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.