BeachReady

Exercising together

"It's easier for you guys," he said.  "You're doing it together." 

Tim is right.  It's a lot easier to stay on track if you have someone to do things with - like take walks, ski, or go to the gym.   

Especially this winter.  It's cold out.  And, I'm tired of it being so cold.  I often wonder, would I go for a  4-mile walk heading into the wind (somehow it's always "into" the wind, even when we turn back home) if Louise wasn't with me? 

Not too many people go to the beach alone.  If they do, they bring a book, rather than a Frisbee.  The fun is in having someone to do things with.  Someone who motivates you when you need it, and someone who thanks you for getting them out when they're feeling lazy. 

I'm lucky that I have Louise to push me.  I hope I push her a bit, too.  But, I wonder how to answer my friend, Tim.  How do you get out and exercise if you don't have a someone to do it with?  How do you find someone with similar fitness goals and motivations?  How do you find someone to play Frisbee with?  Any ideas for my friend, Tim?  ~ George

Snow Fun!

The Blizzard of '05 has hit!  We have tons of snow here in New England.  George and I are having the best time.  We walk.  We sled.  And, yes, we shovel.  Sure, it's cold.  But just think....if we were at some high-priced ski resort, we'd be outside all day in the cold and snow.  Now, we don't have to pay for the privilege.  It only cost us a pound - each.  (That's a pound of fat!) So, put on your ski clothes, or whatever layers of warmth you've got, and come out and enjoy the crisp, clear air.  The sun is even shining on this morning after the storm.  ~ Louise

Diet without exercise

George has stalled.  He isn't losing any weight this week.  George thinks that's the way it goes.  Lose and then plateau.  I'm not so sure.  We seem to be eating the same, especially now that our kid has returned to college.  It must be the exercise, or lack of.  Yes, he's been shoveling snow, but we haven't been taking our long walks.  Snow and flu has kept us hunkered down, so it's time to get out and get going.  Walking is a little bit harder now with the ice and snow, but not impossible.  ~~ Louise

Let it Snow!

We live in New England.  We expect snow!  We love snow!  Ask anyone why they live here and they'll usually mention the four seasons.  So, why don't they come out to play? 

Remember how excited we got as kids when it snowed.  We couldn't wait to get outside to sled and ski (cross-country skiing for George and me).  Snowball fights.  Building snowmen.  It's one giant 'winter beach'.  It's all fabulous exercise, but it just feels like fun.  Even more fun when we play with our kids.  As long as we're dressed in layers of warm underwear, boots, and mittens, we'll be plenty warm.  We can play 'til dark.  Maybe later. (The stars are never as bright as on a clear winter night.) ~~ Louise

Play Ball

The guys and I went out to toss the football around with the kids before dinner on Sunday.  Before we knew it, we were playing keep-away and running circles around the kids.  They only caught us because we were laughing so hard we couldn't catch our breath.  At least, I think that's why we were breathing hard.  Did this count as exercise?  ~~ George