Mostly, I think it is just being a bit lazier than I have any right to be but the last several weeks have not been stellar in the working out area. But, daylight savings time ended today and I was on the road for four miles this morning. See if we can keep this up.
At Church today Robbie McLendon was basking in a third place finish in a 10K yesterday. Robbie has passed 50 but is burning up the roads. He told me he finished the first mile in 5:51. That is amazing. He is also on a running streak and has not missed a day in several years. This afternoon he is heading out for a 15-miler.
I have to get back into a routine because I have to start lifting again and quit using the night classes as an excuse not to be in the gym,
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
So, what do you expect?
One of the things that happens when working at the Y is another lifter who says, "I hope I can be lifting like that when I get to be YOUR age." I was thinking about that today while talking in the Introduction to Mass Communication class about how media tell some of our stories and how the media representations sort of set the expectations for age, gender, cultural, roles. And, I am wondering with all the vivacious boomers in gyms across the country, why it is still surprising for some to see an old(er) guy lifting weights and getting in shape. The thought hit me again as I watched some of the Cobra Club members (non college guys who support Coker athletics) make their way to the gym for an hour of basketball. Now, maybe none of those players are over 60 -- though I am not certain -- but a number of them have crossed the 50 mark. Do you think they are worrying about that as them make their way to the weekly basketball game? What they expect is a hard work out that shows them they can still hit a jumper, get back on defense and work all afternoon, even after such a work out. We expect that as long as the body parts hold out we will continue to challenge them to provide the joy, the utility and the matter-of-fact-ness they have providing right on until now.
Humidity still high in SC
There is a sense of accomplishment when you roll out onto the road at 5:20 to begin the day with a brisk walk (or run for those who still have the knees.) It was that way this morning, though the humidity brought the first rivulets of sweat before I got out of the driveway. September in Hartsville like July in upstate NY.
The reason for this observation in this post is just to note the opportunities for observation that being active offers. If you stay under the covers until time to get ready for work, you don't always get to notice the steamy nature of early September -- until you head to your car and get the air conditioning churning.
And, what is becoming increasingly obvious is that we are heading back into the dark. The crack of dawn is barely audible as I finish the four miles on these early September mornings and as the days pass, I am going to be finishing before the dawn actually breaks.
The reason for this observation in this post is just to note the opportunities for observation that being active offers. If you stay under the covers until time to get ready for work, you don't always get to notice the steamy nature of early September -- until you head to your car and get the air conditioning churning.
And, what is becoming increasingly obvious is that we are heading back into the dark. The crack of dawn is barely audible as I finish the four miles on these early September mornings and as the days pass, I am going to be finishing before the dawn actually breaks.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Okay, so why worry about exercising
In line tonight at a spaghetti-dinner benefit and a guy I have known for years came in behind me. As a matter of fact, we happen to share the same birthday. He asked the normal question -- you still running? Okay, it has been years since I was a runner but it was a big part of my life so people ask. I admit that I am now a walker -- and almost don't mind that title, most of the time. But, I might think to myself, why bother? So, I asked this guy a question -- you still working or have you retired. Turns out he has not retired but was out of work for nearly four months, a month for each of the bypasses of his recent heart surgery. One thing regular exercise does is let you know that you are at least doing one small thing to help protect yourself from that dreaded diagnosis -- bypass time.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
August 12, 2008
1 -- Got up for an okay walk this morning; it was Sylvia's first day back at work. Goal is to again get to the Y for the rest of the workout.
2 -- Have been getting to the Y with regularity and yesterday pushed a little harder on some of the exercises. Benched with dumb bells and started with 60lbs. I think I had one set of six and it might have been eight. Then went down by fives through 55, 50, 45. Other exercises worked a few more pounds and I only go up a little at a time because my goal is to continue lifting not seeing how much I lift once.
3 -- Was very glad to see the Hartsville Streets or Parks crews trimmed the branches of trees adjacent to the bike trail. That will make that part of the trail better. Those using the bike trail will find it enjoyable though a caution on the Washington Street portion -- the storm drains are too recessed and if you hit them you could be in some trouble.
4 -- Listening to MOSCOW RULES by Dan Silva while walking. It is a good story and some of the exciting parts help me move faster on those early morning walks.
5 -- Memo to self -- "It really does feel better to be at the Y than making excuses for not being at the Y."
2 -- Have been getting to the Y with regularity and yesterday pushed a little harder on some of the exercises. Benched with dumb bells and started with 60lbs. I think I had one set of six and it might have been eight. Then went down by fives through 55, 50, 45. Other exercises worked a few more pounds and I only go up a little at a time because my goal is to continue lifting not seeing how much I lift once.
3 -- Was very glad to see the Hartsville Streets or Parks crews trimmed the branches of trees adjacent to the bike trail. That will make that part of the trail better. Those using the bike trail will find it enjoyable though a caution on the Washington Street portion -- the storm drains are too recessed and if you hit them you could be in some trouble.
4 -- Listening to MOSCOW RULES by Dan Silva while walking. It is a good story and some of the exciting parts help me move faster on those early morning walks.
5 -- Memo to self -- "It really does feel better to be at the Y than making excuses for not being at the Y."
Monday, August 4, 2008
Working More, Enjoying More
So, the past couple of weeks the Y has been the place. Got there for a pretty good upper body workout today and am starting to get back on school time, which is one way of saying I am getting out of bed before 5 so that I get those four miles in by six. Combining the walking with the lifting is feeling good. I am starting with push ups and hit 35 in one go today. Totaled at 50 and then did the workout 00 chest, shoulders, back, triceps and biceps -- staying well within limits and may have to start extending a bit because of that no pain, no gain tradition with which I grew up. Still pretty much working the body for life type of workout -- just losing most of the intensity of the increased weights. Today, I could tell I wasn't talking or wasting time between sets because I finished in 48 minutes.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Finally, a good week at the gym
Last week was a good week in that I managed to get to the Y six days. Okay, the quality of all the workouts might not have been at the A level but the first goal was getting back to being present. It felt good to finally be back in the gym. When it came to pushups I stopped at 50 instead of pushing on to the 100 and this week I have to focus on adding a bit more intensity. In addition to the Y, I did get six days of good walks -- most of them four miles.
Finished Genghis Khan and as I think I mentioned, it was a bit of an inspiration because the great Khan was in his late 50s when he began his domination of much of the known world in the late 1100s and early 1200s.
And, began this week with a good walk on Sunday, no Y, and a good four-mile walk this morning. Reading a Ken Blanchard book on leadership as I move through the miles.
Finished Genghis Khan and as I think I mentioned, it was a bit of an inspiration because the great Khan was in his late 50s when he began his domination of much of the known world in the late 1100s and early 1200s.
And, began this week with a good walk on Sunday, no Y, and a good four-mile walk this morning. Reading a Ken Blanchard book on leadership as I move through the miles.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
First Question -- You still walking, still lifting
When people know you exercise they are curious to see if you are still an exerciser. At a minimum exercise for people over 60 is a conversation starter. Happened again this noon, at lunch of all places. And, happily, today's answer is Yes.
This morning was another good morning walk. I probably should be increasing the pressure of these early morning walks to cut down on time and increase heart rate but it was still a good four miles. The other good thing was that finally, after weeks of not darkening the Y door, I was there and put up some weight. Not enough but now that I have taken so much time off it will be a little slow building back up.
So I can keep track, Monday night 7-21 was dumb bell benches with leg extensions using forty pound dumb bells for four sets of 12 each and 45 pounders for one set of 12. Then I did the chest fly with 35 pounders -- one set of 12. Shoulders were using 20lb dumb bells with shoulder raises. First set were simultaneous. second set was alternating, third was simultaneous and four set was alternating. Then, used sitting dumb bell of 25 pounds for shoulder press. Tried that standing and could barely budge it. Back was on the machine using the 140 resistance for four sets of 12 and one set of 155 and then the rower lift where I pulled the 250 stack but only for 10 reps and one set used a 15 pounder to start the tricept and did both arms for one set of 12. Then moved over to the machine and went 70 for 12, 80 for 12, 90 for 12 and 100 for seven. Biceps were 25 pound dumb bell sitting curls for one set of 12 then standing small bar with 50lbs, then one more set of sitting curls and three more of the barbell curls. Put the lever at 140 on the pull up machine and did one set of 13.
understand that if someone else is reading this that is way too much info but it will help me keep up with me.
And, again, the answer to the question is yes, still walking and again lifting.
This morning was another good morning walk. I probably should be increasing the pressure of these early morning walks to cut down on time and increase heart rate but it was still a good four miles. The other good thing was that finally, after weeks of not darkening the Y door, I was there and put up some weight. Not enough but now that I have taken so much time off it will be a little slow building back up.
So I can keep track, Monday night 7-21 was dumb bell benches with leg extensions using forty pound dumb bells for four sets of 12 each and 45 pounders for one set of 12. Then I did the chest fly with 35 pounders -- one set of 12. Shoulders were using 20lb dumb bells with shoulder raises. First set were simultaneous. second set was alternating, third was simultaneous and four set was alternating. Then, used sitting dumb bell of 25 pounds for shoulder press. Tried that standing and could barely budge it. Back was on the machine using the 140 resistance for four sets of 12 and one set of 155 and then the rower lift where I pulled the 250 stack but only for 10 reps and one set used a 15 pounder to start the tricept and did both arms for one set of 12. Then moved over to the machine and went 70 for 12, 80 for 12, 90 for 12 and 100 for seven. Biceps were 25 pound dumb bell sitting curls for one set of 12 then standing small bar with 50lbs, then one more set of sitting curls and three more of the barbell curls. Put the lever at 140 on the pull up machine and did one set of 13.
understand that if someone else is reading this that is way too much info but it will help me keep up with me.
And, again, the answer to the question is yes, still walking and again lifting.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Morning is great time to walk
The other day I purchased a new Creative Muvo because I have been missing reading by ear while exercising. My Ipod Nano had been ripped off and the other devices I have tried just were not doing well with Audible books. Listening to a Harold Lamb book called Ghengis Khan; a time in history I know absolutely nothing about.
So, what does that have to do with morning being a great time to walk? Well, this morning was beautiful in a July pre-dawn way. At 5:37 it was still dawning yet the way was brightly lit by a moon that appeared to have no desire to surrender its role to the sun. Birds were excited about this Monday morning, a much better attitude sounding from their tree perches than I would imagine coming from those getting ready to turn off their morning alarms. Air was already a little leaden with heat that did not dissipate from the day before and anticipating what might be to come. But, it was also not oppressive and helped add a little sweat so that the 15-minute-mile pace felt like it might be doing some good. Ghengis Khan coming from the earpod assured that even if the heart wasn't pumping as fast as it should, there was something accomplished in this first hour of the day.
And, the days are getting shorter. Dawn appeared to really break about 5:55 and that means summer is moving toward fall.
So, what does that have to do with morning being a great time to walk? Well, this morning was beautiful in a July pre-dawn way. At 5:37 it was still dawning yet the way was brightly lit by a moon that appeared to have no desire to surrender its role to the sun. Birds were excited about this Monday morning, a much better attitude sounding from their tree perches than I would imagine coming from those getting ready to turn off their morning alarms. Air was already a little leaden with heat that did not dissipate from the day before and anticipating what might be to come. But, it was also not oppressive and helped add a little sweat so that the 15-minute-mile pace felt like it might be doing some good. Ghengis Khan coming from the earpod assured that even if the heart wasn't pumping as fast as it should, there was something accomplished in this first hour of the day.
And, the days are getting shorter. Dawn appeared to really break about 5:55 and that means summer is moving toward fall.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Motivation still not kicking in
Great news from Rome, New York. LeRyiah and Russ welcomed Ruby into the world at 11:55 p.m. last night. My brother Mark, the new grandfather, and sister-in-law Debbie, the new grandmother, are excited at these new roles.
What does that have to do with this blog? There should be many reasons for getting and staying and shape. The chief reason is that we all know that if you do what you should in the gym you build up your energy and enjoy more zest in regular activities -- like playing with new babies. In talks I am having with myself I am noticing the lack of energy and motivation and are beginning to wonder if the very FACT that I am not darkening the doors of the Y gym might not be the exact CAUSE of the lack of energy and motivation.
I think it is time to experiment or do some researh - as we like to say at the college. So, I hope the next post notes that the Y has again become part of the regular activities and I can report on the effect it has on the energy and motivation level.
What does that have to do with this blog? There should be many reasons for getting and staying and shape. The chief reason is that we all know that if you do what you should in the gym you build up your energy and enjoy more zest in regular activities -- like playing with new babies. In talks I am having with myself I am noticing the lack of energy and motivation and are beginning to wonder if the very FACT that I am not darkening the doors of the Y gym might not be the exact CAUSE of the lack of energy and motivation.
I think it is time to experiment or do some researh - as we like to say at the college. So, I hope the next post notes that the Y has again become part of the regular activities and I can report on the effect it has on the energy and motivation level.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Is 61 th new 39? Some Personal Observations
Just about this time 39 years ago in place called Go Noi Island, Vietnam, I walked up out of a bomb crater and then flew the rest of the way. It seems as unreal today as it did that day, July 3, 1969. What in today's wars are called improvised explosive devices we then called booby traps. My battalion had been slowed by a lot of them, but the word came down the line we were to keep moving the sweep despite those aggravating body mines. The guy walking in front of me died in that explosion. One corpsman near me was bleeding from shrapnel, my radio guy was hit but apparently only a minor wound. One of the guys on the mortar team also took some metal.
I was looking down on the scene wondering who it was that was down and as I looked, I heard some moaning. Suddenly, I was not longer looking down on the scene. I was in the scene. The moans were coming out of me. So I shut up. That was not way for a platoon commander to sound. The look on the corpsman's face as he looked at where the blood was coming from hinted at a real bad story as he slapped a pressure bandage on the groin and like all good corpsmen (navy-enlisted medics) assured me that it was okay and it was a good thing he was there to save my jewels.
Who knows what that day was supposed to bring. One of my Marines was gone. He was the second that day. We weren't sure where I was but we regrouped set up a quick perimeter, SSGT who again became the platoon commander, called in a medivac (I love combat helicopter pilots) and we divvied up the ammunition and I was heading to a field hospital.
So, a fraction of inch in so many directions BUT the bad stuff did turned out not that bad. I was looking down, probably with PFC Nunez by my side, but was able to go back - he wasn't. Since that time I sort of celebrate two birthdays -- January 1 (when it began) and July 3, when it restarted. That makes me 39.
What is my takeaway from July 3, 1969? When life ends, it ends, not leaving you much choice. But your mission remains -- to live that life until it is not your's to live any more.
I was looking down on the scene wondering who it was that was down and as I looked, I heard some moaning. Suddenly, I was not longer looking down on the scene. I was in the scene. The moans were coming out of me. So I shut up. That was not way for a platoon commander to sound. The look on the corpsman's face as he looked at where the blood was coming from hinted at a real bad story as he slapped a pressure bandage on the groin and like all good corpsmen (navy-enlisted medics) assured me that it was okay and it was a good thing he was there to save my jewels.
Who knows what that day was supposed to bring. One of my Marines was gone. He was the second that day. We weren't sure where I was but we regrouped set up a quick perimeter, SSGT who again became the platoon commander, called in a medivac (I love combat helicopter pilots) and we divvied up the ammunition and I was heading to a field hospital.
So, a fraction of inch in so many directions BUT the bad stuff did turned out not that bad. I was looking down, probably with PFC Nunez by my side, but was able to go back - he wasn't. Since that time I sort of celebrate two birthdays -- January 1 (when it began) and July 3, when it restarted. That makes me 39.
What is my takeaway from July 3, 1969? When life ends, it ends, not leaving you much choice. But your mission remains -- to live that life until it is not your's to live any more.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Doing a lot of walking... but
Not totally on purpose.
The four-mile walk this morning was purposeful, and beautiful. The July 1 temperature was cool; the six oclock lighting enchanting and...
The drive to the car care place was purposeful. My van gets dirty and while it may be an extravagance, I really like the way it looks when they finish. So, I stopped the van, gave them the keys and headed back to the college. It is summer and the doors are locked on most Coker buildings so I jammed my hand into the pocket for keys.
There was a key - a big key -- the van key. There were not keys. All the door keys were on the key ring that was at (go ahead, guess) the car care place. So in addition to the walk from the car care place to the college now I had the chance to return to the car care place then walk back to the college and finally walk back to the car care place again to pick up the van. Maybe I should have skipped the purposeful walk this beautiful morning. No! Had I there would not have been much to write about. At the same time, those of you who are among the more than 300 people an hour turning 60, understand that sometimes you will leave the wrong key. It happens (I just wish it wasn't so frequent.) But, I enjoyed the extra miles today in my quest to find the motivation for post-60 exercise.
The four-mile walk this morning was purposeful, and beautiful. The July 1 temperature was cool; the six oclock lighting enchanting and...
The drive to the car care place was purposeful. My van gets dirty and while it may be an extravagance, I really like the way it looks when they finish. So, I stopped the van, gave them the keys and headed back to the college. It is summer and the doors are locked on most Coker buildings so I jammed my hand into the pocket for keys.
There was a key - a big key -- the van key. There were not keys. All the door keys were on the key ring that was at (go ahead, guess) the car care place. So in addition to the walk from the car care place to the college now I had the chance to return to the car care place then walk back to the college and finally walk back to the car care place again to pick up the van. Maybe I should have skipped the purposeful walk this beautiful morning. No! Had I there would not have been much to write about. At the same time, those of you who are among the more than 300 people an hour turning 60, understand that sometimes you will leave the wrong key. It happens (I just wish it wasn't so frequent.) But, I enjoyed the extra miles today in my quest to find the motivation for post-60 exercise.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
This strategy is not working
Back in March I began this blog as an attempt to motivate myself to get to the YMCA gym more regularly. It seems to be working the reverse. Motivation is a problem. I just don't seem to have "it" anymore for pushing around the weights. In fact, I have not been able to push myself out for more than five walks a week and that is not a good trend. So, let's see if restarting the blog will have any influence on changing this situation.
One reason I thought I would start back is an article that was published in the June 24 edition of the NEW YORK TIMES by Jane E. Brody. The title of the article was "Fit, Not Frail: Exercise as a Tonic for Aging." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/health/24brod.html?_r=1&sq=Fit,%20Not%20Frail:%20
Exercise%20as%20a%20Tonic%20for%20aging&st=cse&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&scp=1&adxnnlx=
1214780003-cQ/OUvmQhbqln5FVlOvqdQ
Brody began with the interesting and amazing statistic that every hour of every day, 330 Americans turn 60. Well, that happened to me on January 1, 2007.
I have begun a program and would still consider myself a very active person but I continue to underline the fact that exercise is a daily decision, no matter how long I have been doing it, and as much as I often really enjoy it, an exercise regime has never become habitual.
Brody has a very detailed article and she recommends www.acsm.org.
That organization has guidelines for physical activity for those who are new to exercise. Anyway, her article is filled with ideas about getting with the program. What are you waiting for, get off line and onto the treadmill. Go, Now!
One reason I thought I would start back is an article that was published in the June 24 edition of the NEW YORK TIMES by Jane E. Brody. The title of the article was "Fit, Not Frail: Exercise as a Tonic for Aging." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/health/24brod.html?_r=1&sq=Fit,%20Not%20Frail:%20
Exercise%20as%20a%20Tonic%20for%20aging&st=cse&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&scp=1&adxnnlx=
1214780003-cQ/OUvmQhbqln5FVlOvqdQ
Brody began with the interesting and amazing statistic that every hour of every day, 330 Americans turn 60. Well, that happened to me on January 1, 2007.
I have begun a program and would still consider myself a very active person but I continue to underline the fact that exercise is a daily decision, no matter how long I have been doing it, and as much as I often really enjoy it, an exercise regime has never become habitual.
Brody has a very detailed article and she recommends www.acsm.org.
That organization has guidelines for physical activity for those who are new to exercise. Anyway, her article is filled with ideas about getting with the program. What are you waiting for, get off line and onto the treadmill. Go, Now!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thinking About Exercise...
...is, I am afraid, just about all I have been doing about exercise the past two weeks. While I am getting up many days for a four-mile morning walk, I have been missing the time spent iron pumping and and heart pumping at the YMCA. You can fill in all the normal excuses, with the night class being my major fall back but the truth is I just have not been doing it.
There is more than a little guilt in the above admission, because I know maintaining and improving strength as well as endurance is a key to not getting as old as the calendar might proclaim. So, maybe a little public confession here will help me regain the focus I had. The books talk about a lot of strategies for maintaining health, fitness and sharpness and the primary strategy is totally encompassed in the Nike slogan -- "Just do it." When you stop doing, whatever it is you are doing, the regression is much more rapid than the progression and makes those efx hills that much steeper the next time around.
While walking under the moon and stars this morning, just as the birds began to sing, I admonished myself to find a way to jump start and I hope this is the first step.
There is more than a little guilt in the above admission, because I know maintaining and improving strength as well as endurance is a key to not getting as old as the calendar might proclaim. So, maybe a little public confession here will help me regain the focus I had. The books talk about a lot of strategies for maintaining health, fitness and sharpness and the primary strategy is totally encompassed in the Nike slogan -- "Just do it." When you stop doing, whatever it is you are doing, the regression is much more rapid than the progression and makes those efx hills that much steeper the next time around.
While walking under the moon and stars this morning, just as the birds began to sing, I admonished myself to find a way to jump start and I hope this is the first step.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Race today kicked my butt...
The Sonoco Credit Union sponsored 5K run/walk hosted by the Cross Country Team at Coker and the Cobra Club was a lot of fun. The organizers are tying to increase the interest in running and they had teams from several of the area's elementary schools in competition. It was a blast to see them competing and I am sure North Hartsville Elementary is happy that they ran away with the trophy. The Coker connection with the community is strengthened significantly with an event like today's race.
I am a walker. Turns out I am becoming a pretty slow walker. I finished first today in the overall walk but my time was about 37:23. That is my slowest competitive time. I DESERVED that time because my miles have been down of late, my lifting has been sporadic of late and I was far from my best condition. The sort of scary thing is how much this slow time is still causing a lack of energy about six hours after the race. I am used to soreness and being tired for an hour or so but the lack of a quicker recovery is shouting to me that I need to get back to more regular exercise and quit turing over in the mornings for an extra hour of sleep.
Clyde Weaver was running again today. I have told him he is my running hero. Clyde is moving into his eighties, he has fought off a couple of heart attacks and he is still pounding the pavement. He is a true example of a life-long exerciser. And, for any of you who are thinking running is for the young, the race today was run by a guy who is 42. Okay, to me that is YOUNG but his time was 17 something-- that is moving at any age.
Finally, these races can't be run without a lot of volunteers. So, thank you, to all of those who were volunteering. The Strictly Running race team did a great job with the set up and it was pretty much a perfect moring for a race and from children in strollers to eighty-year + runners, it was a great morning; but it is still kicking my butt.
I am a walker. Turns out I am becoming a pretty slow walker. I finished first today in the overall walk but my time was about 37:23. That is my slowest competitive time. I DESERVED that time because my miles have been down of late, my lifting has been sporadic of late and I was far from my best condition. The sort of scary thing is how much this slow time is still causing a lack of energy about six hours after the race. I am used to soreness and being tired for an hour or so but the lack of a quicker recovery is shouting to me that I need to get back to more regular exercise and quit turing over in the mornings for an extra hour of sleep.
Clyde Weaver was running again today. I have told him he is my running hero. Clyde is moving into his eighties, he has fought off a couple of heart attacks and he is still pounding the pavement. He is a true example of a life-long exerciser. And, for any of you who are thinking running is for the young, the race today was run by a guy who is 42. Okay, to me that is YOUNG but his time was 17 something-- that is moving at any age.
Finally, these races can't be run without a lot of volunteers. So, thank you, to all of those who were volunteering. The Strictly Running race team did a great job with the set up and it was pretty much a perfect moring for a race and from children in strollers to eighty-year + runners, it was a great morning; but it is still kicking my butt.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Magnificient Morning in Hartsville, South Carolina
Wish I could say I was up with the crack of dawn but I have learned a new skill, rolling over and nodding back to sleep. But, today, as those eyes kept closed a bird began a refrain -- puffer get your out of bed.
I did. Thanks bird!
As I walked down the road Tom was just getting his paper, already enjoying a cup of coffee and the antics of two of his dogs as they greeted the new day. Both of us were being treated to the songs of Spring coming from a few of the trees around the neighborhood.
As I started down PowerLine Road the light show that was the morning sun breaking the horizon through the textured cloud cover was like being welcome to one of the world's most majestic catherdrals. (you guys would have recognized the clouds from Jana's sunset photos the other day.)
As the sun's power rays lit up specific paths and trees, squirrels and birds there was a choir of flocking birds reminding the world of the gift we are given every day. Less than a mile later a single feathered create was chanting Come (caw)Come (caw) Come (caw) as if in a call to prayer. Nearly at the same time cars were driving into parking lots at chruches around the town as some special Saturday morning activity seemed about to start.
The sun rose, the clouds thinned and as the four miles were nearly over a giant tree next to Coker's new LIT Center seemed to come alive with song as hundreds of robins and sparrows were scattered among the branches singing about this Magnificient Morning in Hartsville and calling more people to join in the celebration of this new day.
The first day of Spring may officially be in March but the arrival of all the new winged visitors this morning, the brisk morning breeze and brilliant blue-cloud shrouded sky says February 16 was the first day of Hartsville's Spring.
I am still sweating a bit though this morning walk as not all that strenuous. It was a tremendous way to begin this day and while I may wish I were still a runner, the walking pace allowed me to enjoy the cathedral of a mafnificient Hartsville morning that probably would not have been the case had I been going for a seven or eight minute a mile pace. See, there are some benefits to the experience that comes with the years.
I did. Thanks bird!
As I walked down the road Tom was just getting his paper, already enjoying a cup of coffee and the antics of two of his dogs as they greeted the new day. Both of us were being treated to the songs of Spring coming from a few of the trees around the neighborhood.
As I started down PowerLine Road the light show that was the morning sun breaking the horizon through the textured cloud cover was like being welcome to one of the world's most majestic catherdrals. (you guys would have recognized the clouds from Jana's sunset photos the other day.)
As the sun's power rays lit up specific paths and trees, squirrels and birds there was a choir of flocking birds reminding the world of the gift we are given every day. Less than a mile later a single feathered create was chanting Come (caw)Come (caw) Come (caw) as if in a call to prayer. Nearly at the same time cars were driving into parking lots at chruches around the town as some special Saturday morning activity seemed about to start.
The sun rose, the clouds thinned and as the four miles were nearly over a giant tree next to Coker's new LIT Center seemed to come alive with song as hundreds of robins and sparrows were scattered among the branches singing about this Magnificient Morning in Hartsville and calling more people to join in the celebration of this new day.
The first day of Spring may officially be in March but the arrival of all the new winged visitors this morning, the brisk morning breeze and brilliant blue-cloud shrouded sky says February 16 was the first day of Hartsville's Spring.
I am still sweating a bit though this morning walk as not all that strenuous. It was a tremendous way to begin this day and while I may wish I were still a runner, the walking pace allowed me to enjoy the cathedral of a mafnificient Hartsville morning that probably would not have been the case had I been going for a seven or eight minute a mile pace. See, there are some benefits to the experience that comes with the years.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Habit vs Decision
Teaching nights - from 5:30 to 8:00 makes a mess of my normal workout schedule. Being lazy has been wreaking havoc with my normal morning walks. Instead of popping out of bed when my lids lift at 4:55 a.m. I consciously slam the lids, roll back under the covers and try hard to fall back to sleep.
Those are not good things because it is not my imagination that the pants are fitting more snugly than a month ago and those times when I do darken the Y's doors are proving harder and harder to lift what was routine only a few weeks back. Take last night, for example. I was dumb bell benching and the first set of 12 at 55 per almost stopped me from doing a second set. While I did fluctuate the weight from 45 to 55, and I did get one set of eight at 60 lbs, it was a struggle.
So, yesterday I did get in the second workout in a row this week. Worked some chest, some abs, back and triceps. The aerobic workout was on one of the machines at 30 minutes -- a little over 300 calories, a lot of sweat but probably could have worked harder.
Today's blog is a way of trying to move my mind to the frame that I stop at the Y instead of passing by after class this evening. That is not a decision that is easy because when I leave that night speech class I am pretty worn out. We'll see what happens.
I am hoping the fact that I have given up sweets for lent may help me get back to regular exercise.
Those are not good things because it is not my imagination that the pants are fitting more snugly than a month ago and those times when I do darken the Y's doors are proving harder and harder to lift what was routine only a few weeks back. Take last night, for example. I was dumb bell benching and the first set of 12 at 55 per almost stopped me from doing a second set. While I did fluctuate the weight from 45 to 55, and I did get one set of eight at 60 lbs, it was a struggle.
So, yesterday I did get in the second workout in a row this week. Worked some chest, some abs, back and triceps. The aerobic workout was on one of the machines at 30 minutes -- a little over 300 calories, a lot of sweat but probably could have worked harder.
Today's blog is a way of trying to move my mind to the frame that I stop at the Y instead of passing by after class this evening. That is not a decision that is easy because when I leave that night speech class I am pretty worn out. We'll see what happens.
I am hoping the fact that I have given up sweets for lent may help me get back to regular exercise.
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