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Autumn is more than changing colors on leaves

by Claire on September 8, 2009

My daughters are grown so I don’t have the back-to-school deal going on, but I still feel the change in the air that comes with September, back to school preparations, and the change in weather. It seems to me that I’m much more aware of the change in season this year than I have in the past. This time last year I was visiting my brother in Missouri, watching him race his Beemer in the SCCA Solo Nationals, and then hanging at the lake with him and his fiancée. I miss having a repeat of that and am sad I couldn’t make it this year. It was such a grand way to cap off the summer.

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(Table Rock Lake, Missouri, September 2008)

This year, I’m much more aware of changes that are occurring in my life, and as much as I don’t like major changes, I somewhat embrace the little ones.

Changing activity patterns. The weather change from mostly constant sunshine to mostly constant rain means I’m going to have to change my activity patterns. I’m going to have to squeeze in my walks, runs, and bike rides in between rain clouds and learn to ignore rain drops or mud splatters. I’m going to have to find more indoor exercise, such as Zumba, to do. Since I’m nearly to my goal weight that means I have fewer daily points that I can eat. I’m down to 20 a day, and a typical meal for me is about 6 points, so that doesn’t leave much for fudging or snacks. The only way for me to be able to eat more is to exercise more.

Changing home projects. This weekend, according to our weather dude, promises to be one last hurrah of 80 degree temps. This means it’s my last opportunity – this year – to get my outdoor projects completed and the yard prepped for soggy rain. I’ve got lots to do: finish organizing the garage so hopefully I can fit my car in there once again, mulch the yard, paint the front door, finish power washing that last little bit of gutter and siding, wash the windows, and clear out the last of the clutter around here.

Changing responsibilities. My mom’s having back surgery tomorrow (Wednesday), which we are confident will go fine. Although she’s 89, she’s in pretty good shape overall and her spirits are really good, just her back is giving her fits, as she describes it. However this means that for a few weeks, she won’t be at home but will be in a nursing facility and it’s my welcome responsibility to help her choose a place to go to and to help her with whatever she needs there and when she gets home. I’m so grateful that my mom is still around that I don’t mind putting my needs second.

Changing food menu. This change is one I think I really will enjoy, however to continue my weight loss, I think this will be more of a challenge this year. Last year, I still had a good 40 pounds or more to lose, so there was less focus on lower points foods (cuz I could consume more), although I still managed to stay within my points. I find losing weight easier for me in the summer because of the readily available fresh fruits and vegetables. With cooler weather comes the tendency – at least for me – to want more comfort foods and baked items, so it will be a fun challenge to see what kind of tasty soups, stews, chili, and bakes I can make that are nutritious, low calorie/low fat, and still help me meet my goal.

Changing home decor. This is the fun part. I love changing the decorations around the mantles, tabletops, pillows and such with more warm, cozy items signifying holidays and family gatherings. This year, I’ll be back in the sewing room earlier than usual prepping for a new granddaughter due in March, plus trying to sew up all that fabric I’ve accumulated over the years.

What do you enjoy most about Autumn?

Tagged as: activity, autumn, changing seasons, cooking, exercise, fall, family, home decor, Weight Loss, Weight Watchers

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My Running Route

by Claire on September 4, 2009

I was commenting over on Run 4 Change (My Angle on Weight Loss) blog about how I did three miles in thirty minutes the other day. I didn’t think this was so impressive because I didn’t have anything to measure it against. However, according to Jason, “doing your three miles in 30 minutes is major booty kicking”. Tee hee hee. That led to further discussion about my legs feeling heavy when I run at times and to mentioning that there are hills around me where I go. He also added:

And one more thing Claire. Hills do slow you down substantially. Not that this is a bad thing at all but I am just saying that if you were to be going on a flat course your pace would be even faster.

And one more thing: A 10 minute mile pace is GREAT.

He is so encouraging – do go check him out and follow him. I know you will feel inspired!

So, as I promised him, I took some shots of my route I go on when I run around my neighborhood. I certainly didn’t do a 10 minute mile today because a) I kept stopping to take pictures and b) I had to wait for the crosswalk lights and c) it was hella humid out and hot and d) I walked more than I ran today. Still, I did my route in just under 50 minutes. I guess I’m doing better than I thought.

Here’s the hill right at the start of my route. I used to huff and puff just walking up this hill, and now I can run it almost all the way up. Today I did it twice because I started going, realized it was hot, and then went back home for water. (And you should see the cars spinning out on this hill when it snows. I just sit back and watch. I never attempt to drive out of the neighborhood when it snows – that should give you some more indication of its grade.)

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As an aside, this is the view looking the other way down the hill.

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This next shot is at the top of the first hill. I usually walk fast for a few paces here, then pick it up again at about the playground sign. This area is flat with a very slight downhill grade before I get to the first crosswalk.

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First crosswalk, looking up the next hill. On this hill, I usually do a fast but I’ve been trying to get more running paces in going uphill. I am certain that’s helping with my steady weight loss efforts too. By the time I’ve hit the top of that hill just around the corner I’ve done about 2/3 of a mile.

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Here you can see the crest of the hill and the beginning of the downward descent. Usually I’m walking fast across this little crosswalk and start picking up to running again at the second lamppost up there.

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Around the next bend and downhill. I run down this for as far as the eye can see all the way to the traffic light, which is hidden from view. That traffic light is my turnaround and halfway point for the three mile route.

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Turning around and looking back from whence I just came. :) and I always make sure to stay within the speed limit when I’m running. Bwahhahahaha.

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At the bottom of that long hill, having just crossed over and looking back up.

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Another closer view

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Halfway up the top.

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Some high school girls out trying to be like me. (Just kidding.)

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Heading back down the final stretch. Glad to be seeing some level road and downhill. That long stretch of gradual uphill is a beast at times. But an excellent challenge. Eventually, I want to have the strength to run it all the way uphill.

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And there you go – that’s pretty much my route. Three miles round trip. I can make it four if I go to the farthest stop light instead of crossing where I usually do – that adds on another one mile loop.

Now it’s time to rest those heavy legs…. which are getting lighter by the weigh-in.

Tagged as: activity, exercise, Fitness, jogging, losing weight, Running, walking, Weight Loss

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Starting with baby steps

August 4, 2009

This is always good advice, no matter what the endeavor, but especially when it comes to exercise. This may be obvious to some, but to me, it really makes sense. Babies aren’t born being able to run a marathon or go on a 50 mile bike ride. What makes us think that as adults we [...]

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