Vacation Walks

Saturday, June 29 - Ryan and I drove to the Philadelphia suburbs and saw my best friend Sarah and her husband Brian and talked with her for 2 hours. Then we drove a few miles to my aunt's house where my two cousins, their one friend, and some of my family were for dinner and a good night's sleep. We feasted. Then some of us somehow went on a walk. Ryan and I first went up the hill ourselves to see the sunset for a few minutes, then back - doing ~0.5 miles. As we were coming back Bridgette and Dan were heading out then my cousin Sean and friend Tony decided they would walk too and so Sean led us in the opposite direction out of the neighborhood and onto a path that led into the woods. When the place he wanted to show us was described it didn't sound like that far of a walk. When we actually walked it it was far and I wanted to go home. But I didn't. Instead I walked with them, got bit by some mosquitos in the woods, then walked back. At least the path was paved and the company was good. Walked 1.0+. Total Workout: ~0.5 + 1.-+ = 1.5 miles.

Sunday, June 30 - Drove 3 hours, due to bad driving conditions, to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for our Beach Vacation 2013! Got in, got changed, walked 1.0 to the beach. Nice, hot sun. Got feet wet in the ocean. Relaxed on the beach. Hung out there for ~2 hours then walked back 1.0. In the evening we drove to the beach area and got some ice cream. And then we swung by the Dogfish Head Brew Pub where I had sniffs of delicious-smelling beers. Total Workout: 2.0 miles

Sunday, July 1 - Rainy day then cloudy. Drove to the beach and stayed there for hours, played a Skee Ball Tournament where I learned I was bad at Skee Ball. At night we walked 0.5 miles to the Dogfish Head Brew Pub, and several delicious beers later (as consumed and stated by everyone else), walked 0.5 miles back. Total Workout: 1.0.

Wednesday, July 3 - We got to the beach around 10am. Ryan and I stayed until 4:30pm. The rest of my fam stayed until about 6pm. At 4:30pm Ryan and I decided to walk back to the hotel. It was very hot and sunny, and by the end I had wished there was an ocean I could have jumped into. Total Workout: 1.0 miles

Friday, July 5 - Back in the suburbs of Philly for my brother-in-law's wedding and wedding festivities. As Ryan was out golfing with his dad and two relatives I was at the hotel reading my book. For 2.0 miles worth of my book I was on a treadmill walking. I walked those 2.0 miles in about 38 minutes.

New Miles: 1.5 + 2.0 + 1.0  + 1.0 + 2.0 = 7.5
Total Miles: 1512.5
Weight: 142.4-146.4 (Yikes! But that's vacation for you! Nothing like encouraging a baby bump to bump out than feeding the baby overloads of food and goodies and lemonade!)

Hodge Podge Mile

Walk during lunch with the main goal of finding a shady spot to rest and rest my eyes for a few minutes. Ended up almost walking a full mile between the out and back. But it was just shy. Luckily in the evening was a Banshees practice and I remembered it was happening and I went. I ran a warm-up lap around the field, which is just under 0.25 miles - thus giving me a full mile on the day.

I also helped set up some drills, then ref'ed the scrimmage - my reffing consisted of keeping track of the time and wandering around the field watching the play and telling people good job. I "blew the whistle" twice, and one time they listened. It was nice to be out and see some old faces again along with some new ones.

The one problem is the field where they are practicing is undergoing track renovations so they have closed and locked the gates. However, there is one gate that has a large space off the ground which you can lay on the ground and climb up hill to get thru. I did that. But I don't think I'll be able to do that for much longer. Getting in isn't so bad. But getting back out is challenging. Once I am more fully-tummied I am not going to be able to contort myself so well.

New Miles: 0.85 + 0.25 = 1.0
Total Miles: 1505.0
Weight: 140.8

Lunch Walk

Walk during lunch with Matt, his suggestion. We ran into a former co-worker of ours and chatted for a few minutes. It was nice to be social and active.

New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1504.0
Weight: 141.0

I Repeat Myself

Having accomplished my goal I feel so free. Not that my journey was a burden, so it's more like the freedom of feeling like I am truly walking for me. I have been walking and running for myself, but without it going towards a goal it is like giving a humdrum mile a special status. I value and cherish this mile for what it is. It has no baggage added to it. It is a distance set before me that I do because I do it.

Lunch was sunny and around 90 degrees and so I went out and I walked 1.0 in the sun. I took a full water bottle with me. Also, just over half a mile in I found a perfect bench in the shade and took a semi-nap for 10 minutes. The walk and nap were both needed to wake me us for the afternoon.

In the evening I thought about going out shopping for sunblock. Instead I went to the track. I donned my maternity belt. I walked half a mile for warm up, stretched, drank a few sips of water, and then for 1.25 miles I did 100m on/100m off repeats of walking/running. After .5 miles of it I gave myself a water break. Then .5 later I felt a slight pain in my lower side. I ignored it for one more lap and then for another 100m, because I wanted to keep running. As I ran I hoped I was fine, as I don't want to push myself too much. Then I walked a lap, stretched, drank the rest of my water and went home. Total Workout: 2.0 miles in 2X:XX.

3.0 miles for myself today! I feel so good with my changing body and very rapidly growing baby bump. I want to stay fit and moving and healthy, especially as my body changes so I stay strong and ready for the physical challenges that lie ahead.

New Miles: 1.0 + 2.0 = 3.0
Total Miles: 1503.0
Weight: 141.4

My 1500th Mile - A Journey Complete!

With temps in the upper 80s Saturday was no day to walk. Today was barely better, but only because it was still bright and early when we all gathered round and ate breakfast and discussed walking. A number of people were on board from the first mention (Bridgette, Dan, Charlie, Rory, Devin, Alanna, Kyle), with a few hesitant participants (Emily) who were convinced to join. And one tricked participate (Sean) who has just awoken as we were heading out and was told our uncle has seen something interesting just up the road for us to check out.

Initially I had talked about doing just 1.0 miles, and got everyone on board with that. Because I know I did at least 0.5 miles walking around all weekend. But then I figured if I was going to count that I could really count a lot more and would probably have less than one mile left. So in a decision to make it even and a true, well-measured final 1.5 miles I decided we'd just walk 1.5 miles and all, except for Bridgette who agreed to my plan, would be none-the-wiser.

The day was already toasty in the sun, but luckily much of the walk was up a gravel road in the shade. How we ended up walking was in three groups, with individual and cross discussions happening. The pace was a light walk, which was well and good because the purpose was not to do it for time but for the time together. We saw a deer cross the road, a run down trailer we said was Alanna's, a half dead frog that I made fully dead (by accident, I was told I tramped on it after the fact and that Em had seen a leg twitching), and a yard with a small railroad track in it.

We reached a driveway which was 0.75 miles out from the house, and so the turn around point, and we all got a fit of the giggles and just couldn't stop laughing. It all started as we thought about what Sean must be thinking, since we never came across the interesting thing he thought he was going to see. We kept laughing for a solid minute, or even more. I never did hear what Sean's reaction was other than I believe he said, "What is happening?" as we turned around.

Dan asked what my favorite mile was, and it is a provocative question. I said, "Each one was special in its own way." in a voice not unlike a mother who has been asked to pick her favorite kid. And despite providing the quick-and-easy response for humor, there is a truth to it. I could not reach 1500 miles without each individual mile that has made up this journey. Some I loved doing for myself, some I loved to do with others, and some I did because I had to do them (for myself). Some made me think, some made me appreciate life and my abilities to walk and run, and some were a struggle. But each one contributed to my progress in getting back to me being me. I am fit. I am healthy. My life is back on track. My life has exciting opportunities ahead of me.

As Rory so insightfully pointed out - this is not my final mile, as when I finish it it's not that I would instantly be paralyzed and never able to walk again. And gratefully so! It is just the completion of a goal, set for myself and gratefully achieved. I will keep running, walking, and journeying. It's just on to the next mile.

Within a few dozen yards of the driveway, and the end point of my 1500.0 miles, the group started a slow clap. It was such a loving gesture and filled my heart with happiness and I felt the love. The clapping got faster and faster and then it died out when I still had about 6 feet to go. I said I wasn't finished yet and to keep clapping, and laughed. Rory said, "Hey. It feels like we've slowed down." And I am sure we did slow down, because when someone is slow-clapping for you see if you hurry up and complete the thing that has made them clap really loudly for you. Do you want that clapping to end any sooner than it has to? They all started clapping again and laughed -- the laughter and clapping carrying me through those last few feet.

Not everyone gets a walking ovation when they hit a milestone. Many accomplishments go unnoticed, unrecognized. And knowing that you have achieved the thing you set out to achieve is indeed rewarding in and of itself. However, if you have the chance to be with those that love and support you, it is also very nice to have your accomplishment recognized with clapping, laughter, and hugs.

On to the next mile!...

Everyone who walked my final mile with me! :) Such love!

New Miles: 1.5
Total Miles: 1500.0!
Miles Remaining: 0.0!
Weight: 142.8 (after a long, delicious weekend)

Lunch Walk & Sit

I got outside to enjoy the sunny day with temps in the upper 70s. I brought my book, determined to sit and just relax outside. I walked over to the park, sat down and read for 15 minutes. Then I got up and walked around a little bit - because as I sat I realized that I sit all day and this was my one good chance to get my blood flowing. So I got in a little bit of both - relaxing and walking.

I did just 0.5 miles but it moves me that much closer to my end point. And it has worked out that I will after all be with my family for the final mile -- so I do have the opportunity to complete my journey physically beside those who love me and support my journey.

New Miles: 0.5
Total Miles: 1498.5
Miles Remaining: 1.5
Weight: 138.2(?)

Lunch Walk

Temps in the low 70s and sunny. I got out and walked just over 1.0 miles during lunch. While I walked I thought "Why not take a minute and just sit and enjoy the outdoors?" But my feet never got the message and I just kept barreling along. Eventually I did pass the message to my feet, found a good spot to just stop and look at and enjoyed the world, sat there for 5 minutes. Then kept walking along. 

New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1498.0
Miles Remaining: 2.0
Weight: 137.8

Searching for Perfection. Finding Myself.

The day was overcast, with forecasted afternoon showers. The temp was in the low 70s. I went on a walk that was just over 1.0 miles.

I decided to walk because I decided it is silly to wait until some perfect moment to finish up my journey. I am stopping myself from being active just for the hope of a perfect final mile. Whenever I do it and however I do it it will be perfect. Why? Because it is my journey. I am doing it. Even if I am physically with people who love and support me I will still be the one going that mile. Even if I am alone I have the knowledge that there are people who love and support me. So I decided I need to stop holding onto these final miles and waiting for perfection. I should do what I do as I do.

Once I hit 1500 miles I won't be stopping, so what does it matter if my family is with me with the 1500th mile or the 1501st mile? It doesn't. It matters that I am out there doing.

New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1497.0
Miles Remaining: 3.0
Weight: 137.8

Nesting Phase

My Nesting instincts are in high gear, and have been all week. It means I haven't taken the time to finish up some miles (though I also was still searching for the best way to do my final mile, and I hadn't figured that out yet). I spent Thursday night moving bins and general stuff from a bedroom closet which I've used as general storage. Those are getting an overhaul - throwing away things I've kept but should part with and new clear storage bins. Clear ones because those kind make me happiest, or at least that is how I currently feel -- and yes, I hadn't had an opinion on this until just now when I decided to buy a bunch of new storage bins.

On Friday Ryan left me for the weekend to attend his brother's bachelor party. Which meant as soon as I came home Friday (after work and after buying said clear storage bins) I got crackin' on my weekend plans. I spent about 4 hours in the basement - moving the give away pile into Ryan's garage (he's not going to be a fan of that, but that location made me happiest), creating a garbage pile area, and adding to the cardboard recycling zone. I swept the floor. I moved all lawn equipment. I organized all yard tools. The garage looks amazing now. The general pile of stuff is gone and everything has a home. The swept floor just adds to that. After finishing up I felt so proud of what I accomplished and couldn't wait for Ryan to see it. It's kind of silly. But it did make me so happy. So no official miles were clocked, but I did 4 hours of pretty hard (but careful so as not to strain) labor.

On Saturday I awoke at 7am and tackled that bedroom where I had moved all the bins into the middle of. I went bin by bin and sorted things into garbage bags or storage bins. For me, a pack rat with OCD, this is usually an impossible task. I'll look at something and decide I cannot part with it. Right now though my sentimental side is giving way to a practical side - and so into garbage bag after garbage bag things went. All that was left by 11am was a pile of Ryan's stuff - which I am leaving for him to organize. I made one bin of family papers and photos for him and left one bin empty beside his pile. His stuff is to fit into one of those two bins. I then moved a large number of those bins to the basement, into a designated area under the steps - and they fit all nice and snug there and that made me happy.

I then headed back down to the basement and into the back part - which I had not tackled on Friday - where all my stuff I had saved (or my parents saved for me) was stored. I went thru grade school papers, high school papers, college papers, random stuff from life, and somehow I paired down about 4 bins into 1. I even am going to part with my trophies - and just keep the metal plaque portions. The thought of this is crazy if you know me! This Nesting is pretty incredible, and I feel good about my decisions. I am pretty sure I won't regret my decisions, especially since I took the time to weed thru it all and keep the important things and part with the unimportant. By 4pm I was done. At this point my back was pretty achy and I was ready to get off my feet and relax. Cue my cousin's high school graduation party - where for 4 hours I just sat on a back porch eating and talking with my family. Ahhh-mazing!

On Sunday I spent a nice morning with my family, looking at old drawings and letters we wrote -- a pile of which I had discovered during my purge. So much laughter at what we have made, and so happy that these things were kept. For Father's Day most of the family was going out to walk a lap around a lake. But since that was 25 minutes in the wrong direction for Ryan and me, we just went home. I quickly went to the basement and wrapped up a few things and then as if on cue Ryan came down to check out what I was up to. He was so happy that everything was so cleaned and that there was a large pile of garbage. He wasn't so thrilled about the looks of his garage. But the plus side is this will hopefully motivate us to actually give away the things in the give away pile rather than just letting them sit in the basement forever. I then went on a disappointing, waste-of-time shopping trip for maternity clothes.

A bit later in the evening, after a bit of a nap, we went to the track - me to walk, Ryan to run. It was padlocked for the graduation ceremony, however, the graduation took place on Friday. There were people walking and I asked how they had gotten in - they said they squeezed thru the fence. Ryan said he wasn't doing that and so he went home to run on the treadmill. I squeezed thru - which fortunately wasn't a squeeze for me -- I just barely grazed thru - which was good because I wasn't going to make myself squeeze. I put on my headphones and listened to The Moth radio hour and walked 1.25. The sun peaked thru the rain clouds, casting a golden glow on half of the track. The breeze had a nice coolness to it. And it was a delightful time walking outside in the refreshing air.

This weekend was taxing to some extent but so rejuvenating!

New Miles: 1.25
Total Miles: 1496.0
Miles Remaining: 4.0
Weight: 137.8 (previous days at 137.2 and 137.4)

Milk Mile

Yesterday I mowed the yard since I was home and Ryan wasn't yet and I wanted to get outside and do something productive. It was easy given the self-propulsion of the mower. However, later at night I laid on the couch and my back was sore. Ryan pointed out that I had run a 5K the day before. So I am guessing the two activities added up, and being that I am pregnant, my body decided to give me an achy back. At some point I guess I'll have to take it easier, so I need to keep track of the things that leave me sore. If it is just going to be life in general I might as well keep doing what I do, unless of course that gets to be too much discomfort. In that case I'll probably defer certain things to Ryan.

We needed milk and so I opted to walk to the store. I by-passed it by one store so I could buy some dollar candy. Then I backtracked and picked up my gallon of milk, and walked the half mile home. It was 78-ish degrees and so nice. The chill of the milk on my hands was nice, much better than when I did this in colder weather. It was a good walk, and not too challenging, but nice that it was more of an effort than usual.

Then I wandered around inside my house searching for something productive to do. I settled on assembling the pressure washer I recently purchased. I followed the instructions and a bit later I had a pressure washer ready to pressure wash. I turned it on and nothing, no motor kicked on. I "troubleshot" the issue by turning it off and on and unplugging it and replugging it. A minute later it worked. It isn't as powerful as I anticipated, so I am not sure if it is a defective washer or not. I was a tad bit disappointed since I envisioned really cleaning off our porch and deck with it. But it will at least get dirt off our house and do an okay just with cleaning the rest. So that was something productive I did with my night, which is better than just being a lump in my house... which I moved on to do for much of the rest of the night. 

New Miles: 1.0
Total Miles: 1494.75
Miles Remaining: 5.25
Weight: 136.0