I hab a code

Well, I guess running in the rain wasn't such a good idea, because soon afterward I developed a cold that has been hanging on for about four days now. I haven't been able to run, and I've noticed my cravings for sugar increasing (maybe as a result of not running?). Looking forward to being well again and trying to catch up with Isabel on the running schedule.

Week 5, Day 1: Run 3, walk 1, ten times

Isabel, Melina and I did this run in the pouring, pouring rain at Grant Park. Three minutes after starting, we were drenched to the skin. Melina cried for a while and then fell asleep in the jogging stroller (with the rain cover on). The run itself wasn't too hard, but the entire running experience was fairly miserable.

Week 4, Day 3: Run 2, walk 3, seven times

This should have been an easy run, but I was still recovering from the hike and it seemed really hard. I pushed Melina in the stroller around the neighborhood. She did great, but the first few minutes felt pretty tough to me. I also had a stitch in my side that wouldn't go away. In all, a generally unpleasant experience (though I did find some nice streets to run on).

Sunday hike to Burnt Lake

Hiked to Burnt Lake on Mt. Hood. Started out around 3:00 and ended around 7:00. Hiked around eight miles - four up and four down. Not the most exciting hike in the world, though perfectly pleasant. View of Mt. Hood from Burnt Lake was spectacular. There's a very nice campsite near the waterfalls on the way to the lake, though the trail is very popular and I expect the campsite gets taken early. It would be worth going on a weeknight to get that spot.

Physically, I did pretty well. We were going fairly fast. Feet were hurting by the end. Oh, and as usual lately I got my period just as we started the hike. I think this is the third time in a row that has happened. Luckily I had stashed the necessary supplies in Jeff's glove compartment!

Week 4, Day 2: Run 2, walk 2, seven times

Ran at Wilshire Park while Jeff watched Melina. Listened to "The Forsyte Saga" on my newly re-found MP3 player and tried to figure out the stopwatch functions. Felt sore and out of shape for the first few minutes, but warmed up fairly well.

Week 4, Day 1: Run 3, walk 2, eight times

I ran this alone at Wilshire Park while Teresa watched Melina. Nice to run in the cool weather. Isabel has visitors this week and is taking a trip to San Francisco, so we will be running separately for a while. Hopefully we can both stick to the same schedule.

Week four is a "rest week." Starting with week five, things get a little tougher.

My "regime" is going well. I haven't had chocolate since I began about a month ago. I'm not specifically trying to avoid chocolate, but that's how it's panned out. I never had my treat last Saturday so yesterday I had a bubble tea and called it a treat. I also had a few bites of ice cream - half a treat. Today I'm going to have some homemade banana bread that my coworker brought in - that's half a treat - so no more treats until the Saturday after next. It really hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. I have managed to avoid the candy dish at work and haven't had any dessert-type items at home since the frozen fruit bars ran out.

A lot of people have commented lately that I look like I've lost weight, which is interesting since I weigh exactly the same as I did six months ago. I haven't done any other measurements, though - maybe I'm gaining muscle and losing fat. Let's hope.

Week 3, Day 3: Run 3, walk 2, nine times

Ran this at Grant track with Isabel; Jeff had Melina. Nothing particularly interesting to report.

Bike ride to Sellwood

On Saturday we rode our bikes to Sellwood, about 10 miles r/t - maybe more. It's a nice flat ride, mostly on bike paths. We had a little snack at Marsee Bakery and returned home. Melina cried most of the way home (we stopped at Willamette Park to let her run around for a while). Hopefully this is not a new trend.

Week 3, Day 2: Run 2, walk 2, nine times

We ran this in the morning instead of the afternoon. With Melina waking up so early these days, I am becoming a morning person. Pushed Melina around the Grant track in her stroller. She was probably overtired (she woke up at 6:30 a.m.) and was pretty fussy. The weather is getting a little cooler, which is a pleasant change.

Weight has dropped back to X-7, after a recent high of X-4. Who knows? I probably shouldn't weigh myself every day. I have been very good about my "regime" though (I refuse to call it a diet), and instead of cake, cookies and chocolate I have been eating lots of fruit. Can you eat too many bananas?

I have to say I am looking forward to my Saturday treat, though. I'll have to make sure it's something good.

Week 3, Day 1: Run 3, walk 2, times ten

This was a pleasant run (yesterday), easier than the run before it. Isabel and I ran at the Grant track, pushing Melina. Melina did really well for the first 40 minutes and complained for the last ten minutes. Better than I expected. Three minutes didn't seem like long to run, especially since we were talking the whole time. It's MUCH easier running with a partner.

I cheated a bit on my "regime" and had a piece of cake at work. It was a very special piece of cake from an exceptional bakery, and it was my co-worker's baby shower. I felt justified. It was a *very* good piece of cake.

Week 2, Day 3: Run 2, walk 2, ten times

I did this run alone at Wilshire Park. It was the first run that felt challenging to me, maybe because it was so hot. It was a very quiet day - Labor Day weekend. Very few cars or people about. The squirrels were busy with their fall preparations, despite the 90-degree weather.

Weight remains at X-5, which is very frustrating - basically I've gained three pounds since beginning this effort. I have to remember that I always gain weight when I start an exercise regime. Not sure why, though of course muscle weighs more than fat. I've been good about my diet plan (no sweet treats, except for one on Saturday). Last year I didn't lose any weight during the entire three months that I was running, which was frustrating, although I knew I was getting in better shape.

I may decide to do the Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving if we don't have any other T-day plans.

Bike ride to Council Crest

Yesterday we rode our bikes up to Council Crest with Melina in the trailer. Actually, I cheated and took the Max from the stadium stop to the Zoo, which cuts out a huge part of the climb (though it does leave enough to feel like you've gotten a workout). This is a good compromise and lets Jeff get in a good hill climb (pulling a trailer, no less) without killing me. Melina did great and we had a nice time playing with her in the grass at the park at the top.

Week 2, Day 2: Run 1, walk 2, ten times

Ran this grueling 10-minute run with Isabel in her neighborhood, pushing stroller. First run on pavement; I could feel the difference in my joints. Highlight was seeing Morgan Freeman (briefly, from a distance) while running by movie set near Isabel's house. Melina was patient and didn't put up much of a fuss, except when M.F. walked by without acknowledging her.