The Walking Thread

[WLWildlife]

Oh my.... water logged... glad you had higher ground to walk and breathe and an horizon to see tomorrow prayer tomorrow to give you strength to muscle on

Thank you for the prayers Citruscurtis! They are much appreciated! We all have trials and tribulations, but the last couple of years have been HARD. It seems like we get something handled and something else takes it place. Some days it's a struggle to be positive.

 

[WLWildlife]

Thankfully, NO RAIN TODAY!!! It was supposed to, but the rain clouds dried up and disappeared. We had sunshine and 80 degrees. I was able to get my three miles in. The creeks are still flowing, but the flood plains are draining and the dandelions have exploded! We also have power so a hot shower tonight!

 

[citruscurtis]

Thankfully, NO RAIN TODAY!!! It was supposed to, but the rain clouds dried up and disappeared. We had sunshine and 80 degrees. I was able to get my three miles in. The creeks are still flowing, but the flood plains are draining and the dandelions have exploded! We also have power so a hot shower tonight!

Wow Oregon doesn't have fields of dandelions...lawns yes...an abandoned field is layer upon layer of tall dead grass... Oregon is just bleak when it comes to color....a good Yuma rain can bring flowers... number one wild flower in our yard... dandelions...huh...I let go to seed and appreciate their struggle to be beautiful

 

[WLWildlife]

Wow Oregon doesn't have fields of dandelions...lawns yes...an abandoned field is layer upon layer of tall dead grass... Oregon is just bleak when it comes to color....a good Yuma rain can bring flowers... number one wild flower in our yard... dandelions...huh...I let go to seed and appreciate their struggle to be beautiful

The struggle is real! Bloom where you are planted!

It is supposed be an organic hay field, but fighting the dandelions is a challenge in this area. I have no idea how to weed and feed organically, especially on such a large scale, and apparently he doesn't either, or he doesn't care anymore since he got out of the organic milk business. Too bad it's not a field of sunflowers.

 

[citruscurtis]

Well... since it's just a few of us here.... I will leave the message here.. Tigger thank you for your cancer post... I had no idea. The amazing take away is that I didn't see the poll yesterday and I frequent this site often... I want to believe it was God's grace that hid the subject from me...who knows what ranting I would have ventured... the greatest take away was your struggles with your medical procedures... I am done with my cancer surgeries.. I am not going to do them anymore and my wife asks why... your experience has given me insight into my own choices... which people who have not experienced our situation question my choices

 

[WLWildlife]

Citruscurtis and TiggerTigger, my new found friends, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can't say that I can completely understand your specific situations, but I have my own scare experiences annually. Last year they amped it up by requiring an MRI that made me feel BLAH for a couple of weeks and was "inclusive" so I was required to get an ultrasound too. They wanted that same process this year I said NO. I have also cared for MinLaw who passed a year ago from cancer that was never found until way too late (we had 5 weeks with her after diagnosis) and my parents. I respect people's choices to live their life on their terms. Thank you for sharing your stories.

 

[WLWildlife]

It rained AGAIN this afternoon and evening. We are so soggy. Water comes into basement as fast as we pump it out. I did get my 3 miles in before the on slot of water. If you look closely, there is a new baby calf in the picture, I think about 24 hours old. They haven't come up to road yet for me to get a good picture. The barn is a major zoom in. It is a white spec in the cloudy field picture.

 

[citruscurtis]

Thank you for the zoom... imagine... dandelions being beautiful...as for the geese they are consider a nuisance in Oregon.. they venture into downtown parks....the baby calf is in how I paid for my 1970s University education.... I see a puffer fish to the right...so thank you for my canvas of creative thought and for your sharing...MRI ... only had one and can no longer tolerate so iodine cat scan are the search engine....the experimental cancer medicine is still working and I reckon the sunniest place on earth

 

[WLWildlife]

Thank you for the zoom... imagine... dandelions being beautiful...as for the geese they are consider a nuisance in Oregon.. they venture into downtown parks....the baby calf is in how I paid for my 1970s University education.... I see a puffer fish to the right...so thank you for my canvas of creative thought and for your sharing...MRI ... only had one and can no longer tolerate so iodine cat scan are the search engine....the experimental cancer medicine is still working and I reckon the sunniest place on earth

The geese are a nuisance here as well. Even in the country. They can be aggressive and ornery if they feel you are encroaching on their territory. Dandelions are about the only color we have here except MUD. Mud is everywhere.
I am glad your treatment is working. I will pray.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Well... since it's just a few of us here.... I will leave the message here.. Tigger thank you for your cancer post... I had no idea. The amazing take away is that I didn't see the poll yesterday and I frequent this site often... I want to believe it was God's grace that hid the subject from me...who knows what ranting I would have ventured... the greatest take away was your struggles with your medical procedures... I am done with my cancer surgeries.. I am not going to do them anymore and my wife asks why... your experience has given me insight into my own choices... which people who have not experienced our situation question my choices

Citruscurtis and TiggerTigger, my new found friends, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can't say that I can completely understand your specific situations, but I have my own scare experiences annually. Last year they amped it up by requiring an MRI that made me feel BLAH for a couple of weeks and was "inclusive" so I was required to get an ultrasound too. They wanted that same process this year I said NO. I have also cared for MinLaw who passed a year ago from cancer that was never found until way too late (we had 5 weeks with her after diagnosis) and my parents. I respect people's choices to live their life on their terms. Thank you for sharing your stories.

Sorry for the delayed reply but I was just sort of immersed in the weekend. Friday's drama was also more than my mind was ready to handle.

I have been thinking a lot about the cancer decisions of late. I don't currently regret stepping away from all of the screenings tied to my melanoma but I've lost a lot of faith in the industry, even at the highest level. It has been weighing on me though...not because of any perceived skin threats, but I have to go back in for secondary imaging this Thursday as a result of my mammogram last month. The radiologist's results say "abnormal" but my doctor said it was inconclusive, clarifying that they just didn't get a good image in round 1. As a result, I'm having another one as well as an ultrasound. I've had poor image results before and never had to go the ultrasound route before, but my baseline has also changed considerably due to all of the weight loss. Either way, it's had me thinking about what I want to do if they find anything. The estimate for this second round of images is what got me really thinking about the skin cancer decision. Everything is just so ridiculously expensive when routine stuff does not go as planned.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Sorry I have been MIA. The weekend got off to a rough start and then I just wanted to be immersed in it and enjoy once I got everything under control.

Saturday, I did run-walk-run method. I set off walking and walked most of my first mile but I was on the University of Oklahoma campus, it was spring family weekend, there was a ton of stuff going on, in addition to a bunch of festivities for their spring football game. There were a ton of people in so many areas that running became the most efficient way to dart in and out of the crowds. I wanted to go 8 miles, but I also wanted time with DD19. So, the running helped speed up the process, but I cut it to 6.23 so she and I could grab lunch, do some shopping and hit the gym before DH and DD17 got into town. DD17 had a game Friday night, so I was solo going up on Friday. I'll share the drama at the end.

Sunday, I was feeling super yucky. I know it's because I overindulged Saturday night. It was such a nice dinner though that I don't regret it. The best I had in me was a couple of attempts on the hotel treadmill, which added up to 3.36 miles. I know that's still good but I wasn't feeling good. I also had the long drive home ahead of me. This was also 100% walking.

I'm still in recovery mode, but got out there for 6.23 this morning. It was 100% walking- again! See...I really am still a walker! It was upper 50s, so really pleasant out there too.



So, I hit the road on Friday right at noon in hopes of making it to my hotel in OKC by dinnertime. We weren't sure about attending this parent weekend, but DD insisted while she was home back in December. The best room I could find for both quality and price was on the southern side of OKC, about 25 minutes north of her apartment in Norman. It was one of those huge 2-bedroom suites at a Residence Inn. The price was great and I was pumped because DH snores and it meant that I'd have plenty of space away from the noise. After being on the road a little over 4 hours and right after crossing into OK from TX, my phone starting blowing up. I do not normally answer unfamiliar calls, but by the third call, I could see it was Expedia. When I answered, I was told that my hotel reservation was canceled, the hotel had no other rooms, and while they looked for suitable alternatives, the Expedia guy was unable to find anything. No kidding!!! It's family weekend and everything that isn't insanely expensive has been booked for ages. Those which weren't were still $$$$$. There is no way I am spending $600-800 a night for a LaQuinta! This guy got to hear just how creative I can get with profanity. It was cathartic but unproductive. I got DD19 on the phone and she called the actual hotel for me. Turns out they had a pipe burst, which flooded four rooms, including ours. They said they would cover the difference if I could find another hotel for the weekend. I'm still trying to hash this part out, but the objective now was to get to DD's so we could grab dinner and find me a room. I did find something in an area I know. It was twice the price of the other room, but still a fraction of the price of everything else. So, at least I had a place to stay. DD hung out with me at the room for a while...met a lovely bullmastiff in the elevator...and were spared by the ugly weather that came through the OKC metro.

The following day, in addition to my walking, DD and I did a barre/pilates class together, went shopping, were pleasantly surprised that DH's birthday cake was ready early, had a nice lunch, hit the gym for a bit, and then got ready for dinner. DD19 put together such a nice dinner for DH. It was at this old converted flower shop in a more historic part of OKC. I completely forgot but she got us a private dining room and invited a friend and said friend's family for the meal. In any event, I know my tummy is super angry because of it, but it was such a nice meal and get-together. I reminded myself of that the next morning on the treadmill. After treadmill time, we all met up for breakfast/brunch (DD17 spent the night with DD19) and then it was time for the long drive home.

So, today is my attempt to get back on track. It's going to be tough because DD17 starts school softball playoffs this week, my parents are flying into town on Wednesday, but I also have a half marathon this Sunday. So, I need to keep it together!

 

[citruscurtis]

Oh my..
Your plate is over flowing.... hopefully the cheerleaders will be audioble to you as you progress through the week....a burst pipe.... someone is going to need to hear your story thru the softball week and then that will give you strength

The campus photos...oh my...had not a clue.... nothing like that on the West Coast.... well maybe Sanford ... So I will gather you and wildlife in my morning prayers as I tend to my healing plant... the simple things give us strength as I walk across the street and everyday I demonstrate faithfulness

 

[WLWildlife]

Sorry for the delayed reply but I was just sort of immersed in the weekend. Friday's drama was also more than my mind was ready to handle.

I have been thinking a lot about the cancer decisions of late. I don't currently regret stepping away from all of the screenings tied to my melanoma but I've lost a lot of faith in the industry, even at the highest level. It has been weighing on me though...not because of any perceived skin threats, but I have to go back in for secondary imaging this Thursday as a result of my mammogram last month. The radiologist's results say "abnormal" but my doctor said it was inconclusive, clarifying that they just didn't get a good image in round 1. As a result, I'm having another one as well as an ultrasound. I've had poor image results before and never had to go the ultrasound route before, but my baseline has also changed considerably due to all of the weight loss. Either way, it's had me thinking about what I want to do if they find anything. The estimate for this second round of images is what got me really thinking about the skin cancer decision. Everything is just so ridiculously expensive when routine stuff does not go as planned.

This is almost exactly what I experience every year. It's nerve-wracking and stressful. My sister had breast cancer at 40. She beat it and will be 60 in 2 months. I am being monitored and have been for a very long time as I a cyst. I have been called back a few times. Some people are more skilled at their jobs than others and don't get good pictures, but it causes sleepless nights. The MRI was new last year and I am not doing that again. After 2 decades, why an MRI now? Especially if it's inclusive and I have to get an ultrasound any ways? And the expense!!!!

 

[WLWildlife]

Sorry I have been MIA. The weekend got off to a rough start and then I just wanted to be immersed in it and enjoy once I got everything under control.

Saturday, I did run-walk-run method. I set off walking and walked most of my first mile but I was on the University of Oklahoma campus, it was spring family weekend, there was a ton of stuff going on, in addition to a bunch of festivities for their spring football game. There were a ton of people in so many areas that running became the most efficient way to dart in and out of the crowds. I wanted to go 8 miles, but I also wanted time with DD19. So, the running helped speed up the process, but I cut it to 6.23 so she and I could grab lunch, do some shopping and hit the gym before DH and DD17 got into town. DD17 had a game Friday night, so I was solo going up on Friday. I'll share the drama at the end.

Sunday, I was feeling super yucky. I know it's because I overindulged Saturday night. It was such a nice dinner though that I don't regret it. The best I had in me was a couple of attempts on the hotel treadmill, which added up to 3.36 miles. I know that's still good but I wasn't feeling good. I also had the long drive home ahead of me. This was also 100% walking.

I'm still in recovery mode, but got out there for 6.23 this morning. It was 100% walking- again! See...I really am still a walker! It was upper 50s, so really pleasant out there too.

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So, I hit the road on Friday right at noon in hopes of making it to my hotel in OKC by dinnertime. We weren't sure about attending this parent weekend, but DD insisted while she was home back in December. The best room I could find for both quality and price was on the southern side of OKC, about 25 minutes north of her apartment in Norman. It was one of those huge 2-bedroom suites at a Residence Inn. The price was great and I was pumped because DH snores and it meant that I'd have plenty of space away from the noise. After being on the road a little over 4 hours and right after crossing into OK from TX, my phone starting blowing up. I do not normally answer unfamiliar calls, but by the third call, I could see it was Expedia. When I answered, I was told that my hotel reservation was canceled, the hotel had no other rooms, and while they looked for suitable alternatives, the Expedia guy was unable to find anything. No kidding!!! It's family weekend and everything that isn't insanely expensive has been booked for ages. Those which weren't were still $$$$$. There is no way I am spending $600-800 a night for a LaQuinta! This guy got to hear just how creative I can get with profanity. It was cathartic but unproductive. I got DD19 on the phone and she called the actual hotel for me. Turns out they had a pipe burst, which flooded four rooms, including ours. They said they would cover the difference if I could find another hotel for the weekend. I'm still trying to hash this part out, but the objective now was to get to DD's so we could grab dinner and find me a room. I did find something in an area I know. It was twice the price of the other room, but still a fraction of the price of everything else. So, at least I had a place to stay. DD hung out with me at the room for a while...met a lovely bullmastiff in the elevator...and were spared by the ugly weather that came through the OKC metro.

The following day, in addition to my walking, DD and I did a barre/pilates class together, went shopping, were pleasantly surprised that DH's birthday cake was ready early, had a nice lunch, hit the gym for a bit, and then got ready for dinner. DD19 put together such a nice dinner for DH. It was at this old converted flower shop in a more historic part of OKC. I completely forgot but she got us a private dining room and invited a friend and said friend's family for the meal. In any event, I know my tummy is super angry because of it, but it was such a nice meal and get-together. I reminded myself of that the next morning on the treadmill. After treadmill time, we all met up for breakfast/brunch (DD17 spent the night with DD19) and then it was time for the long drive home.

So, today is my attempt to get back on track. It's going to be tough because DD17 starts school softball playoffs this week, my parents are flying into town on Wednesday, but I also have a half marathon this Sunday. So, I need to keep it together!

Yikes! That was a lot in a short span of time. Awesome that you got to spend some one on one time with DD and had such a lovely evening celebrating. I commend you on your walking dedication. I am very easily swayed. I don't have the drive I did when I was younger. I think that you will find with time that you will say no more often to things that make you feel bad. I can turn down everything except Lucky Charms, which don't even taste good but are crunchy, and chocolate. Chocolate is my biggest weakness. And there is nothing wrong with not posting for a couple of days and taking time for yourself!

 

[WLWildlife]

No walking for me for the last 2 days. We went from upper 70s and 80 to mid 40s with wind and some rain. Below freezing at night. C O L D I hate being cold.

Citruscurtis, the dandelions managed to survive being frozen. These aren't as nice as the other photo. I'll probably never get anything as nice as that one again, but I stopped on my way home to get something new for today.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Oh my..
Your plate is over flowing.... hopefully the cheerleaders will be audioble to you as you progress through the week....a burst pipe.... someone is going to need to hear your story thru the softball week and then that will give you strength

The campus photos...oh my...had not a clue.... nothing like that on the West Coast.... well maybe Sanford ... So I will gather you and wildlife in my morning prayers as I tend to my healing plant... the simple things give us strength as I walk across the street and everyday I demonstrate faithfulness

I wish my plate would just be normal. Still dealing with hotel headaches. Looks like they double charged me. So I need to get that corrected too.

Softball is huge on the west coast. I think more girls playing college ball come from California over every other state. Two of the biggest annual travel ball tournaments for recruitment also occur in SoCal. While there are a ton of west coast Div I school programs, UCLA, Washington, Oregon, Stanford, etc. are some of the regular standouts. Granted, Oklahoma has become the gold standard, but Patty Gasso (the coach depicted in the statue) has done so much to elevate the sport all over. Arizona is another program with a really impressive history.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

This is almost exactly what I experience every year. It's nerve-wracking and stressful. My sister had breast cancer at 40. She beat it and will be 60 in 2 months. I am being monitored and have been for a very long time as I a cyst. I have been called back a few times. Some people are more skilled at their jobs than others and don't get good pictures, but it causes sleepless nights. The MRI was new last year and I am not doing that again. After 2 decades, why an MRI now? Especially if it's inclusive and I have to get an ultrasound any ways? And the expense!!!!

I understand that the ultrasound is not the standard procedure and would warrant me paying more but it's a sad state of affairs that I have to pay out of pocket for a second mammogram when they were the ones that got bad imaging in the first. My plan covers one per year, so it just adds to my frustrations and worries. And to think I thought this would be a breeze because there is now less of me to scan. No cysts that I know of but I have a condition where my body produces an excess of lipomas. So, I have a few around the testing area that always make me worry. Not worry that they're something of concern but that someone is going to suggest surgical removal to make testing easier. My dermatologist, oncology team, as well as a general surgeon all felt surgery was not the answer because I have so many. MRIs are so pricey and can even vary tremendously in price depending on where you're sent for testing. I just have so many thoughts on medical expenses and what it's doing to people. UGH!

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Yikes! That was a lot in a short span of time. Awesome that you got to spend some one on one time with DD and had such a lovely evening celebrating. I commend you on your walking dedication. I am very easily swayed. I don't have the drive I did when I was younger. I think that you will find with time that you will say no more often to things that make you feel bad. I can turn down everything except Lucky Charms, which don't even taste good but are crunchy, and chocolate. Chocolate is my biggest weakness. And there is nothing wrong with not posting for a couple of days and taking time for yourself!

Part of my success this time around was identifying my weaknesses and how I can work with them, since deprivation doesn't usually work long term. I'm going to sound like a broken record but it's so much about consistency and reminding myself that consistency does not equate to perfection. Beyond that, I know I am more likely to make bad choices/overeat if I start early in the day. The longer I make it in the day, the better I am. So, on days where I do choose to indulge, it's usually at night so there are fewer hours left in the day and I'm more likely to be better satiated by the better things I ate earlier. I have also found a lot of things that take the place of the less healthful options that would upend my nutrition in the past. For example, while controversial, there are a lot of protein bars out there that are very candy bar-esque. Health purists don't like them for a variety of reasons, but if one protein bar can keep you from going off the deep end with real candy bars, I think it's a win. Pure Protein, Quest, Barebells and David all have bars that mimic candy bars that really do the trick for me. Pure Protein has one that mimics a Snickers...190 calories...20 grams of protein. If you like Lucky Charms and are like me...it's the texture of the marshmallows that makes them truly addicting. You can buy the marshmallows on Amazon. The portioning is where you have to get more creative for your health. I learned this from Jet Puffed marshmallow bits (which are available in the grocery store...essentially the same texture without the Lucky Charms fruity flavoring). Hopefully this makes sense...

1 Serving of Jet Puffed bits is 20 calories at 5 grams
1 serving of Lucky Charms cereal marshmallows is 120 calories at 30 grams
* These marshmallows are essentially the same thing, but one is calling for a much higher portion than the other. If you cut those Lucky Charms marshmallows down to a 5 gram serving like the suggested Jet Puffed portioning, you're left with 20 calories of Lucky Charms marshmallows. You now have a ton of options with your much lower calorie fix. Here is something I'd do...
...sprinkle that serving over top of a serving of Breyers Carb friendly vanilla (100 calories). It's kind of like you're getting those crispy marshmallows and milk. If you need the cereal crunch you could crumble up a sugar cone over top of it (50 calories) or add in a partial serving of a high protein cereal like Catalina Crunch. Is it spot on...no...but the marshmallows SHOULD give you enough of the Lucky Charms satisfaction without as much of the calories and better nutritional angles.

Sorry...rambled, but hopefully it helps. Swaps with minor indulgence adds are what help keep me sane and on track. Honestly, I have so many foods in my mix that are high protein/high fiber that are part of the success. So, if this sounds good...let me know and I can offer up other things that I do that help.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Happy Tuesday! I had been watching the radar because we've been having rain. There was a bit of a break in things so I decided to opt for trails over treadmill. It was so slick out there. I've determined much of my slippage is my Brooks. For whatever reason, they lack the traction of my ASICS and New Balance. While it was not shoe related, I almost wiped out in some mud along a curb/edge of the street. I got in 6.06 miles because I changed my route due to the weather. I was also overheating a bit. I put on my rain jacket and opened some of the vents but it wasn't enough. Oh well.

 

[WLWildlife]

Part of my success this time around was identifying my weaknesses and how I can work with them, since deprivation doesn't usually work long term. I'm going to sound like a broken record but it's so much about consistency and reminding myself that consistency does not equate to perfection. Beyond that, I know I am more likely to make bad choices/overeat if I start early in the day. The longer I make it in the day, the better I am. So, on days where I do choose to indulge, it's usually at night so there are fewer hours left in the day and I'm more likely to be better satiated by the better things I ate earlier. I have also found a lot of things that take the place of the less healthful options that would upend my nutrition in the past. For example, while controversial, there are a lot of protein bars out there that are very candy bar-esque. Health purists don't like them for a variety of reasons, but if one protein bar can keep you from going off the deep end with real candy bars, I think it's a win. Pure Protein, Quest, Barebells and David all have bars that mimic candy bars that really do the trick for me. Pure Protein has one that mimics a Snickers...190 calories...20 grams of protein. If you like Lucky Charms and are like me...it's the texture of the marshmallows that makes them truly addicting. You can buy the marshmallows on Amazon. The portioning is where you have to get more creative for your health. I learned this from Jet Puffed marshmallow bits (which are available in the grocery store...essentially the same texture without the Lucky Charms fruity flavoring). Hopefully this makes sense...

1 Serving of Jet Puffed bits is 20 calories at 5 grams
1 serving of Lucky Charms cereal marshmallows is 120 calories at 30 grams
* These marshmallows are essentially the same thing, but one is calling for a much higher portion than the other. If you cut those Lucky Charms marshmallows down to a 5 gram serving like the suggested Jet Puffed portioning, you're left with 20 calories of Lucky Charms marshmallows. You now have a ton of options with your much lower calorie fix. Here is something I'd do...
...sprinkle that serving over top of a serving of Breyers Carb friendly vanilla (100 calories). It's kind of like you're getting those crispy marshmallows and milk. If you need the cereal crunch you could crumble up a sugar cone over top of it (50 calories) or add in a partial serving of a high protein cereal like Catalina Crunch. Is it spot on...no...but the marshmallows SHOULD give you enough of the Lucky Charms satisfaction without as much of the calories and better nutritional angles.

Sorry...rambled, but hopefully it helps. Swaps with minor indulgence adds are what help keep me sane and on track. Honestly, I have so many foods in my mix that are high protein/high fiber that are part of the success. So, if this sounds good...let me know and I can offer up other things that I do that help.

Thank you for all that! Very insightful and inspiring. My issues are different than yours. I have to fight to keep weight and build muscle. I am on a restricted diet because my body doesn't like a lot of things. I have developed a lot of food allergies and sensitivities. I LOVE JUNK FOOD! I think I ate myself sick. My gut just doesn't do well with a lot of plants and I crave sugar and wheat based food. I have been off gluten for 14 years and pretty much the same for sugar. I still crave it and sometimes I cave. Like you, I try portion control. I'm going to take your advice and wait until later in the day to eat junk and maybe I will consume less. I have started eating a lot more animal protein and less plants and I am feeling better. Maybe I am on to something. I am going to try to be as creative as you with indulging and see if that helps. I have noticed that I am going for much longer stretches before I give in to cravings because I remember how bad I feel when I eat it and it just isn't worth it. These shares are helping too!