September Dryathlon

Bless families eh Anya - clearly this was a very successful cake, i.e. they took it with them
I know I need to take my mum as I find her and I really appreciate your input. One of the hardest things is how others are 'suggesting' I deal with things. I
just have to keep on reminding myself that I know her better than anyone else.
Now - the alcohol - first drink tonight in 33 days - I really wasn't that bothered...
I now know that it changes my thinking so I will ONLY be drinking in moderation #yourenevertoooldtolearn xx

Dry again tonight. And so I hope is youngest GD as she's had a couple of episodes since starting school. I don't fancy bed changing in the wee small hours.

Good point about knowing your mum best, though re my MiL I have to say my SiL (her daughter, and a lovely person) didn't cope well with her mother's decline. I think because she found it so very hard, they were very close

Who knows what the future holds for any of us? I've started forgetting names of plants and flowers. Not long complicated Latin names but words like asparagus, and those blue flowers that look like comfrey but aren't

I'm thinking about a challenge for October. Wondered about not eating anything after dinner. It tends to be a nibble time for me and I'd like to break that. What do you think?

Hope you managed your two 'dry' nights starting school is such a big challenge for our littlies

With my mum - I am being encouraged to 'send' her to day centres etc. where she will be stimulated and have company. The only problem is my mum hates it - she has never been one for 'joining' things and feels very unhappy about being there. The folks at the centre are really lovely and tell me that she is fine when she is there. Mum tells me that even though she smiles a lot she is just aching to be home again. What a dilemma

I had my first couple of drinks last night and I really wish I hadn't I just didn't enjoy them and woke up with a fuzzy head - and then didn't feel like going for a run I think I'm going to be 'dry' a lot more often

Your October challenge sounds like a 'go-er' to me - and I have no doubt you will achieve it.
Mine is to run 3/4 times a week and achieve a 5k within 30-35 minutes - which is where I was 3 years ago...

I used to run until injury forced me to walk instead. I did manage a sub 30m 5k once, but my PB was a sub 60 minute 10k. I'd told my running partner to go ahead (she was 10 years younger) but as I approached the finish I saw the time and realised if I sprinted for the finish I could come in under the hour.

It's amazing where you can find that extra energy from when you are motivated.

Been invited round for following dinner tomorrow night by DiL, so will have a glass or two then. I think when you've been dry so long your body will react like it did JG. Perhaps a glass of water between drinks ????

I will add to my challenge a commitment to walking 5000 steps every day (about 3.5k). Good luck with the 5k challenge. Do you enter the Race for Life events?

I'll join you in the 5,000 steps a day challenge, Anya.

I failed miserably when I attempted the 10,000 one but 5,000 is a much more realistic goal for someone like me who doesn't do regular 'walks'.

I think you are all STARS, I couldn't committ to it.

I have taken to walking again, having had a backache for four years that has now miraculously disappeared. I bought a pedometer and was rather shocked to find how few steps a walk around the local park involved. Thought it would be a lot more. I will try to work up to 5000 - don't think 10000 a day would be a very economical use of time!

You're on Ana it's good to have company I usually log on about 10.30pm when I know you're often about too,

Today so far 5853 (4.25 km) and not likely to do much more as have GSs overnight.

Roses !!

I'll have to start tomorrow, Anya - not done nearly enough excercise today! Plus, I didn't have my pedometer with me - must dig it out...

Anno I try to fit it into my walk to the local shops or walking the dog. That way it is a better use of time. Do join us and let's hope your backache is a thing of the past.

Yes, a bit late for today Ana

Er...yes!

Miserable day today - misty and drizzly. What a contrast to the preceding week. I don't suppose a few hundred steps round Aldi really count!

Brilliant - monthly challenges, definitely the way to go. Lots of enthusiasm Anya, Ana, Anno for getting/staying fit whether walking or running

Roses - You can cheer us all on

Nice PB Anya - I have done 4 x Race For Life runs, 3 at 5k and 1 at 10k and another 10k local run a couple of years ago. PB for 10k is 1.03 - I'm a long way off that just now but I am determined, I find the activity of running helps to clear my head. I will do it for as long as my body lets me
Whether walking or running - the company feels good

Dry night tonight - feels better this way

I'll join you for the 5000 steps a day, though I'll have to go for 35000 over the week (Monday and Wednesday looking after a 2 year old is fun, but not conducive to long walks now that he would rather toddle than go in the pushchair). I did once try the GN 10000 steps a day challenge, but found it was a step too far (or around 5000 too far, to be precise! ).

And seeing as I didn't do the dry September challenge, I'll be virtuous and make up the 15000 steps I should have done from the 1st to today (I can't say I've moved a lot since Friday and am feeling sluggish anyway).

Happy walking/running, gang!

Well I have just delved into my bra and discovered to my shame that I have only done a measly 3,214 steps today!

In my defence, I didn't go out and my walking was limited to the house and garden - hopefully I'll do better during the week...

Oh heck, I've just realised it's the 4th today not the 3rd, so I already have 20000 steps to make up, not 15000. Good start.

Managed 7682, but only because it's the weekend and I can get out and about more.

Intrigued why your pedometer is in your bra Ana I just stick mine in my jeans pocket.

Maggie don't try catch up, just start from today or tomorrow, it's not set in stone.

Well, I don't wear jeans all day every day, Anya, whereas I do tend to wear the same bra even if I change my other clothes...

Forgot to take my pedometer out with me today! Did a good walk around a NT property. Do uphill steps count double? And should I beg, borrow or steal a dog?

Doh!! I didn't wear my pedometer or Fitbit on my run yesterday but it looks as though 5k is around 6,000+ steps... This was followed by lots of trips up and down stairs clearing up after DS and GD weekend visit

Definitely Anno - on both counts

Well done Anya
Ana - whatever works for you
Maggie - any number of steps is good

Does anyone listen to music whilst walking/running - if so, what really gets you moving ...? Have a great day walking/running gang

anno yes and yes, uphill does count as double IMO and borrow a dog (wouldn't advice stealing one though)

Ana I did wear a skirt once this summer!

It's annoying when you forget to put your pedometer on though.

Ooh, I don't wear skirts, but most of my trousers don't have pockets and I know from experience that if I put the pedometer in a cardi or jacket pocket I'll forget about it when I take said garment off!

Lots of people put them in their bras...

5094 and a dry night.

Well done!
Today, for me - was about 'mothering' - another dry night for me too - I'm preferring it
Fitbit ready for tomorrow