Discussions

Hello Everyone :)

I'm fairly new here and I'm either looking for some physical walking buddies in Bundaberg or virtual ones to help keep me motivated so I can lose the extra kilos!

If anyone would like to add me, my email address is sue.king@derm.qld.gov.au - Thanks

Hello Sue, I too am seeking motivation to get out there and do something after a year of laziness. I am a periodic step logger when I get motivated. I confine myself to swimming and walking these days (now 56 yrs) and thought for some time I need a physical motivator to drag me out of house and home to get some exercise. But I am in Brisbane, so if you are interested in a virtual buddie I'd be happy to be your buddie. My email address is mark.maxwell@deedi.qld.gov.au, I'm on Live Messenger and Facebook. Cheers, Mark.

I wonder if we could have a virtual buddy site here? My motivation needs all the help it can get! I live in near enough to Lake Erie in NE Ohio to be in the grey sky snow belt. My email is sophia33@windstream.net

Hi Penny, great idea for a virtual buddy site. I will email you. Look for me in your inbox as libby from Australia

How about we just continue this thread - all of us, everyday - and be group buddies.

I know I check for new posts everyday, as other peoples discussions, questions or general chat motivates me to be more aware of my own 10000 steps.

I would love to hear about your daily quests to boost your steps - or the problems that get in your way to stop you.

Great idea Maree.
It is hot summer here in Perth Australia so I like to start erly in the morning for a coastal walk along the beach which is only 1km from my home. A 7km walk takes me about 2 hours.I then add more steps at work. As a retail asssistant I walk around the shop for 8 hour shift so steps soon add up.This is on a good day. When I dont go for a beach walk or work I dont do as many steps but that is OK cause it has to be sustainable and fun and not get burnt out.

Libby, beach walking is my absolute favourite.
It is fairly warm in Brisbane at the moment as well, but as mornings and I dont get along very well I usually walk of an evening. I just keep going until I am past 11,000 steps or about 40 minutes (whichever is the longer).

Where do you live in Brisbane Maree? I'm in Redland City. Are we neighbours?
I like to vary what walks I (and my dog) do and find that that keeps me motivated too (as does the ol Death Valley challenge).

Libby - Did you get your highest Dec steps in the Boxing Day sales? Have you been at the Hopman Cup by any chance?

Mark - what part of Brisbane are you?

I'd be very interested in knowing how you all found 10,000 Steps, how long you've been a member, and if your life style has changed since being here....MINE SURE HAS...SMILE SMILE.

Lynne
Redland City (outside of Brisbane by the bay)

PS Are any of you or any others reading this in the Death Valley challenge?

Have any of you or others become 10,000 Steppers for health reasons (I sure did as well as I needed more motivation - and it's definitely working for me - yeh...)? My doctor knew of 10,000 Steps and has been very encouraging too.
Spreading the word eh fellow steppers. Happy rest of the weekend everyone.

Lynne

Hi Lynne, yes I started the 10 000 steps as a preventative to diabetics as I was at risk. There is a website called healthy balance which is great. On boxing day my hubby and I went for a walking adventure along some of the swan river. The walking tracks are wonderful and we had 18km of fun. I am lucky that we injoy walking together and that he is such a great support to me. Never been to hopman cup. I am also doing the challange this month. I find that it motivates me to push harder. How are you going with yours?

My email addy if you want to contact me that way Libby and all is lynne_pr@optusnet.com.au

Is heathy balance a government site or private company? I'll check it out tmo.

Great start to 10,000 and 'the new you' your Swan River hike....My husband walks too, got me my pedometer for Christmas and visa versa (after Christmas me to him)...Only Banjo, my personal trainer (border collie) doesn't have a pedometer (yet that is)....

I totally agree that the challenge sure motivates me...I want to check out DValley map to try to figure where I am in it.....or should I say through it...I'm going fine at about 26%....bit by bit getting there....

Maybe we could get together via email or phone for Australia Day? I can call for free anywhere in Oz...and 1/2c min overseas to Canada,USA,etc...and I CAN TALK THE TALK N WALK...

Smiles and 'eastern waves',

Lynne

Lynne I live near Beenleigh (a small town called Bethania). I first started logging my steps about 4-5? years ago, but life got busy and I disappeared for a while - I restarted about 2 weeks ago as I needed a bit of motivation to lift my fitness.
I am doing the easy Death Valley Challenge this month - I am in front of the required steps atm but I know how missing a day or two will quickly drop you under.

I am doing Death Valley, too. My new Sportline Snapshot ped. isn't doing so well, keeps falling out of my pocket and auto-destructing! Yesterday I put a rubber band around the battery 'door' to keep it in when it falls...I'm ready to upgrade!

I do most of my steps at the local YMCA on the cardio and strength machines now, since it is winter (freezing and grey out right now, ugh). I love the 'vigorous' category for those double steps!!

Hi Lynne, just in the process of moving from Highgate Hill to South Brisbane. Lot's of good walks along the river or to UQ but been too busy to start this year. Maybe next weekend will be the start to walking and then swimming a week or two later. Mind you, I reckon I clocked up 20,000 steps yesterday moving all my stuff! Should have put the pedometer on. Cheers, Mark.

I just said I was stopped by the chilly grey day, but it could have been the two sweet rolls I had to eat! Can I drag myself to the gym to use the cardio stuff..

Enjoy your new digs, Mark!

Thanks Penny, still only about 1/3 unpacked at this stage, but I'm getting there! Gotta find my pedometer in one of the boxes tonight and get it on starting Friday - the step count resumes after a long absence! Have fun at the gym! Cheers, Mark.

Hi Mark, Penny, and all

Mark,are you 'above the flood level' in your new home? Hope so! Some days I find it amazing how high my readings can be over incidental exercise (we're in a high set too)...especially if at s/centres!

However,in my usual rush I forget to snap it on my pocket (no good for my stats if it's at home!!) I wonder if they have ped that echos when you forget it like some of those key rings?

All the best in your new home.

Another hour to walk,swim w my PT, Banjo (lively border collie) who wants a ped too he told me for Australia Day....

Do any of you have the 10,000 caps?

Happy weekend n getting closer to Australia Day...maybe I'll put a flag tattoo on my ankle (smile smile).

Lynne

Hi 'western neighbour' Libby,

Do you have any of your fellow workers in 10,000 Steps too? I'm retired...but forever 39...

Did you buy your ped at your store by any chance?

My husband encourages me and visa versa too. We've lost a lot of weight and I credit 10,000 Steps as a major contributor amongst other bits n pieces. If my dog could talk he's be the bestest 10,000 Steps coach. Kidding aside dogs are great companions,pals, and exercise fans...even if they don't wear a ped (yet eh). You hit the nail on the head Libby "sustaianable and fun"...Any Australia Day plans? Have a great steppin wkend...my email is in Jan 7 note if you'd care to be my virtual buddy.
Lynne

Whew! Thank goodness it is starting to cool down on this side of the Island.....I am just about Shopping Centred out.

It sure cooled down here (-6 C). This morning we also have 36 cm of snow! Lake effect; came down overnight. Just out shoveling to try and get cars clear enough for our 'plow guy' to finish drive so we can get out. Snowbound for now; cross country skiis await in garage. Wish I could send you a bunch to cool you off!

Hi Lynne, will love to be a virtual buddy, will call soon..

Hi Penny and Everybody Else!
I found you! Thanks for the invite, Penny! I also live near Lake Erie and spent some time out shoveling. We got 8 inches (20.3 CM) since Friday. Not as bad as some areas, but it certainly is helping get my step count up! I envy the Australians, walking on the beach. I'll get to that sometime in June....

Hi Linda and All!
We had quite a time getting our cars out when our 'plow guy' came this morning! Now I have to get out in our big yard and cross-country ski! It is more fun to sit here typing...

Naw,
Cross country skiing sounds like fun! I haven't done that in awhile! Good luck with your steps this weekend!

Snow! I have seen it twice in my whole lifetime (over 50) and both times involved a long drive. Australia does have snow in winter, but only in a few places.
I imagine it would be hard getting 10000 steps in snow - and I KNOW it is very hard trying to get them just around the house each day. Well done for finding ways to keep your tally up.

I have my treadmill and my shovel to thank!

Hi Lynne, Thanks for the best wishes on the new place.It is on the 5th floor of an apartment block and the basement is above the '74 and 2011 flood levels. Ped unpacked and I'm off to a slow start to the return to exercise! Cheers.

Hi Mark, Linda, Penny, Maree,Sue, Libby, & all 10,000 Steppers,

MARK: Glad that you found your ped & that your new apt is above 74 & 2011 floods. Do you work in CBD (translated for NAmericans = downtown)

Remember 'one step at a time'. Gotta go cuz my "PT" Banjo, my personal trainer is out the door on our 'koala walkaroo'...We walk almost to Cleveland (yes Americans/Canadians there is a Cleveland in Australia) and back. It's 10,000+ steps...Other days we walk/swim at Raby Bay where Banjo's fav spot is the dog beach. I may investigate putting a ped on him!!! beach..

Have a great rest of January everyone!

LINDA: What is your home town Linda? I was born in Ottawa, Canada,many yrs near Vancouver and finally the last 22 here in Brisbane, Qld, Australia. Are you a hockey fan in between shoveling,your treadmill, and cross-country skiing? I still dream of down hill skiing! Happy
stepping in the snow Linda and have a fun week.

PENNY: Banjo is 'mentally picking out' your postcards & we'll mail them later today. Please make some 'snow angels' for us.

MAREE: I love your shopping center comment. Have you gotten any bargains while stepping there?

SUE: Did you get the ramp yet? Stopped raining here for a minute. CFN Banjo

Libby: How did you find 10,000 Steps? When? Do you ever not walk out of curiosity like your regular 2 hr jaunts? TCare.

Off walking and saying hi (if we see any)to the koalas...Hope the rain holds off for 1 1/4 hrs...

Brisbane Lynne

Hi Brisbane Lynn,
I live in Erie, Pennsylvania. We get some nasty Winters here, but the summers are usually beautiful and then we can walk at the beaches on Lake Erie. Right now it's tooo cold. I don't like hockey - too little scoring and too many fights. Actually, I hate the cold, so I tend to do a lot of my walking either on the treadmill or at the Mall! Good luck to all you steppers and I hope you all move up in the rankings! My goal is to be above the lowest 100!!! Quite lofty, huh?

Hi Lynne - Yes I did find a few good bargains. A very cute little backpack (small, but just big enough for a water bottle, keys, and a few odds and ends) perfect for my walking excursions, marked down from $50 to $19. The best buy was at Anaconda - a Denali jacket for $5 (buying a winter jacket in 40degree heat felt odd - but I could not pass up a bargain like that).

I hope todays torrential rain did not soak you :)

Linda my goal is to try and stay in the top 3 pages (I am a long way off it atm, I might need to rethink my goal - hmmmmm, nah, I'll just have to work harder, lol)

Hi! If it wasn't for you all, I wouldn't be exercising this winter!! My pedometer often says less than 5,000 if I 'take a day off' which I would do all the time if not for tracking here!! Thank you all! Got out in our big yard today and skied for an hour because of this site.

Hi Lynne,
You asked before on another part of the forum if I needed a stepping buddy, well yes I think it will motivate me more, have been a bit lazy lately. I live near Nowra NSW (south coast).

Penny good for you - imagine when spring comes how good you feel (and look) having '10000 stepped' all winter. Then imagine the other end of the spectrum, 5000 or less steps per day - the little bit of weight gain, the tight clothes, the lack of physical fitness, generally sluggish metabolism, that 'blah' feeling.
Instead you are going to 'hit the ground running' feeling great. :)

I'm going a tad cross-eyed with the various forums, email addys, and all....Looking forward to hearing from new friends that keep me 'stepping away'...Libby, I emailed you privately but it bounced back twice. Are any of you interested in having a 'virtual Australia day party' like I mentioned in another forum?
Perhaps one of these days we can meet up? Maree, do you ever get up to Brisbane?

Nighto before I start stepping in my sleep at this computer!

Happy Australia Day everyone here and everywhere.
Can't believe it's nearing the end of January already.

Smiles n sore steppin feet tonight,

Lynne

PS Sue,
Tell Benny that dogs are invited to the
virtual Aussi Day party & he has special
invite from Banjo.
Nighto...Have a big Bundy for me OK.
Lynne

Hi Lynne, Did you get my email? Not sure why it would bounce back. I will try again.

Hi Lynne, yes I do go into Brisbane occasionally (I love wandering around Southbank and Roma Street Gardens). Unfortunately I have major problems planning anything (my husband is in very poor health and it dictates most of our outings).

But a virtual Australia Day party sounds about right to me - I'll bring the 'pav' (for non-aussies thats a pavlova, Australians claims it as our own icon, but the kiwis believe it's theirs).

So...... what's a pavlova?

And what's a kiwi?

Linda a pavlova is a scrumptious dessert made of egg whites and sugar (basically) then topped with chunky fruit salad, sweetened cream and then decorated with strawberries and drizzled with passionfruit (my choice of topping but it can vary a lot).

A Kiwi is a person from New Zealand - named after the 'kiwi' a small flighless bird (about the size of a chicken) found only in New Zealand.

eg. Aussie slang
Born in Australia - an Aussie
Born in NZ - a Kiwi
Born in USA - a Yank
Born in England - a Pom

Wow, that sounds DELICIOUS!!!
(The pavlova - not the kiwi)
We "yanks" regard a "kiwi" as a specific kind of fruit.

Hi steppin pals,

Australia Day is almost over. We did our walks/swim early...yeh. Had fun time at family
barbecue. Humidity is like 99% per John.

Linda, glad that Maree's been educating you with our lingo,etc. We had 'American Cheesecake' and Christmas cake today with the family. I don't know what an American Cheesecake is supposed to taste like - it was from The Cheesecake Shop via our niece...Any fav foods up Erie way?

Can't believe it's almost end of January. I've almost completed the Challenge (bit by bit wins the race like the tortoise & the hare fable...I sure am not the fast hare!)

I'm still way behind in my emails...sorry..

Maree - thanks for coming to the virtual Aussi day party..Your pav was delicious. Did you enjoy my 'pasta salad'? I'll write you tmo.

Happy rest of January everyone...as we "step to the music"....Woodstock & all...

Lynne

Oh yes Lynne - I love pasta salad, it just goes with the snags on the barby perfectly.

Hmmm might have to double my steps to burn off all the good Aussie tucker though. (I made lamingtons from scratch - and with only 2 of us to eat them it is going to be unkind to my hips).

G'day Maree (and other steppers near & far)

Maree: Perhaps we can get together for coffee or lunch,etc? I'd be willing to
come down closer to 'your neck of the woods' or Sbk or Roma Parklands,etc..

OR WE COULD CHAT ON THE PHONE!!!!..

Maybe we could plan a Valentines Day virtual party/lunch....Any feedback Maree,Sue,Penny,Libby,Libby,Linda,Mark,and everyone???

Banjo, my personal trainer/border collie has some fun stepping Valentine ideas too...

Have a great weekend everyone as we're almost finished another month n Challenge.

Lynne
- live from Brisbane, Australia & it's still raining!

mmmmmmm coffee sounds good - my favourite food group. :)

Sorry I missed the Astralia Day party...I haven't been online for a week! Makes me hungry and I just had lunch!! So Valentine's Day Party sounds fun if we climb a mountain or how about a beach party with lots of water play?? I do have my husband's favorite cheesecake recipe!

Hi all,

You name the mountain Penny...If you want we could have a virtual mountain party then vrooom across to Australia for a virtual beach party?

I like the idea of "virtual" so I won't exactly be eating all the goodies but we can discuss them eh eh.

Good luck everyone in completing Jan Challenge...or just steppin....

Lynne

I am not much of a mountain expert - but I am a connoisseur of Queensland beaches. Rainbow Beach is my current local favourite - the sand is snow white and powder soft. The crystal clear water ranges from aqua to navy depending on the mood of the weather (it also naturally includes that gorgeous colour that you always associate with Photoshopped postcards).

Maree

Maree, Rainbow Beach sounds wonderful! I can virtually feel that sand and see that water! For the hard core adventurers--and we can be both, can't we!?--Mt Taranaki would be quite the challenge! Ah, climb til we drop,eat,laze on the beach, eat, swim... thoughts on organizing this outing??

Sounds perfect to me Penny. What with a bit of Mountain climbing and beach walking (Rainbow beach is about 15klm long, lol) we can eat to our hearts content.

I'll bring the bubbly! (champagne/white wine)

I'm IN!!!

Hmmm I wonder if I could persuade my other half to take a real stroll along a beach for Valentines Day? Followed by a scrumptious lunch at one of the eateries along the Esplanade. Hmmm then a drive up to Mr Tambourine to watch the stunning blood red sunset before the night turns the sky into a chandelier of stars. Sigh!! Thank goodness I have a good imagination - cause it ain't gonna happen for real, lol. (I figure I could get in about 15000 steps with this scenario).

What would you like your partner to do for Val Day?

I like your idea, Maree! I gathered a few pictures of Mt. Taranaki, thinking about a virtual hike to the summit. But it is winter and cold, snow predicted for weekend, here, so the beach is sounding better and better!

Happy Valentine's Day to you all! I skied around the yard an hour, took a hike to our waterfalls, and went up to Lake Erie beach to enjoy the freezing wind and the ice on the rocks and shrubs! Now I am going to our virtual beach for champagne, wine, chocolate and hot dags well charred! And heat and sun!

Happy Valentines Day Penny,Maree,Libby,Linda,Trish,Mark,Sue, and all 10,000 Handsome/Beauuutiful Steppers everywhere:

Food (from Banjo & I) - low fat banana muffins with banana slice on top & low fat choc chip muffins (both from mix, taste fine, John eats them in his lunch,and yes did make them this morning).....However, think pancakes with real Canadian maple syrup & Aussi strawberries, New Zealand kiwi fruit, American pecans (pie too) and whipped cream would just top it off.

Drinks - mmm Bundy (our fav Bundaberg rum) & coke....but I'm on new food program per my dietician n dr - so I'll bring along my iced green and lemon tea too......

Place - Rainbow Beach, Queensland....Long Beach, BC., Canada and Mt Baker, Washington, USA....

Love to hear other food and drink contributions to our virtual party....Also, locations.

REMEMBER IT'S A VIRTUAL PARTY SO WE CAN DRESS IN WHATEVER, EAT WHAT WE WANT, STEP TIL WE DROP OR JUST REACH THOSE MOUNTAIN PEAKS AND WAVES WITH A BLINK OF OUR EYES....

Enjoy....

Huge Aussi-Canadian Valentine hugs everyone,

Lynne
Brisbane
lynne_pr@optusnet.com.au

Happy Valentines Day to One and All.

Penny I'm jealous of the snow skiing, it always looks fun (I have never tried it - I can water ski though).

Lynne I'll skip the Bundy if you dont mind - the first time I drank it I got blottoed on it (I was on a cruise ship - so hungover, seasick, head falling off, in pain -- no more Bundy EVER). I wouldn't mind a schooner of Port if you have some in your picnic basket, lol.

I just made a trifle (jam roll, peaches, custard, red jelly, cream), I would be pleased to share with you all.

Maree

PS I got my walk on the beach - kind off. We wandered around the new Rock Pool area on the Gold Coast.

Hi Maree,
Priceless...reminds me of gin long long ago in one of those 'word games' in Hawaii....very unmemorable...Where did you cruise? Your trifle sounds perfect...tastes even better...thanks...The new Rock Pool area is that by Currumbin? We're headed to Surfers 24-26th...

Enjoy the rest of Valentines and onwards Maree & everyone...Penny you can teach Maree to snow ski while she has you up on water skis at the gathering ok dokeeee....

Lynne

Hi Lynne
The Rock Pool is at Southport, not far from Australia Fair.

Penny I have always thought that snow skiing had one big advantage over water skiing - as a rank beginner you can at least stand up (oh and no sharks to think about either, lol).

Righto...maybe we can check it out on our way to Surfers on the 24th Maree..or on the way home!
Penny, do you have a postcard of your local ski hill for Maree and I?
Happy rest of the month stepping here we go....
Lynne lol

Our snow is going quickly! Went to Y last night and worked for 45 min. to work off Valentine's lunch of chocolate!

You're doing so well Penny....Did you have chocolate sandwiches, hot chocolate, mud pie, and pecan pie with chocolate whipped cream for your Valentine's lunch? My birthday week is 'eating right along'....tomorrow will be my third lunch out with another pal...then tmo night with John...Remember I'M FOREVER 62...

I sure don't think I'll catch you this year!!!

Lynne

Hey, how is everyone doing? I joined an'Ironman' (see my muscles? glad you can't!!) challenge at the Y which starts tomorrow: bike, walk, swim thing. So I will be exercising for a couple of weeks with that in mind. Wish I could do my biking outside! Below freezing today, no snow, but I could hike; I've been chicken about the cold lately, even though there is no snow to wade through (or ski on). Tell me about the heat, please!

Heat! My feet are black & white! (I wear the same walking sandals everyday and I have a very deep striped suntan on my feet) the rest of me I slip, slop, slap (slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat).
And the afternoon thunderstorms urgh! The build up in humidity, shudder! The burning midday sun - 5 minutes and your skin is tingling! 3rd degree burns hanging the washing out (joke). When you get in the car the steering wheel is soooo hot you have steer with just the tip of one finger! AND in the shopping centres all the guys who dont believe in deodorant!
There, does that make you feel better? lol

Well done on the Ironman comp. Ironman comps are very popular in Aus. with our surf lifesavers (ocean swim, ski paddle, board paddle, run).

Goodluck with the training.

Thank you Maree! Ahh, hot steering wheel, I can almost feel it! Not so fond of worrying about sunburn; here in northern Ohio I don't worry about it even in the summer. I do tan easy, too. Can't wait! Can you feel my aching fingertips as I put them in warm water after chilling them outside? Today is sunny and may get above freezing. I 'biked' at the Y 11 miles this morning! My easy challege is for only 50 miles (80 km) biking, so I'm real pleased. I do remember how hard it was to bike on a hot (for us 27 C is hot!) summer day, though.

Congrats for enterint the 'Ironman Challenge' Penny. WHEN IS THE EVENT? Banjo and I are sending you ooodles of koalamuscles n Aussi/Canuck support. We'll be your virtual cheerleaders. Are many from the Y entering it? How far do you have to swim and walk? Like Maree says very very hot, humid, and story here..Just back from our 'later walk'...Lynne

We have weeks to complete the ironman challenge, it started Monday, and it has various levels of difficulty. I'm doing the easiest one and will finish today. The 'run' is walking 15 miles (24k)and I use my pedometer steps, so it's real easy! I have to use the bikes 50 miles(80k) indoors at the Y, which I find boring! I use a rower instead of swimming (chlorine in the pool bothers me, I love to swim at river,lake, beach), the rower is only 4K. My question is, should I double the distances and keep going for the regular challenge? Or stop now? It is raining just a little here, but up to 40 (4C) so I should take a walk. Huh.

My first thought about doubling the distance was 160K on an indoor bike! (I am not a lover of stationary bikes either). My second thought was how good it would feel to actually achieve the regular challenge. My last thought was the joy of taking a walk on a nice balmy day after all that cold winter.

Which ever way you go you are a winner, well done!

Maree

PS Well done to your Y to for organizing the event.

Thanks Maree! After about 40 minutes on the bikes at the Y yesterday, I finished! I think I'll just go again today (they also have a 'dot' challenge going--get a free T-shirt when you put 30 dots-one each day you go-on your puzzle piece taped to the wall in a certain amount of time) and see if I can face those bikes again! A love/hate relationship?!

Looks like we are off to 'Old England' for our March challenge. Are there any specific places you would like to visit while you are there?
I would not mind hopping across to Ireland for a look see - I have wonderful memories of the it's unbelievable greenness. But I will give London a miss - just toooooo many people :)

Well, Maree, I finished the Ironwoman--they call it the Ironman :) Wednesday after 75 min. on that stationary bike! Celebrated yesterday with low steps, so have to join an England challenge, too, to keep me motivated! Could we row/swim to Ireland? 1,500 meters rowing only took me 11 min. How about a side trip?

Hi all! Apologies I haven't been in contact for so long - great to see that everyone's still very active. I've been busy also - passed my first million steps mark and am now signed up to the Brisbane Children's Hospital fund raiser, the Everest Challenge, which should be fun. Have got a team of 10 together from work (the Rockhoppers, as most of us are geologists). It starts on the 19th March and runs through to the 30th. (http://www.imworkingwonders.com.au/personalPage.aspx?SID=178563&langPref=en-CA). Happy stepping!

Wow Penny 75 min on the bike - that is impressive, you deserve the ironman title. Ummm Liverpool to Belfast is about 250 klm - it will be a long paddle, but I am game if you are :)

Hi Mark, good to hear from you. Glad to hear you are still stepping and including your friends. I hope the Brisbane weather is a bit better for walking soon (a bit dryer and cooler would be nice).

Hi Penny & Maree,
Who is 'shouting' (treating Penny) the Guinness or British ale when you two finish that race?
I'll supply some Scottish shortbread ok or some Canadian maple syrup n pancakes.

Penny, did they have a medal/trophy presentation when you won the title?

Maree - we'll send you some sunshine if you reciprocate. Tks for the feedback about Idea n Anaconda (almost on my way!!!)

Mark - was wondering if you were ok in South Brisbane? Glad all is well...Congrats on passing 1 Million! Excellent you getting team tgoether for the Everest Challenge. Will you have your own Rockhopper Tshirts? I'll check out the site.

Done 72,269 steps on my way to Liverpool....Trying to figure out where I am on the map!

Maybe we can have St Patricks Day party on our way to Ireland Maree n Penny n everyone? (that's our 22nd anniversary)

Cheers

Lynne
Wet n soggy here in Brisbane

Hi all! Good to hear you're doing well, Mark. An Everest challenge! All right!! I'll check it out, too.
Funny I just signed up for the Bristol to Liverpool, and then saw you gals on it. i would have gone for 10,000 but it is labeled 'easy'. Huh. Easy to me is 4,000, what I get when I don't do anything extra for 'steps'. Did you sign up for a challenge here also, Mark?

Hello everyone! I'm looking for virtual buddies. My email address is black_stella@live.com.au feel free to add me (anyone) ! Or give me yours and I will add you :)

Hello to everyone, we just started a 10 week challenge this week and it will be great to have more virtual buddies to join in. I will add your email addresses if that is ok (as mot of you have given permission) - feel free to let me know if you would like to be taken out as part of our 10-week challenge. Cheers and great to see everyone is so motivated.

Thanks Lynne and Sue for accepting/joining our 10-week challenge.

If I am in the 10 week challenge, Margarita, I don't know it! Sorry I have not registered many steps since mid-March; will do better soon!

I found myself in the fruit challenge!! Thank you!! Even though I am still a bit sick, and it is just above freezing and gloomy out, I am excited!!!

Hi fruit challengers & all steppers,

Hope you're feeling better Penny!
Have some of those local 'grapes' ok dokee.

Where's everyone going in India? I'm doing the Dharmavaran to Raichur one (best check out a map I think!)

Hi ho we go eh.

Happy April everyone.

Hip hop hip.....

Hi all,
I joined a couple of weeks ago. I have been lying here in bed enjoying reading your banter and listening to the birds outside. Time to rise and shine. May your day be all you want it to be. Cheers........

Same here Lynne - the next one up was just that little bit too high (1 or 2 bad days and I would not make it). See you on the road (or rail) somewhere.

Colleen - glad to know we make you smile. Are you doing the India walk this month? Since we are all following the rail line how about we organise a poker game at one of the railway stations. All the beer and chips you can eat (the cards are optional, lol)

Yes I am doing the beginners. Are riding 1st class or roof top?! The body has broken down in the last 4 months and I am trying to get it restarted. I have done the Bundaberg Cane to Coral in August for the last two years (8k only) and its looking doubtful this year.

Hello Everyone! Looking for buddies to start a team challenge???

Hi everyone,

I'm from Canada, province of Quebec. I'm 75 years old with a bad back and knees so I don't put in too many steps a day but I still would like to have some walking buddies! I don't mind being foreever last and you'll always have somebody slower than you...Lol.

I've been on this site before but when winter comes around I usually end up quitting, it gets so cold here.

My e-mail is: gaboux@yahoo.com

Feel free to add me, it would sure help with my motivation.

Bonjour Myette,

Nice to see another Canadian posting here. Great to see that you are stepping away in spite of your bad back and knees - congrats.

I'd be happy to be your walking buddy.

I now live near the beach outside of Brisbane, Australia (before that Vancouver & Ottawa).

I'm at lynne_pr@optusnet.com.au

I am sending you some of our Aussi sunshine (but now it's getting colder as it's autumn here)

Heureux Mai et au revoir!

Lynne

Hi everyone! Myette, hello! I will email you. I am still recovering from a lung virus?? seems lots of people 'around here' (NE Ohio) have/had it. I am back to biking on nice days, so finally getting some extra 'steps' in. I need a new pedometer, or new legs!, as my ped. steps are so low. Since I can't change my legs, maybe a new ped? I have been depressed over my low numbers... Penny

G'day Penny,
Great to see you here again. Congrats on your #s on our team challenge. You're such a great inspiration! Banjo will send you his 'unique ped' as well as more spinach for energy,etc....ok dokeee....Happy May.

Hi Penny and Lynne. Sent both of you a request. Penny, better get a new ped, never heard of a leg transplant! Don't be depressed, we do what we can and it's all right. Lynne, wish I had a Banjo to.
Myette

Hello all!

Thank you all for that energy! I did a 2 hr. bike ride yesterday, then had fun at local winery! Penny

Sounds like the biking and the wine go together -
'good on ya Penny'. Have a great week. Lynne

I have been lazy about steps and entering my results. Reminds me of how hard it is (like right now!) to get on a scale when I've gained weight! My husband hogging the computer is a 'lame' excuse, right?

Myette, I did not get a reply from you. My email is sophia33@windstream.net