Wednesday June 24

 

My right knee was not happy after running two weeks ago. Neither one was happy when I first started out but the left one got on board after a short while. The right one went wonky and bothered me for quite a few days after. I did not run last Wednesday because we were away. This turned out to be a blessing, I think, as it gave my knee time to fully recover. By this past weekend it was pain free even clibming stairs.  

Well as pain free as it can be at my age. 😏

I wore a compression sleeve today anyway just in case. I was very aware of the knee but I think that was more fear that the pain would come back. It did not. :) 

I'm pleased to see that my lap times were progressively faster. Lap #3 was a full minute faster than #2. I was tired and afraid of letting the fatigue hold me back. Now I have to avoid the trap of expecting all my laps to be that good. 

 Keep Smiling Keep Moving

-Paula 

Wednesdays Are For Running

 

At least for now they are. 

4 weeks ago I decided to dedicate Wednesdays to adding run intervals to my morning miles. 

And for concerned friends and family, NO with a ginormous capital N, I am NOT training for a race. I'm just trying smile and move my way into old age. Ok, "through" old age since "into" implies I'm not there yet. 

I'm starting with 1 minute walk/30 second run intervals for 3 miles. I'm tracking my pace and heart rate hoping for improvment while also working hard not to obsess about it. Just trying to Keep Smilng and Keep Moving.  

Today's workout was the slowest avg pace and heart rate of the three I've completed. I'm ok with that. Rain and allergies have kept me off the streets for the last ten days. I have alternative beneficial excercies for days like that but they are decidedly less aerobic. 

Keep Smiling and Keep Moving - Paula 

Ask The Blood Donors - Episode 1 June 1 2026

 

On Monday, June 1st at a blood drive in Aston, PA I asked donors "What is your go-to-strategy for staying enteratained or distracted while the blood collection is happening? 

I left them with a clipboard, paper & a pen and they cheerfully responded. Here is what they shared. 

• Focus on breathing in for 5 counts and out for 5 counts. And repeat. 
• Try to relax and listen to the music
• Remember that I'm being of service. Helping people without them knowing. 
• I think about what I'm gonna do when I get home. 
• Read on my phone.
• Read news stories on my phone. 
• I just keep squeezing the foam pad and close my eyes and relax. 
• Read on my phone. Relax and listen to the music
• Focus hard on one spot on the ceiling when the needle first goes in
• Close my eyes and take a rest. 
• Listen to the music
• Relax and focus on breathing.
• Catch up on emails and enjoy the quiet time to myself. 
• Listen to the music and think happy thoughts. 
• Play Candy Crush or thinkabout something that takes my attention. For example, thinking about all the addresses I've lived. Sometimes watch stupid vidoes (instagram or tik tok) but that's hard to do with one had. The thing is to occupy myself mentally and physically or I get light headed thinking about it. 
• I like to listen to music or think about who may get my blood this time. Love that we get to see when and where it is headed!

If you are able and ready to donate blood, please make an appointment. 

If you are not able or ready, perhaps you can help someone else donate. Is there a first-time blood donor in your friend/family circle? Or someone who simply needs a reminder or a ride? 

All donors should make an appointment. Click here to reserve your space at one of these or another blood drive. 

Keep Smiling and Keep Moving

-Paula