tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195224342024-03-07T18:19:08.443-05:00Going the Extra MileNotes and thoughts about my training, both in the gym and on the roads and trails of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North CarolinaLesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.comBlogger1544125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-1239597893966415932023-04-24T12:24:00.001-05:002023-04-24T12:24:32.388-05:00More Walking in My Future!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrR-z2SsuD5W3s4NOVMU48Vxb3lb-5NnjLZvEsmNHm0h1tNjVUpV4I4asDBK1UKFTBBG8rxl2eHZL0RLYcgC9Qq3V2hl_iJXqUneGiJwY42Q27gFx4-dquGZeG6s8BNE2qiRkhNggSZnQUcdbLCAdeUcjoJ30w2oYnB55ENXzIYgXLyxCpg/s300/walk.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="300" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrR-z2SsuD5W3s4NOVMU48Vxb3lb-5NnjLZvEsmNHm0h1tNjVUpV4I4asDBK1UKFTBBG8rxl2eHZL0RLYcgC9Qq3V2hl_iJXqUneGiJwY42Q27gFx4-dquGZeG6s8BNE2qiRkhNggSZnQUcdbLCAdeUcjoJ30w2oYnB55ENXzIYgXLyxCpg/w200-h143/walk.png" width="200" /></a></div>I'm back--I hope! No, I'm definitely back! I was thinking about starting a new blog about my current fitness and weight loss efforts, but then I remembered this blog, with such a long history! I don't know that I'll ever run again, but I'm definitely on another fitness journey now. I've bookmarked two walkable fun runs in my area, one in September, and another next January. <p></p><p>In addition to getting more exercise, I restarted <a href="https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/" target="_blank">WeightWatchers</a> in January, and it's been really helpful! I'm doing their Virtual Workshops via Zoom, and really appreciate that flexibility. I also like <a href="https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/how-it-works/connect" target="_blank">WW Connect</a>, WeightWatcher's version on Facebook.I've done WeightWatchers a number of times over the (many) years, but sometimes the time is finally right, ya know?<br /></p>Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0Durham, NC, USA35.9940329 -78.8986197.6837990638211551 -114.054869 64.304266736178846 -43.742369tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-14059490094318287682019-09-25T18:00:00.000-05:002019-09-25T18:00:00.550-05:00Walk Breaks at WorkI've been taking more walk breaks at work, trying to increase my fitness while still getting my work time and tasks in! 😃<br />
<br />
Fortunately, I work in a building that's long, and marked by numbered signs on the outside. Also, my building is surrounded by a parking lot. So, my big goal right now is to get all the way around the building. Right now, I can make it almost all the way down one side of the building. It's progress.<br />
<br />
Before I started the Duke Diet and Fitness Center, I was getting about 2,000 daily steps in, give or take. Pretty pitiful, right? Now my daily steps are between 3000-4000 steps, almost daily. A big improvement, but I still have a long way to go. One step at a time, right? Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-16548309198974943542019-09-10T06:00:00.000-05:002019-09-10T13:35:36.423-05:00Line Dancing Class at the LibraryLast night I went to a line dancing class at a local public library branch! It was fun and a great <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r4hHpTSlu6D-QjIKI1iw9jZueRHdmljwTdm5wyCT0gQkI8Cf2gEmICO_Hf8EPRWpvaQXYir_u4kPzfIfKGiOb_iH3tB5Tygs6dLeb3Y7s_3v0RtW1LsjBtpQwYKRCbpjpqoL/s1600/linedancing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="242" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r4hHpTSlu6D-QjIKI1iw9jZueRHdmljwTdm5wyCT0gQkI8Cf2gEmICO_Hf8EPRWpvaQXYir_u4kPzfIfKGiOb_iH3tB5Tygs6dLeb3Y7s_3v0RtW1LsjBtpQwYKRCbpjpqoL/s200/linedancing.png" width="200" /></a></div>
workout, despite the fact that I had to sit out every other dance to catch by breath and rest! The instructor was very nice and encouraging, and the group dancing near me was very supportive. I'm bushed today, but I plan to go back. I definitely want to get better, more coordinated, and stronger. The class meets every Monday that the library is open.Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-51344417189773607362019-08-12T16:00:00.000-05:002019-08-12T16:00:08.723-05:00More Progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0rKBuFEPIyo5oaK1wNsZmy4vaInzcJm5Zqu6xzHfVQDDD7daXWfS_B2H0LU5B5S1mScuH-85_Q0l-3y8j86o8BKYJBz57c-rIKTXnwgphdsYtnTnFQxQWFBdTX9qX-LLd_8R/s1600/walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1001" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0rKBuFEPIyo5oaK1wNsZmy4vaInzcJm5Zqu6xzHfVQDDD7daXWfS_B2H0LU5B5S1mScuH-85_Q0l-3y8j86o8BKYJBz57c-rIKTXnwgphdsYtnTnFQxQWFBdTX9qX-LLd_8R/s200/walking.jpg" width="153" /></a>I went back to the gym on Saturday morning, and completed two laps without stopping on the indoor track! This felt like a big accomplishment! Truth is, the indoor track is smaller than your average track. Two laps around this track is a quarter of a mile. Not very far, really. But, still, it's progress for me.Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-4434086604094076152019-08-08T16:30:00.000-05:002019-08-08T16:30:01.016-05:00Fewer Stops, Slower PaceLast evening, I stopped by the gym again to walk around the indoor track. I did two laps, and was going to try not to stop at all. I had to make a pitstop in the ladies locker room, though. So, two laps, one stop. Slower pace, though. I'm feeling it today, disappointing since I didn't do that much. Progress is slow, but it's still progress.Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-70294287695539980302019-08-06T16:00:00.000-05:002019-08-06T16:00:01.048-05:00Another Walk + Milestone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3sNin0y74AY2naW31v9QYhHmv8XH1Z8_dsg8swjOWgt53DHU-lx2rEsdQx8NPctMQLae6xd3l2KBV8stwAAG9IG9oPJd6oLVypd7vxKnGO6XBeucN7ttzvEpPwJkI5_0uQ3w/s1600/shoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="231" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3sNin0y74AY2naW31v9QYhHmv8XH1Z8_dsg8swjOWgt53DHU-lx2rEsdQx8NPctMQLae6xd3l2KBV8stwAAG9IG9oPJd6oLVypd7vxKnGO6XBeucN7ttzvEpPwJkI5_0uQ3w/s200/shoes.png" width="200" /></a>I stopped by the new gym again last evening after work, despite a poor night's sleep the night before. I walked around the indoor track just once, <i><b>but </b></i>I made it all the way around without stopping. It wasn't much, but it was something. And there's something to be said for showing up (I hope!).<br />
<br />
<b>Nest goal:</b> to make two laps without stopping! Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0Durham, NC, USA35.9940329 -78.89861935.5829684 -79.544066 36.4050974 -78.253171999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-90284683116840703132019-07-30T16:50:00.000-05:002019-07-30T16:50:27.268-05:00Walked Last Night<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBdC8Xom156-REJmhyphenhyphenR0zG-j1_0cfXOWuJy0eJtkzTPgTS3eYODx2bMEsoNBB8SJOwmQbTc81XCGLyb8MPIw4S2nr6rSOqQKWIj4zDvn39u-Ivd7crd_B0anm9otd6GkVxvcg/s1600/walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1001" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBdC8Xom156-REJmhyphenhyphenR0zG-j1_0cfXOWuJy0eJtkzTPgTS3eYODx2bMEsoNBB8SJOwmQbTc81XCGLyb8MPIw4S2nr6rSOqQKWIj4zDvn39u-Ivd7crd_B0anm9otd6GkVxvcg/s200/walking.jpg" width="153" /></a>Last evening, I walked at my new gym! I used the indoor track and did two laps. It wasn't pretty. I had to stop twice. Grand total was 0.22 miles in 5:21 (not including stops). My next goals are to make it one lap around without stopping, then two laps around without stopping. Beyond that, I'll work on 4 laps without stopping.<br />
<br />
<br />Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-5201981540487483752019-07-26T17:30:00.000-05:002019-07-26T17:30:08.093-05:00Joined an Old Gym<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHApLOJF1GRXOKfYDzTCHW-YiCEZKXEl9_URf-Wn60zdN4WapvnqXP6JDyqgGAxcC1dBMtRzCUWtEM7U4VrAqJvpYG_t8jpQ7fcbMI-HYtBk00BzQSuAETV7Y71YH1Kg8e2KGs/s1600/gym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="612" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHApLOJF1GRXOKfYDzTCHW-YiCEZKXEl9_URf-Wn60zdN4WapvnqXP6JDyqgGAxcC1dBMtRzCUWtEM7U4VrAqJvpYG_t8jpQ7fcbMI-HYtBk00BzQSuAETV7Y71YH1Kg8e2KGs/s320/gym.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="jnt0nnPwDRe__iptc-field" id="iptc-cr">
<span class="jnt0nnPwDRe__iptc-title">Credit:</span><span class="jnt0nnPwDRe__iptc-field" dir="ltr" id="iptc-crv" style="text-align: left;">Getty Images/iStockphoto</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Joined an <i>old </i>gym?! By old, I mean it's a gym I used to belong to, so it's not new, or new to me. It's been quite a few years, though!<br />
<br /> <br />
I stopped by to pick up my <i>new </i>badge last evening after work, and chatted with a woman behind the desk. It wasn't long before we realized we remembered each other from my last membership. Plus, she remembered my parents from their memberships there too (years ago)! It was a little bittersweet talking about that, but good too.<br />
<br /> <br />
Meanwhile, my activity there is limited to low key activities until after my doctor sees the results from next week's cardiac stress test. Safety first.<br /> Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com03475 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27705, USA36.000842000000013 -78.95690560000002710.478807500000013 -120.26549960000003 61.52287650000001 -37.648311600000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-55666122929081500982018-03-08T17:38:00.000-05:002018-03-08T17:38:03.454-05:00Run/Walk Club at Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYSp9CfaQDIqh4_tUmuvPsp72kONJrB3ANWWd1MQDhmf1T7NwYY1WV-hiEZVehMskdgc6OVLary7DyUJ37nM8z-0or9ZUEDFYYHlQOKJWJGgvB_km8LbLaPLk-urobAJASgfn/s1600/run-3190777__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="728" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYSp9CfaQDIqh4_tUmuvPsp72kONJrB3ANWWd1MQDhmf1T7NwYY1WV-hiEZVehMskdgc6OVLary7DyUJ37nM8z-0or9ZUEDFYYHlQOKJWJGgvB_km8LbLaPLk-urobAJASgfn/s320/run-3190777__340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My employer's annual Run/Walk Club starts next week, and I've signed up!<br />
<br />
This training group has been going for a number of years, maybe 15? I joined when it started, but started doing my own training, followed by years of no training. So, I'm trying it again this year, but probably doing it independently, at least for a while. I hope it'll provide some extra motivation, Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com1Durham, NC 27705, USA36.025609 -78.98538129999997235.820148 -79.308104799999967 36.23107 -78.662657799999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-24864760379335542262018-01-30T17:41:00.000-05:002018-01-30T17:41:13.000-05:00Walking AgainSurprised to see me? I'm back to say I'm walking again. Today's walk, a quarter of a mile, was my personal best for 2018! Seriously! I have a long way to go, but it's a start. It's a good way to start 2018. My first big stretch goal is to be able to walk a mile without stopping. Who wants to join me? Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0Durham, NC 27705, USA36.025609 -78.98538129999997235.820148 -79.308104799999967 36.23107 -78.662657799999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-22421837853889484322017-03-30T18:00:00.000-05:002017-03-30T18:00:26.538-05:00Benefits of WalkingDuring one of my recent visits to <a href="https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/orthopaedics" target="_blank">Duke Orthopaedics</a> about my knee, I learned that I have a bit of <a href="http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/workouts/walking/wow-of-walking.php" target="_blank">list </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FIw5nGhur0WImd0gAdN-p0jNEsyZ-HZGYXgFYkhqcQorAT0_rdD59bUiXY9XTSwx_UBEVWIj85eCcm_4isx227PJ2rTQZI0jTj4d23b5odHa4k2elPDTRo7OD8o2n0CkaD3B/s1600/how-to-strengthen-arms-without-using-knees-page-2-sherdog-mixed-ci0csA-clipart.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FIw5nGhur0WImd0gAdN-p0jNEsyZ-HZGYXgFYkhqcQorAT0_rdD59bUiXY9XTSwx_UBEVWIj85eCcm_4isx227PJ2rTQZI0jTj4d23b5odHa4k2elPDTRo7OD8o2n0CkaD3B/s200/how-to-strengthen-arms-without-using-knees-page-2-sherdog-mixed-ci0csA-clipart.gif" width="170" /></a></div>
of walking benefits on the <a href="http://www.arthritis.org/" target="_blank">Arthritis Foundation</a> website, and it's a good list. I'm still a long way from being able to walk for 30 minutes at a time, but it's a goal.It's a nice day, weather wise, so I plan to get out for a walk later.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-_P2hNCxvNjjWM1kVCjC6yo-nO0vO_5Hj_EOrDFpBiO_wiYjYCvvF4kFRGxuPhanH6qozf0xWUOhxKEjIJ41FYz_J8-eJ2Ev_5BtIELM_D21ASaZVkjsLQiNafdDDMuIIYvb/s1600/how-to-strengthen-arms-without-using-knees-page-2-sherdog-mixed-ci0csA-clipart.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-65317624004704087242017-03-27T18:00:00.000-05:002017-03-27T18:00:07.060-05:00Mall Walking<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmZi9WpeHanZMZxDJAF9_6pShmFijiwCaG64MR-GxV8kO4_fKVQFYjfM0X0WsuDGfQ7shHmxjFrShyphenhyphen3DcOBef5WZjBbIMMQGkOvfRUZp4_5NxGuaMXeimHB_3-_2FZDcxgT2q/s1600/Mall-Walker-17-HS-3x5-1-300x282.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmZi9WpeHanZMZxDJAF9_6pShmFijiwCaG64MR-GxV8kO4_fKVQFYjfM0X0WsuDGfQ7shHmxjFrShyphenhyphen3DcOBef5WZjBbIMMQGkOvfRUZp4_5NxGuaMXeimHB_3-_2FZDcxgT2q/s200/Mall-Walker-17-HS-3x5-1-300x282.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Northgate Mall website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ran across an <a href="http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/14/mall-walkers-lose-weight-get-healthy/" target="_blank">article about mall walking</a> that was several years old, and it made me wonder if there are mall walking groups in my area. I did an internet search and learned that <a href="https://www.northgatemall.com/" target="_blank">Northgate Mall</a>, a mall not far from my work, has a <a href="https://www.northgatemall.com/mall-events/heart-and-soul-mall-walkers-club/" target="_blank">mall walkers club</a>. I wonder if the group is active, and if so, when the majority of the walkers walk. Of course, it's nice that the mall is open and available for a number of hours daily, but it can be nice to have walking company (especially when going by the food court!), and not just fellow shoppers!<br />
<br />
Would anyone be willing to join me for some mall walking before work?Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0Durham, NC, USA35.9940329 -78.89861935.5829684 -79.544066 36.4050974 -78.253171999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-4209499969480191772017-03-26T12:18:00.000-05:002017-03-27T11:23:23.114-05:00IT Band ReliefMy IT (iliotibial) band has been bothering me since last Tuesday, when I did more walking than usual. I've been searching online for some stretches to help relieve the discomfort. This YouTube video reminded me that it's best to treat the source(s), rather than just treating the symptom (tight IT band). My physical therapists have given me some good exercises, as well, to help strengthen my hamstrings, quads, and glutes.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KTj8Bpp4laI?list=WL" width="620"></iframe>
Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0Morrisville, NC, USA35.823483 -78.82556210000001335.720497 -78.986923600000011 35.926469000000004 -78.664200600000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-13476025146504358742017-03-21T17:30:00.000-05:002017-03-21T17:30:00.164-05:00More Pool Physical Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNzRUpzYYtE6skd2CYQmxCDElPAncKje0WojS-4hTzc89gx8QMqUmIEgfYZPR4aIAKTb4YMK3nZSUoM5HU0xPbzRujdKsDLdpCj96c84awSipR1bWpCjDQJ1QwHvehdcbkB_F/s1600/water-splatter-clipart-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNzRUpzYYtE6skd2CYQmxCDElPAncKje0WojS-4hTzc89gx8QMqUmIEgfYZPR4aIAKTb4YMK3nZSUoM5HU0xPbzRujdKsDLdpCj96c84awSipR1bWpCjDQJ1QwHvehdcbkB_F/s200/water-splatter-clipart-1.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
I went back to pool physical therapy this morning, and had a good workout! I talked with my physical therapist about having 1-mile walks or run/walks as my next fitness goal, and she really liked the idea! She suggested I wait a while, though, since we still have some more physical therapy work to do. I'm still working on my weight too, through <a href="https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/" target="_blank">Weight Watchers</a>.Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0Durham, NC, USA35.9940329 -78.89861935.5829684 -79.544066 36.4050974 -78.253171999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-55498778809274434612017-03-20T16:29:00.002-05:002017-03-20T16:29:50.761-05:00Looking for 1-Mile Run/Walks <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlYy6gMO9ZK_3kTA8LClHy4Jc9j8Jetm-bBQEJmlDmOCAKzADod0ZCRDwooXuAfPNKBj2w3K3Gx9vSxBHl3bmvjbovpa3FySFFMXferOh5VUjuhd9KPX6iYkYvekMbH2Ijwne/s1600/2edab93f080589688ed62ae8414c9c38_minus-say-hello-clipart-1_236-396.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlYy6gMO9ZK_3kTA8LClHy4Jc9j8Jetm-bBQEJmlDmOCAKzADod0ZCRDwooXuAfPNKBj2w3K3Gx9vSxBHl3bmvjbovpa3FySFFMXferOh5VUjuhd9KPX6iYkYvekMbH2Ijwne/s200/2edab93f080589688ed62ae8414c9c38_minus-say-hello-clipart-1_236-396.jpeg" width="118" /></a></div>
I've decided to start looking for 1-mile run/walks--that I can walk, at least at first! I'd love to walk a 5K again, partly because I miss road races in general. I enjoy the people, the camaraderie, the competition (even with myself, trying to beat my last time). Walking a mile is a good goal for me now, partly because it's still a stretch! I'm pretty excited, though, because I feel like it's an attainable goal. Onward!Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-54703762301632627972017-03-14T17:30:00.000-05:002017-03-14T17:30:04.470-05:00Returning from Injury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbudrA-ZKq2QL9tLfBG9D0AViCi0FYaQHNhfUwahiUnX1leYmbxx-yTK_bfMXQhBYczb7N20PI1-2qnkegvfBL7ObnZ5e1j-w4jioQ0ayJjYOJe9IqM0Nkw9MaY_LBAraR2Cf/s1600/swimming_pool_3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbudrA-ZKq2QL9tLfBG9D0AViCi0FYaQHNhfUwahiUnX1leYmbxx-yTK_bfMXQhBYczb7N20PI1-2qnkegvfBL7ObnZ5e1j-w4jioQ0ayJjYOJe9IqM0Nkw9MaY_LBAraR2Cf/s200/swimming_pool_3.gif" width="189" /></a></div>
I had pool physical therapy again today--it was my second visit. Why?<br />
<br />
Well, I sprained my left foot back in November. Then, I hurt my left knee in January. Oy.<br />
<br />
I'm happy to report that I'm on the mend, but still have a long way to go in terms of my physical fitness. I'd hoped to be able to walk a 5K by November, but I think I might need to stretch that goal into 2018.Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0Durham, NC, USA35.9940329 -78.89861935.5829684 -79.544066 36.4050974 -78.253171999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-18634582643139733432014-10-02T18:00:00.000-05:002014-10-02T18:00:02.554-05:00More Walking (I Hope!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tWWLGAGgJeTSM5lHvsPdLIYh9qqTbPz5gQ42hkm7jhusFjmKT9gNOooaMtTmQFB8BoCxCTbMUIwy3cCMsgycMCAgyertBroVUdO8iz_3iXqweDeWYHSAo-aJyhnNNS2NNv4E/s1600/girl_walking_4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tWWLGAGgJeTSM5lHvsPdLIYh9qqTbPz5gQ42hkm7jhusFjmKT9gNOooaMtTmQFB8BoCxCTbMUIwy3cCMsgycMCAgyertBroVUdO8iz_3iXqweDeWYHSAo-aJyhnNNS2NNv4E/s1600/girl_walking_4.gif" height="200" width="120" /></a>I'm <b>finally</b> in my <i>last</i> semester of library school, just two more months! Life's busy, and seems to be getting busier, but, as always, I don't like having that as an excuse for improving my health and fitness! So, I'm trying to be more conscious about getting more steps in, taking more walk breaks. I'm not in shape enough to do the October 18th 5K as I'd hoped, so I'm keeping my eyes opens for 5Ks in central North Carolina in 2015. Any recommendations?<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I've watched a bit of this season's <a href="http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser" target="_blank">The Biggest Loser</a>, a show with which I have a love/hate relationship. I keep looking for some nuggets of inspiration, whether in the gym or in the kitchen. I don't know what I think about this new batch of trainers, but it's different. I think Bob's "Comeback Canyon" is a nice addition to the show this season. Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-12196419862581485042014-07-22T10:21:00.000-05:002014-07-22T10:21:32.535-05:00Hitting the Reset ButtonAfter putting in a distance PR a couple of Sundays ago, I hit a week of the blahs, where I felt extra tired and rundown, but continued to slog through work and summer school, exhausted but feverless. So, day before yesterday, I got back into exercise with a very slow mile. I'm still a bit weary, but am feeling a little bit better. Summer school is still ever present, but only for two more weeks. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
Meanwhile, I signed up for the <a href="http://5kchocolateparty.com/" target="_blank">Chocolate Party 5K</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cary,_North_Carolina" target="_blank">Cary</a> in early September. It will definitely be a walk, but it's a (re)start, right?! After poking around the website, I decided it looks like a relaxed race, one where I don't need to worry about my time (thank goodness!).Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0Durham, NC, USA35.9940329 -78.89861935.5829684 -79.544066 36.4050974 -78.253171999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-35947918331978282392014-07-13T12:34:00.003-05:002014-07-13T12:34:58.378-05:00Distance PR for 2014!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPRzEVJaoFfAvN5aV9o9jaxqe7V5kM6-JZFC4_KdhNCrFT8tQz9A-J8dUx8oG55ewVPBPxW1SgTCi_D5W5Ivb0QtMG9QFolcisSeK3Vq7GduP7lWIwUGidjevqr2vs9s0wNU5/s1600/2014-07-13+09.41.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPRzEVJaoFfAvN5aV9o9jaxqe7V5kM6-JZFC4_KdhNCrFT8tQz9A-J8dUx8oG55ewVPBPxW1SgTCi_D5W5Ivb0QtMG9QFolcisSeK3Vq7GduP7lWIwUGidjevqr2vs9s0wNU5/s1600/2014-07-13+09.41.00.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crane Resting in Swift Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This morning, George and I walked with the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Triangle-Turtles-Hares/members/856452/" target="_blank">Triangle Turtles and Hares</a> group on the <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/Parks__Recreation___Cultural_Resources/Parks_and_Greenways/Greenways/Swift_Creek_Greenway.htm" target="_blank">Swift Creek Greenway</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cary,_North_Carolina" target="_blank">Cary</a>, and it was my longest distance of the year! It was a warm morning, but it felt really good to complete 2.67 miles in an hour. It was a slow pace today, but my training is a work in progress! <br />
<br />
One of the highlights of the walk was spotting a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crane_(bird)" target="_blank">crane</a> in the creek. It's a prettier bird than this photo makes it out to be.Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-87289956402323079382014-05-30T17:16:00.003-05:002014-05-30T17:16:29.751-05:00More Walking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKXV_s_fPSUl_c6q2FPZDocyClxFuENNblshIjQa-v-pf4GUusvDbicpCMzp_paw7KzpnOuRGN5TYvXn43jn_DvIPzNWB_694gomEi0b-sgSRDrnpSpl83wp9BKTkemAcno3R/s1600/girl_walking_4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKXV_s_fPSUl_c6q2FPZDocyClxFuENNblshIjQa-v-pf4GUusvDbicpCMzp_paw7KzpnOuRGN5TYvXn43jn_DvIPzNWB_694gomEi0b-sgSRDrnpSpl83wp9BKTkemAcno3R/s1600/girl_walking_4.gif" height="200" width="120" /></a>I've been doing more walking lately, thanks to my newish Fitbit. It's quite motivating to try to increase my steps! (Some days and weeks are better than others, of course.) I've been able to work my distance up to a mile at times, so time will tell if I can keep working up to a 5K (3.1 miles). I sure hope so! Life is busy, but I've gotta keep on walking!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart from Clipartheaven.com</a> Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com1Durham, NC, USA35.9940329 -78.89861935.5829684 -79.544066 36.4050974 -78.253171999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-34025051275640726192013-10-17T13:54:00.002-05:002013-10-17T13:54:42.133-05:00Maybe a Comeback?Well, I've done it, I've added another 5K to the "Races on My Radar" section. It's not until March of next year, and I haven't paid for it yet. Still, a new race is percolating in my head. I need some motivation. Maybe that's it. Stay tuned! Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-5969661836600457752013-03-25T20:07:00.001-05:002013-03-25T20:07:47.796-05:00More Water AerobicsI did another water aerobics class at Fitness Connection this evening. I'm weary, and I still have some homework to finish up. This is a "good tired" feeling, though, and I'll sleep well once the homework's sent in by email. I feel like my fitness is improving, though my left knee still bothers me some. My weight loss has been stalled for a while, but I think it's getting back on track.<br />
<br />
When will I be ready for another 5K? Not sure yet. We'll see!Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-83819493606321853472013-02-23T13:06:00.000-05:002013-02-23T13:06:25.941-05:00Water Walking<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0-uk-eAbBbpKlt7ss8gD3iDjPPYkr3lhxbi02Dn-tGpgNML33654TactxGyM0doOY2uNc0HB5o7wUVZ9is6YBAAOxO5mCLx5DOSrg5D0endSCNue2mLNICA4Qye5GtjxC5D9/s1600/2013-02-23+08.37.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0-uk-eAbBbpKlt7ss8gD3iDjPPYkr3lhxbi02Dn-tGpgNML33654TactxGyM0doOY2uNc0HB5o7wUVZ9is6YBAAOxO5mCLx5DOSrg5D0endSCNue2mLNICA4Qye5GtjxC5D9/s200/2013-02-23+08.37.26.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool at Fitness Connection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had another nice session at the pool today, walked 25 laps. 36 laps is a mile, so I still have a long way to go to hit the one-mile mark. I'll get there, though. Gotta keep moving!Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-54616160768745989722013-02-21T18:51:00.000-05:002013-02-21T18:51:10.534-05:00One Milestone Down, Many More to Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-_12gP9zmfYGIYY6TQLuNJxkCEeJRQc5zB4MRWhzmI6Mi3ICjgbHukfyoFtCYcjRVbCw3BTXMS39SzM2FCdXeNKQc3n4pCjf7kgu6NW3188SrLh8ulkOaCrvcxIXHzj-HI2y/s1600/man_running_4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-_12gP9zmfYGIYY6TQLuNJxkCEeJRQc5zB4MRWhzmI6Mi3ICjgbHukfyoFtCYcjRVbCw3BTXMS39SzM2FCdXeNKQc3n4pCjf7kgu6NW3188SrLh8ulkOaCrvcxIXHzj-HI2y/s200/man_running_4.gif" width="192" /></a></div>
I just finished walking my first continuous mile in AGES, and I'm pretty darn excited about it! I'm a little tired, but nothing bad, and I'm not in pain, the main thing! Yay! I may be able to get ready for that 5K in June after all! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart from Clipartheaven.com</a> Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19522434.post-32655989961821890912013-02-07T16:56:00.002-05:002013-02-07T16:56:25.505-05:00Morning Workout and DietBet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZFjceKRuqlgBeAdKtWwZgjxG-FsKh6x2VNsdKCu0A0e6QIa4k5b3Ky6WV84CP0n9A9jOGY8NzxvKaMr7QvReF-hs3NqzmMmOorHQA2epmusSN4OMIsa2G6xUlUzpAzAflYPL/s1600/boy_hugging_tree_2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZFjceKRuqlgBeAdKtWwZgjxG-FsKh6x2VNsdKCu0A0e6QIa4k5b3Ky6WV84CP0n9A9jOGY8NzxvKaMr7QvReF-hs3NqzmMmOorHQA2epmusSN4OMIsa2G6xUlUzpAzAflYPL/s200/boy_hugging_tree_2.gif" width="183" /></a></div>
I made it back to the gym this morning, and one of the front desk people came around to the front of the desk and gave me a big hug! If I had that kind of welcome every time, I'd be at the gym a lot more often! :-)<br />
<br />
I did 30 minutes on the recumbent bike and then did a few weight machines and dumbbells. It's not much, but I'm sore this afternoon! Help!<br />
<br />
I do hope to keep going back to the gym a couple of mornings during the workweek. I went to the saltwater pool in Raleigh on Tuesday night, straight for work, and didn't get home until 9:00! Too long a day, especially since I ignored homework, housework, AND my significant other to get that pool workout in. I'm looking for some balance here.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I've recently discovered the website <a href="http://dietbet.com/" target="_blank">DietBet</a>, and have signed up for not one, but two weight loss "games!" I started one, and named it <a href="http://dietbet.com/games/8763" target="_blank">Mission Slimpossible</a>. Then I joined another one, which runs concurrently, called <a href="http://dietbet.com/games/8328" target="_blank">From Fat to Fit Challenge</a>. Both start next Monday, February 11, and run for four weeks, ending Sunday, March 10. The challenge is to lose 4% of your starting weight in 4 weeks! Everyone who hits the 4% goal will split the pot of money evenly with the others who reached the 4% loss mark. (I put $10 into the pot for Mission Slimpossible, and $20 into the pot for From Fat to Fit Challenge, via PayPal.) I'm a little nervous (4% is a lot to shoot for in 4 weeks), but I'm pretty excited about it too. Money sure can be a motivating factor! In a way, I <em>feel</em> like I've paid the registration fee for a road race, and now I have to train. I hope that this will help me get ready to return to the running scene. I do miss the road races.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">Clipart from Clipartheaven.com</a> Lesley Looperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764967611620715096noreply@blogger.com1