calling any stray exercise bikes, ellipticals or treadmills!

Since the rain began last week, I'm realizing how the weather is going to start really affecting my commute rate.  I am definitely a fair-weather biker/walker, so braving the rain and snow is not exactly worth it to me.

So...I'm thinking it may be time to find an indoor exercise machine. And because I'm into the whole "recycling" gig, I am officially offering anyone who owns an elliptical, stationery bike or treadmill they don't want, a chance to sell (or give) it to me!

We don't have a lot of room in our little apartment, but I'm pretty sure we can squeeze one into the corner of our office/storage room/library/laundry ironing & drying room.

So if any of you out there has an elliptical/exercise bike/treadmill or similar workout machine that you'd like to get rid of, we'd be happy to pick it up and give it a good home (provided it's in the state of Oregon and isn't more than 100 miles away...)

Until then, I'll keep riding and walking, weather permitting!

not so stylish...but safe!

For the first four days of my commute challenge I was riding sans bike helmet. I didn't really like the idea of riding without one, but I didn't want to further postpone riding, so I was just extra careful.

Well, I did some digging in my parents' garage and found one! It is definitely an older helmet but I'm pretty sure in the event of a head-on crash, might help me anyway. It's not the most attractive look, but then again neither is a broken skull.

oh yeah...so cute right?! 

On another note, I am feeling pretty proud of myself for keeping up with my challenge. Over the last seven months it's taken different form than I expected, but I am still getting in some good exercise every day. I am up to a 43% bike commute rate, which is pretty cool. And I've driven my car so few times in the last week that I actually forgot where I parked the other day!

I'm also walking when I can. Today I had a work errand to run and instead of driving to work just for that reason, I decided to ride my bike and walk for my errand. It was only 3/4 of a mile round trip, but I am happy I chose the healthy route rather than the convenient one.

National Walk at Lunch Day

I found out from my Twitter friends today that it was National Walk at Lunch Day. So, at lunch I walked all around Third Street and really enjoyed it. In total, I walked half a mile, which for me equaled 1,696 steps. Luckily the weather held out for me so I didn't get rained on, even though it rained off and on all day.

I thought I'd take this opportunity to point out something pretty cool. In that first paragraph, note that I said I walked all around Third Street and really enjoyed it. If you have known me even for the last five years, you will know that I used to hate walking. I looked at it as a chore that was frustrating and uncomfortable (yes, that's an unfortunate affect of my CMS). But now, I look for ways to walk to the places I need to go, rather than how I can avoid it. It's great and I don't feel ruled by my CMS anymore!

April 28 Summary:
Miles walked: 1/2 of a mile at lunch, plus some more throughout the day
Rests: Once during lunch walk
Where: Around Third Street
Weather: A little cold, sunny, with big rain clouds threatening
Walking partner: John Mayer (iPod)

Pumped Up!

Despite the likely chance of rain, I am SO excited to start my challenge today. I have new shoes, walking buddies and I can't wait to see how my first day goes! I plan on walking later this evening, possibly after an early dinner. If you'd like to walk with me, just comment on this story or e-mail me. Otherwise, expect an update later tonight.

My One Mile Challenge

Welcome to my One Mile Challenge blog! This is the introduction of my 2010 goal to strengthen my legs so I can walk one mile without resting or assistance. One mile might not seem like a lot, but because I have Congenital Mysthenic Syndrome (CMS), a form of muscular dystrophy, it's actually a pretty big challenge.

The reason behind my interest in this is that Josh and I will be going on our honeymoon on January 8, 2011. We will be cruising through the Eastern Caribbean, stopping at several different ports. While a cruise probably seems very relaxing, I really anticipate there being a lot of walking, due to the large ship we will be on, and the excursions we will go on when we dock. So, I want to strengthen my legs so I can do all the walking I want!

I am hoping this challenge isn't completely out of reach. When I studied abroad in Oaxaca my junior year of college, I had to walk everywhere, and as a result, I increased my stamina. When I left, I could walk at least twice as far as I could when I arrived.

So, I hope you will follow my quest to walk one mile! I will be officially starting my challenge next Thursday, April 8. That will mark exactly 9 months from the date we leave for our cruise.

I anticipate I will need to be cheered on, so any words of encouragement you can provide me will be greatly appreciated!