FitFlops, Fitbit and Fitter

Image from Pinterest

On 6 July, I finally convinced myself that I needed to take better care of my health.  I've always had the notion that I am not as fit as I should be but that's only because I keep comparing myself to Stephen. He's super fit and has tons of stamina.  According to what I know, he has the heart rate of an athlete and I've always felt intimidated by the thought that I'd never reach his standard.

Then I decided that I would just improve my own standard. *ting* Light bulb moment there. I've been pleasantly surprised to find that my resting heart rate is actually very good and according to the cardio fitness for women my age, I'm in the VERY GOOD - EXCELLENT range after about a week.  

I know I won't see immediate physical results but now that I'm tracking my calorie intake and what I burn, I can be more mindful of what junk I eat and if it is worth the effort indulging in sinful snacks, after the exercise.  

So far I find that my diet is okay but previously I hadn't burnt enough calories daily and so over the last few years, I have put on weight.  A kind friend has said that I have no stress now so that accounts for my weight gain.  It's true.  Work was enjoyable but sometimes it was very stressful and I wouldn't want to go back to that again.  Another said that my metabolic rate is slower and again that's true.

Losing weight is not for the indisciplined.  All my life, I've said that I don't have the discipline to diet and I'm right.  I don't eat much but I enjoy what I eat.  So giving up what little food that I like, makes no sense to me.

But now I realise that I do have the discipline to exercise so that can be the balancing factor between being in the healthy or unhealthy weight range. So far I've been doing well and I can see that if I put in a bit more effort then the calories burnt can far outweight the calories I eat.  This puts a different perspective on how I used to see my weight gain.  It also pushes me to do just that little bit more each day.

Will I look different by Christmas?  Let's see if Stephen's investment in the FitFlops, Fitbit and Fitterme works!  

Image from Pinterest

Starting Over

Stephen went back to work today and as I sat at home, after doing my chores, I thought about 2015 and what's in store for me.

It was a good quiet afternoon that ended with a nap.  When I woke up, I decided to go for a walk. Stephen started his exercise regime yesterday and told me to begin only when I feel ready.  

I am glad I went for that brisk walk.  The weather was nice and cool and I returned feeling refreshed.  I like the new route and will stick to it.  Usually I listen to the radio or youtube while I walk but today I decided to click on the Joel Osteen link that Stephen sent to me.  It was a nice change.  It was uplifting and the message was appropriate for starting over!

Stephen shares many links which he feels I will like but this is the first one in 2015 that he's asked me to listen to.  

It's amazing how a message can touch one's heart so deeply.  If you're interested to hear it, you can click this link.

Older, wiser and ...

Image picked up from Pinterest

Indeed, the truth is that there is always something happening.  Sometimes we see it and sometimes we don't.  

I'm older than I've ever been and certainly wiser for that is how it is.  We live and we learn. It's the reward for growing older.  

Older, wiser and also a bit more than that. 

Stephen has been slowly nudging me to exercise and, little by little, I've been building up my stamina.

I'm able to do more now than I've ever done in my life.  Walking distances that I never imagined or cycling where I'd not ever dreamed about. 

It is a nice feeling to be not only older and wiser but also fitter.  

Now I see it.  Now I choose to see it. 

Happy November, everybody!

Memories

I'm sure the memories we, baby boomers (1946 to 1964), have of our childhood are so different from the millenials.  The millenials are made up of those belonging to Generation X (1965 to 1979) and to Generation Y (1980 to 1994). The years vary slightly with different studies but millenials are, generally speaking, the children of baby boomers.  Our son and his fiance are Generation Y babies! 

Stephen probably has many memories of dirt roads because he lived in a "kampung". The rain was his toy and the nearby cemetery was his playground.  He said there was a cow farm nearby and that was a favourite place to pass his time.  

On my side, I remember browsing through rubber estates and running around bare-footed. I can reminisce about chasing butterflies, catching tadpoles and playing outside until the sun went down. 

Yet memories aren't always made from some old dirt road!  Sometimes they are made in a concrete jungle while cycling, between midnight to three am, around Singapore's famous Orchard Road when all is quiet.  

Not me, of course!  

Stephen and the kids (when Jared and GG were here for a holiday) went out a few nights to cycle while I manned the fort (translate that to staying at home). 

They explored Singapore by night and this remains the highlight of their cycling adventure, at least, until the next episode when they plan to cruise along the East Coast!

Here's a video of that ride earlier this year, courtesy of GG. What a steady hand she has!!!  

This almost made me wish I was with them.  Maybe next time.  

Stephen bought us matching tee-shirts in an effort to entice me.  I think we all look great!  

Stairway to health

Just over two years ago, whenever I saw a flight of steps, I'd groan inside my head.  Now after a steady albeit inconsistent regime of walking and some cycling, I have overcome my dislike of stairs.  I see one and I think "no problem" and just walk up or down.  

Stephen dashes to the Toa Payoh Hub and back when we need something. He used to walk to and fro without problem but the bicycle is a much faster mode.

On a good day, he can walk or cycle for hours.  Often he'd do a combination of cycle/walk/cycle or cycle/swim/cycle.  I am in awe of his energy, especially after a full day of work.  There are times when he wakes up at 4.30 am to go for a brisk walk around and when he's back, I'm still asleep! :-) 

I'm not on par with him where stamina and energy is concerned but because of his enthusiasm, I have improved from the sloth that I was. 

Pic from WWW

I seem to have rhythms of three or four days and then I stop for a couple of days again.  Now I've decided that I will be disciplined and start September with a simple routine.  It's all about setting one's mind to achieving it and getting it done.

Let's see then... :)

Dear God

image picked from FB

I hardly ever feel down these days.  Maybe I've already used up my quota of feeling lousy.  Now isn't that a nice thought!

I did have days when I really felt so awful that I didn't know what to do or how to carry on.  Yet, as I was living those difficult days, I didn't stop hoping that one day I'd move pass it all.

And here I am!  Passed all those dark times and always feeling on top of the world.  It helps to have a mate who provides a place of peace and love.

Our new craze is cycling and it has provided us with a new avenue to channel our energies out in the open space.  It is like food for the soul and we're not even looking at the benefits yet!

image picked from FB

I started with 6 km.  Then improved by doing 8 km then 10 km and yesterday we managed 12 km.  Of course, Stephen is able to do 20 km or more, without me.  But he's slowing down so I can build up my stamina.  

Somewhere in the bible (1 Cor 13:4), it says, "Love is patient, love is kind".  It's true.  

Always mindful that Jesus is the centre of our lives!

Project Runway

What a lovely Valentine's Evening!!!    It's not the run-of-mill kind of date but it's still a date when  I am with Stephen.

Today we did 10.25 km. The duration included a stopover at the coffee shop for a drink and quick chit chat before coming home.  All in, I'd say we did very well.  

I started cycling recently and was still wobbly because it has been years since I did any regular cycling. Stephen used to tease me that I'd need a runway because I was so nervous when we went through narrow paths and, especially, when there are pedestrians along the way.  

THEN he discovered the perfect area for me.  It's less than a kilometre from home and then it's a stretch of road without cars and way off the beaten track.  It's a lovely thing to be able to build up my confidence riding up and down and feeling the breeze.

We had tried different routes but I was still shaky until now.  

I cannot help but feel that sometimes even our silliest dream can be fulfilled by just a whisper to the One up above. 

Plink PLANK Plonk

Image from FB

Last year when my son told me about planking, I looked at him and sniggered.  I thought, "What's so hard about that?".  So I got down next to him to show him I could do it effortlessly.  I could only manage 6 seconds! I was flabbergasted. Was something that looked so simple really so difficult?

Not long after that, I saw this image on FB and although the timings there show Day 1 as 20 seconds, I was unable to do it.  It took me awhile to get better at it.  Although quite an active person, I realised that my core strength was lacking and so I kept planking.  

Now I'm doing about 50 seconds and that is quite a good improvement. Stephen is doing about 80 to 90 seconds but he's always been fitter than I am.  He tells me that it's not about the timing but more about improving the timing with each week.  

I don't do it every day but I do it as often as I remember.  I am aiming to hit the miracle 60 seconds (1 full minute) soon.  The 30-day challenge isn't important to me.  It's doing it as often as I can and increasing my timing gradually.  Already I feel a difference and, in the case of Stephen, I see the difference.  

On the subject of bicycles

Well, I don't know if this is 100% true for me because, at this moment, I cannot say that the bicycle is my favourite. The library, without a doubt, ranks high on my list of favourites.

Now that I have my own bicycle, it seems that I do like the speed.  Of course, I'm not cycling as fast as I want to but I definitely can cover more ground with a bicycle.

Stephen and I used to go to Pasir Ris, rent the bicycles and cycle around.  It was something we enjoyed doing whenever we had the time to go there.  It seemed only logical that he would eventually buy one. Then he bought a second one for Jared but now it's mine. Negotiations are ongoing for another 'nicer' bicycle for me.

Recently I followed him for an initiation night ride around our area. We covered about 6 km going from point A to point B and then back.  We cycled and walked some parts of the way. I wouldn't have been able to do this track without the bicycle.

I hope that I will be able to go further.  When alone or with Jared, Stephen can do about 20 km or more. It'll be awhile before I can match him for distance and stamina. Okay, saying 'match him' is being a bit ambitious. Perhaps 'catch up with him" would be closer to accurate. But he's a great inspiration for me to push myself and I can't think of a better coach than him.

One day, I am going to cycle to the library, on my own.  That perfect day is just around the corner.  

Just like in the movies....

Toa Payoh Outdoor Stadium

This is my new playground.  It's only five minutes away by bus from where we stay.  Although it looks empty in this picture, there are many people who find it fun to be here when the gates open at 4.30 am.  

Stephen usually cycles to the stadium and then he walks: starting from Lane 8 and working his way down to Lane 1.  Then he cycles home or he goes for a swim.  

If he had started on this earlier, he could have easily participated in a triathlon.  Who knows?  Maybe he will, one day!

Recently, I followed him to the stadium. Previously, my habit was to stay on the sidewalk and make my way around the block, covering between two to four kilometers. This time, I wanted to see if there was any difference between walking inside the stadium and outside.

The thing is that when we watch movies, we always have the background music and it lends an air of drama to any scene.  In real life, there is no music and often I have wondered about this.  You can walk on the beach with your loved one and everything is perfect but there's no music! You're running around and there should be some lively accompaniment to the dashing all over.  

Anyway, this evening as I was making my way through the lanes, I had my headphones on and it dawned on me that it was like being in the movies.

You walk around, under a clear blue sky and if you have music that soothes your soul, you can get lost in the moment. There are other people around you but every other sound is locked out except for the music and the magical feeling.

I have gone walking with my headphones before but only today I realised that this is how it has always been in the movies, there is music!

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Since I came to Singapore, I've cut my hair about 9 times.  From the long hairstyle that I had sported for the least 30 years, I shortened it to just around my shoulder, in March.

In April, I went another half-inch shorter.  In May, another half-inch and in June, another.  Well, you get the picture. 

Finally, I decided to go really, really short or as I told an old friend, I have the "Jane Lee" style (something she would understand).

Until yesterday, friends were still asking me "Why?".

I don't really know why but my answer is usually, "Why not?".

Many think that something happened but really it was just a matter of practicality.

I started walking (exercising) and washing my long hair became a chore.  Cutting it shorter made it easier to manage.  Now it's fuss-free except for a trim every six weeks.

Do I miss my long hair?  Sometimes.  If I want, I can let it grow again.  I doubt that I will.

It was Stephen who encouraged me to do it.  I think he was tired of my lamenting each time I washed my hair.  However, at my age, it's no longer what anybody wants for me, it's more of what I want for myself.

Most people say I look better now.  Younger even!  Of all the adjectives I've heard, I think I like "sassy" best of all.  The dictionary defines that as "boldly smart" or "distinctively smart and stylish".  I like it. 

No regrets.  I like how I look now.

The moral of the story is....

A couple of months ago, Stephen and I went to Labrador Park.  Again.

That's Stephen walking way ahead because I usually stop to take pictures of the leaves and the trees or whatever catches my fancy.

Usually, we walk to the end of this boardwalk and then turn left and keep going until we reach Harbour Front. It's a good long walk and a nice one because of the lovely sea breeze and, of course, the amazing view.  In the picture below, you can see a bit of that path, in the foreground.  

I am standing on the right side of the boardwalk now.  It was our third trip there and we decided to explore the other long and winding path.

One of my friends took a 3D view 'walk'

through Labrador Park (after he saw my posting on FB)

and Stephen was captured at that moment in the picture.

Here are more pictures taken from the 'right' path

 while looking at the 'left' path

That's a glimpse of Stephen on the far right!

Again, that's Stephen on the far left,

always ahead and leading!

Then he saw this!  He got excited.  I got curious!  Casemate!!!!  Tunnels!!!!!  Uphill????  Wei, I have to see this!

So we headed that way.  Here we go.....

The first flight of steps.

 He checks to see if I'm right behind him.

Second flight - I'm going to catch you!

Third flight - no problem.  I'm doing okay.

Fourth flight - Where'd he go??

Fifth flight - Oh, there he is!!!!

6th level is flat - Praise the Lord!

I'm huffing and puffing by now.

Stopped to admire the patterns on the pathway.

(and to catch my breath)

7th flight - Not steep but my knees, oh, my knees!!!!

Where's Stephen?

He's so fit that 7 flights are nothing to him.

8th flight downhill - Whoa!  Happy me!

And we're on top of the hill and it's a gentle gradient now,

that is good for the heart to return to it's normal beat.

Stephen in the far end of the road (not very clear).

One of the secret tunnels (now sealed) seen along the way down.

At the casemate, the canon is almost completely hidden from view by the trees.  Stephen is having a look at the beach.

And, of course, one big smile for the camera!

Yup, that's sweat!  It was hard work getting up those steps.

We had a tough workout but we made it.

When I saw this picture (below) on Facebook, I remembered my climb at Labrador Park to see the Casement Tunnel.

Pic from Facebook.

And the moral of the story is ....

You enjoy what you work for       :-)

To love and be loved....

Pic from FB
To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.
David Viscott, How to Live with Another Person, 1974

I'm really in the best position now to understand what this really means.  Before I guess I was just too busy being part of the rat race.  Although I knew what it meant to love and be loved, I didn't actually feel it.

Now I have all the time in the world to enjoy it better.  When earning a living gets in the way, it isn't easy to remember that the seconds, minutes and hours are ticking away.  We let moments slip by.

Over the last few months, Stephen and I have walked around Singapore.  For him, it is revisiting but for me, it's sightseeing.  Everything is still new to me.

This was just two nights ago on 22 November 2012 when we went to the area near the Singapore Flyer and walked from there to Marina Bay Sands.  The lights were so beautiful.  The night was lovely.

Yesterday we had an exciting outing by cycling along the beach in Pasir Ris.  We rented bicycles and, if not for the impending rain, we might have stayed till sunset.

Not a cloud in the sky

View from Toa Payoh Swimming Complex

We went swimming, again, earlier in the week.  The pool wasn't crowded and it remained that way until the time we left.   While waiting for Stephen to finish his laps, I changed earlier so that I could take some pictures and videos of him swimming.

When I saw this picture, these words came to mind "not a cloud in the sky" and then the song hit me.  

Such a feelin's comin' over me 

There is wonder in 'most ev'ry thing I see 

Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eye

And I won't be surprised if it's a dream

Everything I want the world to be 

Is now comin' true especially for me 

And the reason is clear, 

You're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen 

I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation 

And the only explanation I can find 

Is the love that I've found ever since you've been around 

Your love's put me at the top of the world 

Somethin' in the wind has learned my name 

And it's tellin' me that things are not the same 

In the leaves on the trees and the touch of the breeze 

There's a pleasin' sense of happiness for me 

There is only one wish on my mind 

When this day is through I hope that I will find 

That tomorrow will be just the same for you and me 

All I need will be mine if you are here 

I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation 

And the only explanation I can find 

Is the love that I've found ever since you've been around 

Your love's put me at the top of the world 

I'm on the top of the world lookin' down on creation 

And the only explanation I can find 

Is the love that I've found ever since you've been around 

Your love's put me at the top of the world

Sunshine on my shoulder....

Yes, the famous John Denver song.  This was a favourite during the early 70s when I was just on the verge of becoming a teenager with all the angst and insecurity of growing up.  Listening to this always made me smile then and I realise that it still has the same effect today.

Now that I've no need to rush off to work in the morning, I find that I still wake up fairly early.  This has prompted me to go for a walkabout but only after my coffee and a light breakfast.  Exercising hasn't been my thing for many years. The old habits and negative thoughts that make me want to remain indoors are real demons in my head.  

Some people are addicted to exercise.  Of course, this is not me.  I still need to drag myself out the door even when I know that once I'm out, I'll be glad for the sunshine on my shoulders.

Since coming to Singapore in March this year, I've made a lifestyle change.  Exercise has become a part and parcel of my new regime.  I feel fitter and faster.  I've also managed to lose some weight *jumps in the air*.

I had a habit of thinking about life, people and all sorts of stuff while driving to and from work.  Now I do it when I am out walking around.  Even as new habits are being formed, some old habits are still hard to break.

The one about the SMS

Stephen is the wittiest guy alive in my life!  There isn't a day that passes when he doesn't invent something funny to say or do.

In a different lifetime, he could have easily become a world-renowned stand-up comic.  

I should document all the funny things and compile them into a book.   Perhaps I will start now.

~ ~ ~

This happened yesterday when we were fine-tuning details of our swimming date. 

I swim a bit but mostly I walk in the water to build up stamina.  Hence the walking icon that is supposed to represent me.  

I don't know if this will make others laugh but it stopped me in my track when I see how easily he comes up with stuff like these.

It was also a moment when I stopped to thank my lucky stars for his sense of humour.

On a whim, I went to swim....

Okay,this week it's already been three (for me and five for Stephen) consecutive days of going to the pool near our home.  It's only one kilometer away so it's near enough to go anytime we want.  

The bad news is that I like company when I go swimming.  The good news is that Stephen loves going at anytime.  

In fact, he was the one who got me started on this.  He said that walking in the pool is a much better exercise than walking around the block.

Since I have retired, I have been walking around the area.  It has been nice to see things from the street level, at my walking pace, rather than from a moving car or bus.  

The good thing about walking is being able to keep track of the distance via a pedometer.  Well, it's just a habit that I like because it is nice to have a history of the walks taken.  It is also a way to know if you are getting fitter from the times taken for each km walked.

Stephen has been walking to the pool and back but now that he has convinced me to go, we ride the bus there and it costs only S$0.73.  The entrance costs $1.00.  We intend to walk home after our 'fitness' time so the total cost of this date is just S$3.46.  :-D

I'm hoping to carry on doing this because it is fun.  I find that I can accomplish so much more in the pool and, on a hot sunny day, it is just about the best place to be.

Today is Day 4 and my friend says that if I do it for 28 days straight it will become a habit.  Maybe she's right because I see a lot of really old people, I think around the 70s, and they are there everyday.  

(pic swiped from one of the Pinterest Boards)