Step by step 2014 ~ I feel great

Hi everyone,

Before we take a look at my training notes from this week, I want to remind you about an invite that I first posted in last Friday's post Invitation, review and plans...

Over to you ~ an invitationWe've all got a story to tell and I'd love to help you share yours, or those of your loved ones with the readers of this blog.
~ Have you, or do you know anyone who has served in the military, however long ago it was?
~ Perhaps, with the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One approaching, you'd like to share something of that time, or of another conflict, of which we know there have been many
~ Have you overcome adversity in any way?
If you'd like to share anything, you can contact me either via my Facebook page, or by email to emlouisef {at} gmail {dot} com. The address is written in this way here so it's not picked up spam bots, so remember to remove the spaces and replace @ and .

If you'd like to catch up with my previous training notes from this year, you'll find them all HERE.

Friday, May 9, 2014

I again changed things up today, warming up with a single 15 minute rep of the dance workout that I've been doing this far. I then switched up to a "Walk at home", led by Leslie Sansone. I was understandably a little tired after Wednesday's two mile swim, so only did two of the three miles, but I feel great! 

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Stepping on the scales this morning, I saw that I'd not lost any more weight, although I wasn't particularly expecting to, because the loss seems to have settled into an every other week pattern. Today's rest day was a very relaxed one.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Having completed a couple of miles of Leslie's workout last Friday, I did the full three miles today. I found the workout to be a great one and I wish I'd found it when I first started! You can take a look at the one I did here.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Having completed two miles in the pool last week, I eased back to 1-3/4 miles or 84 laps today, the main reason being that I'll be hitting the pool again on Friday. Now I'm more aware of what the distance can take out of me, I took a sports drink to the poolside, leaving it within easy reach as I dropped into the water. 

Unusually, it took me a few laps to find my rhythm and my arms felt a little heavy, but as soon as I settled, I pushed on. I paused for a quick drink after the first 10 laps and then every 20 or so from that point. 

I was able to keep count quite easily today and having reached 50 laps I pushed on. As has become my routine, I switched up the stroke for the last two laps. Gliding in at the end of the final lap I was breathing hard, and stayed low in the water, indeed I dropped to my knees and as soon as I caught my breath I said a prayer of thanks. 

Rising to my feet, I reached for my drink and sipped it before putting it back on the side. I took my goggles off as I walked to the side of the pool and this is when I really felt the benefit of keeping hydrated; climbing out of the pool, my legs weren't heavy, for the very first time. 

Writing this post now, it's a few hours since I got out of the pool. I'm relatively pain free, although I can feel a slight niggle in my left bicep, which I have previously felt. I'll monitor it ahead of the next workout and will, if needed, stay out of the pool until next week. Having said that, I do feel great! 

Thank you!

Thanks again everyone for all your support, encouragement and indeed inspiration. It truly does mean so so much to me! 

I'll leave you with another pic from the high school battlefield trip...

God bless,

Em 

Step by step 2009 ~ part 6

Hi everyone,

Today we continue our look back at the Step by Step journal from the 2009 challenge, starting on December 21. If you've missed the previous posts in the series you can read them HERE, the link opens in a new tab.

December 21 - Walk minus 7 days! I completed my LAST 12 mile training hike this morning. I'm doing 6 miles on Christmas day, but other than that, my training is complete!

WOW it really is getting close now! I didn't get my packing started at the weekend, but here's the list of things I'll be taking. We're not having to carry everything with us, only things needed for that day. The rest of the gear will be transported by our support vehicle, which Seb's Dad will be driving.

KIT LIST - CLOTHING
Thermal base layer
Socks
Hiking trousers
T-shirts
Fleece sweaters
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Hiking boots
Hat
Scarf
Gloves
MEDICAL KIT
Prescription meds
Pain meds
Anti-inflammatories
Band aids
Blister band aids
Antiseptic wipes
Hand sanitizer
Glucose tabs
Toiletries
OTHER
Torch
Head torch
Camera
Cell phone
Spare batteries for everything
Whistle
Foam mat
Sleeping bag
Plastic plate
Plastic bowl
Plastic cup
Cutlery
Towel
2 ltr water bottle
Day-sack (small rucksack)
Notebook and pen

I can't believe that it's so close now. To have finished my training really brings it home. This time next week, we'll have completed day one of the hike! That said, I still have a lot to get done.

* Tuesday (12/22) - Last minute shopping (for the hike, not Christmas). I'm also collecting my train tickets. I'll be up and out early.
* Wednesday (12/23) - Officially switch back to UK time. Get packing done. Finish work for the holidays.
* Thursday (12/24) - Rest day. I've got some personal emails to write and some phone calls to make.
* Friday (12/25) - I'm doing 6 mile hike that I'd planned before I knew about the hike.
* Saturday (12/26) - FINAL rest day. I intend to totally relax and check that everything is packed.
* Sunday (12/27) - After a quiet morning I'll be travelling by train to Preston, arriving around 6:00 pm GMT. All those of us doing the hike are staying at Dani's house that night. It will be the very first time I've met the other hikers.
* Monday (12/28) - HIKE DAY 1! We'll be up VERY early to get the 7:14 am train from Preston to Carlisle. From there, we'll get a taxi to Bowness-on-Solway. The hike itself should begin around 9:00 am GMT.

I intend to keep this "blog" going while I'm away, though you won't see it until I get back afterwards. 

December 23 - Walk minus 5 days!I'm switching back to UK time today, the packing isn't yet done, but it WILL be started later.

December 24 - Walk minus 4 days! I've *finally* got the packing done! I'm totally ready for Christmas too.

December 25 - Walk minus 3 days! Merry Christmas everyone! I did my last leisurely 6 miles this morning, something that was already planned before I knew about the hike. Though the hike itself starts in 3 days, I will be travelling on Sunday, so there's now just 48 hours to go! WOW! 

December 26 - Walk minus 2 days! This is it. I travel up north tomorrow ready to start the hike on Monday. In the last 30 days I've walked more than 140 miles in training.

I'm doing nothing except relaxing today, conserving energy for the next 9 days. I'll post again tomorrow, then keep writing this blog while I'm away, so you will see more of it when I get back.

THANK YOU ALL for your support, it really does mean do much to me.

I'm loving sharing these memories with you and from this point in our look back, we'll be focusing on a single entry each week, because there was so much to write about each evening.

To close this entry, I leave you with a couple more images from the high school battlefield trip...

 Please join me on Wednesday when we'll look at my continuing preparations for this year's challenge.

God bless,
Em

Step by Step 2014 ~ Changing things up

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by, I'm honored to have you here. Thank you all for your support, encouragement and inspiration. Today we continue our look at this week's training notes. If you've missed the previous notes from this year, you can see them all by clicking HERE.

We'll start with another pic from the high school battlefield trip...

Friday, May 2, 2014
Similarly to last Friday, today's cardio session was a shorter than usual one, at only 45 minutes. My limbs felt really heavy and I was conscious of the few niggles I'd felt in the pool on Wednesday. I really need to listen to my body even at this stage of the training, because of the risks involved, pushing too hard could be disastrous and that's not a risk I'm willing to take.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
Before stepping on the scales this morning, I wasn't sure if I'd lost any more weight this week, partly because of the increase in muscle definition and tone that I'm seeing and feeling. So, I was very happy to see that I have indeed lost another 3 pounds, for a total loss so far of nine pounds. The loss seems to have settled into a pattern of nothing one week, with 3 off the next. I'm still some way off my target, but I'm feeling so much better even now.

Monday, May 5, 2014
I was determined to change my cardio session up today, so switched to a different 30 minute routine, at a higher pace. Instead of repeating it a second time, I did a 15 minute session of various parts of the workout I have been doing from the beginning, keeping the pace high and being sure to stretch out and protect all muscle groups.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014 ~ Splash by Splash
From the moment I completed last weeks 84 laps/ 1-3/4 miles, I'd planned to complete the same distance today, because it is the distance that I'd worked out to be that which will be done during the challenge. All that changed while I was on the way to the pool this afternoon. Any distance athlete will tell you that it's better to exceed your target or race distance during training. So, the same would be true for me today. Having only ever swam 2 miles once before in my life, that was today's target!

I got into the pool just before 2:00 pm and was soon into my rhythm, although the first couple laps were perhaps a little slower than some I've done because I was focusing on my technique and position in the water. For the first half mile, or 24 laps, I paused briefly to adjust my goggles every 6 laps, but only for maybe 20 seconds, if that.

I was able to keep count of the laps today easier than at other times, I think because the target of 96 laps is enough and I don't want to do any more! This might seem strange to some, but the first mile, or 48 laps, was relatively easy for me. Say what? Yep, even for me, that sounds strange, but I passed the mile with barely a thought and pushed on.

At around 56 laps I started to feel some tension in the left side of my neck and shoulder, but it wasn't niggly or painful, instead telling me that the muscles were doing what I was telling them to do! It was also around this point that I started tiring and losing form in the water, so I focused on pulling my abs in and lifting into a better position for a little, then upped the pace again

The last 15 laps were understandably tough, but just as with every lap over the past five weeks, I gave it my all and pushed on with everything I had, once again changing up my stroke for the last 2, laps 95 and 96 today.

Touching the wall at the end of lap 96, having completed my target distance, even lifting myself to standing was difficult. I truly had given everything I have. With my back to the pool, I said a very, very brief prayer of thanks, looking up as I did so. Turning once more, I lifted my goggles, then slowly walked to the edge of the pool, took hold of the ladder and pulled myself up out of the water, pausing to make sure I could stand, before walking around the pool, grabbing my towel and heading back to the locker room.

As I write this now, I've been out of the pool for a couple of hours and have refueled. The only ache I feel right now is a slight one in each bicep, but I'm not uncomfortable. I am understandably tired, but very happy, very proud to have achieved another target. Five weeks, five targets achieved and I've gone from a mile to two.

In my next post, on Friday, I'll be sharing some more of the planning aspects of the challenge. Once again, HUGE THANKS to all of you for supporting, encouraging and inspiring me as I continue Battling Back.

God bless,
Em

Step by Step 2009 ~ part 5

Hi everyone,

Today we continue our look back at the Step by Step journal from the 2009 challenge, starting on December 17. If you've missed the previous posts in the series you can read them HERE, the link opens in a new tab.

December 17 - Walk minus 11 days!
Today turned into an unscheduled rest day. Now I'm getting this close to the start of the hike, resting is as equally important as getting out and training. I was able to totally relax and catch up with some other things that I've been neglecting recently.

December 18 - Walk minus 10 days! I can't believe how close I'm getting now. The final countdown has really begun. I did just four miles training today, but it was great to get out there. I also got downtown and picked up the items for the first aid kit.

The weather will be colder than initially expected during the hike, so I'll be making sure I pack PLENTY of extra layers. I'll begin packing over the weekend and will, as promised in an earlier posting, give a detailed kit list.

December 19 - Walk minus 9 days! Another unscheduled rest day, as I spent time with family this morning. As it is, I'm VERY tired today. Rest is my first priority right now. I'll rest tomorrow too, then get out and do a 12 miler on Monday, it will be my last big session.

December 20 - Walk minus 8 days!Today is my last REAL rest day, as it all gets a little hectic from here. Final 12 mile training session tomorrow; last minute shopping on Tuesday with a 4 miler; back to UK time on Wednesday; short session Thursday; 6 miles on Christmas day; check packing Saturday; travel up north this time next week...

Before closing this relatively short post, I want to share another of the battlefield trip photos with you. The quality of the image is relatively poor for a number of reasons, it's been scanned and also because the light on the day was poor and I have purposefully not edited the file in any way because I want to convey as much of the atmosphere of the trip as possible.

In my next post I'll share my latest training notes and another couple of pix too, so I hope you'll join me on Wednesday. 

God bless,

Em 

Ultimate lifeguard

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by, I'm honored to have you here.

In the majority of my posts, I've focused mainly on the physical aspects of my battle back to fitness and the challenge ahead. Today though, I want to say some more about both the mental and spiritual side of it, which is equally, if not more important, than the physicality.

In the Challenge announcement and training post, I spoke about how I'm now both mentally and spiritually stronger than for a very long time, if ever. I couldn't have set out on this journey if I wasn't ready in that way. Indeed that's the main reason why this year's challenge is taking place almost five years after the last, because if I wasn't where I am now in those respects, I'd risk failing to reach my goal and that is not a risk I would ever take.

In the majority of posts to the blog, I've mentioned all those who are inspiring, supporting and encouraging me. I know I'm never alone, each of you are with me. Jesus is too. Despite my mental/ spiritual strength, determination and yes, stubbornness, I couldn't do it without any of you, or Him.

Before each and every training session, I spend a few minutes in prayer, asking Him to strengthen and support me, to protect me from injury. Then, soon after I'm done, or in this Wednesday's case immediately I'd completed the last lap and was still stood in the pool, I say a prayer of thanks for getting me through the workout, and for everyone who is inspiring, supporting and encouraging me.

After I'd shared Wednesday's post and story of my latest achievements in the pool, one of my friends, Larry, posted the photo below on my Facebook wall, saying he thought is was appropriate for me, given the challenge. Thank you Larry!

It is appropriate for me, but it's SO true for all of us. Jesus Christ, IS our ultimate lifeguard.

God bless,
Em

Step by Step 2014 ~ Proud, amazed, determined part 2

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by today, I'm honored to have you here. If you missed last Wednesday's post, Step by Step 2014 ~ Proud, amazed, determined, you can click on the title and it will open in a new tab for you. Alternatively the blog archive, listing all previous posts, can be accessed from the home page.

In today's post we'll review my last three training sessions, last Friday, this Monday and today's. However, before we do, I feel I must again thank you all for your support and encouragement, it really does mean so much to me! THANK YOU!

Friday, April 11, 2014
So far this year spring seems to have been in hiding, so when I checked the forecast earlier in the week and saw that today was going to be dry, but perhaps not so warm, I knew that I wanted to try and get out for awhile and for the first time this year, with the exception of my vacation, take some photos.

I'm at my most relaxed when I'm outside, no matter where it is, but to be on a beach is even more so, especially when it's warm enough to be barefoot and given my current training regime it's a great workout too! I was really looking forward to it, but after Wednesday's exertions in the pool and still being a little sore, even late last night I was debating whether or not I'd get out today.

Luckily when I got up this morning it was sunny and warm and the stiffness in my back had eased. I knew then that yes, I'd get out! I'd be walking around three miles, half of that on the beach, so even when I headed out I was wondering if it would take the place of my usual workout, but there was plenty of time to make the decision. The moment I got to the beach, having already taken some photos on the way there, I took my sandals off. The sand was a little cool, but it felt so good! I took well over 100 photos in just over four hours, nothing unusual in that for me though lol. I'm only sharing a couple here, because this will be a long post, but the rest can be seen on my personal Facebook page and I'll also post others in later blog posts.

The breeze was so light, but with patience I was able to get a number of pics of Old Glory fluttering and it was well worth it.

As the day drew on, I decided that I would indeed be doing a full regular workout when I got back. I did just that, 45 minutes cardio and by the end of it I was tired, but pleased with what I'd achieved, combined with the walk on the beach, it had been my biggest day yet. I was again making progress.

Monday, April 14, 2014
I started the new week by doing another 45 minute cardio session today and really pushed myself during the third fifteen minute rep. I might up it to an hour on Friday, but will see how I feel after the pool session on Wednesday.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 ~ Splash by splash?
During the past week, whenever I've thought back to the first swim session, I'm still as proud, amazed and yes, determined as I was afterwards. Completing a mile after being away from the pool for over four years was some achievement!

You might think that my goal for today's session would be to match that? Yes and no. Yes, I know that I can't push myself too much, so doing the same as last week would also be great. On the other hand, I'm not only determined, but stubborn too and yes, those who know me will confirm that fact! This morning I did tell my brother Aaron that I'd perhaps aim to do an extra quarter mile, promising I'd be careful!

I got into the pool just around 1:10 pm this afternoon, fixed my new optical prescription goggles in place and sank down into the water. The moment I pushed back on the wall, gliding underwater, I was amazed I could see right to the other end of the pool! My first pause last week had been at the quarter mile point, 12 laps, but this week I didn't stop there, I pushed on and thought I'd perhaps take a quick break at one third of a mile, 16 laps. Nope!

If I was to do the extra quarter mile, 60 laps, perhaps I'd stop at 20, a third of the total distance? Nope! But what did happen around this point, or perhaps it was at the end of the 18th lap, was that I lost count. Oops! I couldn't remember if I'd done 18 or 20, so I started counting again from 18, then made sure I kept count! I looked up to the clock high above the pool, something that I couldn't see last week and noticed that I'd only been in the pool 20 minutes, so time-wise I was on a par with last week.

Perhaps I'd pause at the half mile point, 24 laps? Nah, not then either! Maybe 30? I did think about it, but no. I'd had the pool to myself since around lap 12 and was determined to kick on. By the time I got to 36 laps, the three quarter mile point, I gotten so far, why stop now? So I didn't! It was the same at 40 and at 48, the completion of the mile and where I'd stopped last week. I looked up at the clock again and saw I'd gotten this far in just under 50 minutes, the same as I'd achieved last week.

Something else that I did differently today was deciding not to count down the last laps. Having lost count earlier, I didn't want the same to happen again! Instead, I kicked on and upped the pace. Yes, I'd been feeling the effort in my shoulders for a bit, but I'd paced myself pretty well to this point and yes, I was happy.

Kicking off the wall at the start of lap 54, I changed stroke to freestyle, aiming to do the last six laps this way, but gliding in at the end of the next, I changed back down to breaststroke for lap 56. Yep, I admit it, it was my first, very minor disappointment, but it didn't last long! I changed back up for the start of lap 58, my penultimate lap of the day and my quickest so far. Coming in at the end of lap 60, I looked at the wall for a split second too long. I missed a breath and a beat, but didn't panic. I kicked on and pushed for the wall. I'd made it!

Not only had I increased the total distance to one and one quarter miles, an achievement to be proud of in itself, but for the first time EVER, I'd swam more than a quarter mile without a pause, a full MILE further! Wow, wow, wow! Yes, I am as PROUD, AMAZED and DETERMINED as ever to give this my ABSOLUTE ALL!

I'm not sure at this point what will be included in my next post, but it will be posted at some point on Friday, so please do check back then. Thanks again everyone for your support and encouragement. It really does me so much to me!

God bless,
Em

Step by Step 2009 ~ Favorite photos

Hi everyone,

I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was spent relaxing and yesterday was the first day in over a week that I've managed without any medication for my cough, YAY! It is still hanging on, but I'm feeling far better than I did this time last week and soon after writing this post I'll be doing today's workout.

I  know that I've so far only posted one retrospective entry about the 2009 challenge Part 1, and that by posting pics from the actual hike we're jumping ahead somewhat, but at the same time all you've seen from me are my words and no images, so I really hope you don't mind.

The first of the pics was taken as night began to fall on the first day and at this point we still had around two hours before we'd reach camp for the night...

All the following pics were taken on day five, the first just as we set out for the day...

This last one is my absolute favorite from the entire hike, although it was taken in color, it looks almost totally black and white and I LOVE it!

I hope you've enjoyed this brief look at some of my highlights from the 2009 challenge. I'd love to know your thoughts about the pics. In my next post I'll share Part 2 of the 2009 training.

God bless,
Em