Happy Days

I think I'm still floating on Cloud 9! I just did 15 laps today and changed it up a little and did some other exercises.
I feel great after the Cancer Walk - maybe a little emotionally exhausted, but I feel great. I do have a 'little' blister on the instep of my foot. Oopsie!

Its a crisp cool day out, but I'm going to keep on walking. I must admit the crowd issue at the Marathon has me a bit worried. But once I get through that and onto walking, I'll be fine. I can't wait to see how much stronger I'll get by May!

Keeping on.
Thanks everyone for your support! :>)

I DID IT!

I cannot even begin to tell you what an awe inspiring walk this was. Not only was I walking for those who have cancer, for those who are survivors and for those who lost their battle. I was also walking for myself to prove to myself that YES I can do this. It was exciting, exhilarating, and quite emotional especially as we crossed the finished line running and having people cheer us on. I had never experienced anything like it - it was quite rewarding! I got many high-five, many hugs, many GO JOEY's! I'm proud of myself!

Although I was nervous as hell when we first got there, i didn't know what to expect. i was excited but more nervous. Charlotte could read my face. When we registered, we got a ticket then had to stand in line for our shirts. I knew I couldn't, so Charlotte said I could sit down and she'd grab them. Then we took a few photos of me being nervous. Then I said i better go to the bathroom. I couldn't go - i was so nervous.

Once we got started, I was doing fine. I wanted to keep ahead of the little boy with his big wheel!

But he got ahead of us. I ran a little - Charlotte had to keep up with me!! LOL

I just tried to maintain - keep my focuse and FINISH. And that I did! Go Joey GO!!!

We didn't even bring the camera on the walk, others had theirs, but i just thought it would be a pain. Charlotte did carry my machine in her backpack in case something happened and i needed to say what was wrong. Thank you Charlotte & thank you for walking with me!!

We hung out a little after and took pictures, watched the runners come in - they ran the 10K!

It will be something I'd like to try again. I am nervous for the actual marathon, knowing how many people were here and knowing there will literally be thousands more at the Marathon. I'll need to round up a few people to walk with me. I know I can do this.

Thank you to Southpoint for all your support and to Charlotte - thank you for making this possible. Making me believe I could do this (even though you wanted to call my dad - if something happened!!)

Yeah I did it, I'm gonna keep on moving!!

Photo above was before the walk holding the t-shirt we got. (One of them) and me looking like what in the hell have I gotten myself into!! I'm so glad I did this, it was worth all the nervousness!

Beautiful Morning

I went for a walk this morning. Gearing up for the 'big' walk tomorrow morning. My goal on this walk was to stay focused and to NOT stop and take pictures! It was kind of funny as I was walking by homes and apartment buildings how I could smell bacon frying!! Made me want to have a big juicy cheeseburger!

I did stop for less than a minute on a bench that I usually sit on to take pictures. This time I stretched each leg and sat for 10 seconds or so and off I went. I kept saying in my head 'to keep on moving - you can do this'. I went the same route as last time, except last time I cut through one of the parking lots.

I stayed focused and kept my head up and kept going. Made it in about 40 minutes. I'm still unsure how far it is, but I felt good after. Doing laundry now.

Will blog tomorrow after the big day!

Peace out!

Two more days

Saturday is the 'big' Roger Maris Cancer Walk. I say 'big', because to me I'm sure it will seem big as this will be my first one EVER.
I must admit that I am a bit nervous just because I don't really know what to expect. Charlotte & I walked part of the race and at first I was concerned that we'd all be crowded on the sidewalk, but she said they open the streets up for this; which made me feel more at ease. I really hope there isn't a lot of baby strollers, dogs on leashes, that I might trip over! Charlotte asked for my dads number in case something happened to me. If anything happens to me - we will call 911! I highly doubt anything will happen but she said she just wanted to have a plan of action. The only thing I foresee happening is i may have to sit down for a minute or so. I'll just see how I do. I am not concerned about time at this time, just want to complete. Although, I'd rather not come in last. I was getting very warm today and asked Charlotte why she isn't sweating and she said it may be because this is a little slower pace than what she does when she walks. So I'll just have to kick it up a notch and show her who is boss!! Ah-hahaha!! We saw so many beautiful flowers on the way. I can't let that distract me!! So there will be no photo ops on the route. I wanna keep going. Thanks Tiffany for saying you would take pics if you were here. (she lives in Michigan)!
We'll get some before and after!

So before we walked outside, i walked 5 laps to warm me up - then we walked. Then I just did stretches, the Bose; which is easier now. Kind of taking it easy. Don't want to stress out but I also want to maintain. I'll try to get out and walk tomorrow morning before it rains.

One step, two step....here I come!
Have a good day and I appreciate everyone's support! :)

I'm doing doing this

This morning I got up at 6am! I don't know what I was thinking but I knew if I went back to bed for an hour, that I'd fall back to sleep and couldn't get up. Then I'd be rushing. So I get up at 6 and am moving so slow and my eyes would not stay open. It was CRAZY! I had them closed when I was eating and woke up a little after my shower. It was funny trying to keep eyes open while putting on make-up; like i really needed it going to gym! Oh well.

I was better once it was time to go - i didn't have to hold my eyes open. Its a gloomy rainy day, so I'm blaming it on weather. Started out doing a few leg stretches at gym, then off i went. I did THIRTY laps..yeah THIRTY!! I did stop at the 20 lap just for a minute. That was all I needed and it was like I got a bolt of energy. I did TEN more (30 total) and I felt great!! I think Lisa S. joined me on the last 6.

So I am pretty sure I can do the walk Saturday - it's 2 miles. I'm a little nervous as I don't know what to expect. I have never done anything like this but it will give me the experience for the 5K next May. Charlotte will be with me, so that eases my mind! I'm trying to figure out how I can get someone to take pictures! LOL

I then went (after gym) to have a flu shot. There was a short line and this is where I have trouble. I can't stand in a line or stand to fill out forms. This very kind lady said she would hold my spot in line while i sat. Which was so sweet. By the time i got to the place you register, i couldn't stand, so just kneeled on floor; which concerns everyone. They think i'm going down for the big one. A nice nurse helped me up and to where i would get my shot (only about 20 steps) and after I was done, i got up like nothing ever happened. See this is the frustrating part. I don't know if this is the dystonia causing me to not stand or what. I'm ok if I keep going though.
I just do the best I can.

Here's a quote a friend, Lisa M, sent me.
Your attitude towards life defines not who you are - but the quality of life you are after!
Peace out - til next time!

Left Foot, Right Foot!!

Moving along and doing well. I finished 24 laps at gym; which is 2 miles!! YIPPEE!!

I could tell i was getting fatigued towards end. I sat down and had my little snack (spice drops); which the therapists laugh at!! I could bring in a dish of ice-cream!! After I sat awhile, i did more jumping. That gets my heart moving. I have never sweated so much since i started all this walking. I feel it is so good for me. I may not be the best, or the faster, but I AM DOING IT. i even ran a little. It's funny when people start to chase me!!

After gym I picked up 2 cheeseburgers w/ mustard, ketchup, mayo & pickles on it! Something seems wrong about that - working out then having fast food!! I did eat a fresh tomato from my building owner with it, so it was a partially healthy lunch!!

Have a splendid day. Never give up on dreams.

Above lovely photo is from my big walk yesterday!

Big walk

I got up this morning and ventured out on a walk. I went the same way i went before except this time I added on a few more blocks. I am unsure how far i walked but guessing closer to 2 - 2.5 mil!! It was such a pretty day out and i want to get out as much as possible as i know days like these won't last long.

Whew!! I'm going to make this 2 mile Cancer walk - rain or shine!

Enjoy your evening.

Pulling along

Today I started out and did ten laps. I just wasn't feeling it - probably not walking as much over weekend didn't help. So I took a break, did some jumping and other exercises. Took a short break and did 15. I felt much better the second time around. So now I just have to keep this up for the Cancer walk.

I went in for my monthly massage - massage really helps my muscles. I'm like a zombie when she's done and I never want it to end. I walked home and woke up. It is a nice summer day, and it's September. Where was this weather in August! Oh well, enjoying it while it lasts.

Enjoy your day! And no fighting!

I did it!!!

Woo-hoo! I walked 24 laps in a row - no stopping! Just kept on plugging along. Charlotte & Lisa joined me on about lap 16 and they walked w/ me while talking about Wednesday nights shows. It was fun!
Then I finished my TWENTY-FOUR laps which by the way equals 2 miles and it's the furthest I have gone. Funny thing is I felt I could have kept on going. Sweet! I'm pumped up.
I went to the grocery store after and feel good.

Hope everyone is doing well.
Enjoy the day! :)

Better day

I knew I needed rest from the big weekend and it did feel good to sleep in a little this morning. I got up ate breakfast and decided I was going to go for a walk. I pulled on some clothes, brushed teeth and put on a hat and away I went. Wasn't sure how far I was going, but went as far as I could. I had to go to the bathroom so bad mid way. Ufta! I did stop once and just wrote down the route I had gone thus far. Then I took a couple pictures just to prove i indeed was walking. Then I saw a bench in front of the Post Office, it was closer to the street (the bench) then I sat and watched cars drive by - busy street and took more photos. Then I proceeded on. I was gone about 45 minutes.
I must have got my energy from visiting w/ Cheri. She's all pumped up and I think her energy rubbed off on me. Yeah!! Thanks Cheri.

The above photo was taken on one of my stops.
Enjoy the day....

Not so good

Today I was very tired from the long weekend so was wondering how I would do. I did 17 laps and had 2 sit down on laps 6 and 7. I think part of it was fatigue and the other part was the weather. Kind of humid outside. I wasn't up to my normal walking and I could tell as I was walking that it seemed sloppier. So I decided to rest and then proceeded on. I had my stretch today and felt better. Charlotte always makes me feel better.

I registered for the Cancer Walk - I need to call to make sure I did it right.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Have a great day all!

I'm going to make this

I did TWENTY laps all in a row - no stopping! I could have done 4 more to make it 2 miles!! I'll keep trying.
After my break, I did some other machines. Charlotte said its good to switch to keep up endurance. I then tried walking backwards - not such a grand idea but it was fun to try, tried walking sideways, tried skipping - I forgot how...can u believe that? I felt like i was going to trip. Did some jumping!! FUN! Then Charlotte had me try this wobbly round thing that I stand on. I didn't like it at all. Holy stressful. I want to try it again though. My legs were totally shaking. I think i have done this before but it's been awhile. Keep on practicing.

Good work-out.
I'm still talking about dystonia. I think I always will. It's something i'm passionate about as well as my walking and of course photography!!

Thats about it. Kind of tired. I'm guessing it's allergies.
Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!!

Feeling good

I brought in some Dystonia Dialogue magazine's to pass out to the PT dept, Sports Medicine, and one extra one. I even gave one to the door lady. I'm on page 19, just a photo of me in my DMRF shirt. Trying to spread awareness; which is harder than I thought.

I walked 17 laps at first and felt good. Came back to 'my' little blue mat and had a snack, did some stretches. Was also looking over the Roger Maris Cancer walk brochure Charlotte gave me for registration. Getting exciting. Her reassurance of knowing she'll be there makes me feel 100% better. This is my first walk like this, so it is a rather big deal. I need practice walking in big crowds. Not sure how big this will be. And it will be nice everyone will be walking in same direction!! Unlike crowded malls! Yuck!

I then did some more jumping - running and jumping. It took me awhile to figure that out last week. But I did it, I think Charlotte was impressed!! Next I'll try a cartwheel! LOL

Then I walked 15 more times - so all in all it was a good workout!!

Hope everyone is doing well! Until next time....