A Better Idea (2).

Daily Record Makes More Sense Now.

I record details re my exercise routine, motorcycle trips, and more*.

Many of us take a goodly number of photos per week as a way to "see again" or reveal certain aspects of our exciting lives. A few of us create written records as well, e.g., on a blog or in a journal of sorts, etc. I do both on a regular basis, and some of the items I record in a handy-dandy pocket calendar - related to my exercise/fun and fitness routine - are not only piling up but providing me with a fairly comprehensive look at how I'm progressing toward important goals.

I'm on my fifth yearly calendar (2019). I think I'm getting somewhere.

 My daily entries relate to my weight, distance covered via walks, runs, etc.

 I convert weekly (walk/run) mileage to a 10-week average. It's going north : )

'Total Miles' are higher because (at the YMCA) I regularly ride an exercise bike

for about 40 minutes before a walk/run on a treadmill.

 Record keeping is a good idea for some people!

Now, when I record my monthly totals for walk/runs I can see how I have been doing for the last five years. There's nothing really scientific about the numbers but they help me form a few reasonable impressions about my routine:

I get out the door (GOTD) 80 - 90% of the days per year (93.3% in April).

So, I've got a pretty solid habit re fun and fitness.

My monthly mileage total [for brisk walks, slow runs, and cycling (36 min. = 2 miles)] hovers around a manageable 180 mi.

My average mileage total per outing hovers around 6.5 mi.

My weight is solidly in the 145 - 155 pound range, down from 163 lb.

The number of pushups, situps and reps (on 6 weight machines) is at 2,000 so far for 2019, and approaching 7,000 total (since adding these efforts to my routine).

I have no aches or pains.

So, I feel I have a pretty solid and reliable routine - all within my limits - and keeping a record seems to make good, common sense.

And if I can maintain a positive routine for the next 25 years then I think ultimate svelteness is within my grasp.

: )

  Keep smilin'!*

*Two photos taken in Hamilton during a "boys' beer tour". I have the receipts!

Please link to A Better Idea (1).

Photos GH

A Better Idea (1).

There's Always More Than One Way to Go.

Neon "Great Idea" is found at Merit Brewery, James St. N., Hamilton*

As I get older I feel I am making fewer quick or snap decisions.

I drive slower too - and like it - but that's another story.

In my last entry I said the following:

I am thinking about 'pausing' my YMCA membership for four months, beginning the break near the end of May. And during the pause I will make full use of London's multi-purpose pathways in the hopes of becoming one of our city's slowest, steadiest and sveltest senior runners in modern-day history. So, the GREAT Canadian Comeback continues.

Well, I did think about pausing my Y membership, and well before stepping up to the main counter and saying, "Let's do it now."

Smooth move on my part, because a few good thoughts about 'the pause' have come to mind in the meantime:

I would not have easy access to a great pool during the summer months; I'd have to set up a sprinkler in the back yard and I have no idea if I even have one; I would miss what has become a regular cycling routine at the Y with a good book in my hand; I would miss the regular weight and stretching routine - and that's a lot of good stuff to give up.

So, now I'm leaning toward 'no pause.' Instead, I may just alternate trips to the Y and trips to the paths. I can enjoy both worlds (indoors and outdoors) while working toward the same goals as above, i.e., slow and steady efforts toward ultimate svelteness.

Paul and I pause in front of our reflections in Hamilton*, April 13th.

*My two sons and I walked a lot while in Hamilton for "a boys' beer tour" (the reflection above was captured at Collective Arts Beer Store) and trip to The Brain. All good ideas too, solidly connected to fun and fitness.

Please link to Still at the YMCA, But.... (4).

Photos GH