First 5 in a week!

I hit "5" - my exercise goal - today for the first time in a week! Oops! I also planned on eating a 150 calorie bowl of cereal for dinner to detox from the holidays. Instead I find myself with a plate of left over lasagna, reheating the remaining puff pastry-wrapped brie, a glass of red wine in front of me. Oops, again!

Heat wave

I hope you're enjoying skiing, because there's been a heat wave on the East Coast! 68 degrees yesterday, and 65 today!

Great jogging weather, if a little humid. I tried out the NIKE+iPod and need to tweak it a bit. Yesterday, in 36 minutes, it only thought I ran .77 miles. Today, in 30 minutes, it thought I ran 4.8 miles. Neither was quite accurate.

But, the running part is key, right?

I can't give up this hobby

Hi all!! Colorado sounds fantastic, Scribbners! I just want to know if I can borrow some of the physical activity you're doing and add it to my spreadsheet???

I got lots of fun gear for jogging yesterday, so I can't give up this hobby! The neatest was a NIKE+iPod, with an adaptor so I don't have to use it with NIKE shoes.

I'll use it for the first time tomorrow, but it's a sensor that goes on your shoes, and it "talks" to your iPod nano (4th generation only!). During the jog, you can hit the center button on the iPod and a voice will interrupt your song, telling you your distance and pace. At the end, it tracks your whole workout, pace, distance, calories, etc.! You can even upload the info to a Web site!

Keith, you gotta, gotta, gotta get this. It's sssssoooo cool! It's made to work with Nike shoes, and the sensor goes right in them. But if you don't use Nike shoes (I don't), you can buy a Velcro piece to put on your laces like the sensor at the Jingle All The Way 10k.

And I really am going to need to try it out tomorrow, after the bacon extravaganza that was Christmas day (I'll link over to that post when I'm finished with it!). Good news on Christmas and exercising was that I did jog yesterday morning before starting on brunch. It was a freakishly warm day - 48 when I went outside! - sandwiched in between two 25 degree days!

Winter Wonderland

Hi Everybody. So much beautiful snow...it's incredible. We went skiing again yesterday and are going again today. It's still snowing! We leave tomorrow, but may try to squeeze in a run or two when the lifts open tomorrow. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Beautiful Colorado

You gotta love skiing. After being inside so much it feels great being in the great outdoors. We arrived in Colorado on Saturday. First day short day of skiing, 2nd day a little longer, 3rd day we went snowmobiling and today longest day of skiing so far! FUN!!!!!! Tomorrow and the next day we hit the slopes again. Have a great evening everyone. Merry Christmas Eve, and Merry Christmas tomorrow!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

Greetings from the Scribner's!

We are currently in Beaver Creek Colorado enjoying a few days of skiing. The snow has been amazing, over 2 ft in the last two days! Have skied three of the past four days with no broken bones. I did workout at the hotel facility yesterday, although the fact I actually never started to sweat may create doubts about this. Went snowmobiling yesterday and finished after dark. It was beautiful.
Merry Christmas everyone!

That's not me eating a PB&J bar for breakfast....

Keith - how do I get the day's points to show up if I don't do push ups?



And don't say, "Just do push ups" ! !



Merry Christmas, everyone!

Viva!

Thanks, Keith! I didn't remind you that the Excel sheet needed updating because I was embarrased at how bad I'd been this month in the exercise department! Especially with your idea of tracking past months against the current one! Oops! Looks like I was way better in November, October, September, August, and well into the spring than I am doing right now!

But I need the kick in the pants that you've given us all. Especially because my cookie delivery arrived last night!



This is the present a family friend gives me each year (in exchange for my boring ol' savings bonds for her kids!). I LOVE to cook, but am not the best baker. I can't stand how EXACT you need to be in baking. I'd much rather add a little of this, a little of that, pause for a sip of wine, chat a little, oh! maybe some more of this.... that's the kind of cook I like to be!

But I digress. The cookie delivery arrived last night, and she makes all my favorites. So I, too, need to get back on track with exercising and posting!

Early Resolution

I started this week off with a 10k on the treadmill in 53:46. I felt pretty good until after the shower....from then till now I have felt like my legs weren't quite working properly. So there you go. My legs are shaky, I can't catch my breath, my heart is pounding, I got the cold sweats, my eyes are blurry with tears from crying like a little girl. So, I am either way out of shape or I am hopelessly in love. And with a face like mine, it must mean I am way out of shape.

Therefore, I have recommitted to the blog and the posting. I updated my page of stats and yours as well Maureen. (You should have told me I was lacking in my Excel duties!) Scott and Barbara, I will work on yours next. Count this as an early warning for my own New Year's resolution and my challenge to you guys as well. So this is kinda like getting a running start, or in my case a hobbling walking-kinda-fast start. The Capital 10K is only 97 days away. That is so close that if you double each of our ages, only Maureen and I would be under 97! (Hey! Numbers don't lie!) So us really young people will try and help you really old people by adding a bit more blogging pressure.

The Treadmill

Gotta love that treadmill. It just keeps going no matter how much I want to yell at it. Why is there no "stop" in the treadmill's vocabulary. I just don't get it. Being able to say "Stop" isn't too hard for me, don't now why the stinkin' treadmill can follow my example. Didn't go all that great today but ran 4 miles anyway and hit the weight. The only thing I excelled at today was the steam room. I am a scratch steam room sitter. Down right Olympic material at the steam room. Keep plugging everyone.

What happened?

I'm still off track! How did this happen? How'd I loose my way so completely this week??

I did get to Curves last night, and that was my first cardio since Sunday's Jingle All The Way race. This morning I walked the dog, but bailed after 7 minutes of a jog - it's not quite ratio issues, but I do think I've got something wrong with my foot. Maybe I just need a good pedicure.

Tomorrow! Tomorrow's another day!

Off Track!

The Jingle All The Way 10k was great!

I know this blog is about smack talk and pressure, but I have to tell the truth: it was Keith dragging ME across the finish line. We made that great pace as an average - mile 4 was really, really fast, and somewhere around mile 5.5, I started losing it.

Totally losing it. It was hard to breath, I was tired, my motivation was waining. But Keith got me across that finish line.

Of course, his official race time was 1 second less than mine, but just because as we approached the end, he elbowed me out of the way.

And they say chivalry is dead.

But I've been off track since Sunday. I didn't get any cardio Monday, Tuesday or today! That's, like, a record for me! And a record I don't like!

Tomorrow! Back on track!

Not Too Cold For Me Either!

....with LOTS of layers. I went to the club this a.m. and did the spin class for 50 minutes. That warmed me up! Skipped yesterday. We had lots of ice on the roads and minimized driving...just went to the office early. Have a warm day everyone!

Not Too Cold For Me!!!

The reflecting pool by World War II Memorial
ICED OVER at the 10K!!!

Jingle! Jingle!

We hit the road for the second 10k for the fall, the Jingle All The Way 10K in Washington DC. It was very cold but the race was awesome. As usual, Maureen had to drag me most of the way but since it was so cold and there was ice everywhere, it was a lot easier to drag me along the route. We were expecting a decline in our time from Quantico but we did really well. 55:34 for the 6.2 miles which works out to 8:57 per mile. Bam!!! It was really really fun, now we just need to find the next one. Thanks Maureen!

Back on track!

Ok! Back to Curves today! Back on track!

Of course, that's more than I can say for Keith and Scott...

It's COLD outside!

This a.m. I headed to the garage and saw the thermometer reading of 25 degrees. I pulled my jacket hood over my head and hunched up my shoulders. Again shed a few layers as I warmed up. I rode for 35 minutes, did 50 squats and 10 minutes of flexibility. I'm off on the pushups...somehow I couldn't get down on the cold garage floor to do those. Of course, it's warm inside....maybe later. Tomorrow may be an off day for the workout, then back on the program Saturday.

Too early for me!

I know this blog is all about motivating each other to exercise. But sometimes, you just need to throw in the towel! Today is one of those days for me, and it's tough to admit! But I have a big weekend and a hard work week come Monday, so I really needed to admit that today - well, today I really just want to curl up on the couch! I'm afraid if I pushed it, feeling this exhausted already, I'd be inviting sickness when I can handle that the least!

So, just a walk with the dog today. But, the blog tracking is about averages, so hopefully this doesn't bring me down too much!

Brrrrr Bike

It was freezing this morning! Rode for 31 minutes in the garage on the trainer, the 1st 5 minutes I had a fleece jacket and a windbreaker on...and gloves. Didn't take long to get hot though! After the ride, did 50 squats and 10 minutes of flexibility. Later....

Happy Monday!

Great new week ahead of us. Bike trainer in garage 30 minutes, 50 squats, flexibility for 10 min. Have a fab day everyone...

Take that!

Yesterday we rode 84 miles. Temperature was 44 degrees wind 14 miles per hour . Average uphill gradient was 6.6% Time in saddle was 4 hours 7 minutes

Ok i didn't do any of that but you have to admit it would have been cool if I had...

In reality, I ran 8 minutes yesterday under beautiful blue skies. Today I rode on my trainer for 25 minutes then the normal 50 PU, stretch abs. My corpulent(defined by Merriam Webster as a large bulky body) is up to 189. But I am back in the game...as soon as I hit 187 the smack talk will be back!

The bike photo of Barbarella was taken in our backyard BTW

Bring it on!

I like it, Keith! Bring back the smack!

I ran 4 miles this morning in 31 degree weather, with 20 mile per hour winds.

Beat that, wimps.

December! Yay!

I also have been so lax at posting, but here we go. Let's re-focus! I know new jobs and year end stuff and Christmas and planning and eating and blah blah blah, but we have got to stay focused on this thing. I ran 3.1 miles on the first and had two great runs with Maureen in DC on the 2nd and the 3rd, but yesterday was a blank, dang it. Today, I have done my 60 push ups but I know I am behind to you guys already, but not for long.

Seriously, let's get it back. This month will be more eating than normal so we can't afford to lose the workouts, and I don't want to lose the posting smack. So, Scott, forget about the ratio issues related to your failing and flailing body and try and concentrate on the ratio issues of how many more posts I plan on making than you. December is OUR month. Let's dooooooo it!!!

Brilliant minds!

You have jury duty this week, Barbara??? Me too!!

I've been lucky enough so far not to have to report, though, so you've got my sympathy! Here in Alexandria, they give you a number, and each day after 4 p.m. you have to call to find out if you have to report the next day. I've just got one more day left to see if I can make it out of this one!

I've had an awful start to my December exercising! Feel like it's not keeping up with my eating!
Actually, I've gotten two good runs in this week, and a Curves appearance. So maybe it is just the eating part I need to get under control...!

December is Here!

Time to get with it!!! Been a little sketchy for us lately, but ready to work on December being a great month! Last Friday in Austin was about 2 hours tennis with brother-in-law and family, Saturday Spin Class at the club for 50 min, Sunday weights 40 min., Monday Spin Class 45 min., Tuesday Weights 35, Wednesday (today) weights at home 20 minutes. Headed to jury duty today. Have a fantastic day everyone.

A new month

OK, it' December 1 and seems like a good time to get back into the posting groove! Today I did the spin class for about 40 minutes and did my normal pushup stretch routine. Sunday I did weights for about 45 minutes. Saturday, I did a spin class for 50 minutes. Friday, I played tennis with my Brother and his family for about two hours. I did notice that my lateral movement on the court were somewhat slow...then I realized that because my ratio issues I have a high center of gravity...which is the only reason I fell and bludgeoned my right knee. But it's all good. Anxious to start a new month of posting!!

Not getting to my "5"

Hi all!

I haven't been doing a good job of getting to my average of 5 points on the spreadsheet for this blog! Trying to stay active, though!

I did a solo Turkey Trot on Thursday morning at 6 a.m. It was a bit lonely, but with a day of driving and pigging out ahead of me, I knew I wanted to do it!

And I forced myself on to the treadmill yesterday at the hotel. But this morning, all I could eek out was a walk with the dog and some push ups. A head cold I've been fighting is finally winning the battle, and I just couldn't face Curves. The worst part is, I don't think it is the working out part that's holding me back! It's the talking and interacting with others part! Just don't have the energy for THAT! haha!

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Gobble Hobble

Best all time name for a turkey trot: Gobble Hobble!!! I ran the Richardson Gobble Hobble 5k this morning and it was great. Maybe about 2,000 people. It was put on by the Richardson Police Department so I think it counts as giving to the Policeman's Ball. I actually won my age division but there was some discrepancy since it appears that my age was listed as 84. But hey, a win is a win.

The good news is that I have now run two turkey trots with a third planned for Thanksgiving morning. Since it appears that Scott and Barbara will have a combined ZERO turkey trots this year, they can each borrow one of mine so we can all have at least one.

Buuuurrrrrrrr!

In Raleigh this weekend (decided I made all my DC friends celebrate my birthday last weekend, so for the actual day, I'd come to a place where 1. they hadn't celebrated my birthday and 2. there was going to be a birthday party already going on that I could just elbow into, since my brother and I were born on the same day! hey - he's used to it!)

Went for a jog this morning with brother Terry in ... wait for it... 25 degree weather!!!

OMG! Freezing! Need to get better gloves and a muffler and maybe some shirts with turtlenecks if I'm going to keep running this winter!!!

But he was happy to do a "birthday athletic event" - so that's the important thing!

Thursday a.m.

Back to the club again today. 35 min elliptical and 15 minutes flexibility...and 30 pushups!

Back to the routine

Morning, all! It's back to the normal routine for me, too, this week, alternating jogging and Curves. It's starting to get really cold outside (at least, we're in the middle of a cold spell), so I've found myself on the treadmill a few times instead of outside. But the treadmill is just so boring - especially compared to a Fall leaf-covered military base!

Wanted to share some props with you all as well! A friend of mine listened to all my stories of the bike ride for Barbara's birthday, and then the 10K for my birthday, and he decided that he's going to push himself to run a 10K on his birthday next month! So that's a pat on the back to all of you - whether you want to call it inspiration or peer pressure, it works!

Spin 40

Being in the spin class for 40 min. this morning was great!

Garage Workout

Left the house this a.m. to go to the club, was out of routine and had not packed my wallet or phone the night before, so I turned around and came back to the house. Rode the bike trainer this a.m. and then as a bonus workout, spent some time resetting all the zones on our sprinkler system (our power went out in the neighborhood the other day)...something I've been meaning to do. The workout wasn't impressive...not like SOME people I know. And, by the way, way to go!!! Will be ready to tomorrow for a good club workout!

Hello there!

I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Scott, and I am a former exerciser. There I said it. Actually I have been working out sort of but have not been posting. Sorry for letting the group down but I'm back. Thanks for keep up with the blog during my down time.

Great job on The Quantico 10K!! I bet that was quite an experience. We may invite ourselves next year to run with you. Maureen, I applaud you in letting Keith stay up with you. I know it's hard to hold back when you really want to go for a PR but you want to be part of the group and not leave your friends behind!

Marine Corps. 10K at Quantico

Okay, the Quantico 10K is in the books. WOW! What a great race. The base was totally unbelievable. Miles and miles and miles of beautiful country decked in fall colors surrounded by patriotism that made you feel honored just to be able to participate. Maureen was totally awesome and we ran a great race. Our last mile was within one second of our first mile and all the rest were within 20 seconds of those two miles. We finished strong and I know you may be thinking, "What! You want some kind of medal?" Well that is exactly what we got, a 2008 Marine Corps. 10K Turkey Trot medal. Waaaaay Cool!

Lots of Marines running and managing the race as well as marine sitings through out the day doing Marine stuff, which oddly enough seemed like an awful lot of running. I think there were a lot more of them running than we could see because a bunch of them wore camo so who knows how many there really were. I was quite moved by the national anthem played before the race. Many runners in the "cattle shoot" at the starting line, came to attention with the respect the song and the flag deserve. I felt both awe, inspiration, reverence and a severe case of unworthiness to be on the same track with them considering the sacrifices that they and those like them have made on my behalf. Anyway it was really really cool to even be there and much more to be able to participate. THANKS MAUREEN!!!

Okay, now to the results, I know you have all been waiting for this. Maureen mentioned we ran 55:04. The Marine Corps. 10K website has us listed at 55:05, however, the official time was actually 55:03. That is the time that was on my official watch on my official wrist, so 55:03 is the official time, officially. So there!!! Even better, Maureen was 15th in her age division and I was 13th in mine. (Don't get all bogged down in the fact that there may have only been 13 people my age in the race! I still finished 13th and she finished in 15th!) There are no other numbers that are even necessary to list. The official website does have Maureen Petron listed overall 184th, and Keith Hall 185th. Yes, yes, yes, roughly the same as Maureen 1 - Keith 0!

Anyway, it was so much fun and I felt so good about the way we ran, about the base, the Marines, the whole thing. It was totally GREAT! One more time, THANKS MAUREEN!!!

10K

I thought I'd wait until this morning to post about the 10K, because I wanted to make sure Keith got a chance to finish it. He was dragging pretty slow on Saturday, so slow that I had to eventually just leave him and finish the race all on my own. I hope he's off the course by now...

:-)

Just kidding! Keith was an incredible motivator during the 10k, and kept us on a great pace! We finished in 55:04, with no mile slower than 8 minutes and 59 seconds! I really thought we had slowed down the last two, but I'm really excited that we seemed to keep a pretty even pace the whole time.

But I'm ahead of myself...

Here's me being extremely nervous on Saturday morning on the drive down to Quantico:

In line to go through the ID check to get into Quanitco (yup, that's rain making things blurry!)

And us after we've finished!

I thought it'd be nice to let Keith climb down off my back for this picture so you couldn't see that I carried him the whole way.

It was a great race! I'm all set for the Capital 10K now!

Saturday - It's Cold & Windy Outside!

Weights at club 30 min, plus pushups and flexibility. Have a good one everyone...and Happy Birthday Maureen & Mike!

Rained out

No monuments jog yesterday for Keith and I. We got about three blocks from the hotel and it started raining, and looked like it was going to continue. So we turned around and used the treadmills in the hotel fitness center instead. So at least we got something in!

A running week

The Dallas folks are in town (like, all of them) so that means the anticipation of a good jog tonight after work! It'll be my last jog before the 10k on Saturday, which everyone tells me will be no big deal, but it's my farthest race distance and I'm just a little on edge about it!

Got some good Curves in last night before completely blowing it all on a huge steak dinner with the Texas crew (but I guess that's why we all work out, right?).

Have a great day everyone!

Bike Trainer

25 min on the bike trainer in the garage this a.m. Rained all night and some more this morning. Kind of cool to watch through the open garage door! Have a great day everyone!

She Lives!

Okay! I'm back. Last week was up at 4 a.m. each day, but not to work out...boo hoo...crazy, but good week. Anyway, no more excuses!!!! I highlighted my wall calendar that today was the day to do something to further the fitness cause. Rode 30 minutes on my bike trainer in the garage. Kind of cool because got to watch it rain outside the garage door but stay dry (except for sweating). Maureen, didn't have a chance to reply to your comment about my wanting to go back out to White Rock the next day after we all rode together. I know it was really crazy, but if I could have fit it in, I would have. But, hey, work calls. I LOVE to ride my bike!!!! Let's all ride together again sometime soon. In the meanwhile, happy Monday and hope everyone has a great day.

A good weekend

Welcome back, Keith! Working is overrated. Work out instead!

I started with an afternoon jog around the monuments with a friend and her visiting Australian boyfriend. It was a crazy-hard run for some reason, feeling every step of the pavement. But fun to see the monuments through someone else's eyes.

Also had a great jog this morning. Of course, I'm not sure I'm ready for Quantico, but I'll take of dose of Keith's optimism before bed tonight!

Ok! Ok! I'll post!

OK! I consider myself called out. I have to readjust my priorities and not spend so much time trying to make a living and just blog blog blog instead of bog bog bog! Ran this morning with my GPS in hand. Verified my 5K course and ran that verified 5K in 24:43. That is 10k pace at 49:26 for those of you who are math challenged. Yes, yes, yes, I know that running 5K in 24:43 doesn't translate into running a 10k in 49:26, but hey this is blogging. There is no fact or logic parameters here that must be maintained. History must be fact. The 24:43 for the 5K is exact and verified by GPS to within plus or minus .0004 miles and within .00303 seconds, not counting any nominal effects of earth axis nutation or solar flare impact on satellite accuracy combined representing a maximum of +/- .001122% for 3.1 miles in the western hemisphere at roughly 33 degrees latitude and 97 degrees longitude. (Results will vary based on different latitudes as earth axis nutation expands exponentially as latitude markings approach zero.) But hey, this is probably close enough!

Anyway, I ran today and am in full swing anticipation for the Quantico 10K. Yes, I can visit with the Marines as they are running backwards so that they can talk to me more easily, but hey, I'll finish even if I have to ask the ambulance driver to please drive across the finish line so that my timing chip will register. Can't wait for Quantico!

La-De-Da...

I'm just out here in the blogosphere, typing away, knowing no one is reading, no one is posting, no one is exercising...

What? You're exercising?

Then WHY. AREN'T. YOU. POSTING. ABOUT. IT?

Just curious, ya know?

I did not get a good work out in yesterday because of an out of town friend's visit. Wonderful time, but, blah! I hate having a big dinner without working out first!

Wednesday morning

Good morning! It's been a few days since I've posted, so I thought I'd check in! Nothing earth-shattering after our bike ride on Saturday. A few runs on Sunday and Monday, Curves last night. Sunday was the only day I couldn't get my push ups out - my arms and back hurt the most after our ride!

Q.

Do you just throw these bike gloves in the laundry? Nothing special to care for them, is there?

I call "Mercy"!

Okay, I'll admit it - you guys whipped me yesterday!

Here's my summary of the day: http://theanticipatedbestsummerever.blogspot.com/2008/11/birthday-bike-ride.html

I e-mailed you all the pictures, too!

My body is pretty beat this morning. I'm a little stiff but not too bad. Just kind of worn out. I did 3 miles on the treadmill in anticipation of spending hours on the plane, and that was just brutal! Could only get out 20 push ups, too!

Great Day at the Lake

Fun ride this morning - 30 miles. It was great to celebrate your birthday Maureen! Thanks for riding with us. Wish we could do it again tomorrow...but we'll do it again soon!

Crazy

Waiting for Keith to pick me up. Decked out in new biking gear. This is CRAZY people!

Stealin' one!

Totally stole one yesterday! In Dallas, and Debbie and Keith graciously invited Kristie and I to the Wednesday El Fenix dinner last night. Snuck in a 17 minute run with Keith before the dinner, and that was a complete steal! I think he made it work because he knew - after I hadn't worked out Tuesday because of a busy work day - if I had two no-workout days in a row... well, he just wouldn't want to deal with me today or Friday in the office!

And speaking of El Fenix... why'd you stand us up, Barbara and Scott?

Okay, Okay!

Just did 50 pushups...ouch, it'll be worth it though. Later everyone....

A New Week of Opportunities

Spin Class this a.m. 50 min. Gotta get back on the pushups! Looking forward to this weekend and the bike ride with everyone!

Count Down!

Count down to Barbara's bike ride! Only one more week! I'm really excited to see you all, and to see this ride of yours that I've heard so much about!

Had a pretty normal exercise day today, but an abnormal eating day! A short walk with the dog, then curves this morning. Just got 75 push ups in.

In Philadelphia right now and just scoped out a jog for the morning on Google Pedometer. Hope I don't get lost!

I will not be put in a box!

Ok, so actually, I will.

Grr. Darn competitiveness.

I was determined to take the day off from push ups.

But my tracking chart is set up so that my goal points don't register unless there is something in the push ups column.

Fine. So I walked extra, and then did one push up to make the spreadsheet track my day.

And it came out with 4.65 instead of 5 points. Sigh. I got down on the ground and did 15 more push ups. That got me close to 4.95. Double-sigh. Back down, and 10 more.

Why do I hang out with you people again?

Try some real push ups!

Sure! Brag about your push ups! I could do push ups as good as you too if I was only having to push up about $1.05! Try and do push ups with the ratio issue that I have, namely about 2 to 1 in weight compared to what you are having to push up. That clearly makes me a better athlete since I am having to push up so much more weight. Same logic says that Scott is becoming a better athlete every day. Way to go, Scott!

News Alert!!!

I DON'T HAVE TO DO ANY MORE PUSH UPS IN OCTOBER!!!!!!

In fact, I could have stopped YESTERDAY!

Don't go telling me I should do more. I don't have an over-achieving bone in my body. No competitiveness at all. If the unnamed person who set up my spreadsheet underestimated my arms (do I need to kiss my biceps for you? 'Cuz I could.), that's not my fault, now is it?

Okay, okay, I'll kiss my biceps for you.

Chilly day jog

Morning all! Realized I haven't posted in a few days! Sorry!

Did Curves Monday night, and a jog last night. I pushed out 3.2 miles, but felt every hit of the pavement. I thought it'd be a great run, what with new exercise digs (a girl needs to look the part, after all), and the chilly weather, but it was brutal. Not puking in the bushes brutal, but brutal nonetheless.

Kept warm with a golf lesson last night, my last for a while. The instructor and Mike both want me to continue through the winter, but it's beginning to feel like having to practice piano or something. Just a chore and not so much fun anymore!

Anticipating a good jog tonight with my friend Vi, who's in town for a few days. She did a half marathon this summer, so I hope I can keep up!

Wednesday Spin

55 min spin at club, 20 pushups so far. Have a great day everyone!

Tuesday

Hi all, 54 min. on the Elliptical today. Didn't get walk in yesterday evening...bummer. Got home about 8:15 (MUCH earlier than Keith though!). Keith I guess if you can run so late, I should be able to muster it up. Sorry you weren't feeling great. Have a good day everyone.

OCD Counseling Required???

Either the blog is really working or I need help? It is a little after midnight on Monday night and I just got back from a 5k run around my neighborhood. I had a terribly busy day today with no chance to run until I got home at about 11:20pm. I did not want to post my second "ZERO" in three days so I had to go run. Seemed perfectly reasonable to me. I THOUGHT that there was a potential need for professional help after about 2 miles and 16:22 on my watch and I was bent over in the bushes hurling my guts out. Not good! I KNEW that there was a definite need for professional help when I finished running the remaining 1.1 miles of the 5K because "Hey! You can't just post 2 miles when you planned to run 3.1 miles. Hello! McFly!" So anyway, I am officially submitting myself to rehab and for counseling . . . . . as soon as I finish these push ups!

Beautiful Monday

Another beautiful fall morning. 55 minutes on the spin bike at the club was just the thing I needed to greet a new week. Oh and the pushups..40 for today.Thanks for the encouragement Maureen! I'd love to take a walk when I get home to take advantage of this fantastic weather. Keep after it everyone...it's a good life!

Fall morning, take 2

Another gorgeous morning today in D.C. Attempted a bit of repeat of yesterday's morning, with a walk for the dog and jog for me. Got the jog done, but after a huge meal and wine for a friend's birthday last night, the jog was a little harder to complete this morning!

Barbara - check you out with the push ups! You at least inspired me to up to 55 this a.m., but I don't know if I can get up to your numbers! Way to go!

Now that's your picture!

Yes, Keith and Mike on a run together is quite an image. I'm sure as they went by gawkers were mesmerized. That's a photo I'd like to frame! Sounds like a great time. Sorry we weren't there to participate in the fun.

You guys are tough to keep up with. Doin' my best. So, in reverse order.Today I did 40 minutes of spin class, then 20 minutes of the weight, followed by my normal 50 one armed pushups and 15 minutes of abs/stretch. Friday I rode my bike in the garage for 25 minutes. Thursday I did the weight for 50 min then the normal 50 PU and abs/stretch. Looking forward to the upcoming birthday ride at White Rock Lake. I think we should ride the the age of the youngest person in the group...but since I've already had my birthday...I guess we'd have to go with next youngest which is Maureen.

Good Afternoon!

Did 40 min spin at the club this a.m., 20 minutes of the weight (upper), and 20 pushups. Doing pushups after an upper body workout is overrated! More pushups in the works for later. Yesterday was light on the workout...64 pushups at home, various weights. Thursday was 72 pushups, and various weights. It's a gorgeous day outside...would love to do a bike ride, but we are going to a neighborhood birthday party at 2 p.m., then over to a client's house for the Texas v. Missouri game tonight. Great reports from DC! Have a great afternoon everyone.

Not quite the Four Seasons

It's a beautiful morning in DC today. Woke up to 45 degree weather, and took the dog for a walk. Then I dropped her at home, and went for a 4 mile jog. Whipped up some pumpkin bread, did my push ups and shower while it was baking, ran to Starbucks for a latte to let it cool a few minutes, and now.... mmmm...

It's not quite the Four Seasons, but the only thing to make it better is if I could share it with you guys!

Happy Birthday, Barbara!

And, Happy Birthday!

Home Field Advantage

Maureen 1 - Keith & Mike 0. Okay, okay, I admit it! I couldn't keep up. We had a great run yesterday through DC and around George Washington campus. I don't know what Maureen looked like from the front, but if she goes missing I can describe her from the back, although it might be sketchy since she was really little so far in front of us. Mike did his best to keep pace and I blame him a little bit for my lack of concentration. After about 6 minutes of Maureen trying to drop us, all I could think of was 30/2, 30/2, 30/2. Thirty compressions then 2 breaths, thirty compressions then 2 breaths, thirty compressions then 2 breaths. Where is my de-fib kit?

We ended up running for 40 minutes but we made so many turns, loops, switch backs with Maureen pointing out her old stomping grounds that we have no idea how far it was. Maureen didn't show us any corn nuts' store, but she did show us where she organized a student forum right across from the Watergate Hotel including G. Gordon Liddy, in person. I know, I know, we do corn nuts and left over crispies from Long John Silver and she gets G. Gordon Liddy, in person. Don't know how to post that on google docs but I think we are behind on the points for college stories. That's all fine and dandy but exactly where in the top 25 AP poll is the GW football team anyway? Yeah, that's what I thought!

Okay! So she's younger! So she did more cool stuff in college! So she runs faster than us! What does that all mean anyway? 30/2! 30/2! 30/2!

Testing the new ambulance benefit

I thought we were going to be testing out the association's new ambulance benefit last night when Keith and Mike B. tried to keep up with me running.

Thankfully, we all made it back without heart attacks or strokes. So we'll have to leave the testing for another day.

Had a great, great run last night! Keith and I think we did about an 8:45 mile, which is way fast for me. Went for 40 minutes around DC, and I showed the boys my old stompin' grounds at GW. They slacked back a few times, but that just meant I got to jog backwards as I waited for them.

Of course, we blew it all completely by going to Les Halles for steak frites. And wine. And cheese. And dessert.

Washington DC

Love running in DC, well at least more than in Dallas. I think Dallas would be better if I knew I was gonna run past the Washington Monument and then the World War II Memorial and then the Lincoln Memorial and then a quick hello to Albert. All in about 30 minutes. Wow! Just had an awesome run with Maureen covering all of those sites and more. Love running here!

Maureen says "No!" but I think the pace was faster than 9 minutes per mile so I was happy with the run. A great night for weather and sites. Also did my 100 pushups this morning and the plan is to do another 100 before bed, but who knows. Keep plugging everyone, cause this blog is definitely working for me.

Workin' It on the Bike

Good morning all. Did 54 minutes bike on the trainer this a.m. Then did those dastardly pushups...50 of them. Mercy. Also did work in the 50 pushups yesterday I mentioned. Brutal. It'll pay off, I just know it! Have a great day everyone.

Way too much competition!

You people are either really good for me, or really bad for me!

I walked the dog this morning, and took her for a long walk tonight. Did 50 push ups. I used to NOT do the push ups, and find that to be a perfectly acceptable exercise amount.

Now I feel like I wimped out for the day, and don't feel like I got nearly enough cardio!

So that means you guys are either great for me - and the blog is truly working. Or, you're just sick, sick people.

:-)

Tuesday

Light Tuesday for me, too. Have worked out 8 days in a row fortunately, again, no excuse for today other than, well, okay, no excuses! Anyway, have been doing weights, squats and pushups this a.m. at home between what I need to do to get ready for a busy day. Hope to get in 50 more pushups by the end of the day. Been working on dips on the weight bench this a.m. It's something.... Have a good one everyone.

Calling an easy Tuesday

Can I call the day off before it's really started?

(back up to yesterday - pretty normal, walk with the dog, Curves, push ups)

Gearing up for some running over the next few days with Keith and Mike B. in town, so I think I'll give my knees a rest today and just walk the pooch later. So even though it's only 7:45 a.m., I am anticipating a day without cardio.

Probably NOT the thing to post on this blog...

Tuesday

I have early meetings today so had to fit in a quick workout. Never underestimate the value of riding your bike on the stationary trainer in your garage in your underwear...very efficient. Don't worry... no photos. Anyway, rode for 20 minutes and will try to add more later. I need to crawl out of the pink zone!

Boogie Nights

You asked for it ...you got it. Yes this is an actual photo of Keith dancing at the wedding. Last time I saw dance moves that bad, I was wearing a blue, crushed velour Tuxedo. The year was 1978 and Keith was... well... dancing exactly the way he was Saturday night. The wedding was great and the party after was even better! Overall a great weekend. Maureen, it wasn't the same sitting out on the adirondack chairs without you. We'll need to put that on the list down the road. Sounds like you had a pretty good gig yourself this weekend.

On to the workouts. Saturday I ran about 15 minutes the later road the stationary bike in the hotel gym for 30 minutes. Sunday, I only ran about 8 minutes. Today, I did spin class for 50 minutes and then did the normal stretching and abs routine.

Monday - A New Week!

Spin Class at club this a.m. for 60 min. Well, that's about it. Maureen, you've inspired me to get busy on the pushups. No excuses, they don't take that much time and can be done anywhere. That being said, my goal is to get in 50 today. It HAS to be good for you! Have a great day everyone!

Sunday in Virginia!

Sounds like a wonderful time! I can't wait to hear all the stories, and see pictures! Dancing most certainly counts as exercise!

I was up bright and early this morning for a 5 a.m. jog before our tee time. Out in the middle of no where, it was DARK. Actually stayed off the trail I ran yesterday, not for fear of safety from bad people, but from fear of safety from not seeing the trail and falling flat on my face! So I just went around the resort parking lots (and around and around and around).

Played golf again today. Stopped keeping score after the first nine, when I was hitting more than double par on most holes. Today was most certainly not my day for golf!

Haven't put in the push ups yet, but I anticipate doing that later tonight! As for now, it's listening to the Redskins while we drive home!

Sunday a.m. in Austin

Ran to and from Capitol with Scott, Keith, Paula & Kelsey. Hard to get ourselves out of bed this a.m., but as always (well almost always) it was worth it. Nice cool morning for a 21 min. run! Have a great day everyone!

Great Day

Well, it was a great day. Corey & Stevie got married! We are so happy for them. Loads of fun at the rehearsal dinner last night, the wedding today and the reception afterwards. And, Maureen, we are counting all the dancing we did as exercise...and we did a LOT of dancing! Sounds like you had a good round of golf today. Good job! Oh, and a great win for UT today. Hook 'em. We even sang the The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You at the reception! Good night all. Tomorrow's a new day...

Colonial Jaunt

Wow! Austin sounds fantastic! Made only better by the Texas win, right? Sounds like a great run that you got in, too!

I'm outside of Colonial Williamsburg right now, sitting on the patio of our room, drinking Pinot Noir and eating cheese and crackers, looking out over the marina. Oh, wait, this is supposed to be about exercising. But since you tried to rub in that you went to the Four Seasons, I'm going to rub in what I'm doing!

Not so good yesterday, but I expected that. So let's skip over it.

Today, played 18 (in a cart, but we all know that I walk a lot even with a cart, since I never get the ball very far! Oh, and Keith, with the new chart I wasn't sure how to record that. When I put something in the "other" category, it jumped me to over 8 points for the day, and that's not right. So I just counted it as 40 minutes walking.). Then I went for a jog on a trail around the resort. I wanted to have a great run, but I really just couldn't get it done. It was a 4 mile trail, and I think I went a little over 3 miles. I ran for 30 minutes, although that last minute and 15 seconds was brutal!

Some push ups in the locker room and then a massage to cap it all off!

Wait! The best part... kept true score and shot a 121! I'm happy with that!

I'm so excited for all of you! I hope you're having the best time - go Stevie and Cory!

Saturday in Austin

Okay, light on the run (15 min) but was a lot of fun hanging with Keith, Paula & Scott. Maureen, you'll be happy to know we spent a little time at the Four Seasons after the run in adarondack (I have no idea how to spell that) chairs taking in the beauty of Austin and the lake. Walked back to the hotel and we are all getting ready to settle in to watch Texas play OU. Later all...

Stevie & Corey, October 11, 2008

Okay the day is here. Yay! This is gonna be so cool. As for the blog, the day has started out very well. I went for a run with Scott and Barbara and Paula. We ran along Congress down to the river and then along the river. It was a bit overcast and cool, a perfect day for running. We ran 30 minutes in, I think, about a 9 minute per mile pace. Not really sure but that should be about 3 and 1/3 miles. Anyway, that is what is on the chart.

We ended up at the Four Seasons for coffee and visiting. Much better than the running part. We are down at the bar now right next to the Petit Bistro watching the Texas-OU game on the big screen. We'll see! Keep blogging!

One More Day

One more day till the wedding and one more day of running in Austin. Today I just did Congress street laps. I ran from the hotel south to the start line of the 10k and back to the Capitol and around to the hotel and I did two of those. I think that was about 4 miles, at least that is what is going on the chart. Good work Barbara on the garage workout and way to go Maureen.

Trainer

Good morning all! Worked out this a.m. for 30 min. on my bike on the trainer in the garage...not exciting, but it's something! Great job on Cap 10k Keith and Maureen, sounds like you were in the zone, too! Have a great day everybody.

Show me up, why don't you!

I had a great jog last night, too -although not as long as Keith's, pretty good for me!

I went 4 miles in 37:22. Using the calculator in Mike's head, he says that's a 9:21 pace. That's one second faster than I usually run on the treadmill, and I did this 4 miles on the street! Must have been motivated or distracted or both, because I think I could have run for forever.

Have a great day, everyone!

AUSTIN!!!

Arrived in Austin for the big wedding. Lots of stuff going on but I seem to be mostly in the way. So I exited the hotel and proceeded to run the Capital 10k, just for fun, of course. Actually got a bit lost on the way. After the three mile point turning under Mopac, there is a sidewalk/trail that heads through the trees instead of the street. So, I took it. Not the best decision of the weekend so far. Barbara and Maureen, if we ever need to kill Scott I now know where we can dump his body and no one will ever find it.

The bottom line is that I have no idea how far I ran, but I know I ran for 54:19, so I think it was about 12 miles. I was so lost, I don't even think I can go to Goggle Pedometer and figure out where I was. I ended up on 6th street, then ran south to the river then back up to Congress, but I have no idea how I came out at 6th. My legs hurt, my back hurts, my feet hurt, my head hurts so it must have been close to a 10k. Now if the wedding doesn't hurt as much it will be a great weekend.

The work out to chocolate ratio

Had my average/ goal day yesterday - 30 minutes cardio, walk with the dog, 50 push ups. That's what I hope to reach every day (on the fancy chart Keith set up for me, that's a "5"). But somehow, it doesn't feel like quite enough! This blog is getting to my head!

Especially since I just finished off my third piece of Dean and Deluca chocolate that my graphic design firm sent me as a "thank you" for hitting over 100 projects with them. Not sure the work out ratio to eating chocolate ratio is one I can be proud of today...

speaking of muscles...

I don't have many, but I did lift the weight for 50 minutes this morning. For some reason, my weight was down from 187 yesterday to 185 today. Not sure why but I'll take it. Did the normal 50 1 handed pushups and then 10 minutes of abs/stretching. I noticed I'm still well "in the pink" on my dial but my average is going up. Keith, on the days I did not workout I put a 1 in the cell so it would count that day in the average. My goal is to average 400 calories burned daily. Since I took a holiday last week I need to step it up. I see two a days in my future...that's awesome! I can't wait.

It's Muscle Time ... and they are talking

Steppin' up to the plate, and the muscles are saying "Wait a minute, let's not get too hasty, we like being relaxed...what's going on here?" Stats for this a.m.: 11 min elliptical warm up, 20 minutes upper strength, and 20 minutes lower strength. Nice work Keith on all the B's! Maureen, no problem on pushing the ride back...I need more build up time. And, since Scott started the tradition of celebrating a birthday for the whole month, that's going to work out just great! Have a great day everyone...

Triple B

Okay, okay, here I am again. Did spin class for 55 min. Now to explain the triple B. To keep myself on track to post on the blog, I came up with an acronym for what I need to do after I get home from my workout, ready for work, but before work. Here goes: Bible, Blog, Breakfast. It's as simple as that! Have a fantastic day everyone...keep on. Maureen, looking forward to doing bike ride with you soon!

Invaders!

Who are these people posting on the blog? What, do we let anyone on here, now? This is for serious exercise enthusiasts! Not for wimps who let a thing like a hurricane stop them from working out.

(Okay, so I just did a Google search and I was going to post up a picture here from Hurricane Ike, but, goodness, that got me a little depressed, and feeling really guilty for making light of the situation as it relates to this silly blog, and now I just want to open my arms and say, "welcome back, what can I do to help!?!" and apologize for giving you a hard time in the first place.)

You're forgiven.

Forgive me?

Sigh. I'm no good at smack.

Back to business. Walked the dog and did push ups this morning - planning for a great jog tonight (it's only going to be a high of 65 today!) before my golf lesson!

effort over time...er, no effort over time

Instead of posting on Monday what I was going to do on Tuesday does it count on Tuesday to post what I did on Monday? Anyway, notwithstanding the foregoing I am heretofore back on the blog...barring an additional Force Majeure.

So my first workout of note for October was yesterday. Somehow got off track the past week. Actually worked out consistently the previous week but didn't get it to the blog. So here I go. October is going to be a great month!
Monday
weight 187
Bike-spin 40 minutes
abs/stretch 10
PU 50

Tuesday
weight 187
run 6min... yes 6 min
swim 30 min
abs/stretch 10
PU 50

Happy Tuesday!

Good morning all. Thanks Maureen and Keith for the encouraging comments. Since I don't want dogs nipping at my heels, or a casserole issue, here I am again posting today. Today was weight lifting day. Started with 10 min on elliptical to ramp up and then did upper strength 20 min and lower 20 min. Finished up with a few minutes of flexibility. Happy trails to everyone...

She's Back Again

Good morning all! I've been sadly absent from the blog, no excuses here, just haven't been blogging. Instead of going back to post all my stats, I'm just forging ahead with today's stats and looking forward to a fabulous October!! Did 65 minutes spin class today. Hope everyone has a great day!

Ended Sunday wrong!

I'm glad I could be motivation to Keith yesterday afternoon. I should have kept some of it for myself, though!

Started the day off great, but it went downhill from there, mostly on the eating front.

Snacked on cheese, and you need to have wine with cheese. Then made hamburgers for my in-laws (trust me, it's what they wanted), washed down with a sweet tea vodka or three (trust me, it's what I wanted), topped off with ice cream cake.

Paid for it on the scale this morning, so there's new motivation to my week! Back to Curves tonight for the first time in over two weeks! I'm even going to throw in an extra walk with the dog tonight! I'm back on!

Sunday Night!

Once again the blog worked the way it is supposed to work. Thank you Maureen, you $?&$#! I was watching the Cowboy game at about 3:30 and read your blog posting about working out today. I hadn't run yet today due to a totally unfair seduction perpetrated by my most unscrupulous pillow. The pillow referred to me as "you big hunk of manly man you" and then tempted me to stay snuggled up to the pillow instead of running before church. You know how pillows can be. Anyway, it kept begging me and I finally said to the pillow, "Okay! Stop! You had me at Pello!" Hahaha! (I told you guys my humor is about quantity not quality so what do you expect?)

ANYWAY, I knew if I didn't run before the game was over that there would be dinner then darkness then laziness then more seductive talk from my pillow and that would be it. So I turned the TV off and ran three miles that I would have otherwise missed. I would have hated putting that zero in the chart and then had to answer to the blog about why I didn't do anything. So the blog worked for me today. The blog stole one for me and I appreciate it. I think that is what the blog is supposed to do.

Okay, new week. Scott and Barbara, you are back on the track this week for working out and for posting. I just know it. But if you don't post by the end of the day on Monday, even if it is a post about how you will do something on Tuesday, I am sending someone from the church over with a casserole and you know what that means. Maureen, keep up the good work. You Rock!

Starting Sunday off right!

Had a pretty weak Saturday - went golfing, but we ended up walking 9 instead of 18. I wasn't feeling the best, and wimped out! But, still walked that 9 holes, then took the dog later for another walk. I also would like to plea f0r points for laundry and housework!

Started Sunday off right, though - walked the dog to the track and back, but couldn't actually run on the track because the high school the track belongs to was using it. The nerve! So I dropped the dog at home and went 3.6 miles along the street (thank you, Google pedometer).

50 push ups wrapped up the morning!

Friday!!! I'm tired!

Okay! I set some good goals for October and I was excited about it. So what is the Genius Book of Records record for giving up? I am three days in and I am overwhelmed. I don't see how I can get all of this stuff done. I am afraid I have over committed my resources to the point of losing my resources. How do you apply the resources you have to solve the workout issues if the resources that you have say, "Hey, your mouth is what got the rest of us in this, why don't you just have your mouth do all of this stuff?" So let your mouth do 2,500 push ups and let your mouth run 100 miles. I don't think my mouth will be all that good at push ups, but apparently it will be able to do the 100 miles in about an hour. So maybe the solution is to just work a bit harder but do a way better job at keeping my mouth shut. So all this stuff I committed to, can I have overs??? Aaauuuggghhh!!!

If you want funny, bring me coffee

My brain hasn't kicked into gear yet this morning, and I'm flat out of smack.

Did a 20 minute jog with Mike around the track last night, after we kicked the football team off the field. 50 push ups, and my usual morning walk. Not a stellar workout day, but it was at least something!

About to consume copious amounts of coffee right now...

October 2nd!!!!

I can't believe that it is the second day of October!  Nine days til W day.  Of course today was spent packing stuff for Austin and chasing the last few things needed.  Did numerous squats at Michael's at the $1.00 discount bins looking for light-up necklaces and other miscellaneous flotsum and jetsum that is surely vital to the success of the wedding and happiness of those attending.  I probably should mention that Stevie and I have visited numerous Michael's in Texas and California on similar missions.  Yet there is always just one more thing to search for.  Departed Michael's for NorthPark.  Did a lap but most important...I finally found a silk wrap for my dress at the wedding.  For a while there I was concerned that the wedding might have to be postponed since I had no wrap, but that crisis has been averted.  I wish that bubble wrap weighed just a little bit more and I would claim lifting weights as a part of the packing process.  It is a little hard to justify but I am working on it.

Well back to work since Keith gets sooooo cranky if his dinner is late.  I won't say that he cries like a little girl, but.....

Day Two - Back on Track

The blog is working. Just sat down to post and decided I needed to do 30 more push ups, just so I would have something to say. Good day yesterday and already have 105 push ups for today, mainly because of the peer pressure. Hello? Scott and Barbara? Are you there? Maureen, don't worry too much about your cop out on working out today. The good news is that you will only be one day behind, and although I am going to work out everyday in October which means you will never be able to catch up, and your only goal will be to stay JUST one day behind, don't be too hard on yourself. The the better news is that I probably won't even mention it.

Its a bit of a rehash but hey, if you can't rehash among friends why is it even a valid word in Webster's? The rock wall in Vegas was awesome. My legs hurt, my forearms hurt, my hands hurt and my head hurt, so obviously I was doing something less than totally correct. But it was way fun and I am totally hooked on the wall. (Good thing I was hooked or else I would have fallen.) I was only a little embarrassed by Maureen's blubbering but she is a little girl so crying like a little girl is probably par for the course which is what she is accustomed to. Par I mean. We had the best audience ever and the audience arrived at exactly the right time, that is right after I was finished struggling with the level four wall, so I can tell her how easy it was for me. Debbie, don't believe what Maureen says cause her eyes were blurry anyway with tears so she couldn't see how easy it was for me. Her tears made it look like I was struggling! Cassie, our most outstanding spotter sent me the picture below! Long live the Wall!!!

(Maureen, after I finished level 4 and she knew she would have to do it)

Back on track!

That's what I like to hear! The Halls are back on track! Now if the Scribners would just get off their rumps...

Your spreadsheet rocks, Keith! Now I just need to beg and plead for you to help me fix up mine! Three months in, and this one isn't working as much for me! Any tracking system that still hasn't let me get close to my overall goal because I missed ONE DAY of working out in September.... that's way too much pressure.

Going to try to get back into my home routine now that I'm back in DC after 10 days away - started out right with a walk with the dog. But already have conflicts tonight, so I'm not sure when I'll get my cardio in!

Wait, am I allowed to start the post ragging on the Scribners, then end it copping out of a workout?

October Thunder - Day One

Yay! One day in a row of keeping with the new commitment. I ran three miles, lifted the weight and juggled my rocks. I also added another 25 push ups for a total of 100 for the day. I planned to do another 75 after running and doing the weight but decided after the first 25 that I would only do 25 partly due to the lack of ability to push myself back up. That reminds me, anyone have a twenty I can borrow to pay the fork lift guys for helping me stand back up?

I also updated by goggle docs page with new gauges and charts to track my October goals. I think I may have spent more time working on the spreadsheet than I did working out. Too bad I can't get any points for the spreadsheet workout. Just for the record, everyday that you don't post, Scott, I will assume that means that you are just sitting at home crying like a little girl. But I don't say that to add any pressure. Six months till the Capitol 10K but don't worry too much about that. If you keep doing like you are now we can just forgo the timing chip and just get you a calendar to track your time.

Nerves

I have a new exercise activity to log. I am currently fretting, stomach churning and nail biting over the wedding. Surely these activities burn some calories.

Yesterday walked NorthPark. I had a record slow time in part due to the many stops in shops along the way. Didn't even get warm enough to need to take off my sweater. A bad sign that the goal of exercise was not achieved.

Last week went to Disneyland which should be challenging except I rode in an electric cart. The rest of the time in Los Angeles, those pesky youngsters dragged my all over the West Coast. Went to a Farmers Market, walked through the Glendale Galleria multiple days (humongous mall...NorthPark on steriods but not as cool). Then when I got to Las Vegas, Maureen dragged me to the Fashion Show mall. You all know I didn't want to go. Since when do I want to spend time at a shopping pavillion?

All of the above and other activities too numerous to name resulted in me being up three pounds when I went to the rheumatologist yesterday. I don't think the blog is working. Oh you mean I have to stop eating so much too? Hmmmmm!

New Month! New Commitment! New Smack!

Okay! It is a new month and all excuses only apply to September! All the really old people have already turned older and the sort of old people turn sort of older this month, but I won't mention any names. But the old people and the sort of old people and the really old lackie (me) are back on track. October is 31 days of thunder! I did my 75 push ups this morning (sure a few were with my feet, knees, hips, chest, shoulders and arms never leaving the ground, but those are just details, so don't worry so much about details) and I will not go home tonight before running four miles and lifting the weight.

This is my Baptist revival. Look out Maureen, you are gonna have to fight for blogging space and that blur speeding past you is some lackie CPA so let me say in advance "Passing on your left!" So here are my goals for the 31 days of thunder. Specific: Run 100 miles! 2,500 push ups! Non-quantitative: Eat "reasonable" for 31 straight days, no dessert, no second helpings, no margaritas or fruity "pinky finger extended" drinks! Do something, everyday.

Okay, so there you go! The gambit is laid. So go ahead and sing your own lullaby so you can sleep in each day during October, but I will be up and running or riding or lifting or pushing! I am woman hear me roar! Oooops! Somehow that last part doesn't sound right??? No time to edit, I gotta go run!

Kick Ass

(Sorry for the cuss word. But, since it seems like no one else is posting, that must mean that you all aren't even visiting the blog. Because, I mean, why would you visit and not post? So, if you aren't visiting, you'll never know I cussed.)

I'm kick ass.

I mean, it's a general feeling I have, but when I am alone at a bar on business travel, and I just finished my second glass of wine and my entree hasn't come yet, the feeling gets really powerful.

For this particular post, I'll tell you I'm kick ass because I jogged 5 miles in 47:13 this morning.

Beat that. (which means, by the way, that you'll need to actually POST in order to beat that.)

Spiderman (and woman)

Vegas, baby!

Sorry for the lack of posts that last few days - it's been hard to find time to post when I've been dragging Keith's butt around Vegas, trying to convince him to go for a jog or get any physical activity. But all the guy wants to do is sleep!


Of course, that's not entirely the truth.


We've had great jogs each morning in Vegas so far, probably going about 4.5 miles yesterday in 40 minutes. Lots of push-ups and trash, talk, too, so the blog has never been far from my mind!


Went rock wall climbing at the Venetian yesterday. Why do I let him talk me into these things?


Mike was at his conference, so just Keith and I climbed. I'm telling you - it was like watching Spiderman and Spiderwoman! Up and down the wall six times, and Keith only cried twice!

(Keith starting to cry after seeing the height of the wall.)

Of course, I made it over the hard ledge climb with no problem whatsoever. At least according to Debbie, who had perfect timing and walked up just as I crossed over - never seeing that I had actually hung there for four minutes before being able to pull myself over!

Keith made it over the ledge, too, but that was just because I was carrying him on my back.

Running late!

okay, bad pun! But, seriously, I am running late!

Wanted to post a link to City Running Tours, though. I'm in Chicago at a conference and joined with this group for a 3 mile run around downtown. So cool! They pointed out all the sites, you didn't have to worry about where you were headed, or getting lost, or anything! Evidently this group runs the tours in DC, Austin, NYC, San Fran, and some other places. It's awesome.

Light it up!

The blog hasn't gone dark!!!

I realize I've been updating my "google doc" but haven't been posting much here.

So... I'm in Chicago at a conference. Did 45 minutes on the elliptical, then 15 minutes jog outside (I got booted off the elliptical for being on it longer than 30 minutes. Jerk.). Finished the morning with 50 push ups.

Can I PLEASE ask for clarification on the photo? I just didn't even know how to ask. What the heck is that? When was that taken? Why was that taken? What were you thinking?

Enlighten us, please!

Anyone home??

The blog has gone dark. I asume one of the following has happened

A) stunned with how good my new hairdo looks
B) intimidated by my gaudy workout stats
C) Wearyof my bombastic pronouncements
D)busy earning a living

Please caste your vote

For me, I have the following to report.

Sunday
run 20 minutes
strength 35 min
abs/stretch 15
PU 50

Tuesday
Run 10 min
strength 25
abs/stretch 10

Vertical leap

While you guys have been dissing me on the blog, I've been busy getting ready for basketball season. I haven't played much since an unhappy incident in college involving my 4 year roommate. I'm sure it was my fault. I finally have the courage to move forward.
Thursday
weight 183
run 25 min
strength 30 min
abs/stretch 10
PU 50

Friday
weight 184
spin class 50
strength 30
abs/stretch 10
pu 50

That's the spirit!

Okay, now that's what I'm talking about! The "ratio issues" and jog in Green Bay, that's what this is all about. Of course, this is NOT about eating cheese curds!

Although, I might compete with that world record for sounds the worst but tastes the best! I'm prepping a Boston Butt pork shoulder to smoke tomorrow. Doesn't sound the best, but I do make a mean pulled pork BBQ!

So after posting the kick in the pants, I realized that I've been updating the Google Docs, but not posting it here! Had two great runs this week with a girlfriend who was in town - including almost 4.5 miles last night! Also hit my 100th visit to Curves, and got a free t-shirt. All in all, a good week!

Excuse Me?

Its true! I am guilty. I haven't been doing my part in the posting or the working out. The guilt is accepted. But not the procrastination. I was gonna procrastinate but then I decided I could just do that tomorrow. I didn't get a chance to run today, but I did just finish my 150th push up for the day. I don't think that gives me the points I need but getting back up to speed is a slow process. I do plan to run in the morning in chilly Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is supposed to be in the high 40's in the morning. Should be awesome. I need to run extra cause I ate "fried cheese curds" tonight! Fried Cheese Curds holds the Genius Work Record for the largest difference in how good it actually is compared to how good the name makes you think it is. Yuk name but Yum! Yum! They seem like they should be served only at the state fair. Thanks for the kick in the pants Maureen, I am back on the Schedule. Try not to pressure Scott though, cause I think he has some ratio issue based on the physical space between his ears compared to the lack of matter contained in the same space. And yes, that is why he hears everything in an echo - 0 - 0 - 0!

The point of this blog...

... is to guilt us all into working out. The fact that no one is posting should be the GUILT in this equation, people. And, again, I'm not. the. numbers. person.

Just because Scott and Barbara are hosting a slew of family, and just because Keith's busy at work (wait, Keith's not busy at work. He's probably just procrastinating.), doesn't mean you can't be working out! If I were down there in Texas, I'd round you all up and make you go for a bike ride! Now, come on. Post. Make fun. Put others down. You're GOOD at this, people!

OMG!

I swear, I didn't see this comic in the paper today until after my earlier post.

Not a numbers person

I know I'm not the numbers person of the group. But explain to me how this happened...

(secret, I weigh myself religiously every morning before getting in the shower. I just don't post the numbers up here like Scott! So besides not being a numbers person, I'm also not a brave person!)

How could it be that in addition to hitting my goal of 65 points yesterday, I actually did EXTRA working out through a second walk with the dog, and yet, the scale was higher today than it was yesterday morning?

That doesn't exactly help with the motivation today!

My numbers for this morning:

weight 184
Run 10 min(utter lack of motivation)
strength 30 min
abs/stretch 10 min
PU 50

Keith and I have discussed the fact that some days you feel great and some days you just don't have it. Today was a don't have it day. Not sure why. I think I was rested and hydrated. Actually more rested than yesterday but much less motivation. Did have a large meal last night which is a possibility. We'll see how tomorrow morning is. In the meantime, I will be working on my golf game in absolutely perfect, spectacular weather today! Ain't no flies on that...

Tonnage

Here are my numbers . Been sketchy in reporting the past few days. We've had evacuees (barbara's family)from Beaumont due to Ike the past few days so I've been eating extra comfort food in support of the family. Can't seem to get much traction on reducing my tonnage. Focus, focus, focus.

Saturday
183 lbs
run 2 miles 16:12 level.5
strength 30 min
PU 50
abs/stretch 10 min

Sunday
Bike 1hr 10 min (outside some hills)

Tuesday
184 lbs
Bike -spin class 45 min
PU 50
abs/stretch 10 min

Nashville

In Nashville this weekend (cross Tennessee off the list of states I've never been to!). Embarrassed with the lack of work out yesterday, but got a good jog in this morning at a park near Vanderbilt. Of course, I've also been eating like perhaps today is my last day on earth (can we say several cup cakes from the bakery across the street?). I also want to know if contending with a mild concussion can count as points on my "miscellaneous" column?

This Week's Cumulative #'s So Far

I do still exist! Spinning 110 minutes, elliptical 62 minutes, upper weights 42 minutes, lower weights 44 minutes, pushups 125 (50 of those were today at the club), and various situps, squats, etc. Hopefully will get to the club tomorrow a.m. early. Katy and Scott and I went to the club this morning, while my other sister said "I hope you enjoy your physical culture! (that is, exercise)". Both sisters are here up from the evacuation from Beaumont because of Hurricane Ike. The rest of my family is okay, but will be without power for WEEKS. I'm hoping if they can get out that the rest of them will come to Dallas. They all filled up with gas before the storm. Conditions are worse than when Rita hit 3 years ago.

My #s for thursday/Friday

Thursday stats

weight 185
Run 23 minutes (outside)
abs/stretch 15 min
PU 50

Friday
184
Spin class 50 min
abs/stretch 10
PU 50

I'll be back later with more smack talk!

Do I look like a wide receiver?

I can't seem to get away from football at the high school track.

There was no game going on tonight, so I got a good jog in. But, the quarterback was doing a bit of solo practice in the middle of the field (which the track circles). There was also one other woman jogging on the track.

The quarterback was doing a lot of running and turning, and throwing the ball as far as he could down the field.

At some point, he started to "play" with me and the other jogger. Whenever we'd get to certain points around the track, he'd turn around, run, then spin and fake throw right at us. Like he was trying to guess where we'd end up if we were moving and he was moving and he had to throw the ball to us.

When I told this story to Mike, he said I'd be considered a wide receiver.

Personally, I prefer tight end.

Tuesday update

Good news! Today's pace was a little faster.  I actually passed two women who were mall walking.  Okay, they were very old, had their polyester pants pulled up under their bust line and had on orthopedic shoes, but still... a success.  I didn't count how many people passed me.  Didn't seem to be important information, besides I was walking and couldn't use my toes to count.

Good thinking

I like Debbie's way of thinking. In fact, I took her question about rainy day work outs a bit further. For example, if you have a really good workout, that means you can pig out, right?

Didn't have much time between work and my golf lesson tonight, since I had to make last night's dinner (jump to my other blog for that full story!). But I had been at my desk all day, hadn't been outside at all, and a majority of my work was very, very, very important cutting and pasting. (It's a glamorous job, but someone needs to do it.)

So I wanted to walk Goldie to the track, jog, and jog home.

Only I walked to the track and... darn high schoolers! Playing football on their own field! The nerve!

So I tried to jog Goldie home, but she was literally pulling her head back, and the full leash length behind me the entire mile. So that mile too just under 11 minutes.

I dropped her at home and went my morning walk, only ran it. Oh, i didn't jog it. I ran it. Full on, ipod at top volume, my arms raised up and keeping the beat. I pumped out 1.9 miles in 17 minutes and 39 seconds. For me, not on a treadmill, including a few hills, that's fast.

Also hit really well at the driving range.

Which means (this is where I'm furthering Debbie's theory)... we stopped for ice cream on the way home. Oops.

rainy days and tuesdays

Mondays are bad.  I have nothing good to say about that day of the week except it is eventually over.  Mom and I met at Collin Creek mall.  Mondays are bad for her too.  We dithered for a while but eventually walked a lap and a half.  Walked being a loosely defined term.  I propose the following levels of "walking" for my exercise purposes.

walking: speed high enough to get moist (since girls don't sweat), dry my mouth (damn Sjogren's) and kick up a few asthma coughs.  Now if that doesn't sound pitiful.

strolling: slightly slower pace. Involves occasional detours to admire store windows and stops for sips from the diet coke.  Frequently passed by moms with double strollers and 80 year old men with walking shoes on.

trudging: slower still.  Usually involves muttering under breath about how much I dislike my mom who has dragged me out to walk totally against my will through guilt tactic.  Passed by 90 year old men with canes.

shuffling: slowest pace possible.  Involves feet not leaving floor.  Includes consideration of how long it would take Keith to get to where I am and roll me out to the car on my walker.  Usually the result of thinking one more lap is a good idea when it is clearly not.  Most frequently occurs when my mom and I walk together.  On a really bad day can actually descend to contemplation of crawling.  Passed by potted plants.

For purposes of this blog, Monday's activity was a trudge.  Hopefully today will be more energy filled.  By the way, does the group work out when it is raining or is this considered a non-work out day?  Just interested since it has started to sprinkle outside the study window and I would not want to commit a work out faux pas.  A nap sure sounds good.