Streaking!

It is official. I am streaking!!  I have walked two days in a row for our Episode 7 Countdown Challenge, Our goal is a 100 day streak of 30+ minutes of exercise per day. Thanks again, to Desiree for coming up with this fun challenge.

It is still dark out there. You might notice from yesterday's picture I did manage to fit in a haircut and some new eyebrows yesterday. Unfortunately, my bangs look a bit like a kindergartner who got ahold of scissors the day before school pictures. I am hoping they grow out fast!

Even though I am out walking by myself, I don't feel lonely. I know my husband is out there running on the same course I am walking. We pass each other a couple times with a high five or encouraging word. I, also, feel like I am out there with friends scattered around the country. As I walk, there are little reminders that make me proud and happy that we are all doing our thing to to pursue similar goals of improving our health and fitness.

This morning, I looked up in the sky to see the constellation Orion looking back at me. I immediately thought of Tiina's adorable pup. Orion (and his equally adorable sister, Koda). Before they all moved to Florida we met up for a couple of walks/puppy play dates. It isn't  quite the same, but replaying those memories makes me smile.

I saw "head lamp guy" this morning - who made me think of Meg. She has talked many times about her "dark" runs and the gear she uses to make it safer, including a head lamp. I confess I don't take the precautions she does - I think I am doing well if I choose a white t-shirt. Thankfully, I walk in a very quiet neighborhood - at least at 5 a.m.  By the way, "head lamp guy" is a runner I see frequently. He has a unique running style - he hold his arms at a 90 degree angle from his body (bent at the elbow). His hands are very loose and seem to flop around as he runs. It doesn't look comfortable to me, but it is obviously working for him - he is fast and consistent.

My way too early morning walks also make me think of Mary. She is training for a marathon. Morning runs just don't work for her, but she doesn't use that as an excuse to not get the work done. She is pushing herself through evenings runs (while I am swamped with all the other activities of the day that make morning works work best for me.)

These are only a few of the amazing ladies I have met through this blogging experience :)

This morning I am especially proud that I walked the entire length of Florida!  And by Florida, I mean Florida Avenue, which is about a 1/2 mile long. I wanted to mix my course up a little and maybe see something new. Who am I kidding?  It is way too dark to see anything, much less anything new.

I am fascinated by the markings I see painted on roads. The are doing road work in our neighborhood and I am constantly trying to decipher codes. Does anyone know what this one means?

So there are some of the thoughts that run through my head while I walk. From a mental standpoint, this time to be alone, decompress and let my mind wander, feels so good. Sometimes, it makes me forget that I am doing it for my physical health too.

Tomorrow I am planning to share a couple of my culinary experiments, including an attempt to like something I have always despised.