8.23.9

I was hit with the fact the last two mornings that fall could be just around the corner. Both mornings were nice and cool, with this morning even a bit chilly with the north wind.

I always look with anticipation for fall like no other season. Summer in Chattanooga can be long and hot. This year hasn't been as bad as many in the recent past, but it is still mid 90's with high humidity from late May until the fall break, so the last two morning were a welcome relief!

Fall is also the time of year I can satisfy my one lifelong, true passion....Cleveland Browns football. As a season ticket holder I make it up for 5 games a year and really enjoy getting back to my roots.

Cleveland is a blue collar city full of many diverse people which makes it a great place for people watching. The downside is Cleveland is a Kielbasa and Pirogi town. Great food no doubt, but not exactly the best things one can eat while trying to make a lasting lifestyle change. It is going to test my resolve while on those weekend junkets.

But...I have my battle plan worked out. I know how fast I walk and have my times down to almost the exact minute for the various distances I walk....5 miles is 82-83 minutes...6 miles is 102 minutes, so my walking won't stop. I am a early riser, so every morning will start with my walk. I figure if I burn off 600 or so calories, if I slip up a bit and have a sausage, or have some fried walleye rather than broiled, it won't be a major setback.

I have always been a planner in life. Many times the planning of the project or trip is more enjoyable than the actual event, so it is a good sign I am incorporating my lifestyle change in to my propensity to plan things out. Here I am worrying about calories weeks in to the future!!

Fall is going to be a good time for me as I will be able to enjoy cooler temperatures, my life long passion, and NOT FALL back in to old, unhealthy habits!!

GO BROWNS!!