Getting Involved and Being Active

Since we are mid-way through January, I have been doing very well getting myself in shape.  I have been to the gym seven out of the past 9 days, and I have worked up to about an hour of cardio.  This includes the elliptical, the bike, and the stairmaster.  I think I'm developing the "Wayne Wood Calves" which is a scary thought.

To motivate myself, I have signed up for three different events in pittsburgh through work.  Team Sisterson will be participating in the following:

RACE TO ANY PLACE - This is the longest stationary bike race in Pittsburgh.  Teams are comprised of twelve people.  Each person will ride the bike for two fifteen minute intervals.  So many people were interested at work this year, that we have two teams participating.  This year the Race will take place in the U.S. Steel Tower, and the money raised will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  The event takes place February 27, 2010.

CLIMB PITTSBURGH - This event is sponsored by the American Lung Association.  Each year, the event is held in a different building downtown.  This year the building is the Gulf Tower.  It is about two blocks from my office building.  Participants race to the top of the building completing 38 flights of stairs.  Each participant needs to raise a minimum of $100.  I need your help!  You can donate online by following these steps:
     1. Go to http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/home.jsp?id=2837
     2. On the left hand side, click on View Our Teams
     3. Select Team Sisterson
     4. Click on my name and continue through the following screens to give a contribution
I have until March 6, 2010 to raise enough money. Tell your friends!  It is for a good cause!

SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE - I have participated in this event for the past four years.  We do this in honor of my Aunt Vonda who is a breast cancer survivor.  She is going on 12 years cancer free!  I have always walked this in the past.  It is a 5k walk through one of the parks downtown.  This year, several people from work have talked about running it this year.  I have decided to run as well.  I will run the race and then, meet up with my family to finish the walk with them.  Marc has also decided to run it, and he will help me.  I am not exactly a runner.  I never have been.  The race takes place on Mother's Day every year, so I have given myself plenty of time to get ready.

These three events are all for good causes.  It makes me feel involved, but I can get in shape at the same time!  I would like to thank you for your help in advance!

2010 - A New Year

A new year seems to be in full swing, and it got off to a good start.  Prior to the new year, I GOT A NEPHEW!  John Wayne Horgan has arrived, but we call him Duke.

This is my favorite picture of the little man.... so far.  I'm sure there will be plenty more.

I don't usually make new years resolutions.  I have a few goals that I would like to keep up:

     1. I will go to the gym at least 3 times a week.  I have had a gym membership to LA Fitness, but I have not been using it as much as I should.  I also purchased some new swimming equipment to take full advantage of the pool.  Because of my knee problems, swimming works well since there is no impact on my knee.

     2. I will maintain a healthier diet.  Being on my own, I am finding that it is hard to have a steady diet.  I cook for myself, so it is difficult to find things that a quick and easy to make in smaller portions.  I'm not one for leftovers.  They just don't taste as good.  I am more experimental in foods that I will try.  I had eggplant for the first time last week, and I thought it was good.  Marc and I made a "no-meat" meal, and it turned out to be very filling.

     3. I hope to learn to better deal with my stress.  I get stressed out easily, and I feel overwhelmed very often.  I bought "Stress Management for Dummies" last year, and now I think it is time to utilize the techniques that it provides.  If I'm not careful, I'll throw myself into a heart attack before I'm thirty.

This is a new year, and it is time for a better me!