'Same-old, Same old' Makes Me Feel New

Four More Personal Bests in the Four-Miler

Walking west on Terry Fox Pathway, part of a 7-mile loop

On November 22nd, i.e., one month ago - to the day - I wrote the following on this blog:

Currently, I really like what I'm doing fun-and-fitness-wise and see positive, gradual progress in the future, including a few more PBs (personal bests) in the four-mile-run category.

Why, ain't it the truth! Here it is December 22 and about all I can say for myself is, "Currently, I really like what I'm doing fun-and-fitness-wise and see positive, gradual progress in the future, including a few more PBs (personal bests) in the four-mile-run category."

I think you can quote me on that.

I continue to be a 'Steady Eddie', getting to the YMCA three times per week for well-rounded workouts, and walking 7 - 7.5 miles twice per week on city pathways (usually to UWO to scan microfilm of WW2 news stories).

And since Nov. 22 I have lowered my time on the four-mile treadmill run four times. On Friday I lowered the time to under 9-minutes per mile for the first time in over a decade. (8min:59.5sec. per mile. I slowed down during the last half-mile in order to save a bit of energy for the walk home).

I cram a lot of numbers into my monthly journal so I can

see 'where I'm at' - at-a-glance 

My WalkRun miles hold steady, 35 - 40 miles/week

"Where I'm at" update:

my fun and fitness routine is routinely five days on, two days off

I cover 35 - 40 miles per week, walking and running (about 24 - 30 mi. walking, 12 miles running)

I regularly collect 45+ miles/points per week, made up of walk/run miles (35 - 40mi.) and biking and weight training points (8 - 10pts)

I lift, pull, push about 14,000 lbs. of weight three times per week (30 reps re free weights and various weight machines)

I should hit 10,000 total reps by New Years Day.

my weight has been hanging around 145 - 147 pounds for several months

Conclusion:

"Steady Eddie" still likes what he's doing. Ultimate svelteness is just around the corner : )

I cannot say that I will work towards a five-mile run (and higher) on the treadmill over the winter, though the thought is in my mind.

While walking home from the YMCA last week I crossed paths with a former running mate who invited me to join his half-marathon clinic, beginning in January. I said that I would visit his website and consider signing up. And I have, and I'm not sure about putting my name on the dotted line.

I have a good base, I know enough to stay within my limits and make very gradual progress in order to prevent injuries, and I ran a couple of 5 - 7-mi. runs in the summer with no problems. Could I get to 13 miles? Very likely.

But do I want to do that, make a commitment, risk injury, attempt a level of work I have not visited in about 14 years?

I know... group running and group efforts are a lot of fun... a lot of fun. But... hmmmm.

Do I want to see what I've still got in me?

Interesting thoughts will lie ahead.

Please link to In The Zone as Colder Weather Arrives (2).

Photos GH

Photos From Along the Way.

Only 13,859 More Photographs Up for Review!

One million reasons to know about alternate routes for walk/runs

About four years ago I took my first steps toward making The GREAT Canadian Comeback. After marathoning for ten years I grew tired of the long distance sport. So, I took about ten years off.

I participated in some fun and fitness routines that included walking, jogging, cycling, and hockey but not in an overly disciplined way compared to a decade of running road races.

Now I am back to having a regular routine that includes indoor and outdoor activities, mostly walking, running and lifting (pushing and pulling) weights at the YMCA.

I don't carry a camera as often as I once did because I still have over 13,000 digital photos clogging up my computer. Here are a few from along the way:

Like this guy, I just take it easy out there

Heading west toward the Terry Fox Pathway, one of my favourite trails 

 Sometimes I get whistled at by a Jenny Wren

I've got Bruce St. all to myself as I head toward Springbank Park

My legs are getting longer with exercise 

 When you see clouds of bugs, don't breathe in!!

 Walking east toward my favourite coffee shop, Asmara Caffe.

 The old Dunlish Apts. at English and Dundas., my first apt. in London, 1968

Walkn home from the YMCA

On the TVP east of Adelaide St.

Beware of goofballs. Tune into your surroundings when running alone.

I bet I still have a few more hundred photos taken on city trails while I was out walkn or runnin'. I bet I'll show a lot of them to you!

Please link to More Miles And On a Roll

Photos GH