Posted by JanetK_CA on 8/30/07 2:13am
Msg #208498

Gettin' enough exercise...??

Here's one for the "we never know what to expect" file. I had an interesting appointment today in Laguna Beach, one of those places I always have mixed feelings about going to. On one hand, having to travel to places like that is sometimes one of the benefits of working in a place like Southern California and why I put up with the very high cost of living here. On the other hand, I always wonder if I'm going to find myself and my high-mileage car having to fight up a steep and narrow hill. Today, I was relieved to learn that the address was only .1 miles from a main drag, so I figured no steep hills. (I was especially concerned because the husband is someone I'd heard of - and I'm sure you have, too, although he's not a celebrity - and I figured it would be a *very* nice home. Missed seeing the ocean today, though. Bummer!)

The wife had told me I could park in front of the garage and "take the stairs to the right to get to the front door" - shoulda been my clue... The stairs curved around and with all the vegetation on the hillside, I couldn't see more than a small section at a time, so I took off, carrying my somewhat heavy case that I usually roll in. Long story short, my workout program just become a higher priority. I confess to briefly stopping twice to catch my breath on my way up, and rolling the case up the last five or ten steps. I counted them on the way back down -- 87 steps (with switchbacks), not including the flatter sections where there was only a slight incline! Oy!! (I'm glad I couldn't tell how many there were as I was going up the hill!!)

BTW, the package for this signing was for a purchase and they were in the process of moving. There was a whole collection of people packing up the house while we were signing and I did pass some of them coming down the stairs on my way up. In retrospect, I wonder if there is another entrance, but I saw no evidence of one. I'd sure hate to have to be the movers on THAT job!!!! [And I managed to resist asking if that was why they were moving. ] Nice people, though.

I bet some of you in the rural areas run into some interesting situations getting to the table, as well. At least we *had* a table - although we had to share it with a woman who was wrapping dishes in paper.

Thank goodness I'm in better shape than I was a few years back! (I'm not sure I would have made it and still been able to carry on a conversation once I got there.) An occupational hazard of this business seems to be doing lots of sitting - in the car, at the computer, at the table... What do some of you do to try to maintain (or improve) your health and keep fit with our sporadic, unpredicatable schedules?? ('Course that's likely less of a problem these days....)

Reply by Teresa/FL on 8/30/07 3:16am
Msg #208499

I joined a gym two years ago and make it a priority to go two to three times a week. I do about 30-45 minutes of weights, then 30-60 minutes of cardio and find it great for relieving stress. I'm no Ms. America, but have certainly toned up and built up my muscles while losing some weight as well.

It's tough getting up in the morning, as I am a life-long night owl, but I have found that's the only time I can consistently make it. Plus, going to they gym in the morning leaves the afternoon and evening free for loan signings!

Reply by Teresa/FL on 8/30/07 3:20am
Msg #208500

We don't have any hills here,

but it does pay to try to stay in shape for those quick dashes from the car to the house when it's pouring down rain this time of year!

Reply by Stamper_WI on 8/30/07 7:28am
Msg #208506

Re: We don't have any hills here,

I had a rural one yesterday that had a very long"new" gravel driveway winding up and around a hill and through the woods. The heavy rains of the last couple of weeks had washed a lot of the gravel out exposing the breaker rock underneath. That's 3"and up rocks! Add the gully's from the washouts and and piles of gravel, it made it interesting driving in my Jetta up and back down. Also, the turn around up by the house had partially washed out. That was a lot of jockeying too!
The paved road at the end of the driveway was covered in sand giving credence to the "Watch for water on the road" signs permanently installed. The Black River was 1/2 mile away.
This area was the first to flood in the midwest flooding. 7 area people died the first night. Many many roads are closed that look fine but the gravel below them has washed away leaving unsupported pavement. Thank goodness we have several days of nice weather coming up to dry out!

Reply by DebbieT on 8/30/07 7:34am
Msg #208509

Re: We don't have any hills here,

I definately am feeling the sitting, driving, and then sitting. I used to work for a weight loss center and I was in perfect health and full of energy. When I started doing this business I have added about 30 lbs to this now not so perfect health and full of energy. That should be on the newbie list of things to do before getting started in this business. Join a gym.

Reply by Vince/KS on 8/30/07 9:55am
Msg #208538

Walk 3.8 miles in an hour daily n/m

Reply by BetsyMI on 8/30/07 10:07am
Msg #208540

Re: We don't have any hills here,

I too find that if I don't do some exercise or go to the gym in the morning, it likely won't happen. I was ready to get out and bike ride yesterday early afternoon when a call came in for a 3pm closing, and there went my good intentions. By the time I got back from the closing it was pouring out with heavy thunderstorms. Had I gone biking in the morning, I would have gotten in my daily exercise!

Reply by kathy/ca on 8/30/07 10:51am
Msg #208567

JanetK, I was in Laguna Bch today too, slow goin on PCH, but

what a gorgeous drive. I had 2 in a row that were just 1/2 mile apart, both early and both paid well. I think I will take the rest of the day off, unless of course, I get another good paying one.

Reply by BetsyMI on 8/30/07 11:00am
Msg #208572

How lucky the two of you are!

I know the Laguna Beach area and Pacific Coast Highway, and I'm envious that you are able to live in such a wonderful area.

Reply by Frenchie/TN on 8/30/07 12:06pm
Msg #208595

I run or hike for exercise

I ususally can find time just twice a week but I'll run anywhere from 3 to 5 miles or I'll go hike anywhere from 6 to 10 miles. It keeps me in shape, but to go up 87 steps without huffing you have to be Rocky....Steps are tough as anybody who's ever done that machine in the Gym that looks like steps can tell you. I don't go to Gym anymore but I used to and loved it. It just takes too much time. Running is quick. Out the door and ready to go...

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/30/07 1:04pm
Msg #208619

Re: I run or hike for exercise

I have an exercise DVD that I was using more frequently a few months back that I'm dusting off again. Earlier this year I took off about 10 pounds (which I've kept off) and I'm sure that helped a great deal. I figured those 87 steps were the equivalent of at least 4 or 5 floors in a building. With carrying the heavy case, I guess I got a pretty fair workout yesterday! I'm actually very pleased that I did as well as I did. But I think it's time for me to get serious again about the remaining 10 or 15 lbs I could stand to lose. (Thank goodness I eat healthy these days, too, because I'm not exactly a spring chicken anymore!)

Reply by BetsyMI on 8/30/07 1:28pm
Msg #208629

Regarding stairs

When there's bad weather out, I've been known to use the stairs down to my lower level as an 'exerciser'. I just keep going down and back up again, and it's surprising how difficult it gets. I'll go down and back up 20 times and by then my heart is really pumping, so I'll stop and rest, and then do it again a bit later. I can imagine how you felt after climbing 87 steps lugging a briefcase and probably in some sort of sandal or heel!