Valorie Walks

The greatest and noblest pleasure which we have in this world is to discover new truths, and the next is to shake off old prejudices. - Frederick II, the Great Never do anything you are ashamed of. If you're ashamed that means somewhere inside you think it's wrong; and if you think it's wrong, you shouldn't be doing it. - Harvey Fierstein I have no hope of getting out of my solitude by myself. Stones have no hope of being anything but stones. However, through collaboration they get themselves together and become a Temple. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still. - Franklin D. Roosevelt Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. - Robert Collier Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you. - Ralph Waldo Emerson It's never to late to be what you could have been. - Eleanor Roosevelt You must be the change you wish to see in the world. - Ghandi There are risks and costs to ...

Geez, skipping both the walking AND the blogging -- where will it end? No, I didn't walk on Sunday because not just my blister, but my whole foot hurt. And Monday, because I didn't feel well all day. I tried to eat well, drink herbal tea, take a nap, and so forth. It was surprising how much that took me down Tues and and Wednesday. Difficult to pick up any speed, much more tired (AND uninspired) -- just no energy. But I walked anyway, even if not fully ten thousand aerobic steps. Both days I walked to the school via the church, then to the library and back. Oh, and the rain didn't help, either! All four days, yeah. Sunday - Total steps: 1,596, aerobic:0 ; 0.65 miles. Monday - Total steps:2,140 , aerobic: 0; 0.87 miles. Tuesday - Total steps: 12,027, aerobic: 8,989; 4.93 miles. Wednesday - Total steps: 10,479, aerobic: 9,136; 4.3 miles.

Lordy, I could have skipped today's walk, and I sure did want to! But I went anyway, and got hit with a bit of hail and then rain all the way home. Ended up with a painful blister on my right foot, too. UNDER the blister bandage that was already in place! Grrrrr...... Total steps: 12,942, aerobic: 11,562; 5.31 miles

I'm getting worse and worse at doing the blogging! The walking is going well, though. Wednesday I walked up over the ridge via the church and school. It was cold, but walking fast in a long-sleeved T-shirt and wearing my gloves for a bit, I was OK. Daddy showed up about the time I was going to leave in the early afternoon, so we sat and watched my photos, and then we had dinner, and I walked in the evening. I saw elk! Total steps: 12,731, aerobic: 10,760, 5.22 miles. Thursday was a walk to the library, via the new library and then home. Total steps: 13,007, aerobic: 10,555, 5.33 miles. Today, Friday was good until the last few thousand steps, when my left foot started hurting. That made the end of the walk mighty slow. :( Total steps: 12,606, aerobic: 11,207 in 95 minutes, 5.17 miles.

I got away early today -- just had my spirulina, an apple, and part of a cup of coffee and set off. It was rather cold, but I had on a long-sleeve T-shirt, and walked pretty fast past the church and school and up over the ridge and back. Total steps: 12,648, aerobic: 11,014 in 94 minutes; 5.19 miles

First shorts day of the year! It was in the low to mid-60s, but rather humid. In fact, I got hit by a few small raindrops about every 20 minutes or so. In between, some sunshine! Altogether a wonderful day for a walk over the ridge and back, via the school and church. Total steps: 12,931, aerobic: 11,252 in 95 minutes; 5.30 miles

Friday : Bunch of running around - Costco, the grocery store, and Walgreens. Not much time for a walk, but I did walk to the school and back home via the Y. It was getting quite dark by the time I got home. Total steps: 9321, aerobic: 3934; 3.82 miles. Saturday was my birthday, and I didn't do much walking! Total steps: 2705, aerobic: 0; 1.11 miles. Sunday: Did two separate walks, because I didn't want to delay dinner. Before dinner, walked up past the school via the church, and back by the path. Nice and sunny -- wish I'd worn shorts! After dinner, walked down to Horseshoe, and around the pond on the street, and back. Wow, once the sun went down it got very cool. It was dark by the time I got home. Total steps: 11,651, aerobic: 10,186; 4.78 miles.

What a day! I had a doctor's appointment this morning, so I went in fasting, then had a late breakfast of eggs from the cafe, a latte, and part of an apple. A few minutes later I drank my spirulina, and got onto the Green River Trail. Walked for about 20 minutes, then walked back to the car and got onto the road for Seattle. Met Lou for lunch (Chinese), then headed back home. After dinner (Taco Time bean soup) and the rest of the apple, I finished the walk by heading to the school via the church, then up to the Y and home. Total steps: 12,647, aerobic 10,002 in 80 minutes(!); 5.18 miles

This has felt like recovery week, although I didn't really have jet lag as such. I guess I expected my feet to toughen up, and stop getting blisters and such! Maybe that won't happen. And while I had energy during the trip, it has ebbed this week. I hope May is better. On the other hand, I broke 220! Am hovering between 216 and 217 pounds. I'm eager to see what Dr. Jordan's scale tells me on Thursday. Week 11 total steps: , aerobic: ; miles Total steps week one: 53,280, two: 82,108, three: 76,687, four: 64,701, five: 70,464, six: 79,729. Total aerobic steps week one: 43,785, two: 72,160, three: 63,527, four: 55,669, five: 58,600, six: 63,332. Total mileage week one: 24.71, two: 33.65, three: 31.44, four: 26.52, five: 28.89, six: 32.27. Wednesday (have to catch-up post here, or it will show up in May!) Walked up over the ridge and back. It was cool to see the rain coming, and then blowing over. Rather windy today! Total steps: 12,925, aerobic: 11,236; 5.3 miles

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Rather nice day -- sunny, if breezy. And downright *windy* on top of the ridge. Walked to the fireplug at the bottom of the hill, and home. I've been eating an apple before leaving to see if that will help with the low blood sugar part-way home. So far, it hasn't, but one cough drop ain't much sugar, either! When I get home I'm not famished , though, so I think I'll keep eating the apple. :-) Total steps: 13,286, aerobic: 11,842 (in 98 minutes, if I remember correctly); 5.45 miles This is the end of week eleven. I'll try to get all my stuff added up tomorrow.

Bleah. I'm behind again. Hopefully I can catch up tomorrow. Feet were sore, and I was tired. Didn't care that I was a bit short on aerobic steps, because the rain/sun bit was getting annoying! Not that I'm complaining about sun, not at ALL. Library, via church, school, and cemetery, then home by the road. I was slow because I kept picking up a rock in my heel. Total steps: 12,326, aerobic: 9749; 5.05 miles

Walked too far today! The route to Keevies was nice -- birds were singing, etc. But I tried to take the old trail which used to go to the fire road, and now heads through the new development. I was confronted by a woman who told me I was trespassing, and was quite unpleasant about it. So our public lands, and public access to trails, is shrinking even out here in the countryside! And sad to say, probably nothing will be done about it. Private property, after all, is the "highest and best use." :( However, the old trail from the lake to third street still exists, and that got me to the church, school, and over the ridge. Should have turned back sooner, as my feet (and spirit) were a wreck by the time I got home. Moderation in all -- even moderation! Total steps: 14,206, aerobic: 12,898; 5.82 miles

SUNSHINE! Finally! Didn't need my shirt at all, to tell the truth. Brought along sunglasses, but I love the sun on my face too much to wear them much. Went up over the ridge via the church and school, then back on Lake Sawyer Road to the Y, and home. Total steps: 14,200, aerobic: 11,530 in 97 minutes; 5.82 miles

Oops, forgot to do Friday! Walked to the library via the church and school, and also walked up to the new library and went around the cemetery. It's warming up! In more exciting news - stepped on the scale today, and it read 216.9 pounds. So not only have I cracked 220, but I've lost about 12 pounds since mid-February. That is about 9 weeks, so I've been losing a bit over a pound a week. At this rate, by the end of July, I might crack 200! I've carry this weight for a long, long time. It is good to see and feel it leaving now. Total steps: 12,796, aerobic: 11,126; 5.25 miles

Up over the ridge and back, via the church and school. Gosh I was tired and my feet hurt, the last 2000+ steps. Maybe it's jetlag, or I dunno. But I am still waiting for all that abundant energy I'm supposed to get!!! Perhaps it was because it got colder during the walk. As I put more clothes on, I did feel better. I've been forgetting to put on the step meter when I first get up, since I got back. Today I didn't remember until well after noon! Gotta get back into the swing of things. Total steps: 13,320, aerobic: 11,391; 5.46 miles

Got away later than I had hoped, but walked faster to make up for the delay. :-) Went down to the school via the church and road, rather than any paths. Up to the Y and into the library, then spiraled around the cemetery, and then straight home by road, rather than taking the path. Ran (well, drove) to the store as soon as I got home, so my stretching was a bit delayed, and it *does* make a difference! Total steps: 12,509, aerobic: 10,557 in 83 minutes!; 5.13 miles

Monday I didn't walk because it got too late, and was snowing! Plus I was just tired. Total steps: 890, 0; 0.36 miles Today I walked to the school where I took a picture of the beautiful flowering cherry, which was raining down petals in the breeze. So gorgeous! From there I walked up the road to the Y, and then to the library to return a couple of CDs. Picked up another CD and a DVD and continued on around the cemetery, and then home via the trail. I was short some steps so walked the little trail to the church driveway and came back next to the church. Improved my time some, but my feet hurt some and have some hot spots. Total steps: 12,247, aerobic 11,132 in 94 minutes; 4.95 miles

Rather nice day, although the wind was cold. To the school via the church road (no path), then to the library, again via road, around the cemetery and back home again on the road. Oh, and I didn't note the time, but it was 88 or 89 minutes, and over 10K aerobic steps, so perhaps I am improving my speed slightly. Perhaps that's what it will take, like the weight loss -- slow and sure is the best. Exciting news: I cracked 220! Barely, but the scale read "219.9" -- which is LESS than 220. Hopefully I can keep this going for the next three weeks -- I definitely will not be able to blog. I intend to write in a notebook, and will do a summary when I return. I am taking my Callanetics book with me, so hopefully will get some exercise daily even if I can't do my daily 10K steps. Total steps: 11,688, aerobic: 10,301; 4.79 miles

Well, this was an odd day. Took Kim to the grocery store, and walked around while she shopped for her party. That was 1400-odd steps. Later, Bob had dinner cooking, and assured me it would be a good hour before it was ready to serve (well worth waiting for, too!!!!!). So I walked up to the pond on the ridge, in COLD WIND. Gosh, I wish I had had a hat! Hurried back, and home in just about an hour. Total steps: 11,030, aerobic: 9243 in 78 minutes; 4.52 miles

Good lord -- snow, sleet, rain, wind, clouds, and sun? All on the same walk, yeah. Walked up to the school mostly via road, thence to the cemetery and around it once, to the library, and home via the path (a big mistake!). Again, thank goodness for the down vest and good jacket! A shower never felt sooooo good. Total steps: 12,564, aerobic: 10,834; 5.15 miles

Good LORD it was cold today -- in the 30s! AND it started snowing as I walked into BD. So I went hunting for a down vest, and fortunately found one. That made a huge difference. Plus I cut the toes off a pair of socks with holes in them, and slid those over my ankles for extra warmth and to keep any gravel and sand out of my shoes. I decided that hiking boots were just too risky. I want my feet *totally healthy* on Tuesday! Anyway, headed out on the road to the Post Office to mail Anne's pants back to her, then home via the trail. I actually walked a bit extra down the trail and came back on the church's road. Walking through a wind and snow storm was truly a TRIP! Thank goodness for my good jacket and that blessedly warm down vest. Total steps: 12,697, aerobic: 10,479; 5.21 miles

Going by the school first is the key! It kept getting colder, so I decided to walk to the library from there by the road, because you can walk faster. It was hard to get warmed up, though, because it kept getting colder! It started to rain enough as I went through BD that I had to wear my jacket. After the library, around the cemetery and then back home via the path. It kept raining harder and harder, but my jacket does a GOOD job in the rain. About 10 minutes after getting home, the rain turned to snow! There is about 2 inches on the ground here. Brrrr! Total steps: 12,033, aerobic: 10,610 in 92 minutes; 4.93 miles

One more week before departure to Scotland! Well over 10K average steps per day, but a bit sub-par in aerobic steps. On the other hand, that included Easter Sunday with zero. On the whole, COOL, under difficult conditions. Week 6 total steps: 79,729, aerobic: 63,332; 32.27 miles Total steps week one: 53,280, two: 82,108, three: 76,687, four: 64,701, five: 70,464, six: 79,729. Total aerobic steps week one: 43,785, two: 72,160, three: 63,527, four: 55,669, five: 58,600, six: 63,332. Total mileage week one: 24.71, two: 33.65, three: 31.44, four: 26.52, five: 28.89, six: 32.27.

Lousy walk -- but boy oh boy did I get the steps! Finally got into stride after the second hill, turned around, and got a SORE foot. It was hard not to limp. Then when my left foot finally felt better, the right one started to hurt -- even more. Eventually I realized there might be a bit of sand in my shoe, at the ball of my right foot. By the time I found somewhere to sit, it felt PAINFUL. Took off the shoe and socks, and put on the thin blister bandage I was fortunately carrying. Put everything back on, and realized that it had turned COLD. Within five minutes of coming inside, it was pouring, and almost cold enough to snow. Lordy! Once I recovered after dinner, I went to the Supermall and found a couple of shirts at Marshalls. LOVE that store! So I got even more steps! Not enough to make up for Easter, but oh well! Total steps: 15,607, aerobic: 12,183; 6.4 miles

To the library via the path, around the cemetery and back, but only 8500 steps! I guess I needed to walk to the school and back too. :( Went to Nordstroms to shop for new bras and such, so got a few more steps that way. Total steps: 11,367, aerobic: 8595; 4.66 miles I'll try to remember to do the school and back *first* -- then to the library.

It was a STORM. Nor did I feel like hitting the mall. Sat and watched the wind and rain! Total steps: 2150, aerobic: 0; 0.88 miles

Good day! Although I started late, and sometimes, especially up top on the ridge it was COLD and windy. When it was still and in a patch of sunlight, though it was pleasant. The blister seems to be healing OK, and I realized today -- most of the time my feet don't hurt any more! Maybe soon they won't hurt at ALL. I can only hope. :-) Total steps: 14,498, aerobic: 11,525; 5.94 miles

Blast! I chose the best bit of the day to walk to the library, although it was late because of Alsachat. After the library, I walked around the cemetery two and a half times, to get that extra bit of slight hill. Then home via the trail, BUT: a young dog started following me in BD, all the way home! I walked pretty slowly so that she wouldn't get hit -- it was very worrying. Then when I got to the neighborhood with her, some kids wanted her! I hope that works out. I truly didn't know what to do -- she was a sweetheart. But I was a bit short of aerobic steps, because I wasn't paying good attention. Gosh it was cold and windy though. A short shower felt *wonderful*. Total steps: 10,711, aerobic: 9600 in 84 minutes; 4.39 miles

Took off a bit early today, and that was GOOD, because I got pretty tired, and seemed to walk more slowly than usual on the way home, and it started to pour down rain as I got out of the shower! Gosh, it was sorta cold out, but sunny for part of my walk over the ridge and back. Man, that shower felt good today! Total steps: 13,110, aerobic 11,333 in 101 minutes; 5.37 miles.

Nice day to walk today, with a couple of drops of rain. Went to the site of the new library via the trail, then around the cemetery, and to the library, and home via the trail. I could see I was about 400 steps shy, so I walked down the road another 200 steps and came back. Unfortunately, I underestimated by FOUR STEPS! LOL! I can feel my posture improving, every day. And my back is so much better! Not all there yet, but so much good stuff going on. :-) Total steps: 11,286, aerobic: 9996; 4.63 miles

Wow! Even with a couple of sub-par days, the extra on the others sorta made up for it! Total steps: 70,464; aerobic: 58,600; 28.89 miles. Total steps -- week 1: 53,280, week 2: 82,108, week 3: 76,687, week 4: 64,701, week 5: 70,464. Total aerobic steps -- week 1: 43,785, week 2: 72,160, week 3: 63,527, week 4: 55,669, week 5: 58,600. Total mileage: -- week 1: 24.71, week 2: 33.65, week 3: 31.44, week 4: 26.52, week 5: 28.89.

Considering that Monday was a washout, I'm feeling good about today! I changed the blister bandage as Bob suggested -- thanks again, Bobby! -- and sure enough, it almost instantly felt better. No problems today, although I was a bit late, so only did 80 minutes rather than 90. Up to the library via the trail, around the cemetery, and then back up towards the new library, and then back home via the trail. Total steps: 10,653, aerobic: 9241; 4.37 miles

My damn blister! It was hurting so much it was making me cry, so rather than finish my walk to the library, I turned around and came home. Grrrrrr! Nice sunny day, too. Perfect for walking. Total steps: 4614, aerobic: 2167 in 20 minutes; 1.89 miles I hope to go to the grocery store later; perhaps that will pump up my total steps a tiny bit. I'll wear other shoes, of course.

Gads, my walk today left me feeling sorta sick. I picked up a bit of grit at my left heel, and stopped and took off/shook out my shoe, but evidently I didn't get it, because now I have a popped blister. :( That really slowed down the end of the walk -- I should have called Bob and had him come pick me up, but I didn't. Total steps: 12,994, aerobic 11,425 in 101 minutes; 5.33 miles.

Wooooo hoooo! I felt like an athlete out there today, at least until I hit the wall. I think I'll up my spirulina to a teaspoonful and a half, and see if I can keep that feeling going all the way! Fortunately my blood sugar didn't run out until I was down the final hill coming off the ridge. I forgot my water AND my emergency sugar (a roll of life-savers). Just about then the balls of my feet starting hurting too. :( But it was GREAT until then! My stride seemed longer, and it just felt GOOD to be out there walking, even up the hills, which didn't seem very high today at all! Total steps: 12,401, aerobic: 10,998 in 96 minutes; 5.08 miles

I'm back, baby! Started late on a rainy day, but there was mostly a break in the rain. Went up and over the ridge to the bottom of the hill, and back. Still not walking without pain and effort, but oh, well. Walked mostly on the pavement, and that was easier than my usual, and not as hard on my feet as I had feared. Hard on the ball of the foot, though. Total steps: 12,800, aerobic: 11,497; 5.25 miles

Foul day, and not feeling up to snuff yet either. Left late, went to the library and back. Total steps: 7863, aerobic: 6786; 3.22 miles

Down day, but I went out anyway. To the library and back, I think. Total steps: 9139, aerobic: 6486; 3.75 miles

After 4 weeks, I've lost 4 or 5 pounds, fit into pants I haven't fit into for years, and walked at total of 276,776 steps. Of those, 235,141 steps were aerobic, for a total of 116.32 miles walked. That really is incredible! Over the long run, if I can walk about 120 miles ever four weeks, I think I will be a happy old lady some day!

So -- one sick day, and two sub-par days. And yet -- most of those steps, ALL of the aerobic steps, and most of that mileage wouldn't have happened, otherwise. So, good week in spite of the challenges. Total steps for the week: 64,701, aerobic: 55,669; 26.52 miles. Total steps -- week 1: 53,280, week 2: 82,108, week 3: 76,687, week 4: 64,701. Total aerobic steps -- week 1: 43,785, week 2: 72,160, week 3: 63,527, week 4: 55,669. Total mileage: -- week 1: 24.71, week 2: 33.65, week 3: 31.44, week 4: 26.52.

Good lord, I'm behind! Trying to keep these in order, I'll have to do it all in reverse order. :( I felt awful on Tuesday, and slept rather than walked. Total steps: 904, aerobic: 0; .37 miles.

Not only tired and reluctant, but it started raining on me as I came home! So to the library and back via the cemetery and trail, but nothing more than that. Total steps: 10,132; aerobic 8689; 4.15 miles. Gonna start drinking spirulina again tomorrow, and see if that helps. This being tired bit is getting old, old, old!

Did the ridge both ways again, and walked a bit farther than yesterday. Total steps: 11,189, aerobic: 10,727 in 99 minutes; 4.59 miles.

Decided to do the ridge in both directions rather than walking along the road. MUCH better, but more hills. Which is better, but slower. Total steps: 10,901, aerobic, 10,185; 4.47 miles.

Tired and sad when I set off, so I didn't actually care that I came in under but oh so close to 10K, LOL! Almost made it, and that was good enough for today. I walked to the school through the woods, and then on the road up to the beginning of the Ridge road. I think next time I walk the ridge, I'll walk from the school over the ridge and back. That should get me just over 10K steps, AND get all that nice hill walking. It's harder, but better, I think. Feet are somewhat better today, but everything is still sore, every day. So I've gotta be doing some muscle-building. :-) Total steps: 11,096, aerobic 9947 in 90 minutes; 4.55 miles.

Didn't start quite early enough, so had to cut it short today, and get ready for Ron's surprise party at the Herbfarm. My feet hurt less than yesterday, so perhaps the cure is in sight. Hopefully back to the full 10K tomorrow after the chat. Walked the same route as yesterday. Total steps: 10,351, aerobic: 8511; miles: 4.24

'Twas a nice day today, and I walked early, which I like. To the library via the trail, around the cemetery, and back home via the trail. I decided to skip the leg to the school and back because my damned left foot was sore again by then. Maybe tomorrow I'll try the left foot without my insert and see how that goes. I couldn't see limping to PFLAG! Total steps: 10,129, aerobic 8610; 4.15 miles.

So. Three weeks in, and my resolve is still strong. I think I may be losing some weight, definitely losing some inches, but I'm not getting the extra energy I want to make up for the 90 minutes a day I'm doing this! Plus, my time is not improving. On the other hand, I'm breaking myself into new shoes, my back is hurting less, and I'm becoming known around town as a walker. Also, I skipped a day walking, but went right back to it the next day. So I'm not a quitter. Total steps -- week 1: 53,280, week 2: 82,108, week 3: 76,687. Total aerobic steps -- week 1: 43,785, week 2: 72,160, week 3: 63,527. Total mileage: -- week 1: 24.71, week 2: 33.65, week 3: 31.44.

Another difficult day, but at least the weather was more on my side. Rather cold, but no wind or rain. Walked to the library via the trail, and then around the cemetery, back to the trail, and then to the school and back. So tired and slow...... but I made it. Total steps 12,687; aerobic 11,484 in 104 mins; 5.20 miles.

Weather was *dreadful,* windy, cold and wet. But I happened to choose 90 minutes without rain, thank goodness. Walked up to the Post Office and home, with a stop by the library on the way to drop off a DVD, and on the way back to use the bathroom and drink some water. Just made it, but I DID make it. Total steps: 11772, aerobic: 10,265 in 92 minutes; 4.83 miles. I thought it was 5 miles even according to the Subaru speedometer, but whatever!

Yeah, I didn't make 10,000 aerobic. I was tired, and my feet hurt, and I didn't care. Walked past the school up to the ridge, and back that way. Discovered a large blister where the little one used to be on my little toe. :( Total steps 10,892, aerobic steps 9779; total miles 4.46 Shoes still breaking me in, but *my back isn't sore!*

Usually you break in new shoes; I felt like I was breaking myself into them today! But I'm proud of myself for walking even though I was tired and reluctant to go. Yay me! Left right after two bursts of hail! The sun came out, though, so it seems like March came in like a lion AND a lamb. Total steps: 11,426, total aerobic steps 10,134 in 89 minutes; 4.74 miles.

Yesterday started well, with a workshop Barb & I were invited to, to help Odyssey High School (in Tyee High School, next to the airport in SeaTac) become a safe place for GLBT kids. We had only an hour, but that time was used very well by the teacher/facilitator. Then Barb and I had a wonderful long lunch at Claim Jumper. I stopped by Silver Platters and picked up a couple of CDs, then gave a pint of blood, and met Bob at Green Earth. We went up to Jocks and Jill's on Green Lake and both got new running shoes. I got Sauconys and they do feel great! By the time we ate dinner and got home though, it was dark, cold, windy and pouring rain, so no walk for me yesterday. :( Total steps 3737, aerobic steps 0; 1.53 miles.

Today was better - a bit warmer and sunnier, and I walked out to the Ridge entrance and up over the ridge. Some ridiculously large houses, some nice empty road, and one place I very much liked for sale - lot 20, a Craftsman house. Up on top of the ridge, you can see the snow and mist on the foothills. Still walking tired, but better today. Feet still hurt too, but so far, only one tiny blister on my little toe. Perhaps 10K aerobic steps per day is too much too soon -- but I'm unwilling to back down at this point. Too tired to start the Callanetics program yet, but hope to add that on this weekend sometime. Total steps: 12,101, aerobic: 10,331; 4.96 miles

Cold, exhausted. Too tired to blog, so this is over a day late! The track is a soul-killer. Total steps: 14,140, aerobic steps 11,534; 5.8 miles

This was a nice week to walk - weather was beautiful. However, it wasn't fun to walk tired every day. I hope that my energy picks up next week. I can't see how I can get any faster if I'm so tired. Total steps this week: 82,108. Total aerobic steps: 72,160. Total mileage: 33.65. Improvement over last week's totals: 82,108 - 53,280 = 28,828 more total steps. 72,160 - 43,785 = 28,375 more aerobic steps. 33.65 - 24.71 = 8.94 more miles . I hit my goal of an average of 10K aerobic steps per day. This week I'm going to pay better attention to the time issue. It would be great to get to 5 miles per hour, instead of the approximately 4 miles per hour I'm doing now. And I don't want any more sub-10K days, unless I'm actually sick. This tired stuff has gotta go!

Maybe I really did do that many total steps, but it sure seemed like I did more aerobic ones! Maybe I was just too tired to think well, but it again seemed not to be counting all of my steps around the track. I went around at least 8 times, if not 9. Oh, well. Blah.

Weather turned a bit cooler today, and I left late, so it was downright cold and dark by the time I got back. To the library, on up the road to the school, once around the track and home. Barely 10K, but that was *plenty* for today. Woke up sore, because I hadn't stretched. I did not make that mistake tonight! Still waiting for all that extra energy to kick in..... Total steps: 11,746, aerobic 10,423; 4.82 miles. This week should be over 70K aerobic steps, though! Now if I can continue to shorten up my time.....

Gosh, how long can this beautiful weather hold? Walked to the school again, and 8 times around the track. I didn't think I would quite hit 10,000 aerobic steps, so walked down third street, across on the little trail, and back the hill up our street. Nice! I've paged through a book that Pig recommended, called Real Fitness for Real Women: A Unique Workout Program for the Plus-Size Woman , by Rochelle Rice. Her first step to fitness is crafting and using affirmations, as the way to develop your will, determination, courage to follow through. As I walked, I crafted my affirmation today, and noticed that as I said it to myself, my stride changed. I walked taller, more confidently, more powerfully. I want that all the time! I am a powerful, healthy, beautiful woman. Remember. Total steps: 12,777, 10,915 aerobic steps in 95 minutes; 5.24 miles.

One more beautiful day! In fact, it was sorta hot walking in the sun. Down to the library again, and then up the road to the church driveway, and then the trail in the woods to the school. This time I walked part-way around the track, and went the rest of the way around the school, and then home. Barely made my 10K aerobic, but I *did* do it -- tired. Total steps: 11,768; 10,336 aerobic in 89 minutes; 4.82 miles. Waiting for that extra energy I keep hearing about! I am still enjoying the walking for at least part of the way each day, though.

Another beautiful day, with threatening clouds up against the foothills. Bob decided to walk with me, even though he'd already done about 13K steps! We walked from the neighborhood to the Library, and then back to the trail to the main road entrance, and on up the trail to the school. I walked once around the track, and then back home. Maybe because Bob was along, I walked pretty darn fast! Total steps: 12,742, 10,990 aerobic, YEAH! in 92 minutes - 5.22 total miles. Tired! And my butt hurts, in a good way.

Another beautiful day. Went up to the school and around the track -- I thought about 8 or 9 times. Perhaps my count was off, but I ended up adding the little path out to the road, and then home, for my walk today. Total steps: 11,275, 10,509 aerobic steps in 89 minutes; 4.62 miles. I was walking as fast as I could, but I'm sure that my stride will improve once my back and butt aren't sore! I'd like to do this daily in 60 to 75 minutes. Woooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It took about 9 days to get here -- here's hoping I can keep it up! First goal reached.

Another pleasant day to walk. Went up to the school, and then to the Library, and thence home. 10,513 steps; 9225 aerobic, 4.31 miles in about 90 minutes. Perhaps next time I go to the Library, I'll go there first, and then up the school. That way I can go around the track, and get up over 10K aerobic steps. My back is still hurting, and now I can feel effort, particularly up a hill, lower in my glutes. That seems like a good sign!

I'll include the first "baseline" day with zero aerobic steps. Total steps for the first week: 53,280 Aerobic steps: 43,785 Total mileage: 24.71 A considerable improvement over the baseline, which was less than 1000 steps per day, and about one-third of a mile daily! Weight is unchanged. Goal for the next 5 weeks, is ten thousand aerobic steps per day, seven days a week - 70,000 total. I figure that will take 5 miles per day, or 35 miles for the week. I hope to get the time to do that daily down to 75 minutes, which is 4 miles per hour. I haven't been keeping track of the time, but I think it's taking about an hour and a half per day now, for less than 10K aerobic steps. As my bod adjusts to the new routine, I hope this becomes easier.

Another bright, beautiful cold day. I walked to the church and voted in the primary, then on out to the school and around the track 6 times, I think - three times widdershins, and three clockwise. I had no idea I would get back to 10K+ total steps! Today, instead of my back, I could feel the effort in my glutes. I think that's progress. Did lotsa stretching and some crunches afterwards, too. :-) So, 10,581 total steps, 7518 aerobic in 64 mins, 4.34 miles. Back to the Library tomorrow. Maybe 10K+ *aerobic* steps? That's my goal until March 31st. :-)

Dunno why I'm so tired today, since I got plenty of sleep (and not too much). Anyway, back is still sore, blisters are getting better, but dinner took longer to prepare than I had planned for. Thanks to Colin who finished the soup, I got in a short walk anyway. It was a gorgeous day, and it would have been a shame to miss a walk. Walked to the school and back around sundown. 5693 / 4173 steps, 2.33 miles . I think my pace is getting a bit faster, but we'll see by comparison once there are a couple of weeks to compare. Coming up on a week of walks!

It was a beautiful sunny day, and though I wanted to give my poor feet a rest, I just couldn't miss my walk! Walked to the school and four times around the track, and then home via the path. The option was there to walk out to the road on the path through the old clear-cut, but I was too tired. 8029 total steps, 5839 aerobic, 3.29 miles. Not bad for a rest day! Unfortunately, when I took the moleskin off my little-toe blister after my shower, the skin came with it. So now instead of a blister I could hardly feel, I have raw skin. :( The blisters above my heels are much better, though. No pain left there. Stretched for about 30 minutes after getting back. That helped my back a LOT.

Worst walk so far, though -- the combo of shorter pants and hiking boots let grit into my boots, leading to painful blisters on both heels. :( Feet are feeling a bit tender too, although I took boots off at the school AND at the library. Blurg. Hopefully the feet will recover enough so that I can walk again tomorrow! Walked up to the Sawyer Woods School, to the BD Library, and home. 10,582 steps, 8614 aerobic, 4.34 miles . I took a headshot today after my walk, right before getting into the shower. I want so see if my face changes (for the better, obviously!) as I continue to get into better shape.

Even though it was raining, off I set as soon as the Alsace chat was over. I wanted more distance than yesterday, so walked up to the church and out their driveway, and up the Lake Sawyer road past Alice Lake. Gosh, soggy shoes and roadsides made me wish that I had worn my hiking boots. And shorter pants -- the hems of these are still damp. By the time I arrived home, so was I, even though the sun came out. It was about 45 F, so not too cold. Total steps: 9385; aerobic 7036, 3.85 miles . My walk about an hour and a half, including buying a used book at the library, about 3.6 miles. Once I got home, I realized I had forgotten to go to the post office and mail the package to Pat. Trip-meter says that the library is 1.2 miles away, and the Post Office is exactly 2 miles.

Today I walked to the Black Diamond Library and back, which took about 50 minutes. I'll have to check this with the car's trip-meter, but the pedometer says it was 3.16 miles. So: aerobic steps, 6537, 3.16 miles, total steps: 7710 . Progress! Not much, but some is all I can ask of myself right now.

Surprisingly, I have over 700 steps before my walk, maybe because I walked during my diabetes study phone interview. The Roomba was vacuuming, the dogs were barking -- walking seemed the only way to get through it. :-) Walked to the church and out the church driveway, and back home along the road, which is about 2 miles in approx. 40 mins, almost 5100 steps. It is about 45F, partly sunny. I didn't wear gloves, and my hands are still warm. Butt and thighs are tired, yay! Maybe I'll even do some situps later -- my back is a bit sore today. It is about 6 weeks until we leave for Scotland; I'm hoping this will make the trip a lot more fun! End of day - 3.07 miles, 7492 total steps, 5068 aerobic .

Today I got my shiny new Omron Pocket Pedometer, model HJ-112, about $19.95 from Amazon.com. It has all kinds of features, and Bob likes his, so off we go! I sincerely hope. So this will be where I keep track of my progress. My goal is 10K steps per day, at least five times a week. So a minimum of 50K steps per week. If I can get to that in a week, I'll be ecstatic. Anything over that is pure bonus. Today I set up the little bugger, measured my stride, etc. Today, 12 Feb 2008, I weigh 229, according to Bob's new scale. My stride is 26 inches, or 2 feet, 2 inches. Yeah, I have short legs. Doing nothing out of the ordinary today, I have 807 steps . You can see why I need to do something different! My secret wish is to either join a gym eventually, or get the big machine I want - a Bowflex. Bowflex would be better, but that sucker is huge. I'll have to do a lot of cleaning and organizing to make a place for one! New, they are $2500 or so! I would like to USE one, and see if I ...