I’m doing well with my health goals. One goal I try to make each January is the change up my fitness activities by trying something new. So far I’ve tried a new Pilates class and a Zumba class. I’m uncoordinated so the Zumba was hilarious. It was a fast paced class and I sweated. I’d try it again. Both my PT and my orthopedist have discouraged me from running due to my knee. My knee doesn’t like it, both the PT and orthopedic Dr are specialists in sports medicine so I respect their opinions. I still need the weight bearing exercise to slow my osteopenia down so walking and maybe the Zumba will help. My strength training class has a new trainer. I loved the previous trainer but I’m happy with the replacement. Her style is different but change is good.
Keeping up the healthy eating.
I’m doing my own personal Lulu/Strava challenge and did sign up for the NZ/Australia challenge (from my perch in the US). This year they are accepting indoor mileage, so people can lie. My personal challenge is to get 80 kms (about 50 miles) OUTSIDE in the 2 weeks of the challenge. I should make it, despite 3 business trips during the 2 weeks. The personal trip to warmer Florida will help!
I run every day, but this morning was 18 degrees with single digit windchill and I had to run at 5 am, so I happily got on my home treadmill for 3.5 miles before my flight. My flight time was shorter than my run time. Morning running tomorrow in Atlanta might be iffy outside due to being downtown and maybe dark. The hotel gym isn’t great… We shall see.
Question for the runners! I have my trail crampons for ice on the trails.
Do they make Yak Trax or similar for running?
It was treacherous walking the dog this morning in my snow boots! So much ice! I didn’t think of putting on my hiking boots with crampons — seems like over kill.
Maybe micro-spikes in the future!
I don’t know how you runners back east do it. I admire you for getting out there in the frigid weather.
@mom60 Good change is always good. Sometimes change is bad, depends on the program and trainer/teacher. I left a couple gyms over the years because the change was bad IMO.
@sabaray I tried the tart cherry juice last night. It’s the no added sugar organic not from concentrate type. I liked it, but it’s kinda sweet. I’m curious if I’ll feel any differently.
I also agree that IF could lead to more binge eating. I know when I haven’t eaten for a long time, I’m looking thru the fridge for anything and everything. 
I’ve always thought the yearly “outward gym migration” was just after the Super Bowl. January 17th is even worse. My current gym is much more expensive than your typical PF or 24 hour, and the recent new members seem to be more of the “gym refugee” types like I was.
@Knowsstuff With the “bed bug workout,” it sounds like you hit your core plenty, no reason to isolate your abs too. :lol: Make sure you bend those knees and maintain your lumbar curve when picking up heavy objects.
Guess what’s on my programming for Monday? Pull-ups! And a bunch of other stuff.
@mom60 - I like the idea of health goals. I’ve watched the Zumba class at the gym but my complete lack of coordination has kept me away. Kudos for trying it!
@Midwest67 , I have two pairs of YakTrax - one all purpose (that I use for dog walking, a little more heavy duty) and one pair specifically labeled for running. With two 60+ lb dogs, I need all the traction I can get.
@sushiritto - this is what I buy: https://products.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/stanton-orchands-stanton-orchands-tart-cherry-concentrate-05de7b
I tbsp, 40 calories, 9.5 grams of sugar.
Good luck with your running challenges, MOWC.
@sabaray So, this is what I have in my fridge.
What’s better? Fresh pressed or the concentrate you buy?
8 oz = 140 calories, 24 grams of sugar
1 oz = 80 calories, 19 grams of sugar
This is what drives me nuts when I shop in a grocery store. I can stare at labels for 5-10 minutes trying to decide on what to buy.
@sabaray I concentrated on my feet. I doubt I’ll ever coordinate my arms and legs together to do the steps as they are intended. My goal a few years ago was to put aside my inhibitions and try things outside my comfort zone. I realized we all have our inner voices casting doubts on what we can do. I have come to realize that everyone is concentrating on themselves and not noticing my two left feet. The same when I used to run when I realized that it was okay to walk part of the way. Supposedly Zumba is good for our brain as we age. My brain needs all the help it can get.
I use tart cherry juice for kidney and bladder health. I don’t know if it works but I figure it can’t hurt. I use a small juice glass and mix half juice/half water. I buy the organic juice not from concentrate.
Ha! What a clever hack!
I think what’s better is what you’re actually going to use. For me, most of what you buy would be wasted as I literally take a tbsp of the concentrate and then drink some water. I think product degrades the longer you have it open. The Stanton concentrate isn’t ever heated, which I understand can be one way of producing concentrate. It is “cold filled” so I suspect it’s prepared the same way your juice is. However, the Lakewood product is pasteurized and the concentrate is not. I have seen arguments that heat reduces the amount of nutrients available.
Oh! Thank you for chiming in! Very kind!
Yes, I’ve heard people describe aging and sarcopenia as standing in a fast current.
It’s not like the calm waters when we were young and it was easy to maintain our muscle mass & skeletal health.
We are in that fast current and it takes so much effort to stay where we want to be!
It would be great to have a lifting buddy. But for now, it’ll have to be me and the dog in the basement.
I would totally go to a Zumba class with you, and be uncoordinated, and laugh.
@Midwest67 - any shoe can be turned into “ice running shoe.” 
Runners in Alaska also use the following hack: before putting your shoes on, wrap the feet (clad in warm socks, obviously ) in plastic grocery bags. The bags will prevent snow from getting into the socks and being melted by the body heat during the run.
https://lifehacker.com/use-a-plastic-bag-to-keep-your-feet-dry-in-the-snow-wit-5747657
@BunsenBurner BTW, thanks for the “Brittany Runs a Marathon” recommendation. I finally watched it this weekend.
Interesting article on the dangers of chronic inflammation in the Post this morning.
Good reason to follow a Mediterranean type diet!
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