1051.6 Miles

(2.1 treadmill)

It continues to be overcast. Everyone is on edge.

Today was a bit of a challenge to get myself onto the treadmill. My calves were still sore from the run on Wednesday which I expected. What I wasn't expecting was how much time it took for them to feel looser (walking) and how little time it took for them to hurt (running). So today was a much shorter run time. Even so, I feel good that I'm getting stronger.

There are days when I do want to quit. I've never considered myself an athlete, never thought of myself as super-fit, or anything like that. I also refuse to give up homemade cheesecake, Brianna's Brownies, or old-fashioned roast. In my mind, none of these fit into the "healthy lifestyle" that seems typical. Please understand, I'm not bashing anyone who has given up all of that, I just don't see myself that way. I enjoy sensual things and the taste, aroma, texture and visual appeal of food pleases me. Granted, I have let go of a lot of foods such as Oreos, white sugar, and myriad others, but it hasn't been arduous. Especially since I've learned about the attractiveness of so many other foods... or relearned in some cases (like fresh blackberries).

So, if you are reading this and you think you feel like giving up. Just push yourself for one more day. And do it again tomorrow. And the next. You can do this, too.

1042.6 Miles

(2.1 treadmill)

What a wonderful weekend! I was able to spend some time out in the country and relax. There were a couple of stressed moments (like when I got a call from Anthony about something Brianna had done), but over all it was lovely. And it gave me the time away from work and everything else that I needed to come back even more determined to stay healthy. Part of it was simply the way my body reacted to the foods I ate (and the dessert-drinks) because I didn't get that rapid heartbeat that I sometimes would get. Instead, with the combination of a healthier body and the right foods, I was able to enjoy without fear.

Now if only I can get that perfected in the rest of the areas of my life! Determination...

Today I actually was in pain during the run. It wasn't serious and it wasn't enough to keep me from getting on the treadmill, but I did need arnica salve before and after. You see, the wind was a bit strong this morning when I was getting out of the Jeep and it caught me by surprise. There is a colorful bruise on my shin and it's going to be gone soon (my arnica salve really is awesome).

The weights... I still am struggling to do the back fly movement with the 8-pound weights. I am determined to use the 10s soon. As soon as I can do more than 15 with the 8s. I've thought about a barbell, too, but only for the squats since I don't have a bench or a spotter (the last thing I need is to drop the thing on my own face or something like that.) Perhaps one of these days, but I'm not sure yet. Right now I feel like I really need to focus first on the steps I'm taking and not jump a few miles down the road.

Tomorrow will be the bike!

721.2 Miles

(12.3)

The sun has been out, but it feels colder now. We camped during the day (Jan 9) and now the road seems to be rising a bit.

I truly wanted to ride for a full hour today, but started getting dizzy enough to be nervous. So, after only 45 minutes I got off, had a tall glass of water, some protein in almond milk and took a coolish shower. I think part of it was because I did the leg chains before getting on the bike. Those took me nearly 30 minutes and really got my heart going and my legs trembling. When I asked April about it she let me know that it was to be expected since I hadn't had a big enough breakfast. So... now I need to reconfigure my morning meals just a bit.

The knitting is coming along nicely and I think I'll be finished with this scarf/shawlette by tomorrow.

676.5 Miles

(17.3)

Nope, I'm still not caught up to the book.

Today there was a slight twinge in my knee, but not enough to stop pedaling. Oddly enough, it felt more natural to go a little faster today and I'm looking forward to getting completely back to normal. Well, normal for me.

I also did the upper body chains today. I was thinking about waiting until tomorrow, but I figured that it wouldn't hurt me. I really had to push to get them all the way finished and I know that next week will help me get prepared for the full sessions. At least, that is my hope.

I spent a lot of time thinking about food today. In fact, I even got to play in the kitchen for a little while this morning. The foods that I prepared are all pretty healthy and were all vegetarian. I find that kind of funny, actually. Still, I'm discovering that kale is actually pretty good in many ways.

Knitting today was pretty good. I'm thinking that another inch or so and I should be ready to cast off. I'm really hoping to get that done by the end of this month. I still have enough time as long as I can get my sweater's body finished first.