tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207725082012-02-16T20:40:31.261-05:00Reclaiming the fit, healthy body I once had. With a little knitting on the side.Debbinoreply@blogger.comBlogger6881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-41464174628001713372011-10-05T15:20:00.000-04:002011-10-05T15:22:16.076-04:00

people are still finding this blog. I'm so pleased to still have readers here, but if you're not looking for the Wee Santa Hat knitting pattern, you're probably going to be disappointed. I'm still writing, still knitting and still working on fitness at a new location. Stop by any time. Also, I just realized that when I changed my e-mail address the last time, I forgot to change it here for

Debbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-64992481608658985742010-08-27T06:51:00.000-04:002010-08-27T06:51:54.431-04:00

I've noticed several readers popping over from a link on the USPharmD website. I've moved (I bet you figured that out, since this blog hasn't been updated in two years). E-mail me at shrinkingknitter AT gmail DOT com if you'd like the new URL.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-44942873944081315162008-05-15T06:28:00.002-04:002008-05-15T06:51:32.628-04:00

If you left a comment here yesterday but haven't heard from me by e-mail, please contact me at shrinkingknitter AT citynet DOT net [you know the drill]. Thanks!

Debbinoreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-37498543087538167372008-05-14T08:28:00.000-04:002008-05-14T08:28:01.221-04:00

I wasn't born in West Virginia, although my father was. That make me half a Mountaineer. After last night's presidential primary, I'd just as soon not admit it.My husband is a born-and-bred West Virginian, but believe me we are not your typical mountain mama and redneck hillbilly. More of them made it to the polls than we'd hoped.Mr. Shrinking Knitter and I worked hard for Barack Obama in West

Debbinoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-83907812948203184452008-02-29T07:29:00.000-05:002008-02-29T07:29:02.121-05:00

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. ~ Johann von Goeth I'm sure I've said this before, but … DUH!But then that's how most quotes affect me. I read something pithy and wise said by someone [usually] famous and go, "Wow! I coulda had a V-8!" Or the equivalent thereof.Today's quote works for sooo many situations, including: Food choices To snack or not

Debbinoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-79752182364871383482008-02-28T20:04:00.000-05:002008-02-28T20:03:37.911-05:00

Late in a week during which this post was linked to from both DietGirl and Elastic Waist – heady company, indeed – I find myself with very little time to write anything for newcomers to read.Mr. Shrinking Knitter and I spent much of the past couple of weeks with his mother [who was finally released from the hospital yesterday], and I will be taking yet another blog break beginning Sunday, one I'm

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-50538965155569887332008-02-27T08:55:00.001-05:002008-11-13T00:21:07.476-05:00

I know it's rather heretical to talk about butter on a weight-loss blog, but hear me out. I'm one of the [probably] few 'dieters' who still eats real, honest-to-goodness butter. I've flirted with margarine over the years, and even took a turn around the dance floor with Smart Balance Buttery Spread.But I always come back to butter, for at least a couple of what I think are very good reasons.First

Debbinoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-60124072660690195182008-02-26T16:01:00.003-05:002008-11-13T00:21:08.036-05:00

Woke up with a slightly elevated temperature, which was back down to semi-normal by noon, when the power went out. Three hours later the sun popped out for a second, long enough for me to post this, and then the heavens parted. Celestial choirs didn't sing, but the rains came, heavily. I look for the power to go back out again any minute.As today's title suggests, I'm channeling that scrappy

Debbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-26335964696929398422008-02-25T07:33:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:08.488-05:00

Remember last week when we were talking about habits and excellence and housework and meal plans? [Thanks for your comments – nice to know I wasn't the only one who grew up having meat loaf on Wednesday and fried chicken every Sunday.] My Google home page has a sense of humor; this was yesterday's Quote of the Day: •••••••••••• Another year of Oscars has come and gone; this is the first year in a

Debbinoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-66143557728947280632008-02-22T14:46:00.001-05:002008-11-13T00:21:08.629-05:00

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." ~ Aristotle And so is, ummm, non-excellence? That would be failure, wouldn't it? Heh.When you think about it – and why would you think about it, anyway? – our daily lives are just one habit after another followed by another. The morning ablutions, the grab-and-go breakfast, the route you take to work, when you eat

Debbinoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-8957460274679706692008-02-21T14:05:00.000-05:002008-02-21T14:04:56.264-05:00

It's gotten all the way up to 30°, after an overnight low in the mid-teens. My fingers are freezing as I type.I finally got an e-mail back from the CMM people; their fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. I thought that meant I couldn't transfer my registration to another person, which it does, but it also means I can't transfer it to another Elite racing event. I don't think I have

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-43615422451752524152008-02-20T07:49:00.000-05:002008-02-20T07:49:00.039-05:00

a decided lack of weight-loss/running content here in the Middle of Nowhere lately. I think I've mentioned that I'm only going to report weight changes the first of each month. Or as close to the first as I can. I wasn't here the first of February, won't be here the first of March and might not be here the first of April. I love Mr. Shrinking Knitter's retirement!As for running content, the last

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-64850346470518779232008-02-19T07:48:00.000-05:002008-02-19T07:47:43.076-05:00

Despite how I sounded yesterday, I don't envy the mother-to-be having to live on a couch for the next 10 to 12 weeks. I feel like I should apologize for my remarks; if I sounded insensitive, I truly didn't mean it.No run or walk or anything physical yesterday. [Well, I did unload the dishwasher and managed two loads of laundry.] I was pretty wiped out, and ended up napping – yes, napping! – and

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-83363369609915955772008-02-18T08:15:00.000-05:002008-02-18T08:14:37.072-05:00

How completely unoriginal is that title? Heh.Our little getaway was terrific. We visited Mr. Shrinking Knitter's son and daughter-in-law, who are expecting triplets this spring. Late this spring, we hope. The later the better. Mama-to-be looks so good and so healthy. She has a great attitude about having to, basically, live on a couch for the next three months. [She's on bedrest for the duration.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-30767025128105116582008-02-15T07:20:00.001-05:002008-11-13T00:21:09.122-05:00

This cracks me up. In much the same way that Crash Davis cracks me up when he asks Annie Savoy, "How come in former lifetimes, everybody is somebody famous?" [Has it really been 20 years since that movie was released?]I collect quotes in a file on my computer, but they're all quotes from quote lists or quote sites. I have several books of quotations, but I rarely peruse them looking for Friday

Debbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-90759247009628832472008-02-14T08:18:00.002-05:002008-11-13T00:21:09.275-05:00

What an interesting concept.This post's title is my six-word memoir for today. Subject to change, of course. Who knows what it will be tomorrow? I'm going to look for this book this weekend; Mr. Shrinking Knitter and I will be out of town yet again, and I'm sure there will be time for at least one bookstore stop.Since it's Valentine's Day, and most of us here are trying to reduce our waist sizes

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-7974676047746419242008-02-13T18:42:00.000-05:002008-02-13T18:41:36.027-05:00

Looking for a warm, filling and healthy soup for a cold winter's night? Try this, which was inspired by a recipe in the February, 2008, issue of Real Simple magazine. Mmm, mmm, good!Chickpea and Sausage Stew1 tablespoon olive oil1 large onion, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced3 stalks celery, sliced2 carrots, sliced5 links chicken-asiago sausage [or any flavorful sausage], sliced2 cups chicken

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-37918212863492734812008-02-12T09:39:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:09.398-05:00

Mr. Shrinking Knitter and I noticed the wind whipping up Saturday night, and it continued to blow hard all day Sunday. We went to church, then out to dinner, then came home and holed up the rest of the day.Imagine our surprise when we ventured out yesterday and found this down our road on the piece of property where our pond is:That tree is at least 30 feet tall, and has been there 30 years. It

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-31369287880264198352008-02-11T14:28:00.000-05:002008-02-11T14:28:23.241-05:00

Not much going on around the Middle of Nowhere. Still working on reducing the office clutter. Perhaps I should work on reducing hobbies, as well. Stuff for hobbies takes up lots o' space. How many years do I have left, really, to make polymer clay buttons? And I keep adding new hobbies – at least with photography it's all digital and the only space I'm taking up is on my hard drive.I ran not at

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-53418487419406865832008-02-09T18:55:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:09.821-05:00

It simply amazes me how busy I am now that this trip is over. Anyway, I finally got around to taking February's progress picture and then making the January-to-February comparison photo. Ta da!Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know … le même vieux, mêmes vieux [I'm typing that with a French accent.]Mr. Shrinking Knitter says my face looks thinner, but I think he's just trying to be nice to me. Now that he's

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-24776616760659363472008-02-08T10:54:00.000-05:002008-02-08T10:56:08.593-05:00

"What does not kill memakes me stronger."~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe We've probably all heard or seen [or said] this quote – or a variation thereof – at some point in our lives. Jimmy Buffett used a variation of it effectively in "Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On."This week of travel, organizing, purging, and moving stuff feels like it's about to kill me, but I keep telling myself it'll all be

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-64535180354329335122008-02-07T14:00:00.000-05:002008-02-07T14:00:09.307-05:00

I've spent some of this dreary day moving the computer equipment yet again. Thus, no early-morning post. Not posting first thing today is a prelude to switching to evening posting. I think.My computer system includes a tower, a large CRT monitor, a keyboard, two printers, a scanner and a variety of other smaller peripherals plugged into a couple of surge protector strips. And a hub, since the

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-39169841050562006712008-02-06T07:35:00.000-05:002008-02-06T07:34:55.589-05:00

Sort of.As we traveled north, what I missed seeing was color. Florida is one colorful place, from the moment you cross the border and receive your free sample of orange juice, to the blue-blue sky, to the blood-red sunsets, to the riot of tropical colors in the architecture.West Virginia? Not so much.Really, it is good to be home again. The dogs were beside themselves when we fetched them from

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-14583482956152254402008-01-29T06:53:00.000-05:002008-01-29T06:56:21.007-05:00

Well, it's not all that cold out this morning, so I made a pot of coffee, dumped it in a carafe and ventured over here to the garage/office in the dark. Because there's really not much to do in the house at 6:30 a.m.I still have to install a keyboard tray, because the surface we put the computer on is too high for comfort. The tray has been purchased and put together. I'm at a stopping point for

Debbinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-74544359210617418612008-01-28T07:43:00.000-05:002008-01-28T07:41:27.422-05:00

Mr. Shrinking Knitter and I have determined that today's the day to move the computer to the second-floor office of the garage.I need a moment. To sob.I spend a couple of early-morning hours in front of this screen, writing and reading and surfing, almost every day. I'm not sure how easily or often that's going to happen when I have to creep out in that cold and dark hour before sunrise to log on

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-62928934984917478062008-01-26T06:31:00.000-05:002008-01-26T06:29:42.961-05:00

I woke up early this morning – earlier than usual, and usual is usually early – and caught up on a lot of blogs. Laurie said:Makes you think, "I wonder what else I can do that I always thought I had to be skinny to do? I wonder where I can go, see, visit that I just assumed I'd get to once I was skinny?"Laurie is young enough to be my daughter, but she is One Wise Woman.I always thought I had to

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-22381566843404125362008-01-25T06:34:00.000-05:002008-01-25T06:39:29.723-05:00

Nobody succeeds beyond her wildest expectations unless she begins with some wild expectations.~ Ralph Charell That quote holds such hope and excitement, promise and enthusiasm, doesn't it? If you're gonna dream, dream BIG!I don't even know how to write about it, actually. I know right off the bat my expectations have usually been pretty tame. I suppose I rein them in to reduce the possibility of

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-40413325361032941422008-01-24T07:09:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:10.352-05:00

Mr. Shrinking Knitter and I are getting ready to move my little office from our house into a bit of space in the large office/family room which is otherwise known as "upstairs" – the second floor of the garage. We designed the garage together and had it built about five years ago, I think. It seems like it's always been there. And it's always been his office.We'd like to turn my office in the

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-38668450712185780292008-01-23T07:48:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:10.502-05:00

I occasionally have trouble sleeping, meaning I'll go three or four days with very little sleep, followed by a crash and burn.Last night was a blessedly wonderful crash-and-burn night.I slept for 11 hours, which is approximately the total number of hours I'd gotten since Friday.I usually volunteer at the prison on Tuesday night, so I made sure another volunteer would be there before I bagged it.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-17821740211709811252008-01-22T04:53:00.000-05:002008-01-22T04:51:57.266-05:00

Please accept my apology for offering even the merest hint of a loss this past Saturday. I worried about offending you by mentioning the little gift you'd given me last week, and you've certainly let me know, under no uncertain terms, that in the future we need to keep things between ourselves.I'm so very sorry for offending you, and I promise never to mention any progress whatsoever prior to an

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-51535510453952382202008-01-21T06:54:00.000-05:002008-01-21T07:09:03.319-05:00

Remember when I was going to put up motivational quotes and posters on the garage walls, and I bought a little speaker system for the iPod so I didn't have to drag the one from the house over to the workout area, and I was going to really bust ass [and biceps and abs] with the strength-training routine?And then I hurt my shoulder?Well, I've been testing the waters, as it were, and I'm doing

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-31553785276718110202008-01-19T06:44:00.000-05:002008-01-19T06:45:23.576-05:00

It came to me in a moment of clarity yesterday that there was no freakin' way I'd be ready to run a full marathon this spring. I was supposed to run nine miles today, on the treadmill. I nearly cried at the prospect.This is supposed to be fun. In order to make it fun again, I've made an executive decision to stick with the half. Today's long run is six manageable miles.I may be ready for a full

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-72441147607491614112008-01-18T06:34:00.000-05:002008-01-18T06:37:22.768-05:00

"Most people seem to wanttremendous improvement, instantly.But you'll probably findit's the little things you dothat eventually add up to big results."~ Joel Weldon Is that the same thing as "hope springs eternal?"The daily weigh-in has been less traumatic this week. Do you think, maybe, it might have something to do with, oh, not snacking at night? Or drinking massive quantities de l'eau?I

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-91143489654519166322008-01-17T08:08:00.000-05:002008-01-17T08:14:20.766-05:00

Well, it looks like I get another day to myself and the weekend trip will be cancelled. [Blog break alert cancelled, as well.]The Middle of Nowhere is in the middle of yet another winter storm alert, this time for real. And Mr. Shrinking Knitter's flight, headed from out west for Atlanta, was cancelled. I probably knew about it before he did, since Delta was kind enough to send an update at 4

Debbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-74564591865692256822008-01-16T07:31:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:10.881-05:00

Somehow I knew the modified Wallaby was going to overwhelm my shortness about halfway through the raglan decreases. I switched to a size smaller needle and increased the rate of decreases, which helped correct the depth of the armsceyes, but the sweater still was just too big after I blocked it. That's two in a row, kids. Maybe I should take some measurements next time. Mine and a post-blocked

Debbinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-50253678335487310512008-01-15T08:07:00.000-05:002008-01-15T08:07:29.275-05:00

works very well for me with yarn.My yarn collection is mostly stored in one large cedar-lined closet in the second-floor office of our garage. The overflow is in a wicker trunk in the guest bedroom. Beside and atop the trunk are various boxes and bags of yarn – the more recent purchases.When I decide I want to knit something, I'll go to the yarn closet first and find that nothing – nothing – is

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-43610417745433131512008-01-14T08:41:00.000-05:002008-01-14T08:40:24.186-05:00

I experienced almost total football immersion this weekend and came away mostly happy with the results. The Colts won't be defending their championship, but Peyton's little brother fought for the chance to move the New York Giants to the next round, and Brett's Packers [now there's a Comeback Kid] will be the Giants' next opponent.There's no question where my loyalty lies: I'll be rooting for the

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-3825751201227964862008-01-12T06:57:00.001-05:002008-11-13T00:21:11.115-05:00

Sometime in the past I noted in my electronic calendar that today marks the second anniversary of this blog. However, when I went back to the very first post, it was actually January 10, 2006. Instead of a day late and a dollar short, make it two.So two years and two days ago – there is a bit of symmetry in that – I found the magic of the blogosphere.The biggest deal the first year was that Mr.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-59054390744847009742008-01-11T07:43:00.000-05:002008-01-11T07:43:34.342-05:00

"Some things you have to do every day.Eating seven apples on Saturday nightinstead of one a dayjust isn't going to get the job done."~ Jim Rohn While today's quote mentions food, I'm posting it to remind myself of the necessity for daily exercise. Call it what you will – intentional activity, getting off your ass, moving more – it all comes down to the "E" word. Just like vitamins and caffeine,

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-50571802158583405932008-01-10T07:16:00.000-05:002008-01-10T07:21:29.894-05:00

and here's why it works.I haven't run outdoors with music in a long time, preferring to retain the ability to hear cars coming up behind me rather than get splattered all over the road listening to the theme from Rocky.Indoors, though, if I'm not interested in SportsCenter, a good beat helps with pacing, and that article explains a bit of the science behind it.Yesterday, though? Not so much.I had

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-68746048446257127202008-01-09T07:11:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:11.482-05:00

Need I say more?Did I say I was going to row and lift weights yesterday? I forgot about a late-morning board meeting at the prison, and by the time I remembered I had to shower, dress and go. I'm not one to take two daily showers, especially in dry-skin-inducing winter, so I bagged the workout.Then when I got home I felt like such a loser, so I lifted weights. Briefly. So I wouldn't, um, glow.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-38517343848478287782008-01-08T07:41:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:11.790-05:00

This is a three-part post; I'll save the best for last.FootballWell, the Buckeyes could have played better last night, that's for sure. If you're a Bayou Bengal, congratulations – you were just a little hungrier than we were.Mr. Shrinking Knitter and I weren't hungry at all, after we tucked into our party feast. We had guests though:Seriously, I made so much food that we ended up putting the

Debbinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-79088066205184267282008-01-07T18:06:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:12.162-05:00

The Ohio State University fight song is on continuous loop on my iPod [not really, but I have played it today], the snacks are ready, I'm wearing my OSU sweatshirt [and it's far, far too hot for a sweatshirt but we do what we must] and it's two hours until the BCS Championship Bowl.Am I psyched? You bet I am. I'm a transplanted Buckeye and tonight my heart is in Ohio.Mr. Shrinking Knitter is even

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-70520518137393796102008-01-07T07:30:00.000-05:002008-01-07T07:29:35.316-05:00

Training begins today! As I've mentioned previously, I'm not sure if I'm going to run the half or the full in Nashville in April. I've already registered for the half, but I'm training as if I'm going to run the full.Gulp.I've printed out two schedules [since yet another marathon book still isn't here to advise me]. The Runner's World Smart Coach plans vary the mileage each week – a three-week

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-23294671715558218602008-01-05T07:42:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:12.310-05:00

In a comment on the 365 blog, Jeannie asked if she'd missed my review of the recently released Bob Dylan bio-pic I'm Not There.Well, you missed it because I never posted one. Not a single opinion from me to you, due mostly to timing. Mr. Shrinking Knitter and I saw the film December 23, and the days from then until just a couple days ago have been a blur of holidays, outings, football and

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-89993403026720756772008-01-04T08:33:00.000-05:002008-01-04T08:36:23.386-05:00

"Hard work often leads to success.No work seldom does."~ Harvey MackayWell, duh.The key word in the first sentence is "often." Also? It helps to define success.As both all of you long-time readers know, I've given this diet-and-exercise thing my all [not all the time, of course – I'm Not Perfect], and have experienced varying degrees of 'success,' if you define 'success' as fitting my ass into

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-14338340862142890202008-01-03T07:49:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:12.447-05:00

Well, maybe it's not quite that dramatic, but still … I didn't hear one single analyst predict the Mountaineers' win over the Oklahoma Sooners prior to last night's Fiesta Bowl. [The Tostita commercials were sooooo bad I refuse to attach the sponsor's name to the event.] With WVU's season-ending loss to Pitt and the subsequent departure of Coach Rodriguez, everyone had the Mountaineers dead and

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-72483732070746635432008-01-02T07:34:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:12.642-05:00

I'm listing these things not so much as advice for you, but as a reminder for me. If you happen to think these things might work for you, then feel free to join me. My New Year truly starts January 2nd, as New Year's Day is devoted to ribs, kraut, hoppin' john and carrot coins – all eaten for good luck in the new year – and football with snacks. All this food is eaten cheerfully and without

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-24965765021890258542008-01-01T07:47:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:12.745-05:00

Happy new year to all of you, and may all our wishes for the coming year come true.They won't, of course, unless we do the footwork. Funny how that works.In 2006 I lost about 40 pounds. In 2007 I gained 20. Not exactly a good maintenance program, eh?Posting progress photos was one of my strategies in 2006. No reason it won't work again. Unless I get in my own way, of course. So I'm using the

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-53497295647443814892007-12-31T08:34:00.000-05:002007-12-31T08:48:20.092-05:00

My resolve to eat healthfully and run while I was gone over the weekend evaporated inexplicably and rapidly the farther I got from West Virginia. I refuse to try to analyze it.It is what it is. Or was what it was, I guess.I had a wonderful and relaxing time while I was gone. The sum of my physical activity consisted of holding and carrying a 16-pound baby at every opportunity.Well, okay, a little

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-62352082512095009622007-12-27T06:54:00.000-05:002007-12-27T06:53:15.443-05:00

"Our chief want in lifeis somebody who will make usdo what we can." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Now that's something to think about, isn't it?If you've ever envied athletes or entertainers [Oprah, anyone?] or Biggest Loser contestants who have cooks and coaches and trainers, oh my, then today's quote will certainly resonate with you.Read it carefully. Ralph is saying we can do it without a kick in the

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-41103358600753414352007-12-26T08:06:00.001-05:002008-11-13T00:21:13.041-05:00

I'm ready for Christmas to be over on Christmas night, but this year the season is extended until the weekend, when I'll be visiting my son and his family. I made and sent their stockings early, to be hung by their chimney with care. However my new granddaughter has a few little packages here and there that she'll want to eat the paper off of.And since I've had these extra days before the trip, I

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-46519921782709056802007-12-24T07:38:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:13.302-05:00

I hope you all stay safe, warm and happy this Christmas.I'm grateful for all of you,and feel like this little community is a good place to be.Thank you.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-13830725815600726512007-12-22T06:40:00.001-05:002008-11-13T00:21:13.470-05:00

Some of you may remember that I made two too-big berets last year, and that they remained too big even after deliberate shrinking. I donated them to Goodwill, and went hatless last winter.Not this season. Isn't this cute?I tried to take a self-portrait but couldn't get one that looked good. I ended up using a large can as a model, but the hat looks just as good on me. Well, almost.The pattern is

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-2070493846205934162007-12-21T08:44:00.000-05:002007-12-21T08:46:59.001-05:00

"The truth is you can acquireany quality you want by acting as though you already have it."~ Joseph MurphyAct as if. If you've ever spent any time in a 12-step recovery group, you've heard those words before. Perhaps you've even done it.It's much harder for me to apply this concept to my physical self – acting as if I'm slim, for instance – than it is for me to apply it to my emotional self.And

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-30355399445774939902007-12-20T07:39:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:14.399-05:00

My decision to stop eating sugar last month [38 straight sugar-free days, but who's counting?] didn't eliminate my sweet tooth. I suppose humans are born with one, which sometimes makes me wish I were a cat. I've never seen a cat rummage around the pantry looking for lemon drops or chocolate kisses.Anyway.In my quest to find something sweet to eat that isn't also loaded with artificial sweeteners

Debbinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-62939007820158043232007-12-19T06:45:00.000-05:002007-12-19T06:46:15.217-05:00

I've entered everyone's name who entered the drawing into an online randomizer, which did its magic, and I've notified the person whose name landed at the top of the heap that she's the winner of my extra copy of Gary Taubes' Good Calories, Bad Calories. Thanks for participating, and I wish I could send the book to each of you.When I let the dogs out this morning I was surprised and slightly

Debbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-30882626357796905012007-12-18T07:41:00.000-05:002007-12-18T07:42:31.453-05:00

My first week of marathon training left much to be desired, but I'm consoling myself with the fact that there's still a lot of time before the race. I allowed a couple of things to get in my way of completing all my runs last week and, realistically, I think this month will probably end up being quite a bit less than perfect. It's good to have the plan, though, and much better to give a little

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-30029509973698263072007-12-17T13:17:00.000-05:002007-12-17T13:17:00.420-05:00

It's rare that I ever have to be up and out of the house by 7:45 a.m. Don't hate me because I don't have a job. Heh. Today, though, was an exception, and a fun one it was.As both all of you regular readers know, I volunteer at Alderson Federal Prison Camp. Holidays are not fun for inmates; no matter where they are, their families are usually far away. But at Alderson, anyway, the staff does what

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-47477575235988271982007-12-16T07:19:00.000-05:002007-12-16T07:17:59.263-05:00

Not even a flicker in the electricity last night, nor a flake of snow. That's supposed to change today, however, and we could end up with two to four inches and downed power lines – due to the wind – by this afternoon.I should probably bake bread.A wind advisory is in effect for this afternoon and, truly, wind can cause as much damage as ice. If the buckets o' rain we had overnight were to freeze

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-80104559707807242522007-12-15T08:06:00.000-05:002007-12-15T08:05:20.979-05:00

I think I'm ready. All clothes are clean All dishes are clean Coffee carafe is full Candles and flashlights are accessible Lots of water in jugs, pitchers and buckets Snow shovel and ice melt on the porch Knitting project is handy My fervent hope is that by doing all this preliminary prep work I will fool Mother Nature into just raining on us. We're on the cusp of the rain/

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-56083807618321336712007-12-14T09:03:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:14.769-05:00

Berroco just gave us these for Christmas:Snag the pattern here!

Debbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-41721581457240862742007-12-14T05:52:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:14.869-05:00

Whatever you are,be a good one. Abraham Lincoln I've been forgetting about the regular Friday quotes around here recently. I guess that makes me a not-very-good blogger. Sorry, Abe!You all have been very good little commenters, and I thank you very much for jumping in and telling me I'm making you think. I know you wish I could make you think-without-the-"k," but that's just not possible; if it

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-22432758974472654852007-12-13T07:20:00.000-05:002007-12-13T07:30:27.795-05:00

Before I go any further – heck, before I even begin! – I'd like to encourage you to go read Erin's post from yesterday, if you haven't already. I guess if you have, you could read it again.While I don't ever think I've wanted to dive into a plate of cheese fries – no offense if you love cheese fries, that's just not my thing – I have, occasionally, entertained the strange and enticing idea of

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-46190938269660480702007-12-12T06:59:00.000-05:002007-12-12T07:05:54.022-05:00

You know how "they" say you should incorporate more activity into your daily routine? Jonathan and M@rla stand up to work on their computers, for instance. Many of you chase toddlers, and we all park at the far end of the lot or take the stairs rather than the elevator. Right?I don't get out much, since my job is taking care of two dogs, a husband and a house [and since 'getting out' means

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-34156924941396394412007-12-11T11:57:00.000-05:002007-12-11T11:56:59.315-05:00

are old enough to remember a teen magazine called Ingenue? They had a monthly column called "Boy, Was My Face Red" that both fascinated and repelled me.So anyway, it's my turn. Apparently I don't know my own e-mail address. I'll correct it in the previous post. If you've tried to enter the drawing for the book and my e-mail bounced back to you, it's because it's a DOT net, not a DOT

Debbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-50580670765395985002007-12-11T07:36:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:15.770-05:00

I'm totally stealing that title idea from our favorite readhead, by the way. This post is just full of random stuff.No knitting yesterday. Not one stitch. Perhaps it had something to do with the weather, which is absolutely balmy. If you'll remember, I started getting my knitting mojo back about the time the first snowflake fell.I wrapped and shipped Christmas presents all day yesterday [only a

Debbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-2182485281695397372007-12-10T06:45:00.000-05:002007-12-10T06:44:25.949-05:00

Yesterday was a stellar day, all the way around.I'm beginning to think this shoulder/arm/whatever pain is something I'll just have to deal with when I wake up. There was a bit of random soreness in the morning and I considered taking an Aleve, but ultimately decided not to. As the day wore on, the pain let up. I had almost full range of motion for the first time in a month.This morning? Same

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-84252464388463714742007-12-09T07:13:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:16.034-05:00

to make a last-minute gift, even if you knit. Large knitting projects – sweaters and afghans, for instance – take for-freaking-ever, and if you started one today, the only way you could put one under the Christmas tree this year is if you wrapped a picture of one. Jewelry, though? Easy-peasy.About a year ago I made a knitted, beaded bracelet that ended up being too big for me, so I had a contest

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-63282551767157589922007-12-08T08:43:00.000-05:002007-12-08T08:42:25.258-05:00

If you're an athlete of almost any kind, and especially if you're a runner, you know that DNF > DNS means "did not finish" is better than "did not start."That would be me, for the inaugural 8 on the 8th.Maybe I should just declare myself on injured reserve. Because of my shoulder, I can't swing my arms as one naturally does when one runs. I'm so very out of shape and unconditioned at this point

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-55912927330629223592007-12-07T07:42:00.000-05:002007-12-07T07:45:25.146-05:00

I've written about mind over matter here before, but not as credibly as Gina Kolata wrote about it in the New York Times yesterday. For anyone involved in athletic training, it's an interesting and inspiring read. I know I can easily cut a workout short when I'm tired or when a random body part hurts. But it appears that even those of us who will never win a marathon or the Tour de France can

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-5556709798757743102007-12-06T08:10:00.001-05:002008-11-13T00:21:16.257-05:00

Snow started falling yesterday about 7 a.m. and didn't quit until late afternoon. It started snowing again around 7 p.m., but the second round really didn't add much to the four inches which had accumulated during the day. A lightweight car [mine's an older model], a mountain road and four inches of snow meant I was, as I predicted, snowed in.And winter continues to wrap its icy fingers around us

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-91557045130301788682007-12-05T06:42:00.000-05:002007-12-05T06:40:59.116-05:00

Wow. I think maybe I stepped over the good-little-wife line yesterday in repeating Mr. Shrinking Knitter's rather insensitive question. He's normally not so obtuse, and he was, in his own way, trying to be helpful. Honest!And you all were, too, so I thank you. I will definitely, at the right time, suggest a better way for him to phrase future inquiries.But … maybe I needed to hear it just like it

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-7071607736583071662007-12-04T08:11:00.000-05:002007-12-04T08:11:04.131-05:00

I'm not sure what I did to my shoulder/tricep/bicep in the night, but I'm once again slinging my way through my daily routine. As I think about it, I ran the sweeper yesterday morning – it's heavy and I probably lifted it over something using my left arm without even thinking about it – and I also carried a very heavy messenger bag in my left hand last night on my way to the drawing class at the

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-62292803614816527112007-12-01T08:27:00.000-05:002007-12-01T08:26:56.510-05:00

Not unlike an infant who sometimes gets her days and nights mixed up, I seem to have forgotten what day of the week it is pretty much all this week. I was convinced yesterday was Saturday – it just felt like a Saturday, somehow. Maybe because I ran.Yes, you heard it here first. I ran yesterday! Three miles at an 11:36 pace, which is pretty awesome for me, and especially gratifying considering I

Debbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-91954305098331090142007-11-30T08:43:00.000-05:002007-11-30T08:44:32.804-05:00

Tomorrow is Adam's birthday and his first half-marathon! Go wish him well.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-75081610509838060022007-11-30T08:13:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:16.562-05:00

As I said yesterday, I was able to complete the little Santa cap in the time it takes to watch a bad movie. Should you decide to knit one, I would suggest a good movie. Maybe even something seasonal, like A Christmas Story or Miracle on 34th Street – two films I can watch repeatedly.Blogger doesn't let you upload .pdf files, which would be the easiest way to deliver the pattern. Another Blogger

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-59659290087105207602007-11-29T08:24:00.000-05:002007-11-29T08:23:44.184-05:00

Snowflakes!There are many, many snowflake generators out there now, but the one I linked to is the first one I found, a couple of years ago. Enjoy, and don't blame me if you end up making snowflakes instead of working, working out, eating, sleeping or tending your children and pets.On to more pressing matters.How does one lose a bag of peanuts? Mr. Shrinking Knitter and I took our Thanksgiving

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-44528197276226311222007-11-28T08:40:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:16.770-05:00

It's been a long, long time since I've fired up the old treadmill. It works just fine, except something is stuck in it that makes it not fold up to save space. Since I'm not especially concerned with saving space, I guess it's okay.Thanks to the inspirational message I snagged from PQ [mentioned in yesterday's post] and knowing you'd all be wondering if I did it or not [how's that for egotistical

Debbinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-34628038384988415832007-11-27T07:52:00.000-05:002007-11-27T07:52:04.430-05:00

Mr. Shrinking Knitter loved listening to former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair pronounce 'prOHgress' and 'prOHcess.' So when I typed the subject line, in my head I pronounced it with a long 'O' sound. You could read it like that, too!Come hell or high water I'm going to walk on the treadmill today. Poundage is up, spirits are down, arm is still in a sling and pain is still present. At

Debbinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-36805618367261682432007-11-24T10:57:00.000-05:002007-11-24T10:56:26.583-05:00

The diagnosis is a deep muscle tear, and I'm on a twice-daily NSAID and once-daily muscle relaxant. I apparently am too stupid to not use my arm while I'm sleeping, and woke up very early this morning in agony. Mr. Shrinking Knitter said I screamed. So now my left arm is in a sling.Making it kind of hard to type.If I'm not better in a couple weeks, I'm to go back to the doctor to see what else

Debbinoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-87792058497455306052007-11-21T05:49:00.000-05:002007-11-21T05:48:06.895-05:00

to have a doctor's appointment this morning. if he hadn't been pulling a 24-hour emergency room shift, he would have seen me yesterday.i dislike going to the doctor. that may sound funny to you, but i know people who treat doctor's visits as social events, and have witnessed many strangers greeting each other, asking about family members, bragging about children, etc., in various waiting rooms

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-59433029849641960442007-11-20T07:11:00.000-05:002007-11-20T07:11:24.169-05:00

Instead of sitting here waiting for the sun to rise so I can go run, I'm sitting here waiting for 8 a.m. so I can call the doctor to beg and plead for an appointment today. The pendulum has swung from no-pain-at-all on Saturday to not-being-able-to-extend-my-left-arm yesterday. And last night. And this morning.Good thing I'm right-handed.But I can't get through the cooking marathon I'm facing

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-29310693616917260922007-11-19T07:46:00.000-05:002007-11-19T08:00:39.318-05:00

When I last posted, I said my arm/shoulder/bicep felt dandy. So naturally I did what any of you would do – I tested it by rowing and lifting weights. A decision for which I'm still paying. On the bright side, my feet feel much, much better – better than before I ran City of Oaks – so I did a tiny, little, baby run yesterday. That felt great.I walked a half-mile, ran a half-mile, turned around and

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-68185712723256471002007-11-17T07:20:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:17.181-05:00

The stockings are done!I'd rather knit than sew any old day, but last night I sucked it up, found a needle and some unwaxed dental floss and finished the Christmas stockings. Here's my daughter-in-law's:I love the eclectic and folksy look of the mismatched buttons. I had a jar of both silver and gold, and decided the gold looked more festive. What do you think? Actually, while I hope you think it

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-21905438445923226602007-11-16T06:58:00.000-05:002007-11-16T06:59:12.183-05:00

It's always something. Roseanne Roseannadanna The astute among you will note that I haven't mentioned exercise in a couple of days. I'm glad to report that my feet are healing well. I'm down to just calluses now, and while I don't think they'll go away completely, I'm able to walk – and probably run – with ease. I'd intended to resume running after Thanksgiving, but I might give it a try sometime

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-15421395467142284982007-11-15T08:09:00.000-05:002007-11-15T08:08:16.062-05:00

I just can't think of anything to say. Today is one of those days. So instead, I'll leave you with something to watch. [If you prefer, it's on YouTube here.] And you know it's good, since I took the time to upload it on this slow-slow-slow dial-up connection.Enjoy!

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-57012826024461187022007-11-14T08:07:00.000-05:002007-11-14T09:13:57.366-05:00

Denise [who doesn't appear to have a blog, or I would link to her] mentioned in a comment yesterday that working out with weights in front of a mirror was helpful to her. Adding a mirror to my workout space was something Lori also suggested, when she and I first talked about sprucing up that area.As you might imagine, my first reaction was negative. However, I do have a fairly large framed mirror

Debbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-6609536618203540842007-11-13T07:53:00.000-05:002007-11-13T07:52:30.193-05:00

If you believe, as I do, that health care is a human right, please consider signing this petition. I don't know if it will do any good or not, but it's certainly worth the little bit of effort and time it will take you to click and type. “Of all forms of inequity,injustice in health careis the most shockingand the most inhumane.”~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-84516541506122429312007-11-13T07:17:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:17.476-05:00

I'm feeling much, much better this morning, and felt well enough yesterday to slog out 45 minutes on the rowing machine. I wanted to quit halfway through; that's about the time Sports Center started rehashing Sunday's NASCAR results. I just paused the rower and switched to ESPN News. All football, all the time. Or so it seemed.Today? More of the same, plus strength-training. I finally put a

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-59749363732548662822007-11-12T07:03:00.000-05:002007-11-12T07:02:44.984-05:00

First, though, a couple of things.Thanks to everyone who suggested a way to personalize the Christmas stockings. I haven't tried anything yet, but applying felted letters, possibly just an initial instead of the entire name, is appealing. The yarn I used for the stockings creates a very thick fabric, so I'll probably end up using craft felt. I have some around here somewhere.I created a workout

Debbinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-49097944281297609352007-11-10T07:21:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:17.819-05:00

My, my, my, I was busy yesterday.Finished the other fingerless glove; if electric rates skyrocket as heating oil rates have, I'll be in tall cotton [an expression my husband is fond of saying]. Our house is all-electric, all-the-time, and the heat pump we had installed a couple years ago has saved us tons o' bucks. And we're pretty warm. But you never know; it's always good to have a little hand

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-48759314392787795282007-11-09T07:27:00.000-05:002007-11-09T07:38:48.743-05:00

“A real decision is measuredby the fact that you've taken a new action.If there's no action,you haven't truly decided.” “In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” ~ Anthony RobbinsSelf-help books? Been there, done that. But I'll take a good quote from a

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-29451696789837633002007-11-08T06:32:00.000-05:002007-11-08T06:33:42.839-05:00

I find it difficult to believe that both all of you read yesterday's third piece of drivel and didn't correct me on my obvious day-of-the-week mix-up. I have been traveling a bit lately, and I do confuse easily. So thanks for not pointing out how stupid I am. I'm here to do it for you.I guess you were just so fascinated with that list of weird stuff about me, right? At least MPA was, and wasn't

Debbinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-85247140316046434672007-11-07T12:55:00.000-05:002007-11-07T13:08:18.489-05:00

M@rla tagged me this morning. And at first I thought it would be easy – just make a list and shoot it off, no thinking about what to write. I thought I'd do this tomorrow, as a matter of fact, since it was going to be so easy.But coming up with weird, random things about myself is harder than I thought it would be. So I'll follow her lead and only list five, and will do the usual Friday Quote Day

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-36692475682256148182007-11-07T10:21:00.000-05:002007-11-07T10:25:34.112-05:00

Here's a big "duh": Obesity is associated with functional impairments, such as the ability to bend over and pick something up.Read all about it here.Maybe we should invest in the company that makes those grabber things. Heh.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-78401341905586439632007-11-07T06:37:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:22.335-05:00

I did it! I loaded those teeny speakers with AAA batteries, grabbed the iPod and did a half-hour weight-training routine yesterday morning. Without motivational quotes. Just think how much more fun it will be when I get some posters made! Heh.Three sets, 15 reps, six moves with eight-pound dumbbells, plus a couple more exercises on the bench, which has an extension for working hamstrings and

Debbinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-33565130247574976882007-11-06T07:13:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:25.424-05:00

I was reading about cyclist Lance Armstrong's second New York City Marathon experience yesterday, in which he said: "Just like in cycling, your body weight is a huge factor. … It's no accident that the best in the world weigh 120 pounds."Well, duh. I don't want to be the best in the world, but I'd like to do better than I did the last time each time I run. That won't always happen, but my excess

Debbinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-7306662683574333642007-11-05T08:11:00.000-05:002007-11-05T08:10:32.762-05:00

The News and Observer has some good coverage of the race here and here and here, and lots of photos here. SofSK will be sending me the shots he took later this week … I'll get something up next week probably.

Debbinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20772508.post-71892742799220303042007-11-05T07:20:00.000-05:002008-11-13T00:21:25.550-05:00

Hello again! Looks like I'll be here [at home] now for a few weeks anyway. Back to normal, whatever that is.I can't say I'm very happy with how I did in yesterday's City of Oaks Half Marathon, but I'm very happy I finished. I'd hoped to shave at least a couple minutes off my Country Music Half time, but it wasn't meant to be. Here are my stats:Conditions were perfect – starting time temperature

Debbinoreply@blogger.com7