about getting from point A to point B in the most interesting ways possible

If you're a large woman in America, your whole life is an opportunity to feel self-conscious, embarrassed, resentful and way too big. You can hide in the corner or on the couch, you can go to therapy, or you can put on your lycra bike shorts and get out there and move.
—Jayne Williams, Slow Fat Triathlete

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March 22, 2005

I'm going for a walk permalink

I had a very pleasant walk in this morning. First, somehow, I left early. Okay, it was only a minute early, but that still counts! I didn't do it fast, or hold my abs in, or use good racewalking form—I just walked. And it was great.

I thought a lot about a couple things, one of which is that I'm seeing Greg, the assigner of exercises, this afternoon, and I have been, ummm, a total and complete slacker about doing them. Man, I suck! I've totally been an overachiever, but I still suck.

It made me think of this crazy path I'm on, with pilates and cycling and now this crazy cardio-boxing—is this all in the service of making me a better walker? I think so. I hope so.

The other thing I thought about was my mom, who is having surgery in just a couple hours. Please keep her in your thoughts. I really wanted to be home to take care of her, but it just wasn't possible. It breaks my heart. As surgery goes, this shouldn't be a big deal, but that thought is not a lot of comfort.

Posted at March 22, 2005

Comments

Hi, I found a link to this blog from Marshall's ultrawalker blog. I immediately recognized the walkway on the Steel Bridge facing downtown Portland! I live here in PDX and OFTEN go over that walkway on my training runs and walks!

I start at Willamette Park, 5 miles south off Macadam Blvd, and come north to the Hawthorne Bridge, cross over to the east side, go along the eastside esplanade (what a neat thing the city has now with that!)and then cross back over to the west side at the Steel Bridge. Then depending on my training schedule, I might head north to Wacker Siltronic 5 miles further north (out Front Ave till it stops near the railroad bridge) for a 20 miler, or turn back to Willamette Park for a 10 miler.

We probably have seen each other if you exercise out there! I am normally out there 3-4 times a week, although now I've developed a leg injury (probably from over-training) and will have to lay off for a while healing up.

Another neat walkway here in town is the Springwater Corridor running all the way from Gresham's city park to near the Sellwood Bridge where it peters out. I can't however, recommend it for solo walkers and runners as I have seen lots of homeless out there in times past. Also water can be a problem in that you have to go about 5 miles westward before you have access to water. Best to take a camelbak!

I have been a Clydesdale (at 250+ pounds) but intensive exercise has had me down around 160 for several years now, so keep up the walking!

My wife is also a good walker and likes the Hippie Chick race down at Champoeg State Park. We also have done the Bridge Pedal event as walkers which I highly recommend if you've never done it. (the course goes over the top deck of the Fremont Bridge, runs southward and then crosses back over the top deck of the Marquam Bridge!) My wife's favorite walk however is Terwilliger Blvd near the hospital complex up on pill hill. It is about 3 miles from the Duniway YMCA to the turnaround near Barbur Blvd. There are always a lot of people there, so it feels safe, and there are two water fountains (and more importantly-one bathroom!) en route.

If you have any questions about good walk routes or walker-friendly races in the state, feel free to post me. I have done most of them!! My favorite distance are ultras but I've done everything down to 5k's.

Prayers for your mom!

Posted by: michael sweney at March 22, 2005 9:48 AM

Oh by the way, I also am volunteering at March Mudness!! (small world) I am doing the aid station at Germantown road with Fritz!

I saw the fleecy we volunteers get. They had one hanging up at the race start/finish at the Hagg Lake 50/25k last month...it is neat!

Posted by: michael sweney at March 22, 2005 9:55 AM

I'm definitely thinking positive thoughts for your mom. I hope her surgery goes smoothly!

Posted by: Rebecca at March 22, 2005 12:56 PM

Hey! VJ! It's Laura Hudson, who used to exchange email with you back when, except I go by Ellie now and I got married and changed my last name too!

You sound happy and energetic! You still with joe? you still see ms. ryan?

Email if you have time!

Ellie/Laura/me

Posted by: laura hudson at March 22, 2005 1:00 PM

Good thoughts, good thoughts, good thoughts!

Posted by: Megan at March 22, 2005 2:11 PM

hey VJ, keep us posted about your mom.
xoxo

Posted by: Chrissie at March 22, 2005 4:20 PM