4.2

This week Nana and Papa focused on 4.2 miles. We walked it outside with Star, we walked it on the treadmill. We walked! It's starting to be part of our lifestyle now. Each day we're getting in some type of workout and it's paying off.

The benefits are starting to show too. This week Nana shaved 8 minutes off her 16.5 mile bike ride home from work and almost 1 minute off her 4.2 mile walk from a week ago. Papa shaved even more time off his 4.2 mile walk. The 50 minute goal for Pat's Run, in seven weeks, is probably very optimistic but completing the walk in under an hour should be attainable.

Meanwhile, rain has kept us on the treadmill more than we like. The Salt River is flowing, an unusual sight. We're hoping that the winter rains end soon so we make sure to have a nice day for Pat's Run.

Today we went with friends to listen to a 108-yr-old gentleman, Dr. Bernardo LaPallo (bio-scroll down page to find), speak about health. He's put health at the top of his priorities all his life due to advice from his father. He's eaten primarily fruits, vegetables, and avoided red meat. He provided several tips for healthy living. He doesn't look older than 70, really. Amazing good health. Although I don't think I could go to the extreme he does, it did reinforce that a diet of fruits and vegetables and fresh fish is a good idea.

March arrives tomorrow. Nana and Papa are kicking up the training a little and we're committed to hiking at least once per weekend. The other priority is getting shoes and getting them broken in before the Grand Canyon R2R. Thirteen weeks. It's getting very close.

The good news is the outdoors beckons. The heavy winter rains are bringing the surrounding mountain trails to life. South Mountain will turn green looking more like Emerald Mountain. The wildflowers in the desert provide vivid, stunning color. These are picture opportunities we don't want to miss. We should have some good pictures here next week.