I didn't want to go out there - at all!

That's right, I didn't want to go outside! It was cold, it was raining-and I just plain wanted to stay inside where it was warm and dry. Period. I got over it.

What's the point of having all this high-tech weather gear if you don't actually use it in any weather? I have wicking shirts, and advanced running pants, and my nifty toe-socks. Plus all my little dots and LED arm bands...and well, you can just imagine me out there in the rain, with my hat (Go Seadogs!) and my blaze orange wind breaker - mostly looking like I don't know enough to come in out of the rain.

BUT, it wasn't raining that much and I didn't actually get wet (through all those layers and fancy duds) AND I felt rather proud of myself. Almost Klingon-like. Kaplah!

One more thing-I didn't have to dodge any cars at all. They must all have seen me coming. (They all might be questioning my sanity-but that's beside the point.) As my mom would say: "TaaDaa!"

Dotted!

I got my dots the other day and put some on my windbreaker and running pants. This afternoon was a great time to try them out - the sun drops quickly at this time of year and what starts as sunshine turns from dusk to dark faster than the speed of...well a walker going to the library to drop off two books. (Me)

I only put on a few here and there not knowing how they might work, and it didn't actually get full dark while I was still out so this wasn't a qualified test-run; but it was enough for me to know they do show up-and more wouldn't hurt.

The other thing that happened-not related to my dots-at least I can't tell how it might be related-was that the right sleeve of my windreaker lost its elastic band at the wrist. Here I was happily walking along the sidewalk and I began to wonder if I had put on the wrong one-since the sleeve seemed to be too long and falling down off my wrist. That would have been a problem since I had, as I mentioned first-put my dots on it. But no, I assured myself that in fact this must be the correct one-and I had put the dots on my own windbreaker, it was just that the elastic has ...become inelastic-it had become it seems inert. Just a little lump at the end of my sleeve. Now for some after walk fun. (No not chocolate...although chocolate milk actually sounds good.) I will use my favorite seem ripper to open the wrist and sew in another elastic band...I wonder where one of those might be, hmmm.

-later

What happens if you take a couple of weeks off?

Well, I'll tell you, starting back up again means some muscles that let you know they've missed the work! Today, my legs are asking me what was so important that I didn't get out there to do some walking?

There is a draw back to dark, winter days in upstate NY-and that is-you guessed it, less time to get outside and go for a walk, while there is any light left. And it really makes dodging traffic tricky; or as my UK friends would say "dodgy."

Yesterday, I ordered two LED arm bands and some reflective spots. I am thinking that sticking them all over in random patterns like you might see on a blue screen (or these days I guess it is a 'green screen') would really surprise the drivers as they came up behind me-and tried to decipher what the heck I was. HA! that'll teach them to pay attention. I have no intention of ending up flat and flexible like Gumby. (I contemplated carrying some small somethings that I could use as attention getters for errant side of the road drivers-but decided against it. I couldn't think of something safe, that wouldn't distract them even more and still let them know I didn't appreciate their lack of rule-following-and unsafe driving methods. These are just the little things one thinks about while trying not to get run over.)

I got up earlier than normal today in order to go outside when the sun was up and I, of the neon orange windbreaker-would be more visible. Result? No car dodging.

Tonight, I am taking my legs to bed early-in order to rest up. No sense in missing out on the lesson learned today: Go out early and often.
-later

Evening stroll



farmhouse just before dark

We went for a walk around the block...which in our case is a little under four miles and we timed it just as the sun was setting and the light shifted from, well light to dusk, to dark with rosey in the middle. I really need to carry a camera, the colors were pretty, and I will attach a couple captured from my phone-but let's face it the noise ratio is about what the photon level was so it's grainy...but still pretty in a soft-focus kind of way.

The moon over the hill at dark

The funny thing this evening was the temperature shifts as we walked along from a balmy 60 plus degrees to distinctly chilly as the evaporative cooling in the wet areas drifted across the road. The smells of the wet areas and the leaves were tantalizing as we walked through the wooded roadways. There were a couple of horses in their paddock, and one came over to say hello and really hoped I'd had a treat-which sadly I didn't but I'll remember to put a little something in my pocket the next time. The pair of beagles I usually see, was only one today and he was -or seemed to be rather unhappy about that fact. (My guess is his friend was out having 'fun' and he was stuck home alone.)

-later

Walking before snow

I took pictures today but they didn't really capture the wonder of a fall walk, when the air is crisp and scented with wet leaves, and smoke from wood fires; the cars and tractors are off in the distance; it doesn't get much better than this. The trees are dropping their leaves and I scuff my feet through the colorful carpet. As the summer winds down and the farmers work to get the last of their crops in and the fields ready for winter, I get to walk along in the quietness, listening mostly to my own foot falls as the wind gently moves through the branches. It is nice to breath it all in.
I figured out that the trees drop their shady umbrella's because they don't need the protection in the winter when the sun shines for many less hours-and they wish to take in as much as they can, even as they rest. Me, I just like looking at them as they fall, and there is a certain beauty in the newly discovered landscapes that had been hidden by leaves.
-later

It's been a while since I wrote...but I've been walking

I haven't made any entries lately as I haven't had anything of particular interest - or I haven't felt particularly pithy. However, I have been walking and keeping up the miles. I tried to find places around here to walk-other than the side of a road...and didn't find much for longer walks. So for 3 out of the last 4 Saturdays, I've headed down to the Nisky bike path to meet up with team purple and that has proven to be fun and fruitful.

Today I logged 9 miles at a little less than a 14.4 pace-which for me is better than any of my half-or full marathon times. I saw a lot of brown water as the bike path travels beside the Mohawk and along the canal tow path-both of which have received more than a years worth of rain in the last two and a half weeks. While there were only a few trees down and of course the brown water, it was not nearly as bad as other parts of the Mohawk Valley and elsewhere where the two tropical storms have poured inches and inches of rain-where it all gathered in the valleys. In some places it is only possible to get through on foot as the roads and bridges are still closed.

Before that there were other things that kept me from blogging, but I kept up the walking...in fact I am wondering about seeing if I can gain enough aerobic capacity to be able to run-but what passes for 'running' for me is still practically as fast as I walk-because of course I am really a walker.

Saratoga Spa Sweet Pea

I love walking, listening to the birds and the frogs, and watching the blue herons and the white storks alongside the path. I love the smell of the blooms in the hedgerows, and the chatter of conversations as others walk or run the same path. Maybe not getting anywhere-other than off the couch for a while and breathing in fresh air. There's something to be said for that.

-later

Right on track...with one goal

I did 4 miles today and it is nice to go around onto the little town road where absolutely everyone waves to say hello, even the little beagles in their pen wagged their tails encouragingly. That was pleasant. No bugs, that too was pleasant. Still a little warm-oh well.

Now I am planning to find some really extra-ordinary place for my Saturday walk. I am looking forward to something special to look forward to. That might sound funny-but I do indeed mean I am looking forward to the ability to have something to look forward to.

My cousin goes for hikes on the weekends and takes photos, and he obviously plans these little jaunts and looks forward in happy anticipation, and well I thought to myself I aught to do the same. Give myself something more than just a Nike moment-which for me is just doing it. I have been caught up in the fact that I don't have the same access to the same wonderful walking locales I used to-so? If that was the case I might not have the opportunity to find new favorites. (Or wave to the little beagles.)

Before I sign off, I will say that while I have managed to keep on track with my training walks, I am behind in my generic walking and that means that some of my goals are behind expectations. I would hate to think I set my goals too high. I will just have to step it up.
-later

Me and my pea-pod

Nike has made walking a lot more interesting for those of us who don't actually go anywhere. Today I walked through Sidney Australia while listening to Sherlock Holmes discuss the case of the Gloria Scott-which happens to be a tale of a 'bark' bound for Australia filled with English prisoners. This to while away the miles-all three of them tonight-while keeping my mind elsewhere engaged.

The drawback of being so engrossed in story is that I don't earnestly pay attention to form and speed; that I do much better listening to the birds or a song on my little ipod. (Which I call a pea-pod, since it is so small-the better to lose itself according to my nephew.)

I have only 61 more Nike points to earn before I leave Australia and I will do that tomorrow so it will be off to another new country after that. I wonder where I should choose? Perhaps I will head to the city again and walk through Central Park and up the Statue of Liberty?

The other goal, aside from actually walking my way to a 10k, is to make it to the next level; which I will reach once having completed 150 total miles calculated on my Nike ipod. At this rate I will reach that in a couple of weeks. Then I will be green. According to Kermit, it isn't easy being green. I'll have to find out if that is true.
-later

Another week gone

I have been diligently putting the base miles down, and very glad everyday when I'm done. The temperature this week has been much hotter than I like, and choosing just the right moment is a trick-that and getting motivated.

My schedule looks quite reasonable on paper, it is on the road or on the clock I'm not fond of it. I have never been good about doing this and that at such and such a day or time. I make lists and plan my appointments...all just so I won't forget or talk myself out of whatever it is I wish to accomplish.

I have staked out two events; one a 10k in September and one a half-marathon in October. I haven't signed up yet...but I'm seriously thinking of it, and I have penciled the events in my spreadsheet. All this as a way of creating enough impetus to get it done.

Don't get me wrong I love the idea. I am just a little light on the follow through-unless I have a concrete goal.

You might say to yourself, 'how hard is walking? Just go out there and do it.' Well, my problem is that I am more likely to talk myself out of it than I am to talk myself into it.

Is that true for anyone else? I don't know. But this week I have managed to complete my 15+ miles and next week it'll be 17. The thing about my little Nike ipod, is that if I 'run' I get one set of accolades, while leaving other goals unsatisfied; on the other hand if I walk I manage to satisfy another set of goals, yet fall behind on the first ...Maybe as I get further along I will fulfill both types of goals. I'll see.
-later

Nice uneventful walk

You probably would think that uneventful and walk go together, but  after looking out for bears-not in the woods but in the town...well, I am pleased there was no excitement today. There were two of us as well, and I am hoping it might mean a team for one event or another coming up. But first thing is first.

Sneakers are important! If you go out and are only a mile and a half from home and your feet hurt; that is NOT good! So, my Mr. must go, sit down, and try on sneakers. That is an ordeal in itself-something like exercise except without the good feeling at the end for having accomplished something. Other than coming home with a new pair of sneakers and anticipating happy feet the next time you go out. AND, you'll be that much lighter; having forked over the money that was previously in your wallet for the sneakers. But it must be done-and soon judging from the sad feet.

I like company, especially if I have to look out for bears, however small they may be. Generally everything is bigger and faster than me. I am after all only a walker, it isn't as if I can out run any stray bear.

The joys of living not in a city, these are the things I must watch out for. That and cow crossings.

-later

"Stay away from bears"

Ok, that sounds like good advice, and I wouldn't really mention it, if I were walking in the Adirondacks or on wooded trails; it would have been obvious to even the most unschooled walker. But imagine my surprise when this evening, while walking along the well-lit town sidewalks, that was the advice I received from a passing motorist.

Well, I thought to myself, you don't hear that every day. I figured I'd just turn around and walk in the direction of the main town-square and the most populated neighborhoods. That didn't work exactly as I had planned though, since I found 8 police vehicles of various types, sizes and departments all lined up in the middle of town with more than 100 people gathered in clumps of 20 or so watching the other clumps and pointing off in the direction of back yards or, well, who knows where. Apparently that was the question of the evening-who knew where the bear was? It was sort of like "where's Waldo" without the pretty colorful pictures.

My walk went by quickly overall and the 'excitement' kept me distracted enough that I didn't really notice much of anything else. Go figure.
-later

Fiddler's Elbow

This morning I didn't actually walk the whole of the Fiddler's Elbow-but I like the name; and a very descriptive one it is at that. I really wanted to find a greenway or bike trail but if you look up these things online (and I did-for quite a long time, and more than once) you won't find them in Washington County-at least not close to where I live, and I only went out for 3 miles-or in this case 5k, it amounts to about the same thing. So I hit the streets, again.

The thing I don't like about walking on the roadside or along a busy road on a sidewalk is the noise. Don't you just wish you could put a muffler on the darn vehicles that boom by as loud as if they were in a competition to be the most obnoxious? There were several in championship running this morning; how discordant against the backdrop of birds chirping and crickets clicking.

I sprayed the bug spray on my visor and gently around me before heading outside, it doesn't seem to matter though, there are little gnats that flit around the edges of the visor anyway. So, I picked a bit of bergemot that was growing alongside the road, and it was a fragrant way to swat them away, and when I got home it looks rather happy sitting in the bottle of water on the counter.

My Nike + tells me to get more exercise...so I'll go back to the day and walk around some more.
-later

Today was a 'rest' day

The nice thing about being on a training regimen is I can take the day off and not feel as if I were playing hooky; I am supposed to be taking the day off to build muscles. Funny thing though, I didn't feel like getting up late, somehow I didn't feel deprived of sleep even though I got up at regular time. Hmm, that's interesting. Tomorrow, is a training day, so I will be back at it in the am. God willing...
-later

Sleep walking

I find it easier to walk in the morning before my brain wakes up. That way I can get out there before I talk myself out of it. I let me feet direct my path - and of course stay out of traffic, and that seems to work for the first five minutes at least.

Once I get going on a day like today with the fresh cool breeze and the bright sunshine I feel wonderful-and virtuous since I didn't lay like a slug in bed till it was time to run to work. That is what I would have preferred this morning. Hopefully I will get in the habit and it will become a natural part of my morning. So far though, I can do it for two months and the minute my back is turned-or I give in the least little bit, I stop all over again.

Why is that do you suppose? My little Nike ipod has happy talking heads to inspire me when I check in with Nike+ active or Nike+ and while they are a momentary help, they are really no more than a quirky anomaly and don't do much to sustain my enthusiasm. That must come from somewhere else-somewhere inside my own spirit. Like all the runners of the world, I need to want it badly enough to keep at it.

For now though, like the little fish in the movie I will "just keep walking, just keep walking."
-later

Today I reached the 100 mile mark

Today, my little Nike ipod and I reached the 100 mile mark. I have been walking for years, well ok I've been walking since 8-months but that is not what I am talking about. Even though I walked my first marathon for Team in Training in support of Leukemia and Lymphoma in January of 2005 (1 week shy of my 45th birthday) I have only been counting the miles with my little Nike ipod since last fall, and that only sporadically.

Last week I began training again, not for a marathon, but as if I were going to train for a marathon. I need all the inspiration I can get, because if left to my own devices, I'd sleep in, and sit and read books all hours. It isn't that I don't like the outdoors, quite the contrary, it's just that I am naturally lazy. I like lounge chairs and good books, more than I like sneakers and an elevated pulse.

Tonight, though when I went out, the breeze was wonderful, the sky grew increasingly pink around the western edge, and the colors of the landscape take on an almost iridescent hue. I walked down a little lane, I hadn't walked before, and it is only two miles from my door. The breeze was stirring the leaves in the branches and it almost sounded like running water in the background. It was worth going outside for that.

Tomorrow, I plan on getting in another 2-3 miles. Writing this in a journal may make me less resistant to slacking off. Who knows? If all goes along as I hope, I'll have another marathon under my belt.
-later