As I was making my way up Oak Ridge Road, a man doing yard work said to me, "It's a long hill, isn't it?"
"The longer, the better," I said, after walking a few blocks of up. "I am training to go up Kilimanjaro in a few months.
He pointed to another hill just around the corner. "That one over there is terrible."
I looked down what felt like a ski jump and said, "It looks like a good workout."
As I walked away it occurred to me that my perspective has changed dramatically over the last several months. I am not just enduring exercise, I am enjoying it.
Instead of just slogging through a workout, I enjoy the crunch of leaves under my shoe while out on a walk. I actually want the treadmill to go a little faster, because I can go a little faster. Tomorrow I will head out on a hike -- and I can't wait to get out there in the woods.
www.globalallianceafrica.org/personal/savetheworlddiet
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
10.10.09: Nothing But Stairs
Now that I have the Tour De Pink under my belt, it's time to focus on my final Save the World Diet Challenge: A Kilimanjaro climb to benefit Global Alliance for Africa's AIDS orphans programs.
I have done it before, so I know that the next three months are going to be hard and heavy with trainings. Everything I do from this moment will affect my trek up the mountain. So if it's a choice of an elevator or stairs, I better choose the stairs. My diet is getting more streamlined because every extra pound on my body is a pound I have to carry to 19,343 feet. I've even started to ween myself from coffee.
But it's all worth it. I am doing this for kids in Africa left behind by the AIDS crisis. Who am I to back down when they need fresh water, an education, a chance.
So the coming months will be hard -- juggling my schedule with fundraisers and training, and eventually my trek up the mountain -- but it is so worth it.
Come hike with me:
Fundraising Halloween Hike, 10 a.m. 10/31 Jockey Hollow, (Harding, NJ)
Support my climb:
Sunday, October 4, 2009
10.04.09: Small Favors on a Big Ride
I parked my bicycle next to another one this morning on the train. I wasn't sure if it would stay up on the ride from Metro Park to Trenton, but it was the only way I could figure how to get down to the Tour De Pink, a charity ride for young breast cancer survivors.
Then a guy said, do you have a bungee cord for that? I turned around to see the owner of the other bike, as he pulled a spare cord from his small bag containing many bike things.
I said no, and explained that I was rather new to this bicycle thing, and was feeling ill-prepared and ill-equiped. In fact, until I was on the train that morning I wasn't quite sure I was going. But I told the guy, who later introduced himself as Steve, that I was heading to a charity ride for young breast cancer survivors and that I had to go.
He looked down and said, "My mother had breast cancer." His voice trailed off at the end.
He fastened my bike to his, and told me to keep the cord as he exited in New Brunswick.
These small random acts of kindness kept me going during what was a great day for cycling. Whether it was people on the SAG bus filling up a water bottle for me, or a fellow rider pushing me up a hill. Throughout the day women -- especially those from the Giant For Women team -- gave me tips to keep going en route from Trenton to Bridgewater.
The Tour De Pink was a challenge, but a terrific experience. My heartfelt thanks to all those who helped me along the way for such a great cause.
www.fatwomanonthemountain.com
Then a guy said, do you have a bungee cord for that? I turned around to see the owner of the other bike, as he pulled a spare cord from his small bag containing many bike things.
I said no, and explained that I was rather new to this bicycle thing, and was feeling ill-prepared and ill-equiped. In fact, until I was on the train that morning I wasn't quite sure I was going. But I told the guy, who later introduced himself as Steve, that I was heading to a charity ride for young breast cancer survivors and that I had to go.
He looked down and said, "My mother had breast cancer." His voice trailed off at the end.
He fastened my bike to his, and told me to keep the cord as he exited in New Brunswick.
These small random acts of kindness kept me going during what was a great day for cycling. Whether it was people on the SAG bus filling up a water bottle for me, or a fellow rider pushing me up a hill. Throughout the day women -- especially those from the Giant For Women team -- gave me tips to keep going en route from Trenton to Bridgewater.
The Tour De Pink was a challenge, but a terrific experience. My heartfelt thanks to all those who helped me along the way for such a great cause.
www.fatwomanonthemountain.com
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
09.23.09: The Power Underfoot
The idea behind my Save the World Diet is we have the power to change the world with our own bodies. Our bodies are not just clothing hangers, but vehicles to do our life's work. Every step we take can be an action step.
This weekend I will be taking my own action steps -- as I participate in and speak at the American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk in Bridgewater, N.J. The Start! walks-- more than 400 nationwide -- are held all over the country are about encouraging people to become up and active.
Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity and has multiple health benefits. It is also a very Green way to get from point A to point B.
For me, walking has been an empowering activity. It has taken me to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, for AIDS orphans, and to the finish line of my first marathon, which I walked in May on behalf of the American Heart Association and other charities.
So join me 10 a.m. Sunday at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater at the Start! Walk. If you are just starting an exercise routine, or if you are well on the path to great health -- we all have the power to change the world underfoot.
Please Click below to join my team or to support the American Heart Association on behalf of my walk:
http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=300942&lis=1&kntae300942=D66923C22FFA426DBDDB8472A056D1EC&supId=0&team=3429656&cj=Y
Thank you!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
9.22.09: Hard Rides to Make Life Easier for Young Breast Cancer Survivors
As I took a quick 8-mile bicycle ride through a neighboring town, I came to a stop right in front of a crossing guard. He had a bright orange vest, and gave me a "What are you doing on a bicycle look.
All he came out with was, "Looks like that's hard on your back."
"It's hard on a lot of things," I said, trying to get my balance after pushing off the curb. "But it is good for you in the long run."
And good for lots of people. I am training for day three of the Hershey's Tour de Pink, a ride to benefit the Young Survival Coalition. This organization helps young women affected by breast cancer.
I have to admit, it has taken me some time to get out on the road. I love indoor cycling classes, and while those who ride on the road say being on a bicycle is easier, it was difficult for me to get out there because of fear.
Being on a bicycle feels very exposed. I hike in the woods. I walk on the sidewalk. On a bicycle you hope those driving motor vehicles decide to share the road with you.
Being visible isn't my issue. When I ordered my bicycle shorts, I thought they should have read "Wide Load" with yellow striping on the back.
With each ride I gain a little more confidence and comfort on the bicycle. So, even if it is a little hard on me, hopefully it will make the lives of young women affected by breast cancer a little easier.
Here is the link to my YSC fundraising page: http://www.active.com/donate/tourdepink/KRichar342
www.fatwomanonthemountain.com
I want to give a special thank you to Rick at Verve in Somerville, host of a terrific fund raiser for Young Survival Coalition. We had great food and pink drinks -- and a great time.
Upcoming Events:
Join me at the Start! Heart Walk 10 a.m. Sept. 27 at Duke Island Park, Bridgewater. Click to sign up for my Action Steps Team.
World Obesity Congress, Speaker, Oct. 1
All he came out with was, "Looks like that's hard on your back."
"It's hard on a lot of things," I said, trying to get my balance after pushing off the curb. "But it is good for you in the long run."
And good for lots of people. I am training for day three of the Hershey's Tour de Pink, a ride to benefit the Young Survival Coalition. This organization helps young women affected by breast cancer.
I have to admit, it has taken me some time to get out on the road. I love indoor cycling classes, and while those who ride on the road say being on a bicycle is easier, it was difficult for me to get out there because of fear.
Being on a bicycle feels very exposed. I hike in the woods. I walk on the sidewalk. On a bicycle you hope those driving motor vehicles decide to share the road with you.
Being visible isn't my issue. When I ordered my bicycle shorts, I thought they should have read "Wide Load" with yellow striping on the back.
With each ride I gain a little more confidence and comfort on the bicycle. So, even if it is a little hard on me, hopefully it will make the lives of young women affected by breast cancer a little easier.
Here is the link to my YSC fundraising page: http://www.active.com/donate/tourdepink/KRichar342
www.fatwomanonthemountain.com
I want to give a special thank you to Rick at Verve in Somerville, host of a terrific fund raiser for Young Survival Coalition. We had great food and pink drinks -- and a great time.
Upcoming Events:
Join me at the Start! Heart Walk 10 a.m. Sept. 27 at Duke Island Park, Bridgewater. Click to sign up for my Action Steps Team.
World Obesity Congress, Speaker, Oct. 1
Sunday, September 6, 2009
9.06.09: Walk With Me!
I wanted to invite you to join my Action Steps team at the Start! Heart Walk 10 Sept. 27 at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater, N.J. I am a team captain for the event which benefits the American Heart Association and I would love to have your support, either as a fellow walker or as a sponsor.
Here's the link to sign up for or make a donation to the Save the World Diet's Action Steps team:
http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=300942&lis=1&kntae300942=D66923C22FFA426DBDDB8472A056D1EC&supId=0&team=3429656&cj=Y
Sunday, August 16, 2009
8.16.09: Running/Walking on the Ocean for Autism
My August Challenge was a day at the Beach, the 5K Beach Challenge for Autism Speaks, which was held Aug. 15 in Ocean City, N.J.
This was an extremely personal cause for me. I spent three years as a nanny for a boy named Joe with Autism. Joe was a mystery -- able to do math that would make my head spin, a genius when it came to Star Trek trivia but had trouble with some of the most simple social interactions like when to shake someone's hand. Attending festivals, which were too loud and overstimulating, or shopping at a mall were enough for a meltdown. At the core, he is sweet and good even if he is often misunderstood.
Autism Speaks (http://www.autismspeaks.org/) is committed to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society, and to giving hope to all who deal with the hardships. The organization hopes to raise $30 million for autism research and programs this year, a spokeswoman at the event said.
It is a growing issue. One in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism nation wide. In my home state, New Jersey, the Autism rate is especially high: 1 in 94.
Katie Kohler plans the beach run/walk event around low tide, which leaves a sturdy hard-packed sand for the runners. The added bonus is the ocean's gallery of seashells, crabs and other sea-things left behind by the waves.
Kohler's sister is a special education teacher. Her friend has an Autistic child. Mostly, Kohler -- a marathoner -- plans the event each year to give back to the community. This was the third event, and attendance has more than tripled to 360 participants since she started it.
I went alone, but ended up walking with a woman named Carolyn, who also struggles with her weight. She has a grandson with Autism. She walked for him. I walked for Joe.
www.fatwomanonthemountain.com
This was an extremely personal cause for me. I spent three years as a nanny for a boy named Joe with Autism. Joe was a mystery -- able to do math that would make my head spin, a genius when it came to Star Trek trivia but had trouble with some of the most simple social interactions like when to shake someone's hand. Attending festivals, which were too loud and overstimulating, or shopping at a mall were enough for a meltdown. At the core, he is sweet and good even if he is often misunderstood.
Autism Speaks (http://www.autismspeaks.org/) is committed to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society, and to giving hope to all who deal with the hardships. The organization hopes to raise $30 million for autism research and programs this year, a spokeswoman at the event said.
It is a growing issue. One in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism nation wide. In my home state, New Jersey, the Autism rate is especially high: 1 in 94.
Katie Kohler plans the beach run/walk event around low tide, which leaves a sturdy hard-packed sand for the runners. The added bonus is the ocean's gallery of seashells, crabs and other sea-things left behind by the waves.
Kohler's sister is a special education teacher. Her friend has an Autistic child. Mostly, Kohler -- a marathoner -- plans the event each year to give back to the community. This was the third event, and attendance has more than tripled to 360 participants since she started it.
I went alone, but ended up walking with a woman named Carolyn, who also struggles with her weight. She has a grandson with Autism. She walked for him. I walked for Joe.
www.fatwomanonthemountain.com
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