Gym update.

I am determined not to be slowed down by my treadmill snafu, so I have been going to the gym faithfully. Well, as faithfully as I can. While I am trying not to be negative, this gym thing cramps my freakin' style! First of all, because it's a specialized "women's gym," it has fairly limited hours. Also, I am trying to avoid the peak times, because you can't get on a machine very easily. Days like Saturday, I was working the entire time the gym was open, so I didn't even have the option to go. That's what I loved the most about my treadmill--it was there and ready to go whenever I was... didn't matter the time of day or whether or not I had a bra on.

My biggest complaint? I feel kind of small-minded to even bring it up, but it's the damn TV's! They are muted so as not to be a distraction to some, and of course gym noise can be pretty crazy. You have to have your listening device set to FM in order to be tuned into the sound. I thought the whole point of the ipod was to not have to listen to the radio anymore! So I am pretty TV-less, which is a bummer because it's been a big part of how I have gotten through my training so far. My best walk every week was always during "The Biggest Loser." It's 2 hours long and pretty perfect for my long walk day. There are certain shows that just made the treadmill better, easier, faster... Yes, I am lamenting the loss of television. Pathetic!

So, I am figuring out the gym thing without TV. "The Immaculate Collection" by Madonna has been just about perfection--with the exception of about 3 of the songs on the album, it's a completely perfect album for walking at a pretty good clip. I brought a book, and have realized that certain treadmills are better than others for reading.

And I am up to 8 miles!!! Now... if I could just figure out this eating thing...

Seven Miles and a Roadblock...

So, I am up to about 7 miles now. I could have gone longer, but my frickin' treadmill is acting up. It's actually very upsetting! For the first time in a long time, I actually feel motivated to do this regular exercise on my treadmill, and now I am slowed down by whatever is wrong with it.

We tried servicing it ourselves, but it's still acting screwy. I have an appointment in a week and a half or so to have it serviced, so we'll see what happens. In the meantime, my cousin gave me a 30-day pass to her gym. It's very nice - but not exactly the place to be walking for 2 plus hours at a time, given there are 20-minute limits on the machines.

The solution is simple: It needs to be spring so the damn ice melts! :)

Half Marathon.

So, I am signed up to walk a half-marathon on May 3rd! I have been walking like crazy and plan to finish it! Jon and I will be doing it together--he may be running, but I'll be walking, and will be grateful just to finish.





So far, my longest walk has been 6 miles. I think I'll give it another week or so before I do 7. I have my plane ticket booked and we even have lodging. I am registered for the race.





http://www.theave.org/





If you click on the 1/2-marathon link, my name is listed! So far I am the only person from ND who will be there!





The best part (besides having a major fitness goal and spending time with my brother) will be seeing more of these:

I cannot wait. I am going to be walking for 13 miles amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. I cannot wait.

Happy New year!

I had the best time last night with friends...The McGowan family had a sleepover at our house and we had a curry feast followed by some christmas presents, games, champagne, etc.

This morning we had fresh juice (thanks, Jack LaLane!) and crepes. It's hard to see such good friends go.

The best part?

Seeing our kids together.