1138.2 Miles

(5.2 road, total since Monday)

Gollum has been spotted by Sam and Frodo and we have been on the river many hours each day.

Exercise has a strange consequence for me and perhaps it is the same for many others. Before I start, I can think of every argument not to do anything. While I am exercising I can think of every reason to stop. But after the exercise, I can think of all the reasons I am glad I finished.

I'm a little tired tonight so the images aren't edited to remove the ads at the bottoms or anything like that. I'll work on that for the next entry.

959.9 Miles

(10.2 bike)

I'll admit that I've not been listening to the book lately. I know that the traveling on the river doesn't take up a lot in the story, and I don't like to only listen for a couple minutes at a time. Soon, though, I will have to make a decision about which path to take. Will I stay with Frodo or will I go on with Strider?

Wednesday was a weights day again. I should be more specific since it's not just weight-training, but that's what I call the day. What it involves is various exercises that work the muscles of my body and I use 8-pound weights. Cardio isn't really a factor even though I do tend to get winded sometimes.

On these days I set my timer (an app on the iPad, but I can't remember what it's called right now) to intervals of 1 minute with a 10 second "break", repeated 12 times. During the 1 minute I will do an exercise for 30 seconds, then switch sides for the remaining 30 seconds. For example, if I am doing lunges, I'm doing the right leg for the full 30 seconds, then the left. The 10-second break gives me enough time to get into position for the next exercise. When an exercise works both sides at the same time (squats, for example) I will do them for the full minute. There are 12 different exercises that I do during these intervals so the session lasts 14 minutes. At this point I will take a short water break then start all over again. After that, I will do stretches and a few Sun Salutations.

So, when I say it's a "weights day" you now know what I mean.

Today's ride involved reading on my iPad. I've tried to knit while I'm pedaling, but when you're trying to maintain a speed of 20mph, your gauge just gets wonky.

921.6 Miles

(3.1 treadmill)

Lothlorien. We stay here for several days for a well-needed rest. Frodo and Sam look into the Mirror of Galdriel and felt sorrow for the visions they both saw. Gimli and Legolas seemed to be getting along so much better than before. Celeborn provided boats for us to travel along a bit faster and we were given other supplies for the next leg of our journey.

I have reached Lothlorien! And gone just a little more. I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I passes that point and the energy that filled me gave me the boost I needed to complete more than 3 miles!

After the first program setting ended, I turned the treadmill back on and kept going. I had to take two pictures, though, since the treadmill will reset each time you hit start (I learned that the hard way a few months back).

And now, onward to Rauros Falls!

908 Miles

(1.9 treadmill)

In a clearing we could feel the warm sun on our faces and met another group of elves. They finally took our blindfolds off. Gimli was spoken to with respect and was the first Dwarf to see this land since the days of Durin. Samwise looked in wonder and said that it was as if we were in a song. We climbed to the top of the hill of Cerin Amroth. We could see all around us and stayed for about two hours.

A little bit slower today, but I'm still getting to the end of that 30 minutes with less and less strain. I have made a promise to myself that right treadmill distance will be 3 miles, even if I have to walk most of it.

 

859.5 Miles

(1.1 walking)

We have crossed the Nimrodil and met up with the elves here. They startled Legolas when he climbed the huge mellan trees to see if we'd be safe for the night. After a meeting between them and Frodo we slept in flets up in the trees. Today we follow the Silverlode.

Today I decided to walk barefooted to work my feet a little differently. I will admit that I was surprised at how slow I had to walk! Still, I got in my half-hour. Tomorrow I will see how my legs react to that bit of craziness.

I didn't lift any weights today. Over the weekend I pulled my right tricep pretty hard (jammed lawnmower) and am more than a little worried that I could injure it or something. When it happened I was willing to continue working with the heavy stuff, but Kevin pointed out that I could really do some damage if I didn't stop and pay attention to my body (not in those words, but that was what I got from it). I'm hoping tomorrow will be a lot better. (As you can see, shading the screen doesn't really help with the picture.)

855.4 Miles

(9.7 biking)

After traveling onward, Frodo and Sam began to fall behind. They were both injured while we were in Moria and Aragorn tended them both before we moved on. This is when we discovered Frodo's mithril corselette. After going on for another few hours we reached the edge of the woods of Lothlorien.

I felt pretty good today, even though my sleep is still broken each night. I'm hoping that will change very soon. Even so, I didn't want to ride today. I feel better emotionally, but I am still physically tired. And yet, I felt a lot better about myself when I'd finished the 30 minutes.

I also continued with the strength training. That seems easier to do lately. Not in terms of the physical challenge (since my muscles still tremble after a few sets), but in terms of motivation. I feel more motivated to lift the weights than to get on the bike. Weird, huh?

818.5 Miles

(2.5 walking)
(10.5 biking)

After taking a short break to eat and have another sip of miruvor. We began following Gandalf in the dark. True, Gandalf's staff shone brightly, but it was very small in this great, dark cavern. Frodo has been hearing steps behind us, but didn't say anything. After a bit of time we came to a junction and Gandalf was too weary to decide which way to go, so we camped in the guardroom.

It was so cold this morning! I really pushed myself to go out there and walk, but I figured it wouldn't kill me so I bundled up a bit and headed out. Before very long I was already starting to sweat. I didn't take off the outer layers simply because the breeze would have chilled me to the bone.

The biking was a little more pleasant, and I really pushed to keep a good speed and a few bursts of high intensity. Afterward I was pretty done in. Oddly enough, I felt more tired after the walking than I have lately. I think it's simply because of the cold. I didn't do the chains today, but I'm not upset about it. I know that I will make them up tomorrow by doing the whole routine.

I am pretty sure I won't get this scarf finished by the end of the month since I'm spending any extra knitting time working on the sweater. I am determined to finish this for the OWL on HPKCHC.

805.5 Miles

(10.6 biking)

So much in such a short distance! We reached the West-door of Moria. The description of the beauty of this magic is breath-taking. There are symbols of dwarves and elves wrought in the ithildin, which is visible only in starlight and moonlight. Gandalf spoke many different words and spells to no avail. Finally, in frustration, Borimir through a rock into the water, causing unease in Frodo. After another moment, Galdalf shouted, "Mellon" and the door opened. Suddeny there was a huge commotion! The Watcher in the Water had Frodo and Sam jumped to help. We all began running inside the doors and made it just before the Watcher slammed the doors and we were left in darkness.

I didn't walk today, but I did pedal faster during the biking (only 30 minutes). I also chose to do 20 minutes of hooping and the complete chains (not breaking it down to upper and lower). How do I feel? Not as sore as I thought, that's for sure. I'm not quite ready to go up to the 10lb weights yet, but I know it won't be that long.

I'm pleased with the amount of knitting I got done, even though I had to set it aside a couple times since my hands were sweaty.

708.9 Miles

(17.3)

It's a full moon and the going is not that bad. Very cold, of course.  Just before dawn Gandalf & Frodo were pretty sure there was something flying over us, but it was too dark to see clearly.

I made it to 10%! Yes, that makes me smile. I was only going to go for 45 minutes today since that was my goal, but, even with the strength training, it just feels more right to go for the full hour. i am also much happier doing my workout in the earlier part of the day. To me that just works so much better.

The chain workout (strength training) hurts. I couldn't do them all because my arms were trembling so much. I'm going to stick with the even numbers this week, then I'll try again. I know that "failure" in this sense is a good thing, but when I fail to lift a simple 8-pound weight... well, it feels kind of crappy. I refuse to go down to a 5-pound weight, though.

Knitting was good and I'm working on a pattern called Baktus with my new yarn base. It's so soft!

691.6 Miles

(12.4)

As Sam was keeping watch with Strider, a cloud of something took shape in the distance. Before long a flock of crebain flew overhead and we knew the danger was even greater.  With the full moon overhead we continued onward.

Today I wasn't able to get on the bike until after 7:30. Why? Well, there was a snow day, which meant there were kids in the house most of the day. I will say that I do not like exercising in the evening and nearly didn't do it. The thought crossed my mind that "one more day" wouldn't make that much of a difference. But it would. Perhaps not to my body, but it would have made a difference in my head and in my heart. So, I finished my 45 minutes of biking, and my 6 songs of hooping. I haven't done the chains today. There really isn't time since I will be in bed shortly. So that will have to be done tomorrow.

I'm glad I got on the bike, especially since it helped work off some of the irritation I'd felt most of the day. I'm hoping it will help my sleep be more restful.

I finished a slouchy hat while I was biking and I'll be turning it in for one of the HPKCHC classes some time tomorrow. Then it will go into a basket of gifts that will be sent out as soon as I have another one done. You see, I put out word that I would hand-craft 5 gifts for people as long as they passed it along to 5 more people. One of the coolest "chain letters" there are, don't you think?

450.4 Miles

(17.7)

We're being attacked! Glorfindel told us to run and a Nazgul came out of nowhere! The horse took Frodo across the river, but he fell. I think we're running out of time.

I kept a steady pace again today and am just about ready to turn the tension up a notch. I had decided that I would be doing that at the end of this month and I'm right on track for that. I know that might slow down my speed and mileage, but I know that it's the right thing for me to do.

Knitting was great! The purl stitches weren't nearly as bad as I thought they'd be. I did save the cast off for later, though. If any part of the socks needs to be stretchy, it's the cast off. The cool thing is that I turned these in for one of the classes with the HPKCHC along with a cool video made by other Gryffindors. Yes, we're just that cool.

416.9 Miles

(19)

We've been walking all night and Frodo is on the horse Glorfindel. He doesn't look good and was barely conscious as we traveled on.

Today I was determined to set a record again. My last was 18.25 miles and I felt pretty good about it. Today I didn't even want to get on the bike, but I'd already told myself yesterday that I wanted to break my old record. So, as weary as I felt, I got on there anyway. Afterward, I felt a bit of a high with the accomplishment. I couldn't have done that 2 months ago. There is no way I could have maintained that speed for an hour. Now I know that I can.

The knitting was great today! I finished the gussets on both socks and turned the heels. I wasn't sure I'd be able to deal with the wrap & turns, but I didn't have any problems at all. Now, there is only the back of the heels, then the legs. I should be able to get that done within a few more days.

330 Miles

(16.7)

Still traveling through the valley. It occurred to me how little time this took in the movies, and how long of a stressful journey it is in the books. I think people who only see the movie can not appreciate just how much time it took to finally get help for Frodo.

Today I took a water & bathroom break just after 30 minutes. April says this is fine to do and won't diminish the benefits of the workout. I realized that the bike will reset itself after only a few minutes, though. When I came back in the screen was blank and I could only remember that I'd gone 8.something miles before stopping. So, since I couldn't remember what came after the decimal, I just counted it as 8.

I was knitting a tool cover today. This created a little bit of a challenge since the gauge is so tight. After a little while my hands just didn't want to work so hard. This project needs to be done very soon, though so I'll keep going with it. I'm thinking that a slight felting would be a good idea, too, just to keep it from getting snagged or anything like that.

The picture today only shows the miles for the 2nd half of the session. I'm thinking that any other water breaks will have to be less than 4 minutes if I want to keep the full time & stuff on the screen.

279.2 Miles

(17.5)

We're still heading for Rivendell and the fear for Frodo's health runs high. Today we made camp and everyone is solemn.

Yes, I was on there for another hour today. My legs feel a little like they are on fire and trying to kneel on the floor is a slow process. I'm drinking a lot of water to help with that and applied some arnica salve after my shower. Luckily, most of my work for the day is nearly complete. After this I will alternate between gentle stretching and relaxed knitting.

The socks are getting longer, but I can't locate my paper with Kevin's measurements, so I am not sure how much longer to make them before I start the heel. It's not a big deal, though since I can get them pretty soon. My stitches are getting easier now and even picking up the bar in between (for "m1r" and "m1l") is becoming easy enough that I don't have to slow the pedaling to do them.

261.7 Miles

(17.2)

We've crossed the Great East River and have entered the thickets where we are camping. Frodo's been riding the pony since he's injured.

I decided to do the one hour today since it kind of makes sense to do it in the middle of the week instead of the end. I'm a little surprised at how triumphant I feel about getting all the way to the end and still not feeling like I should stop. It was a bit exhilarating.

The socks are coming along nicely and my tension has loosened a little bit. I'm thinking that, by the time I reach the heels, I will be even more relaxed.

Oh, and here's how my shirt looks -

Yes, that's a very sweaty bit of fabric.

244.5 Miles

(9.1)

So much has happened! We've reached Weathertop and could see the Black Riders from the road. Not long after, the Nazgul attacked and Frodo was injured. There are still over 200 miles to Rivendell.

Today actually felt easier than the other days. I'm thinking it's because my legs are getting stronger and it's getting easier to pedal quickly. I hadn't planned to change the tension until the end of the month, but I may have to do that sooner. For the time being, I'll leave it alone and see how it goes.

I've been working on Kevin's socks and I think my tension has changed a little. I don't think it will change the socks significantly, but I'll be working on relaxing just a little while I'm pedaling.

119.1 Miles

(9.3)

I've passed the place where Frodo began singing and Tom rescued them. This part of the journey was a little unnerving for me. Partly because I wonder what would have happened if Tom hadn't been around.

The last two days have been early biking. By 6am I'm pushing off and have gotten into the shower by 6:35. I'm not sure if I like this better or not, but it feels good knowing that I've gotten that part of the day completed. When I can't get to it right away after the kids are off to school I feel as though it was a weight dragging at me throughout the day. That makes it challenging not to feel guilty. And that makes it challenging to be enthusiastic about it.

I started a new knitting project last night and I'm looking forward to giving it to the person. I really do think they'll like it. I like the fact that I can work on it while biking since I feel it's sending good energy into it. And, since it will be for a very important little person, it should have as much good energy as possible.

101.4 Miles

(10.1)

Yes, I have already left Tom Bombadil's house and began zig-zagging up the hill on the west side of the Barrow-downs. there are no trees or water. Somehow I ended up in the Barrow-downs which is inhabited by a great evil.

In all seriousness, when I woke up this morning I was determined to get to 100 miles. I knew it would be tough, especially since I woke a lot earlier than I'd planned, and I had a ton of work to do for the yarn club, but I was going to make it to the 100 mile mark. I did it in about 40 minutes.

Knitting is getting easier for me so I know that it won't be long before I can work on patterns and not just garter scarves. Still, I feel pretty good that I can now knit even during the high-speed moments.

41 miles

(5.5 miles)

This is where the hobbits heard a Black Rider again. At some point here, Elves show up and the Rider leaves.

This time I went a little slower and kept a mostly steady pace at 16mph. "Mostly" because I went up to 20mph for 2 minutes. I still had to push myself to get to the end of the session, but I did it. The interesting thing is the slight feeling of giddiness when I actually reach that last 15 seconds.

I've decided to start posting how many miles I've gone for each session (as you can see at the top.)

There and back again...

I'm about to begin a journey. One that will take me 6849 miles without leaving my bedroom. You see, I recently got a stationary bicycle and I plan to ride it almost daily until I've traveled the distance from Hobbiton, to Mordor, and back again. During this journey I will also be taking care to watch the foods I eat and meditations and other things that are really good for me. Why? Because my glucose numbers are just way too close to that dangerous level and I have a lot of life left!

Why use the miles from Frodo and Sam? Because I love the Lord of the Rings series and I think it will be nice to plan my own miles with their journey in mind. The information I will be using comes from The Eowyn Challenge. If you get the chance, check it out. Now, there may be hardcore LotR fans out there who would love to challenge the numbers on this site and that's fine. I'm simply looking for a way to keep this interesting for ME and this is a great way to do so.

On this first day of my journey, I rode on the bike for 30 minutes and got about six miles. Not bad, even though my bottom now hurts like crazy. I got a small coaster knitted while I was on there. Pretty good, and now I have another way to help keep my desk clean.

Okay, now for the stats: I weigh 192 pounds. My hemoglobin A1C is 5.9%. I'll be getting the blood work done again in six months and I'll certainly update that number.

Today's knitting:

And now it's time to deal with the rest of the day.