Where Do I Get My Persistence?

I was asked to speak a few minutes tonight on "where I get my persistence."  I gladly responded,"Sure!" This gives me a chance to examine and learn from the process of answering the question.

My parents were blessed with a very good dose of persistence.  At seventeen years of age, mother so wanted to get out of her environment, she fell in love and moved to New York from New Mexico by the time she was eighteen, to marry her twenty-five year old sweetheart who was the antithesis of every male figure in her life previously.

Father, as a young boy, so desired attending the protestant church in the next town, that even though his Polish Roman Catholic mother insisted on his presence each Sunday morning in mass, as soon as it was over he ran four miles to join his older sister singing the Pentecostal praises he so loved.  He was persistent in his faith every single day, from those early times till the day he died at 84.

There are tales from the depression--what persistence it required of father's family even to survive!  And frankly, tales of oppression--what persistence it took on mother's behalf for even a small portion of her talents and dreams to thrive! I believe we all have role models of persistence in varying degrees, some negative, positive, or more typically, both.

So where do I get my persistence right now?  From setting a goal that feels good to me.
It's that simple, and that profound.  Once I have this goal in front of me, in my heart and in my head...everything else falls into place from there.

Tips about this goal:

1)  It must feel good.  It's not to make someone else feel good.  If one attempts to be
     persistent in order to make someone else feel good, it only works for a time.  This doesn't
     mean other people aren't beneficiaries--they absolutely are.  It's not selfish.  For instance I'm
     quite sure Mother Teresa did not think to herself how terrible it might feel to serve the poorest
     of the poor.  I'm willing to bet her thoughts of doing it felt very good to her.
    
2)  Believe 100% in the outcome.  No reservations.

From there, persistence is enhanced by being open and responding to ideas the subconscious brings forth.  One might think, "This is risky."  However, one can literally practice persistence.  My subconscious may bring forth a seemingly wild or undeveloped idea to help me realize the dream.  That's the time to say, "Yes, I am reaching this goal, so I'll jump in and learn what I need to learn by taking the next step!" 

I believe it's easier to be persistent in what I do know, having exercised persistence in the face of the unknown.  I wonder what was going through father's mind the very first time he decided to cross the  Communist (at that time) borders of Eastern Europe with a van load of supplies for Christian camps and churches?  I wonder how mother felt the very first time she decided to direct and produce a choral Christmas concert with American army families and German citizens together in the small German town which was home to the army base, even though she didn't speak German!  Their faith in God girded their persistence in the face of the unknown. Then time and time again with repeated persistence they lived a lifetime of service.

While faith is absolutely key, how do we access this essence of our being to move forward?

Be still.  Listen.  I examine my ideas, gathering in from my environment, friends, strangers, family, and community.  Then I look through the eyes of my realized goal, to see where each thought or idea might play a role in bringing it about.

Perhaps I miss something today because I'm tired, or tomorrow because I allow dwelling on a negative thought.  Here's where the next step comes in--finding a vehicle of accountability and taking an action step daily.

For me right now, it's writing every day.  Even though my current goal is a very physical one (competing in tower races as a stair climber), my vehicle of accountability is writing.  It keeps me focused.  It puts me in touch with my subconscious, readily going back and forth between conscious and subconscious with a rich exchange of thoughts, plans, improvements, reviews, innovations, reflections and possibilities.  Further, it keeps me in touch with friends and community, creating yet another rich exchange.  What does this for you?

For the next person, a vehicle of accountability might be a food diary, a daily gym appointment, a daily act of service, volunteering, or as in my brother's case this year--a commitment to writing one thank you note a day.  It could be riding a bike each day, walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, a commitment to eating lunch outdoors, working on a short story each day because you've committed to submitting one a month for publication, thoroughly cleaning a 4ft. by 4ft. space in your home or garage daily, eating clean, eating raw, or declaring out loud every time you walk out the door, "I'm free!" Countless possibilities exist.

I need to build into my accountability the fact that others know my goal and observe me working toward it.  This is the second most important factor for me personally. My persistence goes into overdrive once I put my dream out there.

The number one most important factor though, is knowing how it feels to reach my goal.  I build in little samples...to get the feeling started...and then I want more! 

Like setting one foot in front of the other up those 80 flights of stairs in order to reach the top, I get my persistence from knowing how good it will feel to reach my goal, to realize a dream, as I set one foot in front of the other each day in order to get there.

Marcia, I have to be sure to include a picture!

I found these in my archives today.
They are reminding me
to prepare some healthy
individual
snack packs.

Workouts

Pilates Solo session and cardio workout

80 Flights -- 1,643 Steps Today

In line I ask the woman in front of me, "Have you done this before?  What's it like?"

"Oh no, I've been a volunteer before but this is the first time I'm doing the stairs.  You should ask her--pointing out the woman next to her--she's an athlete."

Woman in orange shyly responds, "No I'm not."

"Yes you are.  You do bike races, marathons and stair climbs!"

"Well yes, but I'm not an athlete," she counters, as I wonder what one has to do then, to become an athlete!

So many "steppers" everywhere I look, filling the halls in all directions, waiting to begin.  Men, women and children, all ages and shapes imaginable, talk, pace, stretch, and wait.

The excitement is palpable, adrenaline is kicking in.

At exactly 8:45 a.m. my feet cross the threshold as a volunteer snaps his arm down pointing to the floor and says, "Go!"

As always, the first few flights sail by with ease.  As always, by the fifth floor I start to feel it.  Not sure why I'm shocked, that yet again, it happens so soon.  Fleeting thoughts rush my mind. "What am I supposed to do for 75 more floors if this is how I feel already," becomes dominant, as I count off the floors heading for floor 10, the first water stop.

What I do, is carry out my plan.  Strategy for this first ever 80-flight climb is to stop for approximately 60 seconds at each water station.   I'm not climbing this tower for time today, but for what I can learn from the experience, and to finish.  However, realizing these breaks will add at least seven minutes onto my time, I maximize each second. 

Reaching for a very cold cup of refreshing water from the volunteer's outstretched hand, I mumble, "Excuse me," and cut through to the hallway.  Jesse told me at the water stations they will allow climbers to go into the hall to rest. 

Simply walking on level ground those few steps begins to have a calming effect.  Next I sit in a chair, close my eyes, relax everything I can possibly relax as quickly as possible and begin my breathing exercises.

My goal is to slow down my breathing and heart rate, and to lower my blood pressure...all in those few seconds.  I've planned, visualized and practiced the exercises for each water station, countless times in preparation. 

Immediately imagining my hands, feet and solar plexus are very warm I increase blood flow to my extremities and then imagine this healthy blood flow going to my heart and serving it up with lots of healthy oxygen. Next, I breathe (as deeply as possible at the time) in peaceful breathing, out distressed breathing...in calm, out stress...in confidence, out fear...in slow steady breath, out hurried fast breaths...in a nice slow heart rate, out my racing one...as many as I can fit in the seconds allotted.  I stand, finishing the water and head back to the steps.

Amazingly, every time I begin another ten floors after my 60-second break, I'm starting fresh all over again!

Somewhere around floor 54 I hit a second wind entirely.

Floor 72 seems to be the most difficult to reach. 

At 70, bent over, leaning against the wall, I try a rush version of my breathing exercises, but I'm breathing so hard and fast, the only thing my brain can muster up with each breath is, "Breath in good, breath out bad...breath in health, breath out disease!"  Ha, my brain can't keep up with my breathing, fast enough to formulate the words which have worked so well before.  I throw any ol' good word I can think of into the "breathing in," and negative ones into the "breathing out"!

I press on to floor 72, and then it happens--a third wind of mammoth proportions.  Having steadily walked up 72 flights of stairs, I now take off running up these last eight flights.  Slowing down for only one of them, I continue running right through to the end.  At floor 80 I have to ask the volunteer by the door, "Is this the end?"

Walking into the reception area, I'm on top of the world...no nausea...no pain, no aches... breathing fine...elated!

What am I most thankful for today?

--The volunteers with outstretched hands full of water every ten floors.
--Volunteers in the landings of the flights just before each water station. There they stand clapping and cheering us on at the most perfect times.
--The hallway air conditioning for my 60-second respites, after the stifling heat of the stairwell.
--The Boy Scouts manning the last two water stations.

What did I learn? 

--If I can run up the last eight flights, perhaps I could have pushed myself harder earlier on? 
--Now I'm looking forward to the climb in two weeks on Feb. 12th. 
--My goal is to cut down on the number of breaks and scale back
   some of the seconds on the breaks I do take.

I can do this!

Photos just after the climb.  Top one with Jesse, my trainer.

Packet pick-up today!

Great number to have! 
It represents this year of dedication to becoming a stair racer. 
365 days of dedication!

After claiming my packet... enjoying this sunny Saturday morning shopping at Mertz's Apothecary in Lincoln Square, then next door at one of my favorites, Gallimaufry Gallery.

Gallimaufry was originally a kind of stew, made up of scraps of various kinds, a sea term probably meaning the galley scraps.  Now its meaning is more, "a medley of things."  I enjoy the shop for all the contributing artists' crafts and the owners who are very friendly. After I let them know a little about the person I'm shopping for, they help me find the exact right gift.  Every time.

Across the street it's time to pick up lunch at "Potbelly's."  My intention walking in is to buy a Wreck--a toasted sub of salami, roast beef, turkey, ham and Swiss, with everything on it.  Thank goodness calorie counts are posted.  Discovering the Wreck is 780 calories, I quickly change to a turkey "Skinny"--Less meat and cheese on thin cut bread with 25% less fat than originals--for 300.  Close one.

Later, Harold asks what my plans are for the afternoon.  I think...umm... drinking water!

I prepare for tomorrow.  Writing one last time before my event, my support keeps coming to mind.   On the surface it might appear I'm alone in a crowd of climbers, each one released to climb at 8-second intervals.  In my heart, family and friends walk up those eighty flights with me tomorrow. 

Also, this time Jesse has offered to go up with me after he completes his race with the elite climbers at 8:00!  He wants to be there as moral support.

I'm beginning to realize why I've chosen this particular pursuit. 

     1)  It doesn't take a special skill like shooting a ball in a hoop,

          swinging a gulf club, or the advanced hand-eye coordination

          of so many sports. Being fit and ambulatory goes a long way

          in this endeavor. 

     2)  Perhaps most important for stair racing, I am determined.  I'm

          energized by taking the risk of pushing my (60 year old) body

          and cardiovascular system, and I'm willing to test my limits.

     3)  I'm comfortable with solitary.

However, I carry with me always, each smile, nod, reader, call, card or message, every moment shared together, the love of family, and the support of friends old and new. 

Thank you dear friends for knowing who I am and where I've been.  Thank you for accepting what I've become and allowing me to grow.

I'm privileged to know who you are and where you've been also.  I totally accept who you've become.  I honor you, hold you up, and affirm you as you continue to grow. 

I hope I can be...I want to be... as much of an encouragement to you, as you are to me.

Here we go.

Stepping Up!

Last photo of my meals for awhile.  Only special ones from now on.  I reached my goal for the month of January.  I've set a new one for February, which I'll report at the end of the month.  Tonight enjoying a spaghetti dinner!

Staying With the Plan

I clicked on the submit button.  It's official.

Today my trainer, Jesse, told me about another tower race on February 12th.  Until our discussion I was prepared to climb this Sunday at the Aon building, and then next, on February 26th at the John Hancock building.

He strongly encouraged me to register for the Oakbrook climb on the 12th.  At first it sounded like a great idea-- only 31 floors for a total of 680 steps.  Then I heard the complete plan. 

Participants can register to climb the tower one time, two times, three times, or for the "power hour"--as many times as one can climb it in an hour.  Jesse wants me to register for the three times, for a total of 2040 steps.

My response, "Well, one time for 31 floors sounds like a great idea. Maybe I can actually attempt some speed and not just be satisfied getting to the top."

He enthusiastically explained, "Yes, you go all-out as hard as you can the first time, and that's the time you keep.  Then you do the next two times for continued practice.  It will change the way we train for the next two weeks." I'm thinking, yes, way beyond my comfort zone.

I'm not even sure how our conversation ended.  I know I was much less enthusiastic about his plan.

This afternoon I visited the 2012 "Fight for Air" Climb website.  Staring at me were the options for registering--One time, Two times, Three times or Power Hour (for elite climbers.)

My mouse hovered desirously over the "one time," hopefully over the "two times," and tentatively over the "three times." 

There it stayed...click!

Dear Cheryl,

Thank you for registering for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb at Oakbrook Terrace Tower!

On February 12, 2012, hundreds of people will climb their way to the top of the Oakbrook Terrace Tower for a great cause, lung health. This is more than your same-old 5K. This event is a vertical race to climb 31 floors and 680 steps. Whether you are climbing for a winning time or simply to cross the finish line, this event is a great way to challenge yourself physically. We guarantee that all finishers will have a new found respect for healthy lungs!

I guarantee you I will, especially after the third time!

My inspiration to go for it?  The following quotes:

You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them. --Michael Jordan

This is a new year of expecting things of myself.

Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan. --Tom Landry

One of the ways I'd determined to achieve my goal is working with Jesse.  Staying with that plan means following his recommendations.

If you want to play, then practice. If you want to win, then practice harder. --unknown

To prepare for the Aon building on Sunday, I've "practiced," and I'm going to play.  I simply want to make it to the 80th floor. 

If I want to meet my goal

of becoming the fastest woman stair racer in my age group this year,

it's time to practice harder.

--Cheryl

Meals...same old same old.   Workout... Personal Training hour

Water -- It's What's Good For You

Overall this has been an incredibly wet day. 

This morning at the gym, a passing older gentleman somehow shook his water bottle in a manner that made the lid disappear.  I have no idea what he had in the bottle, but the red juice flew into the air, landing on top of me--hair, glasses, face, arms, legs, all drenched in a red drink which smelled like liquid vitamins!  Needless to say it ended any thoughts of completing a workout. 

Then at the gas station as I removed the nozzle from my tank, I inadvertently applied pressure on the handle at the wrong time causing gas to pour out onto the tank lid, my car and the street below!

Thank goodness my last wet encounter was a foot soak at the "Nail Bar!" 

I've been drinking many glasses of water each day for the last month.

This week my trainer advised, "Starting Thursday you need to be drinking even more water, much more. Drink it all day long. Just keep drinking it, all the way till the climb on Sunday."

I filled my water bottle endlessly today. Running errands, getting a haircut, shopping, pedicure...every time I returned to the car, another bottle of water. At home I reached for the ever-present refills continually.

I'm unsure exactly how this will give me an advantage on Sunday that I would not have had otherwise. I don't need to know. I'm taking the advice of someone who does.  It's reassuring.    

I feel strong.

Meals
Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs, beans, red peppers, onions, kale
Snack:        Muscle Milk Lite
Lunch:       Taco with fat-free/gluten free/sugar free tortilla, ground turkey, salsa, beans and
                   fat-free plain Greek yogurt
Snack:        "Tastes" at Sam's Club!  No picture!
Supper:      Two slices chicken breast, kale salad, Polish pickles, and Fruit

Found out my start time today. 

Sunday 8:45 a.m.

Ran out of words tonight.

 

Going forward, creating "food for the day" photos
with a bit more interest

adding a sign/slogan for the day.

Meals
Breakfast:  1/4 c. egg salad, fruit, coffee
Snack:        Pomegranate juice
Lunch:       Tomato basil soup with fresh kale
Snack:        Tropical Breeze "Ice Cream"--made from fruit only (banana, mango, pineapple)
Dinner:       Turkey meatballs, 2-egg omelette full of vegetables, salsa

Workout
Light Cardio, stretching
Chiropractic adjustment, deep tissue massage

Intention

Waiting for Sunday to arrive.  In the last days before January 29th's tower race, I continue to visualize successfully climbing to the 80th floor.  I feel the accomplishment already, but I must live in this moment at the same time.  Restless.

Simple workouts, nothing complex or new.  Nothing to tire my legs before Sunday, but continued light cardio workouts a must.  I can do that!

Highlights today:

-- bright, sunny, and almost warm
-- leftover Salmon en Papilotte for dinner
-- knowing a repairman will be here at 8 a.m. tomorrow to address
    nagging plumbing issues
-- the scale!  Total loss since Jan. 5th, 10 pounds
-- the way I always feel like I can stand up straighter, as if I'm
    suddenly taller, after Pilates class
-- discovering one more person who actually reads my blog
-- Pilates instructor's parting words

At the end of  Pilates today, we realized the next time I'll be there, the stair climb will be over.  As I put on my shoes by the door, Jackie says from across the studio, " I like the way you have prepared for this event...you've been diligent...and reflective...all making this a very full experience."

She described my intention.

It's very affirming 

when someone else sees you

the way you see yourself...

The satisfaction of carrying out your intention?

Priceless.

Meals
Breakfast:  1/4 c. tuna salad, 1/4 c. egg salad, tangerine
Snack:        Pomegranate Juice and Almonds
Lunch:        1/4 c. brown rice, red peppers, bok choy, 3 small chicken breast slices, sprinkle of
                   Teriyaki sauce
Snack:        Tuna Salad
Dinner:       Salmon and a bit of carrot and potato

Workouts
1 hr. Pilates Solo session
30 minutes Cardio

Salmon en Papillote

My husband loves salmon, ordering it wherever we go.  Usually when I taste his I'm not fond of it,  which of course begs the question from Harold, "Then why do you have to taste it?"

With the rare exception of extremely fine dining, I find it too "fishy" tasting.  Not a very sophisticated assessment, but that's what immediately comes to my mind.

Dining alone one afternoon at Payard's Bistro in Ceasar's Palace, the waiter talked me into the lunch special.  I didn't really understand the name, but he described how the salmon would be cooked by the steam inside the tent of parchment paper with dainty carrots, tiny little potatoes, fresh herbs, lemon and white wine.  It sounded tempting.  Thinking I knew better and was making a mistake, I proceeded to order it.

Fifteen minutes later, there in front of me was a large soup bowl filled with a light brown pouch.  The waiter cut open the pouch, successfully avoiding burning either one of us, and it began. The aroma wafting up from the medley, the steaminess, the vividly bright miniature vegetables, the sprigs of herbs perfectly infused into everything, the savory somehow sweet and yet not at all sweet wined broth whose bubbling had steamed this creation, and finally, the delicate, smooth --almost velvety, but lighter-- flavor filled salmon melting in my mouth...that's the salmon I fell for.

I no longer taste Harold's salmon dinners when we dine out.  There's no point.  Nothing comes close to the salmon experience at Payard's that day.

For a long time after, I couldn't remember the name of the dish.  Then one day in French class a year later we were learning how to order in restaurants when I asked the teacher, "Leticia, what is the French salmon dish which is cooked in parchment..." 

Before I finished the sentence she smiled and said, "Salmon en Papillote!"

Since then I've googled many a recipe for it, and tried quite a few. 
Each one, in it's own way, was simple yet grand in taste. 

Tonight's was no exception.

Salmon en Papillote for Dinner

Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks

Monday January 23rd

Meals
Breakfast:  Total Cereal, skim milk, Blueberries and Strawberries
Snack:       1 fat-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, sprouted grain Tortilla with Kale, Onion, Garlic,
                 Tomato, Red Pepper, beans and a little fat-free plain Greek Yogurt
Lunch:      1/3 c. Tuna Salad, 1/3 c. Egg Salad, 1/2 whole grain "Thin"
Snack:      1 Apple & 1 Kiwi
Dinner:    "Salmon en Papillote"--Salmon, vegetables & herbs cooked in parchment paper

Workouts
1 hr. personal training session--all cardio
Group Core Class

Grateful Energy

Masaru Emoto (江本 勝, Emoto Masaru, born July 22, 1943) is a Japanese author and entrepreneur known for his claims that human consciousness has an effect on the molecular structure of water. ....Dr. Emoto claimed that high-quality water forms beautiful and intricate crystals, while low-quality water has difficulty forming crystals. According to Dr. Emoto, an ice crystal of distilled water exhibits a basic hexagonal structure with no intricate branching. Emoto claims that positive changes to water crystals can be achieved through prayer, music or by attaching written words to a container of water...

...water easily takes on the vibrations and energy of its environment, whether toxic and polluted or naturally pristine, either within ourselves or surrounding us in others and the environment...                                                                                                                 --Wikipedia

I go through phases when I drink an iced decaf latte every day. Summer, winter, it doesn't matter. When I heard about  Masaru Emoto's work, I decided to permanently write, "Thank You!" on my water bottle and my iced latte glass which I use at home. If this creates a more positive drink for me, fantastic!
 
If nothing else, every time I reach for it, I think of being thankful--thankful for the latte, my health, the beautiful day, whatever pops into my mind.

Gratitude Crystal

Water from clear mountain springs and streams has beautifully formed crystalline structures, while the crystals of polluted or stagnant water are deformed and distorted. Distilled water exposed to classical music takes delicate, symmetrical crystalline shapes. When the words "thank you" were taped to a bottle of distilled water, the frozen crystals had a similar shape to the crystals formed by water that had been exposed to Bach's "Goldberg Variations" -- music composed out of gratitude to the man it was named for.                                                            --from one of M. Emoto's books  Of course you can decide for yourself to believe it or not. However, it's always a good idea to be aware of our thoughts and feelings, especially expressing and offering love and gratitude whenever possible. The results, crystals or not, are a better self, community and world.

  

Sunday January 22, 2012

Meals
Breakfast:  Tuna salad with pineapple & onion, fruit, peppers, lettuce
Lunch:  Whole grain pasta with fresh vegetables, little bit olive oil (only half of bowl), non-fat latte
Dinner:  Ice Cream!  (Made with FRUIT only in "Yonanas" machine.)
              So really, fruit for dinner, not ice cream.

Workout
Still resting up, taking it easy. Ready to hit it hard again Monday at 7 a.m.

Positive Beliefs and Your Food

 I learned the following from a friend I highly respect:

 If you eat food you truly believe will be good for your body, then it will be.  Your body will take what it can from the food to work best for you-- easily, efficiently and successfully. 

If you eat food you believe is not good for you, then it won't be.  Your body will not be able to easily, efficiently or successfully use the food in a beneficial way.                                         --Linda Williamson


This reminds me of my firstborn, Matthew, as a toddler.  The only food he would eat was oatmeal or a pork product--bacon, sausage, hot dogs!  I relayed this to his pediatrician, incredibly worried that I was a terrible mom because I couldn't get him to eat anything else.  Dr. Weissbluth simply responded:

"There's nothing wrong with that.  Just relax.  Matthew knows what he needs, and when his body needs something else, he will eat something else." 

Matthew's little subconscious mind was one hundred percent in touch with what he thought was good for him!  The doctor was confident that Matthew's body would take what it needed from the oatmeal and sausage diet, using it easily, efficiently and successfully to benefit him.

Lately people have asked me, "What kind of diet are you on?  How do you know what to eat?" 

My answer?  I've learned a bit here and there, from experience, diet plans, wise trainers, friends in passing, reading, role models, family...you name it, I've picked it up.  Now I move forward each day with the culmination of all of it swirling up from my subconscious, forming what I believe will be good for me. 

I believe it.

It is.



Saturday   January 21st

Meals
Breakfast:  Salad with fruit, onion, and 1/2 can Tuna
Lunch:  Leftover Pasta with Tomato sauce, ground turkey and vegetables
Dinner:  Eating out.

Today I tried to eat what my trainer eats
for breakfast every single morning--
a can of tuna.
I couldn't do it. 
However,
 it was fine
mixed into a salad.

Workout
Resting today.

14 Things To Do After Climbing 1,000 Steps

1.  Yell out, "Yes!  I did it!"

2.  Check in--Legs, feet, anything sore, hurting?  No.  Breathing
     back to normal?  Getting there.

3.  Look at the clock. 

4.  Stretch.

5.  Nod affirmatively in the elevator back down, when fellow riders
     turn to me inquiring, "Are you alright?"

6.  Re-think the two boiled eggs I ate for the protein this morning.  I
     barely tolerate them at breakfast.  I really don't want my mind
     remembering them with this slightly nauseous feeling I'm
     having!

7.  Tell next person I see, "I just climbed 1,000 steps."

8.  Wish I hadn't left my boots upstairs at the gym--thirty more
     steps to retrieve them.

9.  Wonder what 600 more steps will be like in addition to 1,000  in
     the 1,600 step event a week from Sunday.

10.  Understand this is a solitary quest. 

11.  Fill my pockets with Kleenex.  Jesse says when people ask him
       what he does to train, he replies, "I eat dust for breakfast."
       Stairwells are not the most often mopped-down areas in tall
       buildings.  Panting and gasping for air climbing steps in a
       dusty stairwell...hmmm, yes I ate dust for lunch.

12.  Plan the meal I will tear into when I get home.  Slight nausea
       over, suddenly I'm very hungry.

13.  Walk  s..l..o..w..l..y  from my garage to my door.  Runner's
       (climber's) high having worn off, not too much spring in my
       step at the moment.

14.  Smile because there is a huge spring in my spirit!  Ye-ah!!


Friday January 20th

Meals
Breakfast:  2 medium boiled eggs, Ezekiel sprouted toast (no butter), fruit
Lunch:  Whole grain pasta, tomato sauce with red peppers, onions, garlic and beans.
Dinner:  Leftover Indian dinner--chicken/rice, I add tomatoes and wrap in lettuce, 1/2 Naan
Snacks:  Coffee/milk, two 1 in. by 2 in. apple treats (light sprinkle of sugar)

Workouts:
1 hour personal training session,
1,000 steps 

(Hence the little apple treats I baked tonight.  I know, it's ALL WRONG to reward oneself with sweet treats, but I blame it on the snow storm outside all day--really makes me want to bake!  Also, used the tiniest bit of sugar--tried to let the natural sweetness of apples speak for itself.)

Test Climb Tomorrow

Ate fairly heartily today preparing for tomorrow when my goal is to climb 1,000 steps.  Last February my first stair-climbing experience was in the John Hancock building where I completed the Half-Climb.  Those stairs numbered in the 800's.  Tomorrow, on my own, the plan is to top that by a couple hundred.

I have no idea what this will feel like.  I can guess--quite uncomfortable!  The truth is, I tire and my breathing is labored by the fourth or fifth floor.  But I keep going...and going...and going.

Last year I didn't actually stop and rest at all, but rather, kept a slow enough steady pace all the way, to complete the 52 floors.  I don't see that happening this time.  I believe I will have to stop, regroup and catch my breath several times before reaching the 80th floor on January 29th.

Tomorrow falls short of a true test run--it's not 1,600 steps.  Nonetheless, it will tell me what I need to know.  I need to know what it's like to push myself, over and over, past what I think I'm capable of doing.  How far I can take it, I don't know tonight.  I will know by tomorrow afternoon.

This plan of posting a photograph of everything I eat has held me accountable, energized my quest and bottom line, been a success.  I'm buoyed by the fact that I've lost nine pounds in the last fourteen days--that's nine pounds less to carry up those stairs.  Imagine carrying two five-pound bags of potatoes up 1,000 steps, then imagine doing it without them.  I'm thrilled to be doing it without them!

The pictures will keep coming for awhile longer.  I have three more pounds to drop before the race on the 29th.

Time to stretch
and go to bed
early!

Lunch

Snacks, Breakfast and Dinner

Thursday  January 19, 2012

Breakfast:  1-Egg Omelette with onions, beans, salsa and spinach/fruit
Lunch:  Leftovers from Indian dinner--Chicken, rice, tomato in lettuce wraps
Dinner:  Whole Grain Pasta, Tomato sauce with red peppers, beans, onions, garlic
Snacks:  Almonds, Muscle Milk

Workout:
1 hour Pilates solo session

A Grateful Winter Night

Tonight I'm grateful for my warm home. Even though I always feel cold in the winter...I know it's not really, compared to the dip in temperature outside.  Furthermore, there's always the extra space heaters when necessary, and lots of warm down bedding at night.

Our last home, which we sold just before the housing market plummeted, was a typical brick Chicago bungalow. The upstairs, originally an attic, had been remodeled to become one giant master bedroom.  One problem--no heat!  Technically there was a very small radiator in the tiny half-bath, but none in the bedroom which stretched the length of the house.

For ten years we climbed the steps every winter night and quickly buried ourselves beneath a robust, heavy-duty down comforter from Germany.  My parents had given us the "featherbed" as they called it, when they still lived in Lutzelhausen, just south of Frankfurt.  It was perfectly suited for sleeping conditions such as ours.

Chicago winters often see December and January temperatures fall below zero, sometimes seemingly for days on end.  On those nights we had ice on the inside of the windows above our bed, as well as on the outside.  That's how cold our bedroom was.  Yet, underneath that featherbed, it was very warm and toasty.

We did nothing to change it--never even looked into getting more heat upstairs.  We knew how the pioneers slept once their fireplaces were doused for the night!  We decided sleeping in a very cold room feels good.

However, I would not have come to that conclusion without that featherbed. 

Tonight as I think of the cold outside I'm filled with gratitude for all the support I've had throughout my life.  Just as we had our featherbed to keep warm at night when we needed it, I've had friends and loved ones when I've needed them, teachers and role models when I've needed them, as well as all kinds of inspiration academically, creatively and spiritually.

Life isn't always a warm cozy room, but we learn our lessons, make our way, and not only survive, but thrive as we accept and give love to each other along the way.

Yes, tonight I'm grateful
for all the warmth
in my life.

Wednesday January 18th 

Breakfast: Total Cereal, skim milk, strawberries

Lunch:  Thai Salad with chicken & balsamic vinaigrette
Snack:  Tangerine

Dinner:  Chicken Malai Kabob  from Essence of India   http://www.essenceofindiachicago.com/
Skewered boneless chicken marinated in vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, egg white, corn flour and cream cheese with a sprinkle of lemon juice, green chili and cilantro (about one quarter of the serving!) /1/2 piece Naan & Rice

Workouts:

1 hr. personal training session

Chiropractic adjustment and deep tissue massage

Time to Run -- A Season for Every Activity

Until my recent training, the one and only time I ever ran was in 1970.  In the spring of my freshman year of college the school was hosting a 5K race.  I do not remember the cause we ran for, I simply remember one day Peg and I looked at each other and said, "Let's do it!"

Prior to college we were both Girl Scouts throughout our school days.  While we'd camped out, sold cookies, earned badges, filled a cabin's wood stove to keep warm in a January blizzard for three days, and mastered First Aid, we were both pretty much devoid of any athletic experiences.  While active in school with band, orchestra, a singing group, piano accompanying, foreign exchange students, and even 4-H for a time, still no athletic activities.  

Athletic events were things that we watched. The boys performed and the girls cheered them on.

Then one spring day in 1970 western New York farmland, we found ourselves running country roads for three miles with the exuberance and naivety of youth.  No one had mentioned to us what it might feel like to run all out for three miles for the first time ever.  And so, we did!

Along with that exuberance and naivety, youth provided us with fairly healthy, strong bodies and we found ourselves slowing down a bit tired at the end (ok, maybe a little nauseous too), but mostly thrilled at our accomplishment. 

It wasn't till later that evening when our legs felt like jello, buckling underneath us when we tried to stand, that we realized there was a cost to our all-out efforts.  However, friends, fooling around and all those wonderfully distracting college pastimes overshadowed any discomfort.

We moved on, satisfied with our first and our last athletic event.

Or so we thought.

Ten years ago Peg decided she would run a marathon at age fifty.  Indeed, she trained properly and finished the Chicago Marathon feeling great!

We climbed a mountain together last October, and this is my year to master stair climbing in tower races.

Our third partner from freshman year in college, who missed the 5K?  Kathy called Sunday to tell about a first for her--she's registered to participate in Pennsylvania's Megatransect Challenge on September 29th--a 26 mile hike and trail run which includes mountainous rock scrambling over "Rattlesnake Ridge."  https://ultrahike.com/About_the_Mega.html

You go Kath! 

There is "...a season for every activity under the heavens."

Eating lite today!

Tuesday January 17th

Meals:

--1 Perfect medium-boiled Egg, Ezekiel sprouted grain raisin-bread Toast, no butter

--1 small Chicken Noodle Soup (80 calories), two small slices from a whole grain baguette

   with garlic mustard, low sodium turkey and a Polish pickle.

--Pomegranate Juice with carbonated water, 1 tangerine and 7 Brazil nuts.

Workouts:

1 hr. Pilates solo session

45 minutes cardio, stretching