Hiking

Thursday I did something I've been wanting to do for over a year.  I went hiking! 

We hiked up Kennesaw Mountain. 

I was a little worried that I wouldn't have the stamina for it or that my knee was start hurting but my fears were unfounded.  We hiked for about 2 1/2 hours.  I can't wait to try it again.

Progress and The Big Picture

I received my test results the other day.  My A1c moved from 6.1 to 6.0.  I'm so happy.  My doctor is pleased because the goal is 6.5.  I'm still bound and determined to get is below 6.0 and get off diabetes medication.  She's discouraging me from this goal.  I do trust her judgment and know she supports my goal to be on as little medication as possible (unlike my previous pill-pushing doctor.) Then again, she thought my goal to participate in a 5K was "quite ambitious." 

Speaking of 5Ks, I had a blast at AIDS Walk Atlanta on Sunday.  Unfortunately, I was unable to time myself.  I was walking with others and we had to stop a few times for a friend to catch her breath.  It was a very humbling experience for me to be able to be there encouraging someone else.  I am almost shocked that I'm in such great shape.  I say "almost" because it was nice to get confirmation that all those workouts are paying off.  Sometimes I start losing sight of the big picture -- improved health.

The scale may not be moving as quickly as I like but my lab results look great and I'm in pretty good physical shape.

Motivational Quote

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily." Zig Ziglar

October Plans

October promises to be a great month.  I am enjoying this beautiful fall weather.  I'm walking in a 5K in a few weeks.  I also have a hike planned.  I'm kind of nervous about my knee.  I'm sure I'll be fine as long as I am consistent with stretching and the exercises suggested by the chiropactor. 

***

Yay! I finally found a swimming cap to fit over my locs.  I haven't purchasing a bathing suit because I have no idea which size I wear. (I purchased a pair of jeans, which fit, about a month ago.  I wore them on Saturday and they're alreading feeling too big. Still, the scale is not moving! ) Anyhow, after the big rush, I discover I cannot sign up for upcoming classes.  Adult lessons are on Sunday afternoons and I have plans or will be out of town most weekends this month.  So, it looks like I will be signing up for the classes starting mid-November. Ha! I hope my nerve to do this lasts until November.

***

The person who expressed an interest in taking yoga classes with me is dragging her heels.  She wants proper yoga gear.  Buy it already! I hate shopping.  I was out with her for hours a few weekends ago and she purchased everything...lipstick, shoes, make-up brushes, skincare products ... she looked at yoga pants and a mat.  Lol!  I told her we're going to sweat, not parade down a runway.  I'm beginning to think this is going to be a solo adventure.  So be it! 

Well, that's it for now.

September Update

Not much going on.  Two weeks ago I decided to push it a bit and start walking four miles.  Now, my knee is starting to bother me again.  I've been stretching and icing and praying. 

My endurance is great!  I just need to see what's going on with my knee!  I've been paying attention to my gait.  I have the right shoes.

So....I'm back to the doctor next week. 

***

My birthday was Monday.  I did most of my celebrating over the weekend because I wanted to spend a quiet, reflective day alone.  It was wonderful.  I spent the entire day at Jeju Spa.

It may have been a little mistake because now I am quite dehydrated.  Saturday I had a birthday lunch of fajitas, margaritas, and a shot.  I was determined.  I went to the park and walked four miles before going out to the movies.  Sunday a did a little more drinking.  I should have been doing a better job with my hydration considering all the walking and drinking I was doing.

Bottom line...I had fun but my body is paying for it.  It felt great to sit and meditate while detoxing.  It's been a challenging and wonderful year. 

***

So I decided to look up what Louise Hay had to say about knees.

Knee problems - Stubborn ego and pride. Inability to bend. Fear. Inflexibility. Won't give in. "Forgiveness. Understanding. Compassion. I bend and flow with ease, and all is well."


Sounds just right.  So, I had to swallow my pride and admit I made a mistake about something and did something I really didn't want to do.  While my action is justified, I still feel awkward about it.  However, I am accepting life on life's term.  Hopefully, now that I've moved forward, so to speak.  My knee will begin to feel better.  I really want to get back to my Couch to 5K running goal before the end of the year.
 
***
I haven't forgotten about swimming lessons.  Right now I do not have a bathing suit that fits.  It's just a matter of purchasing a bathing suit and signing up for lessons.  I'm working on the nerve and will probably sign up when I return from my last trip at the end of October.

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

After searching the Internet for stuffed peppers recipes, this is what I came up with.  I knew I wanted to do vegetarian.  There were a number of recipes that included quiona.  I've never had it so I was a bit leery.  I need to try it elsewhere before trying it in a recipe.  I thought about couscous but finally opted for brown rice.

It was fairly easy to make.  I chopped up the pepper from the tops of each pepper and it added a nice colorful addition to the stuffing:

They were pretty yummy! They're definitely a keeper! 

Two things I would do differently.  Add salt.  I don't cook with much salt.  I really thought the salt I added to the rice would have been enough.  Cook them a little longer.  I didn't want them to be too soft but they could have stayed in the oven a little longer.

Awesome August Challenge - Week Four Update

I’m ready for the last few days of this Awesome August! I plan to finish strong.


I’m feeling 90%. I pushed it a little bit in the gym yesterday and feel pretty good today. I’ll probably do the same today -- a full hour, but with a less intensity.

Ugh! I confess that my sleep/bedtime goals were simply awful. I was lucky if I was in bed by 11:30 pm. I’m going to do my best to have my lights out by 10:30 pm for the rest of this month.

My fun activity was yesterday. We spent the evening laughing and talking. It was great! I also tried a new dish/recipe. I’ll upload pics later.