Sox it to Me.

At least one team here can win the World Series with in a century.

Today I did the White Sox journey to U.S. Cellular Field in south Chicago. So with this I have now reached all of the sports venues in Chicago. I may go back to Solider Field to actually walk around it soon. The temperature was a nice 20ºF so I wasn't too cold Today. The walk was really long though. I did finally pass over I-55 on my way south. I also passed by an Italian Social Club that was “members only.” Seems like a rather cozy set up if you ask me. But there were a lot of Chinese or Asian looking people down there too. I even saw a private school for the Asians. I thought that was odd. I guess anyone could use it but the ads were in a language that looked Chinese to me.

Pick a bed. South of Dominick's

I have some great news, my blood pressure is the lowest it has been since I started keeping track. It was 112/79 so that is awesome work in just about a month. When I first started doing this is was 160/98. which that is way to high. Even though the actual weight loss is slow going I am glad that I am keeping track so I can tell what the difference is in my goals. Today I walked almost 10 miles. Tomorrow I shall reach ten percent of my goal distance I think.

I have noticed that the unsightly way you gain weight is pretty much the same way you lose it. But that is all part of the fitness and weight loss journey. That is why I prefer to call this a journey instead of a plan. I want it to seem like something that I am on and learning from and enjoy to do.

Yesterday was Sunday so I didn't do any extra walking. But I did go to Libertyville to watch the Bears and Packers play at my Dad's home with Cheryl. Sadly it seemed that the interception by B. J. Raji was the play that dashed the hopes of the Bears fans. So it looks to be the Steelers and Packers in the Super Bowl. That should be a good match up. I hope it is the Rams and someone next year.

Members Only

My progress on my weight continues it slow and steady pace. I almost have the first month done and then I will give some updated totals. It will good to have some comparison data but that really will not come until March. The reason for that is because February is a short month and it will not be until March that I will have more then 60 days data to see the progress trends.

Keep on track,

Thomas

Making Goals, Reaching Goals

Will I get an acoustic guitar kit?

I decided on this last walk that other than all the good reasons that I am walking that it might be good to set smaller more tangible goals as well along the way. What I was thinking is that maybe every successful month I stick to the plan I reward myself with something special. While I haven't taken the time to work out all the details yet I think the first reward I want to get is a guitar. I have been wanting one for quite awhile and think that this would be a suitable accomplishment to get one. Nothing fancy just a six string acoustic one would be fine. Something like you can get at Target or used at a pawn shop.

Or will it be an electric guitar?

I figure that would be a good plan. I will work on what steps on levels I should reach for any reward. I think reaching 250 pounds should be at least the first one. That would be 40 pounds from when I began. The main issue with losing weight is that it is hard to see the results yourself. That is one reason why I am using the BP tracker to help me see what progress I am making. Tomorrow I will reach the second pound of calories used up. I am currently at 6914 so just 86 more steps to break 7000 which is equal to the second pound of work done.

I tried to take a picture of the Trailnet office but for some reason it didn't take. Of course I was using gloves so I might not have hit the button right. It is hard to operate the camera phone with gloves on. But I did get a picture of the KMOV transmitter. Plus I took a picture of a little seating area near the Trailnet. It is near the office. I think they might use that for educational programs. Another thing I saw on the walk Today was several cardinals and blue jays. They must be getting ready for Spring training.

KMOV transmitter in South County.

I saw 18 people on the trail Today. In two groups I saw 10 people so without a group there were 8 people. Still the trail users are skewing toward older men. I rarely see anyone under 30 on the trail. Maybe later in the day is when they run or walk. I don't count the St. Louis County Parks employees I see on the trail. I figure they are working so they don't have a choice to be there. I have been seeing a county truck about every other day. They always have been near Clydesdale Park on the trail when I have seen them.

That reminds me. If and or when I begin going further on the trail I will be going past the Clydesdale at Grant's Farm. They are really cool to see. They are well taken care off too. I am not sure if they are out at this time of year but they sure are in the spring, summer and fall.

Take care and keep on truckin'.

Thomas