I was asked to go to the YMCA yesterday to attend a class with a friend, but I had to say no. There’s no way I could keep up in Powerflex, as sore as I am! My lower back is the worst. I feel it every time I walk around. Going up the 3 flights of stairs today at work was pure torture!

Today was not the best day for a training walk. It was well into the 90’s, and humidity was high. But like the good three day walkers that we are, my sister and I set off this morning with a small group of walkers for a 10 mile walk. We started on the Pinellas Trail in Dunedin, right where it intersects Main Street, at 8am sharp. That means I was up at 6:30, out of my house by 6:45, at my sister’s house by 7:30 – on a Sunday morning!

It started out easy enough – it wasn’t too hot and we had some shade on the trail. We walked north to Curlew Road and stopped in the Caledesi McDonald’s for a potty break (and to enjoy their a/c!) and then continued onto the causeway towards Honeymoon Island. There was a breeze, but not enough of one to make up for no shade, at ALL. (Both of my arms, from the shoulder down are sunburned.)

We turned around before going over the 2nd bridge (because my sister said there was NO way she could do another one, and I agreed) and headed back. We stopped at the WalGreens and lingered by the coolers sucking up the cold air til the employees started giving us the hairy eyeball. We bought popsicles and continued back down the trail. The heat was INSANE.

I came home, showered, and took a nice long nap. My calves are starting to feel a bit tight now, so I think it’s early bedtime and more Advil for me.

I’m off to the YMCA this afternoon to try a Zumba class, or all things! (Not my idea, LOL!) I’ve heard Zumba can be a bit addicting. Anything will be better than the lame-o tai chi class I tried last year, that was full of little old ladies.

Zumba is inspired by Latin dance, and it’s a mix of movement, dance, aerobics, and it gives your heart a fantastic workout. I don’t think I’ll get to the YMCA early enough for my regular warm up, so I hope I can handle the heat!

I came across a wonderful site this week. I had previously mentioned how music can help with pain management during chemo, and it turns out, listening to anything can help – even a book on tape! With that in mind, and knowing that my sister has someone in her family starting chemo soon, I’m going to suggest that she check out these audiobooks for download. The owner of the site, Jennifer, knows first hand how books can take your mind off things when caring for a cancer patient, or dealing with cancer yourself. She and her mom used the books to take their minds off their troubles when her little sister was going through treatment. Adults going through chemo can download the books and use it to pass the time during treatment. Stuck in a waiting room for hours? Bring an audio book and transport yourself to another time or place with a great work of fiction. Audio books are especially good for sick patients who maybe can’t deal with holding a regular book due to pain or IV’s, too.

I went to the YMCA last night, for the first time since we’ve moved. When I left, my legs felt like Jello. I did a warm up on the treadmill, a few of the machines for my hamstrings and quads, and then the elliptical. Surprisingly, I am not sore today. Maybe I’m in better shape than I thought I was? I need to get back in the habit of going to the YMCA 2 or 3 times a week. I’m a naughty 3-Day slacker on my training.

My sister and I both met our $2200 goal this month, and her cousin, who she is walking with, is almost there too! Special thanks to the following people:

Alli
Carolyn
Mike from Sinus Infection
Robyn
Matthew from Blog About Your Blog
Funny Junk
Cybercelt from the Advertising for Success blog
Karen from My Road
and Sian Lun Lau

A few more donations rolled in this week for my sister. I think she’s only $250 away from her goal now! You can get in on this too – before it’s too late! Just read how to donate here, and you’ll be getting the link love too!

Thanks to:
Kitty
Kelly at That’s What She Said.
Vedis
Barnett Associates (Marysville WA homes)

Someone in the family may be going through chemo soon, so I was interested in this medical news site, that happens to have information on cancer. Of interest is the piece about music during chemo, and that listening to music can help with the pain.

The site is a great source of info for all cancer news, as well as other medical topics.

My sister got a few more donations this week, so there are more people to thank!

Thanks to donations from Greg Watson, Thinking Outloud, and Surviving NJ, my sister is only about $450 away from her goal! Thanks guys!

If you’re wondering what YOU can do to help, click here and read more about the special offer I’m making people who donate.