I have been reading a lot of blogs, and articles about training for a 1/2 marathon, however, they all seem to be geared to younger people, and do not take into consideration anyone over 50.
I have signed up for two 1/2 marathons, one in March, one in October.
I have been increasing my mileage every week, and can now make a 13.1 mile 1/2 marathon.
How?
Glad you asked.
Number one, start by walking, then jogging and then walking. continue this as long as you can.
Number two, set real goals, ie walk run for 1/2 hour, then walk run for 1 hour, until you can do this for three hours.
Number three, don't worry about how fast you run , just make sure you keep a good pace while walking. do not slow down to a crawl. Push yourself during the walking periods, as that will actually increase your time for the whole race.
Number four, make sure you do this a minimum of 3 days per week.
Number four, do not do a complete 13.1 every time you go. Start with a 1/2 hour walk run, goal to be 2 1/2 miles in 30 minutes. then do a 1 hour walk run, try to work up to 5 miles in 1 hour. Then then the last run/ walk of the week should be for a minimum of 2 hours, try to make 10 miles, or even the 13.1.
Number five, do not listen to younger people on your exercise needs. they don't get the lack of breath or sore muscles and joints thing?
Number six. keep at it even if you can't reach the times I suggested. base the times on what you can do, and try to better them each time out, even if by 1 minute. It still helps.
Number seven, keep you motivation strong, I started a year ago, and I am just getting to the stages I mentioned, so take heart it works.
take care and check back later
Randy
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Media influencing voter thoughts
I have watched all the debates, and have come to the conclusion, that I am really tired of the media dredging up issues to get the candidates angry and influencing the debates by not allowing for rational discussion of the issues.
The media has it's perspective, which is to make ratings and contentious debates help ratings.
Fine, but I am tired of them thinking we the public are too stupid to know which ads are bogus, and which adds are appropriate.
I don't care what some bimbo x wife has to say, just like I don't care what some wife of 40 years has to say. They are not running.
So to the media, liberal CNN and ABC, and conservative Fox, stop trying to influence public opinion. Your job is to report not pontificate and try to influence people to your views.
A debate is supposed to allow the American public to decide which candidate has the better plan to help this struggling economy.
Shame on CNN for trying to embarrass Newt and Mitt into trading innuendo as opposed to letting them debate the merits of each others plan.
CNN is just pist off that Newt went after them for stupid questions and embarrassed John King, so Wolf has to try and get back at Newt on behalf of his buddy?????
CNN started the show denigrating Newt on national TV? How fair is that? they are showing their true liberal spirit and are trying to influence people away from the republican candidates.
Sorry, but we the American people are smart enough to figure out who is doing the job and who is not>
Let the candidate debate, be they liberal or conservative, I want to hear what they say.
The media has it's perspective, which is to make ratings and contentious debates help ratings.
Fine, but I am tired of them thinking we the public are too stupid to know which ads are bogus, and which adds are appropriate.
I don't care what some bimbo x wife has to say, just like I don't care what some wife of 40 years has to say. They are not running.
So to the media, liberal CNN and ABC, and conservative Fox, stop trying to influence public opinion. Your job is to report not pontificate and try to influence people to your views.
A debate is supposed to allow the American public to decide which candidate has the better plan to help this struggling economy.
Shame on CNN for trying to embarrass Newt and Mitt into trading innuendo as opposed to letting them debate the merits of each others plan.
CNN is just pist off that Newt went after them for stupid questions and embarrassed John King, so Wolf has to try and get back at Newt on behalf of his buddy?????
CNN started the show denigrating Newt on national TV? How fair is that? they are showing their true liberal spirit and are trying to influence people away from the republican candidates.
Sorry, but we the American people are smart enough to figure out who is doing the job and who is not>
Let the candidate debate, be they liberal or conservative, I want to hear what they say.
Timeshare Investments
Timeshare investments, are the worst thing in the world, don't do it if you ever find yourself on vacation and pressured.
There used to be away around the horrid pricing schemes in the US.
Originally, they charged you 5000. to 10,000 to own, they you paid 500 to 600 yearly maintenance fees. This locked you in to going on vacation the same time and teh same week every year to the same place.
I found that if you bought a South african time share from redweek.com, or tug, you could pick up a red week at 500, with maintenance fees at 150 US $. It takes time and then you have to bank them with RCI or II.
You used to be able to use your timeshares all over the world. NOW, they have devalued the timeshares from South Africa or other countries, so that now the are no longer valued at teh redweek status of the US timeshares. Basically you would have to buy 2 to 3 weeks in south africa to get 1 week in the US. So it makes those timeshares as worthless as the US timeshares.
I thought I was the only one doing it, but apparently I was not alone? Oh well, it was good while it lasted.
I will do some more research to see if there is another way to make the timeshares a viable option
take care chck back later
Randy
There used to be away around the horrid pricing schemes in the US.
Originally, they charged you 5000. to 10,000 to own, they you paid 500 to 600 yearly maintenance fees. This locked you in to going on vacation the same time and teh same week every year to the same place.
I found that if you bought a South african time share from redweek.com, or tug, you could pick up a red week at 500, with maintenance fees at 150 US $. It takes time and then you have to bank them with RCI or II.
You used to be able to use your timeshares all over the world. NOW, they have devalued the timeshares from South Africa or other countries, so that now the are no longer valued at teh redweek status of the US timeshares. Basically you would have to buy 2 to 3 weeks in south africa to get 1 week in the US. So it makes those timeshares as worthless as the US timeshares.
I thought I was the only one doing it, but apparently I was not alone? Oh well, it was good while it lasted.
I will do some more research to see if there is another way to make the timeshares a viable option
take care chck back later
Randy
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
81 and sunny
Sorry I tried to not rub it in? Oh well, it is sunny and 81 we are going to go suck up the vitamin D. also going to try and runn 10 miles? I will let you know how it goes, the wireless internet here really sucks, It has taken me 10 minute s to post this.
take car check back later when I have better access
Randy
take car check back later when I have better access
Randy
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
So are we tired of the gray and gloomy weather yet?
It is only Jan 15 Th, and we have only had about three days of the brutally cold weather.
Despite a seasonably warmer winter and lacking in snow, I still hear people complaining about the winter?
Let's look at the positive aspect of the weather we have had so far.
Heating costs are down, and people are saving a little money.
Runners are loving the mild weather, you do not have to layer up, and you don't over heat.
Spring is closer
Still can't stand it? Head to Florida, that's what we are doing? Going to go south for a month, and train and eat health and soak up the sunshine.
Get out of the gray gloomy Michigan weather, go somewhere there is sun.
Nothing helps motivate and keep you going and invigorates you like a prolonged dose of sunshine.
I will continue to blog from Florida, hopefully I will not aggravate too many people with news of sunshine and warmth while you are stuck in the gray.
We are scheduled to run the 13.1 CF ROCKS in march on Grosse Ille, so I need to train. It takes longer for this old body to get up to speed.
Take care and check back later.
Randy
Despite a seasonably warmer winter and lacking in snow, I still hear people complaining about the winter?
Let's look at the positive aspect of the weather we have had so far.
Heating costs are down, and people are saving a little money.
Runners are loving the mild weather, you do not have to layer up, and you don't over heat.
Spring is closer
Still can't stand it? Head to Florida, that's what we are doing? Going to go south for a month, and train and eat health and soak up the sunshine.
Get out of the gray gloomy Michigan weather, go somewhere there is sun.
Nothing helps motivate and keep you going and invigorates you like a prolonged dose of sunshine.
I will continue to blog from Florida, hopefully I will not aggravate too many people with news of sunshine and warmth while you are stuck in the gray.
We are scheduled to run the 13.1 CF ROCKS in march on Grosse Ille, so I need to train. It takes longer for this old body to get up to speed.
Take care and check back later.
Randy
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Where is the help for Low Income Seniors
Hello again
I have been preparing taxes for the low income people in this area, and have noticed that the Snyder government has done every thing in its power to increase the taxes on senior retirement people.
The latest ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court has actually had a positive affect for retirement income.
"In its review of the pension tax, the Supreme Court ruled that the changes phasing out Michigan’s personal exemption were not constitutional as that violated a ban on a graduated income tax. All other provisions of the pension tax were allowed to stand. Somewhat ironically the result of the court’s ruling means that those individuals with more than $75,000 in retirement income, who would have otherwise paid the income tax on pensions, will be taxed less than originally expected because they will now be able to claim the exemption."
Score one for the people who built this state to a level of prosperity, and have looked forward to a retirement free of worry from the Government.
While I know this does not alleviate the retirement tax, it helps.
take care
and check back later
Randy
I have been preparing taxes for the low income people in this area, and have noticed that the Snyder government has done every thing in its power to increase the taxes on senior retirement people.
The latest ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court has actually had a positive affect for retirement income.
"In its review of the pension tax, the Supreme Court ruled that the changes phasing out Michigan’s personal exemption were not constitutional as that violated a ban on a graduated income tax. All other provisions of the pension tax were allowed to stand. Somewhat ironically the result of the court’s ruling means that those individuals with more than $75,000 in retirement income, who would have otherwise paid the income tax on pensions, will be taxed less than originally expected because they will now be able to claim the exemption."
Score one for the people who built this state to a level of prosperity, and have looked forward to a retirement free of worry from the Government.
While I know this does not alleviate the retirement tax, it helps.
take care
and check back later
Randy
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Continuing a Positive Attitude
Well, I spent the last 3 months learning a new skill.
I will now be a certified tax preparer, and have a part time job with one of the tax preparation companies.
I can't tell you which one, as it would not be fair.
So what has this to do with keeping a positive attitude?
Well, since I have been unemployed since 2008, it is nice to have a job again, even if it is part time. I am really looking as this is a learning experience and it will continue to increase my knowledge base, which is very important as you age.
Everyone must keep their interactive skills up, as well as continue to improve any skills, or build new skills. This will ultimately lead to having a better attitude when you are more confident.
The pay is not much, but it will help defray the raise in groceries and gas, so that also helps if you are not constantly worried how you will meet the bills.
If you are retired sitting at home in the cold gray Michigan months, it helps to have a purpose for getting up and getting out. I don't look at this job as being able to make me rich or bettering my finances, however, I do look at this job as being someting that will make me feel better about my self.
That alone is worth the time and effort gaining the knowledge. Besides, I can do my own taxes much better now, and save myself some more money.
Learn somthing new, and stay in the game, it will make you feel better in the long run.
take care
and check back later
Randy
I will now be a certified tax preparer, and have a part time job with one of the tax preparation companies.
I can't tell you which one, as it would not be fair.
So what has this to do with keeping a positive attitude?
Well, since I have been unemployed since 2008, it is nice to have a job again, even if it is part time. I am really looking as this is a learning experience and it will continue to increase my knowledge base, which is very important as you age.
Everyone must keep their interactive skills up, as well as continue to improve any skills, or build new skills. This will ultimately lead to having a better attitude when you are more confident.
The pay is not much, but it will help defray the raise in groceries and gas, so that also helps if you are not constantly worried how you will meet the bills.
If you are retired sitting at home in the cold gray Michigan months, it helps to have a purpose for getting up and getting out. I don't look at this job as being able to make me rich or bettering my finances, however, I do look at this job as being someting that will make me feel better about my self.
That alone is worth the time and effort gaining the knowledge. Besides, I can do my own taxes much better now, and save myself some more money.
Learn somthing new, and stay in the game, it will make you feel better in the long run.
take care
and check back later
Randy
Sunday, January 8, 2012
WOW someone read my blog.... Outstanding
I was pleasantly surprised that someone actually read my blog and responded with a comment. I think the comment was not on target, but everyone is entitled to their thoughts.
It was relatively obvious that the reader thought that all retiree's are rich and spend all their time at the casinos spending their untold wealth frivolously.
Are there some that do that and have money? Yeah forsure, however, it has been my experience that the majority are trying to make ends meet and don't waste their money.
My main point was that the current Govenor and Legislature have their own agenda that seems targeted at the senior population of Michigan. I did not even mention what they are doing to the schools and our young children, that is another travesty best held for later.
Michigan was built by middle income working people who signed up for the long term to work hard, building companies, educating their children better than they were, and hopefully have a few dollars left over to retire with the prospect of enjoying themselves.
Governor Snyder seems to want to throw their sacrifice away as meaningless and not worthy of having a comfortable retirement in Michigan.
OK, so I say the govenor (lower case... lower class) is pushing seniors to leave the state.
It really seems that way, him and the president want everyone else to share the sacrifice???
OK thanks we get the point guys, anyone that can leave for greener pastures, go for it.
Anyone who can't... suck it up you will be targeted further, prepare for a few dinners of dog food.
Take care and check back later
Randy
It was relatively obvious that the reader thought that all retiree's are rich and spend all their time at the casinos spending their untold wealth frivolously.
Are there some that do that and have money? Yeah forsure, however, it has been my experience that the majority are trying to make ends meet and don't waste their money.
My main point was that the current Govenor and Legislature have their own agenda that seems targeted at the senior population of Michigan. I did not even mention what they are doing to the schools and our young children, that is another travesty best held for later.
Michigan was built by middle income working people who signed up for the long term to work hard, building companies, educating their children better than they were, and hopefully have a few dollars left over to retire with the prospect of enjoying themselves.
Governor Snyder seems to want to throw their sacrifice away as meaningless and not worthy of having a comfortable retirement in Michigan.
OK, so I say the govenor (lower case... lower class) is pushing seniors to leave the state.
It really seems that way, him and the president want everyone else to share the sacrifice???
OK thanks we get the point guys, anyone that can leave for greener pastures, go for it.
Anyone who can't... suck it up you will be targeted further, prepare for a few dinners of dog food.
Take care and check back later
Randy
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Is the Govenor driving seniors to the poor house or the state line?
My understanding is the taxation of pensions is once again up in the air, and that the court has said it is age discrimination to not tax everyone the same?
If that is the case, do you meaning we the citizens have an opportunity to object and request that the entire matter be dismissed?
Please be aware that the pending taxation on senior pensions is a strong incentive for people to move from Michigan, as well as not move into Michigan.
We worked 34 years counting on some stability in our golden years and enjoy Michigan in our retirement? It is unconscionable that you( Govenor Snyder and Paul Clemente) would change the tax structure for those of us who have provided for a stable Michigan for quit a few years.
Now you are doing your best to get us to leave the state?
Please take the opportunity that the court has given you to abolish these plans and quit driving seniors to the poor house and state line.
take care and check back later
Randy
Monday, January 2, 2012
Following My own Advice how hard can that be?
Happy new year to anyone reading?
I decided last year to start exercising, and have been pretty successful. I have entered 6 5 k races, and competed very well. I have also lost 45 pounds.
This year I decided to get a jump on the new year and started exercising and working out more. I also decided that this year would be a milestone year.
So what advice did I follow?
I signed up for Two 13.1 half marathon races. One in march on Grosse Ille, and the other is the international Detroit marathon.
Now comes the hard part I need to up my training and really push to be able to finish.
Notice I said finish, not compete for anything else but my own satisfaction and well being.
Ok....... that seems easy? Wow not ! It has been cold and raining, and hard to get motivated to run outside. Inside is only available at the Lifetime fitness, and there they limit treadmill time to 20 minute intervals??? how stupid is that? can't even get up a good pace or sweat.
Next I said pay attention to finances and money spending?
Number one, reduce this years tax liability? Ok paid off February tax bill in December so I can deduct this year? May work depending on other schedule A deductions. Good start?
Next i wrote emails to the state representatives and Governor and stated my opinion on their tax strategy for Michigan. In a nut shell I think it stinks and they are just more of the same crooked politicians that are only out for their own well being.
At least I voiced my opinion.
Now can I maintain this pace of following my own advice?
It has been real hard so far, It cost me money to pay tax bill early, and I had to make time to write letter and emails. Further, I am struggling to increase my exercise.
I guess it is not that easy to follow my own advice.
So if you are trying to follow my advice, Just keep trying, as it is not really that easy.
take care
check back later
Randy
I decided last year to start exercising, and have been pretty successful. I have entered 6 5 k races, and competed very well. I have also lost 45 pounds.
This year I decided to get a jump on the new year and started exercising and working out more. I also decided that this year would be a milestone year.
So what advice did I follow?
I signed up for Two 13.1 half marathon races. One in march on Grosse Ille, and the other is the international Detroit marathon.
Now comes the hard part I need to up my training and really push to be able to finish.
Notice I said finish, not compete for anything else but my own satisfaction and well being.
Ok....... that seems easy? Wow not ! It has been cold and raining, and hard to get motivated to run outside. Inside is only available at the Lifetime fitness, and there they limit treadmill time to 20 minute intervals??? how stupid is that? can't even get up a good pace or sweat.
Next I said pay attention to finances and money spending?
Number one, reduce this years tax liability? Ok paid off February tax bill in December so I can deduct this year? May work depending on other schedule A deductions. Good start?
Next i wrote emails to the state representatives and Governor and stated my opinion on their tax strategy for Michigan. In a nut shell I think it stinks and they are just more of the same crooked politicians that are only out for their own well being.
At least I voiced my opinion.
Now can I maintain this pace of following my own advice?
It has been real hard so far, It cost me money to pay tax bill early, and I had to make time to write letter and emails. Further, I am struggling to increase my exercise.
I guess it is not that easy to follow my own advice.
So if you are trying to follow my advice, Just keep trying, as it is not really that easy.
take care
check back later
Randy
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