Physio Progress

I am two weeks in on my physio and I am going to gently ramp up the walking a little bit..

Ice and stretching are my new best friends and I am trying to keep to the program they put me on for getting my ankles back up to snuff..

Exciting update!!! New Shows and much, much more!! 372.02

Well not too exciting...

let's see..what has happened since my last post... In no paticular order..

#1) I managed to keep my job during a very stressful and sad downsizing...More onn that later...

#2) I purchased a new pair of shoes..and to shake things up, I switched brands!!

*gulp*

I went from "New Balance" to "Saucony" at the reccomendation of "my shoe guy".. We'll see how it goes..I went for a short walk today and they felt great!..Very comfy..

#3) My right heel got so bad that I went to the "walk-in clinic" and I have an appointment to go out to some kinda fancy-schmancy sports medicine clinic...and I'm also getting physio.. At physio I was shown some stretches and icing techniques I have to do, I have found out I have bursitis in my right heel and tendonitis in my left..The physio lady said my calves were very stiff and that can cause you to get tendonitis...my hips are also out of wack..but I have stretches for that too...I alo have to cut my walking distances back by 30%.

#4) 35 weeks until the Vancouver International marathon!! 8 weeks to heal so I can start training properly..

right heel kinda sore..and swollen...and sore... 4 - 370.07

I think I am going to have to go visit the doctor, my right heel is killing me!! dull pain, constant throbbing and swollen up like a half apple glued to my heel.

owie..

time to be smart about this...

I will keep the blog updated though...

more news to follow..

Waiting for the other shoe... 3.85 - 366.07

Things are very tense at work right now..I find out sometime next week if I have to look for a new gig or not..I kinda like where I am working..so...

ah well..

The universe shall unfold...

iPOD: I forgot which song I started out with

Time: 68 Minutes..

ps- I am getting worried because I am not walking faster..I think I need new shoes and I have to visit the Doctor to see about my achilles tendons..

"From obese to fat!! Tubby here I come!!" 22. 24 - 362.22

While I have been neglecting my blog I assure you I haven't missed a walk!!!

so I will break down the previous week..

Saturday July 19th: 6 miles

A nice sunny day, I ran into a fellow who was very happy to see me walking..He encouraged to to keep it up and that he was big like me a year ago...he also went on to say he cut back on the perogies and german sausage and so should I..I was not offened by his words and took them with the positive intent he was going for..

Time: 109 Minutes

Music: "Cosmic Girl" by Jamiroquai

Tuesday July 22nd: 4.1 Miles

I took our standard poodle out for a 4 mile trek, he is a bit of a nervous fella and these kind of walks are good for him to get used cars, strange people etc...

Time: 84 minutes

Thursday July 24th: 4.84 Miles

Did another seawall walk to visit my Momma...beautiful day for a stroll...ran into some former co-works so that took a bite out me keeping track of my time.

Saturday July 26th: 7.3 miles


Well, it was sort of muggy but I really need a long walk today..good way to deal with stress...nuff said..

iPod: "Going Out Of My Head" The Delphonics

Time: 122 Minutes

If today was a car, it would be a Cadillac!!!! 4.84 - 339.98

I had a great walk along the "seawall" to go and visit my Mother again..It was a beautiful sunny day and pretty much everybody I walked by had a smile on their face...and so did I!

Time: 85 minutes

Windy stroll 4.84 - 335.14

I walked to my Momma's today..One of my motivating reasons to walk is because she can't and wishes she still could. So I walk not only for my health but for my Mom..

iPOD: didn't keep track today

Time: 81 minutes

Sweaty... 4.54 - 330.34

I walked home after work..I took last Saturday off because my ankle has been paining me, but it felt fine during todays walk..

iPOD: I forgot the first song when I started off during my journey..

Time: 84 minutes

Beach walk.. 5.2 - 321.8

I ended up walking to the comicshop with a good freind of mine..

iPOD: didn't listen to tunes

Time: didn't keep track..

"Canada Day Stroll" 4.1 - 316.6

I had a very nice walk today..I met a standard poodle named "Mango"..a very polite fellow with a gentlemanly air about him..Of course when I tried to greet him he pulled away..this is SOP when meeting new poodles..:)

Music: Cadillac Car from "The Dream Girl's" soundtrack.

Time: 68 Minutes

"Circus Boy is back in town" 7.2 -312.5

Since it is a long weekend and all, I mixed up my routine a wee bit..

I took Saturday off and got a walk in on Sunday, along the way I got together with a pal, met his new puppy (she is a real pip!) and we went out and had two different kinds of icy beverages (a frappicino and later on a slurpee!! my first one of the 2008 summer season!!)..

I alos went into a hat store, I was hoping top find a nice straw hat for summer, but the problem is...I have a huge head..*HUGE!*...in fact it is "Circus Big"..The funny thing was while we in the store, I told the clerk I had a really big head..She said "Oh we hear that all the time...I bet we have something in your size"..I then proceeded to tell her my hat size and she then got all quiet and looked at the floor.."We also do special orders" was her response..

*sigh*

We proceeded to look around and as expected..there was nothing in my size..

all in all a great walk!

iPOD: "Caravan" by Sir Justin

Time: Wasn't so concerned..this was more of a social walk..

"PAR-TAYYyyyyy....partypartyparty...PAR-TAYYYyyyyyyy!!!!" 4.1 - 305.3

I had a work related celebration to attend last nigh, so I decided to get my miles in by walking from my work place to the party location...It was great weather for a stroll and the route was pretty hilly too!

I also learned something pretty interesting..

DON'T DRINK JAGERBOMBS!!!

seriously...

iPOD: "Summer Samba" by Walter Wanderly

Time: I dunno didn't keep track this time!

>Insert witty quip here< 4.54 - 301.2

fighting a headache right now..so my brain power is low.. which is kinda sad for yours truly since "I'm none to bright"..I have a good heart though.. :P

Nice night for a walk, I started out way too fast and my calves seized up..this hasn't happened in many a month, maybe I need to eat more bananas?

I am not walking a fast as I'd like, but I am starting to get more miles in so the speed will come..

My self defence class is going great guns and is a great high intensity component to my fitness regimine, my morning and evening push-ups are helping out too..when you are as heavy as I am doing push-ups is a real strength builder that is for sure.

I am tired of being a big fat slob so I ain't gonna quit!!

iPOD: "Girls Are Out To Get You" by The Fascinations

(ain't that the truth! eh fellas? ;P )

Time: 81 minutes

"Walking on a Saturday..dum-dee-dum-dee-dum..."8.13 - 296.66

I had a nice 8 mile walk on Saturday, the weather was a little overcast and muggy...

I have been feeling a little achey this week so I didn't put the hammer down in the speed dept..

all in all a good walk..

and...

AND!!!..my right achilles didn't bother me at all!! (knocks on wood)..

Next week is another eight miles for the LSD (long slow distance) and the week afterI will ramp up to ten miles..my goal is to get a 15 mile walk in before the end of July..

*gulp*

Music: "Barabarella" by The Young Lovers

Time: 142 Minutes

Strollin' 3.5 - 288.53

Oh golly! I am still very sore from my self defence class..great work-out that is for sure!! but all the punching/kicking and blocking is sorta hard on my old bones!

but I love it!!

I love walking too and todays was pretty good, I was a little delayed by traffic lights and chatting with some neighbors..all good...allllll gooooddd....

iPOD: "Precious and Few" by Climax (not a word of a lie! the band is called "Climax"..ewww..)

Time: 62 Minutes

Usual Tuesday stroll 4.54 - 285.03

well today's walk was kinda nice too..I walked a new route from work all the way home..good weather no real complaints..

iPOD: "Got to give it up" by Marvin Gaye

Time: 76 minutes

the missing saturday post! 6.4 - 279.49

holy smokes I can't believe I didn't post my Saturday walk..

Not much to report!! Ran into a couple of pals along the way..(Hiya C & K!) ands made my way from my house to the comicshop..the route I decided upon was a lot hillier than I expected.


Nice weather too..

iPOD: "Chase Me" by Con Funk Shun

Time: 115 Minutes

"heel and toe and heel and toe..and...wait...what was the first part again?" 4.1 - 273.09

well I got a pretty nice walk in today, along the way I encountered a co-worker who was riding his bike home.. He slowed down and we chatted for a bit about "work crap" as co-workers tend to do when away from work..

I was kinda sore from my martial arts class so I didn't push it too-too hard...

lots of nonsense going on at work and I need to come up with a plan to deal with it..

*sigh*

very stressful..I love my walks though..they keep me sane..

iPOD "The Message": Grandmaster Flash & Furious Five

Time: 70 minutes

"Got picked up on the way" 2.5 - 268.99

I had a much shorter walk than usual because as I walked home from work today I ended up getting picked up by my wife who was driving back from taking the dog to the park. :)

I was very sore from my first martial arts class so I ain't complaining too much!

I Got more of that tomorrow too!!!

iPOD: "Tell Her For Me" by James Hunter

Time: I dunno I didn't check my watch when I stopped walking

"therealtony shuffle" 6.15 - 266.49

well..my work schedule this week prevented me from getting any walking in..

I worked a 73 hour work week, not to brag or complain or nothing..but there you go..

Anyways, I finally got a chance to walk today and I had a pretty good one in too, no pressure about time or pace..in fact I took a break part way through to visit a friend and sit down for a "cuppa-cuppa"..I also managed to find a cd I have looking around for that last few months..I got it 2nd hand too!! That made me a happy chappy..

I had to miss my martial arts class last week too..

But this week I can get some more miles in..

iPOD: "D'yer Mak'er" Led Zep!!!

Time: 113 minutes

"Hi-5!" 6.15 - 260.34

*Whew*

...

What a day!

I sure had very nice weather for my saturday walk, to switch it up I got on "google maps" and created a new "hillier" 6 mile route to walk..it was a lot of fun! The plan was to pop in on a pal on the way who I thought was working..but he wasn't there.. :-( maybe next time..

As I was finishing the final 3 miles I walked by a group of young "skater/bmx types" that I did not know..One of them raised his hand for a high 5!!

Yeah!

So we high fived..and they went their way and I went mine..

(Sometimes in my more arrogant moments, I take these random events that I end up being involved in as the universe is sending me a sign of approval for something I am doing right...dunno what though...thanks universe! I'll try not let you down)

I got home after my walk and did a massive amount of yardwork..mowing, fishpond cleaning...I edged the front lawn so it didn't look so messy and then to top it off I did random feats of strength for my wife..lifting very large & heavy ceramic pots full of plants and dirt and carrying them both "to" and "fro"..

I am very sore right njow.

I start my martial arts class on Monday too! I am *very* excited..

iPOD: "What's Going On?": Marvin Gaye

Time: 104 Minutes (A pretty good result considering that I wasn't trying to walk fast)

"In with the good air...out with the bad" 3.5 - 254.19

Another benefit I get from my walks is an opportunity to clear my head.

Walking inspires my creativity and in those moments of self reflection I can take stock of my world and come up with methods to "course correct". I also get a chance to "degrumpify" before I go home.

iPOD: "Lust for Life": Iggy Pop

Time: 59 minutes

"back to the races...sorta" 3.54 - 250.69

Nice easy walk today...I am gonna ease back into it and no worry about time..still going to increase distance and in a few weeks amp up on the speed..but for now? just gonna walk..

iPOD: "Livin' Thing" by ELO

Time: 76 Minutes (I could have gone faster but chose not to)

"Mistah Blistah" 4 -247.15

Well I had to take Thursday off from walking due to a bad blister..(did you know old blisters can cause new blisters?) but thanks to a steely will, nice sharp needle, a lot of hydrogen peroxide and some pressure I am all good.

I am still easing back into the walking so saturday was a short walk and a slow one too..

A nice warm day for a walk...

I am gonna search the net for another hlaf marathon to train for..there is one on June 22nd but I am not ready for it..maybe later in the summer or early fall.

iPOD: "The Riviera Affair" by Neil Richardson

"Easy Peasy" 3.23 - 243.15

Started up again after a week off... I did a short distance and took it slow...feels weird walking without the race goal ahead of me.. I guess I gotta find a new goal..

I missed my walking routine though...My heal is a little achey so I really stretched itout and I am gonna focus on the stretches..

iPOD: "Ramblin' Rose" by The MC5

Time: 58 Minutes (wasn't concerned about time just getting a nice easy walk done)

Rest, Fatty!! Rest!!!

Well my ankle is getting better, it still isn't at 100% but I reckon come this Tuesday I will start walking again.

I must say, I sure miss my walks, I found I have been kinda crankier than usual and I suspect it is part due to my lack of walking..

I still have been doing my push-ups and crunches during my "rest" though and today I did a lot of yard work and got a little "over baked" by the sun.. Just call me Mr. "Hot Pink"

More yard work tomorrow and maybe more push-ups too!!

Taking Next Week Off

I ended up deciding not to go to the walk-in clinic, the swelling has gone down and my heel isn't as sore today. Still sore though..But, I can lift myself up on that leg so I don't think it is a rupture. I am still taking the advil and icing it.

I am taking next week off from of all physical activity, REST!!! I guess I shouldn't have starting training so soon after the half marathon and my last two walks were extremely fast..too fast and too soon..

Boy-o-boy can I be stupid!!

I will learn from this and adapt my training accordingly...every walk does not have to be a race..

Did I speak too soon about that saddle? :-( 6 - 239.92

A nice short "long" walk, since I am in a recovery phase from the half-marathon.. I have been taking it easy..but perhaps I should of been taking it even easier..

I went out for a great 6 mile walk (three minutes off of my previous PB for this route) and along the way I had my iPOD set totally to jazz.. I Loved it! A little Miles..A little Monk..A little Parker..very cool...

I had no real pain today with the exception of a little twinge in my right ankle.. So, I get home, take a shower and afterwards I am standing in the kitchen barefoot and my wife asks me if I am aware that I have a big bump on my right heel..

uh-oh.. I think I might have over done it with my Achilles Tendon.. I have all ready wrecked my left one..

:-(

Currently it hurts like the dickens and I am icing it..

After dinner we're going to the "Walk-In" Clinic..I went through hell the last time I had a achilles problem and I do not want a repeat of that paticular event..


iPOD: "Silver Legs" by The Barrigozzi Group

Time: 101 Minutes!! (If I hadn't messed up my heel I'd be very happy about this)

"Back In The Saddle" 4.4 - 233.92

Well, I had to take Tuesday off from training since I was still sore from race day...

I did not not to miss another training day so today I walked home from work..By using trusty google maps I created a 4.4 mile walk home...very hilly...based upon my walk on Sunday I realized that I have to set a quicker pace on my training walk...The funny thing was my half-marathon walk was my fastest pace yet and..and the farthest distance I have walked so far!!!

I have to come up with a training plan for the marathon, I am starting a martial arts class in June so I have to create a plan where I can my miles in 3 times a week...

iPOD: "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen

Time: 73 Minutes..(Lots of traffic lights)

Go Tony! Go!!! 13.5 - 229.52

*whew*

Now that was an experience, I loved every minute of the race today!

From when my super awesome wife dropped me off at the skytain station until she picked me up.. I woke the poor Missus up at 5 am and she helped me get ready for the race and arrive there in a timely manner like the trooper she is!! She really supported me with all my training from the git-go! I could not have done this without her help and motivation..

Due to roads being closed etc..I had to be dropped off one skytrain station away from the race start. When I got on the skytrain I saw a fella sitting down who also was in his race gear with his bib pinned to his chest..Donald was the guy's name and we looked at each other and nodded like two gunfighters acknowledging each other lethal skills..

(For the love of god! I sure hope that was why he was nodding at me...)

So I got to the starting line with a few minutes to spare and it was packed! there were a few thousand folks standing around in racing togs with their bibs on, stretching, chatting and getting antsy just like me.. Everything to do with the race is all computerized and all the participants were given these little chips that we zap strapped to our shoe laces (they cost $40.00 if we don't return them!) anyways.. the chip registers when you cross the start and the finish lines..that way folks don't have to fight to the front of the line when the race begins..

so off we went...

The race route was closed to traffic with many police cars at many corners, the race starts off through Chinatown and heads into East Van and then back towards Stanley Park.. Along the way there are many folks standing around cheering you on..as well...there are tents stationed with bands and DJ's playing music.. It kinda helped truth be told...the up-tempo tuneage would help you increase your pace..They were also folks stationed to motivate you and tell you to keep smiling..It was kinda nice to hear someone call out your name and say "Way To go!".."Keep It up!!" and "For the love of gawd that hat is retarded!" (I made that last one up)..

When we went through the East Hasting area a fellow called us all "Fucking Yuppies"..Boy-o-boy did that make me laugh!! A lot of the street people watched us walk and run by and I wonder what was going through their head? Once a year the streets are closed down and a bunch of strange people run through the neighborhood, like the sweaty circus is in town.

.anyways..

They had drink and fruit stations along the way and I made sure to stay hydrated, I picked Gatorade over water and would have a dixie cups worth at each drink point..unlike some people, I would drop my cup in a garbage can and not on the street..(even though they had folks there to clean it up)..

When we got to the halfway point (at Stanley Park) a fella came up from behind with a bull-horn and instructed us to keep right since the top two in the full marathon were going be passing us! and soon enough a police motorcycle came by, followed by two short, very wiry Kenyans..needless to say those guys were fast!!! In fact, they were sprinting!! (world class marathoners run a sub-5 minute mile..all 27 of them!! ) These cats were at their 17 mile mark and neither guy looked tired..a minute later #3 came by....and then about 4 minutes later 4,5,6 did too.. Juding by the top 3's lead, I suspect the real battle was for the number 4 spot...though all those guys were greasy fast...those boys had lightning powered bums!!! The top woman came by about 10 minutes or so after the chaps! and she (another Kenyan I think) had such a lead on her nearest rival I think the record time for females was broken..(I will check the paper tomorrow)..

At the halfway point I had some "Vanilla Flavored Power-gel", a gooey, sugary energy paste that really helped me stay on pace.. Some dude on a bike was trying to convince them to give him some too and as I passed by I could hear a dude manning the table explaining.."These aren't free, the competitors paid money for this stuff".. damn straight!!! peddle on you moochy bastard!!

About 20 minutes after the halfway point we hit the hill, a pretty big one too..larger, in fact, than any I had trained for during the last 4 months.. I could here some folks near me saying stuff like "Uh-oh"..So being the joker I am I said.. "Dun-Dun-DAhhhhhhh!" and then I told the lady next to me "Don't worry, that hill is as scared of us as we are of it"... I got a laugh!

Now then..

Hills..

I must have a chemical imbalance because I like knuckling down and heading up hills, I am a strong hill guy..and I passed a lot of folks who had a serious lead on me heading up that hill.. but when we got to the top we then had to go down the hill..

Up? I love up!!!

But down?...

*sigh*

I am not as good with down, when I was young, fast and skinny my strategy with down was to just let gravity do the work..but I weighed a lot less and was much more fit, so I didn't worry about my knees..

Now?

Well now I am a big fat bastard and "down" ain't my friend no mo...

All the folks I had passed slowly regained their lead..

ah well.. It was longer going down than it was going up...

When I got to the 12 mile mark I was starting to tank out a little bit, but this woman came up and told me she was following with me the whole way and thanked me for keeping such a good pace.. That kinda motivated me to pick up my feet and I finished pretty strong...

I was amazed by all the types of people I saw when I was walking, short, tall, young, old, fat and skinny.. I am not embarrassed to say I was passed by quite a few people that were older than I was..There were a gaggle of grandma's from Texas that whizzed on by!! and I thought it was great and very motivating, if I keep up with my training, some day I am gonna be the old dude passing all the pups!!

My goal was to train for 15 weeks and stick my plan and I did, I am healthier now than before and I am starting to build a fitness base that will help me lose the weight I need to..

I am going to investigate some of the walking clinics in town and learn about speed training..

Next year I want to walk the full marathon! and I think I can do it!!

iPOD: Didn't use it, I wanted to enjoy the whole experience

TIME: 200 minutes!!! I managed to average out a sub-15 minute mile!!! my goal was a 230 minute time..so needless to say I am happy with my time..

Pre-Race!!!

Well I just got up! it is now 5:15 am on a Sunday Morning...

I am gonna have a cuppa-cuppa and half a banana..

I can't believe that it is race day...time goes fast! 15 weeks of training and here we are..

Better go get ready, not much more to say until after the race..

I want to try and beat a time of 3:54..we'll see if I can do it!!!

*crosses fingers*

"Just wakin' da dawg!!!" 2.1 - 216.12

Since I am in the winding down portion of my training regimen and nobody had a chance to take the dog out for a walk to day..I volunteered.. I had a lovely stroll around my neighborhood and saw some really neat old houses..very soothing...well soothing for me, the dog was a little skittish at first, but every time he would get nervous, I'd make him sit, let him get used to the strange sounds and calm him down..

I am kinda sore from my Self-Defense class last night, our instructor warned us we'd be in for a tough work-out..

and...

boy-o-boy did he ever deliver the goods!!

The intensity was non-stop,!! In between training drills, kicking drills, push-ups, sit-ups and then drills and more drills!! I got a great work-out..very tough, but I loved it..The mirror in the work-out room ended up covered in condensation!! I think I was responsible for most of it..if you don't know why then you haven't read the title of my blog! :-)

iPOD: Didn't bring it out

Time: Just strolled around with the dog..easy-peasy

"Feets! do your stuff!!" 6 - 214.02

Well this is a last long walk until the half marathon next week..


It feels kinda weird with the marathon being so close, I cannot believe I found a training plan and managed to stick to it for 14 weeks..Where did the time go?

I wonder if I could stick to other training plans? I kjeep seeing those "before and after" fitness programs for sale on tv.. maybe I should try one of those...

Today was great weather for a walk and I really needed to clear my head, so I am glad I went out..

iPOD: "(There's) Always Something To Remind Me" by The Absolute Zeros (A Bacharach cover)

Time: 104 Minutes

Fatty is gettin' faster! 3.23 - 208.02

Oh boy! I set a record tonight for my original 3.23 mile walk..It was a very nice night for a walk and I kept a great pace for the whole route..

Saturday is a short 6 mile walk and then next week is easy-peezy until the half marathon

iPOD: "Knock'em out" by Lily Allen

Time: 50 Minutes..(When I first did this walk 14 weeks ago it took me over an hour)

"Holy cow! I think I can see my neck!!" 3.23 - 204.79

So this is the begining of my "taper down" phase as I approach the half marathon. All my walks will taper down in distance so my body can recover enough to have strong walk on the big day!

Today I walked the original 3.23 mile walk I created in google way back on Jan 22nd.. I have noticed an improvement in my fitness level as I got the walk done in a record time...and I had none of the aches and strains I did on day one..

This makes me really happy..

I think I am getting a little skinnier too!!! I was walking by a plate glass window and I think I actually saw my neck!!!..I used to look like my head was a huge pumpkin attached to an even larger pumpkin!...now I look like I my head is a huge pumpkin attached to stump an even larger pumpkin!!

iPOD: "Dixie Cannonball" by Gene Autry

Time: 52 Minutes

"I love you all, the cops too" 8.13 - 201.46

I guess I should explain the very odd heading for today's blog post.

It all started...when...instead of my usual "head west until I hit the Shaughnessy/Kerrisdale neighborhoods and then walk home".. I decided to change my 8-mile route and head north towards the docks and then south up Commercial Drive.

The waterfront is a very interesting area currently going through a socio-economic flux where the thin edge of the gentrification wedge has started to take place. So in between garages, old dockworker hotels, warehouses and abandoned buildings there are now trendy condos..(granted they all have high security fences!! :P)...but the middle class types have taken root like dandelions in the front yard and the fact there are Starbucks and drive through McDonalds pushing out the old "Chinese/Canadian Cafes" there mean these people ain't goin' anywhere! (holy smokes..I am one of them too..)..But there is also still a lot of poverty down there and all the nasty stuff that goes with it..ie. Drugs and Prostitution. Which, fortunately you don't see much of during the light of day, so fat ol' sweaty me in my goofy vest and wickable shorts didn't get hassled at all..So..as I was walking along the street down near the docks, I saw hand painted in drippy green letters in an old boarded up store front doorway "I love you all, the cops too"...

I wonder who wrote that and why?

I wish I had the literary tools to express how much I enjoy walking and how much I love the city of Vancouver.. As I was walking home up Commercial Drive I couldn't believe how much that street has changed over the last 20 years.. When I first came to Vancouver, I lived a few blocks off of Commercial and the area was a lot rougher and edgey..and more interesting...now it has a veneer of "hip"..*sigh*..I guess it's for the better though..

so two weeks until the half marathon..then what? do I keep blogging? what will I do to motivate myself?

iPOD: "Velvet Pants" by The Propellerheads

Time: 140 Minutes

Gonna get my walk on...yo....4.47 - 193.33

so I really did not look forward to taking the very crowded skytrain home after work tonight.

I decided instead to walk home, in doing so I got my Thursday walk in at an earlier time and I also avoided the urban rush hour crowd which I really dislike..I am sure as individulas they are all very fine, witty and decent people..but as a unknown faceless crowd? they creep me out!!

As I get older I am starting to turn more and more into Howard Hughes..in a few more years it'll be kleenex boxes on my feet and jars of urine in the garage...more than likly my own..

So the walk home was a little longer than my usual 4.1 miles and it was pretty much all up hill..with a lot stop lights too..a few months back I walked this route and it was really hard, this time it wasn't as hard! I must be getting fitter.. :P

iPOD: "The Red Swing" by Puffy Yumi Ami

Time: 80 Minutes

"Zig-Zag away from the knife thrower" 4.1 - 188.86

Today's title is based upon a conversation I observed yesterday at the end of my self-defence class.

During the class we had been practicing a "knife deflection and then run away drill"..

basically you fake out the attacker, slap the knife hand away from your body and then apply a vigorous kicking to their gentitalia followed by a hasty retreat..The drill had very practical approach to this potential threat without a lot of fancy stances and arm waving tom-foolery...

So after the class a fellow student asked the instructor if we should generally flee in a direct manner or run away in a zig-zag pattern in case the attacker decides to throw his knife at you..
The instructor was very polite in his response and explained that during such an event as a knife attack there would be so much adrenaline going through your system that you are only going to be able to perform some very simple instinctive movements and flee, no time to ponder..and hopefully the attacker would be busy dealing with some very bruised testicles and have no desire to persue you or hurl his knife at your back...

also knife throwing is hard and since the odds are you will never be attacked by circus folk or Ninjas..so "zig-zag" running isn't part of the drill unless of course you are a pirate..but then you'd catch the knife or throw yours first..

So todays walk was great!!! I was really sore after class the night before and was afraid it would end up being a march of pain down a trail of tears...but it turned out as I walked the pain went away and I felt great!! I even broke my time for this particular 4.1 mile route!!

An odd thing I noticed was the area near the graveyard smells lovely..

spooky...

iPOD: "Pump It UP" by Elvis Costello

Time: 67 Minutes

"Nice day for a walk" 10.2 - 184.76

Beautiful day for a walk, I could smell the blossoms in the air and enjoyed a wamr wind for part of my stroll..

I saw a lot of runners out today... (more folks are outside now the weather is nice)

and on the downside... I saw more way more junkies too (more folks are outside now the weather is nice)

Great weather and I think I was a little over dressed..next week, short sleeved shirt and no gloves..

I can't beleieve I have been at this for 12 weeks, I gotta say I am very happy I took it upon myself to start this training, I am feeling a lot better about myself both physically and emotionally, I still have a long ways to go before I am "skinny"..but I think it is ok to pat myself on the back today..

I begin the taper down process now so less mega long walks..I am 3 weeks away from the half marathon..

iPOD: "Listen To The Music" by The Doobie Brothers

Time: 182 Minutes

"Daffodils and little orange caps"..4.1 - 174.56

Well, I have say that adding the cross-training with my self-defence class has really helped my walking times improve!! All that punching and kicking is a great workout and uses different muscles and adds an anerobic aspect to my training..

My whole walk today was strong and fast and I feel like I have energy to spare..

I am enjoying the spring evenings while walking and have found out I have a fondness for daffodils..

*ahem*

I am confident enough in my masculinity to admit that.. :P

On the downside... I have noticed a lot more orange needle caps lying in the gutters along my walking route..There were a lot of prostitutes out today as well.. very sad..

Still light out though..

iPOD: "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer

Time: 67 Minutes!! (record for this route!!)

"A little more pepper for Mr. Fancy High Stepper!!" 4.1 - 170.46

For the life of me I had no idea where that the title for this blog came from..

Not like anyboy really reads the damn thing..or..*sniff*...cares...

I had a really strong walk today, no real pain and I totally kicked ass on the 2nd half..

Pure speed baby!!! pure speed!!!

Gotta remember to wear my shades next time cause for the first half of my walk I was strolling towards a setting sun...

I think Monday's "Self Defence" class really helped me today (more on that in a new blog)

iPOD: "Pianolo" by Perez Pardo and his Orchestra

Time: 71 Minutes

"Grease is the word" 13 - 166.36

Well I got my 13 mile walk done in a really good time, I was virtually pain free and kept a great pace for the enitre route. I was very happy..shoulda greased up first though...:P

It is kinda strange walking through a cross section of the full socio-econimic diversity of Vancouver.. I walk by surly crack addicts standing on Kingsway and Fraser that stare at me with open hostility to stolling near private school kids tooling around Kerrisdale in high performance autos that I stare at with open hostility.. Interesting..

I had some serious hills on this route and whoa momma!!! Do I love powering up hills!!

I had to stop at a 7-11 along the way to buy a sports drink..this is now part of training plan, after the 8 mile mark I get something to drink...my drink of choice is the orange gatorade..

I sure miss running..but until I get light enough and strong enough I will walk.. I have decided I will train so I will be able to run again...

iPOD: "Shining Star" by Earth, Wind & Fire

Time: 3:38 !!!

"I am a sturdy little fellow full of zip and dash" 4.1 - 153.36

I wish I could claim credit for the title of this post..but I am paraphrasing a line from a favorite webcomic of mine..

The great achewood

I felt really strong today and I think the reason why I was so sore was because I was walking a lot faster than usual.. also..

also..

My so called shorter route is actually the same as the longer one! :P

but..

BUT!!!

I am 3 minutes faster than my previous faster time on this route!!!

getting ready for the big 13 this saturday!!!

iPOD: :Ironfist" by Motorhead

Time: 71 minutes

The Boy With The Rocket Powered Bum! 4.1 - 149.26

I had a really good walk today, no real leg or back pain and the weather was a lot warmer than last week.

Nothing else really to report..this saturday is my 13 mile pre-race walk

*gulp*

next week I am going to take a month long self defence class on the days I do not walk. Hopefully this will be a good form of cross training, I am really looking forward to the class

iPOD: "Caravan" by The James Buzon Trio

Time: 68 Minutes

it's really very runny and it isn't very funny... 8 - 145.16

Well my whole "race pace" went out the window about 40 minutes in..

I had gone out for hearty breakfast a few hours earlier (the ranchero: scrambled eggs, black beans and cheese in a tortilla bowl with a side of toast and fried potatoes....very yummy) but such a large pre-walk meal was....

a mistake..

About 40 minutes in, I could feel the guts a gurglin' and a churnin' and the building pressure/tension one gets when they gotta go...I had to take a detour to find a rest room and that added 20 minutes or so to my time.. :-(

The rest of the walk was rainy, chilly with both light snow and hail..after my pit stop I felt great and made good time...

So normally before a walk I try and "clean pipes"..which I did this time too..but the second bout was a total surprize..

next week is the big 13 miles..

iPOD: "Let's Go Tripping" by Dick Dale

Time: 244 minutes.. (but I spent 20+ looking for a bathroom so...)

"changed it up" 4.4 - 137.16

So today I decided to walk a totally new route, that is the great, great thing about google maps..
I can plan out my walk and just head off in a different direction. The route was a little bit longer..but I felt really strong and made a really good time..It is getting closer to marathon time..

This Saturday is going to be my first real "speed" walk..I have to walk 8 miles at my "race pace".. I am going to try and complete my walk in 2 hours and 15 minutes...

*gulp*

that will be 15 minutes faster than my previous time of 2 hours and 29 minutes..

well we'll see how we do come saturday...

iPOD: "God Is in the Radio" by Queens Of The Stoneage

Time: 76 minutes..for 4.4 miles

"Tad bit chilly" 4 - 132.76

so I decided to take the slightly more uphill route for my four mile walk today..

It was very windy and rainy and a little "unfun"

I saw a kitty cat run accross 33rd and that kinda scared me...but I bet it scared the cat more!! I reckon that furry bastard only has eight lives left!!

iPOD: "Hip to It" by The Aggrolites

Time: 74 minutes

Keep on..Keeping on! 11 - 128.76

Well that was quite the stroll, I dunno why my right leg gives me some much bother for the first 3 miles.. I have been quite faithful with drinking water and eating bananas..

Maybe I have to limber up more?

During the walk the stiffness and aches eventually do go away and I can get a good pace going..but it does get annoying while I have to walk through the discomfort..

This didn't happen on my 9 mile walk or the previous 6 mile walk, I must reveiew what I am doing differently..

Not much to report during the walk, I got to stroll through Vancouver's fanciest neighborhood and I saw two red Ferrari sports cars.. Stopped off along the way to buy a beverage since my lips started to crack..

I must remember to "grease-up" for the next long walk ..or I might end up going by the nick-name "Kid Chafe"..

YIPE!

iPOD: "My Elastic Eye" by The Chemical Brothers

TIME: 215 Minutes.. (I mighta been faster but I had to stop and pee! :) )

*gulp*

well this is gonna be my longest walk yet!!

I am all hydrated and "banana'd" up

be back in four so hours!!!

Fatty Awwwayyyyy!!!!!

SPEAR!!!!! 4 -117.76

So I figured out my so called easy 4 mile route is actually a little harder than the regular one!!

heeHEE...

The walk was a little more strenuous since I haven't been sleeping very well as of late..and it was cold..

But!!! I got it done!!!

Got to plan out my big 11 miler for Saturday!

*gulp*

iPOD: "Not The Same" by Ben Folds

Time: 76 Minutes..

Ichi-Ban Walking Muchacho 4.1 - 113.76

Well, I had a great walk today..no real aches and only one really long traffic light to wait for...

Not much more to say really except that I must plan out for my big 11 mile route this Saturday..

iPOD: "The Man With The Golden Gun" by Lulu

Time: 70 minutes

"over hill and dale".. 6 -109.66

I got a good solid 6 miles in, no pain or nuthin' :)

I took a slight detour to check out the location o0f a martial arts school I might be interested in though. I want to find a good form of cross-training to combine with my walking and I find the older I get, the less interested I am in just going to the gym..Some form of Martial Arts or Boxing class is much more interest to me..

iPOD: "Tears Will Dry On Their Own" by Amy Winehouse

Time: 1:40!!

"Dumb people on bikes"..4 -103.66

Now I want to get one thing straight, I am "pro-cyclist", but please... use common sense!!!..

During my walk today a lady whizzed by me at break-neck speed, no helmet or bell and she was riding way to fast for riding on a sidewalk in a residential area.. If she hadn't yelled "Get out of the way!"...(very rude btw)...I would have been sideswiped..

The whole situation made me kinda cranky..

and..

AND!!!!

She was smoking!!!

>insert swear words here<

The walk it self was kinda "ho-hum"..I dunno iof it is because I am tired or because it was kinda chilly..but it took me a long time to get into my walking rhythm and move at operating speed..


6 miles on Saturday..

iPOD: "Push" by The JB Horns

Time: 76:00 :(

"Wave your arms in the air!!..." 4.1 - 99.66

Well tonight's walk was brought to you by the letter "stupid"..

I left my keys in the door and forgot to take them when I left for tonights walk. I was lucky that someone was home to grab them..

*whew*

From now on before I leave I will do a "pocket check" and make sure they are in a zipped up pocket safely placed in my new swanky vest..

So I have been doing some reading on "walking technique" and it appears I am not using my upper body to the maximum effect.. See... You are supposed to swing your arms a certain way and I will not do it..since it looks kinda goofy...and why add fuel to my fire?

Yaknowaddahmean?

That being said, I decided I would use this paticular technique only while walking up hills..it turns out it actually increases the tempo of my pace! So on tonight's walk I have two pretty decent hills to do this on. Hill number two is in a sort bad part of the city and as I walked up the 2nd hill I think I frightened a crack addict who was standing near a payphone waiting for his "delivery"...it worked though..

No real complaints on tonites walk except I was slowed down by making cel phone calls home to find out about my keys and I got stuck at two really bad traffic lights..

iPOD: "An itty bitty tear" Burl Ives

Time: 74:00 (with a valid excuse)

"Fun times" 9 - 95.56

you know..nine miles feels a little different than 7, I think I always have a 7 miler in the tank, but nine miles? I gotta dig a little deeper for nine miles..

I feel a little sore and a little tired but no major pain during the walk..

There was a little rain which was fine and I saw some cool buildings I've never seen before..

I think it'll be a while before I can hit the full marathon though..but todays walk made me hungry for more..

iPOD: "Space 1999 Theme" by Barry Grey
Time: 172 Minutes

sweet hoogily moogily!!!

I am just getting ready for my big 9 mile walk!!!

wHEEEeeEeeee!!!

"Walkies" 4 - 86.46

Much better walk then last time..

I was strong and focused and while I started out kinda shakey I finished really strong..

I am digging the new vest and toque..

No keen personal insights or ephinannies on this walk though..

Nine miles this saturday! This is gonna be my longest walk yet!

iPOD: "Communication Breakdown" by Led Zep!

Time: 73:00

"I look differently silly" 3.23 - 82.56

Well I did my first walk with the new shoes and "running vest", I also bought a toque and shirt that are both made from wickable material. My lovely and talented wife pointed out that I look "differently silly" when I asked "do I still look silly in my new "cooler" outfit"?

ah well...

I think I started out too fast, or I didn't warm up properly or I tied the new shoes up too tightly..

or something!!!..

My calve ceased up something fierce!! I even drank a lot of water and banana'd up before hand too.. I will spend a little more time warming up before I go out and try..*TRY!* not start out so fast..

In other news, I few bad about my previous rant about the person at my workplace whom I thought "poopoo'd" my walking as a form of exercise.. I guess I didn't properly articulate the actual time/distance I was walking each week. We had another chat and now everything is cool..

iPOD: "Chills" by Peter, Bjron and John

Time: 54:00 (and it was hard too...)

New shoes today!

I forgot to mention I am buying new shoes today!!!

They had to be special ordered since I gots me "circus boy" feet..

The big bee bumbles along... 6 - 79.33

I am in the taper portion of my training guide for the half marathon, my long walk was only 6 miles..

I started out a little too fast and my calf cramped up a bit..so I slowed my pace down a little and the pain went away and I gradually increased my speed and everything was great!

I felt really strong and did not have any issues with the hills.

I do look quite the sight in my silly yellow jacket..and I suspect people in cars laugh at me in my shorts, toque and sunglasses...

Guy #1: "Look at the fat guy walking so fast in those shorts and glow-in-the-dark jacket!!!"

Guy #2: "Stop using all those big fancy words!"

Guy #1: "Look! Gum!"

This will not deter me from my task though.. I will walk on..

I will walk on..

*ahem*

But I wonder sometimes if I will ever be skinny enough so I can run again? So far my ankle seems fine with all the walking..

maybe someday..

If not I will keep walking, it clears my head..

A little kid growled at me on the street while on the walk today..

so I of course had to growl right back!! "ggGGRRRrrr!!!!" The kid made the better growlface though..little brat! :P

I also came up with an idea for a character "Eroticlese: The Greek God Of Porno and Moustaches"...

I have no idea where that came from...But for some reason I felt like mentioning it non-the-less..

iPOD: "Another Nail In My Heart": Squeeze

Time: 1:45!!

"Ministry Of The SIlly Walk"...4.1 - 73.33

Well it looks like the training plan is going into a "tapering down" phase for the longer walks but at the same time it is bumping up the shorter walks....

A few weeks before the marathon it will be raising the distance for everything!

*ack*

I am digging it though, feeling stronger when I walk and less sore when I come home..

iPOD: "Walk Idiot, Walk" by The Hives (not a word of a lie!..heeHEEhee....syncronicity or what?)

Time: 69 minutes!

Moving on up!!!! 3.23 - 69.23

A nice night for a walk, I noticed on my google map (I love google maps) that I had been going a titch under 3 miles on my short walk..but I always ended up going longer on my long walk..

anyways, I have made my 3 mile walks a tad longer now so it'll all even out..

I am looking for a form of cross training for my non-walking days, so I had a chat today with a co-worker who also is "fitness" trainer, he seemed to lookdown his nose on my walking as a form of exercise and suggested I should just do his form of fitness class instead... Which was odd because a lot of my reading in regards to fitness ends up praising walking.. He made a comment about me "learning the words before the alphabet"...very condesending and it made me a little mad.. Truth be told, my initial reaction was to say "Look F&*kholio! you put a 50lb rucksack on your back and walk my nine mile route and then talk to me aout the gawd damned alphabet!!

I still plan on trying the fitness class but with a different trainer..

or maybe I am just hypersensitive and misread the whole situation..

No real pain today, very strong and aware...

iPOD: "Darling I Go": The Moovers

Time: 54 Minutes

Today's episode is brought to you by the number 8! 8.15 - 66

A nice day for a long walk, I suspect as the distance increases I will have to start my walks a little arlier..since today’s walk took me 2:29...

What a great walk though, it was cool, no wind and there was a lot to see, in random order...

Things that made me go "hhHMmm?"

An ad for Pomegranate gum.. YUCK!!!

A headless Barbie doll in front of a house..

Walked by a "hot yoga class"...if I was skinnier I might try one of those...

I also gave an old man in a wheelchair a toonie for a cup of coffee..

I was a little achy starting out but once I hit my rhythm the walk went great! I was strong on the hills and aware of my surroundings.. Once I stopped walking though....

whoa momma!!! Advil time!

I have been at this for 5 weeks and I am starting to feel a little better, sharper..

iPOD: " Has Been" by William Shatner..a very fitting song..it is all about the potential to regain your greatness..A good omen for me wanting a return of a healthier, stronger Tony..

Time: 2: 29! A great time..might be an 18 minute pace..on flat land I might even be faster! but no pressure..

...boop-pah...boop-pah--boop-BAHHHhhh!!!....3 - 57.85

wow! eating all those bananas is really doing the job! and maybe I am getting a little more fit with all of the walking too! :P

No pain in my calves, my lower back is a little sore..but I felt really strong today and very aware of the terrain..

If I was dumber I could have tried to walk faster...but I am learning about moderation...sorta! ;)

iPOD: "Mr. Blue Sky" by ELO

TIME: 53:00

I can't be still!!! 3 - 54.85

Great walk today..

I "banana'd up" and hydrated...no pain in my calves and a slight ache in my back...

For a change of pace I walked in the opposite direction I usually do..

I might try that again sometime..

iPOD: "Can't Be Still" by Booker T & The MG's

Time : 53 minutes

A good walk today! 7.3 - 51.85

Well, I started out a little later than I would have liked, but I still got a really good walk in today.. There were some hills too so it wasn't all "easy-peasy"

I was a little nervous due to all the issues I have been having with my calves etc..but the bananas really helped..gonna keep eating them..I also had a good nights sleep...

I wonder if there is a corrleation between sitting all day and then going out for a walk?

Tomorrow I will start adding somne cross training on my non-walking days...ease into it with some Tae-Bo!

iPOD: "Crazy" Gnarls Barkley

Time: 2:09 minutes to walk 7.3 miles..

Bah-nah-nah-nahhhhhhh... 3 - 40.15

Ok...I channeled my inner monkey and for the past two days I have eaten 4 bananas and while I was still a little achey at the start of my walk..It ended up being a good one and my speed up the hills was great! I am going to stick to this banana + advil training regimin...

I also stretched out a little before hand...I am also wondering if I should walk up a flight of stairs or two a little while before hand to get my body ready for the walk?

This saturday is a big 7 miles..I am gonna banana it up before hand and start out really easy...

iPOD: :"Stomp Of King Porter" by The Manhatten Transfer

Time: 54:00

Yes! I had no banana!!!! 3-37.15

Well, I had another achey walk...my lower back and left calf were killing me for most of the route...I even took it slow..

Which was weird because saturday I walked twice as far and didn't hurt a bit..I was even walking up hills...

On Thursday I am gonna eat a banana 4 hours before hand and I am even gonna have a banana on Wednesday..I am even gonna stretch a bit before hand and of course have an advil..and water..

iPOD: "It's a Kind Of Magic" by Queen

Time: About an hour, I was taking it slow on purpose..

I am nervous and excited about Thursday..

go-go-wough-wough-go-go.....6-34.15

So, I have to confess with the painful debecle of my previous Thursday walk..I was very..*VERY* nervous about todays long walk..The last walk was painful, my calves were swollen and yesterday I was *still* very sore..So I was a little afraid this walk would be the same but for two hours instead of one..

Luckily that wasn't the case at all and todays walk was great..

But I made a few mistakes that I wanted to rectify for todays long walk..

1) Drink a lot of water before I go out...

2) Take an advil one hour before my walk (got this advice from a co-work who is a semi-pro goalie)

3) Ease into a nice tempo and don't start out superfast..

It worked! I had a great walk and my legs aren't swollen and I am not *bad* sore..

I am 3 weeks in and feeling great, my clothes are a little looser too...I have to remember to take it easy, last Thursday I put too much pressure on me and ended up tensing up and walking fast but sloppy..very stupid.. think of tempo, breathing and nice foot placement..

iPOD: "Neurosis" by "The Book Of Lists"

Time: 2hours-ish..(I ran into a friend and had a brief chat)

two steps forward, one step back!! 3-28.15

It was a beautiful night for a brisk walk, no rain, dry sidewalks and I was rarin' to go!!!

The weird thing was my calves started tensing up and were concrete hard, every step was very uncomfortible...I kept on going because usually as I walk I loosen up and soon I am not stiff or achey....

But whoa Momma!

Not today!!

NO SIR!! every step was painful, like people were shoving spikes into the tendons in my shins.....

but I still motored on...stupid I know..but I had to...

When I got home I noticed my legs were really puffy and there were indentations around my ankles as if I had been shackled..

I am going to investigate this and also look into "looser" socks to wear on my big saturday walk..

iPOD Song: "Town Called Malice" by The Jam

Time: 51 minutes

I'm walkin' ovah hewah..Walkin'!!! 3/25.15

Well it was a good walk today truth be told, I wasn't in as much pain in my back or shins and it wasn't too cold..


WheeEEee!!!


iPOD Song: "Some More Microphones" by Propellerheads

Time: 52 minutes

Operation "Walk & Roll" 5.3 / 22.15

so today, I decided to incorperate my long trainig walk with my weekly trip to the comicshop!

It was a very nice, crisp clear day and I met up with a friend for a cup of coffee along the way..

(Though I did look kind of dumb in my shorts and bright yellow "walking jacket"..)

iPOD song: "From Russia With Love" by Matt Munro

Time: Hard to say...we stopped a lot to talk to people.. but it was one hour and fourty seven minutes..

up hill!!...both ways!!! 3.85-16.85

so today I had to work late and decided to walk home.

The distance isn't much farther than my usual training walk so it was too much more effort..

HA!

It was prett much all up hill...

*whew!*

but it was good and I am looking forward to my big walk this saturday..

iPOD song: "Chicks and Dicks" by Junior Senior

time: 70:00

Yukon Buddy!!! 3.13

Well, It snowed real bad so the sidewalks were slippery and the air was brisk! I managed to trudge along a little slower than usual due to the majority of the sidewalks being unshoveled (Is that a word?).. I was also very careful crossing at street corners since a good deal of Vancouver drivers have no real winter driving skills..

One thing I enjoy about these walks is being able to think without distraction..Sort of like meditation but not as "new agey"..

My lower back and calves weren't as sore afterwards!!

First iPOD song: "Jeannine" by a jazz dude named Donald Bryd

Time: 61 minutes (due to snow + ice)

ten pounds of banana in a five pound bag... 4.10

Walking in the snow today, reminded me of walking around Edmonton in the winter as a kid...but not quite as cold.. :P

heading away from the wind wasn't so bad but heading home I had the wind and the snow in my face for the whole route..in a strange way I liked it..A funny thing I noticed that while I can't run and my walking speed is pretty damn "pokey" my rhythm for breathing is great! I didn't lose that skill..Horray for me! I must sound funny to the people I walk by though..I make a "Whooogh-Whoogh-Hagguaghah" sound...

I walked 4 miles in 71 minutes, I would have been faster but I had to tie my shoe and got caught by some traffic lights. so that works out to a 17:45 mile..I would like to get down to a sub 15 mile, but I won't rush it..

For the sake of my safety I wear a bright yellow reflective rain jacket, it is very tight on me hence the "ten pounds of banana in a five pound bag." blog title.

So one week down! 13 or so to go!

End of week weight 270

First song played on iPOD: "Rockula" by Los Straightjackets

I lumber on...3.6

Well, training walk two is out of the way...

My lower back and calves are very stiff and it takes me walking about 1/2 the route before I get loose..Hopefully this will change and my body gets used to the new regimen..

Starting song on the iPOD was "Beat Surrender" by The Jam..

I am looking forward to my Saturday walk..

"The brain writes cheques that the body can't cash.."

it's funny how memory and reality can conflict.

I am recovering from my first training walk and I feel pretty good( good sore)..During the first half of the walk last night my back and hips were very tight..This is in part due to my Santa Clausesque belly...Anyways...When I was a runner, this 3 mile course would have seemed like nothing..but it was far from "nothing" when I was walking up a couple of those hills..

One of the things that did keep me moving forward was the fact that I used to be able to run farther, faster and over far more difficult terrain..

This time I have to adhere to two points..

#1) Ease into it, ramp up with the distance and intensity over time..

#2) Keep disiplined and stay on the "training plan"

I am 10+ years older now and I know there is no way I can hit the goals that I did in my 20's...but I certainly can get healthy and hopefully lose weight...

I want this to be a lifestyle change and not a short term soulution..I am trying to play the "long game" here..

First Walk..3 Miles

Ok, the bottom line is I am obese and I am tired of being so.

So far, due to my genetics, I have been able to avoid the complications that can result from carrying all of this extra weight(diabetes, high blood pressure..etc). I do not want to gamble against those odds though and it is time to take action...

Years ago I was very athletic and if not for an injury I would have been able to run a marathon.. But time, multiple surgeries on my tailbone, a very sedentary lifestyle and a serious love of eating have aided in my current fatness..

I am tired of being fat..There are a variety of forms of exercise I would like to participate in and I cannot..

But I can walk...

so last Sunday I decided to register to walk in a half marathon on May 4th..

I found a great training plan online and estimated if I start training today I will be able to do the half marathon..It is important I stick to my training schedule..Hopefully along the way I will be able to get more fit and lose some fat.

I plan on keeping a record of my training to help motivate me.

My first walk was hard..but not impossible, the 3 mile route was hillier than I thought..but that is a good thing..

I listen to my iPOD as I walk and the first song played was the James Bond theme.. A good omen..

I have to figure out a good cross training exercise for tomorrow..

Thursday I walk again!