WEEK FIVE–Arizona National Scenic Trail Hike Training--- (August 9-25, 2015)

Goal: Hike The Arizona Trail.  It is an 800+ mile recreation trail from Mexico to Utah that connects mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, forests, wilderness areas, historic sites, trail systems, points of interest, communities, and people.   (From:  http://www.aztrail.org/at_about.html) I will be doing this as a solo hike. 

I would also like to raise money for some worthy cause at the same time, but have not yet selected a cause.  I am open to suggestions.  Email your ideas to me at:  charlene.swankie@gmail.com.   Right now I am thinking American Osteopathic Association???  Specifically, I’d like to help someone else get new knees and a new lease on life.  Would like to have your ideas.

View looking out my front window, at the back gate into Ted Turner’s property.  Nice quiet place to park, except a lot of people drive out here and then have to turn around as you can’t get through.  Off to the right of the big tree is a Country Club and Golf Course.

Previous post.  

I have decided on writing a weekly post rather than a daily one.

Training Days Twenty-eight to Thirty-four (8/9-8/15, 2015,  Sun.- Sat):

What have I accomplished in the four main components of preparing for this challenge?

Last week’s update …suffering from depression.  Being back on meds has helped me and will be back up to full strength this week.  Still depressed.

1) Get fit, food wise.  I did better this week in giving up sodas and Ice Cream, one 7 UP, one payday candy, and one ice cream. 

There is this giant fake ice cream cone on the road by Dairy Queen… very hard to drive by it without stopping.

Broke down and got a large chocolate covered cone.  Gave me a loose stool the next day.  Mistake.  Ate pretty good the rest of the time, and my appetite is decreasing.

I used to get 20 pc chicken nuggets and eat all 20 at once but on 8/9 could not eat 1/3 of them…. and it took me 3 days to eat these.  Also had a small coke. Always get a large coke.  I began recording on the calendar below, each fast food item I buy, including any sodas or junk food.  That is helping me be more accountable.

Also I keep a spreadsheet of my expenses …. working on it… years behind on this, but when I get it done, I’m going to chart out how much I spent on junk foods the last few years and see if I can’t put that money to better uses.

2) Get fit, fitness wise.  

Day 28 (Sun).  I pretty much just rested.  Maybe I should change this up… and do something, walk or do a strength training routine.  I’ll work on this idea.

Day 29 (Mon). Did not swim today because when I got out of bed I could not step down on my right foot.  It has been hurting all night and I didn’t get much sleep.  So went to ER today and turns out I have a bone spur in my heel and Plantar Fasciitis.  She gave me some scripts and recommended physical therapy.  Wants me to follow up with my PCP and he is in California and it’s been more than a year since I saw him.   Well I didn’t get the meds and am not going to go to CA to see my doctor.  I had to get online and look at other feet… to compare… and mine doesn’t look so bad.  My O2 level is fluctuating from 95% down to 84%…   In the ER Monday, it was about 90% and doctor didn’t say anything. 

Day 30 (Tue). Today, it was like my foot never hurt.  All I did was keep it warmer at night and make sure it was not cramped in an odd position.   Today I Swam 3/4 mi in 53 min  and it actually seemed to help my foot.  My breathing is much better and I didn’t cough.  I think I lost track of a couple laps, so may have actually swam a bit farther than 3/4 mile but didn’t feel up to going for a mile.  Hopefully by the end of the week I will be doing a mile.

Day 31 (Weds).   I did it.  I swam 1 mile in 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Now to begin working on reducing that time.  I have noticed I have less pain in my right shoulder, a chronic problem for me (car accident, and a couple of surgeries).  Pretty proud to get back up to a mile.

Day 32 (Thurs).  Woke with stiff neck from the swim and decided to cross train.  Nibbled on a Payday candy bar… and begin a walking component… walked through Raton and also visited the Raton Museum.  Walked about a mile up and down hill.

Day 33 (Fri).  Woke with a migraine.  Took meds and went back to bed. When I woke again, I drove out to the edge of town.  Had a sweet potato for breakfast and then spent the day entering receipts into the spreadsheet.  Had a zucchini and eggs for supper.  Got a lot of sleep.

Day 34 (Sat).  Wrote blog.  May walk later today.

My lungs are bothering me less… almost at 100% back to normal…. what it’s like when I don’t expose myself to allergens (i.e. houses, pets, smokers, cities).  Yes, I believe DEPRESSION is my biggest problem.  I am trying to eliminate things from my life and my thoughts that feed the depression… and that is very hard.

Strength Training:  A trainer has recommended I add strength training  one or two days a week.   I’ll work on that for this coming week.

Using the calendar is working out very well for me.  The # circled on the left edge is the WEEK of training.  The # in the upper left corner of each day is the day # of training.  I wrote in the word Swim on the weekdays... and will fill in the distance and time each day.  On Sat. I have put down my current weight in black and my goal weight in pen (though weight loss is not my goal).  If I loose a safe 2 pounds a week, I will reach my ideal weight of 190 by the end of the year. 

3) Learn how to ward off biting bugs.   There just are not many bugs here!!!  I’m keeping a notebook of ideas for future reference.

4) Get the equipment I need.  Backpack donated.  No other progress made on equipment needs this week.  I should make a list soon.

View from the side door of  my van, this morning.

My Weight?   Last week: 233 pounds       This week:  232 pounds    Weekly Loss/Gain = -1, less than I expected, but then I believe I am also building more muscle, so have probably lost fat weight this week… and gained some muscle weight.   Total Loss/Gain (since July 13) = -8 pounds.   Keep in mind, loosing weight is only a by-product of getting fit, not the goal.

Please click on the blue bar at the top “Join this site” to follow me.  You will get a notice when there is a new blog post.  Thank you.

Also, I am creating a set of notecards of southwestern images to sell in order to raise money for equipment.  Please have a look at what they may look like.  I hope to have them finished and ready to mail out by Thanksgiving.  You can reserve your set of note cards now by sending a PayPal donation of $25 to charlene.swankie@gmail.com.  Note Cards will be sent out before Dec. 1, 2015, or delivered to you are the Winter RTR Rendezvous.

Sample Southwest Notecards

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Thank you for doing your usual Amazon shopping using my affiliate link.

Help me a little if you can by donating to my equipment fund for the hike.  I promise to pay it forward.  There is a PayPal donation button in the top right corner, but I realize people using phone may not see that so I am repeating the button below.

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Contribute to Equipment for the Trail Hike or for the Note Cards:

 

WEEK FOUR—Arizona National Scenic Trail Hike Training—(August 2-8, 2015)

Goal: Hike The Arizona Trail.  It is an 800+ mile recreation trail from Mexico to Utah that connects mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, forests, wilderness areas, historic sites, trail systems, points of interest, communities, and people.   (From:  http://www.aztrail.org/at_about.html) I will be doing this as a solo hike. 

I would also like to raise money for some worthy cause at the same time, but have not yet selected a cause.  I am open to suggestions.  Email your ideas to me at:  charlene.swankie@gmail.com.   Right now I am thinking American Osteopathic Association???  Specifically, I’d like to help someone else get new knees and a new lease on life.  Would like to have your ideas.

 

Kayaking at Sugarite Canyon Park, NM.

Previous post.  

I have decided on writing a weekly post rather than a daily one.

Training Days Twenty-one to Twenty-seven (8/2-8/8, 2015,  Sun.- Sat):

What have I accomplished in the four main components of preparing for this challenge?

Last week’s update was not very inspiring or uplifting and I don’t feel this one will be either.  I am suffering from depression.  Hopefully that will change next week.

This week has been discouraging for me and I have gone back on meds that might help me. 

1) Get fit, food wise.  I did better this week in giving up sodas and Ice Cream, only two sodas, no candy, 1 pc of cake, and one ice cream.  There is this giant fake ice cream cone on the road by Dairy Queen… and it is very hard to drive past it.  But I resisted.  I did not keep track daily of food, but noted that my bowels are acting better and I have begun to get hungry when exercising.  That is very unusual for me.  Maybe it means I am loosing weight?  I did eat much better this week.

Next week, I am going to record on the calendar below, each fast food item I buy, including any sodas or junk food.  Also I keep a spreadsheet of my expenses and have a category for Fast Foods and junk.  I think I will take a look at what I spent the last few weeks and compare it to what I spend this next week.  Might help motivate me.

2) Get fit, fitness wise.  

Day 21 (Sun), I pretty much just rested. 

Day 22 (Mon) , Sick at my stomach, so no exercise. 

Day 23 (Tue),  Decided I needed a break from town so drove to Sugarite Canyon State Park and kayaked four hours.  Felt marvelous.

Day 24 (Weds), swam  3/4 mile, minus 2 laps due to a cramp in my right shoulder (probably from kayaking) in 55 minutes.

Day 25 (Thurs), swam 3/4 mile in 51 minutes, reducing my time by 4 min… the difference being that my cough has improved.  On exhaling, I would get a cough that often made me stop swimming.  I am controlling breathing better now, and if I don’t exhale quite as deeply, I don’t trigger the cough.  

Day 26 (Fri), No exercise.  Feel tired and depressed.  Slept all day thinking tomorrow was Friday and I could swim then.  I flubbed up.  Darn it.

Day 27 (Sat), Got no confirmation that I could join Folsom Archaeological Tour, so I decided not to use the gasoline to get there and back in hopes of getting in on the tour.  Still 11 days til payday and I have only 1/2 tank of gas left.

My lungs were bothering me less and less this week and I don’t feel the need to go to see a doctor.  I expelled some kind of clump of mucus or something and after that, my cough lessened.  I will swim more next week.  I almost have my breathing rhythm back… and can do full laps breathing only every other stroke.  This is huge.  Thursday, I swam almost the whole distance non-stop… but not with 100% perfect rhythm.  This is very good.

Yes, DEPRESSION is my biggest problem and I need to address that if my meds don’t help soon.  Half dose this week and full dose every other day next week.  I don’t know what resources there are in this community for such a problem but I am going to check it out this week.

Walking: Have not yet added a walking component, as just walking a couple blocks uphill to my van from the library gets me huffing and puffing.  It’s 6,680 ft in elevation here in Raton.  Didn’t know it would be so hard and maybe it won’t be when the cough stops.   My O2 level is fluctuating from 95% down to 84%… and that concerns me.  It does not stay that low very long, but it might be something I should check out.  Just part of the COPD issues.

Strength Training:  A trainer has recommended I add strength training  one or two days a week, and I have reviewed a couple videos on that and made notes and sketches of the various exercises.  I have elastic bands and will get that added in this week.   I asked this trainer and her spouse to be my “official” trainers, via email suggestions and comments, but they have declined as they are too busy.  I think I need a trainer cracking a whip behind me.

OK, I got my  calendar and will write out what my fitness plan is for each week, on the calendar.  Then I will just get up in the morning and DO IT without thinking or having to decide each day.  I will alternate my swimming plan, and add in a walking/running plan.  Soon I am going to add in an uphill walk.

The # circled on the left edge is the WEEK of training.  The # in the upper left corner of each day is the day # of training.  I wrote in the word Swim on the weekdays... and will fill in the distance and time each day.  On Sat. I have put down my current weight in black and my goal weight in pen (though weight loss is not my goal).  If I loose a safe 2 pounds a week, I will reach my ideal weight of 190 by the end of the year.  Yes, at 190 I am about a skinny size 12... my bone and muscle mass are very dense compared to an average size woman.

Weight 190.  1967

3) Learn how to ward off biting bugs.   Have not begun experimenting with different repellants, as there just aren’t many bugs here.  But for future reference, I’m going to  make a list of ideas.   Did get an alert from my health insurance on the subject… with this recommendation: 

There are many different kinds of insect repellent, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends products that have at least one of the following active ingredients:

• DEET
• Picaridin
• IR 3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus

For more details see this link http://www.tricare.mil/Summerbugs080515 .

4) Get the equipment I need.  Backpack donated.  No other progress made on equipment needs this week.

Kink in my plans – RESOLVED.  My van was acting up but with better gas all is right with SwankieWheels again. 

My Weight?   Last week: 235 pounds       This week:  233 pounds    Weekly Loss/Gain = -2, Perfect.   Total Loss/Gain (since July 13) = -7 pounds.   Keep in mind, loosing weight is only a by-product of getting fit, not the goal.

Please click on the blue bar at the top “Join this site” to follow me.  You will get a notice when there is a new blog post.  Thank you.

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Thank you for doing your usual Amazon shopping using my affiliate link.

Help me a little if you can by donating to my equipment fund for the hike.  I promise to pay it forward.  There is a PayPal donation button in the top right corner, but I realize people using phone may not see that so I am repeating the button below.

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Contribute to Equipment for the Trail Hike or for the Note Cards:

 

WEEK THREE–Arizona National Scenic Trail Hike Training–(July 26-Aug 1, 2015)

Goal: Hike The Arizona Trail.  It is an 800+ mile recreation trail from Mexico to Utah that connects mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, forests, wilderness areas, historic sites, trail systems, points of interest, communities, and people.   (From:  http://www.aztrail.org/at_about.html) I will be doing this as a solo hike.  I would also like to raise money for some worthy cause at the same time, but have not yet selected a cause.  I am open to suggestions.  Email your ideas to me at:  charlene.swankie@gmail.com.

Storming in Raton, NM.

Previous post.

I have decided on writing a weekly post rather than a daily one.

Training Days Fourteen – Twenty (7/26-8/1, 2015,  Sun.- Sat):

What have I accomplished in the four main components of preparing for this challenge?

This week has been discouraging for me.   I was contacted by a local photographer/writer who wanted to interview me for a possible article for the news.  I thought “That should be interesting.”  Then got nervous about how I would look, how the van would look, etc.  But when I asked if I could preview the article and photo, he changed his mind. Said I had to trust him – a stranger?  I think I will decline future requests for interviews and just tell them, no more free-bees, as I will be SELLING my story in the future.

1) Get fit, food wise.  Found a gas station/convenience store that has a place called Alfredos, that makes good Mexican food.  They also have the Mexican popsicles in Café’ flavor.  Hard to find them.  Better for me than a pint of Hag Daz Coffee Ice Cream.  Also can get a large soda with lots of ice for $1.59.   One of the fast food places charged me over $3 for one half this size.  So I got the popsicle and the BIG Pepsi for less than it cost me for that coke alone yesterday.  Been sipping it all day long and still have 1/3 left.   And YES, I realize I need to give all that up.

Monday: drove out of town and parked (ha… at back entrance to Ted Turner’s property – there is a gate closed off on both these roads….  https://www.google.com/maps/place/36%C2%B053%2708.9%22N+104%C2%B028%2701.6%22W/@36.8858461,-104.4681863,93m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0?hl=en)… and cooked my lunch… a steak some greens, and a couple of zucchinis.   Lots of folks drive down this road and then have to turn around and go back to town.  But otherwise, it was a nice stop.

On the one gate was a sign… and a keypad for entrance.  On the other road was a gate with a chain and padlock.  I think Mr. Turner must own both of these canyons?  Following the canyon on Google Maps, I think I have found Mr. Turner’s home???   https://www.google.com/maps/place/36%C2%B053%2708.9%22N+104%C2%B028%2701.6%22W/@36.9734097,-104.5831128,221m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0?hl=en   Needless to say, I won’t be a guest there….  http://www.vermejoparkranch.com/_summerrates.

I took a ride later in the week out Highway 555, and the land on both sides of the highway, for the 20 miles I drove, belongs to Ted Turner.  Lovely drive.  More locked gated with his No Trespassing signs.  Never saw a public gate to the Vermejo Park Ranch.  Never saw a sign for the Ranch other than the No Trespassing signs.

This is one gate that goes up into that valley, and has the most used road I saw.  I’m thinking it must be nice to own such a grand piece of land and be able to allow it to return to a more pristine state.  Coal-mining operations have gone on there in the past (and maybe present?) and timbering operations were in progress as well.  There is a big lumber mill on the West edge of Raton, on Rt. 555.  I saw a big logging truck coming from the west toward town.

		Ted Turner’s Ranch VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Tuesday: I bought no FAST food.  Fruit smoothie for breakfast, hamburger patty, fresh greens and pita bread for lunch, plus yam/apples mix.

Remainder of week:  More fruit smoothies for breakfast.  Ate more greens this week and NO Candy bars.  Still a battle with sodas and ice cream.  Is this hopeless?

Friday: Depressed.  Accidentally took two days worth of meds and by Sat. morning had the runs.  In spite of that, I lost no weight this week.

The pool is lovely and the climbing wall is neat.  I tried to pull myself up on it… talk about hard.  The entire pool has strong water jets all around it… and so water is always choppy, making just walking in it a workout.

2) Get fit, fitness wise.   Day 14, I pretty much just rested.  Day 15, no exercise.  Day 16,  I  swam 1/2 mile, didn’t note time.  Coughing.  Day 17, swam  3/4 mile in 60 minutes.  Coughing is still a problem.  Day 18, swam 3/4 mile in 55 minutes.   Days 19 & 20… no swimming.  Can’t swim on weekends.

My lungs were bothering me some over last weekend, without swimming.  But didn’t feel well Monday morning, so drove to get some gas, then visited a local gym to see what the cost was, then did online research about the Silver Sneakers program and learned my insurance does not cover the program, whereas many insurance companies do.  I can not afford that gym.  May see a doctor next week if cough hasn’t gone away.  I feel depressed and in need of a support group.

Sleep is important in good fitness.  Monday, July 27, I packed my DVD Player and DVDs away so that I am not tempted to stay up for hours and hours every night watching them.  I will take my health books, and my hiking books to bed with me.  Reading always puts me to sleep.  Then I will be refreshed and ready to work out in the morning.  Toward the end of the week I noticed I was more refreshed and feeling like I was getting too much sleep.  Still when I wake in the morning, I feel depressed and it’s a real effort to get up.  Last night, Friday, I got it out again and watched a bunch of House episodes.  I am now thinking DEPRESSION is my biggest problem and think I need to address that.  I have been on meds in the past for that and may go back on them.

Walking: Read up on how to begin walking/jogging at http://www.thefitrv.com/fitness-tips/how-to-start-running-later-in-life/ .   This guy’s wife is a personal trainer and has a set of videos geared for RVers on how to keep fit on the road.  I’ll be studying them and adapting them for my own program.  Have a look - http://www.thefitrv.com/category/workouts/ .  The gal’s name is Stef.  I got an email back from her today.

Hi Charlene!

Wow, what adventures you have had! I love hearing from readers like you, it's so inspiring for me. Your hike next year sounds amazing. What a great way to spend your retirement, challenging your body and tapping into your potential. Very few of us attempt that. I hope to be like you when I officially retire. Thanks for role modeling and inspiring a fit lifestyle for retirees!

I lived in New Mexico for a good decade. I was a teacher in the Albuquerque public school system! I know of Raton, and I'm very fond of the state. Such a unique place. 

James and I are actually in the market for some kayaks right now. We are leaning towards Jackson kayaks, but if you have any tips and suggestions, let me know! There's a family that writes for Winnebago GoLife: the Holcombe's, have you read any of their blogs? They are full-time RVers, professional kayakers, amazing photographers, and they have an 11-year-old daughter who is also a talented kayaker. We went kayaking with them recently and realized how much we have to learn!

I will definitely go and check out your blog, I want to follow along as you take on this challenge next year. Perhaps we will cross paths and be RVing somewhere near you and we can meet up on your journey.

And just remember, fitness and exercise has got to be nonnegotiable to age well. So get those walks in, get that exercise in, and keep yourself well so you can kick butt on your hike next year!

Sending good vibes for a successful journey,

Stefany

OK, I am going to buy a calendar I can carry with me… and write out what my fitness plan is for each week, on the calendar.  Then I will just get up in the morning and DO IT without thinking or having to decide each day.  I will alternate my swimming plan, and add in a  walking/running plan.  Soon I am going to add in an uphill walk.

3) Learn how to ward off biting bugs.   … this coming week and will begin experimenting with different things.  No progress yet, but a misquote fogging truck drove past my parking spot yesterday (Friday).

4) Get the equipment I need.  Exciting to get an email from someone who is offering to GIVE me a good backpack.  I looked it up online and wrote back with a few questions.  Also tried to research the pack I bought from Wal-Mart a couple years ago and could not find it online so it is difficult to compare the two.  However, I feel the one I have is inadequate for a long hike.  Will follow-up.  Now reading through a book on the Pacific Crest Trail (which was useless as it is ONLY a trail guide… nothing about prep, or food, or equipment).  Communicated more with the person willing to donate a good backpack to me. She was also willing to give me a tent, but it pretty much sounds like what I have now.  Tuesday, got more details on the backpack and am waiting photos of it.  Have since seen the photos and accepted this backpack.  I will be picking it up in person in Mesa, AZ when I head to Quartzsite, AZ.

It seems to rain a lot here.

Kink in my plans.  My van is acting up and it turns out the fuse for the cig. lighter is also a fuse for the computer.  Pulled the fuse, it was blow, replaced it, and walla… the computer works.  Got some codes on possible problems, swapped out a couple more fuses for the Oxygen Sensors… and darned if the van isn’t running better!  Another code might have been thrown due to cheap grade gas.  Going to fill up with GOOD gas and see how that effects things.  Guys at Auto Zone thought my Catalytic Converters were clogged… and guess what, my van has four of them.  Not accepting that diagnosis, and still hoping for a less expensive fix.  Here is what I don’t understand, the van seems to be running better now, and the fuses and better gas is all I changed.  Then the next day it seems sluggish again.  If anyone has thoughts please share them.  I just don’t have the funds for major mechanical work right now.  I don’t have any funds right now, for anything.  So very tired of being broke.

My Weight?   Last week: 235 pounds       This week:  235 pounds    Loss/Gain = 0   Keep in mind, loosing weight is only a by-product of getting fit, not the goal.

My apologies to my readers that this Update is not very inspiring or uplifting.  Hopefully that will change next week.

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Thank you for doing your usual Amazon shopping using my affiliate link.

Help me a little if you can by donating to my equipment fund for the hike.  I promise to pay it forward.  There is a PayPal donation button in the top right corner, but I realize people using phone may not see that so I am repeating the button below.

---

Contribute to Equipment for the Trail Hike or for the Note Cards:

 

Technorati Tags: Amazon Store,Raton Aquatic Center,boondocking,Arizona Trail,vandwelling.

WEEK TWO—Arizona National Scenic Trail Hike Training—(July 19-25, 2015)

Goal: Hike The Arizona Trail.  It is an 800+ mile recreation trail from Mexico to Utah that connects mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, forests, wilderness areas, historic sites, trail systems, points of interest, communities, and people.   (From:  http://www.aztrail.org/at_about.html) I will be doing this as a solo hike.  I would also like to raise money for some worthy cause at the same time, but have not yet selected a cause.  I am open to suggestions.  Email your ideas to me at:  charlene.swankie@gmail.com.


Previous post.

I have decided on writing a weekly post rather than a daily one.

Training Days Seven - Thirteen (7/19-25, 2015,  Sun.- Sat):

What have I accomplished in the four main components of preparing for this challenge?
Spent the first four days this week exploring Raton, NM to see if there was enough of what I need to spend extended time here.  And I am having car problems that I need to sort out and/or fix before any more long distance driving.  This location works for me… the altitude is good and I like Raton, NM.  See more about Raton, NM.

1) Get fit, food wise.  I haven’t done too well this week with food and find it extremely difficult to drive past fast food places and to resist sodas.  And ice cream, the bane of my existence.  It is however easier when the food is bad and the stores don’t carry Hagen Daz Coffee Ice Cream.  I believe I am making mental progress on this component through, as I used to wolf down a pint of ice cream with  no problem, or a whole candy bar, and can no longer eat 1/2 of them.  So maybe I will eventually loose my taste for it altogether, like I have breads (yeast ones), dairy, and yogurt)?  
Huge mural adds sea life to aquatic center-

By artist Melinda Marlowe.

2) Get fit, fitness wise. Day 11, I went to the Raton Aquatic Center and swam 1/4 mile.  I used to swim 2 miles in 45 minutes (a very long time ago).  I liked it.  I left, I thought about it.  Cost for one session is $4.   That’s cheaper than any shower I could get at a truck stop, and I don’t think there is even anywhere around here I can buy a shower.  So I went back and signed up for a one month membership for $25.  In Quartzsite a shower will cost you $11 or $12.  So it’s a bargain, I can shower every day if I want. Came back to van and cut the skirt off my swimming suit…. just gets in the way and that much more water to have to drip off it, in the van.  Day 12, I went back and swam 1/2 mile, only a very small muscle spasm that went away.  My goal is to slowly increase to a mile, and then time myself.  I want to cut my time down to 45 min.  It took me an hour to swim the 1/2 mile… so doing a mile in 45 min will be a huge improvement.  I can already feel my legs getting stronger and leaner.  Kayaking doesn’t do much for your legs unless you have a paddle kayak. 
And my lungs and sinuses are already getting better.  The only real danger here, is working out that hard can make you hungry as heck.  When I was swimming 2 miles, I’d come out of the pool having a Big Mac attack.  I think I should prepare for this by having a good healthy meal ready and on hand in the van…. and NOT drive past any fast food places.  Luckily, I can park near the Aquatic Center and don’t have to leave the parking area and there are some nice shade trees there, and even a porta-john.

 
They also have free wifi inside and a nice place to sit and rest or work.


3) Learn how to ward off biting bugs.   No progress made on this, but plan to add walking a mile on a trail near the Aquatic Center… this coming week and will begin experimenting with different things.  Saw a guy on that trail yesterday, walking along swatting in front of his face.  I’ll be covered up and wearing my hat and bug net.

4) Get the equipment I need.  No progress made on this, but gave up a FB group today that I really liked, because I was having too much fun sitting in this chair playing with all of them.  Now I will use that time to study my books about hiking and the AZ Trail and begin making a list, and looking for sponsors.  The local library also has free wifi and nice space to study or work on things, like my southwest note card art.   Please have a look at the samples and reserve your set now.  Thank you.

That’s the hill the panorama above was taken from.  This building is the Amtrak Station, which is across the Railroad Tracks from the Aquatic Center.

Kink in my plans.  My van is acting up.  I am trying to troubleshoot the cause.  I have no power on accelerating.  Fixed one thing today, got my on-board computer to communicate with the little device that Auto Zone uses to check your codes.  Turns out the fuse for the cig. lighter is also a fuse for the computer.  Pulled the fuse, it was blow, replaced it, and walla… the computer works.  Got some ideas of what is wrong and will be following up.  Afraid I might need expensive repairs which will really be hard on me.  I have no savings.

My Weight?   Last week: 240 pounds       This week:  235 pounds      Gain/Loss = –5       Keep in mind, loosing weight is only a by-product of getting fit, not the goal.

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Help me a little if you can by donating to my equipment fund for the hike.  I promise to pay it forward.  There is a PayPal donation button in the top right corner, but I realize people using phone may not see that so I am repeating the button below.

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