Week 11

Where do I start?  Usually I just write about the week not the weekends....but there was some crazy stuff going on..On Saturday I volunteered for a local cancer camp, Camp Discovery, to help raise funds for the non profit organization.  Twenty one of us volunteered to run the gates at a Brewfest in Idaho Falls ( a mere two and half hour drive--one way!)..about 6,000 people went through the gates....and of course being busy in the hot sun a few beers needed to be tested....those damn little glasses....you never know how much was tested (I am taking a counter next year!).   Sunday was two long walks with the dogs and than a late nine hole golf round. 

Monday I could not drag myself out of bed....I wonder why?  Golfed ladies night...I do enjoy that silly game...walked the golf course.

Tuesday up and out the door by 5am.  Using the resistant band, the benches and work out areas for 45 minutes.  If felt good....just being outside.  Zumba class again Tuesday night...getting better, still shaking everything but sweating a little less.  I was very happy when I saw sweat rolling off the best in-shape dancer!

Up and out on Wednesday morning. My eyes are adjusted to what should be and should not be on the island.  As I was walking/running I noticed a small object that was in the field...that was not there the day before.  I truly hoping it was not a skunk as the dogs took off...luckily it was only a very large raccoon that could run fast!


Thursday I was out the door after locating the crazy cat. It is getting a bit tricky at the Island where I walk.  The river is flowing fast and is on the raise.  The center of the island is filling up with water making it a great place for birds. Today while exercising the dogs took off chasing ducks.....funny sight seeing my short legged dogs dashing through water so early in the morning...and yes they stink when they get home!

Week 10

Goodness, another eventful week of walking/jogging.  Monday was a holiday...did not get up to run but played 27 holes of golf (yes, I walked the course!).  


Tuesday was up early to walk/jog/exercise around the island.  Felt good to be outside...the sun is peaking over the Continental divide earlier and earlier each morning. Tuesday night was "Zumba" night...did not know I had so much to shake!!!  And shake I did..everything shook.

Wednesday was the more intense day of walking/running....almost ran a mile..the damn asthma keeps slowing me down.  The craziest thing that happen on Wednesday...I thought I heard a man screaming....(raspy, deep scream) at 5:30am on the island but it ended up being a frighten Great Blue Heron flying for his/her life from an angry Osprey.  The Great Blue Heron with its huge wing span darting from one side of the river to the other...flying low, flying high with the Osprey in attack mode flying with it.  I wished the Great Blue luck as I watched them fly up the river. 

When I wake up in the morning to walk I usually wake up at 4am toss and turn until it is time to get ready.  On Thursday I had a reprieve from walking....a wild, strong lightening and thunder storm rolled through the valley at 4am.  The lightening was intense...lighting the whole house each time it struck...the thunder shaking the house...the dogs hiding under the bed.  I thought it might be a brief storm but the hail came next and than the rain.  Sweet, sweet warm bed..rolled over to sleep in.

Woke up late on Friday...4:50am but I was still out the door by 5am....glad I don't need coffee in the morning to get me going.  The birds are singing now that it is lighter outside.  Enjoyed the time outside...another mile almost ran.  I am still walking/running 2.5 miles a day but I would really rather run the whole time.  Maybe someday it will happen.  But I am proud of myself  anyway just getting outside everyday. 

Week 9

The week started off well but ended off poorly. Monday....out bright an early...sneaking away from the house so the cat doesn't follow me to the park.  Dogs excited but I am nervous because the river is on the rise and the dogs are not "river smart" or swim well.  I am thinking of getting doggy life jackets for them for the walks.  Tuesday...another early day but no time for a walk...took off to Missoula with a great friend...ended doing an epic shopping trip at Costco..three flat bed carts and two regular carts full---loaded into a small Toyota truck. Wednesday..too tired to get up to walk....dogs not impressed. Found a great old fashion push reel lawn mower....mowed the lawn...drank a beer ..took a nap/went to bed early, really early.  Thursday...forced my self to exercise/walk the dogs..river roaring, felt good to be outside. Friday..did not get up AGAIN to walk...the after effects of last night card game took its toll...getting too old to hang the big guys...need to learn moderation..there will be beer tomorrow..at least somewhere to drink. 

Week 8

So, not to bore my lack of readers I plan to only write once a week now.  I am still trying to be a runner...not sure when that will happen.  I am impressed with any athlete that runs with asthma. I think I should just hook myself up to an oxygen tank when I run.

I am changing up my little "running" program a bit.  Run/walk three times a week, and exercise/walk/run two days a week. I am going to use the exercise equipment around the dog park to do pull ups, back extensions, squats, dips, use park benches to do step ups plus numerous exercises with a resistance band....now I am looking really strange on my walks.

I love going to end of the island..the water rushing on either side..taking a deep breath...doing the "Warrior"..a small moment of mediation before the dogs jump on me because I am not moving...they haven't pushed me in the water yet. The other morning I startled a Great Blue Heron..what an amazing place I live.

Week 7-Friday

I think the dogs know which days we walk.  They are ready to go when I put my shoes on.  The weather is turning to Spring finally.  My walks are going well...still the running part evades me but just a little bit at a time.  I might have to start earlier in the morning...it is getting light out by the time I am home...someone might see me...YIKES.  Off to golf in the sunshine...no dogs and cats allowed at the golf course...should be relaxing.

Week 7-Wednesday

The knee is feeling better everyday.  Just going slow around the island.  Playing a little golf during the week, a few hikes to hot springs, and walks in the hills. 

Week 7-Monday

Feeling better each time I go out to run.  I am still unable to run a mile..but will keep trying.  I guess I need to learn how to run with asthma...it is sad when your legs tell you are able to run but your lungs decide not to help you.  I huff and I puff like the little engine that could...so i will keep huffing and puffing...and keep moving.

Week 6-Friday

The weather is turning warmer...only about 36 degrees in the morning now.  It is refreshing being outside.  Nothing too exciting other than the damn cat keeps trying to run with the dogs and me.

Week 6-Wednesday

Ghosts, did I see a ghost? While on the island I was remembering reading something about being a safe runner-run with your head up, don't use earphones to listen to music, be aware of your surroundings, etc.  Nothing was said about seeing ghosts!!  While on the island walking..I saw a flash, a ghostly flash among the trees.  Hell, I know there is not anyone else on the island this early...too cold, too early, the dogs would bark,..did I see a ghost?  Took a deep breath and headed towards the "ghost".  Turning the corner I decide all the ghost was the reflection of the moon off a large aspen tree.  The mind plays great tricks!

Week 6-Monday

Starting off to a slow start.  Attempting my early walk/run routine.  I have change my route down to our local island in town.  It is wonderful feeling being outside, listening to the river rushing by the walking trail,  hearing the flight of the Canada geese overhead,  enjoying the sunrise over the Great Divide.  I thought the dirt trail would be easier on the old knee that goes around the island.

Got the dogs on the leashes, started off in the dark.  My new cat started to walk with us...did think of it much but he walked five blocks...told him to go home...tried to chase him but without success, ended walking back to the house with the cat running beside us, locking him in the house so the dogs and I could continue...made us a bit late but still had a good walk.  Now I know to look for the evil cat and lock him in the house...would hate to have an owl swoop down on him for breakfast!

Week 5- Friday

Still off the knee..though I went golfing this week.  The knee did not like the twisting motion of a golf swing.  Played nine holes without falling...not bad.  All I wish for is to be a better golfer...not sure if that is in my future.

Week 5-Wednesday

Being kind to myself, not going out today.  The knee is being bad, hurting, buckling, swelling.  My lovely P/T therapist texted me---no running!!!  bad, very bad for knees.  Guess she really doesn't know that my "running" is merely a fast walk.

Week 5-Monday OUCH

I have lost count of the days I have been attempting to run.  Today could be my downfall.  Off and walking/running at 5am but by the time I was finishing my last lap my knee was feeling horrible...painful bad. I could not even raise my leg up to take off my sock.  OUCH! DAMN IT!  I hate getting old!!!   I don't mind pain but this was enough I took a half of a real pain killer from my knee operation..(I only took two during my surgery recovery!) yes before work and than another half at lunch...blast it all.  Not feeling good at all.

Week 4-Friday

Evil day of running.  Up and out by 5am...switched my normal route-went the opposite direction,  found it more challenging...hills everywhere!  I really could not run the time suggested by my running program...maybe it was the six mile hike I did on Sunday that made me tired, or the wind or the three deer that wanted to charge me off the road.  Not sure.

Week 4-Wednesday

The darkness hides my lack of running skills, thank goodness. This morning was pretty uneventful other than the skunk the dogs found somewhere..stinky! Dogs are getting a bath...soon!

Week 3-Monday

Monday:

Week three on learning how to run...why should an overweight, asthmatic, mother of two try to learn how to run? Maybe to slow down the aging process but really it is because a close dear friend said "I can see you as a walker but not a runner"...ouch! Being fairly active with golf, hockey, biking,  walking and playing I never really thought I was too out of shape.  Guess I am though.

Week 2-Friday

Friday:

Rough night of sleep...new kitty played with a mouse all night in the room...than there was the cat fight between the new kitty and the old cat of the house. One cat must have been mad because I went to pull on my running clothes and I am pretty sure one of the nice kitties peed on them! Nasty..but I rallied, found new running clothes and made it out the door.

Week 2-Wednesday

Wednesday:

Still cruising around the neighborhood at 5am....up the hill, around the neighborhood, walk/run around the local hockey rink, back up the hill. By now I know where all the motion lights are in the neighborhood----the dogs love to turn them on and the deer are on high alert watching for us.

Week 2-Monday

Monday:

Day 4---running program is now more running...what more running!?! Not sure I can do it so I am doing week 1 for a warm up followed up the week 2 program.  I sure do hate to run.

Week 1-Friday

Friday:

Not bad..on day three still trying the program. Maybe I will be able to do this program. My kids think it is funny that I am trying to run. Between knee operations, weight gain and asthma I am doing okay. But I know I will be a dark time runner...would not want to scar anyone for life if they saw me run.

Week 1-Wednesday

Wednesday:

Day two--up again before 5am...out the door...not too bad other than the crazy deer encounters. My dogs are not leashed (don't tattle please)..they love the freedom...roaming about in the dark. I startled myself by seeing things in the shadows..is the a deer? car? person? Quick grab the dogs and get leashes on them...continue to walk/run...ohh...it was only a shadow of a fence no wonder it wasn't moving. Made it home..the electronic music still beating in my mind while taking a shower. More of a walk than a run...but at least I am out.

Week 1- Monday

Monday:

Overview...listen to MP3 player instructions when to warm up, when to run, when to walk etc...basic program..AND YOU TOO WILL BE ABLE TO RUN A MILE IN A MERE 4 WEEKS! Guess I will try...what do I have to lose anyway?...maybe some sleep, maybe all that extra weight (which I will not divulge!)...maybe my sanity but it is worth a try for four weeks.

My route is 2.6 miles...up at 5am and ready to go...it is a brisk outside..32 degrees.  Dogs are an going nuts...a walk this early..really a walk?!!  Head out the door after a puff of inhaler, the electronic music beats in my ears with instructions of how to warm up, run/walk...not too bad after the inital "I can't breath" asthma attack (it might have been a panic attack..my body is not use to be moving this early!). Went through the program twice. The excerise feels good but I would not consider it running..not even close.