Gym Is Open (Wednesday)

I'm starting to feel human again, I think this head cold is lifting. I'm going to a strength training class at 5:30 pm today that my WLS Support group started. I miss the gym! What did you do to move your body today? Lori

Lori, I'm glad you're feeling better! Come on over to Denver today, it will prepare you for Sweden's freezing weather! I woke up to 10 inches of snow here in the foothills of SW Jefferson Co. It's 14 degrees and still snowing. BRR! Even the dogs won't go outside -- can't say I blame them. If I had to go outside to use the restroom, I'd be in trouble! I will not be doing a short walk today! I did do my 20 minutes of "sit and tone" with the hand weights. I had to drop down to 1 lb weights instead of the 2 lb weights because my upper back was not rebounding quickly from exercise-related achiness. The 1 lb weights seemed better this morning, so I need to build up some more muscles first, I guess. You'd think the 10-lbs of ham-like stuff hanging off my upper arms would make me strong, but I guess not! I also plan to do some leg strengthening exercises later. Kix

Kix, It is very cold here as well. We didn't get as much snow as predicted but the drive in was a nightmare anyway! When I first started my strength training, I, too, was surprised that I didn't have more muscle tone considering all the extra weight I carried around. Little by little, I did build up some strength. Just hang in there!!!! Lori

Same here, Kix. When I first started strength training, I could barely use weights at all, but the more you stick with it, the better it gets. You'll be pumping some serious iron before you know it! Hugs, Tracy

Hi Lori! Good to hear you are feeling better - I'll keep sending those good thoughts your way. We want you healthy for your trip! I had an interesting morning - didn't do my usual aerobics because of a early start to the day. However, I did decide to take our brand new light rail system because the snow was so bad. Figured I could use the exercise and I wouldn't have to worry about all the crack pots out there! It ended up taking me 2 hours to get to work (thank goodness I left at 6!) First I got off att he wrong rail station, didn't realize it until I had already climbed 4 flights of stairs. Then when I finally got back and finally went to the correct stop, I missed my bus. It just happened to be all the way over on the other side of this HUGE bus station. So, I run over to catch the other bus, only to have this one drop me off far away from where he normally drops me off. And the place he drops me off has no sidewalk, just 6 inches of snow for me to plow through while trying to figure out how to cross one of the busiest streets in Denver. I did make it safe and sound (well, cold and safe and sound - it's 10 degrees out there!) I had my pedometer with me and it said I walked over 12000 steps just getting here! (I think most of them were stairs) I think that's about the equivalent of 2 miles. Great exercise, but it feels like I lost hours from my life just navigating the bus system!

Why did I know you'd be out there snowshoeing to work? Even though the light rail was more adventurous than you planned, was it still a viable option? I don't think we are getting light rail out our way until 2010. Isn't there a "Call and Ride" component that goes with light rail that's supposed to deliver you to your door? I'm glad I didn't have to go out today, the Access-a-Ride van rides are scary when the roads are this slick. Our roads haven't even been plowed yet. The garbage dude is usually here by 11 and I haven't heard a garbage truck all morning. I saw only one set of tire tracks out on the road (brave soul!) so far. BTW, I think you get to count the steps twice since you had the additional resistance from trudging through the snow. Be careful crossing those streets, metro Denver pedestrians haven't had the best of luck lately, and I don't want to see you on 9News! Kix

Ahhh, if I just had snow shoes then my toes wouldn't continue to be cold I can't believe how it is coming down, and I have to drive to Colorado Springs this afternoon. At least I'm not walking there The light rail will be great for me, at least on days where it's not snowing It usually will only take me about 30 minutes and it sure will save mileage on my old and tired VW. I was planning on using it 3 times a week in December. There is a Lone Tree park n ride, so I could get a ride to the light rail station. But it's only about 2 miles to the station and they have a garage to park, so I just drove. I can't wait until they get all of this done, we will be connected to everything around the city! I will be very careful with the streets - standing in the middle of Hampden at rush hour was a little unnerving. I don't think I will be doing that again! Take care hon, and stay warm and dry inside! It's the best place to be

PJ, If you really show 12000 steps on your pedometer, you are closer to 6 miles!!! It is about 2000 steps per mile! Woohoo! Lori

Wow, I can't believe I could walk that many miles. Seriously, my pedometer must be broken because if I had walked 6 miles I would be feeling it right now! Just 3 months ago I could barely walk a block! Man, if it is 6 miles than I'm feeling pretty darn good

PJ, I know 6 miles kicks my butt! Lori