Blog Archives
A Blessed Day For Sure
Started my day putting air in my tires, voting and doing a three-mile walk. Along the way I ran into my girl Roz two days off of her New York Marathon run this past Sunday. She walked yesterday and today. Gotta love her! Warm and sunny just a day to feel blessed. Happy Tuesday!
The closest I’m getting to an NYC marathon metal. Thanks Roz!
Maintaining Fitness in the Off Season
Today I went to the park for the first time in weeks. Actually, I’ve been lazy since Iron Girl on September 7, 2014. Once the day was over I had nothing to train for. My next event whatever it will be won’t be until next summer (if my knees cooperate). So I just haven’t had the urgency to get out there. So this morning I decided if it wasn’t raining I would take a quick walk and come home. My second round (1/2 mile track) I ran into an old friend and started walking with her. Did three miles and called it quits. Well I hate to say it but my legs have been sore all day. Wow! I know that I have to get back in the groove and put together an off-season schedule. I may not start formal Triathlon training until spring but there are lots of things I can do until then. For sure I can’t go weeks without walking again.
What do you do in the off seasons to keep fit?
Who Did Another Triathlon? Oh Yeah That Would Be Me!
Two hours and 59 minutes later and I had my second triathlon metal ever! Someone pointed out that this was my second in 35 days. Sounds impressive to me. I have begun the critique and see lots of room for improvement but hey I did it. Who would think that I could keep moving for hours. Did I mention a 15 minute walk to where the competition began and a return walk at the end? So the breakdown was 32 minutes in the water, 1 hr and 24 minutes on the bike (two loops riding a few miles into a killer wind each time) and a 3 mile run (walk for me). Well I quit again yesterday like I had done in August. But this time I’m serious. That was the hardest physical thing I’ve ever done. Hmn a week off and then I begin training again for next year. Even though I’m not doing it again I need to be ready. Just in case.
Left to right Roz Kelley, Debra Smith, Terrell Holliman, Maisha Amen and yours truly after we finished.
These ladies swim with me and were my inspiration. We range in age from 30’s to 60’s not telling their ages. I’m the oldest just short of my 63rd birthday in October. Iron Girl’s all.
This Healthy Stuff Takes Effort
So this morning on the news the reporters were talking about a half marathon being held somewhere that was very cold today. They mentioned that runners say they can pick their race but not the day. Okay I get it. I’m still concerned about my February 8, 2014 5K because it has been cold as all get out here in New Jersey. I went online looking for long underwear and I was reeling by the time I finished reading customer comments. So here is my current plan. First I’m going to rub and wrap the 62-year-old knees, then tights, then leggings then my Danskin pants. On top the necessary undergarment, an undershirt, tee-shirt, sweatshirt and vest. Hat to top off all. Did I mention hand and foot warmers? Okay this may be overkill but I’m getting ready. Remember I don’t run I walk so while my buddies are getting real warm I’m still gearing up.
What would happen if I was doing a long distance race. Lol. We’ll never know!!!!
February Challenge – Cupids Chase 5K
It’s done. Signed up for the Cupid Chase 5K in New Jersey on February 8, 2014. This 5K supports people with disabilities and is fundraiser. Donations can be made in my name (Karen Hilliard Johnson) at the Community Options, Inc website. All gifts are welcomed. If you’re local come cheer on participants or join in. The website says runners, joggers, walkers and those with wheels are welcomed! This is my next goal for the year. I’m praying for moderate weather but will do it short of bitter cold!
This Year Is About Duty To Self
I don’t mean to ignore those that depend on me like my Mom and remaining Uncle in Georgia and Aunt in New York. I just mean that I have to prioritize my time and goals this year. My husband and our sons are grown-ups with their own agenda’s. I have to focus on mine. Henry Ford said “If you think you can or you can’t you are right either way”
I think I have tremendous reasoning capabilities. Generally though I can find more reasons why I can’t and not can. I have to change that thought process so that I can do things this year. I want to sign up for this 5K for next month. I may have mentioned it. Well I spend time every day saying suppose it’s really cold. I walk slowly and may take too long. I wonder if anyone else in my crew will do it. On and on. Wow! The power of negative thinking. Got to turn that around. This morning my friend Roz and three of her friends went to the park. The two ladies ran and the two men walked. It was 5 degrees! So what was I saying? Oh yeah “If you think you can or you can’t you are right either way”
I Stepped Out of the Boat This Morning
My pastor is a traditional preacher and last Sunday her sermon was entitled “Step out of the Boat” This is a biblical reference to Christ telling Peter to step out of the boat and walk on the water. I would characterize this as a lesson about faith.
So after my 95 year old mother slapped me the gauntlet so to speak and asked why I drove into the park instead of walking in, I decided to step out of the boat and try it. I could tell you all the reasons in my head for not walking the additional 3/4 of a mile to where I normally walk but the bottom line is that I was afraid that I couldn’t do it. Well today I proved myself wrong. Actually I walk further most days than I did today but I walk on a relatively flat oval which is a little over a half mile in distance and I cover a bit over 3 miles. Today I walked into the park and down one side of the track that the locals call the red carpet. I covered 2.82 miles which included some inclines that were very challenging for me. What a sense of accomplishment I felt when I arrived back at my house. Maybe you can try it soon. Step out of the Boat!
First Steps the Hardest 