Midyear Review

Wow! Time is flying by. Half the year has passed and I have to admit I am not happy with where I am with my goals. I only have one word to describe how I have worked toward my goals so far this year: inconsistency. I only have one word to describe how I need to work toward my goals for the remaining of the year: consistency.

This morning I finished the first week in the Couch to 5K. I love my new sneakers. I did experience some pain in my right knee today. I think it is because I rushed through my post workout stretching because I had to get to work for a meeting. I then sat most of the day. One of the advantages of working from home 99% of the time is that I can stretch whenever I want.

For my running goals this is what I plan to do for the remaining of the year.
1. Finish the Couch to 5 K plan.
2. Run a 5K race September – December.

I plan to keep working on my swimming goal at least twice a week.

I also need to complete strength training at least twice a week.

There’s so much I want to do. I miss Spin class and hiking. I get in some of this activity here and there.

Marching On

I can't believe it's March! I'm doing okay. I haven't been working out on a consistent basis. The bottom line is that I haven't been sleeping well so I don't have the energy. Working on getting my sleep routine under control. The weather is improving so I'll be back on the trails soon!

January Check In

Things are going well.  I'm down five pound so far this month.  I can hardly believe it. I am very grateful for the courage to make some changes to my food plan.  I am having fun trying different quinoa recipes.
I had to slow down on my physical activity.  My poor knees are acting up again.  So, I've been doing a lot of stretching and yoga.  This coming week I am trying something I never thought I'd try -- Zumba. 

I've put hiking on hold until it gets warmer.  I have to be honest.  I do not get much pleasure out of hiking in the cold or the rain. 

I'm so glad to start this year on a positive note.  I've had some emotional challenges this month but my OA program and meditation group are helping with that.  Life, being healthy and whole, is all about balance. 



Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals Trail

Today was my first hike with Trail Dames. I had a blast! I do think I’m going to get some hiking poles so I can go on some of the most strenuous hikes.  This one was rated easy to moderate.  For some reason, I don’t have a problem with inclines yet I feel very unsure walking downhill.  The leaves were a little wet and some of the trail was muddy.  I had a great time!

My First Pair of Hiking Boots

After trying on several pairs of hiking boots, I finally purchasing a pair -- North Face Tyndall Mid WP. 

I chose this pair for a number of reasons.  The first being that they are lightweight.  A number of the boots I tried on were very heavy and clunky. 

The second thing I like about these boots is that they feel very much like high-top sneakers.  They're very comfortable.

They're waterproof.  I wanted the waterproof style, just in case,.

I also like the removable inserts.  I could exchange them for my own orthotics.  Truthfully, I do not think I'll need them.  I'm going to try walking with and without them and see what I think.

Finally, I like the mesh zones for ventillation.

I'm going to go a 4-mile walk tomorrow to break them in.  I plan to wear them when I walk to get used to them. 

Fall: Moving Forward

Fall is my favorite time of the year and I have been enjoying it.  I've taken a few trip to the mountains and went to an apple orchard.

I went hiking a couple of weeks ago and fell in love with it.  I recently joined an all-women's hiking group. 

Today I went shopping for hiking boots.  They feel kind of awkward.  I will continue shopping until I find the right pair.  I want to start walking in them because I'm planning to go on a group hike on the 20th.  It's a combination hike/birdwatching trip so I'm pretty excited.

I had to put my swimming lessons on hold for now.  I cannot afford the lessons and all the hiking equipment I need right.  A good pair of boots are not cheap.  I need to make sure they fit properly.  Even though my diabetes is controlled, I'm paranoid about getting cuts or blisters on my feet.  I also need to invest in a few "million dollar" pair of hiking socks.

I purchased a backpack on Ebay yesterday.  I also want to get a pair of convertible hiking pants. 

Well, that's it for now.  I'm so excited about enjoying this beautiful fall weather.

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.