Twelve-Hundred Steps

Yesterday was an exceptionally trying and emotional day. I was so sick by early evening that I took my evening pills early and then patiently waited for them to take effect. Fourteen hours later, I was still in bed without the strength or will to get up or do anything.

This afternoon, though, I looked at my dogs and how sad they are. They have not been outside of the condo for months. I thought perhaps, since it was mid afternoon and it wasn't likely that there would be many other dogs out, I'd try to take them outside.

It was hard. My heart raced, my head ached. My joints are quite painful and my left foot is swelling again. But I did it. I took them for the very-short walk through the alleys that I used to take them on just for 'business.' I know from measuring the distance on my pedometer during former walks that it is 1243 steps.

It's hard to believe that a couple of years ago, I was able to walk them for miles daily, and then attend either an exercise class or General Fitness session at Physical Therapy. These days, I can hardly stand long enough to take care of the basic necessities.

But the boys are so happy...

Lake Balboa

It's over 100 degrees out today. True to form, like the last time it was so hot out, I went to Lake Balboa to walk. But this time - in deference to the heat - without the dogs.

The lake is an established stop on the migratory route of many kinds of birds. Of course you'll find the standard ducks and geese there, but also more exotic species such as cranes and herons, pelicans and seagulls (what on earth are they doing so far inland?), and all sorts of other birds that I couldn't begin to identify without a birding book. There were people there feeding them... on a Thursday, they're generally hungry and will accept most kinds of food where on a Sunday afternoon when they've spent virtually the entire weekend gorging themselves, they're way more picky. My favorite scene was a mother and daughter with a large flock of geese around them eating Kelloggs Corn Flakes. I was tempted to join the geese as I haven't had a corn flake in many-a-year.

I decided that, without the dogs to slow me down, that I was going to do the circuit twice. That would be an approximately two mile walk and, according to my pedometer, around 300 calories burned. The first circuit was easy... despite the heat I was fresh. But coming round to where my car was parked, I had a momentary flash that I'd rather go home than do it again. I ignored it and forged on.

That's when I realized my mistake. I should have brought a bottle of water along with me and perhaps even an apple. I'll have to remember that the next time. As it was, I opted when I was feeling a little dehydrated, to sit under a tree (farther away from the water and away from the birds who had forsaken the water for the shade of the trees in the midday) and take in the peacefulness.

When I decided to continue, it was lunchtime and there were many groups engaged in picnic activities. A group of seniors from who knows where? A school. A group of school bus drivers. A group of Japanese ladies on a blanket right by the water, eating sushi with chopsticks.

There were also the fitness nuts. Many of them jogged right by me despite the heat, oblivious to it all with their Ipods strapped on their arms. They were all very young and fit.

There were also a lot of pairs of young men filming. In their late teens or early twenties, I couldn't help but think that they must be working on some college project or another. It is, after all, mid May when they would be working on "term papers" and such. With all the entertainment based colleges in Los Angeles, it would make sense that I would run into this kind of activity.

Walking gave me a lot of time to think about physical activity and my future. I'm at a crossroads right now. Trying to decide what is right about my pursuits and what can be improved upon or changed. I know that it's time to shake things up a bit. I also know that although I really liked today's walk, it is not something that I can reasonably expect myself to do on a regular basis. It's too solitary and since I'm home alone a lot of the time any, I crave human contact.

But I'm guessing that I may be able to pursue it a couple of times a week.

Dog Walk Sandwiches

Earlier this week on what was possibly the hottest day in spring (almost 100 degrees), I decided that it was time. Time for a Dog Walk Sandwich. That is what I call a dog walk sandwiched between two car rides.
The boys were obviously happy about this turn of events. They loaded up quite quickly and waited with anticipation for me to enter the car and take them to their favorite walking location... Lake Balboa.
Lake Balboa is a man made lake near where I live. It's run by the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, and is quite well kept.

Both dogs are in favor of the sidewalk that runs along the lake's edge all the way around.
They also enjoy their rest breaks... they're no spring chickens anymore to quote a man who lives in a condominium complex behind me.
And Sunny contemplates what a dinner of either duck, goose, or crane would taste like as he relaxes on the grass.
All in all, a nice way to get a little walking in.

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It's strange how you can look at something for a long time and not see what is there. Behold my water bottle!

Before you lecture me on the merits and downside of drinking out of hard plastic, yes I know that I am risking brain tumors and renal failure. I'll take my chances. But back to the story.

I picked up several of these "Yoga Water Bottles" on special at my local Whole Foods Market. I really liked them, not only for the colors, but for the images portrayed on them. I should only look like those chicks. But do I really want to?

Before this evening, I thought I saw a girl standing in the "Tree" position. But suddenly I realized. She's a double amputee balancing on a single peg leg.

And people thought I had guts for going to exercise class!