Stage 4 Fitness 2016

Z, my goal was to do fitness twice a day, not twice a week. But right now I'll adjust my goal to once a day. I used to do at least that, and only faltered this year. Yes, the dance is my joy. I love it more than chocolate.

Agree that exercise and mental state are so connected. Kitties and other pets also do us good both mentally and physically. They can lower blood pressure for one thing.

Doctors must love when their patients ask, "How soon can I run again?" MSL, since running is cardio, maybe think of strength and flexibilty? Something that uses different muscles?

I've had appointments all day but am determined to dance tonight. There, now I'm committed.

You've got it, MSL. Have a good cry if you need it, then take some deep breaths, and carry on.

Hi Ladies,

It's a long one...

Made it to Colorado Springs last night and have worked in a little exercise time. DH and I did some walking at the Badlands (handicapped trail- should have pushed harder). We did Mt Rushmore and Custer Park the next day and had to wash buffalo spit off our car that night. We hiked 1.3 mi at Devils Tower in Wyoming...@4,500 ft elevation. Stayed at Saratoga Springs in Wyoming Monday and enjoyed the hot mineral springs and swam laps in the hot water with two inches of snow on the ground. I don't know if "taking the waters" heals anything, but it feels amazing!

They closed the road over Rocky Mt National park yesterday due to the first snow, but we were able to drive up about ten miles into the park and I took a picture of a trail...does that count???Hiking at Garden of the Gods with my daughter this afternoon and then undoing all the good work with Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow .

When we were here last year I had just started treatment and felt awful...pain all over, scared to death and then got an altitude related migraine and ended up in the ER. Tried some MJ for symptoms but got the stuff that makes you high and was totally out of step. No one ever knew how bad I felt. This year I exercise more, have lost about 10 lbs., avoid gluten and dairy, eat organic, use complementary practices and supplements and feel so much better. The disease may not be better, but having something I can do to manage it made a huge difference.

Happy Thanksgivng to my fellow Americans. Happy Thursday to everyone else...I am so thankful for all of you here!

MSL - It's unfair that you should have cancer. A massive pity party is in order. At some point, we move on if only because we have stuff that has to get done. But the unfairness of it washes over each of us from time to time. We had plans and now this. I am glad you have joined us as you are very good at communicating your experience. This helps us as much as it helps you. Thank you.

Kathryn - I think I know that badlands handicapped trail. Taking the waters heals everything, as does a really big Thanksgiving Dinner. Interesting contrast between this year and last. Same cancer, totally different experience once you get a handle on how to manage it.

Shetland - My only point is that your exercise routine as it is awesome. I do hope you get to your goal of twice a day. Twice a day would be awesome as well.

I rode my bike today with DD1. Up a steep hill. Off the road. Down some rugged terrain. Did well. Did not fall. Thankful!

5K Turkey Trot tomorrow at 9am. We're having two Thanksgivings, one cooked for us tomorrow and one we will cook ourselves on Saturday so I need to get a head start working of the food.

Keep moving ladies!

Let us know what you are up to.

>Z<

Heidi - I love electric assist bikes. If my garage was a little bigger I would add it to my bike stable...

I got myself a Fitbit while out thanksgiving shopping. It was pretty cool. But it migrated to might daughters wrist after about 3 hours and haven't seen it since.

One thanksgiving meal down, one to go. Jogged the 5K turkey trot yesterday. I was in the back of the pack with the strollers and the 5 year olds but I did it.

Maybe some core...

>Z<

Z-good job on the turkey trot. Doesn't matter where you are in the pack. What matters is that you are challenging your body, and you are moving! I am well acquainted with the strollers, dog walkers, and toddlers that are at the back of the 5k packs. I am always among the slowest of the walkers, but my family sticks with me and tells me I am doing great. They are the best! So I keep going, and try to keep pushing myself to do better.

The information on HIIT is interesting. My problem is that when I try to increase intensity, I tend to increase injuries too. But I'll keep working on it, making tiny little increases as I'm able.

Did lots of shopping with DD. Came home exhausted and decided I needed fresh air and exercise. Dragged my tired self down to the school track and walked 2miles. Ahh...feel so much better now.

Hope everyone is doing well. Take care.

thanks for posting the article Z it made interesting reading.

A few more hours and I'll be off on my 21k walk for cancer. It's a night walk starting at 8:30 pm so hoping I'm finished by mid

MSL, Shazza - you guys are in great condition! Working on getting there ...

In the meantime, I will take my cannabis and get some rest.

>Z<

With the talk of HIIT training, I have to give a plug for my favorite fitness app- Aaptiv (it used to be Skyfit). They have a bunch of training sessions for running and walking (treadmill and outdoor), elliptical, yoga, indoor cycling, etc at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. I love it. It pushes me to work out so much harder than I can do alone. Its like having a personal trainer in your ear telling you when to go faster or slow down (or add incline indoors) and keep you motivated! There are usually free month trials floating around; I think I spent $50 for the year, but its been sooo worth it for me

Heidi-loved the photo. The ebike looks wonderful and very happy under the beautiful tree.

Shazza-you are such an inspiration! Hope all went well with the walk.

I was hoping to get out for a quick bike ride, but ended up at the gym riding inside. It was a good chance to try just a little HIIT. Even the small amount that I did upped the sweat level significantly:)

Thanks to everyone for posting-you all keep me motivated.

DGHoff - good to hear from you. Great creative exercise strategies. Doesn't matter what you do as long as you move and occasionally get your heart rate up. I do finding that exercise that pushes my range of movement like dance is an important piece.

Keep moving ladies! ... sitting down to my second Thanksgiving dinner in a few minutes....

>Z<

Well I survived my half marathon walk last night. It was reasonably slow going as it weaves through much of the inner city nightlife zones and 4 thousand walkers plus the usual Saturday night crowds on the side walk made it a tight squeeze. It was interesting seeing the city from a different light.

While we finished around midnight it was after 2am before I was home in bed. I managed to get up this morning for Sunday yoga so am hoping I don't suffer to much from sore muscles in the coming days.

DGHoff thanks for mentioning the 5 Tibetans it a while since I've done it but I really should incorporate it back into my daily practice.

Keep moving everyone. We are awesome.

Shazza, congrats on your walk! Thats so amazing, what a great accomplishment! I'm so inspired

Finally getting back into the swing of things with five days in a row of activity! Started the day with some Five Tibetans, came home and dance jammed for 20 minutes before dinner (added a few hand weights) and then went for a 30 minute walk after dinner. Tired now!

Nice work ladies!

Does moving furniture count? Lifting couches today is going to ache tomorrow New bruises, too

Oh well...at least the furniture is where I want it for the holidays.