Changes! Changes! I'm sure they are good, but.....

I was caught unawares this morning. I haven't posted anything since February 1 and being as busy as I usually am, I have not read any information about any changes on the BlogSpot. But low and behold! This morning when I started to write something - I couldn't find the 'new post' button! I had to "sign up" to be a blogger or something. I don't know - I did the minimal I had to do, said I was a follower of Ralphd00d and found a new post button so that I could put something on here.

And here I am.

It's been a busy month already. I did finally make it to the podiatrist to see why I have such pain in the bottom of my heel - and it was as I suspected. I have plantar fasciitis in both feet. So after $$ I have an insert with an arch for my tennis shoes (I can switch out, but they don't fit my flats) and I even splurged and ordered a pair of flip flops that has an arch. I have found a big difference already. In the week I have been wearing them - at first it felt uncomfortable, yet comfortable - and now because I put my tennis shoes on when I change my shoes after word (and not go barefoot or slip my houseshoes on) that I am able to pretty much walk around without a lot of pain. That is very good. The pain would sometimes be so intense all I could do was shuffle my feet. And I will still have the problem most days I'm sure.

I was surprised my heels were not a problem - in fact, my heels do not affect it at all. It's going without arch support by going barefoot or in houseshoes. I'm even back to walking 4-6 miles a day without pain. And it feels good.

I have been in Fitbit challenges with my daughter and sister - and this week I had been coming out on top - when I went to bed last night I has nearly 6 miles in total and was in the lead. In spite of my daughter going for a long walk last night. She was close - but we both were ahead of my sister. At 4:45AM this morning I checked my Fitbit to see where everyone was - and my sister had jumped ahead by 4000 steps!! Now what was she doing up in the middle of the night walking - whether on the treadmill or otherwise??!! That is just so wrong!! Don't you agree?

Today is a new day - and although I don't expect to be in the lead anymore - after all, SOME of us have to work - it's fun pushing myself to get my steps in. My goal is 10,000 steps a day - rounding up to 5 miles - and burning 2000 calories. With that, I end up close to 6 - 6 1/2 miles, if I push to burn all the calories. Usually if I get my 10,000 steps in I'm happy. It's all good, and we are all getting healthy.

What about you? God tells us to take care of our bodies and keep them healthy. I've changed my eating habits. Of course I still have chocolate. But I now limit myself. And I limit myself on other foods. I need to lose weight, yes, but I am more wanting to keep my body healthy so that I can enjoy my grandchildren and great grandchildren even more as they start to arrive. I have to admit it - I do not want to be like my mother. Is that a shock? I can't remember her ever playing with the grandchildren or great grandchildren. She was so heavy and out of shape she could do nothing more than hold them. And that is good, but it isn't living. I want to live.

I've set a goal for myself. In 4 years I want to walk the mini-marathon again in Indiana. I will be 70 years old. I'm preparing now by keeping my walking up and eating healthy. I've done it twice now - and I want to beat my time in completing the mini-marathon. The first year it was 3 hours and 56 minutes, I think. The second time was 3 hours and 58 minutes. I want to do it in a lot less this next time - and be 8 years older. Can I do it? I don't know - but I'm going to give it my best shot.

It would be awesome if all three of my children would get in shape and do the mini with me. I am pretty sure two of my children still read this on occasion. So I will challenge you. You have 4 years. Plan to do the mini marathon in Indiana with me the first Saturday in May, 2020. (My birthday is in August and I want to BE 70 - so that makes it 2020). Join me - you have 4 years to prepare.

I thank God every day that I am still able to work, still enjoy my work, and am still able to do things and be active. I have a lot of conflicts in being able to complete some things - but at least it isn't my health preventing it.

What is preventing you? Let's do this!!

Blessings!