I hope you’ve enjoyed your weeks or months of summertime fun and activities. We enjoyed celebrating our granddaughter’s first birthday in June, and welcoming our second - a grandson.  Some of my favorite times are in their presence.

I observe how our granddaughter is always on the go; loves being outside; does perfect deep squats; and doesn't’t let falling down slow her down. She simply pops up and is off again.

In the Spring of 2010, I charted a course for 2011 of participating in more judged racewalk races including competing at World Masters Athletics 5K and 10K racewalks in Sacramento.

I set realistic goals of striving towards All American time records. This is a fun, competing with self, and way to compare performance over the years.

To qualify and to be recognized as a USATF Masters All-American, an athlete must be a member of USATF.  For every masters age group and every track and field event, a standard has been determined which qualifies an athlete as an All-American.  These standards are posted on the National Masters News Web site for MEN and WOMEN.

I exceeded my goals. If someone told me, when I was in my 40's, that I could do what

I did in my 60's, I would have thought they were crazy! It underscores we never really know where we can go or what we can accomplish; and we are never too old to give it a go.

A clear reminder of this was cheering the 94 year old woman from Mexico receiving her gold medal in the 10K.

As a coach, the biggest mistake people make is to minimize ‘exercise’ during the dark, cold, wet months. Newton’s law of physics applies to us as well: a body at rest stays at rest; a body in motion stays in motion. You can do it differently.

If you want to maintain a certain walking fitness level during these months, come join with others for the October 16 - November 29 weekly -- Kick It Up- training.

For all you half and full marathoners, good luck with your October events!

Email judy@wondersofwalking.com.

Best — Judy

We always attract into our lives whatever we think about most,

believe in most strongly, expect on the deepest level, and imagine most vividly.

- Shakti Gawain

Kick It Up: I've Got Legs  5K, 10K, Half Marathon Training

Have you ever wanted to keep improving during the fall and winter months,

NOW YOU CAN.

By request of previous participants, this October session is designed to help you not only maintain where you are but improve your walking results for your 2012 season. Read more

Registration is Limited.

For details, visit www.wondersofwalking.com Or REGISTER NOW

Links: Resources of Interest

Happy Healthy Long Life Blog -- a medical librarian's adventures in evidence-based living

Reboot Your Life is a socially conscious health and wellness company that offers support, encouragement, community, media and tools to everyday people (like you and me). The company helps people change their eating habits by simply adding more fruits and vegetables into their diets.

T. Colin Campbell Foundation For more than forty years, Dr. T. Colin Campbell has been at the forefront of nutrition research.

Physicians for Responsible Medicine PCRM promotes preventive medicine through innovative programs

Southwestern Tofu Scramble

Recipe from: Vegetarian Times

Ground turmeric gives this egg-free scramble a golden hue. Leftovers (if any) make a great sandwich filling.

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