Month: September 2022

Another first for me today. I was able to jog/run two laps around the Cheesman Park outside running trail without walking. If someone told me a month ago that I would be able to run 2.88 miles, I would have told them they were crazy. It did take me 31 minutes, but it got done. Going up the hill the second time wasn’t easy. I did notice that my legs were not mushy, and I wasn’t gasping for breath. As long as I remember to breath like a runner I should be okay.

This week I begin week 5 of the 8 week program I have been following to become a runner. The run intervals are becoming longer, and the walk intervals are becoming shorter.

Once a week though, I intend to push it to see how far I can go. Will start working on speed, too.

It’s the Size of the Fight in the Dog. (Click image to see fearless cattle dog.)

He made me remove the contents of a box just so he could use it.
Sammy’s story in an earlier post.

I have been following a program for beginning runners on YouTube that a friend recommended. GTN How To Start Running 8 Week Training Plan . I am finishing week 3, and this afternoon was supposed to be a walk with no jogging. I was feeling ambitious and decided to see if all the timed run / walk intervals  are helping me with endurance. Instead of the walk, I jogged one lap on the outside trail at Cheesman Park. At my age of 62, with no prior running experience, jogging 1.44 miles without walking was a first for me.

A few weeks ago I began my journey to become a runner. I have always walked daily to stay fit, but didn’t realize just how different running and walking are. I have to give praise to all the runners. It takes far more fitness, strength, determination, and courage to run.

My first attempt at running, or should I say jogging, or more accurately tripping over my own two feet, was discouraging. I did everything wrong. I began by mixing running in with walking.  I quickly found out that muscles developed for walking are not the same as those used for running. I also found that I didn’t know how to breath like a runner.

I next tried switching to a treadmill. I found that a treadmill is not the same as running on a trail or pavement. The treadmill moves the ground for you, and you don’t have to fight with gravity.

After more discouragement, I asked some runners for advice. I was given some useful information, and some not so useful given my advanced years and lack of any previous running experience.

Finally I was directed to a YouTube channel with a real honest to God start at the beginning approach. I am currently working on week 3 of the program, and I have some achievable targets to shoot for. Actually looking forward to week 4.

Colorized photograph of the Corona School, later re-named Dora Moore School, about 1920. The original school was the far building with the auditorium (near building) added twenty years later. Downing Street and 9th Street are un-paved, with the Denver Tramway Trolley Car tracks turning from 9th Street north on Downing.

 

Sammy was found by the side of the road after being hit by a car. He was taken to the emergency veterinary clinic, where he had his right eye removed, most of the structure in the right side of his face, and had his jaw wired shut. His left retina is disconnected, so he went from being a “sighted cat” to blind in an instant. Sammy was originally named “Crash” by the vet techs, but I changed his name to Sammy. He was a “Good Sam” case per the clinic.

Sammy lived at the vets for 18 months before I adopted him. Helen and Emilia, vet techs at the clinic were great friends to Sammy, and provided him with love and attention. I still update them about Sammy and send photos when I can.

Sammy had some trust issues for a while and would bite and draw blood on occasion. After a while though, he learned to trust me and became my best friend. He’s a normal cat now. Even without sight he is able to play, run around the house, and snuggle under my arm at night.

I am greatful for Sammy, and would not trade him for anything in the world.

 

Festival, Music, Food and Drink-September 3rd through the 5th in Downtown Denver Civic Center Park.

Denver Colorado First and Broadway Circa 1919.
I was born way too late, or at least a little too early.