September 13, 2009

Weekend Update
Quick trip from Indiana to No. VA for GGN on Friday night - a kick off to our season with a great host and great food to start us up. I think we call our "Annuals" based upon the September start up with school years, although most of the kids are now in high school or college (or out). An almost full crew and great chat and catching up.

Saturday morning trip to Ocean City ~ lucky for me school is back in session so I sailed over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and only got caught in a little traffic outside of Denton. Nice lunch at the Cottage Cafe in Bethany Beach DE with M&D. The breakers were great but I didn't make it into the ocean, chose a nap instead.

Dinner at Barefoot Country and then back on the road up to No VA. Was able to catch up with a couple friends on the 3 hour drive. Early up and out to Chicago on the 10:15AM flight. Worked through a normal workday and then got OUTSIDE for a 5K run which was excellent. Was able to wear new workout gear I had procured in Ojai last weekend. A busy week ahead, but a good start

September 7, 2009

Cactus - something we don't see much of on the East Coast :)
I rose early this am (5:30 PDT) and headed out to Lake Casitas here in the Ojai Valley for a run. Luckily I didn't have to pay the $15 per car fee by parking outside the park and walking in. From what the park service guys told me, I did a "5L" which is my new name for 4 miles.

5K is 3.2 Miles and 5M is 5 Miles, so right in the middle (alphabetically that is) is "L" which I think should stand for a 4 mile run! It was 53 degrees out and a bit chilly, but I had a wonderful run around portions of the lake and got in some hill training. Took some shots along the way of pretty flowers and lake vistas that I will have for years to come.

Late flight this evening back to reality and Chicago.

September 6, 2009

Ojai, California
Arrived here on Friday evening at LAX and then headed up to Ojai/Oak View CA. We've had a great couple of days. Right now we are trying to set a plan and its hard to herd a group of 10 to a common place to go out.

September 4, 2009

Labor Day Weekend!
Starting it out in Hammond Indiana with a flight this afternoon to LAX..and a 2 hour drive north to Ojai, CA to help a friend celebrate a milestone birthday. There is a great running trail there so I hope to get in a 10K in the morning tomorrow...Did a 5K this morning on the treadmill and watched MJ again on the news.

September 1, 2009

Munster 5K
Spent watching CNN Early Morning and amazed at the story of the young lady that was found after so many years living in the backyard. When things seem challenging or terrible, I think I just have to compare what I think is bad to that and through that filter, nothing seems too terrible.

I've joined the Facebook crowd and am trying to decide where its best to put my daily thoughts. I'm thinking that is way more easier.

August 30, 2009

Burke Lake 4.5 Miles
What a gorgeous day today here in Fairfax County! It was 88 degrees when I started on the roundtrip around the lake -- its a great place to go 'cause its shady for most of the trip which makes the temperature bearable. I didn't have my watch, so it was very relaxing as I just ran and walked whenever I wanted without worrying about how many minutes. Lots of people out many with dogs. I should have gone and picked up Lilli to go with me...next time I will.

August 29, 2009

Ginny and the CRT
OMGosh -- I went back to my 8:30 class at Lifetime Fitness this morning with Ginny and she was on fire (as are my quads, arms and core after the workout)! I love this class and it was great to see everyone after a long summer away. Next weekend I'll miss it, but I'd like to get back in the groove of going to this class to start my Saturdays.

First stop was WW to face the scale, which was bad, but would be even worse if I hadn't gone to get back on track. I committed to Wayne to write things down this week that I eat to get a handle back on keeping track. He's started a blog that I'm sure will be inspiring and entertaining

www.waynewatcher.blogspot.com

August 28, 2009

2 Lazy Miles
I took a bit of break this morning and strolled on the treadmill at 4MPH for 2.2 miles this morning. Its been a long week, but i wanted to at least get in some time with my friendly machine and CNN. Seems like we are going to get lots of rain on the east coast this weekend, so I'll have to look for inside activities.

August 27, 2009

Bar Harbor, Maine <--where I'd like to be

Munster, Indiana <--where I am :)

As I finished my 5K this morning at 5:30AM I thought about how much I enjoyed my runs up in Maine this summer. While the exercise is good for you, the locale certainly makes the experience that much better! 3 Days in a row is a good trend to keep going. I have a fellow blogger who is trying to post every day for 30 days - maybe I'll try to exercise every day for 30 days!

August 26, 2009

Munster Killer 5K
It took me 40 minutes but I got back to a 5K this morning on the treadmill. It sure is true that you loose a good bit of training when you "quit" for a while. I will also acknowledge that the whole day seems to be a bit better when you start with exercise. I'm glad to be back on the good side, but still have the strong influence of all that other stuff right with me.

A sad day for the Kennedy's today with the loss of Senator Ted Kennedy. I wonder if the tributes to him on CNN will last as long as they did for MJ?

August 25, 2009

Two months to the Marine Corp Marathon 10k :)

What I've learned is that it is easy to get back to old habits and harder to restart new ones. No good reason for why I went back to chocolate and junk instead of workouts and fruit. But today I got on the treadmill back here in Indiana, and I'm already glad I did. Focus, discipline and accountability went out the window, and now I need to get back at it.

I'm committed (and it helps by just saying so). Keep me honest!

August 9, 2009

5 Tough Miles at the Indiana Dunes National Park this morning after 6:30AM Mass.

Its a workday for us today but I decided to get a late start and try to see a little something of Indiana and what a treat this was. This photo was a the end of the trail head at Lake Michigan after climbing an unbelievable sand dune to get here. I went back on the loop and the climb back was equally strenuous. They weren't kidding when they said moderately difficult. I'm glad I did it, it was great!

August 7, 2009

Back to work and back to treadmill....

Returned to Indiana on Wednesday night for a long 10 days here to help us get over a big hill on the project. I'll have two challenges for myself: helping the team and shedding the almost 10 lbs I added back thanks to rich food and a relaxing vacation.

The treadmill was a bit of a challenge at the 6.0 pace, but I survived the 3.2 miles in 45 minutes.

July 31, 2009

A glorious morning at Camp George!

Vacation starts today through Wednesday and last night 3 of the 5 GGN Ladies arrived around 10PM and we sat up and caught up for about an hour before everyone crashed. I have a conference call this morning and then we will all do the Branch Pond 5K with the cousins from Main Camp.

Today is the birthday of the camp's namesake, my grandfather George. He would have loved waking up to a beautiful sunny day ready to take on all it has to offer. I believe we are headed to Bar Harbor to take in sights and sounds and then back to Ellsworth for a concert on the green this evening.

July 18, 2009

Branch Pond 5K
Had to wait out the rain to get on the Branch Pond Road today. When I woke at 7AM (after getting to camp at 1AM) it was pouring, and despite Jude's willingness to go in the rain, I deferred and we went at 10:30AM. Jude and I were going to do a double loop, but it started to rain a bit harder and we decided not to go twice and left it at one 5K for the day.

Errands in town this morning and picked up the Lobster Cooker for when the ladies arrive.

July 17, 2009

5K in Munster on a Friday
Would have much preferred the BPR 5K with cousins -- I'll have to look forward to that tomorrow morning. Its been a tough week and its not getting any easier. I've got a wicked cough that I'm now beginning to think may be an allergy as I don't have any other symptoms.

Long late trip back to Bangor tonight with a 3.5 hour layover in Detroit -- maybe I'll be able to see what is in the airport versus running through it which I have done the past two weeks. Lets hope the thunderstorms are gone by the time I have to leave for Maine.

July 14, 2009

3.4 Miles Munster Indiana
Early rising and pushed for 6 minutes at 6.5 miles per hour out of the total 34 it took me to finish the 5K (+0.2 miles for cooldown which hasn't worked completely). It was nice to watch CNN in the morning and hear nothing about MJ...lots about Sonia -- she has quite a week ahead of her.

Special thoughts and prayers out to one of the Buttercups today.

July 12, 2009

Our Lady of the Lake

Started out at 9AM Mass over at Green Lake. I had volunteered to do the readings since the family that normally does it has not been there for 3 weeks. I read from the "A" cycle, but I'm pretty sure I probably should have been in the "B" cycle, but since no one has missalettes, it really didn't matter. The day is starting out cloudy, but I think the sun is trying to sneak out now. Just getting ready to head out for a walk with Peg and not sure who else.

BPR 3.7 Miles
Peggy and I were able to catch up on a warm BPR walk since we started out at 11:30AM and the sun had come up and was beating down on the road. We talked a bit about it being Uncle Brian's birthday and some of the others we have lost this past year up here in Ellsworth. We also talked about fun times also. It was nice to have 1:1 time with Peg, with all the family this is a treasure too! EIII arrives tonight so I hope to see him for a quick visit.

First Kayak Ride of the Season

Launched one of the kayaks this afternoon for a trip up to Main Camp to swim. I found this seagull on a rock just outside of the cove and he let me get pretty close to take a picture. It was a good ride both ways, and a great swim at Main Camp. Got to visit with EIII and a good upper body workout. Trying to figure out what I'll do tomorrow am before my flight to ORD -- kayak or a run?

July 11, 2009

Branch Pond 5 Miler
Jog/walk on Saturday morning with Jude and Christina at 7:30AM. Time just flies by so quickly when you are joggging/walking with someone to talk to. We crossed 1A and went "down to the railroad tracks" and when I say down -- this is one of the steepest hills I've climbed. Christina had us all jogging back up it for part of it. The weather was gorgeous and it was a great time out with family on the BPR, and to get 5 miles in. I talked about being tempted by the TNT 1/2 Marathon in St. Petersburg in November.

Errands in Town
I headed right into town after a shower, and made many stops including visiting Bruce (at the dump who said he had a terrible winter), Post Office, Renys, Shaws and EBS. I ordered the turkey frier for the end of the month when the lobster consumption will significantly increase at Camp George when the GGN Ladies arrive. I was back at camp by 11:45AM.

Dock In, TV Working
In the afternoon Jude and Christina came over and helped get the dock in, so the powerboat will come sometime this week. The Direct TV guys came also and got the TV working, but I've yet to use it, and will try not to as I enjoy the lack of TV and other interests.

The Way we Get By
http://www.thewaywegetbymovie.com/
Went to the Grand with the family to see this documentary about the Bangor Troop Greeters who have greeted over 3/4 of a million troops coming to/from Afghanistan or Iraq. It was well worth the investment and nice to be in an "old movie theater." I recommend adding it to your net flix queue for when its available -- its in Maine premier mode right now.

A busy but wonderful Saturday at Camp

July 10, 2009

Chicago O'Hare 5K
Stayed up "in town" last night as I have an early flight via DTW to Bangor this morning. Its almost like flying from California back east -- leave here at 10:30am and arrive in BGR around 4PM. All for quiet evenings and kayak rides on the lake. I will get the kayak out on the lake this weekend -- was too busy over the 4th to take care of it.

Staying at a "Hilton" last night versus a "Hampton" ~ I have to say I enjoy the "lower" properties better. I ordered a chicken sandwich for dinner with a diet coke -- $19 in food, and $12 in taxes and service charges for a total bill of $31 --sheesh!

I could offset it somewhat by the Fitness Center being free for me as a Diamond Member, but a treadmill is a treadmill :) I did 2 minutes of my 34 at 6.5MPH thinking I can make it to 7MPH sometime soon. I went back a couple of days ago to posting a year ago and had to smile when I was happy with my 16 minute miles and now 12 is what I expect. Good progress.

Sabotage with food this week - need to get back to better eating along with the exercise. This weekend is a good place to start.

07-08-09

A day of numbers...as I heard on CNN, today at 12:34:56 on 7-8-09 we should all be so lucky :)

3.8 Miles this morning early (on the "mill" at 4:45AM) running at 6.0 for 12 minutes at a stretch. Today I reflected that I was running 10:00 minute miles, and when I started this I was pleased as punch with 16:30 minute miles. I also was thinking that I should probably be looking for a 1/2 marathon in the October timeframe and am probably 12 weeks out and could start training again.

July 7, 2009

3.5 Miles
Cranking up the speed -- walking at 4.0, and running at 6.0 to complete 3.5 miles in 35 minutes. Need to compensate for increased calorie intake over the weekend through Monday. Back on track this morning...

July 5, 2009

The sun finally made a showing this morning in Ellsworth! I understand there have been some days without rain since I got here, but I think I was in Indiana. Looks like we'll have a nice day at the lake -- after I find a plumber and get some hot water in camp!

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July
I celebrated the 4th attending the Greenville Maine parade and craft fair. Can you scream Americana? I'd say the most unusual thing I saw was Santa Claus in the parade in a boat throwing out candy saying "Merry Christmas" to all of us! If you have a red car or an old car, you qualify for admission to the parade. Despite the scattered showers, it was fun.

In the AM I drove into town from "camp" and did a 3.7 mile run through town and also made it to Greenville Junction and saw the historical society and where the sea planes take off from on the lake. I was surprised not to see any other runners the whole time I was out.

Back in Ellsworth late afternoon for a 4th of July picnic at Main Camp.

July 3, 2009

Branch Pond 5K
So I set a low bar for myself...I was able to run the 1.7 miles up to the "store" at the turnaround for the BP 5K today at noon. Along the way, Duff and Dick stopped by to cheer me on and just catch up a bit. Its misty (but not rainy) with cool temperatures, a good day for a run. Now I'm going to have to challenge myself to run the whole 3.4 miles roundtrip before I go back down to VA.

Early Prep for GGN in August
I was in town early this morning stopping by to see Bruce and then the PO to get a new box number and pick up all my mail. I also made a stop at Renys and purchased sweatshirts that I droppped off for embroidery for the 1st Annual GGN Weekend in Ellsworth this August. I thought it would be cool to have a memento, and the owner of the store was very accommodating. They should be ready this week. Now that I know how easy, we can do some other things this summer if we want to.

Headed over to Moosehead Lake this afternoon for an overnight.

July 2, 2009

Happy Birthday Buttercup!
Today the 2nd of 4 Buttercups (I am #3) turns a half century. I am so fortunate to have three friends that have been supporting me for at least 35 years (3 of the 4 of us met in high school). We've celebrated many things together and shared so many good times and can laugh about our antics for hours. Thanks to them, I am truly blessed.

5K at 5
No company in the workout room for a 5K this morning while watching CNN. I did manage to run more (4 of 37 minutes walking all the rest on the run). Wondering just what the anchors would be talking about if not MJ -- there has to be news happening somewhere that could be more interesting than all this stuff.

Back to Camp George late tonight, and will head over to Moosehead Lake to celebrate the 4th with my first "Maine" friend and her family.

DTW
Whew! Detroit Airport is very big and I was delayed out of Chicago so I had to run (not jog, not walk) from my A gate to the B gate to catch my flight to Bangor. They had already closed the door, but luckily the gate agent forgot some paperwork, so I was able to make it on the plane and catch the flight home. I hope this isn't a weekly event, but thank goodness I was in shape enough to run otherwise I would still be in Detroit!

July 1, 2009

Train on the Tracks :)

Looks like there are some early risers in the hotel this morning. I was on the treadmill by 5:05AM, and had two guys come in and were clearly disappointed that I was on the treadmill already. One tried the elliptical for about 5 minutes and gave up...the other called "dibs" when I was done - but I gave no guarantees and he wasn't there when I left.

5K pushing for 12 minute runs and 2 minute walks as I've challenged myself to run the 1.7 Miles down Branch Pond Road in Ellsworth without stopping this summer and I've only got about 5 weeks left. Pretty sure my marathon running cousin will spur me along when she gets to camp.

June 30, 2009

Quick update - spent a minute thinking about not working out and going straight to the office, but I made the right choice and did a 5K in the health center. Started out at 4:45AM and the room was open which will help as I always kill time till 5AM to get in. Not that I want to start any earlier but the body clock wakes up and starts processing.

Big day today at the client site - -lets hope we keep the train on the tracks.

June 29, 2009

Whacko Jacko...or whatever his name was...last night out of a deep sleep I realized the phone was ringing (new place new tones)...I thought it was my alarm clock getting me up at 3:45AM for my 6AM departure out of Bangor. When I answered the phone, the caller asked for Jim and I said, there is no Jim at this number. As I was trying to hang up I heard "Please don't hang up."

So silly me I stayed on the phone for probably 5 minutes trying to convince this guy that I didn't know Jim or Kate who had this number before me (5 years ago) and that I had no way to contact them. He apparently has some artwork he needs their consulting on. I tried to tell him multiple times that he woke me up in the middle of the night and I wanted to hang up. His last check wa to recite a phone number and ask me if that was the number he called. I said no, and then maybe (I was just woken up and don't call myself here)... I finally gave up and hung up.

He called right back and I let the answering machine pick up...anyone who comes to camp this summer I hope I'm able to keep it without deleting as you'll get a chuckle ... He apparently is a "wealthy man" and if I had helped him he might have helped me out with some cash :) What a hoot - needless to say sleeping the rest of the night was a challenge. I'll be bushed today.

June 28, 2009

Sunday at Camp ~ Rain continued today with a couple times with no sprinkles. Despite the rain, I'm loving the cool temperatures, and the rain has not dampened my spirit. There is something about this place that provides solace, peace and grace to me that I can't get anywhere else. First good night's sleep in weeks after a wonderful evening at Main Camp.

Mass this morning at Our Lady of the Lake with a small crowd as it was the first Sunday of the season. The pastor kicked it off, but it was most definitely a dress rehearsal for the rest of the season. I saw several regulars and lots of new faces.

Leisurely day putting things away and then around 2PM I headed out for the 3.7 Mile round trip on the Branch Pond Road. I saw Shirley and Duff riding into town on my way out and Duff commented "Just 10 miles to Ellsworth" and I told him not to wait for me in town. On the way back Aunt Ann, Peggy and Kevin were headed into Renys for a little shopping. When I race I've never had anyone on the sidelines to cheer me on, but my little training runs here in Ellsworth are full of friends and family cheering me on.

I especially like that everyone who drives by (in either direction) will wave to me on the run. Cocktails at Main Camp tonight then back to get some work done before the 6AM flight back west.

June 27, 2009

Ellsworth Maine! I arrived here around 1:30PM after a crazy trip. I landed in VA from Indiana on Friday night and left the house around 7PM to head north and get a jump on the 12 hour trip. Traffic on the Beltway was miserable. I made it as far as Woodbridge NJ and had my head on the pillow by 11PM.

Up at 4:15AM and behind the wheel at 4:30AM after a couple hours sleep. I slugged through all day today just stopping for breakfast (Mass Pike) and gas twice to fill up. The clock logged about 12 hours 30 minutes of driving time for the trip. Its wonderful to be here.

Did the Branch Pond Road 5K tonight and ran into all kinds of family on the road as I started out and finished, with dinner at Hazel's Camp with 7 of us enjoying laughs and company. There is magic in the air.

The only challenge so far is the lack of hot water -- I'm hoping that is solved tomorrow. I'm too pooped tonight to try to solve it tonight.

June 26, 2009

Work has been extremely challenging this week, and I sacrificed workouts which was a mistake. This morning I am still in Indiana, so my trip to Maine is deferred until tomorrow when I'll get to head north and ride with all the Saturday traffic (people who take next week off for 4th of July). I'm pretty certain it won't be a quick 12 hours to Ellsworth tomorrow...but I will be able to see the lake on Sunday morning and get in a kayak ride and run.

5K this morning on the treadmill to start the day and I pushed myself to run so it was 2W; 10R; 2W; 20 R; 2 Walk plus a little to get to 3.4 miles. Just tells me I could most probably keep up a running pace through a full 5K if I work at it.

June 23, 2009

28 Years Ago today I pulled up to 5 Davis Farm Road in Portland to start my career as a Management Trainee at New England Telephone...what a ride its been since then. Back then I think it was reasonable to think that after I put in my 30 years I'd be thinking about retirement. No such luck!

5K this morning on the treadmill at the hotel. Increased my intervals to walk for 2 and run for 10 or until I hit a mile which was a little under 12 minutes. Seems like a pretty good pace I should stick with. I am finding out now that the cool down may take a little longer, but so be it.

June 21, 2009

Slug this weekend -- no workouts.

Saturday morning out of the house by 6AM and headed down to the Eastern Shore to visit with friends from Maine. Rainy day which put a bit of a damper on the day, but we managed to catch up nonetheless. Becki's husband always says "Go to Paris" when we are together. Many years ago when we went to Paris, at the end of the trip we realized that all of the catching up could have been done anywhere, we just did it in Paris. I had lunch with Mom & Dad, and then they came and joined us for dinner. Luckily the rain stopped enough for cocktail hour out on the deck which was great.

Sunday I left OC at 5AM and was at my desk by 8:30AM. I put pencils down at around 7PM and now have been trying to get ready for the week AND pack the car for the trip to Maine next weekend. I've done enough that I think if I do get home on Thursday night, I should be able to get out early on Friday and get on the road. Friday is in jeopardy, but Saturday is still a possibility. I'm hopeful to catch up with a college friend along the way!

June 19, 2009

Friday in Munster is not my favorite place. Woke up from a terrible lightening and thunderstorm here and it looks to continue right up until I want to try to fly out of here :(

A quick 5K on the treadmill this morning to get in a workout (since I missed yesterday altogether). Hopeful I'll be at the beach on Saturday catching up with some old friends.

June 18, 2009

Its 1AM EDT/ Midnight CDT and I'm pretty certain I'm going to try to sleep instead of workout in the morning as I have a full day tomorrow and will be real pooped if I try to go on 4 hours sleep. Despite crazy times at work, I took time out for WW tonight and hit a milestone -- the scales are finally moving in the right direction (amazing what happens when you watch intake!) I got to speak at the WW Session and it was amazing how many people wanted to talk to me afterward and said that what I shared really helped them. Maybe early retirement to work for WW in Maine?

June 17, 2009

5.8K (3.6M) on the Treadmill at the hotel this morning on 2:8 intervals. There is increasing competition in the fitness room -- one guy came in at 5:15AM I'm sure hoping to beat me to the treadmill...I may have to return to Fitness Pointe so that I avoid a conflict.

Back in Indiana today through Friday - it will be a challenging week work wise. I'm hopeful to get down to OC again to visit with friends from Maine who are vacationing there and to visit with Dad for Fathers Day.

June 16, 2009

Fairfax 4.5 in reverse - which I am now going to make the standard way as the hills work more in my favor if I go in this direction. I have the extra pleasure of being in Fairfax on Monday and Tuesday this week (flying out tonight).

Had a good weekend at the beach with Mom, Dad and Kates. I didn't bring my computer so no posts on the weekend. Did the Fenwick 4 miler on Saturday and then a walk with Kates and her little dog too on Sunday morning. A great dinner party on Saturday night with family and friends bayside.

June 12, 2009

4.5 Miles in Reverse on the Fairfax trails. I decided this morning to get out of my rut and go the opposite way that I normally start out on my runs from home. It didn't change much, but it was a bit nicer to see things a bit differently. I was pleased to be home in less than an hour and to stick to the intervals of 2:6...I just didn't feel like pushing myself to 8s which I did on the treadmill -- maybe tomorrow.

If all goes well, Kates and I will head down to the beach to visit with Mom & Dad for the weekend and I'll take my bike and give it a run on the flat lands of the Eastern Shore.

June 10, 2009

Happy Birthday Peaches ( a life long friend from Bentley College!)

A 5K this morning (3.2 Miles) on the treadmill at the hotel. Had to cut it short due to work pressures, but was satisfied that I at least got 40 minutes in. Scales moving in the wrong direction, still need to find something else that works better than chocolate!

June 9, 2009

4.25 Miles on the Treadmill at the hotel this morning. Although the fitness center officially opens at 6:00AM CDT, I have been able to sneak in my workouts at 5AM with no real interruption or company at the start. (I did have someone come in on the elliptical for about 20 minutes this morning). Today, given the strong results of the weekend I went with 2 minutes walk and 8 minutes run which I kept up for the 50 minutes. I think the goal of the Gallagher Marathon program is 1/9 which would be excellent if i could get there before my next 1/2 marathon. Really thinking I need to find a 10K to sign up for as I'm raceless till September right now ;(

June 7, 2009

Fairfax, VA -- 13th Annual Rock the House!

This is the first race I can say I ran twice! Last year this time, Kates and I ran this local race on a stinking hot day and it was a killer and we completed it in 1:20. I came across the finish line at 55:34 (not sure what it will officially say), shaving 25 minutes off our time last year (or 5 minutes per mile!). I didn't have any challenges with the 5K yesterday, it was nice to run in the neigborhood and it was nice to be able to stand at the finish and cheer those across who were coming in after more than an hour.

Once they are posted, I'll compare my results from last year

June 6, 2009

Saturday -- the National Mall for the Global Race for the Cure 5K

Check one thing off my bucket/lifetime list, I was able to run a 5K -- I increased my intervals to run for 5 minutes, walk for 2 and I came across the finish line iat 32:19 (10:24 minute miles) a personal record for me - I've never seen a 10 in the front! I was finisher #2154 out of 5,608 runners (top 40%). I was 131st out of the 431 women in my age bracket (top 30%). While I ran, my friends Liz, Cheryl, Nancy, Julie and Trish were walking behind me also accompanied by their daughters Erin and Maureen. It was awesome. I recorded a video and had a picture taken compliments of Ford Motors that I will post later.

Lots of goodies from the tents and pretty good nutritional food afterward. Later in the afternoon Julie and Liz came with me down to the craft fair in Occoquan which is not as great as I remember it. They came back for dinner and we had fabulous chicken kabobs, beans, rolls and a good chardonnay. Topped off the evening with strawberries and raspberries for dessert. A really good day overall.

June 4, 2009

Munster 5K
This morning I ran a 5K (3.2 Miles) on the treadmill in a little over 37 minutes. So my goal on Saturday at the Komen Race for the Cure is to finish in 40 minutes or less. I had at least 2 5 minute running intervals, so I'm thinking of setting my watch for walk 3, run 5 instead of 3:4 that I normally do. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Yesterday I also went to WW here locally and it sure makes me appreciate what I have on Saturday mornings in Fairfax. Small group and very monotone speaker wasn't very inspirational, but glad I went since its out this weekend.

Good news is I get to go home tonight -- there were high odds it would be delayed till Friday and I would have missed GGN!

June 3, 2009

Hampton Inn Fitness Room this morning with CNN for a leisurely 3 miles on the treadmill. The good news is I'm having difficulty getting up at 4:30AM to get to Fitness Pointe for a 5AM start...its the bad news as well. I'm just dedicated to working out each day this week.

I got two more names from a new colleague yesterday to add to my shirt for the Komen Race for the Cure that I'm set for on Saturday morning. It will be my first "5K" race, which was on my bucket list at one point to run a 5K. I hope the weather holds. It will be nice to have some friends in the race too...although they are walking I know they will be with me!

June 2, 2009

"Hampton's Travel Tips #316....get pumped
While on the road, fitting in as little as 30 minutes of exercise a day can have big health benefits...Take care of yourself"

How appropriate that this is the first travel tip I get put in with my room key after a week of no exercise last week. I crashed at midnight CDT last night and set the alarm for 6AM assuming I wouldn't work out, but my body clock got me up at 4:50AM. So I decided to put on my clothes and go downstairs to the hotel fitness and get 30 minutes in! I ended up with a 50 minute workout (30 elliptical, 20 treadmill)...and when I just got back to the room my alarm was going off! A good decision with good benefits. Lets hope I hold it for the week.

The fitness center at the Hampton can hardly be called that...1 each bike, treadmill, elliptical...but it is a good surrogate for Fitness Pointe.

The mirrors on the wall weren't too reassuring as I focused on the muffin top that still needs to go away...good motivation.

May 31, 2009

Logged my first 16 miles on my new bike! I picked it up yesterday afternoon, but didn't have the motivation to get out yesterday. This morning when I woke up it was raining, so I headed off to Lifetime Fitness and reconnected with the elliptical machine for 5 miles, and then went to 7:30 church at St. Leos. I was appropriately dressed in red as it was Pentacost Sunday.

Around 11:30AM I decided to try to bike to Lou & Rob's house. I started by driving to an access point to the Fairfax County Bike trails and off I went. I figured out pretty quickly that it is downhill from my house to Lou's. So I didn't stay long at their house, and came back uphill in about 1:34. (Fancy trip computer on the bike). I popped two ibuprofen when I got home and not 10 minutes later Mom & Dad arrived!

We'll have Sunday dinner at Lou's and celebrate Rob's birthday.

May 30, 2009

4.5 Miles this morning before the day started...Feeling a bit of guilt for not working out at all this week when I was in Hammond -- no good excuse, just lazy! I did manage to get in 15 miles over the Memorial Day weekend - 10 of which were along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City Maryland. I really don't miss the humidity which is rearing its ugly head here in the MidAtlantic States.

Wayne was fired up this morning at WW - the topic of the day was motivation, which was just what I needed. Marcie was also helpful this morning giving me some things to think about to get back on the path of reducing weight.

Sue taught my CRT class this morning at Lifetime Fitness and she was a machine! Might be because she plans on the Reston Triathalon tomorrow. It is a great class but quite a killer.

My new bike arrived last night at the Bike Lane, and so today after unloading the car, I'll head over and pick it up. Thinking tomorrow morning I'll be on the O&D Trail or down in the DC area cycling around.

I'm going to try to be better about posting, as I find it keeps me honest about working out and watching the other aspects of my life. Have a great weekend!

May 19, 2009

Fitness Pointe, Munster Indiana
5AM back with all the Tuesday regulars and my favorite elliptical machine :) Trek'd 5.0 miles in a little over 38 minutes and felt much better afterward. Trying to work off all of the sweets and eats I had in St. Louis last weekend.

May 18, 2009

Hammond, Indiana

Back in Munster on Sunday night, same pattern just in a hotel...dinner, laundry and catching up on some work for re-entry.

Fitness Pointe this morning for 5 miles in 40 minutes..whew! Some of the same faces that I see Tues-Thur on Monday morning. Weather is chilly, hope it improves as the week goes on. How can it be Memorial Day this upcoming weekend?

May 16, 2009

Edwardsville, Illinois

What a great night put on by the parents and hosted by Debbie and Jimmie at their house. Lots of family and friends and we had a blast. I was able to meet many people I had heard about all my life and reconnect with one of my first "crushes." One of the grooms from Lou & Rob's wedding came and I told him "I Loved You" to which he was quite surprised...I was at the time 14 years old and he was 20+ and gorgeous. It was fun.

Today a bit of help to Kates and then a flight to Chicago

May 16, 2009

7 Miles this morning ont the Schoolhouse Bicycle Trail, part of the Madison County Trail system. As it turns out the trail was just around the corner from our hotel, and I headed off at about 6:15AM to get a run in this morning. Midwest FLAT is what I experienced which made for an easy run...and at about mile 2 I had a gorgeous view of St. Louis off in the distance with a traditional red barn in the foreground. I didn't have my camera, so I'll just have to remember it.

Not many companions out on the trail, just one runner and 2 cyclist...I saw more animals than people -- 2 bunnies, several cardinals and other beautiful birds on the trail. I managed to get back before the rain came which was good.

Yesterday was another graduation festivity day -- ended with me visiting two casinos and making my own economic stimulus contribution to the local economy. Felicia was a newbie to casinos, and she was shooting dice and taking home more than she invested by the time we left the Casino Queen. Last party for Kates here in the midwest tonight at the home of Debbie and Jimmie in Edwardsville.

Big Red Women lost 8-0 to UMass last night in the first round of the tourney -- they came up against a very strong pitcher. Good news is that it is a double elimination tournament, so they have one more chance today versus Sacred Heart to stay in it. Lets hope it goes better today!

May 14, 2009

Saint Louis University Law School Graduation

What a wonderful day we all had at "SLU" celebrating our newest attorney in the family! There were 14 of us in the audience watching especially closely for one of the 305 graduates to come across the stage. A quick "Go Hoos" as loud as we could after they announced Kates!

We went out for a late dinner at a rooftop restaurant and it was a beautiful night for such a party. That just kicked off a weekends worth of festivities.

I had a crazy trip West as my flight to St. Louis on Thur morning was cancelled and United booked me on the next day. When I called them at 8:15 on Thurs am to say that wouldn't work - they offered me the only alternative of a 10:20 AM out of Reagan. Mom and Dad rushed me down to DC and after stops at Outside Baggage Check, American Kiosk, American Check in, United Check in and then finally American Check in - I had my boarding pass and rushed to the gate. I was of course in seat "E" in the back of the bus squished between two men who could have been wrestlers in a prior life...More a comedy of errors trip but one I won't forget. The rest of the family was surprised to see me on the flight!

hed

May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day!! I am blessed to have my Mom with me today as she just arrived from Florida on Saturday.

Saturday I returned to Lifetime Fitness and my CRT class and got my you know what kicked! It was an excellent workout and the weight training is causing some minor pains in my shoulders and arms today.

Spent the day yesterday getting Mom and Dad acclimated back in Virginia and we had a quiet dinner at home.

Up this morning for church and to celebrate mothers day. It wasn't until 2PM that I went out and ran the Fairfax 5 Miler (local just around the neighborhood). It was pretty hot, but I feel much better that I did it. Off to Burke for family dinner to celebrate Mom's!

May 6, 2009

Not much new to report -- 5 Miles in 41 at Fitness Pointe this morning. I feel very rushed as I have a 7AM CDT meeting so its been frenetic. At least I did the "right" thing and didn't skip it.

May 5, 2009

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Sabotage is the word that comes to mind to me today. Stress from work and other issues gave me good excuses to get off the exercise plan and onto an unhealthy eating plan. I saw the results this morning on the scale at Fitness Pointe, where I clocked my 5 elliptical miles in 39 minutes and hit the showers due to early meetings. Starting again and working hard--need to sign up for a race to keep the focus on.

Weekend took me to Ocean City MD where despite the rain, it was nice to be at the beach and get some things done to be ready for the season. The snow birds return from Florida on Saturday and we had to make sure their nest was ready for them, although I think they may spend a month or so with me before heading east.

Big Congrats to Coach Blood and the Big Red Women's Softball team -- they won the Ivy League Division on Sunday besting Big Green (Dartmouth) in 2 of 3 games over the weekend. They are headed off to the "dance" next weekend -- place and time to be determined!

May 1, 2009

Happy May Day!

Women's Triathalon -- 1/2 Mile Swim, 12 Mile Bike Ride, 3.2 Mile Run
Is peaking my interest...I've been considering buying a bike to ride this summer and had a great lunch with a colleague who is running a 1/2 Ironman Tri on Saturday. I'm only in the beginning stages of thinking about it, but the distances above don't seem too overwhelming.

Trek Women's Series Link: http://www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com/

April 30, 2009

15 Miles this week at Fitness Pointe, trying to crank up my speed today and I did finish in under 40 minutes (but just barely).

April 29, 2009

5 Miles Ellipting at Fitness Point at 5AM (Might be a day of 5s :)!

Crazy week that I hope ends on the upside. Big negotiating day today.
I decided to stay in St. Louis and skip the Marine Corp Half in Fredricksburg...will hopefully run the 10K with the Marines for the marathon. I really enjoy running with them.

April 28, 2009

Back at Fitness Pointe for 5 miles on the elliptical this morning. Quads were quietly shouting that this was not fun, but after about 3 miles they settled down and got in the groove. I've pretty much dedided to skip the MCM 1/2 In Fredricksburg and extend my visit to St. Louis to celebrate Law School graduation for Kates.

Big thanks to everyone who checked in on Sunday to see how I survived NYC.

Thought the weather would be warmer here in the Midwest so I came without a coat -- it was pretty darn chilly at 45 degrees waiting outside for the 5AM open of FP.

April 26, 2009 2:49

Race Day Morning
Up at 4AM, relaxed and now have everything together for the day. Its a beautiful morning (sunny) and sure to be stinking hot as I say out on the course. Anxious to see how bad Harlem Hill is (and we have to do it 2x!) More when its over.

2:49 (The actual clock said 2:55)...under 3 Hours! I believe I shaved an hour off my time from last June which is pretty remarkable. The ice bath is preparing right now and then a shower and quick trip back to DC.

Ended up being a "fun run" with no timing, and they cancelled the full marathon due to the heat. It was pretty brutal, but a very nice course with 2 killer hills (in Harlem). More after some nourishment.

Great trip to NYC and back in DC by 5PM. I wasn't able to ice bath anything more than my feet, which might have been a bad decision (I'll know more tomorrow). I really enjoyed the day - especially as I was ready to stop at mile 7, glad I pushed through. I have to find a way to have energy past mile 1o -- the majority of the final 3 miles was power walking (and jogging down hill). The website reports there were 7700 of us out there!

April 25, 2009

Race Day Eve :)

8AM Shuttle to NYC, where the Hilton had my room ready for me at 10AM :) Headed down to the Fitness Expo on the subway and made several pretty cool running purchases. Pretty sure my suitcase will be packed going home. It was packed! 10,000 runners and I am #6309.

Quick lunch at Applebees and then up to TKTS where I snagged an orchestra row seat to Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theater. I remember wanting to go see this show when I lived in NYC eons ago. It was excellent.

From there up to Tavern on the Green for the pasta dinner. It was a gorgeous night in the crystal room (all chandeliers) and I met up with Deanna who is running her 2nd 1/2 just like me. She's from NYC but we partnered up for dinner. We were joined at the table by women from NC, Texas, and Sarasota Florida! (We talked about Siesta Key!) Rocco DiSpirito (sp?) the NYC Chef was our guest speaker and he was good, and very sociable with the group.

#1 Train from Lincoln Center back down to Times Square, picked up some water and a granola bar for tommorow morning. I think I'm in for the evening, but it might be too soon to tell.

April 24, 2009

Big Red Women's Softball keeps winning, even after claiming their division title two weeks ago. Lets hope they beat Princeton at home and Dartmouth and Harvard end up so that the division title is in Ithaca. Go Coach Blood and the ladies!

On a hurried trip home from the airport last night I was lucky enough to meet Officer Woodward of the Fairfax County police who cited me for Disregard of a Highway Sign ($92). A little bit of George McCabe was with me in that the red octagon didn't say "Positively!" Second ticket in 35+ years of driving isn't too bad.

Weather looks warm for the 1/2 marathon on Sunday in NYC. I decided to fly up and back since USAirways had weekend flights that made it economical. I've spent an hour or so making up a new playlist of old music for the journey since this race allows earphones. I've procured the gummi bears and will take my camera to see if I can capture some pictures equivalent to my San Diego experience. I'll spend all day in NYC tomorrrow enjoying the day and getting psyched.

April 23, 2009 (Take our Daughters to Work)

Watching Squak Box today on CNBC and one of the commentators had their daughter in to do a segment on "Green." Reminded me of the day, and made me think of the few times in my life I went to the Pentagon to see my Dad at work. I remember most the large offices and all the wood paneling and very much remember that women were secretary's at their desks and the men had the offices. Things certainly have changed. Hate to admit the project I have right now I wouldn't want to bring a young lady to....

Shortened my workout to 4.5 miles this morning as I had a 6AM CDT Conference Call so I had to rush through (but am glad I didn't give it up completely.) Really starting to focus my head around getting set for 13.1 miles on Sunday morning at 8AM EDT.

April 22, 2009 (Earth Day)

Earth Day!

Big Shout out of thanks to Debbie who provided support to the Susan Komen Foundation in support of the 5K I will run in early June with the GGN Ladies and others. Debbie and I participated in the TNT San Diego Marathon where she walked the full 26.2 miles and is now a mentor for the program. It was nice to hear from her, and get support of the fight. Right now, both Pat (from Maine) and Debbie are running in spirit with me in Pink!

Back in Indiana and yesterday and today I ellipted 5 miles at Fitness Pointe in the morning with a treadmill cool down. I received my email for the More 1/2 Marathon on Sunday and so far it looks like the weather in Central Park will cooperate (high of 70). Start time is 8AM and I have a reservation on the 2PM Vamoose bus back to DC, a quick turn around.

April 19, 2009

Go Rachel! While I was out doing my 9.4 miles around Burke Lake Park (2x) Rachel was competing in a 1/2 marathon in the Bay Area for Girls on the Run. She had lamented that it was a trail run and how that made it more difficult, so I picked my virtual run with her on the 4.7 mile trail around Burke Lake. I seem to be able to be pretty consistent in the 12 to 13 minutes per mile which should bode well for next Sunday in NYC (if its not too hilly).

Yesterday was errands extraordinare that ended with a haircut from *ell. I have yet to find someone that I really like to cut my hair so I continue to try new places. Anyone would have laughed at how he styled it when I left, I don't even think the cashier knew what to say/do. The good news is that the cut isn't half bad, so after I shampooed and styled again myself, I won't be embarrassed to head to the office on Monday.

Early mass this morning at St. Leo the Great and father was spot on with a good homily which I really appreciated. Getting ready now to pop 2 Aleve's and eat some lunch.

April 16, 2009

Spring is trying to make its way to Indiana -- while we still have frost on the windshield in the AM, the temps at the end of the day are creeping into the 60s! Would be nice to have better weather here to offset the "internal" weather at work :)

Five miles at Fitness Pointe this AM on the elliptical...not spending enough wall clock time working out which may not bear well for the 1/2 in less than 2 weeks. I'm in a "I will finish" mode, versus a time mode right now. I looked at the course in Central Park and am surprised how much the elevation changes throughout the course -- looks like there are a couple killer hills too.

Big Day in Sarasota today -- I'm hopeful for positive feedback.

April 15, 2009

Back in Indiana, and a 5 mile workout at Fitness Pointe this morning. It seemed a bit grueling as I was going at 8MPH, and my pace for the past couple of days has been slower down on the Key. I was able to book 6 miles yesterday on the beach before the rain hit Florida. Yesterday was a big day in terms of family decisions and I'm hopeful the rest of the week will go smoothly. Back in Indiana means back to work, so I've got a lot to do to catch up on 5 days away.

This is the prep week for two folks I know who have a 1/2 marathon coming up this weekend and my thoughts are with them in the taper week. As for me, I've booked my bus fare -- trying the vamoose bus up to NYC for $25 in two weeks. Lets hope it works out. This is my frugal 1/2 marathon.

Activities also continue up at Camp George - the dock posts went in yesterday - an early milestone for us and I heard there was kayaking around the ice on the cove!

April 12, 2009 (Easter Sunday)

5AM the beach band for the sunrise Easter Service began tuning their instruments. Lucky for me due to my proximity to the front of the house, I was up early. I left about 6AM and did the 6.2 miles walking today (a rest day). It was quite a scene watching people with flashlights walk down the beach to the public beach for the service -- I was absolutely going against the tide :) It was muggy but a good workout.

Great dinner last night cooked by Chef Rober..grilled shrimp appetizers followed by surf and turf (filets & scallops) accompanied with potatoes, beans and bread. Apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dinner. A good time was had by all.

Lets hope for another good day today here in Florida!

April 11, 2009 (Holy Saturday)

Set out with the moon on the Gulf of Mexico at 6AM this morning for my 9 miles...I should have done 12 but I just wasn't up for it. I may do another 3 later today on the Key with Robbie. The humidity was a killer today, and I almost went straight into the pool from the end of the run, but decided with all the senior eyes and the official rules, that might be a bad idea, so I skipped it.

Also decided to skip the $25 admission to the 5K on the beach and will send the registration to Emmanues Shelter in Ellsworth -- someone up there needs it more than I needed a number to go 3.2 miles this morning.

Rob and I journeyed north to Tampa last night to the Hard Rock Seminole Casino for a little bit of blackjack. Table stakes at $25 and $50 made for a quick night. I'm still glad we went and got to see it but it was a bit too steep for my taste.

April 10, 2009

Siesta Key (personal 5K) of walking this morning...just didn't have it in me to jog and walk, so I put on my "Wait Wait Don't Tell me" podcast and had a great time catching up on an old show while I watched the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico.

Robbie (nephew) arrived at noon time and we went to the Salty Dog (which was a bummer on a meatless Friday), but I survived with the veggie burger. He's already stationed out by the pool getting rays, while I'm inside trying to finish up some work for the weekend.

Not sure where I'll do the 10/11 miles this weekend -- I'm thinking right now, I'll just do two roundtrips on the beach tomorrow (with the 5K that is being officiated) which would be about 12 Miles and call it at that. No need for transporattion and the views are great. Maybe nephew will come along for part of it to keep me company.

Found another TNT'r today through this blog. The TNT Team sure is far and wide. Now I know someone else doing a 1/2 on the same weekend when I am in NYC.

April 8, 2009

Today I made a good choice to exercise, even though I didn't have an hour to invest, so I clocked through 4 miles in about 32 minutes on the elliptical and hit the showers (early meetings at a client site a distance away).

Thought alot about "naked weight" or the weight we all state when someone asks us what we weigh, as I got on the scale by 0.2 I was in a new decade of counting pounds. Lets hope it holds through the weekend in Sarasota.

"Smart People have something to say, stupid people have to say something" A quote I heard by one of the fitness point members while waiting to get in at 5:00AM this morning.

April 7, 2009

I rationalized 2 days of rest since the C10M, and was at Fitness Pointe this morning at 5AM CDT. The bad thing was that I didn't bring my headphones so I was without any entertainment for my workout - so I set myself on an "express workout" on the elliptical -- 40 minutes and went 5 miles at 8MPH on average. It was a killer, but I was done with the workout and cooldown in less than an hour which was nice. Its still pretty chilly here in Indiana - no real sign of spring (they actually had snow on Sunday!)

Last night was a bit of a comedy of errors - I was in a hurry (tired/hungry) when I arrived at the hotel, so I pulled my suitcase out of the back of the rented SUV. Unfortunately I had forgotten that I had unzipped the bag, so ALL of my stuff came flying out of the suitcase and into puddles in the parking lot. A couple of expletives later, I threw it all back in the bag and was very happy that my suit was still in the dry cleaner bag so it didn't get wet. Gives me a small message to slow down a bit so I don't do that again.

Tip of the Cap to Coach Blood and the Big Red Women's Softball Team at Cornell - good results against Yale and Dartmouth this weekend.

Quick week here in Indiana as I head down to Florida tomorrow night.

April 5, 2009

A rest day for me after the C10M (as the bumper sticker says I got yesterday). Still a couple aches and pains in the old bod, but hopefully tomorrow I'll be back at Lifetime Fitness early before I catch the flight to Chicago.

I received three wishes today as I attended 7AM Palm Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Vienna,VA. I'll drive pretty far away to avoid mass in Latin (at my church on the 1st Sunday of the month's 7:30AM Mass).

I got caught off guard this morning as my clock "sprung ahead" automatically thinking this was the weekend for DST, so when I jumped out of bed at 6AM it was really only 5AM. I was already chugging along before I figured it out :) Maybe I'll remember it next year and won't get caught.

Surprise visit to Sarasota at the end of the week to catch up with Mom and Dad. I hope my wishes for a good week are at least listened too... :)

April 4, 2009

I arrived in Charlottesville last night and had a wonderful time reconnecting with Wynne and Vicky who were my hosts for the evening. We went to a delicious Italian restaurant where I got some carbs, but really enjoyed the conversation the most.

Up this morning early for a 7:45AM Start to the Charlottesville 10 Miler. It was an excellent race. I completed the course in 2:05 which was a PR for me (and just about where I wanted to be). The thoughts of 3.1 more miles to complete the 1/2 at the pace I kept right now seems a bit of a challenge, but pretty sure I could walk 3 more miles to finish. Target for the 1/2 is now to finish between 2:40 and 3:00.

I called today a virtual relay race, as I finished my 10 miler, my friend Rachel was most probably departing from somewhere in the Bay Area on her long run in prep for April 19th 1/2 she will run. It was sorta neat to think she picked up where I left off.

After the race a quick stop back with Wynne and Vicki and then Bodo's to get some of the best bagels I've ever had. The warm turkey sandwich on a plain bagel was a real treat for the 10 mile distance -- I really enjoyed it. Planning on having a chicken caesar salad from Bodo's tonight for dinner to complete the day.

Great bright red shirt and medal were provided as recognition of the day.

April 1, 2009 (Happy Birthday Michael)

Who knows what today will bring...I hope mixed among the tricks of the day are some good results on the project as we are pushing through to finish something this week.

I reconnected today with 2 good friends from Charlottesville that we befriended while watching UVA Women's Hoops about 17 years ago. They have graciously volunteered to host me for an overnight in advance of the Charlottesville 10 Miler on Saturday morning. Should be fun to reconnect and catch up and then do the 10 miles which looks pretty hilly from the website. Good prep for the 1/2 -- should help me set my time for the 1/2 at the end of the month.

6 Miles this morning at Fitness Pointe in Munster Indiana -- wish I could do the 1/2 marathon on the elliptical machine and eliminate the impact of running on pavement!

March 30, 2009 (Happy Birthday Beth!)

A treat for me to stay in Virginia on a Monday, and its Beth's 17th Birthday! We had a great celebration last night (family of 5 missing one :( ). Her official party is tonight with her friends, I hope she has a great time.

I reluctantly got up this morning and headed off to Lifetime Fitness and did 5 miles on the elliptical at 6mph or 9:00 miles (about). It was a killer, but now that its done, I'm glad I did it in prep for the 10 miler on Saturday.

March 29, 2009

17 Years Ago today we had a bridal shower for my cousin Kathy and a baby shower for my sister Louise in Bethesda MD. So tonight I head over to Burke VA to celebrate (a day early) the 17th birthday of my niece Elizabeth. Wow! how quickly 17 years go by but what fun I've had with her and her siblings over every single one of those years. Happy Birthday Bette Boop!

I was happy to spend the weekend back in Fairfax, but I do wish the weather would have cooperated a bit more. The sun has finally come out this afternoon. Saturday morning I was with Sue for the CRT class at Lifetime - and this time she went nuts with the weight and our shoulders, biceps and triceps. I should be happy about that as I completed 8 miles indoors today (due to rain again) and my legs are now screaming at me.

Next Saturday is the Charlottesville 10 Miler - my prep run for the 1/2 Marathon at the end of the month. I've reconnected with one of my best college friends who says she will come down to the city to cheer me on (her daughter is in school at NYU). I hope the weather is better for the 2 runs ahead, but I've secured a rain jacket for running just in case.

March 26, 2009

5.5 Miles this morning on the elliptical at Fitness Pointe and it felt pretty good in terms of intensity. Scale is moving in the right direction, just trying to pass through another milestone in the next week or so. Should be a busy day at the office.

March 25, 2009

5 Miles this morning (mostly at 7mph) at Fitness Pointe in Munster, Indiana. If I could only run at that pace -- the the lack of pounding on your body on the elliptical really makes it quite a bit easier. I took a 2 day rest from the 16 mile weekend, but need to get back at it. I've got 3 lbs to get to another milestone and I've been less than stellar in watching what I eat. I'm committed to getting back on program to get those 3 lbs off so I can shoot for a different milestone.

Weather in Indiana is improving as spring arrives. Lets hope it holds.

March 23, 2009

Sunday started off with a 10K around Forest Park in St. Louis -- neither of us realized it was 6 miles around until we saw a marker from a running team. Kate and I did the first 4 miles as intervals of walk (3) and run(2) and if Lili had had her say, we would have run the whole darn thing! It was a pretty morning and there are lots of sites in the park. The zoo looks like a good place to return to if I end back up in St. Louis with time on my hands.

Quick change up and we drove out to Edwardsville, IL and were hosted at a great lunch by Debbie and Jimmy. There full family was in attendance and it was a great deal of fun. Back to the city in the late afternoon, and an early dinner down in the square with Kates friend Natasha. A good relaxing and fun filled weekend!

March 22, 2009

A great Saturday in St. Louis with Kate. The picture above was at the Budweiser Brewery right in town and we took a great tour which ended with a free sample (along with some pretzels). It was our appetizer to lunch where we headed to a great wrap/bowl local place that had one of the best chicken/spinach/pesto wraps I've ever had.

We went to 5PM Mass at the Basilica -- which was an absolutely phenomenal church. After a quick trip home, we headed out to gamble a bit and get some dinner. We had a good time both at dinner and the casino, but overall we left more money there than we came home with. Today I get to see Edwardsville, IL which I have heard about for the past 30+ years.

March 21, 2009

Welcome to St. Louis! The picture above is of Kate and me at the top of the Gateway Arch yesterday afternoon as part of my tour of the city. I'm here with the NCAA Wrestling Championship so there are lots of "guys" in town too. We had a wonderful dinner last night wiht scallops and risotto that was delicious. I crashed early on Kates...

This morning I woke up to do my long run -- was targeting for 10 miles and actually went 10.4 in 2 hours or a little under 12:00 per mile. Makes me pretty confident that I can finish the 1/2 in less than 3 hours if I push myself for the last 3.2 miles. I ran through St. Louis and down to the Arch and back and then 4 times around Lafayette Square which is right near Kates house. I think we'll go back again with Lili in the afternoon, so I might log a 1/2 today in distance.

March 19, 2009

A couple of good things have happened in the past couple of days:

• I completed 6 miles on the elliptical machine this morning in about 50 minutes. Thats the farthest I have gone in my morning workouts ever. I hope it helps me get to 2:30 for the 1/2 marathon in April.
• My work colleague commented on a new suit I was wearing yesterday by saying "It fits you" which I implied that she noticed my older clothes were getting bigger.
• In the health club this morning I listened to woman say that she was working to loose 5 pounds BEFORE she went on vacation -- a real key to how people maintain better, versus going crazy on vacation and then coming back and having to loose. Pay first sounds like a better way to go.
• I signed up for the Marine Core Historic Half Marathon in May in Fredericksburg, VA. Its the day after I get back from St. Louis, so hopefully it will work out.

These are all good signs when I was personally sabotaging my weight loss efforts. Wanted to reflect on them to get back onto the path to goodness. Stress still sends me to food, I continue to need to work on that!

March 12, 2009

New Shoes Today! I went to Fleet Feet yesterday in Schereville, Indiana and had a gait analysis and foot analysis to pick out the right shoe (Misty was awesome). I think I tried on 8 pairs of shoes till I settled with the Saucony's. I test drove them this morning on the elliptical for 5 miles and no signs of blisters coming back. If I like them after road wear this weekend, I'll probably go back and get another pair for Indiana and leave the new ones in Virginia! Not to mention that the prices seemed more reasonable than Northern Virginia too. There is a TREK Bike store next door, I may go by there tomorrow night to do some exploratory searching on bikes.

I could have gone to a Brooks brand (I now wear Brooks Arial), but it was like buying the same car in a different color, so I tried a new brand.

Snow showers today but no accumulation. Another night in Indiana before heading back to Virginia.

March 11, 2009

It sure is easy to get out of practice of blogging. Its been a good month in terms of fun and fitness. This past weekend I clocked 8 miles on the W&O Trail from Vienna to Falls Church at 12:00 per mile which was a PR for me. This week I'm back in Indiana and have used the elliptical at 5.0MPH for 2 hours logging 10 miles over the past two days.

We had two great weekends of Cornell Softball down at George Mason for tournaments. They've started out the season 6-0 with hot bats as they head down to Florida.

February 18, 2009

Wednesday morning - back on the "normal" path of 5AM CDT at Fitness Pointe. 4.8 Miles in the 65 minutes -- a little soreness in my knee today on the last 3 minute run so I pulled it back and walked. Took a couple advils and we'll see how the day goes. Lots of rain here in Indiana today, and I have to say I don't mind it a bit ~ thinking that it could be snow instead. I'm looking forward to a couple days on the SE coast of Florida at the end of the week.

February 17, 2009

An evening workout. For some reason, I was awake at 2:30AM CDT today and I got up and worked for a couple of hours and then tried to go back to sleep around 4:00AM CDT..As a result I missed my morning workout and told myself I had to go tonight. I do not like evening workouts. I really struggled on the treadmill tonight - was trying for walk 2, run 3 and managed that for 35 minutes and then went down to walk 3 , run 2...total of 4.8Miles which was good, but I really felt it. The Fitness Pointe site was much more crowded and there was certainly more activity to watch. I'll be back at it tomorrow morning at my normal 5AM workout time.

February 16, 2009

9 Miles within 12 Hours :) I procrastinated my Sunday workout until 8PM EDT and did the 65 minutes while watching the kickoff of the Amazing Race at the Fairfax Lifetime Fitness. Back on the treadmill at 5:45 am this morning in Chantilly to squeeze in my Monday workout before the flight to Chicago. I'm hopeful our new President stays put this morning so that the air traffic in Chicago doesn't get messed up.

Great party Saturday night hosted by Nancy in NW DC.

February 14, 2009 -- 10K

George Washington 10K in Alexandria VA today. A personal best completing the 10K in 74:49 minutes (11:42 per mile)! I did it by walking for 3 minutes and running for 2 the whole way out. I came in 630 out of 659 runners, and 60 of 66 in my female age group. Its amazing how folks on intervals tend to pass each other but really stay together the whole race. It was a chilly 35 degrees when we started but my body heated up pretty quickly.

Great progress for me from a year ago, and I felt pretty confident that I could do the course again (maybe not at the same interval) so that I can get through the 1/2 marathon. Right now, I'm thinking I can complete the 1/2 in 3 hours (which would be about 40 minutes quicker than last June). Time will tell.

A great workout and a great race course (pretty flat)!

February 12, 2009

A good workout at Fitness Point..4.8 miles, I trimmed back on the running and split it with walking (30/30). Will most probably take tomorrow off to get ready for Saturday. Looks like it will be cold on Saturday morning for the 10K.

Found a mall in Illinois last night - what a trip back to the retro 50's mall. I felt at home in Macy's but when I went into the mall it was like going into the twilight zone. I didn't stay there long at all.

The scale appears to be working in the right direction for this uptick in training!

February 11, 2009

Wednesday Morning at Fitness Pointe, IN

A good 65 minutes with 33 of running (5.5) and the rest walking (4.0). For some reason its getting harder (versus easier)...might be because I need a break. I'm thinking I will take Friday off before the race on Saturday to give my legs a day to rest.

Found a Red Lobster restaurant here in Munster Indiana which was excellent. I had their new "fired" tilapia, broccoli and a baked potato. I did manage to eat only 1/2 of those delicious cheese rolls and called it a night.

February 9, 2009

5 Miles Interval!

Early morning at Lifetime Fitness, and this time I cranked up my run time to walk for 2 minutes (4MPH) and then run for 3 minutes (5.5MPH). I was ready to quit at 36 minutes, but I pushed through and when I finished my 5 minute cooldown I had clocked 5 miles! That gives me some confidence for getting through 6.2 miles next Saturday in an hour and a half in celebration of Washington's Birthday. We'll see how the rest of the week goes, but it looks like my quads survived the spin class.

Nice Sunday dinner last night in Burke with a crowd of 5..some discussion of the upcoming softball season and the end of February visit by Big Red to play at Mason.

February 8, 2009

Spin Class
Okay so I bit the bullet and tried the "Spin Class" this morning. OMGosh! it was quite a workout and a great deal of fun. I was very upfront that it was my first class so everyone was watching out for me. I was able to complete the 60 minutes without my quads falling off, but they are still screaming a bit right now :) I will absolutely do it again, but not probably until the end of the month due to scheduling.

Did 30 Minutes run/walk afterwards in prep for next Saturday's 10K in celebration of Washingtons Birthday. My goal will be to complete it in less than 1.5 hours (its 6.2Miles in distance). It will be a good guage for how I'm getting ready for the 1/2 marathon.

Pretty sure a nap is in my plan for today and I'm thinking about taking an Aleve just to be preventative. It is a gorgeous day here in DC today - should be up to 60. Could still be a walk around Burke Lake in my future today.

February 7, 2009

Chocolate Festival in downtown Fairfax today and I resisted the temptation!

I went to my favorite CRT class today and it was quite a workout. Increased the weights to 5lb when we were doing weight exercises and I can feel it in my arms now. Finished with 35 minutes on the treadmill (3 Miles) with 20 minutes of running at 5.5 (4 minutes of running to just test it out)

Great time last night at GGN in DC, a small crowd, but we had a good time catching up. The new food choices were excellent. Its a gorgeous day here in the DC Area -- might get up to 50.

February 5, 2009

Fitness Pointe -- Munster, Indiana, a pretty nice fitness facility. I found out mid week that it comes along with the HI since their workout facility is so terrible, so this morning I decided to try it out.

Same drill as the past couple days 65 minutes on the treadmill. I'll have to be ready to walk in the door at 5AM if I want a treadmill with a personalized TV set, but for this morning I caught up on last week's NPR Wait Wait which was good.

I'm counting on the huge boost in activity to make an impact on the scale too! Back to Fairfax tonight.

February 4, 2009

So today I learned a bit more about "Lake Effect Snow" ~ I am lucky to be west of where it normally drops, but its a pretty amazing phenomenon where this stream of snow dumps (18" today) down across a swath of Indiana and heads east. Luckily I've moved hotels and the work site so that for this week, we avoided it.

Early bird caught the worm this morning -- on the treadmill at 5:00AM (6:00 AM EST) for a 4.9 Mile 65 Minute trek, walking at 4MPH, jogging at 5.5MPH in walk 3, run 2 intervals. This one really got to me, maybe because I've been at it for three days straight with no break. May take an easier trip tomorrow morning. I'm pushing hard to try to break through a decade on the scale this week. (One I've been sitting in since December!)

February 3, 2008

Happy Birthday Peggy!

Orland Park, Illinois Lifetime Fitness this morning at 5:30AM. I almost took the "totally strength" class in lieu of the treadmill - but will think about that next week. 4.8 Miles in 65 minutes (I think a record for me) 3 minutes walking at 16:00 (4MPH) and then 2 minutes running at 11:XX (5.5MPH) with the last interval of 4 minutes running. Man that was difficult.

The good news is that the 6-10 inches of snow predicted for today hasn't started yet so I was able to get my workout in (early).

February 2, 2009 -- Week 5

Schedule (3x per week) 6 Walk Run Intervals; walk 4 Min at 17:00, run 2 min at 12:00 for 36 minutes or a total of 2.6 Miles.

Achieved today: 12 Walk Run Intervals; walk 3 min at 4 MPH (15:00), run 2 min at 5.3 MPH (11:19), distance of 4.7MPH in 65 Minutes! Whew! I got to the health club early this morning and did my 60 minutes pushing myself. Week 9 is when the schedule calls for 60 minutes (at a brisker pace), so all I have to work on is increasing my pace and minutes running. Its fun to think about a schedule and a goal again

Looks like snow this week both in Northern Virginia and in Chicago - for the past three weeks it has snowed in Indiana on Tuesdays - looks like we are going for a three-peat.

February 1, 2009

Ok. Here we go again! This weekend I was getting a bit bored with my treadmill workout and went surfing and found the MoreFitness Half Marathon in New York City for women only in late April 2009. I went to their training calendar - and saw that week 4 was walk for 4 minutes, and then run for 2..so I took this to the treadmill and yesterday and today I walked for 3 and ran for 2! Seems like I can catch up with the schedule and get ready for an April event. I've asked some cousins to come along, so I'm not sure yet whether its a solo trip or not, but I think I've got the bug.

It didn't help that I was also getting all kinds of requests for TNT funding from my California friends who are training for the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon in June 2009. And I look back at the blog and on 2/2/08 I had my first run in San Francisco and hardly made it a mile. Today I logged 4.2 miles in an hour on top of an hour step class!

Follow along as you want, as I now try this training thing from Virginia!