Congratulations on exploring!

Trying new things to upend old routines can go either way but it sounds like you scored a double positive. I think your new route for walking through the park and being in a more natural environment sounds fantastic. Kudos to you for experimenting, I hope you continue that path and maybe even find some others to add to your repertoire. :cheesy:

So, for the last three days since my last check in I show Wednesday at 21,190 steps, Thursday at 9781, and today at 19,684. Wednesday and today were out at the beach and Thursday I had an appointment and errands so that was just walk around time.

One thing I should note is that those step counts are for the whole day not just my outdoor walk and do not include the end of the day after I post although granted I’m usually just sitting around reading or watching something. So 5k-ish for just puttering around the house.

I was asked if I could speed up my outdoor walk time to go faster than 25 minute miles. Of course! I could lengthen my stride, put a little more pep in my step, or just quit dawdling over every little shiny thing. I know I’m posting in the exercise thread but for right now my focus is actually on mental health and well-being over physical accomplishment. The most recent last few years have been pretty bumpy for me psychologically and I am working on putting myself back together. Right now my goal is 2 to 4 hours per day outdoors in a natural environment preferably while moving my body around.

I think I would like to up my game in the not too distant future towards more physically challenging activities. Sort of thinking about this winter and trying a little running on the beach. We’ll see, I’m taking it easy for the moment.

Today I walked to the gym and picked up my ipad to take home to recharge. Then I walked to a street fair. Then I went to the see the movie It / Chapter 2 and walked home after. In total, 13,500 steps. I use my iphone to count steps, so all my puttering around at home doesn't get counted but most all other times do.

6 long time now
 

It feels like a long time since I've shared with yous...no internet so have to use phone...it is a month and a half away...my NYC 2019 Marathon and my training has been going well, a bit intense but what else is new. 6 mi today with some hills thrown in...2mi of hills...my body is responding well to the cross training, meaning the bike, rowing, and precor...and of course to the LDR...long distance runs.

Since returning from the South I've missed the humidity...but will I give up the high desert plateau altitude? I think not. I love running under this big sky.

Anyway tomorrow no long run, want to paint all day without interruption.

But, Monday begins 40 reps with my weight training, always fun, bike 1.5 hrs and my 3mi.

By the way, consider yourself repped as when I attempt it on the phone it simply does not show up.

Keep on keepin' on, Greco

67
 

So, I want to share this here, in this thread where we know the value of movement. I am presently 67 years old. Why is that important to say? Because I come from a generation that didn't think we'd make it past 30.

My generation saw the advent of GRIDS...which was changed to AIDS...most of our friends died. We, I also lived and survived Stonewall..lots to say about that but it's for another thread.

I lost my Beloved of twenty years some years back and I was left with a decision.
Continue to engage in what we loved, or just give up, give up all the beauty of our life together...no fu*king way!!!

She loved children, we loved children. One way to keep her legacy of love alive is for me to run for tfk, team for kids which gives kids in NYC a chance to run and have fun.

I am running the NYC Marathon this year and every year that G_d grants me life to pass on my Beloved's legacy and my own as well.

I love to run, my Beloved and I ran in many beautiful places together...and I continue to do so. I judge no one, people can move or not it is up to each of us alone to decide. But, I must tell you that my being a butch at 67 feels damn good...and I'll continue to run, bike, swim, walk and of course dance because it brings me joy, and because my Beloved wants me to be the best I can be, and I enjoy running for me period.

So, I may soon not be able to post any more, I am old school and do not use credit cards for the membership to this site, so I wanted to share these thoughts with you all.

I have visited this site since 2010...many years...it helped me deal with my deep grief and I have met lovely femmes and butches here, if only through posts and/or via phone. You have all supported me through a tough time in my life and I thank you all for all the words and sharings.

All the Best to All of you, Greco

I didn't know we had to pay with a credit card or even pay at all to visit the planet, is this something that's already been decided or an idea that's just being batted around?

Wow, well done, dear!

I've managed to do a small amount of exercise - not enough, but some ever day for several days now, and I've been heartened by this SciShow video that explains that it's easier to regain fitness if you;ve been fit before, and why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ243W2gFNs

So from now on, I'm telling myself that this isn't going to be such a struggle as I fear, having been reasonably fit a couple of years ago, I CAN do it again, and more easily if I persist! I've tended to find the psychological side more of a problem than the physical side. So I'm aiming to get those endorphins going, the lift from those should get me the rest of the way.

n
 

No FireSignFemme, there are paid subscriptions, different levels that one can donate to this site. No worries.

Greco

Today I walked 11K which I counted as 1 hr and 20 minutes of walking. I'm still going by the theory that 5K steps is about 40 minutes of walking. I hope that's right.

I walked at the gym. I did a pattern of walking up a flight (six flights of stairs in the gym), then walking in the gym floor at the level, then walking up another flight and doing the same thing (etc. etc.) for all six flights. Then I'd walk down all six flights (without stopping to roam the gym floors), and then I'd do it all over again (the same pattern). It was too hot outside, so I found the cool environment of the gym a nice place to walk.

I ordered a fitbit inspire HR, as recommended to me by a colleague, so I'll see how I like that. It's always hard for me to get used to new things.

I walked to the mail which is kinda far away and it was the first time I moved since Tuesday when I got sick. I felt it today too, that I haven't been moving.

Yay for Gemme getting back in it!

Both today and yesterday ended up just a few steps from each other at 19,800, 7.7 mi total until 7pm when my battery dies. :thinking: It seems using a couple extra apps for a few hours drains it fairly quickly.

Turning in my 25 min miles it just dawned on me another thing that has a slowing effect is the fact that I’m barefoot for this. The surface changes quite a bit week to week. This week features about three miles of my walk has a wide band covered in baby muscle/snail-ish by the kagillion, it’s carpeted with them. I choose to think of it as a great foot massage rather than “death of a thousand tiny cuts”. There is also stretch of kelp bed that washed up a couple few days ago, should be gone soon though, it’s moving around every couple of tides. That said there are a few hardy souls running barefoot on the shells.

There was a family setting up a Christmas’s tree with all the trimmings in the sand. :|
I figured it out when a photographer showed up, they must be doing holiday cards. People are weird. :xmascandle:

Today I got some exercise above and beyond the ordinary in dealing with things that had to be left till the very last minute. Stuff like breaking down collapsibles, shelving and such, pushing very heavy pieces of furniture and other bulkier items around. Also lifting and stacking boxes that have already been packed to create pathways/make things easier on the movers, construction guys. I'm sore all over but not too stiff I don't think to muster up the courage, energy needed to work on it some more tomorrow.

Just back from the 1.6km round trip to the local shops to do food shopping, with a full 2-wheeled shopper to pull up a bit of an incline on the way back. Still going to try to do some time on the stepper later when I've cooled down and recovered.

I'd like suggestions for a step counter app. Please and thank you.

6,500 steps which I count as 40 minutes

It was one of those days where I had to work non stop morning to night. My new workplace has 3 floors with stairs (a school), so that helps.

3.2km today - had to go into the village twice. Story for another day, maybe. Exhausted, but OK. No further exercise planned today.

Fall
 

Two short downtown walks and three times up and down three flights of stairs. Trying to incorporate more movement. I'd really like it if I commit again to doing my aerobics video on YouTube but I'm really struggling. Maybe this fall weather will bring some renewed vigor.

I got 10K steps... just from work! I count that as 1 hr and 20 minutes of walking.

Gemme, do you ever consider tracking your steps or you just don't care? I bet you get a lot of steps in on your job.

CCB, it helps motivate me to keep a chart up on my fridge (not related to food!) for my exercise. I put up a calendar page for each month and fill it in with the exercise I do.

Greco, what is your resting heart rate? Mine is maybe 120, though I can't quite recall. When I do the stairmaster it is usually in the 160's, which feels quite intense, though in a good way. The 150's feel somewhere between moderate to intense. And if I hit the 170's I try and scale back. Any thoughts on HR? (Kelt too?) I'm excited to be getting my fitbit inspire HR.

NYCfem, if your resting HR is 120, go to a hospital! :blink:

Jeez, mine is was 61 this morning, 64 now. I think “normal” is somewhere around 50/70.

Will your new Fitbit do elevation so you can see how many flights you do on this new job?

Gemme, the regular pedometers work great, it’s only been recently that I’ve used this other stuff just because I have it. My Grandfather had a mechanical one that clipped onto the arch inside of his shoe and had a lever that had to just barely clear the ground so that stepping down on it would count a step. I used the kind you are talking about and even put my mother on one. No real need for all these other bells and whistles for a data set.

You can walk three strides normally and take the average, do that three times, average again and use your stride length to determine mileage if you’re interested in that.

Your job is a good one for staying in shape, but I know you’ve gotten satisfaction from the gym before. Try a few sessions and see if it sparks back up for you. :heavyweight:

My check in says yesterday for the day was 21918 steps, 8.7mi with the beach portion taking 3hr. Today for the day so far is 18631 steps, 7.3 mi, with the beach at 2h45m. I ran out of day, the sun set!

I'm not really the chart type. But. I am a planner whore and there are all kinds of "habit tracker" stickers for exercise and fitness and a whole sticker pack just for fitness. Maybe I need to get that and start including exercise in my habit trackers. I already track my art and tarot habits and it's very satisfying.

I put an exercise habit tracker in my planner for next week.

I am starting from zero, pretty much. I have bad arthritis in hands, knees, beck and tail bone area, and my knees are bone on bone from previous injuries.

So....today, I walked around the building at lunch.
Baby steps. :|

Got up at 04:30. Took 2 trains and college minbus to college. Attended first day of 3rd year at college (yaaay!) Arrived home 19:10. Sooooo tired! Exercise done for the day! 8-}

ZzZzZzZzZzZzZz...

Recoverd from previous 2 days. Did some isometric exercises till my legs felt better and non-wodhurty-wobbly. Did 400 steps on stepper and pootled around doing jobs around the house. Oh, also did a little standing Tai Chi.

I walked around downtown while running errands. It wasn't a ton of walking but it was some movement.

More walking downtown today with a very fast friend! Got my heart rate up. I also did five flights of stairs.

The last couple of days the only time the tides cooperated were at right near sunset. Thursday night was a really spectacular sunset so I dawdled around and took some pretty good pictures. Last night it was an ordinary sunset but because it was a Friday night there were a ton of people out there having picnic suppers. Very festive and a fun vibe.

Anyway, I was getting home late so didn’t post, Numbers for the last couple of days:
Thursday 17,266 for 6.7mi
Friday 17,387 for 6.7mi
Those are all day totals

There won’t be any usable beach time during daylight hours today so I will be switching to lagoon trails. That will be a lot shorter because my local lagoon is undergoing an extensive renovation and the trails have spots where they are closed for the work being done. It will be a fun change of pace for a while and a way to mix things up. I will use Gemme‘s New Zealand terminology for that, I will be “tramping“, but on trails. :cheesy:

My start goal this morning was a 50 mile ride.
I changed course at about 15 miles when I remembered there was a road I wanted to take that gives some serious hill training. So I ended up with 35 miles, 16 miles of which were long steep climbs.

I stopped at my halfway point and pulled over to a pathway off of the road. Along came this huge group of volunteers who walk shelter dogs. It was the best. At the front were all of the little dogs, which aren't really my thing, but I gave them pets, of course. And then came the pit bulls. They were staggered to give space between them. I was in heaven. I hugged all of them and some jumped up with me on the bench I was sitting on and they drooled on me and gave kisses while trying to sit on my lap.

Color me happy.

Coloring my world with Serenity
 

I'm trading my current "Upstairs, Downstairs" work routine for a role I'm going to assume in October … which is primarily lots of "sit down, stand up" comedic-almost, types of exercise, which ends every night with lots of juggling acts, and extended bouts of walking. So I'm looking forward to that change of scenery, come mid-October.

This past week it's been very wet in the Pacific Wonderland, but today holds promise of cotton-candy clouds and tons of sunshine. So I plan to go on a long walk, this afternoon. It's a stretch of about 5 miles... along the river front. I plan to park where my walk ends, but take the train to where my walk begins. Not sure how long it will take me to do it, but I've got a way to pack water and snacks, so I can stay hydrated and not go hungry, should a snack attack interfere with my exercise activity today. I've also got this small compact Coleman chair which is super easy to spring open and sit on, should I need to rest anywhere along the way. Right now, the trees along the river are simply gorgeous, and it's a calming activity to watch boats or watch for birds or watch for any pings upon the water.

The goal of my walking exercise today is to take in all the peace and joy I can absorb and renew my natural settings: To recalibrate my inner peace and joy, while celebrating the whole weekend as Fall Solstice.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpp29Qnecc...mus_autumn.JPG

:stillheart: :stillheart: :stillheart:

HR...a long one
 

Are you enjoying your fitbit yet nycfem?
In answer to your question my resting HR is 51...to calculate resting HR count your pulse (at wrist) for 10 sec then times it by 6, that will equal your resting HR at that time.

Once bpm (beats per minute) raises to 155 I'm in anaerobic territory, so I stay between 135 -145 bpm...remaining here has created my endurance base.
So, fat burning for me was 125- 130 bpm which feels slow, but also ensured non-injuries. Yes, I had to learn that faster is not better, least not for long distance running.

What is normal HR? I trust my body, how it feels, my breathing, and yes my own HR, period. What I've learned is that my weight, past fitness, and current weight and fitness level is what is important.

So, beginning with my HR and keeping tabs on bpm has been most important...as well as listening to my body before, during, and after any movements I've engaged in...ie., running, biking, walking, rowing, swimming.

Listening also to how my body responds in exercise to the different foods I eat. For example, if I eat rice, more than 1.5 cups than I find my running and movement is more difficult...well, but yes I eat rice and stay at 1 cup most days.

Here's a way to figure out the HR for your age, my data:
start with 220 and subtract your age...
220
-67=
153 Max HR

75% training zone (aerobic zone)

153
x 75%
= 114.75

As you can see from these numbers by my age, I train at higher rate. Why?
I know that my previous fitness levels, my diet, and my reduction of high levels of stress through breath work, yoga (stretching) has supported my
body's ability to perform at my present level.

I share this to encourage others to not look at age as a negative factor in fitness. It has taken patience on my part to begin from where I was a morbidly obese butch of 238lbs to begin to walk slowly at first then to incorporate jogging into those walks.

What helped was remembering how my body felt when at its fittest when in the military, basic training, scaling that 7 foot wall, I remember it as my biggest challenge at the time...my body remembered too. My vegan journey began and that was hugely positive in propelling my body to move easier, and breathing became a joy. So, it's been many years since then...slowly I've been my own experiment...experiment of one...and this experiment continues...with gratitude. I want to share that its never too late...never.

Able to get to internet 1x per week only now...

This morning's cooler run 8mi...slow and easy...smiling

Have a great Sunday exercisers, Greco


What Is A Healthy Heart Rate - What Affects Heart Rate - What Is Maximum Heart Rate

Wed. 9/18, 35 min. walking, 4,900 steps

Th. 9/19, 40 min. walking, 5,150 steps

Fri. 9/20, 40 min. walking, 4,749 steps

Sunday, aka today, 10K steps, which I will call 1 hr and 20 min walking. I used my Fitbit HR Inspire today. It says that my resting heart rate is 80 bpm. It says that I walked 4.4 miles. As I walked, I think my HR was in the low 130's. My walk consisted of a street fair and then walking up and down flights of stairs in the gym combined with walking the gym floors in between flights.

I had made plans to walk with my brother but he had told me to meet him at his gym which was annoying and also it was hot out, so I cancelled. It was nice being in the air-conditioned gym, and I also enjoy doing the stairs there.

Today was my first day using my Fitbit. I'm excited at the idea of having my "puttering around the home" steps counted. #nerd

Here's what happens when I put my own data into Greco's formula:

"Here's a way to figure out the HR for your age, my data:
start with 220 and subtract your age...
220
-47=
173 Max HR

75% training zone (aerobic zone)

173
x 75%
= 129.75"

Today I walked while running errands, in the grocery store, and lugged groceries up three flights of stairs.

Tomorrow starts my first day of using my habit tracker for exercise. I have aerobic exercise and yoga on there and have queued up a beginner's aerobic exercise video I like on YouTube, as well as a 20 min yoga video.