Fit For Life

I need to stay fit to live the life I want to live.  I plan to keep active till the day I die, so I need to keep fit as long as I am breathing.  Also, in order to keep up with my lifestyle, I need to keep my body strong.  

Studies have shown that muscles are vital for health and longevity because they act as a core metabolic organ that regulates blood sugar, protects against chronic disease, and preserves physical independence as you age.  The mind shift of viewing strength as a core biological necessity rather than just an aesthetic choice is important.

Staying fit not only includes keeping muscular by exercising; but also focusing on flexibility, balance and endurance.  Letting your body rest and recover, eating healthy, and getting plenty of sleep are important too.  My June 19th blog - Stayin' Alive had this same theme.  I need to keep reminding myself of the importance of exercise and be more intentional about sticking with it. 

I saw this posted on an equestrian site and it really hit home for me.  

"Why I care so much about staying strong as I get older.
It's not because I want to look young.
It's because I have shit I still want to DO.
I want to ride.
I want to climb on and off a horse without thinking twice.
I want to spend hours outside.
I want to hike.
I want to work around the ranch.
I want to be the woman who says “hell yes, let's go” instead of “I'm probably too old for that.”
And horses have a funny way of making you realize just how much your body matters.
Strength matters.
Balance matters.
Mobility matters.
Endurance matters.
And taking care of yourself now matters if you want to keep doing the things you love later.
I'm not chasing a younger body.
I'm building a body that can keep up with my life."

Saturday 9/26 - It was a beautiful fall day, sunny and reaching 74° by midafternoon.  Before lunch I sprayed my body with Lemon Eucalyptus Repel and sprayed my pants and socks with Deep Woods off.  








I headed out to the front yard with the two dogs, and Shadow joined us too.  Maggie sunned, Shadow rested and Cookie chewed on acorns while I tackled the weeds in the front bed.  


I worked for 90 minutes and never got a chigger or tick bite.  I weeded the rock area by the road and drive and completed this spot (in red bracket) in the flower bed.  The weeds are THICK.  I have so much more to do.

After lunch I met Patty at the ranch and we enjoyed a nice ride on Rico and Zorro.





It was a perfect day for riding.

I worked with Rico on separating him from his buddy Zorro (video).








Rico did okay but needs more work which will build his confidence. 

Zorro was very patient, had no separation issues, and was a very good boy for Patty (video).

We tried the child's saddle on Zorro that Patty had borrowed from Lisa (one of our new 40SC friends).  It looks to be the right size for Zorro and Ava and it's the perfect color.

I had put Rico in the barnyard to graze and he went over to be near his buddy Rosco.











I did chores for Joanne who is out of town.  Feeding the boarded boys, I discovered Cash's wardrobe malfunction.  

Mucking up top, I stripped the large shed, digging down to get most of the 'piss pit' cleaned out.  Then Joe came with the three buckets of lime he had removed from the 'skid mark' in the back pasture.  I filled in the 'piss pit' with the lime, which was like wet clay from getting rained on in the field.


Then we covered both sheds with new wood shavings.





It's all ready for horses to come in and mess it up. 😛






Home pet chores were later than usual, and so was my dinner.

I feel like I am getting more energized, but I did go to bed early to read.  Part of fitness is rest and good sleep.

Sunday 9/27 - I went straight from church to the ranch to meet Karen to go for a ride.  We tried splitting up like Patty and I did yesterday, but Rico was more anxious and Zorro was not standing very still for Karen.
These two photos are from this (video) when I turned Rico back out into the front pasture.  I thought he was going to race up to be with Amiga, but he didn't.  

Rico kept looking for Zorro, who Karen and I were 'doctoring' because he had hurt his foot/ankle about ten minutes before we had gotten back from our ride.  He had been stomping his foot and swishing his tail and may have bruised his foot or tweaked his ankle.  





I did not get home until 2:30 and had a big, very late lunch.  I did some work here at my computer and then decided to take Cookie on a hike (video).  We did the Green Loop of the Hiking Marathon, marked strenuous, 4.2 miles.  I jogged parts of it for interval training so was surprised our pace was only a 23 minute mile.  Although we stopped several times for photos and puppy potty breaks.

The rock formations were cool.  This one, stand alone 'pile' seemed out of place to me.  Strange I thought. 






There were several bridges.  This one a cool looking, engineering feat. 






With just under a mile to go, I tripped and fell to my hands and knees while jogging.  Thankfully no harm done, except I dropped the flex-i-leash that flew into Cookie and scared her.  However, I really struggled, especially with the last half mile.  I was exhausted and kept tripping (but not falling because I was moving slower and more carefully) over roots and rocks. 

We had been gone from 4-6, but even though I was worn out, I had to feed fur babies and do all my evening chores.  My fatigued leg muscles were in need of stretching, which I did once back from our 'after dinner' walk, shortly before bed.

Monday 9/28 - I could barely walk when I first got out of bed at 5am.  Not only did I have my usual stiffness and pain in my hips and knees, but my thigh muscles were very tight and sore.

The garage door guys arrived just before 8:30am to install our new door.  In this photo the panels for the new door are up on saw horses and the top panel (with windows) of our old door had just been removed.  

Here the old panels have been loaded onto the top of the truck and the new panels are in the process of going up.

Joe had left for the ranch to meet with Patty and the guy from the extension office to evaluate our ranch operation and give us suggestions for improvement (we are considering adding a well for the upper paddock or adding additional fencing) and what grant we might want to write for assistance.  

I took the dogs for a walk in preparation to leave for the ranch and took this photo as the door guys were finishing up.  







I returned with the dogs by way of the back deck because both garage doors were blocked.  Shadow was lounging and immediately came over to greet us.  

 


I think Shadow prefers Maggie to Cookie because the old dog is not as wild and unpredictable.  








When I got to the ranch, we loaded up the gator with chain saw, weed wacker and big loppers; and went out to work on clearing trails that have gotten 'chocked up' by fallen trees and underbrush.

After cutting down the tops of a tree we have been ducking under, Joe waited in the gator while Patty and I did some clearing of under brush.  She weed-whacked and I lopped off larger stuff.  


On the back woods trail near Mike's field, a large tree had fallen onto the smaller tree you see above Joe and I in this photo.  The tree fell early last spring and is also hung up on a larger tree. 
 


There has been some 'settling' and the smaller tree has bent down enough that we have to duck to get under it.  



After accessing the situation, we cut just the top of the smaller tree blocking the trail and left the trunk up to a Y of the two branches, which is helping support the larger tree.  But the bulk of the tree is being held much higher up by a larger tree, as seen in this after shot from the other direction on the trail.  No more ducking required, but we will monitor this for our safety.  


Joe and Patty headed back and I walked and cleared more trail.  I hoped the light exercise would help my sore leg muscles.

Once back at the ranch, I sat in the house eating peanut butter on crackers (the only food we have out there) and started a jigsaw puzzle.  See the three Pasos in my view out the window?




Jan arrived at 3pm and we saddled up Cash and Rico.  

We did different things to work on Rico's separation anxiety.  I would have him stand while Jan rode off out of sight and then return, and she would have Cash stand while I rode off and then back.  We also did 'leap frog' at a walk and trot.  One person stops while the other rides by, then the back person starts up until they pass the front person who has stopped.  




Early in the ride Rico was a challenge, but he got better and better.  I feel encouraged by the progress we are making.

The steps to the well box we use as a mounting block have rotted and finally broke.  That didn't stop Wanda from getting up there to sun and nap.  







I didn't get home until 5:30 to do the usual evening house and pet keeping chores.  After a shower and dinner, I then took the dogs for a walk to again stretch out my still very sore muscles.  I bumped into neighbor Steve who said he walks every night after dinner to help with his blood sugar level.  Awh yes, I remember that's another reason I had been walking after meals.
 

Tuesday 9/29 - Wow, my muscles were still quite sore when I got up.  I read that it can take up to 72 hours for muscles to recover from an unusually intense workout.
I was a little late getting to the ranch for morning chores.  Then I took Amiga for a nice slow, relaxing ride.  The 'boys' (especially Rico) had been hollering for her much of the time she was gone.  Walking her back to the paddock, I put the lead rope over her neck to leave her and go shut the corral gate.  She just stood waiting for me.  She could care less about Rico and Zorro yelling for her.  

From the ranch I went to town to do my big, twice a month shopping trip.  Arriving home at 2:15, I had to walk the dogs because Joe was off golfing.  By the time everything was put away, it was rather late and I was too tired to go to the gym.  I read and then napped on the porch.  

I woke at 4pm when Joe got home.  I was too tired to fix dinner, but starving, so we went out to eat.  We went to Skillets, an Italian restaurant at the Village Mall.  The daily special was delicious, but quite rich, so I took half of it home.  


We were home by 5:30, pet dinnertime and evening house chores.



I took Cookie for a two mile walk, going past the new Druid clubhouse, which isn't open yet.  

The above photo is from the patio outside the clubhouse, looking at the 9th green. 
This second photo was taken from the tall (controversial) wall, looking down at the berm and fast growing evergreen that are intended to eventually kind of 'hide' the wall.

My stomach and leg muscles were feeling quite a bit better by the time Cookie and I got back home.  I had even kind of gotten a second wind.

Wednesday 9/30 - Bonnie and I had planned to ride together, so we met at the barn just before 9am.  Unfortunately, Rosco had a loose (somewhat twisted) shoe so couldn't be ridden.  Well, Rico was calm and well mannered, so I decided to try riding him out alone.  







I am so glad I took Rico out alone because he did great.  This (video) was taken soon after we hit the trail and he actually settled in even more and was great for our three mile ride.  I even took him up to a gait a few times and he was tuned in and listening to me, so slowed right back down when asked.  

Rico never spooked or did anything stupid.  I am so relieved and happy to see this great progress.
This photo is showing the bottom branch removed from the higher tree that is across the trail.  We can ride under it without ducking now.

I had a light lunch and rested an hour while reading then went to the gym and got in a good arm and core workout.  My legs were so much better from over-doing it Sunday.  







Driving past Druid Hills Clubhouse, I noticed they are putting in a second row of evergreen.  

Joe, Cookie and I then went to town to hike the 1.7 mile Maryetta Trail for the Hiking Marathon.  We ended up only doing half the marathon this year because we had both been under the weather for over a week.  We had been very low energy and then ran out of time.

My evening ended watching the 90 minute, second episode of season 51 of Survivor, with Joe.

Thursday 10/1 - We did enter this new month with temperatures in the low 80s for a few days.  I guess it is our 'Indian Summer.'  

I was at the ranch by 8:15, with Patty and Bonnie, wrangling horses for the farrier.  Rico nibbled on Patty's shirt while she was standing there, just before this photo.  







Bonnie let me take a photo of her very cool, new tattoo.  The horse needs no explanation.  The yellow rose of Texas is for where Bonnie lived her earlier life, riding the rodeo circuit.  The feather is a universal symbol for freedom, spiritual connection, and the ability to rise above life's challenges; very much Bonnie.  And at the bottom, the treble clef is in memory of her late husband Rick, who was a musician.  

Mid afternoon I went to the library for a Committee for Member Awareness meeting.  I felt it was a good start to openness between the new board and FFG members.  We are all so glad the former, corrupt president is gone.  Then I scooted off to do chores at the ranch.  

Cookie is learning to be nice to cats, but sometimes she gets so wound up, she plays a little too rough.  She also always likes a good game of chase.  





Cookie is slowly learning to not pick on Maggie, too much. But like with the cats (only worse) she gets a little too rough, biting and tugging on ears, feet and tail.

I was feeling rather drained by dinnertime.  I think it was the heat and maybe some dehydration.  

Friday 10/2 - Bonnie and I had a lovely morning ride.  The day was warming up and it was a tad on the humid side, but there was a nice breeze that felt great.  Being in the shade of the woods was also quite nice.

Before heading home for lunch, I drained, scrubbed and filled the Pasos water tank.  Zorro and Rico are seen here getting a drink before I tackled the job.

I decided to rest and read before the gym and then... well... I never made it to the gym.  I knew or was hoping I would get in some exercise walking and dancing this evening at Oktoberfest.  But that didn't happen either.  



I parked at Motel 8 where I met Bonnie and rode with her downtown.  It was pouring rain at the time, which put a damper on Oktoberfest.  By the time we parked, it was just drizzling a little bit so we got out and walked around.  There was no dancing in the street.  Dave gave us a tour of the veteran's museum.  The middle uniform in this photo shows what Dan wore.  We got an ice cream and then ran into Micki, Jake, Johnny, and Brenda.  We all ended up at The Pit Stop for dinner, which included lively conversation and laughter.

I came across this message on the senior equestrian Facebook page and thought it a great recap for this blog title:
"As we age, a few key things naturally shift:
-Muscle mass declines faster
-Balance and stability require more intentional training
-Recovery takes longer
-Stiffness shows up more easily

But our body responds incredibly well when we give it the right kind of training.
-rebuild and maintain lean muscle
-support your joints + reduce stiffness
-improve balance and core control
-feel more stable and confident in the saddle"

This meme has a great Jack LaLanne quote I love.  He was 96 years old when he died, January 23, 2011.  He was in remarkably exceptional physical shape for his age.  In late December 2010, he wrote on his blog that the new year was an opportunity for "more goals, new adventures and a healthier year! The stronger we become the more longevity we gain. Your waistline is your lifeline so let's keep it up!"  His last blog entry, three days before he died, had these words: "Hope you all are keeping your New Year's Resolutions to taking care of the most important person on this earth, YOU!!!!" 

Git To Gittin'

I have been bogged down with so many things this summer (the heat, my pool job, all the animals to care for, and my recent bad cold) that I am now ready, or need to, git on with things.  I need to start riding a lot more, get back to regular gym workouts, and clean up a much neglected yard and house.  I got ta git to gittin'.

Saturday 9/19 - This has been the hottest September ever recorded for middle TN.  Although many of us are enjoying the extended summer, the majority would like to see it cool down from the low 90s to the more normal mid 70s for this region, this time of year.  The prolonged heat wave has extended our pool season, thus I have had to work longer into September than expected or planned on, and the heat continues to squelch riding, so we and our horses don't overheat.  

Two golf course workers were down back a few days ago, spraying the vegetation in the pond.  I spoke with them about all the dead trees we have down back, and he said they have about 100 trees to remove, but not until winter.  






As you can see, the spray really worked.  I have mixed feelings about them killing this wetland habitat, but I do like an improved view of the water, what little there is.  





Patty sent this photo of her and her friend, ready to attend the Iowa Hawkeye game.  Iowa crushed Northern Iowa 55-0 in shutout fashion.  We love a win, but a closer match would have been a much more exciting game to attend.

I finally got to gettin' to the gym after 17 days of not gettin' there.  I was either too busy with work, was sick, or was out riding or hiking.  I did a nearly normal arm and core workout. 

I was saving my legs for dancing at the Grove.

I arrived early, giving me time for a beer and popcorn before the music began.  There was also plenty of goofing around with the ladies.
Micki, Sherri, myself, Jake and Nancy.  









Utopia (a very fun, good, and much loved band) was playing so a large crowd had gathered.

Another photo between songs.
Johnny, Nancy, Brenda, myself, and Jake.  

Sherri and Linda.









We were on the dance floor having a blast during every song (except the slow dances) which we needed to take a break.

I love that so many ladies enjoy coming out to dance and have a good time together, enjoying the music.








It had rained just before the concert started, but thankfully ended up being a beautiful night, and the coolest, most comfortable one we have had all summer.

Sunday 9/20 - The heat was 'back on' for our end of season pool party.  I left home at 8:15, and grabbed gas on my way to the grocery to pick up a fruit tray for the afternoon pot luck.  I was at the pool before 9am, starting my shift and preparing for the party.  
We had a fantastic turn out, tons of great food, and so many wonderful people.  I clocked off work at 1:30 and joined the party.  





By 3:45 I was headed to the ranch to do chores for Patty who was still in Iowa.  The Great Blue Heron (who you can almost see better reflected in the water) has been back at the lower pond recently.  I fed and mucked and then came home to do the same thing (feeding fur babies and 'mucking' litter boxes).  
Poker Joe took care of late arriving overnighters after I had earlier turned in for the night.
   

Monday 9/21 - I drank water upon rising at 5am.  I left for the medical lab just after 7:00 and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I got in and out of there for my blood draw. 








I had my YETI full of hot tea and sipped that on my way home and was soon enjoying a late breakfast.  Mama Styx napping on my shoulders and Monita on my desk while I worked on this blog.  




Joe went to the ranch to move the three boys off the back pasture, into the front field, and open gates for the guy who came to spread lime.  He applied two tons per acre (video).  The lime will raise the soil pH and help plants absorb essential nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen.  This will also discourage the sage grass (broomsedge) which thrives in acidic, nutrient-deficient soils with low pH.    

I knew I needed to go to the gym, but was being lazy, sitting here playing computer games.  It was time to git to gittin' so I went and worked out from 12:30 - 2:30.
While warming up on the rowing machine, I thought people were dropping weights at the other end of the room.  No, it was very loud thunder, right overhead, and then it poured.  



It cleared off by the time I left, but we had gotten almost an inch of rain.  The sun came back out and then it felt like a sauna.  

We had more thunderstorms in the evening and during the night.  This was perfect at the ranch, to wash lime off plant leaves and down to the root zone.  It should be safe to graze horses on the pasture now.    

Tuesday 9/22 - Wow, we are already to the autumnal equinox.  Time keeps gittin' whether we git to gittin' or not.  As good as my intentions were to git back to riding and yard work, the reality was, that it was either too hot, raining, or I was too tired.  At least I was a little better about going to the gym.

When I arrived at the ranch, a tad on the late side to feed Pasos and do chores, I discovered quite a few branches and lots of sticks down in the yard.  So picking up sticks was included in my morning's work.  I also grabbed sheets and towels (since the renters had left) to take home and wash.  


Cash was sunning after a stormy night while I mucked the upper paddock.  
I had planned to ride, but the humidity (more than the heat) really got to me and I whimped out and headed home just after noon.  

It rained a little and looked threatening the remainder of the afternoon, so I didn't do yard work or hike, but instead ate (more than necessary) read, napped, and did games on my computer.  Then I felt guilty about being such a bum.  Why can't I git to gittin'?

Wednesday 9/23 - At my 9:30 doctor's appointment, I was told all my levels (in my blood work-up) were good, in the normal range, except my good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol.  I told my doctor about my fatigue and feeling exhausted, especially when out in the heat and humidity.  I also admitted to not really doing much aerobic work all summer (due to time).  She said (and this is something I preach) doing an aerobic workout will actually give you more energy and it will help lower LDL and raise HDL.  I also need to get back to a more heart-healthy diet.  


Jan sent this photo of Joe out working in the back pasture on this foggy morning, while the boys looked on.  He was cleaning up (shoveling into buckets) the 'skid mark' of lime that had been made before the spreader was turned on.  

I was done at the doctor's office by 10:15 and went straight to the ranch to give the Pasos their late breakfast.  



After putting clean sheets on the bed and doing a little more work in the ranch house, I went down to the back pasture and raked out the remaining clumps of lime along the skid mark.  With a little more rain, this should all dissolve into the soil.  
I had thought about riding, but again got too hot, and was nervous about taking Rico out alone, since it's been two full weeks since he has last been ridden.  



I came home, ate a big late lunch, and then gave in to fatigue and took a nap.  UGH!  
It was a short 30 minute slumber and I woke feeling groggy, but guilty.  I got to git to gittin'! 

So I did finally go to the gym.



I worked my legs with weights and then did aerobics, 45 minutes on the elliptical (30 with the weighted vest).  I hadn't done this since last spring.

Joe and I watched the opening episode of Season 51 Survivor.  There were some new twists and the theme, permanent uncertainty will continue through out the season.
I read with my three feline before turning out the lights for the night.  

Thursday 9/24 - Fall started IMMEDIATELY, just like that, overnight.  

I caught up on some clerical things here at my desk.  I also dropped in on Patty and went to Food City.  I had plenty of protein for lunch.  


Stormy skies and a 'fire breathing' horse.

At the ranch by 2:00, I first took Rico down to the barn to go for a ride.  By the time I got down to the corral, he realized Amiga and Zorro weren't following us through the front pasture, and he went ballistic.  Needless to say, I had my hands full getting to the barn, grooming/saddling, doing ground work, and going out on a ride.  I only went one mile because Rico was so unmanageable and I was afraid I was going to get thrown off of him.  He spun, reared, and threw his head down and around several times; and was wanting to charge back to the barn.  It was scary.

When I turned Rico loose in the front pasture, he went charging (at a full out run) up to the paddock.  I walked up, got Amiga and put her in the alleyway between the yard and field and then let Zorro out with Rico.  Rico proceeded to get Zorro wound up (video). 

My sweet, Amiga walked calmly down to the barn with me while the boys raced along the fence and yelled for her.  







We had a very nice, relaxing ride.  Amiga was a little off, sore, as you can tell from her head bob in this (video).  

We went just over a mile because before turning into the barnyard on the way back, I took Amiga under the power line to check the status of Hathaway.  Still blocked by trees.  

Amiga had gotten a little more animated when we didn't turn into the barnyard, but she was fairly manageable and compliant when I asked her to slow down.  The boys were glad to have her returned to the pasture. 

Patty and I went with Bonnie and Kathleen to Lisa's for our September 40 Something Cowgirl (40 SC) meeting.  She has this fun 'Karoline’s Tea Kastle,' her adorable business where she hosts tea parties.  We all enjoyed an outstanding potluck supper and then got dressed up for this photo.  A bunch of silly 40 SCs

Friday 9/25 - Today has been declared "Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day" by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.  They had a big festival in Nashville in her honor.  






Today is also my mom's heavenly birthday.  She would have been 98 years old.  Seen here, she is with her six children on her 90th birthday.  








I spent a few hours at the gym.  I feel my energy level increasing, although my strength was lower, I think because my muscles are still recovering.  




Karen and I met at the ranch and had a wonderful ride on a lovely 70° afternoon.  Rico did great.  He was a different horse.  Having a buddy makes all the difference.  So does regular, frequent riding. 

Shadow continues to lick and pull at the sore on his leg, which has been here (but is much larger right now) since early spring.  I need to git to gittn' him trapped to have him neutered, vaccinated, and possibly doctored.  The task is just too daunting.