This is a short post to share the addition of a new tool/toy to the household. Recently celebrating a 60th birthday, honoring 12 years of running, wanting to support the workouts of OTF, desiring to skirt these bitter winds of long winter months, and feeling like it was now or never, hubby and I are now enjoying our new treadmill.
I haven’t written about health and wellness in awhile. It is not because I have been negligent rather, I wanted to collect some data to share and show that exercise continues to be alive and well in my retirement life. When I retired, I said there were three things I wanted to focus on. They were and continue to be: knitting [of course], running, and writing/reading. In my knitting life, I knew I would be attacking the stash working up projects I had only wished/dreamed of finishing. UPDATE: I moved OUT a piece of furniture that was housing yarn as those bundled fibers are now finished objects!
With this recent third incident, I said to myself, “ok, now I need to write a blog post.” I am talking about our (hubby and my) morning outings for our daily fix of fresh air and exercise. They don’t always go smoothly and we’ve just had our third mishap. Me with my goals and hubby along for daily movement, we set out in the mornings either by bike, foot, or a combination of both, daily. This is meaning we are both biking, both walking, one running and one walking, or one running and one biking. I suppose it sounds confusing but there is a rationale for these combinations. The large picture for both of us is to have a daily dose of fresh air, to move our bodies, to be together, and to have fun. The main reason for the variety of combinations is due to safety, rest, and training. Vignette one: About three weeks ago, we set out, both of us on our bikes. We got to our destination, were unloading our bikes, mine was unloaded first. So, …
Here I am, first year of retirement is in the books! And, as my goal-oriented personality is reminding me, it is time to check in to see how I’ve done with the annual goals I set forth for myself. The purpose of checking in is to see if these goals are still relevant and of interest. Remember, in retirement each of us is in control of our own destiny. I will ask myself if I need to change any of them for the upcoming year, make any of them more challenging or less ambitious. Have I put them into action? If so, I will ask, “how is it going” and if not, I will ask myself “why not?” Basically this is a review of where I am now in my thoughts, feelings, and well-being. Another way to put it is, it is an effort to be the best me I can be. There is no sense in posting goals if you don’t take the time to reflect, another reason why I am giving this some attention. I will re-post my …
Howling in the morning blowing in the afternoon Winter of blustery wind I will remember you I listen for the rhythm of breathing as it informs a runner’s endurance unable to grasp its contents as Mother Nature has taken over Her noise becomes the norm tree tops dancing, daring to snap unsuspecting and interrupting the family’s every move Howling in the morning blowing in the afternoon Winter of blustery wind I will remember you The dog lifts her head, tense body on alert jumps at what is enveloping her to catch the invisible play Layers are a must double here and vested there Don’t forget to zip up Frost bite is ever near You say you cannot sleep? When will the blasts of cold air stop? At least it is not snowing dumping two feet at the stair. Howling in the morning blowing in the afternoon Winter of blustery wind I will remember you
Toys – 1 an object for a child to play with, typically a model or miniature replica of something: [ as modifier ] : a toy car. • an object, especially a gadget or machine, regarded as providing amusement for an adult: in 1914 the car was still a rich man’s toy. • a person treated by another as a source of pleasure or amusement rather than with due seriousness: a man needed a friend, an ally, not an idol or a toy. 2 [ as modifier ] denoting a diminutive breed or variety of dog: a toy poodle. The above is the definition of toys from the New Oxford American Dictionary as seen on MacBook OS X Yosemite, version 10.4.4. This post is “toying” around with the first definition and offering some thought as I ponder the concept.
A few updates … “Imbalance 2” has turned into “Delight” regarding blog theme. And, who knows what else I might find between this post and the next? If you’re looking for familiarity when stopping by to visit this blog, I guess the only solace I have for you is that the content and message will be a constant.
I mentioned that when I was ready, I would post my running goal here. It happens that the well-known Komen Race for the Cure®, part of the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world, is just around the corner and, of course, is beckoning for participants! Teams are forming, t-shirts are being ordered, and the whole thing is dangling in front of my face offering opportunity. And, it has been a ten year hiatus since my last run. Seems the perfect venue to serve as entry point for getting back into the running regime. I have missed the routine of training, especially the rhythmic breathing of fresh air. And knitters, let me tell you, one can do a lot of planning of their projects while on these fun runs! So, with the decision made, in honor of loved ones, I will be taking this on. With no other time frame in mind but to finish, wish me luck! I do hope to get a picture at the end.
