I ran a 5K!

Well, I ran it on the treadmill at the gym! but it still counts. The treadmills are programmed for different things one of which is a 5K. So, I decided to see how far I could actually run it. I did the 5k (3.1 miles) in 46:41 and ended up running 38 of those 46 minutes. I was shocked that I could run that long. I knew I'd finish the 'race', but figured I'd walk more of it.

I decided that every Friday I will run this 5K and see if I can better my time. When the weather warms up, I'll be running outside.

Gosh...I hope that at 56 years young I'm not too old to take up jogging! (though I did buy 2 new workout suits...so at least I look good while doing it!)

4th of July weekend...

I had a great time this 4th of July weekend. We spent it on Cape Cod...and fortunately, the weather was perfect!

My husband cleaned the cobwebs off my bicycle ...it's been a few years since it has seen the light of day.

I bought this bike a few years ago primarily because it had 'regular' handle bars and a BIG-ASS SEAT...I tried to find one with a tractor seat, but they don't seem to make one!

My family joined in on the biking adventure, though the 'youngins' arrived at the end long before me! L to R: daughter, Sara, husband Frank, Corey (Sam's BF), daughter Sam, and ME!

The Cape Cod Canal is 6.8 miles one way, and we rode the route on Saturday and Sunday for a total of 28 miles. It's mostly flat, but there are a few 'inclines'. At the end of the second day, my husband realized that my bike was only using 4 of the 6 gears, so I had worked 'harder' than I should have. I was thrilled...I must have burned off more calories. But alas, I made up for it with the 'treats' I ate on the beach Saturday night while we watched the fireworks.

We saw this beautiful tall ship anchored in the canal, on it's way, no doubt, into Boston Harbor for the Tall Ship exhibit.

But, now it's Monday, back home and back on track.

Arc trainer

This is my favorite piece of cardio equipment at my gym. I never thought it was something I'd like, but I tried it last Saturday...and I'm hooked. It's a much better workout for me than the treadmill or the stationary bike. It burns more calories and I'm all for that.


I haven't mastered it enough to use it without holding on...but hope that comes eventually. Check it out!


http://www.expertvillage.com/video/19440_gym-equipment-cardio-arc-trainer.htm

Hiking Today

The weather this weekend has been spectacular in New England. It was almost 90 (?) yesterday and today will be in the high 80's. Husband and I decided to tackle our favorite hiking spot. Thanks to a new website I found, MapMyRun.com I was able to see what that hike really looks like. It is 3.31 miles there and back...but the killer is...it's all UPHILL!! It goes up an elevation of over 900 feet.

The first third is the hardest and in the past I have prayed to die as I reach that level. Today was better. I am in a little better shape than I have been in the past.
My husband volunteered to carry a backpack filled with water bottles for us and the dog, as well as some snacks to enjoy when we reached the summit.

My husband found a walking stick for me. It makes it easier to have something to hang onto. There wasn't much of a breeze and my heart was pumping...but I made it to the top with no complaining. We stopped to give the dog water a few times, she was panting quite a bit...but she thoroughly enjoys reading all the 'pee-mail' all the way up and back!
Here's what you see when you get to the top of the mountain. A specatular view of the valley and the Connecticut River. The trees are just starting to bud and within the next week or two the trees will bloom.

We found a cool spot to enjoy a snack of shrimp and cocktail sauce and some fruit, as well as more water. The dog ate her favorite--CHEESE.
After a rest, it was time to head back down the road. Walking downhill uses different muscles than walking up...and here is one of the winding roads that makes the hike more interesting. There are trails through the woods, but I prefer the road. The entire hike took almost 2 hours including the rest period and enjoying the view at the top.

Saturday morning ...

I can't believe I'm actually going to say this...but I enjoy going to the gym. (Looking up to make sure the sky isn't going to fall on me for saying that!)

I have gone every day...faithfully for two weeks (except on Easter Sunday...the hours at the gym were cut down and I couldn't get there and still entertain 16 family members.)

I feel my arms getting a little stronger and my legs are sore...all good signs. My clothes is definitely feeling looser and I ordered a pair of size 16 pants from LL Bean. I'm sure they'll be too small..but I will hang them in the bedroom where I can see them until I can actually wear them -- which hopefully will be by early June.

I'm making good use of my new pedometer and the past two days have logged in over 15,000 steps...that's over 5 miles of walking during the course of the day. Yesterday, my husband and I took our dog for a 3+ mile walk...exactly 1 hour and 35 seconds. Dog and I were both tired after that!! Husband...not so much...he's 8 inches taller than me so if he walks at my pace, it isn't much of a workout for him.

I hinted to my daughters that I'd like a Magic Bullet for Mother's day so I can make smoothies. I don't have a blender and really no great need for one or the room to leave it out....but the Magic Bullet would be ideal!

I bought myself a Pedometer! I had an older one that wasn't working well, so I treated myself to a new one. I bought this one at my WW meeting, though they are available in department stores. This model will tell me how many extra 'points' I've earned after I've taken enough steps. They recommend 10,000 steps per day. I walked about 1.25 miles this morning with my dog...for a total of roughly 3500 steps. I do that twice a day in addition to all the walking I do on a daily basis, so I should easily reach that quota. I put it on first thing in the morning and reset it at night when I take it off.

Gym orientation

Today was orientation at the gym. I started with 30 minutes on the treadmill. They have TVs and I brought my headphones so the 30 minutes went quickly.

I was given instruction on 4 machines. After I do those for about 6-7 days I will be shown a few more. Three of these machines work upper body/arms. I need help there as I don't have a lot of upper body strength. One machine was to build leg muscles.

So, now, to get into a routine. I'm hoping to go between 6:30-7:30 AM most days to start my day. The gym is busiest between 5-8 PM...so I will stay away durng those times.

My arms are a little sore right now...I like these upper arm exercises as I don't want my arms to keep waving after I have stopped!...know what I mean???

Well...I did it...

Actually, WE did it. My husband and I joined a gym today. We are going to start on Sunday morning, though my official orientation is Tuesday, April 7. There was a 'special offer' with no contract, so that appealed to us. Even went out and bought some new 'workout' clothes.

Working out...

God did not intend for well endowed women to jog...so I'm walking for now. (I did buy a strong sports bra though! (Actually, I feel like Bruce Banner whose clothes rips off as he becomes the Incredible Hulk...it's a little snug, but that's the idea!! Still quite a funny sight to see..sorry for the visual!)

So every morning I walk on my treadmill...and for the last week I jog about 10 of those 30 minutes. I walked over 1.5 miles today and burned 150+ calories. The number on the left is my heart rate as it's coming down. The treadmill has a heart monitor that I wear as I walk...not that I have a problem, but it's interesting to wear.

Later in the day, weather permitting, my honey and I walk our dog, Penny, for 30 minutes, so I'm getting 1 hour of walking per day. As the weather warms up, I hope to add more outdoor activity like biking and hiking our favorite trail...which is uphill all the way and walking downhill isn't much easier because it uses different muscles...and it's very steep!! ...but that's another day!!