Trained today at Crull Fitness. Luckily the soreness I felt after my workout on Monday & Tuesday is just a memory. However, I have no doubt that Julian will come up with some more new exercises to waken other muscles that are, no doubt, still on hiatus.

Wednesday, February 25th

Walked to the main US Post Office to mail letters for the American Heart Association fundraiser. Also walked in the neighborhood. It was pretty hot today, low 80's with no clouds and bright sun. In looking around as I walked, I noticed that the trees have budded and tulips are blooming. Yes, Spring is trying is darndest to make an early entrance. But, we must remember that it is still February and us locals know that the weather can be fickle and change in an instant.

I must admit that by mile 6, my feet started talking to me ... probably from the sneakers I had on without my thick pair of Thorlos socks on. I used Thorlos for my Breast Cancer 3 Day training and they really work well. I must make a note to get a few more pairs of Thorlos socks soon...

Miles Walked Today: 8

Total Official Training Miles: 84.5

Tuesday, Feburary 24th

Yep, just as I predicted, I woke up sore from yesterday's workout... legs and butt muscles mostly... When I sit for a while and then try to get up, I can feel the silent screeching of my muscles (that would rather be left alone!) Went ahead and met Janie at Crull Fitness anyway. I asked Julian our personal trainer how may muscles there are in the human body and he just smiled and said "I'll get back to you on that". Well, I surfed the "net" and read that there are somewhere between 650 and 850, depending on the definition of a muscle. I hesitate to tell Julian that as he will probably find a way for Jane and I to work every single one!

Monday, February 23rd

First day back at Crull Fitness since returning from my wonderful trip in Palm Springs, California. Julian made sure I got back to work training quick. I bet I'll be feeling a just a wee bit sore in the morning.

Thursday, February 19th

This morning we checked out of the Spa Resort & Casino in downtown Palm Springs and headed back to our condo. On the way, on Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage, right next to city hall, is a Cancer Survivor's Park. As a survivor of multiple cancers including breast cancer, I am at a loss for words to tell you what I felt as I explored the park. There are three main elements to the park. The first is the huge sculpture of a cancer patient's journey and it is titled "Cancer...there's hope".

The second element in the park is a "Positive Mental Attitude Walk". This is an area that a person can stroll through, meditate and read some 14 plaques; 4 are inspirational and 10 are specific suggestions on fighting cancer.

The third factor is a "Road to Recovery" with seven plaques explaining what cancer is and basic actions to successfully overcome the disease.

Also, there is a serene waterfall and also a pond with yet another sculpture. Here is a link to the main site, just click on the Cancer Survivors Park link on the left side of the main page: http://www.blochcancer.org/

After we arrived back at our condo, I decided to take a long 12 mile walk today since we fly back home tomorrow.... hate to leave this gorgeous place. I walked to Trader's Joe's and back and then took a final hike around the resort. I had to laugh as during my walk, three different cars with teenage boys honked and yelled at me. You have to know that seeing me from behind (at 35 or 40 m.p.h., they must have thought I was some hot young babe. Bet they got a shock to realize I was a gray headed grandma! ha. It did made me feel young again for an instant though. Got back to our condo in time to make a farewell dinner of Beef Bourguignon for the three of us. I decided to finish the trip off with a dessert of homemade crepes filled with baked apples.... mmmmmmm.

Total Miles Walked Today: 12

Total Official Training Miles:76.5

Wednesday, February 18th

Mary treated us to two nights at the Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs, so we left our condo after lunch and headed off on a new adventure. A trip within a trip... how cool is that? Anyway, I got up this morning and went to the Fitness Center here at the Spa Resort Casino for a 9:00 a.m. class called "Bounce & Buff". I was surprised at the number of women in the class... maybe 20 or more. I have to say I really enjoyed the cardio as well as working with hand weights on the exercise ball. Now, if I can only remember what I did so I can repeat it back at home! For dinner, I made an artichoke chicken with capers recipe. Hit the spot for all of three of us. I guess I should tell you that since I am dairy and gluten intolerant (and I love to cook), I find it easier to just cook at home when I can. Often, when I do go out, I usually end up with a dried out chicken breast with no seasoning and a salad with no dressing. Most restaurants just don't get it.

Tuesday, February 17th

Woke up to the threat of rain today. So, instead of a long distance training walk, I opted to walk to the Fitness Center and work out. I had brought a resistance band with me from home and after using it, a lady in the club asked about it and I let her borrow it. These bands are really excellent for leg exercises. This is sort of the method I use (exept I bend at my knees and also walk on my tip toes which makes it harder). I found this video on Youtube.. it claims to help your golf game. That would be great, except I don't play golf, ha. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uoVD8IEgiw So, why don't you just run out and buy one and give the "monster"walk a go!

Total Miles Walked Today: 3

Total Official Training Miles: 64.5

Monday, February 16th

Walked to the Fitness Center here at the resort we're staying at. It is a well-equipped and modern center and costs only $5.00 a day. Whadda deal!

Total Miles Walked Today: 3

Total Official Training Miles: 61.5

Saturday, February 14th

We arrived in downright breathtaking Palm Springs, California for our "girlfriend get-away" yesterday. Palm Springs, California in February is darn near perfect. It is in a valley surrounded by snow capped mountains. Warm sun with bright blue skies and cotton ball clouds... and just about everywhere you look, you are greeted by rainbows of blooming plants.

While Jane and Mary went to play golf, I decided to get out and log some good miles. So, I loaded up my backsack with water and snacks and headed out. Glorious weather and walking around all this beauty made me feel extra glad to be alive! Ended up walking 12 miles today... not too shabby.

Total Miles Walked Today: 12

Total Official Training Miles: 58.5

Went to Crull Fitness this a.m. and had a good workout. Julian gave Janie and I some more new exercises to do both with weights and with the resistance band. I am really starting to feel and see results from all this work, yeah!

Wednesday, February 11th
Took a 5 mile hike today and it felt wonderful. Not one single ache, muscle strain, pain or even fatigue. It was about as stressful as getting off the sofa and walking to the fridge... Training really pays off big!

Healthy Idea: Try Tulsi Tea... I have become a great fan of this tea. It is simply delicious. And, what are the benefits? Well, let me count the ways: supports immune system, promotes healthy metabolism, helps with digestion and gastrointestinal issues, relieves inflammation, neutralizes biochemicals that contribute to cancer, degenerative diseases and premature aging and on and on. Here's a good link: http://organicindia.mercola.com/tulsi.aspx And, you can buy this at Natural Grocers or Whole Foods. There are several flavors, but I like the Original the best. It is caffeine free and tastes terrific. Give it a go.... nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Miles Walked Today: 5
Total Official Training Miles: 46.5

Met Janie at Crull Fitness this morning. Used two new-to-me machines for arm muscles and also learned a few new exercises to strengthen leg muscles and abs. And, I bought a resistance exercise band to continue "monster walks" on my upcoming trip. Did I mention I am going to Palm Springs with "the girls"? Mary is an amazing, energetic and generous friend who has a timeshare and she asked me to tag along for a week. How could I resist? And, another of my pals I travel and hang out with Jane is going too. While the girls go off to play golf, I'm going to try to get some 12-15 mile walks in as long as the weather cooperates.

I have yet another person who is supporting me in this crusade against breast cancer and that is Louis Murad of Murad Auctions. Louis is a terrific person that I've gotten to know over the past 3 or 4 years through my work with the annual gala for The Network of Community Ministries. Louis is quite the auctioneer that makes our fundraising efforts a great success.

Healthy Ideas: Ditch the Splenda. Really. I have been reading about the evils of this stuff for a long time now. Here's a good link to read up on it: www.thetruthaboutsplenda.com Side effects can include: gastrointestinal problems, migraines, seizures, dizziness, blurred vision, weight gain, etc. Did you know that Whole Foods will not sell any products that contain Splenda?

Although today was going to be a busy one, I knew I needed to get out and walk at least a little. So, I got just a measly three miles in. I hadn't gone very far when I met up with a young man walking a yellow lab puppy. It was just 15 weeks old and quite adorable. And, guess what? His name is Marley. Marley was FULL of energy as puppies usually are and I said to his owner "you've got a lot ahead of you!" He told me he has four young children at home and I replied that's good as they could all wear each other out!

I was also pleasantly surprised to see that a neighbor near my house has done a yard renovation and it looks terrific. Seems like most of the yards on our street have been turned in to "gardens" and that sure makes it nice for walking.

I did stop by the house and got Bogie, my four legged trainer to go with me for the rest of the way. He just loves to walk and that is motivating enough for me too!

Miles Walked Today: 3
Total Official Miles Walked: 41.5

Read the newspaper early this a.m. and saw where rain is expected this weekend. So, I figured I'd better get a good, long training walk in today. I was successful in procrastinating until after lunch. I started out great with impressive winds nudging me on for the first mile. I remember thinking about the Irish saying "May the Wind always be at Your Back" and thinking this walk would be a piece of cake. Well, the winds changed and for the rest of the day, the wind was whipping in my face peeling my eyelids back! I walked to Crull Fitness and bought another bottle of water then walked on to my friend Doug's house for a visit. I finally got to meet his super sweet little rescue dog that is as calm as they come. After that, I walked on to the post office and mailed some thank you notes for donations from wonderful friends supporting my walk efforts. Then, I made my way home for a total 10.5 mile walk. Got home in time to take a shower and head to the Hyatt for the Richardson Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet. Kay Bailey Huchison was the keynote speaker and she shared some poignant thoughts about the stimulus plan under considaration this weekend. She was actually on the Senate floor at 1:00 p.m. and made it to speak at the banquet at 7:30 p.m. Wow... Thoroughly enjoyed the event as usual.

Training miles today: 10.5
Total "official" training miles: 38.5

Healthy Ideas: Dr. Andrew Weil was quoted as saying that if you had to pick just one thing to stay healthy, you should choose breathing exercises. From his website: "Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders." Here is a link to his breathing instructions (I regularly use Exercise #2) http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html So, why not give it a go? What have you got to loose except stress and high blood pressure?

Thursday, February 5th
Met up with Janie at 8:30 a.m. at Crull Fitness. Julian our trainer asked if we were sore from Tuesday and we screwed up and said "no". Darn it.... we shoulda said yes, as that meant he was going to work us even harder. As he says with a grin.... 25 more repetitions. Easy for him to say, huh? I told him I was gonna bring a camera next time so I could post his photo next to ChaChi's. When I got home, I decided to get some walking training in as I hadn't walked since getting the headcold. So, sneakers on, water bottles filled and sidewalks calling, I went on a 5 mile jaunt. The weather was great and my feet and legs felt great too!

Miles walked today: 5
Total training miles: 28

Tuesday, February 3rd
Met Janie at Crull Fitness at 8:30 a.m. At 8:31 a.m. we were back on track, or should I say treadmill warming up for our hour and a half of fitness training. It was a good albeit uneventful workout.

At 9:00 a.m. this morning, I finally rejoined the human race. After two and a half days, extra probiotics, vitamin D and gallons of hot Tulsi tea, I have declared victory over my head cold. Well, almost. OK... 90%... well... maybe. Tomorrow I may take a short 3 mile walk to get my feet warmed up for a longer walk. Tuesday, it's back to Crull Fitness for more torture...err... I mean toning and exercise! ha.

Friday, January 30th
I had intended to talk a 9 mile walk today, but instead woke up like I had been run

over by a freight train. Actually, it was a full blown head cold. So, I stayed in bed all day with my box of kleenex.

Tuesday, January 27th

I met up with Janie at Crull Fitness at 9:00 a.m. We had a great work out with Julian as usual. With all of the unique and challenging exercises Julian comes up with, surely there will be an end to the soreness I wake up the morning after each session!

Friday, January 23 - Sunday, January 25
My buddy Ruth Ann and I drove to Houston for the Avon Walk's Great Start Party. It was held at MD Anderson on Saturday. We met lots of walkers and also crew volunteers for the walk. One lady is either walking or volunteering in all nine Avon Walks throughout the U.S. this year. Now THAT is a commitment to the cause! I also met three nice ladies who will be at rest stop number 5 for my Houston walk. I don't remember their names, but I will surely recognize them by their enthusiasm and energy!

And, since neither Ruth Ann or I had ever been to MD Anderson, it was nice to finally see the awesome sprawling medical campus we have always heard so much about. Overall, it was a good trip for us to take so we could spend time together and also for such a great cause. I had my first lumpectomy in 1999 and Ruth Ann had her first mastectomy in 2003. Then, on 10/3/06, Ruth Ann had her second mastectomy and just 16 days later, I had my bi-lateral mastectomy. As much as I hated us both having breast cancer at the same time, we made the best of it. I was at the hospital for her surgery and she came to mine. As the song says "that's what friends are for".

Our hotel overlooked the Galleria and on Saturday evening, we went window sticker shock shopping. Saw a stunning leather purse at Saks for $3,800 and no, it didn't come home with me! We also strolled through Dior, Armani, Burberry, Coach and others... mostly wide -eyed!

On Sunday, we lucked on the weather. Although it was overcast, not a single drop of rain for the entire drive back to Dallas. We even stopped at the Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana. Ruth Ann bought goodies to take to her husband and I bought stuff for Janie who was dogsitting and for Richard and our Italian exchange student Umbi. Too bad I can't eat the wonderful breads and pastries I brought home was diagnosed dairy and gluten intolerant two years ago. My almonds, applies and bananas are good, but just not the same...

I must get back to Crull Fitness and get moving pronto!

Took the day off today to set up our newest computer. And to recuperate from yesterday's workout at Crull Fitness! More muscles are having a "great awakening" creaking and groaning.

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
Started the day at Crull Fitness Center. Julian had Janie and I walking, stretching and lifting for 90 minutes non-stop. I have now had four workout sessions and every time so far, the training has been different (except for stretching).... I can hardly wait to see what he dreams up for next Tuesday!

Monday, January 19th, 2009
Since I knew today was gonna be a busy one, I only got 3 miles in around the neighborhood.

Total miles today: 3
Total official training miles: 23

Sunday, January 18th, 2009
Had lots to do today so I walked a measley three miles... better than nothing!

Total miles today: 3
Total official training miles: 20