Lest We Forget

It's been 3 months since I last posted. I will get back to posting soon. My running, on the other hand, has continued uninterrupted.

However, today I am going off topic to post something for this special day - November 11 - Remembrance Day in Canada.

There seems to be a bit of a focus on World War I (aka The Great War) in the media this year. I lost a great uncle in that horrible conflagration.

There was an excellent 8-part series on PBS 20 years ago called "The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century". I am so glad I taped it back then as it does not appear to have ever come out on DVD. One of the individuals covered in that series was Wilfred Owen - a noted poet that would not survive the war. He was killed in action 1 week before the end of the war. Below is one of his more famous pieces.

Anthem for Doomed Youth

by Wilfred Owen

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?

      — Only the monstrous anger of the guns.

      Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle

Can patter out their hasty orisons.

No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; 

      Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,—

The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;

      And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?

      Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes

Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.

      The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;

Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,

And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.

War is hell. Will we never learn?

On Monday I conducted some client meetings with a colleague who also runs - not marathons, but runs - and, I think, she is probably about 20 years or more younger than me. I was asking her how her daughter's running was going and we talked a bit about my progress.

I mentioned how I have this habit of counting my steps during my run intervals to keep myself motivated in that I only have so many steps left in a run interval and I can then look forward to a rest (walk) for a minute or so. It has always been my intention to let go of this habit once I get running more and further. She suggested I just stop now and focus on listening to my music.

So, Tuesday being my next Run I did that. HOLY CRAP! I cut a full 2 minutes off my time! That said, I was getting exhausted towards the end of my last couple of run intervals. (I have been careful to avoid having that happen - up until now.) My next Run is tomorrow morning. I will need to somehow adjust my pace without the benefit of "counting" and see how I do. I want a full 45 minutes of activity (minimum) including my warm-up walk. But, I do not believe I am ready to extend my distance based on my Run yesterday. Not just yet, anyway.

 BTW - Does the colour of your home's front door match your car? After my wife's recent house painting, ours does! Or, at least it matches my wife's car. I guess my car matches our roof!


Today's Walk - 5:55am; 5.3kms; 53mins; 18c; clear

Yesterday's Run - 6:05am; 6.0kms; 43.5mins (wow!); 17c; clear

Monday's Walk - 6:05am; 5.3kms; 52.5mins; 12c (birr!); partly cloudy

My Run on Thursday went fine. I woke up with a bit of a sore back, but I did my Run and I have been fine since. Didn't even hurt my back re-installing the toilet!

So, the painting is done - for now. We have a newly painted main bathroom, front hall entrance and a bright yellow front door! It matches my wife's car! Oh, well. You have to have some fun in life!



Thursday's Run - 6:05am; 6kms; 46mins; 17c, clear

Friday's Walk - 6:00am; 5.3kms; 53.5mins; 17c; clear

Yesterday's Run - 6:10am; 6kms; 45.5mins; 16c; clear

Today's Walk (off day, casual walk) - 7:20am; 5.3kms; 53.5mins; 17c; clear

I have been having trouble keeping up with posting on this blog - obviously.

Anyway ...

So, I stretched my Run on Saturday as I intended - moving from 60 seconds run/90 seconds walk to 75 seconds run /75 seconds walk. So, I both increased my run interval and decreased my walk interval at the same time. Boy, that was a tough Run. But, I made it!

Because I wanted to make sure I am active for at least 45 minutes, on Sunday I went for a walk to measure out some slight changes to my route. And, I did the same on Monday with my usual Walk day.

Meanwhile, my lovely wife is taking this week off from work for "vacation" time. And, of course, she has decided to start to repaint the inside of our house - starting with the upstairs (main) bathroom. This necessitates removing the toilet so she can properly paint behind it. Well, removing the toilet and putting it into the bathtub out of the way caused me to strain a muscle in my back - lifting and twisting without thinking, of course.

Tuesday morning, I woke to a sore back. It was supposed to be a Run day, but I wasn't sure how it would go - especially with my newly extended run intervals. Amazingly, it went fine!

This morning I woke up fine. But, as soon as I went to get dressed my back went and I could hardly move. I still went for my Walk, but I wasn't sure how far I'd get. (I had visions of phoning my wife to come and get me in her car.) Well, I made it. But, as you can see by my time, it is one of the worst paces I have had in a long time, although most of the slow part was the first half.

Geez ... I must be getting old!


Friday's Walk - 6:05am; 5.3kms; 52mins; 17c; cloudy

Saturdays' Run - 6:05am; 5.9kms; 44mins; 18c; clear

Sunday's Walk (off day, casual walk) - 5:55am; 6kms; 59.5mins; 18c; clear

Monday's Walk - 6:00am; 5.3kms; 53.5mins; 17c; partly cloudy

Yesterday's Run - 6:10am; 6kms; 46mins; 16c; clear

Today's Walk - 6:10am; 5.3kms; 57mins; 16c; clear

I just haven't known what to write about lately - the Presidential race in the US? Attacks in France? The oil spill (I believe it's actually "dilbit" [diluted bitumen - from the tar sands - that will sink to the bottom ... and then what - reference the Kalamazoo spill in Michigan], but nobody wants to use the word) into the North Saskatchewan river? Turkey?

Well, maybe I'll just talk about me again. After all, this blog is supposed to be about my transforming my life at 60. It's a slow transformation. For now, it's focussed primarily in getting active, after more than 3 decades of not. So ...

Because of my disappointment in the Mpow wireless (Bluetooth) headphones I purchased a set of Philips ActionFit earphones. They have an over-ear loop that keeps them in place. Oh - and, they're wired, not wireless. That's not really important to me. They work fine but the sound is a bit disappointing. It's a bit tinny.

So, I thought I'd compare the sound to the Mpow set. And, I discovered that, if I change the earphone caps to a smaller size (a real effort) the pounding when I walk disappears. So, my apologies to Mpow. However, I found that when I wasn't being distracted by the constant thud-thud-thud when I ran or walked I noticed that they just didn't feel comfortable.

So, sound quality better with Mpow (best with the iPhone ear-buds, but they just keep falling out when running) but comfort better with Philips ActionFit. I'm sure that there are better earphones overall that would meet my needs. But, at this time, I'm not prepared to spend $100+. Both of these were less than $30 each.

Today I wanted to see if I was ready to run longer intervals than the current 60seconds run/90 seconds walk. It's been a while since I pushed a bit harder. So, I just arbitrarily added 10-12 steps to my run interval which increased my run time but, also then reduced my walk interval, by about 8 seconds. It seemed to go okay. My overall time was less, as you can see.

I may more formally increase my run time intervals starting Saturday/Sunday. It's time to push on to the next level. I may have to increase my distance though which means a slight change to my route again.

Today's Run - 6:00am; 5.9kms; 45mins; 21c, humid and cloudy

Yesterday's Walk - 6:05am; 5.3kms; 52.5mins; 17c; clear

Tuesday's Run - 5:55am; 5.9kms; 46mins; 20c; partly cloudy

Sorry, I haven't had an opportunity to write much lately. Tomorrow I will be a bit more prolific.


Saturday - day off but did a casual 45 minute walk in 32C weather.

Yesterday's Run - 6:05am; 5.9kms; 46mins; 15c; clear

Today's Walk - 7:30am (late due to thunderstorms); 5.4kms; 52mins; 24c and very humid; cloudy

Yesterday's Run - 6:00am; 5.8kms; 45.5mins; 14c; clear

Today's Walk - 6:05am; 5.3kms; 52.5mins; 22c and very humid, clear; I sweated extremely this morning. Very, very humid.

Yesterday's Run - 6:00am; 5.9kms; 45.5mins (personal best!); 14c, clear

Today's Walk - 6:05am; 5.3kms; 51.5mins (personal best!); 9c (geez! It's supposed to be summer!); clear

Yesterday's Run - 5:55am; 5.8kms; 47.5mins; 11c; clear

Today's Walk - 6:10am (late!); 5.3kms; 53mins; 23c (what the heck!) partly cloudy

More tomorrow ...

Yesterday's Walk - 6:00am; 5.3kms; 53mins; 20c and clear

My Rant - continued 2 ...

A few more fund companies have got back to me. And, I've discovered a few more that are investing in companies that produce cluster munitions.

Also, even though I have requested the current government's position on whether or not investing in cluster munitions is illegal for Canadians, I'm not sure if I have much hope of the answer I would like.

The following article is one of the more complete ones I have come across recently -

Canadian firms invested in US cluster bomb makers, report says

Anyway, one of the larger fund companies in Canada responded to me saying they are compliant even though at least one of their funds holds an investment in a cluster munitions maker. I asked them to please put that in writing for me. They refused! What does that say about their convictions on how "compliant" they are?!

I have also discovered that some asset management firms (mutual fund managers) that are signatories to the UNPRI  also have holdings in cluster munitions producers. What does it actually mean to these investment management companies to be a signatory to PRI and yet still make this kind of investment? Are we just "ticking a box" now? Where's the commitment?

Yesterday's Walk - 5:55am; 5.3kms; 53mins; 17c & humid; clear

Today's Run - 6:05am; 5.9kms; 46mins; 22c, humid - and then it rained on me starting when I was furthest from my end point!

Got behind.

Yesterday's Walk - 6:05am; 5.3kms; 53.5mins; 16c & humid; partly cloudy

Today's Run - 5:55am; 5.8kms; 47mins; 17c & humid; partly cloudy

Yesterday was my "day off". Busy regardless.

The Mpow cordless/Bluetooth earbuds are not a good fit for me. I mean they "fit" fine. They work fine. But, I cannot stand the pounding I get in my ears when running as my foot hits the ground. It was bad enough when walking. It's torture when running.

Today's Run - 6:05am; 5.9kms; 47.5mins; 15c & humid; clear

I wear earbuds and listen to music (on low volume) and get cues and distance, time & pace information from Runkeeper, on my iPhone when I am doing my Walks and Runs. However, when I run my left earbud keeps falling out. So, I thought I'd try something different.

Amazon has Mpow Swift Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones (basically wireless earbuds for exercising) at an affordable price so I thought I'd try them,

Since today was a Walk is wasn't much of a test. However, I'm not sure I care for them. They fit fine (instructions are horrid and an internet search for more information was necessary). But, they cause my hearing to change - like how you hear things that your body is doing that you do not hear unless you plug your ears? Each step I took reverberated in my ears. Running should be a real treat!

Today's Walk - 6:05am; 5.3kms; 53mins; 17c (cloudy, rain storm just ended)

My Rant - continued

I wrote to seven fund companies asking for their position regarding investing in companies that produce cluster munitions - which I view as an illegal activity for Canadians due to the passage of Bill C-6 [2013-2014] that became effective Sept.1, 2015.

I have heard from one fund company so far. Their position is that they do not see any reason that they would invest in a company that manufacturers cluster munitions as it is unlikely to meet their investment criteria. Didn't exactly answer my concerns about whether they considered such an investment illegal or not. Disappointing.

For some information on cluster munitions you can visit www.clusterconvention.org or also www.minesactioncanada.org

Today's Run - 6:05am; 5.9kms; 47.5mins; 21c and humid; partly cloudy

My Rant

Okay, we're going off topic. But, this is something that grates on me.

Have you ever trusted someone that you thought would act properly and then suddenly caught them acting in a way that goes against your nature or values?

Well, that has happened to me recently.

PAX [ www.paxforpeace.nl ] released an update of their "Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions - a shared responsibility" in June, 2016. A couple of Canadian financial institutions were named/shamed. I did additional research (PAX had a minimum investment size for their report - I had none) and found more Canadian mutual funds that invested in a company that produces cluster munitions. Some of these fund companies I deal with.

I originally asked them informally about those investments. The responses I received were "disappointing". I have now asked for more official responses.

Why?

Because, in my opinion - based on the wording of the "Convention on Cluster Munitions" (signed by Canada in 2008), "Bill C-6 [2013-2014] An Act to Implement the Convention on Cluster Munitions" (passed by Canada's Parliament in 2014 and effective September 1, 2015), and the comments of various Members of Parliament and Ministers of the Crown during the passage of The Act through Parliament - investing in companies that manufacture cluster munitions is an illegal activity for Canadians.

We'll see how this progresses. Regardless, adhering to the "letter of the law" rather than the "spirit of the law" just to try to make a buck - especially on this issue - pisses me off!


Today's Walk - 6:05am; 5.4kms; 54mins; 17c; partly cloudy

Changed my Run a bit today. I increased my run interval from 45 seconds to 60 seconds and left my walk interval at 90 seconds. Just like when I increased my run intervals from 30 to 45 seconds, I may be at this level for a bit. I did okay, however.

Today's Run - 5:55am; 5.9kms; 47.5mins; 18c and humid; partly cloudy

Today's Walk - 6:05am; 5.5kms; 53.5mins; 10c; clear

Had to finish helping the mover unpack and arrange stuff today. So much for the long weekend.

Today's Run - 6:05am; 5.9kms; 48.5mins; 10c; clear

Yesterday was a pretty good Canada Day. It rained in the morning, but cleared for the rest of the day here.

Kind of like the time from 2006 until late last year - cloudy and rainy - and, then, sunny days!

I hope everyone had a great Canada Day! Everywhere around the world, in fact! 

Today's Walk - 5:50am; 5.5kms; 54mins; 9c

Happy "Kinder" Canada Day!

Today there's no Walk or Run. I have to leave early to help someone move.


Meanwhile ... for the first time since 2006 ...

Yea, Canada!

Time to get on with an additional activity during "off" or Walk days. I think I'm going to try Yoga. Time for research.

Today's Run - 5:50am; 5.9kms; 48.5mins; 8c dropping to 7c by the end of my Run, geez!

Well, it's colder again. From 30c+ with humidity a couple of days ago to 10c overnight with little humidity.

July 1st - Canada Day - holiday coming soon. However, I have to move someone! Fortunately it's not a big move. I'll just have to enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Today's Walk - 5:45am; 5.5kms; 54mins; 10c and cloudy

My Ride

I keep mentioning how excited I am about completing my test for my full motorcycle licence. Well, I had to aim for something at 60 - in addition to getting into better physical condition - so that was it. (I have a few other ideas I'm working on.)

So, this is what I'm currently riding

It's a 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 LT. Nothing too fancy. But, it's bigger than what I was first riding (2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 500) and is nicer on the highways - although something just a bit bigger wouldn't hurt. That being said, I needed something to fit my short legs. Even this bike - which was a good fit - was lowered 1" (2.5cm) to be more comfortable. It's a belt drive, liquid cooled and fuel injected - all key items to me. And, given that it's fuel injected, it gets as good fuel economy as the Vulcan 500 did (it was carbureted) with almost twice the engine displacement.

Today's Run - 5:50am; 5.8kms; 48mins; 15c and overcast (virtually clear by end of Run)

Well, I'm back on course - so to speak. I did my Walk this morning. It felt kind of weird, having missed a day - even though I plan a day off each week.

Today's Walk - 6:05am; 5.5kms; 54mins; 20c and humid, partly cloudy

So, what have I been so nervous about? What's the big deal?

As I mentioned previously, on my 55th birthday I got my beginners' motorcycle licence - a written test for the M1 which is good for up to 90 days and then, after passing a brief skills test, M2 for up to 5 years. That's graduated licencing in Ontario. Well, my 5 years is almost up and, while I was going to go for the "M2 Exit" test last year, I just never got around to it. So, with just a little under 3 weeks left to hold a valid M2 I did my Exit test today. Should not have been any big deal, but it is.

Or was - I passed! Drinks all around!

Meanwhile, my fitness tracker keeps telling me I'm not being very active today. Yeah, right! Part of the M2 Exit course I did had a small group of us riding around all morning - since 7:30am - practising with the instructor yelling in our ears over a radio. Then our individual riding test (mine was at first at 12:30pm). Ever checked a heart rate monitor after all that! My heart got exercised even if my legs didn't!

Back to our regularly scheduled program of Walks and Runs tomorrow.

This morning was a great morning for a Run. (I usually Run on Sunday's rather than Saturday's but tomorrow I am busy.)

I found that, since I started short running intervals within my walks that I am, of course, covering my normal distance faster. So, I decided to extend my distance a bit today to give a better overall workout time.

Today's Run - 6:05am; 5.9kms; 49mins; 13c; clear

Woke up this morning to the sound of "Brexit". I'm sorry my friends over in Britain but I think you just made a big mistake. You've just given up a lot more than you realize. While the European Union has issues, it would have been better to have tried to fix them from within. Now watch out for Scotland. I expect they'll have another vote to leave and will this time.

Today's Walk - 6:05am; 5.5kms; 53.5mins; 11c, clear

Missed posting yesterday. I've just got something going on at the moment and it is distracting me from writing. Tuesday's post was a good example.

I've got something new and a bit different going on right now. And, as I am being put into a new situation without prior experience, I have to say I am a bit nervous. After Sunday I may tell you about it.

In the mean time, I am still doing my daily Walks or Runs.

Yesterday (Wed.) Walk - 6:10am; 5.5kms; 53.5mins., 11c, clear

Today Run - 5:55am; 5.4kms; 44mins; 15c, clear

I just don't know what to write about today. Other than it was another - "I don't want to get up and do this anymore!" morning. So, I'll just give my usual Walk/Run stats.

Today's Run - 6:05am; 5.5kms; 46.5mins; temp 10c

Well, I asked for it. It was hot this morning. It's hot this afternoon. And, it will likely be hot tonight - until we get a thunderstorm.

When I left for my Walk this morning at 6:05am it was 20c. Fortunately I it was not humid, as I had expected. But, while recently the temperature has either stayed the same, or dropped, during my early morning exercise, this time it went up and by 7am was 22c. And, it was beginning to get humid.

I was at a slightly slower pace today. I'll blame it on the heat! 😉

Today's Walk - 6:05am; 5.4kms; 54mins; 20c; partly cloudy

As yesterday was an "off day" I went for an early morning walk with my beautiful wife of 38 years. This woman is an inspiration to me. She is great with kids - and, of course, our grandchildren. Me - I feel challenged by them ... uncomfortable?

Anyway, she rides her bicycle to work everyday. Not a casual rider, either. She motors! (12kms; 30mins; 4:30am!) She works in the Kinesiology Dept. at our local university - more specifically in Neurosvascular Research. So, she gets to work, and then works out on the exercise equipment they have for testing "patients" that have had a "cardiovascular event". Definitely puts me to shame.

Our Walk, however, was a bit more relaxed as we were also walking our daughter's dog - a beautiful English Setter. The relaxed part is that he has to stop to poop 4 times during our walk! Otherwise, if he's off leash I'm sure he could out-race a Greyhound - well, maybe. So, while we're actually walking we keep a decent pace - except for the wet grass, which takes up about 1/4 of our walk. It's all the "stopping" that slows down the overall walk.

Yesterday - Walk - 6am; 3.8kms; 45mins; 11c; clear

Today - Run - 6:05am; 5.4kms; 47mins; 14c; clear

I previously mentioned the book Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley & Dr. Henry S. Lodge (paperback ed. 2007). Another book in the YNY [Younger Next Year] series is Thinner This Year (paperback ed. 2013). Not a particularly great title, IMHO. However, this one is written 10 years after YNY and Dr. "Harry" (who gave great medical insight in YNY) is "replaced" by Jen Sacheck, Ph.D. Jen's doctorate is in nutrition.

Thinner This Year is similar to YNY except more emphasis is placed on the impact of nutrition versus exercise on our bodies. Not that exercise is left out by any means - it's in there. (There's specific "warm-up" and strength training information.) It's just a different approach to YNY with a lot more nutrition information. It's also not a diet book, per se. But, it has good information on eating right.

Both Younger Next Year and Thinner This Year are very good books. I would recommend reading them in the order published. Younger Next Year is more inspirational. Thinner This Year has the requisite nutrition and exercise advice.

Enjoy!

Today's Walk - 5.4kms; 54mins; 11c (getting cooler again 😠 ); clear

Today was a Run day. It's been 1 week (3 Runs per week) since I increased my run in my run/walk intervals to 45 seconds and walk 90 seconds. Remember what I said about knowing I am 60 but don't really think about it and just act like I am 30 or something. Well today, not even half-way through, I felt like, "What the f$^k do I think I'm doing out here at 6:30 in the morning! I'm 60 fer chrissakes!"

But, it seems like, after that half-way point - maybe it's because I know I am over "the hump" and on the way home - I feel much better and it's like I could do even more as I am nearing the finish. (Except today, of course, because it started to rain for the last 5 minutes. As soon as I got home, it stopped!)

It's interesting the people you meet. Most are friendly. Some speak. Almost all at least acknowledge you. A city bus driver gave me a thumbs-up.👍 But, there are always some that are not as friendly. Maybe they are just introverted. But, then again, so am I. One young running woman would not even look at me, although I am sure she had to know I was approaching her. I met her twice during my Run. I thought maybe the second time she'd at least look at me. Nope. When I was her age (20's?), I was probably a bit frumpy, too. Her loss!

Today's Run - 5.4kms; 47mins; temp 15c; partly overcast and then rain - from nowhere!

It's interesting but I do not feel 60. It's only when I stop to think about it that some sort of reality sinks in. As far as I am concerned I may still by 30 or so. I should act my age? Why? Except for acknowledging the reality, and taking steps to ensure that I do not become any older before my time than necessary, I'll act how I want - mostly! 😏

Today's Walk - 5.4kms; 53.5mins; temp 13c (that's better!); partly cloudy

I went for a ride on my motorcycle yesterday. It was supposed to be sunny and nice. Instead, it turned cloudy and windy. It tried to start raining a few times but never amounted to anything. What I found amazing was checking my heart-rate when I got home after about a 4 hour ride (including stops). My heart-rate had spiked almost continually way into the "red zone" - much higher than my running intervals (even towards the end of my runs). That was certainly an eye opener.

Today was a Run day. But, first - it is also garbage day. And, even when garbage isn't put out until early in the morning, the raccoons/skunks still get into it. So, clean-up in aisle #1!

For my Run, I extended my run interval from 30secs to 45secs, and kept my walk part the same 90secs. It definitely was more challenging. 

start time: 6:10am (after garbage clean-up!); 5.4kms; 47.5mins; temp 8c; clear

First, I guess I should apologise to Garmin regarding my comments about the inflexibility of the apps/widgets on the vivoactive HR. I was wrong - sort of.

I have found that the statistics for my Walks is there on the Garmin Connect app - it's just buried and not convenient to discover.

As for setting warm-up & cool-down along with more flexibility in terms of intervals for my Runs - that is also available. But, through Garmin Express - an app(?)[it seems to need to bring up my web browser for a lot of its "interactions"] for my laptop (Windows7-based) that is supposed to interact with my "wearable" when connected via the USB. So far, connecting and syncing has been "poor" to say the least. I'll just leave it at that for now. I just don't have time for that crap.


Today's Walk - 6:05am; 9c (yep, still friggin' chilly in the morning); 5.4kms; 54.5mins. (a bit slower. I guess I need a better Playlist to listen to. Or, just not be so distracted thinking about so many different things and just concentrate on my Walk!)

I just have to break with the "all-about-me" for this post.

I wasn't going to be distracted from my focus on Turning Sixty but I just have to comment on the attack on the LGBTQ community in Orlando, Florida. My thoughts and tears are with you. (I am not part of the LGBTQ community personally, but I know many who are. Some are friends. Some are relatives. All are sisters and brothers of all of us here on planet earth.)

From Canada with love.

I also want to extend my condolences to everyone impacted by violence - be it by gun, knife, physical, verbal or psychological. We, the people of this planet, are better than that.

Oh, and it is my considered opinion that Donald Trump is an asshole. Really. Just do an internet search. Greater minds than mine have done extensive research and come to the same conclusion.

Enough said.

I have found my Garmin vivoactive HR a bit less accommodating than the free Runkeeper app I am using on my iPhone. While I can program Runkeeper to include any warm-up and cool-down along with my intervals of running and walking, this Garmin wearable seems to be focussed strictly on the activity - ie. the Run. Also, while I can adjust my intervals on Runkeeper by 1 sec, Garmin requires 15 second changes. I think 5 sec would be better.

I'm sure Garmin has based the Run app (or is that a widget - I'm not sure I know the difference), and others, on the wearables they have that are more sport specific. However, their vivoactive HR is better for someone, like me, that is starting out and needs more flexibility in the tracking - smaller increments in intervals, for example. Also, while the Garmin vivoactive HR has a Walk app/widget, it does not appear to have a corresponding section on the iPhone Garmin Connect app. Another shortcoming.

Today was a Run day. Certainly a lot cooler than yesterday - a balmy 11c, windy, mostly sunny, no real humidity; 5.4kms; 49.5mins (includes 5mins warm-up & cool-down each, 30sec. run/90sec walk)

Today was not a walk/run scheduled day. But, by 4:30pm I was getting antsy and went for a walk anyway.

Great time of day to go for a walk!

Lots of traffic; temp 31c; high humidity; mostly sunny. But I did 5.5kms in 53.5mins. And, I sweated a lot!!

Today I almost slept in. Really didn't want to get up and go for a walk. But, I did it anyway.

Decided to try a slightly different route to get away from noisy, smelly traffic - even at 6am. My slight change actually lengthened my route slightly, which was a welcomed surprise, actually. I'm looking for an overall quite route to be about 6kms total that starts and ends at my house.

Today walk - 6:10am; 5.5kms; 54mins.; temp - a balmy 8c!

I'm finding that getting up before 6am every day to walk or run is actually not all that hard. Since I have never really been a morning person I thought it would be more difficult. Maybe it's because I've decided I'm going to make this work - or else! Anyway so far I've been able to keep to my personal commitment - even in downtown Toronto.

Today was a fresh 5c temperature; 5.3kms; 47:30mins. (including 5mins warm-up & 5mins cool-down; 30secs run/1:30mins walk)

Home again and time to get back into my routine.

Today (walk) - 6:10am; 5.3kms; 51.5 mins; temp 8c and rain/drizzle

I've been at a conference in downtown Toronto for the last couple of days. However, I still got my walking/running in. I was at a hotel on King Street so my route because west on King to Bathurst, south to Front, east to Bay (Tues extended to Yonge) north to King and west back to the hotel.

Monday (walk)  - 5:50am 4.7kms (not sure how accurate this was); 42.5 mins; temp 16c
Tuesday (run) - 6 am; 5.9kms; 42.5 mins.; temp 12c

I'm experimenting with adding running to my walking routine. On Thrusday, excluding warm-up and cool-down walks, I ran 1 minute & walked 4 minutes, and repeated these intervals for the full 5.3kms.

Today I changed to 30 seconds of run & 2 minutes of walk for the same 5.3kms. Both Runkeeper and my vivoactiveHR fitness tracker can coach me as to when to run versus walk. Also, with Runkeeper I can program in the warm-up and cool-down parts. Vivoactive HR seems more focussed on just the actual Run (run/walk) part so I guess, to be most accurate with it, I should just start and stop it for the Run part only.

I'm going to be away at a conference for the next couple of says. I might try out a treadmill at the hotel as I do not know what the area will be like for running. I'll try not to fall on my face as I've never used one before. Maybe I should swim instead.🤔

Today 6:15am - 5.3kms; 50.5mins.; 5 mins walk warm-up, 16 intervals of 30sec run/2mins walk; 5 mins walk cool-down; temp 18c, humid; overcast (had been raining)

My day off from running/walking but I walked anyway.

6am; 5.3kms; 52.5mins.; temp 12c; partly cloudy

The passing of a particular decade in terms of age never really meant that much to me. Instead, the significant birthdates were: 16 (driver's licence), 18 (vote), and 19 (legally consume alcohol). After that, they were not significant - turning 20, 30 , 40  or even 50 didn't seem that important.

That probably changed for the first time when I turned 55. I went and got my motorcycle licence. I hadn't ridden since I was a kid. And, back then it was just a mini-bike.

The approach of 60 seemed to hit me different - and, I'm not sure why.

I mentioned "Younger Next Year" by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. in an earlier post. The book is almost 10 years old now. I don't remember hearing about it back then. Or, even if I had, it probably would not have made any difference. Today, however, I think it is a great book. Chris' writing is both entertaining and inspirational.

So, here I am - a 60 year old, 5'4", 172lb (and getting lighter) white male trying to reset myself, physically and mentally, for the next 1/3 of my life.

Today was a walk day - 5.3kms; 53mins., temp 12c, clear sky.

NEW BLOG NAME - NEW LOOK - I thought, since I've been doing this consistently for a month now, that I would try to learn more about how this Blogger thing works, and make things a bit more relevant - and cheerful!

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Yesterday I talked about my weight. I think I should emphasize how big a deal this is for me.

I do not remember my weight in high school. I do remember being teased in elementary school about my weight. However, as puberty set in, I became much slimmer. I believe at one time I was wearing pants with a 28" waist. I do however remember that early on in our marriage there was a couple that my wife and I used to hang out with, The ladies were getting concerned that their guys were gaining weight. So, we weighed ourselves. I believe I weighed about 165lbs at the time. That would have been over 3 decades ago - and, I was never that light again!

It would appear that I basically gained 20 lbs with the birth of our first child. Two more kids, and 40 more pounds, plus a few more for good measure, and now you can see how I eventually maxxed-out at 210lbs. (I gained with each child - no doubt sympathetic weight gain so my wife wouldn't feel so bad while pregnant. After each child was born, she lost the extra weight - I didn't!)

So, having recently clocked-in at 172lbs means I haven't been down to this weight in decades. It really is exhilarating- if that's the right word for it. And, I still have a ways to go.

Today was a run day - my intention was to get in at least 8 "run" segments so I went my 5.3km route; total time, including 5 minutes each for warm-up walk and cool-down walk was 47.5mins.; I had 9 x 1 minute run segments with 4 minute walks in between; temp 16c; clear. Some of the run bits were a bit of a challenge, but it seemed to get easier(?) the further along I got.

Part of trying to "get into shape", now that I am 60, is losing weight. I'm a short male - 5'4"/165cm. At one time, probably around 10 years ago, I weighed 210lbs/95.5kg. However, more recently (last couple of years) I have been around 190lbs/86kg. And, most recently (within the past 6 months) I was about 180lbs/81kg but frequently bounced up to around 185lbs/84kg.

I made a pledge to my youngest daughter (the giver of the Jawbone UP MOVE) that I would lose about 8 lbs by my birthday - when it was still 7 weeks away. That should have been relatively simple. Just starve myself (I was hoping to get down to 170lbs/77kg). Well, I failed. My biggest problem is snacking at night in front of the television. While we haven't had cable TV in years, I do have a selection of DVDs. And, of course, there's always Netflix.

Also, I have recently discovered that, while I do not have Celiac disease, I do appear to have a sensitivity to gluten. Eliminating gluten from my diet has contributed to an overall improvement in my general level of health. Also, since gluten is off my list, grocery shopping has changed and I am no longer tempted to buy snacks that, while tasty, are not necessary and definitely not a good idea. The only problem is potato chips are gluten-free! ... I'm working on it!

So, I got down to 173lbs/78.5kg by my birthday. Today, I am 172lbs.78kg. And, while I'm not to an ideal weight, I am no longer obese based on my BMI - and, my clothes don't fit properly anymore!

Today was a walk day - 6.1kms; 59.5mins.; temp 13c; slight breeze

After all my complaining about the Heart Rate monitor app for my iPhone, it was only a temporary measure anyway. I was waiting for the (delayed release in Canada) Garmin vivoactive HR. All my research directed me to this particular "fitness activity monitor watch". Similar to many other activity monitors, this wrist-based monitor covers numerous different activities/sports and has a wrist-based Heart Rate Monitor, a GPS and is fully water-proof (you can wear it to track your swimming, if you want to). The only complaint that many have seems to be the brightness of the backlit face. I also felt that way initially. However, I have either got used to it, or a recent automatic upgrade changed that. I actually don't see any difference whether I have the brightness set to 1 - lowest - or 5 (now 9) - brightest. Overall, I am quite pleased with this tracker. Then again, it's only been a week.

Today I decided to start including some running in with my walking - 5 minute walking warm-up, then 1 minute running along with 4 minutes walking. I went my 4.5km/45 minutes "walking" route. I figured that, although I was now including running, my walking part would be at a slower pace and I would end up with basically the same time over the 4.5km distance.

I was wrong! My overall pace ended up being faster than I had anticipated. I covered the 4.5kms in 41 minutes. I haven't decided yet whether to extend my next "run" to add time. Or, just keep with this for the week and then extend it. Tomorrow is an official "no run" day so I will only be walking - other cross-training/strength-training activities to come.

Today - 4.5kms; 41 mins. (including 7 mins. running); temp 13c. Overall, felt good. But, I certainly haven't jarred my bones like that in quite a while!

Another day, another walk. Nothing too exciting to report - except that apparently my daughter can see my "playlist" and "pace" on Runkeeper! I had no idea that I can look at my pace for each song on my playlist. Now she knows what I listen to as I "train" - from Great Big Sea to the soundtrack from The Karate Kid (yep. I just admitted it. And, I don't care! After all, I'm sixty now!)

Went out @ 5:55am; 6.1kms; 60 1/2 mins; temp 16c; clear

I was speaking with a friend recently about work and my "personal improvement program" (we speak regularly about such things) and he mentioned a book "Younger Next Year" by Chris Crowley (the "patient") and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. (The "Doctor").

The two take turns, each with their own chapters, Chris on his experiences and thoughts on improving his physical and mental well-being later in life, and Harry (Henry) providing information on the medical stuff going on. Overall, a good book. However, Chris gets a bit carried away about the benefits of red wine that have been "proven" by numerous studies - studies, which I believe are now being questioned because reformed alcoholics were included (ie. - they're now non-consumers of alcohol but their health has already been compromised) and have likely skewed the results. A better conclusion on red wine, or any alcohol in moderation, is that it does not make any difference to overall health.

Harry uses concepts of the brain that I found quite interesting. He contends that only physical input can provide information to our "physical" (primitive, reptilian) brain and it adapts accordingly. So, exercise basically tells the brain how to act, based on our evolution - like when humans were still hunter gatherers - not how we have lived for the past 200 years. Consequently, he links our current lifestyles to our current issues such as obesity, because of how our primitive brain reacts to our type and levels of activity.

Today's walk - 5.9kms; 59 mins; temp 19c (at 6:10am!)

A book I picked up about getting started on my whole running thing was "Running Until You're 100 - for runners in their 40s, 50s, 60s & 70s; for beginners and advanced runners" by Jeff Galloway. A decent read, it helped me to see that I could start running at any age. (Don't bother buying this book, however - borrow it from a library. Use it as a starting point, if you like.)

A better book to get going with is "Running - Getting Started", also by Jeff Galloway (he has about a million different books out there. Lots of crossover.)

I had to get an early start today as we have many things happening, so I left for my walk at 5:45am (I hate getting up early - this could be turning into a habit! 😱) I decided to stretch a bit further today and went 6kms, 60 mins., clear sky, temp 18c (again!)

Nothing terribly exciting to report - other than it's been quite warm around here lately. I have been trying to figure out when to start incorporating running into my routine - walk, run,walk - for a start, Maybe next week. But, more likely the week after.

Also, I'm going to start strength training on my "off" days.

Today's walk - 5.3kms; 52 mins; temp 18c and humid.

So, what got me started on this? As I mentioned earlier, my youngest daughter gave me a Jawbone UP MOVE last year for my birthday/Father's Day. That probably was the catalyst.

Also, I have been involved in a business "coaching" program for a couple of years. Last year a book was mentioned. It sounded interesting so I picked up copy. And, like so many other things in life, it sat on the self until a year later when it was once again mentioned during a business coaching session. So, I dusted it off and started reading.

That was 2 months ago and I still haven't finished the book. However, it's not that I have been lazy about it. Not at all. Instead, it has spurred me to action. Finished 14 chapters. Only 4 more to go but they can wait - for now. Instead I am putting into action what I have read so far.

The book? "The ONE Thing" by Gary Keller with Jay Papasan. (There are a few other books that are helping me with this "I am 60!" journey that I will mention as we progress.)

Today's walk - It had been lightly raining. But, it looked like it would likely stop soon (no, I didn't give it "the look" this time) so I went out at 6:10am. It was kind to me and did not continue to rain and was clearing somewhat by the time a got home. 5.3kms; 52 mins; 18c - it's getting warm. (Better than later in the day when it's 30c and humid!)

I believe I previously mentioned how "disappointed" I was in the Heart Rate Monitor App I was using on my iPhone. Full-screen ads would pop-up before the final reading was even available - with no way to close the ad without shutting down the app (at least as far as I could tell). So, deleted that app ("Instant Heart Rate - Heart Rate Monitor" by Azumio) and downloaded the Heart Rate Monitor app by Cardiio. It's much cleaner and can detect your heart rate with either your finger or via your eye. Since I wear glasses and am far-sighted taking off my glasses would mean I would not likely be able to read the result. My finger will do fine, thank you. (But, isn't technology wonderful - most of the time. To have access to such tech - for free, with a smart phone - is really quite amazing.)

Another side note on tech - I have been wearing the Jawbone UP MOVE my daughter gave me but using the optional wrist band. Unfortunately, it will detect some additional, non-walking/running movement. I went out on my motorcycle for a ride on Monday (4.5 hours, about 250 kms with stops - more than I rode all last year!) and my UP, by the end of the day, calculated nearly 28,000 steps! I'll take it! However, my actual steps was probably closer to 10,000 - 11,000. I gave my daughter a heads-up as we share such info between us. (Maybe I should not have said anything - hmmm.🙄)

Did another 5.2kms in about 51 mins; partly cloudy; 13c - no more long sleeves!

Went out again this morning @ 6:20am. Nice day, clear, cool, 8c, did 5.2kms in under 52 minutes.

Decided on a change of pace. Walked today as well as yesterday. I'm now going to walk 6 days a week - 3 days serious and 3 days basic aerobic/cardio. It would appear my muscles are up to it. Breathing is not an issue. I figure I am walking at a pace that's about 60% of my maximum heart rate. However, today I walked yestderday's route in reverse. It's amazing how everything looks so different from the opposite direction.

And, I measured off a course of about 6.5kms for when I start incorporating running into my 3 serious days. I hope to eventually run for 5kms with 5 minute warm-up and 5 minute cool-down walks. Maybe this new route will work. We'll see sometime in the non-too-distant future.

Holiday here in Ontario today - Victoria Day, which, in the local lexicon, is the May two-four weekend. Not really sure just when we started calling it that. Also, not sure what it says about us 🤔
After a few chores this morning went for a ride on my motorcycle for 4.5 hours and covered about 250kms. That's more than I rode all last year!

Today's walk: started @ 6:45am; 5.4kms; less than 53mins; temp 6c (an hour later it was 14c!)

Turned the big "six-oh" today.

Up early (6:05am) for my walk. I figure maybe I'll go futher today. When I got up it was raining. But, after that incident on Tuesday I guess it knew better than to mess with me. No rain when I left for my walk. Funny, 5 minutes after I got home it started raining again! :-)

New walking record - 5.3km; just under 52 mins (my times all include 5 minute "warm-up walking"); temp 11c

Sometimes it is just so damn hard to get up in the morning. I try to be out the door for my "walk" before 6:30am on Tues., Thurs. and Sunday. I managed it again today (by 6:25am) but, man, I didn't want to.

Colder, AGAIN! Temp 5c. However, I did 4.6km in less than 45 mins. I guess I was trying to keep warm! ;-)

Another Tuesday, another "walk". Well, it was warmer. But, it tried to rain on me this morning. One stern look at the sky and it decided to back off! ;-)

Same distance and time as Sunday - 4.6 kms, 46 minutes, temp 8c.

I have to say my "Heart Rate Monitor app" for my iPhone is pissing me off! Ads appear before my reading is done. I will be getting rid of this soon.

Today cold out there. Spring is having difficulty arriving, 4.6km; 46 mins; temp 2c; cold wind - I would appreciate a slightly warmer morning!

Slightly different route on Thursday. 4.6km; 46 mins., temp 11c

Found out that there is apparently a heart rate monitor app for my iPhone. Of course there is! Resting heart rate before getting out of bed this morning was 66bpm.

Today I adjusted my "walk" route to go a bit further. 4.5km, 45 mins., sunny, temp 5C, ending heart rate 96bpm.

Sun., May 8th - Mother's Day. Decided to stretch my walk a bit further, Ended up 4.4km, 44minutes. Sunny, temp 3C

I have an iPhone 5s and have installed the Runkeeper app (free version) to help me track my timing and distance - via GPS. I find it fairly helpful - with verbal updates set to every 5 minutes (for now).

This morning's walk was much of the same - tried to ensure I don't start out too fast. Ended up 4km, 40 mins., temp 8C. Another "good walk".

What sparked my desire to "get active"? Not sure. Probably began when my daughter gave me a Jawbone UP MOVE for my birthday/Father's Day last year. I think using it, in friendly competition with her, got me going. Realizing my 60th is coming soon solidified it.

Walked the usual yesterday morning- 4kms, 41 minutes, temp 6C, good walk.

After my walk on Thursday morning everything was fine all day. Then I woke up Friday morning with a sore big toe. I thought I'd research a bit about feet and was amazed (even at my age) to learn that our toes aren't limited to the tiny portions that stick out like little growths at the end of our feet. A large part of the toe is "inside".

Anyway, by Saturday it was fine and I went for my scheduled walk. However, I think I started a bit fast and was concerned I was developing a cramp in my left calf muscle. So, I slowed my pace a bit and was fine. 4km, 42 minutes, 14C, cloudy, slight breeze, same route; next "walk" Tues morning

I had always intended that this blog be a political commentary blog. But, although I am interested and follow politics, I guess my heart just isn't in it for that.

So - for a change of direction -

Approaching my 60th birthday I seem to have finally become more concerned about my general level of inactivity. So, I'm taking up running.

I am a short male, overweight (based on my BMI) but no longer obese. I haven't run in years - decades really. And, then it was only occasional and recreational.

I walk but nothing serious or consistent. I have a good pair of running shoes. So, I'm off.

Today was my 4th "walk". I decided to try morning instead of evenings. I almost slept-in!

Covered 4kms in 40 minutes. Hilly terrain in spots. Temperature 3C. A bit of a breeze. Slightly elevated heart rate but no heavy breathing. I may soom start including a bit of running within my walking.

Next day is Saturday. Long walk?