse of my feet this summer, they look horrendous! (I've had more than a few blisters this summer!) And now that I have successfully finished all of the Walking Team events, I think I'm going to treat myself to a pedicure.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Turnabout is Fair Play
The Fox Cities Marathon also hosts a 5K, which is held the Saturday before the marathon. On our way to the Expo Saturday morning, we were stopped in traffic while the 5K runners and walkers went by. After several minutes it was obvious that there was not going to be a hole big enough for the hotel courtesy van to fit through - not that the police would have let us cross in the middle of a race.
Luckily, the van driver was able to go around the block and get us to the Expo in time. Regardless, Deb and I found it funny that we would finally see a race from another point of view.
Look Who is Wearing WALK! Shirts
At the New Albany 10K on September 16, I found a couple of loyal readers wearing our shirts! Joe had to buy a new one - he liked his shirt so much he wore it out!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Expo Update
So far so good at Appleton. The people are EXTREMELY friendly! It's odd how not many locals seem to know about the race. Actually, it is servers at restaurants, and people like that who don't know about the race. I find that funny, considering the starting line is not too far away.
Things seem to be spread out. If I had known I would have probably considered renting a car like Karen did.
The expo was nice. It is small, and for most of the day traffic was good. Toward the end of the day it was very slow and time dragged. Regardless, the people we met were great. I do think we will get some new subscribers from it. And maybe even some new advertisers. (Keep your fingers crossed.)
OK, I'm off to bed. Dinner ended up being later than we had planned and I'm tired. More tomorrow.
Things seem to be spread out. If I had known I would have probably considered renting a car like Karen did.
The expo was nice. It is small, and for most of the day traffic was good. Toward the end of the day it was very slow and time dragged. Regardless, the people we met were great. I do think we will get some new subscribers from it. And maybe even some new advertisers. (Keep your fingers crossed.)
OK, I'm off to bed. Dinner ended up being later than we had planned and I'm tired. More tomorrow.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
On my way to Appleton
I'm on my way to Appleton for the Fox Cities PowerWalk in the morning. I should be in bed since we are leaving at 5 a.m. to catch a flight at 7. I hope to see a bunch of you in Wisconsin over the weekend!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Goofy Training
This is an unusual request. A subscriber who is doing the Goofy Challenge at Disney in 2008 asked for training advice. Any suggestions? How have you trained?
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Additional Comments on my Shoes
I wore my new bright blue New Balance 902s today. I'm having something weird happen when I wear them for longer than about 4 miles. The right shoe feels as if it is pinching when I walk. Well, that isn't quite right - my toes start to feel a little numb. It is almost as if they bend in the wrong place...I'm not quite sure what it is.
The first race I wore them in, I tied the shoes too tight and I assumed the padding was just too thick causing the numbness. Now I'm thinking shoes just are not right for me.
I have a half marathon coming up next weekend, and I'm just not sure what I'm going to do. The yellow Brooks shoes are too worn and too light for a half, but the 902s are starting to annoy me. With only a week away, I don't have time to get anything different. I'll probably just have to wear the blue ones and figure it out after the race.
The first race I wore them in, I tied the shoes too tight and I assumed the padding was just too thick causing the numbness. Now I'm thinking shoes just are not right for me.
I have a half marathon coming up next weekend, and I'm just not sure what I'm going to do. The yellow Brooks shoes are too worn and too light for a half, but the 902s are starting to annoy me. With only a week away, I don't have time to get anything different. I'll probably just have to wear the blue ones and figure it out after the race.
New Albany 10K Walk
The event was fun! There were a few members of the Walking Team, but between injuries and other commitments, some were not able to make it to the race.
It was fun meeting the other Walking Team Members. We had a good time at dinner Saturday night. I appreciate everyone's help getting the tent set up, too.
The weather was beautiful! I don't know how Phil can control the weather, but he does it every year. There were plenty of water stops and the course is very nice. I didn't remember the speed bumps which I kept tripping over, and there were pylons in the center of the road, which several of us took turns tripping over (slow learning curve), but it is still a well run and fun event.
Everyone got technical shirts and windbreakers this year! I really like the jacket and even wore it today. They are greay, and I think I heard someone (Maryanne, maybe?) say something about feeling like she was in the middle of a group of Communists. (It was funnier in person than on screen, I'm sure.)
I'm starting to pick up speed again, and I think I did at least one mile around 14:00. We finished in 1:30, which wasn't bad.
A special thanks to Tammy, who doesn't know this blog exists! I really appreciate her coming to my rescue by helping out at the WALK! Magazine booth. I had the freedom to chat with walkers and do the race while she handled the business. Thanks!
The next event planned for me is Appleton Wisconsin next weekend! I can't wait!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Antsy is Gone
The antsy feeling had been in my legs on and off since early yesterday. Walking the stairs and stretching yesterday helped a little, but it didn't really go away until I just got back from a short walk. My husband and I only had time for two miles, but we walked briskly and I could feel my pulse in my legs when we got home. I hope the "cure" lasts longer than my attempt yesterday.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Antsy Legs
I have antsy legs tonight. Actually, it is REALLY driving me nuts! (This happens sometimes the day after a longer walk.) It's difficult to sit here and work on the magazine. I'm going to take a break, run up and down the stairs a few times and stretch.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Did 10
OK, I just got back from doing 10 miles.
It was a strange day for a walk. I waited for it to stop raining, but waited too long. On my way to the park, it started raining again. It stopped when I arrived, but as soon as I started walking it started up a third time. It was a nice warm steady rain, and was almost as warm as bath water. Because it was warm out, the rain was not really a bother other than my shoes getting wet.
After the rain stopped, and the sun came out, it was VERY steamy out there! I could see the steam rising off the asphalt of the bike trail. Thank goodness for the shady areas.
It was a well needed walk. I have been so focused on trying to finish the Fall issue, I really needed the break. I don't even regret walking this afternoon instead of this morning. I needed to get a few things finished before I felt comfortable walking for 2.5 hours. I had tried to map out a route from home that would not be too boring so I could save the driving time, but it just wasn't possible.
I'm glad I went. I feel quite a bit more relaxed and able to see the big picture.
It was a strange day for a walk. I waited for it to stop raining, but waited too long. On my way to the park, it started raining again. It stopped when I arrived, but as soon as I started walking it started up a third time. It was a nice warm steady rain, and was almost as warm as bath water. Because it was warm out, the rain was not really a bother other than my shoes getting wet.
After the rain stopped, and the sun came out, it was VERY steamy out there! I could see the steam rising off the asphalt of the bike trail. Thank goodness for the shady areas.
It was a well needed walk. I have been so focused on trying to finish the Fall issue, I really needed the break. I don't even regret walking this afternoon instead of this morning. I needed to get a few things finished before I felt comfortable walking for 2.5 hours. I had tried to map out a route from home that would not be too boring so I could save the driving time, but it just wasn't possible.
I'm glad I went. I feel quite a bit more relaxed and able to see the big picture.
10 miles, it's Raining and I'm Swamped!
I'm working on finishing the Fall issue of WALK! Magazine. I am SO close, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! However, "close" means I probably have a good 12 hours left to finish it. Let's see, it is 8 a.m., (I had intended to start at 7) I should be finished before I go to bed tonight. However, I need to get in a 10-mile walk today, at least 2.5 hours, and it is raining...
Not quite sure what I'm going to do. I need to get in 10 miles for the Appleton Half Marathon and I need to get the magazine done. And of course, I will eventually need to sleep.
I think I'll sit here in the window of my office, work as fast as I can, and wait for the rain to stop.
Not quite sure what I'm going to do. I need to get in 10 miles for the Appleton Half Marathon and I need to get the magazine done. And of course, I will eventually need to sleep.
I think I'll sit here in the window of my office, work as fast as I can, and wait for the rain to stop.
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