reflection and realization

It is clear that I am not who I once was. I went into the project with the same approach when I was much younger. Yet here I am much closer to 50 than 40 and my body is feeling it. It takes longer to recover than it did years ago and I get injured much easier. I used to be able to dunk a basketball and once came down and rolled my ankle and had no real ill effects. Once while being fitted for ski boots I was told that I had unusually thick ankles. That helped me avoid a lot on ankle problems. I never had issues with my knees either after years of activity. That is no longer the case. I sprained my ankle in a slip on the stairs and it seemed to take forever to heal. I hope to be over the worst of it and plan on making a walk or two next week. We'll see if I change my approach. As I move forward my attempts to turn back the clock will have to be taken with more patience. I need fewer set backs to be motivated in this project.

injury 120912

On hold while severe right ankle sprain heals.

Days 48 and 49 120512

Day 48 and it was an off day. Good thing because I got clipped by a touch of the flu. Airborne and Theraflu helped me through the day.

Breakfast was oatmeal. Lunch was 3 mini homemade runzas and a vanilla yogurt. Sups was a turkey and roast beef club and regular chips. I had a chocolate chip granola bar for dessert.

Day 49 and I walked one mile at twilight. Still a little under the weather but the walk helped clear my head. The hills were hard on my legs.

The weather was 54, partly cloudy and very windy. The wind was out of the south so it was initially in my face then at my back on the return trip. Pushed me to finish in 25 minutes.

I had oatmeal for breakfast. Lunch was a spinach salad with shredded cheddar cheese and raspberry vinaigrette plus a vanilla yogurt. I had a banana for an afternoon snack. Sups was a turkey, pea and noodle casserole. I had a chocolate chip granola bar for dessert. 

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 43

Days 46 and 47 120312

Day 46 was actually an off day but did get plenty of walking in when we took the girls to the zoo.

For breakfast I had honey nut crispy oats. Lunch was a double cheeseburger and fries. Sups was 3 homemade mini runzas.

Day 47 and I walked a mile. It was one of those days where I had to talk myself into walking but didn't feel up to two. There were a few new houses that had Christmas decorations up. That lifted my spirits a bit.

For breakfast it was honey nut crispy oats. Lunch was 3 of the mini homemade runzas and a vanilla yogurt. Had an orange as an afternoon snack. Sups was a bowl of vegetable soup.

It was a weigh in day and the scale read 219.

weight lost: 0 total lost: 5

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 42

Day 44 and 45 120112

I rested on day 44. It was a weigh in day and the scale read 219.

Pounds lost: 1 Total lost: 5

For breakfast I had oatmeal. Lunch was spaghetti and turkey meatballs plus vanilla yogurt. I had a few chocolate covered vanilla wafers in the afternoon. Sups was a grilled chicken sandwich and onion rings.

On day 45 I walked two miles late afternoon. It was after a rain so the footing on the concrete was a little slick. I believe it was the first time I did this walk under these conditions and I had to go a little slower because I did feel myself slip a few times. It took 29 minutes.

The weather was 54, dark clouds and a slight wind. On the first mile it seemed like it could start raining again at any moment. On the second mile the sun did peek out for a few minutes.

For breakfast I had oatmeal. Lunch was a roastbeef and cheese sandwich. For sups I had a few pieces of supreme pizza while watching football along with a mix of peanuts, almonds and candy corn. Later I had a few chocolate chip cookies.

miles walked today: 2

total miles: 41

Days 42 and 43 112912

I rested on day 42. I plan on resting every other day for the foreseeable future. 

For breakfast I had honey nut crispy oats. Lunch was a turkey and swiss sandwich. I had some cashews as an afternoon snack. Sups was a tuna sandwich and chicken noodle soup.

I walked two miles on day 43 at twilight. The hills were especially unforgiving today and I cherished the few flat stretches. I was pitch black when I finished and it wasn't easy to see the sidewalk where a couple street lights were out.

It was 45, mostly cloudy and calm. It was borderline gloves weather and I didn't have any on. I had to put them in the pouch of my hoodie a few times.

For breakfast I had oatmeal. Lunch was spinach salad with cheddar cheese and raspberry vinaigrette and a vanilla yorgurt. I had an orange for an afternoon snack. Sups was spaghetti with turkey meatballs. I had a chocolate chip granola bar for dessert. 

miles walked today: 2

total miles: 39

Day 41 112712

Day 41 and I walked one mile today. Trying to ease my way back into it. Walked at a casual pace and finished in 26 minutes.

The temp was 40, partly cloudy and a slight breeze out of the south at twilight. The wind was at my back the second half. I could make out a full moon through the clouds.

For breakfast I had honey nut crispy oats. Lunch was the last of the meatloaf, mac n cheese and vanilla yogurt. I had an orange as an afternoon snack. Sups was two hamburgers and  sweet potatoes. I had a chocolate chip granola bar for dessert.

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 37

Day 40 112612

Day 40 and I got back on track and walked one mile today. I was lucky enough to avoid the flu but the rest of my household took a few days to recover. It put a damper on Thanksgiving as I was the only one to attend out family get together. I wouldn't say I'm rebooting the project because I'm not starting over but will be building on what I've already done. I tried to dial back a bit and take a more casual pace. My right calf was feeling its best best since I had tweaked it doing stairs that day. Still returned after 24 minutes.

The temp was 29 at the start with a clear sky at twilight. I was bundled but the chill was still noticeable. A breeze picked up out of the north the last quarter mile. I didn't check the wind chill but the temp had already dropped to 25.

For breakfast I had honey nut toasty oats. Lunch was meatloaf, mac n cheese and vanilla yogurt. I had an orange for an afternoon snack. Sups was meatloaf and mac n cheese again since there were so many left overs.

Being Monday I weighed in and the scale said 220. Coming off Thanksgiving that was not too surprising to gain three pounds. It was also motivation to get back out there.

Pounds lost: (3 gained) Total lost: 4

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 36

pause

This project is on pause while I tend to my youngest who has the flu.

Day 39 111512

Day 39 and I did a two mile walk at twilight. Today was one of those days were I had no interest in walking but did it anyway. I was tired before I started. I was feeling discomfort in my shins and high ankles around the half mile so I slowed down although it took until the turn at the mile before I felt better. My left knee did twinge some so that is new. The third hill seemed steeper than it had been. The games your mind plays when you are tired. I had planned on taking tomorrow off from walking and this clinched it. No stairs either.

The weather was 49, mostly cloudy and windy. After the mile turn the wind picked up out of the west.

For breakfast it was honey nut crispy oats. I had plain chicken breast, green bean casserole and vanilla yogurt for lunch. An orange was my afternoon snack. For sups it was pancakes and sausages. 

miles walked today: 2

total miles: 35

Days 37 and 38 111412

On day 37 it was early afternoon when I realized my schedule would not allow me to get a walk in so I decided to do some stairs. I did two sets of four flights of stairs an hour apart. On the way down on the second set my legs started to feel rubbery.

For breakfast I had oatmeal. Lunch was plain chicken breast, green bean casserole and vanilla yogurt. I had a banana as an afternoon snack. Sups was box tie pasta with spaghetti sauce and turkey meatballs.

On day 38 I did a two mile walk at twilight. I was really feeling it in my calves as I reached the half mile point. When I hit 1.5 miles I wished I had taken the previous day off rather than doing the stairs. It certainly does work different muscles but it might be good to use that as cross training.

The weather was 47, overcast and slightly windy.

For breakfast I had honey nut crispy oats. For lunch I had turkey, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green beans and a piece of pie. It was an early Thanksgiving special. For sups I had turkey stroganoff and corn.

miles walked today: 2

total miles: 33

Day 36 111212

Day 36 and I did one mile at twilight. It was the third day of walking in a row and the heel seems to be feeling good. We'll see how the week progresses.

The weather was 39, clear and a slight breeze. It may have been a few degrees warmer than yesterday but it was downright toasty when the windchill wasn't dipping below freezing. 

For breakfast I had oatmeal. Lunch was cheese burger mac n cheese, peas and vanilla yogurt. I had an orange as an afternoon snack. Sups was a couple pieces of pepperoni pizza and some pumpkin spice chex mix.

Monday is a weigh in day and the scale read 217.

Weight loss: 0 Total loss: 7

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 31

Day 35 111112

Day 35 and I did a one mile walk late afternoon. The walk went fine other than battling the elements. I returned after 27 minutes.

The weather was 32, windy and mostly sunny. It was the coldest day so far and I wished I had been able to get out earlier to take advantage of radiant heat from the sun. When I started out the sun was just above the tree line and on the return it was behind the trees. The wind was out of the north and I had to put my hood up over my baseball cap less than a quarter in. I wore gloves for the first time because I had seen the wind chill was 22.

For breakfast I had scrambled eggs with salsa wrapped in a flour tortilla. For lunch I had turkey meatballs in gravy and crescent rolls. I had pumpkin spice chex mix as an afternoon snack. Sups was chicken breast with BBQ sauce and green bean casserole.

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 30

Days 33 and 34 111012

Day 33 was a planned day of rest to heal. It was a weigh in day and the scale read 217.

Weight loss: 1 Total Loss: 7

For breakfast I had oatmeal. Lunch was a roast beef and turkey sub on seven grain and a bag of regular potato chips. In the afternoon I had grapes and a few cashews as a snack. Sups was spaghetti with turkey meatballs. I did also have a couple Jack and Cokes after the 9 to 5 gig.

Day 34 and I had a one mile walk at night. I could tell I was pressing to much in the beginning because I felt it in my shins and upper ankles. I backed off to a more comfortable pace. There are a lot of uneven sloping sidewalks on the route and I found it easier to walk the top of the sidewalk. I find it more natural to have my left at the normal level and be extending with the right leg rather than having my right normal and the left stride being short.

The weather was 69, very windy and clear. The wind seemed to be from the west at the start and was from the south as I finished. It might have been the last really nice year of the year.

For breakfast I had oatmeal. At lunch I had a chicken sandwich with bacon and some chocolate milk. If I don't mention it my usual drink of choice is either water or unsweetened iced tea. I the afternoon I had some jalapeno poppers while watching football. Sups was turkey meatballs in gravy.

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 29

Day 32 110812

Day 32 and I did one mile today. Only did one mile because I don't want to over do it and aggravate my right heel again. Tomorrow I already plan to rest it and not walk.

The weather was 53, mostly cloudy and calm at twilight. 

For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was a spinach salad with shredded cheddar and raspberry vinaigrette plus vanilla yogurt. I had grapes as an afternoon snack. For sups it was cheeseburger mac n cheese and peas.   

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 28

Days 29 30 and 31 110712

Day 29 started with the frustrating realization that I had aggravated my right heel again. I had tried walking in my boots again with the inserts I had bought on Sunday. I felt fine during the walk and thought the inserts worked fine only to learn the truth Monday morning. The pain wasn't as severe with the previous injury and I didn't have a limp so I knew the recovery time would be quicker. I also showed the importance of proper foot-ware. I'll likely be pitching the boots.

For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was two turkey burgers and vanilla yogurt. I had a banana as an afternoon snack. For sups it was chicken mixed with cream of chicken soup over mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Monday was a weigh in day and the scale showed 218 again. No weight loss again but I am noticing a difference in the mirror in my face and neck. Plus I have been able to tighten my belt by one loop.

Weight loss: 0 Total loss: 6

Day 30 and I held off walking to heal another day.

For breakfast I had honey nut crispy oats. For lunch I had a spinach salad with shredded cheddar cheese and raspberry vinaigrette plus vanilla yogurt. I had a banana for an afternoon snack. For sups it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs.

Day 31 I did take a one mile walk. I donned the Dr Scholls and made my way out as soon as I got home. I made sure not to push too much and pulled up on the reigns because I don't want to be put down like the horse in True Grit.

The weather was 49, mostly cloudy and a slight breeze at twilight. Still getting used to the time change.

For breakfast it was honey nut crispy oats. For lunch it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs. I had a banana as an afternoon snack. For sups it was french toast and scrambled eggs.

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 27

Day 28 110412

Day 28 and I did a two mile walk in the mid afternoon. Today I confirmed what I noticed last night that I neglected to see that there is another hill near the start of my route. It is not as pronounced and obvious as the other two but there is certainly a gradual incline coming and going from an apex. So there are three hills on my two mile route. I felt really good today although my legs started to get heavy around the 1.5 mile mark. I finished in 43 minutes.

The weather was 57, overcast and a slight breeze out of the south. I saw at times the sun attempted to push through only to have the clouds get thicker each time. 

For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was two cheeseburgers and fries. For sups it was two turkey burgers and cheetos. I had a handful of candy corn afterward.

miles walked today: 2

total miles: 26

Days 26 and 27 110312

Day 26 turned into an off day. My intended window didn't work into the schedule of others.

For breakfast I had honey nut toasted oats. For lunch it was chicken parm with egg noodles and green beans. I had cashews as an afternoon snack. For sups it was a cheeseburger, a chicken sandwich, fries and confetti cake for dessert.

Being Friday it was a weigh in day. The scale read 218 again. Disappointing but not surprising considering the extra sweets taken in during Halloween week. Trying to get back on the right path food-wise.

Weight loss: 0 Total loss: 6

Day 27 and I did a two mile walk at night. There were some nice smells in the air as I could tell a couple people in the neighborhood were grilling. As I walked by one driveway I could even pick up the scent of a cigar smoker who had recently been there. Walks like that are much more enjoyable than trash day.

The weather was 43, clear and calm. I believe it was the coldest day yet and three layers may be the norm until I start wearing a heavier coat when the temp drops. I was thankful for the lack of wind.

For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was a chicken sandwich. I had a handful of peanuts in the shell as an afternoon snack. For sups it was two ground turkey softshell tacos. I later had a handful of candy corn.


miles walked today: 2



total miles: 24

Days 24 and 25 110112

Day 24 was Halloween. Although did some walking following the girls as they went from house to house it was more stop and start so I'm not logging that time. 

For breakfast I had a vanilla yogurt and a breakfast drink. For lunch it was a swiss and mushroom Runza and fries. I had a half dozen bite size candy bars through out the afternoon. Isn't it law that you eat candy on Halloween? For sups it was chili and a faux mummy which was half a hotdog wrapped in a crescent roll. Had a piece of confetti cake for dessert.

Day 25 and I did a two mile walk as soon as I got home. I did start to sweat before I hit the one mile point and wondered if it was due to exercise or the three layers I had on. The hills really kicked me today but I think I get more out of it than just a flat route. I did the 2 miles in 45 minutes.

The weather was 49, mostly cloudy and a slight breeze out of the north. As I made the return on the second mile the wind picked up and I was thankful for the third layer. 

For breakfast it was vanilla yogurt and a breakfast drink again. For lunch I had grapes, a banana, pumpkin puree and pears. It was the first time trying pumpkin and pears mixed together and the flavor of the pears was muted too much by the pumpkin. I like pumpkin and pineapple better because the pineapple offers an nice distinctive contrast to the pumpkin. For sups it was chicken parm over egg noodles and green beans. Had a piece of confetti cake for dessert.


miles walked today: 2


total miles: 22

Day 23 103012

Day 23 and I got a night walk for a mile in. I felt pretty good but was really feeling it in my quads on the uphill approaching the turnaround. My feet are still feeling fine.

The weather was 47, a slight wind and clear. The full moon was as big as ever the night before Halloween. 

For breakfast I had a couple cinnamon rolls. For lunch it was chili and pumpkin pasta. Finishing off two leftovers in on meal. For an afternoon treat I had a handful of candy corn. For sups it was two ground turkey softshell tacos.


miles walked today: 1

total miles: 20

Days 18 19 20 21 and 22 102912

On day 18 my body started to rebel big time. Specifically when I woke up that morning I could hardly put any pressure on my right foot without pain shooting through my right heel. I was miserable all day as I hobbled around so I went to Walmart and got insert supports and a pair of Dr Scholls shoes. That same evening I could start feeling a difference and could start putting pressure on the heel. By the afternoon of Day 19 I was feeling much better and intended to continue walking. Then I let my wife talk me into taking the time off to recover until I could walk without a limp and pain free. She thought I had pushed myself too hard but I think it was a combination of the worn out shoes I initially started with, not enough support in the new boots and over compensating for the toe injury. During day 18 I thought I would be out for weeks but thanks to the Dr Scholls shoes I was back on track after only four days off.

Day 19 was a Monday which made it a weigh in day. The scale read 218.

Weight loss: 1 pound Total loss: 6

For breakfast on day 18 I had chocolate Cherrios. For lunch it was a spinach salad with shredded cheese and raspberry vinaigrette and vanilla yogurt. I had cashews for an afternoon snack. For sups it was a cheese burger, a chicken sandwich and fries.

On day 19 I had oatmeal for breakfast. For lunch I had grapes, carrots, a banana and pumpkin seeds. It was more cashews for an afternoon snack. For sups it was a turkey sandwich and fries.

Day 20 and it was oatmeal and a breakfast drink for breakfast. For lunch I had three pieces of pizza and birthday cake. For sups I went to football party and had a bowl of chili, tortilla chips with nacho cheese and refried beans, four chocolate chip cookies and a brownie. That was pretty good restraint for me during an event during food season.

For breakfast on day 21 it was honey nut crispy oats. For lunch it was pumpkin pasta. Had a cup of peanuts in the shell for an afternoon snack. It was a bowl of chili for sups.

Back on track on day 22 and I got in a one mile walk today. The new shoes made it one of the most enjoyable walks to date. I tried to keep at a medium pace and only felt a little soreness in my legs. I finished in 28 minutes.

The weather was 56, sunny and windy. The sun was just above the tree line and fairly pleasant. I'd say that the leaves are about ninety percent off the trees.

For breakfast I had a bowl of sliced grapes, apples and bananas. For lunch it was two pieces of pizza. In the afternoon it was a cup of peanuts in the shell. For sups it was a bowl of one of my kids' cereals with colored marshmallows. 

Being Monday I weighed in. The scale still said 218.

Weight loss: 0 Total loss: 6


miles walked today: 1

total miles: 19

Day 17 102412

Day 17 and the day almost got away before I got a late one mile walk in. It was the latest I'd been out and the street lights seemed brighter than ever. Except for those stretches where the lights were out and I could barely make out the sidewalk. I was glad I made the effort to get out rather than skip it. It only takes about half an hour to do a mile or 27 minutes like today.

The weather was 51, cloudy and calm at the start. Soon I could feel a chill on my hands as a breeze gradually developed out of the north. Just as the other night I was walking directly into the wind after the turn and it increased in intensity. Seems like we were going from summer to autumn to winter within the same 24 hours.

For breakfast it was chocolate Cheerios again. For lunch it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs. I had a few cashews for an afternoon snack and snagged a couple bite size candy bars. I did pass on the cake desserts some one had placed out. For sups it was four soft shell tacos.


miles walked today: 1

total miles: 18

Day 16 102312

Day 16 and I walked one mile today. I almost fell asleep after sups but forced myself to get up and out of the house. My legs felt heavy at times but I was doing much better than yesterday. My body was relieved that I didn't do two miles for a third day in a row. Some day in the near future.

The weather was 66 and mostly sunny. Don't know how many t-shirt days there will be left. The leaves seem to be evenly split between on the trees and on the ground.

For breakfast I had chocolate Cheerios for breakfast. Cereal tends to be the morning choice on days that are rushed. For lunch it was chicken tortilla soup and a peanut butter and nutella sandwich. The sandwich was originally meant for my daughter but she decided she liked what was on the hot lunch menu. I had a handful of grapes for an afternoon. For sups I had two egg and sausage burritos.



miles walked today: 1

total miles: 17

Day 15 102212

Day 15 and I walked two miles for the second day in a row. I know already I'm not ready to do it three straight yet. The toe is some what better but I know trying to compensate is affecting my gait. There were times I was feeling a twinge in my right hip. I felt much better going up hill. Mile one to 1.5 was the most comfortable because that is the most up hill stretch. Going downhill requires more muscle straining as I try to stabilize and maintain my balance. It was one of the most trying days to date.

The weather was 61 and overcast in the early evening. There was a threat of rain as the slight breeze carried that pre-storm scent. It had rained off and on the previous night and wet leaves forced me to walk with caution at times. I did the two miles in 47 minutes.

For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was chicken tortilla soup and vanilla yogurt. I had some grades and cashews as a mid afternoon snack. For sups it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs.

Since its Monday its a weigh in day. The scale read 219. A little disappointing for no loss but have to keep in mind had last weighed in on other side of the weekend.

weight loss: 0 total weight loss: 5



miles walked today: 2

total miles: 16

Day 14 102112

Day 14 and I did a two mile walk at night. I did have a misstep off a curb early in the walk which set my bad toe throbbing. It started to subside and then had a stinging sensation for awhile. By the half mile mark it started to feel better and I powered on. Just after the mile turn I thought I heard geese honking over head. There was the faintest hint of twilight so maybe the masses were begging the leader it was time to set down. 

The weather was 71, a slight breeze and mostly cloudy as the moon tried to shine through but no stars in sight. Not sure if this would be considered Indian Summer since its last October but I thought we did have a freeze in the last couple weeks. Trying to enjoy it while I can. I did the two miles in 45 minutes.

For breakfast it was chocolate Cheerios. For lunch it was chicken tortilla soup and an eggroll. Trying to clear the leftovers out of the fridge. I did have a cup of peanuts in the shell for a snack in the afternoon. For sups I had three tacos.


miles walked today: 2

total miles: 14

Days 10 11 12 and 13 102012

Day 10 I got my walk in mid afternoon before going to what might have been the last Nighthawks game. I did one mile due to schedule limitations. Plus I knew I'd be doing plenty more walking around the stadium. I did enjoy the autumn scenery 

The weather was 68 and overcast but the rain didn't start until later that night.

For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was vegetable beef stew, vanilla yogurt and a piece of pumpkin pie. For sups I had two hot dogs at the stadium and two tacos on the way home after.

miles walked: 1

total miles: 11

The next day I had off to help move some furniture including some heavy oak pieces. I did end up injuring my big toe which hampered the next couple days. The toe got a steady regimen of anti bacterial cream, pain relievers and rest. I didn't get out for a walk that day due to the toe plus I could hardly move after the heavy lifting.

For breakfast that day I just had a chocolate chip granola bar because I didn't want to feel sluggish for all the activity that day. I did have a banana for a mid morning snack. After the move I had goulash for lunch. That night for sups it was a swiss and mushroom Runza, fries and iced tea.

I wasn't able to walk on day 12 either as I tried to heal and rest. It felt like a lost day. Since it was Friday it was a weigh in day. The scale read 219.

For breakfast it was honey nut toasted oats. For lunch it was a roast beef and cheese sandwich and vanilla yogurt. For sups it was Beijing chicken on steamed rice and an egg roll.

Weight loss: 1 pound Total weight loss: 5

Today I got back on the proverbial horse and walked a mile at night. I went and got a new pair of hiking boots and they seemed to help with the concrete terrain much better than my worn out shoes. The toe throbbed a bit but seemed better toward the end.

The weather was 57 and mostly clear as I could make out a few stars.

For breakfast I had chocolate Cheerios. For lunch it was Beijing chicken and an egg roll. For sups it was chicken tortilla soup. I also had a handful of candy corn and a smores.


miles walked today: 1

total miles: 12

Day Nine 101612

Day nine and I reached two milestones. I walked two miles for the first time in this journey and my total reached double digits. The initial jump from one mile to two was huge in more ways than one. The additional stretch has another hill so now there are two good sized hills on the route. When I was about the quarter mark of the second mile I could really feel the sweat on the back of my head and neck. My legs started to get heavy at 1.5 miles. The last quarter I could feel it in my shoulders and upper back. First two miles done in 58 minutes.

The day was a hot one for October hitting the upper 70s so I held off to walking a couple hours after dinner time. It was the latest I had walked so far and what a difference a few hours makes. The weather was 60 with a slight breeze and the gathering clouds refused to show any stars. Yet it was probably the perfect temp to be walking in .

Breakfast was outside the norm consisting of two eggs, three sausages, diced potatoes, an english muffin and orange juice. Out with friends for breakfast. Lunch was vegetable beef stew and a vanilla yogurt. I had a banana as an afternoon snack. For sups it was pepperoni bites topped with spaghetti sauce and a slice of wheat bread. 

miles walked today: 2

total miles: 10

Day Eight 101512

Day eight and I got my walk out of the way as soon as I got home. I was really dragging during the commute but the walk really invigorated me. A good start to week two.

The weather was 72, sunny and wind out of the south. I was walking into the wind on the way out and had it to my back on the return. I did it in 26 minutes.

For breakfast I had oatmeal mixed with ground flax seeds. For lunch I had two pieces of cheeseburger pizza, applesauce and vanilla yogurt. Some one brought in a tray of cookies so I had two chocolate chip cookies in lieu of my afternoon snack. For sups I had turkey meatloaf and pumpkin mac n cheese plus a carmel apple with peanuts for dessert.

Today was a weigh in day and the scale showed 220. Weight loss : 1

Total weight loss: 4

miles walked today: 1 

total miles: 8

Day Seven 101412

Day seven and it was another night time walk. It was a busy Sunday and wasn't able to get out until after dinner time. When I started walking I thought that night walks will likely be common once we hit winter. Or at least they'll be dark due to the time change coming. Walking at night does seem more peaceful and me and the sun no longer have a friendly relationship.

It almost touched 70 today so I figured I could still get out with a t-shirt and jeans. The weather during the walk was 63 with a slight breeze. There was a slight chill but fairly enjoyable. I usually try to do the walk before sups but today was after and it felt like it was slowing me down. Surprised when I got back in 25 minutes.

For breakfast I had the honey nut crispy oats. Lunch was a big bowl of homemade vegetable beef stew. In the afternoon I did have half a cup of candy corns. Tis the season and they are one of my favs. For sups it was a couple pieces of homemade cheeseburger pizza on thin wheat crust.


miles walked today: 1 

total miles: 7

Day Six 101312

Day six and I got my walk in after we were out running errands. One of the tasks was shopping for Halloween costumes and we stopped for lunch. There was a threat of rain all day.

The weather on the walk was 68 and overcast. The humidity was noticeable but not bad like it would be at a higher temp. I half expected to get caught in a downpour. 

I had leftover spaghetti and turkey meatballs for breakfast. Hey its the weekend. For lunch we stopped at KFC and tried the boneless chicken they've been advertising along with cottage fries, a biscuit and unsweetened ice tea. The rest of the world calls them chicken strips. After a week of eating mostly healthy it laid there like a bowling ball for a few hours. For sups I had to eat light and had a spinach salad topped with shredded cheddar cheese and raspberry vinaigrette.


miles walked today: 1 

total miles: 6

Day Five 101212

Day five and I got my walk in and then we went to the Nighthawks game at Ameritrade Park. Walking from the parking lot to the stadium we got plenty of walking in and I was up and down the stadium stairs a few times. Those extra steps count too.

On my mile walk the weather was 55 and overcast. Since there was no sun I initially thought I didn't need my sunglasses. But I didn't get very far before the strain was too much and I went back for the sunglasses and my hat. I did the mile in 27 minutes.

For breakfast it was honey nut crispy oats and a breakfast drink. For lunch I had herb encrusted tilapia with red peppers and vanilla yogurt again. I had a chocolate chip granola bar as an afternoon snack. Sups was at the stadium where I had chicken strips, fries and unsweetened iced tea.

Being Friday it is a weigh in day. The scale said 121. Weight loss 3 pounds.


miles walked today: 1 (official)

total miles: 5

Day Four 101112

Day four and I was back to walking solo. We had an activity at the girls' school and by the time we got back it was too late for them to be out. That led to the new experience of this week of walking at night. 

The weather was 54, dark and windy. As I was heading out I could feel the wind on my cheeks. When I turned around for the second half I was heading directly in the wind out of the north that was somewhat bracing. Somehow I still did the walk in 25 minutes.

For breakfast I changed it up and had honey-nut crispy oats. The store brand cousin to the Bee. For lunch it was herb encrusted tilapia with red peppers and vanilla yogurt. I had a banana and some almonds for an afternoon snack. For sups it was a couple slices of hamburger pizza at the school. 

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 4

Day Three 101012

Day three and the tag-a-longs decided to join me for the walk again. I think it will be their last day for awhile. They made it the longest mile.

The weather was enjoyable at 57 and mostly sunny. I didn't feel it while walking but after day three I'm feeling some soreness. Body needs to adjust.

For breakfast it was oatmeal again. I like it and its supposed to be good for cholesterol. For lunch it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs and vanilla yogurt. Lunch is often leftovers from the previous night.   It was herb encrusted tilapia with red peppers for sups. Guess what's for lunch tomorrow?

There was a tempting candy dish today. Instead of making several return trips I just took two bite size chocolates on my only trip. I tried to savor the delicious milk chocolate by letting it melt in my mouth. Indulging in moderation.

miles walked today: 1

total miles: 3 

Day Two 100912

Second day in and the kids threw a curve ball by insisting that they come along. So my two daughters, 5 and 7, went the entire one mile with me. It wasn't as fun as they thought it would be. 

The weather was 55 and overcast at the start then the sun came out about quarter of the way. The girls had boundless energy and were running and walking. I had to keep reigning them in. We still did it in 28 minutes.

For the day I ate fairly healthy. Oatmeal for breakfast. Skinless chicken breast with BBQ sauce, broccoli and vanilla yogurt for lunch. Spaghetti with turkey meatballs for sups. 

Miles walked today: 1

Total miles: 2 

Day One 100812

There, I did it. I got home from my primary job and figured I'd get the first walk out of the way. The weather was nearly perfect at 68 degrees and mostly sunny. I changed my clothes and away I went.

Funny thing is you can walk around all day long but when you go to walk with a purpose you almost forget how to do it. Clop. Clop. Clop. That doesn't seem right. It took a few steps to find my stride.

I went out a little too fast initially and started to feel a strain in my lower shins. Used to make the same mistake back when I started running too. I slowed to a more comfortable pace and the discomfort went away. 

There is something magical about reaching the half way point. You have a sense of relief and the return trip seems easier some how. There was one hill on the route I took but it wasn't too taxing. 

I completed my first walk of one mile in 28 minutes. I wasn't trying to set any records. It just gives me a good benchmark of how much time to devote going forward. 

Since its Monday I did weigh myself this morning. The scale revealed that I'm at 224 pounds. The glimpse in the mirror was less than flattering as I carried the weight on my 5 foot 9.5 inch frame. I know what I'm starting with and its up to me to mold and sculpt this body into a healthier one.

Miles walked today: 1

Total miles: 1

pre launch

Tomorrow I am rebooting my life. A big part of that will be increasing my exercise and activity to get healthier. Earlier this year I made an effort to lose weight based on diet alone. Over four months I lost 17 pounds from my highest ever weight of 233 at the beginning of the year. I have since gained some of that back.

A large component of my new life style will be putting one foot in front of the other as I start a walking program. I mentioned this to my doctor and got an encouraging green light. I went in for a check up a couple weeks ago to see where my baseline is. I thought the initial reading of my blood pressure at 124/74 would set the positive standard of my other tests. In the past I've had cholesterol issues and my previous reading had things going in the right direction. But a couple days after my doctor visit I learned that my cholesterol had reversed course. My HDL or "good cholesterol" had not improved from being too low and my triglycerides sky rocketed. So now I'm on Niaspan and low dosage aspirin.

At 45 its not too late to get things back under control. Its not that I have an aversion to activity. I grew up playing baseball and basketball. In adulthood that became softball and sand volleyball. After college I took up running and trained for a few 5 K and 10 K races at the encouragement of friends. The last 10 K I did I had the goal of doing it under one hour. I'm not a natural runner and have tree trunk legs so it is a task to move this mass. I missed the goal by one minute and continued running for a few more months until I was doing 7.5 miles. I was 32 at the time and in the best shape of my life. Winter came and my running went on hiatus until spring. That spring I made it out a few times until I developed a stress fracture in my left foot and basically ended my running career. 

That left softball and sand volleyball as my main outlets for exercise with the occasional bowling or golf outing thrown in. Then in 2005 I had a melanoma removed from my right pectoral and that ended my time in the sun. It derailed me more ways than one but exercise fell off the priority list for a long time. Now it is time to change that. 

Tomorrow I'm starting with one mile. I know the half mile point away from our house and for the first week I will walk there and back each day. After the first week I hope to build from there. The postal credo has them delivering in all weather and my intention is to do the same. 

This blog will be daily updates on my walks and a tally of the cumulative walks. I will weigh myself on Monday and Friday of each week which is something I already do. If I happen to eat something healthy I may include that too along with any additional exercise I may add. 

First steps are tomorrow.