Chilly? Chili...

Below freezing on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain is unusual, and totally unappreciated. Walking the dog becomes a burden, car seats are brittle when you first get in, and it gets difficult mustering the motivation to go outside. Yeah, I know...most of the US and Europe deal with this all winter. I'm just pointing out my convenient excuse not to work out today. Instead I made chili.

Happy New Year!

No excuses...lazy, maybe...busy, for sure...but I should be writing. Like working out, it's harder to restart than to just keep pushing through it. The back pack and hiking boots have been in the closet since Thanksgiving, the bike has two flat tires, and my "fat pants" are still on the top of the pile on the shelf. The keyboard is getting dusty and the creative side of my brain is shriveling.

Exciting things have happened, like snow in New Orleans and the passing of another year. I'll use them as a reminder to get my act together.
I was out walking today and I'm writing tonight. I can't wait to see what we'll share together over the next few months!

Happy New Year!

Another Page Turned...

I'm sure David will post his newest adventure soon, so I'll let him explain when he's settled in.

Dave's been a good friend...my best friend...for years. Our lives have taken some interesting paths since we met in the '90s, and we can laugh for hours about them. Especially about the last several years here in New Orleans. We both moved here to run from some self-created demons, not realizing how wonderful the future we were running to. We both have grown, matured and prospered with new loves, friends, and families.

I can't wait to see what happens next! Good luck and Salud, David...

Training?

Walking

I spend a fair amount of my day walking a job site where I inspect and document repairs and improvements to a street in uptown New Orleans. Generally there are three crews concentrating on their particular tasks, and I quietly observe. I get to spend most of my day inside my own head, while putting one foot in front of the other. It's occurred to me that physically walking across Spain may be the easiest part. Can I keep focused on the goal? Will it be enough to get me on the trail to hoof out another 5 to 6 hours in the heat of the summer? Will I be able to control the dialogue inside my head? I'm so anxious to start and learn more about me...

Backpack Adjustments

I extended my hiking distance today to 1 1/2 hours during another incredible sunrise. I'm still not anywhere near ready for Spain, but I can feel the progress my body's making.

I did notice a difference in the ease of carrying my pack after adjusting it yesterday. I had not anticipated such a change in comfort by making what seemed like minor adjustments. I found some good tips on YouTube, Fit A Pack Right

The pack has yet to become effortless, but it is noticeably better.

Daylight Savings Time

November 2nd...I'm not sure why we observe (nor interested enough to look it up) Daylight Savings Time. But I do know we "fall back" in a couple of weeks. The evenings get dark too soon now, so will be getting much too short then. The reason I mention it is because it is now dark at 6:00am when I start my training hikes. I was almost 30 minutes into my walk this morning before I could easily see what was around me. I love the bike trail along the lake, partly because there are no light poles every few hundred feet. I guess in two weeks I'll be disappointed to miss the sunrises...