845.7 miles

(9.1 biking)

The sadness that lies over us is too deep to express. Gandalf has fallen and it feels as if the hope has left us. Continuing will be hard to do.

Okay, I screwed up a little bit. I was pedaling along and got to the battle of the Balrog & Gandalf and forgot to take a picture. I know the meter said 9.something, and since I'm not sure what it was, I'm only adding .1 for now. I will admit that I was in tears when listening to this part of the book. It was hard not to.

Here is a picture of the knitting, though.

827.8 Miles

(9.3 biking)

The going seem very long. We traveled many hours and were ready to sleep. Suddenly we entered a huge empty Hall. Gandalf says there are windows that will let the sunlight in, but since it's still night we cannot see it. We slept in that hall, cold and tired. The next morning, Gimli recited the story of Durin and it touched us all. Gandalf told us about mithril and how it was worth so very much. When he mentioned a corselet that Bilbo had, Frodo seemed more quiet than usual.

I didn't walk today. The wind feels as if it's trying to work its way into my jacket. Instead I increased the time of hooping and I completed the upper and lower chains. As for the biking, I decided to take it a little easy today, sort of. I kept it steady at around 18mph instead of doing any high intensity.

I brought up to April that my scale is still pretty steady. I lost four pounds in the last 2 weeks, but then gained two over the weekend. However, there are a couple inches fewer than there were. For example, my waist was 35" and now it sits at 32.5". I won't list all the differences, but they are there. She says that the scale doesn't matter as much while my muscles are gaining strength and I trust her.

For the knitting, I started a potholder from some old handspun I have. I don't even know where I got the original fiber, nor do I know if it will felt at all. But, it's pretty and I can turn it in for another class.

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.

787.4 Miles

(2 walking)
(6.25 biking)

We've been traveling a barren country, and the Fellowship is weary of the cold. The Sirannon is dry and we push on. Gandalf gave everyone another mouthful of miruvor.

This morning I walked the daycare kids to school (about a mile round-trip since I walk a couple blocks past the school after dropping them off). When I got home I realized one of them had left their book bag, so I headed back out. It was a nice morning for walking and I enjoyed being out that early.

Afterward I decided to ride the bike anyway, then did the lower body chains. I might be sore tomorrow, but that's alright with me. I know that it's just a sign that my muscles are getting a good workout.

I'm doing my best not to feel disheartened by the lack of change on the scale. I can feel a difference in my body, and sometimes I can see it, too. But the scale remains at 175. I'm hoping that will change soon.

I worked on a scarf while pedaling. This scarf was adapted from the Dragon Scale pattern that will be in an awesome book (not yet published) and I think it's going to turn out lovely.

746.7 Miles

(13.2)


Gandalf and Aragorn discussed the possible direction to take and it seemed as though they had a disagreement over something. For whatever reason we will be taking the Redhorn Pass. The weather will become our enemy. We've all begun carrying wood and the snow that has begun falling is much heavier than the norm for this time of the year. (pretty close to the end of chapter 3)

Four songs of hooping, 45 minutes of biking, and lower body chains. In order to avoid the dizziness from last week, I had a breakfast of leftover chicken, veggies, and some juice. Between the biking and the chains I also took a 10 minute break and had some of the protein drink I make. And, of course, plenty of water in between everything.

I bought a new set of weights this weekend. The grips are a little larger and they are covered with a foam (I don't remember what it's called). Much more comfortable! That didn't change the fact that they felt like a ton by the end of the chains, but at least there will be less strain on my hands.

This week's knitting is a pair of socks that I started at Kevin's. These are with a DK weight yarn and shouldn't take very long to finish.