DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL

Another day. Another subway ride. This time I took the 'blue line' one stop shy of O'Hare Airport. I would have liked to have taken the ride to the 'end of the line' but I was not convinced that that there was going to be a viable way of walking out of O'Hare airport, so I nixed that idea. Once I left the subway, I walked two miles north along River Road and turned east on Touhy Street to find the trailhead for the Des Plaines River Trail.

I took the Des Plaines River Trail more or less all the way south to the River Forest  community.

Within a half mile of the subway, I was passing the Village of Rosemont man-made waterfalls.

Oftentimes the trail needed to 'cross the street'. There was often a choice of staying topside or taking a tunnel.  I always chose the spookier way.

I thought I should post at least one photo of the river from the Des Plaines River Trail. So I did.

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After my 30 mile hike on Saturday, I was mildly surprised, that my feet, and my desire were ready, willing and able to go for another hike on Sunday. I relented after 16 miles. I stopped at the Whole Foods in River Forest and from there, it was just another two blocks to the subway station for the 'green line.' I hopped aboard and departed at State/Lake and I did walk home one mile more instead of bothering with a transfer to the 'red line' which would have dropped me off two blocks from home.

After some much needed and welcome rest at home, I did my laundry. After doing my laundry I somehow had some stored up energy and took a quick four mile walk. This rounded out my walking total for the day to an even twenty miles.

I 'walk' for three reasons.  I enjoy the exercise. I enjoy being outdoors and seeing new hidden parts of the world that for 59 years were unseen by me. And finally, I expect that all this walking and hiking will accelerate my weight loss. I would expect that even though my next weigh-in is not until next Saturday - there will be a favorable result on the scale when I do check my progress. In the past two days, Saturday and Sunday, I completed three hikes that together added up to 50 miles. That's gotta burn a few calories!

I am keenly aware that walking fifty miles in one weekend is excessive. I am keenly aware that I have an addictive personality. It was that addictive personality that had me eating at McDonald's, Burger King, White Castle, Panda Express and the like for many, many years. With each mile that I walk, I am one mile further removed from the man on the left in this photo below. It is a man that I wish to never see again.
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It many not be obvious that this split photograph is depicting the same person.  What the men in these two photos have in common, is that they are wearing the same belt. They have at least one other thing in common too. The obese man was photographed at a Blue Öyster Cult concert. You could find me in two weeks at Blue Öyster Cult concert in Skokie, Illinois. Perhaps I will walk there.

Your Food Diary For:

Sunday, August 14, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Quaker - Grits - Instant - Original	300	66	0	6	930	0
	300	66	0	6	930	0
L U N C H
Harumi Sushi - Philly Roll - Sushi	375	75	18	18	150	0
C2o - Pure Coconut Water	100	26	0	0	150	24
Cashews - Dry Roasted & Unsalted	300	17	24	8	0	2
	775	118	42	26	300	26
D I N N E R
Read - 3 Bean Salad	300	65	0	5	1,500	40
Delish - Hickory Smoked Steak Strips, 3 oz	300	24	12	24	870	18
	600	89	12	29	2,370	58
S N A C K S
Apple - Apple Gala (3)	240	66	0	0	0	51
DRIED MANGO SLICES	110	28	0	2	1	20
Dark Chocolate Ginger, 4 pieces (40 grams)	170	29	7	1	5	25
GIN GINS ORIGINAL CHEWY GINGER	80	20	0	0	0	20
	600	143	7	3	6	116
Totals	2,275	416	61	64	3,606	200
Your Daily Goal	5,468	683	182	274	2,300	205
Remaining	3,193	267	121	210	-1,306	5
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 3,538 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 178.4 lbs in 5 weeks.

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
16 mile hike	249	2,649
4 mile walk	60	575
Daily Total / Goal	309 / 30	3,224 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	1783 / 210	18,988 / 4,130

from wikipedia...

The Des Plaines River Trail is a recreational multiuse trail that follows the course of the Des Plaines River through most of Lake and part of Cook County in northeastIllinois in the United States.

Trail uses include hiking/walking, bicycling, equestrian, and even winter cross country skiing and snowmobiling (conditions permitting). Since much of the trail lies in the flood plain along the Des Plaines River, sections of the trail are occasionally closed due to flooding during periods of heavy rain. Though not all sections of the trail connect directly, there is currently a 28-mile (45 km) continuous section running through Lake County starting at Russell Road along the Wisconsin/Illinois state line and running south to West Riverside Road about a mile south of Route 22. There are additional disconnected sections south of this point.

I needed to veer off the trail as the bridge crossing Route 72 was under construction.

I rejoined the trail at Lawrence Avenue

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END OF THE LINE

Yesterday, I came up with a new idea for my urban hike. I hopped on the 'Red Line' subway train just two blocks from my home and took it to the 'end of the line.'  The last stop is 95th/Dan Ryan. My hike started on the subway platform at 95th Street. I first hiked nearly 5 miles east to get near the lake. (Lake Michigan) From that point I worked my way north, making side trips at the 87th Street Ore Walls, Promontory Point, Whole Foods in Hyde Park, Northerly Island and and a few other minor side trips. By the time I returned home, I had walked 30 miles. This may be a personal record that I don't break for some time. I was so pleased with my progress with my recent weight loss, that my ebullient spirits just seemed to propel me along the way yesterday. I think I took a big step (more like 50,000+ steps) to insure that next week, my weight will fall a bit further. Forecasting weight loss is a useless endeavor, nevertheless, it would be nice if I could get below 220 lbs for the first time since January earlier this year.

Yesterday I took the 'red line' train to 95th Street to begin my urban hike.

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87th Street ORE WALLS

This was a part of the Ore Walls that I had never seen before....I felt like I was in an ancient tunnel.

At 11:00AM, Rainbow Beach was not too crowded. Apparently some of the southside beaches are not as popular as the beaches on the northside.

This outdoor art sculpture used to be three blocks from my home. From time to time, the city moves these pieces so that other communities can enjoy them too.

As I approached downtown, it looked like the weather was not going to be too agreeable. However, by the time that I actually arrived downtown, it had mostly cleared up and blue skies took command.

During my hike yesterday, I apparently reached a new 'fitbit' milestone.  I earned the 'NILE BADGE' for  my lifetime (since September 3, 2015) achievement of walking 4132 miles.

There are other subway lines that I can take to 'the end of the line' 

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Your Food Diary For:

Saturday, August 13, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Quaker - Grits - Instant - Original	300	66	0	6	930	0
	300	66	0	6	930	0
L U N C H
Spicy Salmon Avacado Roll, 8 pieces	420	65	9	17	1,240	16
Good Karma - Flaxmilk + Protein	200	4	11	22	356	0
YOGURT PRETZELS	300	44	13	3	284	30
	920	113	33	42	1,880	46
D I N N E R
Cantaloupe chunks, 1 pound	175	42	1	4	82	40
Pineapple chunks, 1 pound	225	59	0	5	5	45
	400	101	1	9	87	85
S N A C K S
Barnana - Banana and Coconut Bites	338	65	8	5	0	38
	338	65	8	5	0	38
Totals	1,958	345	42	62	2,897	169
Your Daily Goal	7,187	898	239	360	2,300	269
Remaining	5,229	553	197	298	-597	100
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 5,257 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 158.1 lbs in 5 weeks .

Your Exercise Diary for:

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
30 mile urban hike	440	5,257
Daily Total / Goal	440 / 30	5,257 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	1475 / 210	15,764 / 4,130

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I have called the USS STEEL 'ruins' at 87th Street the 87th Street Ore Walls...It's official name is STEELWORKERS PARK.  (This information was lifted from a Chicago Park District website)

In 2002, the Chicago Park District acquired a 16.5-acre site in the South Chicago community to develop a new park. Previously part of the US Steel Complex known as South Works, the site was recently transformed into an attractive landscape with natural areas, trees, walking paths and exquisite views of Lake Michigan. The property is edged by remnant elements of the steel industry, most notably a series of enormous concrete ore walls. Located at the juncture between the Calumet River and Lake Michigan, the South Works first opened in the early 1880s. By this time, the surrounding area had already attracted industrial development because of its location near the river, lake, and substantial railroad service that provided excellent opportunities to transport materials and goods. Swedish, Scottish, and German immigrants had settled in the area, and the growing steel industry attracted even larger numbers of residents to the South Chicago area. In 1901, the US Steel Corporation acquired South Works. At the time, well-paying jobs at the industrial complex attracted Italians, Poles, Mexicans, and African-Americans to make the area their home. At its peak, South Works had more than 20,000 employees. It covered an area of 600 acres, much of which was composed of landfill made of molten slag. After South Works began downsizing in the 1970s, the mill closed down in 1992. The City of Chicago and community organizations are championing ambitious redevelopment plans for the area. Officially named as Steelworkers Park by the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners in 2014, the park provides a first step towards realizing these plans.

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This was the route of my 'side trip' to STEELWORKERS PARK at 87th Street. This was nearly a two mile detour as I headed north from 95th Street as part of my 30 mile hike on Saturday.

By the time that I finished my 'tour' of Northerly Island, I think I was in my 23rd mile of my 30 mile hike.

IT'S A WRAP

I get into habit of doing the same thing over and over again. Likewise I get in the habit of eating the same thing over and over again. (I was the guy who could eat at McDonald's and/or Burger King three times per day every day when I was on the road - in my previous life.) Lately, I have gotten into the habit of ordering a Subway footlong Steak sandwich. This is convenient as there are lot of Subway shops around America. Yesterday, I tried something for the first time at CASEY'S.  Turns out, there are a lot of CASEY'S around America too. I tried the CHICKEN WRAP. It was extremely tasty.

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I don't worry about the Sodium, which may be to high for some... sometimes I am lacking in Protein, so this meal will be a good option for me.

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My wrap was filling and delicious. I think I might be eating a lot more wraps in the days and weeks to come... You probably will not find one of these stores in Manhattan, or Chicago or Los Angeles....but Casey's are everywhere in the midwest where I travel.

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This information comes directly from the Casey's website...

In 1959, Founder Don Lamberti leased a store from his father on East 14th and Broadway in Des Moines, Iowa. After nine years of operating this old country store, which he remodeled into a convenience store, Don's gas supplier and friend Kurvin C. Fish, suggested that Don buy the Square Deal Oil Company.

Don followed his advice and purchased the service station with a three-bay garage in Boone, Iowa. Using the knowledge from his store in Des Moines, Don converted the gas station into a convenience store. The Boone store was named "Casey's" by using Kurvin C. Fish's initials.

The third store was built in another small community with a population of only 1,500 - Waukee, Iowa. This was the first Casey's built totally from scratch and proved to be the best store yet. At this point, Don realized he was on to something and decided to establish the stores in communities with a population of 5,000 or less.

Through the years, Casey's success has been attributed to our clean stores, restrooms, and the friendly employees who pride themselves in customer service. Casey's customers have come to know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful, and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food items, and a clean environment in which to shop.

Corporate Stores: 1931 as of 05/2016

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After a rather active weekend, I was happy just to log 99 minutes on the treadmill, at 4.36mph, and walking an 'imaginary' 7.19 miles.

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Your Food Diary For:

Monday, July 18, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Johnsonville - Polish Kielbasa Link, 1 link	200	3	17	7	640	1
Omelette - 3-egg Omelette With Cheese	400	0	20	26	611	1
Nugo - Mint Chocolate Chip, 1 bar	200	29	5	10	160	14
	800	32	42	43	1,411	16
L U N C H
Salt & Pepper Pistachios, 1 package	100	5	9	4	180	1
Take 5 - Candy Bar, 1 package (2 bars)	200	25	11	4	180	18
Casey's - Grilled Chicken Wrap, 1 Wrap	474	43	16	38	1,579	0
	774	73	36	46	1,939	19
D I N N E R
Homemade - Lasagna	600	40	19	30	790	16
Homemade - Ham Wrapped Asparagus	150	3	3	25	0	0
	750	43	22	55	790	16
S N A C K S
Fiber One - Calorie Brownie, 3 brownie	270	54	9	3	270	21
	270	54	9	3	270	21
Totals	2,594	202	109	147	4,410	72
Your Daily Goal	2,831	354	94	142	2,300	106
Remaining	237	152	-15	-5	-2,110	34
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 901 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 214.6 lbs in 5 weeks.


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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Monday, July 18, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
MATRIX TREADMILL	99	966
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-65
Daily Total / Goal	100 / 30	901 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	100 / 210	901 / 4,130

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WHEN DOES 3.8 EQUAL 10?

After getting a permanent cap on one of my lower teeth on Friday. I needed to get a cracked tooth on the upper right side of my mouth extracted on Monday. Apparently, I have made dental work a new hobby - and I wish that was not the case. My dentist is 3.8 miles from home. In the past, I have driven and/or taken the subway to get there. Last Friday, I walked and I stretched the walk to 6 miles. Yesterday I walked again, and stretched the walk to 10 miles. I brought with me a nice clean fresh shirt so that I could make myself presentable for the quick appointment when my tooth was yanked out.

This is the walking path recommend by google.

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My path to the dentist extended what could have been 3.8 mile journey into a 10 mile journey. After my tooth was extracted, strong physical exertion was not recommended, so I was glad to get my workout in when I did.

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Your Food Diary For:

Monday, February 22, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
3 Egg Omelette - Ham Cheese	400	1	30	40	1,225	0
Bagel With Cream Cheese, 1 bagel	400	58	12	13	780	4
	800	59	42	53	2,005	4
L U N C H
EARTHBOUND BABY SPINACH	20	0	0	2	65	0
Hard Boiled Egg, 1 Large Egg (50 g)	78	1	5	6	62	1
Sliced Beets, 1/2 cup	40	8	0	1	250	6
Louis Kemp - Crab Delights Leg Style	70	11	0	6	430	1
Fiorucci - Prosciutto Panino, 2 pieces	125	1	10	9	170	0
	333	21	15	24	977	8
D I N N E R
Creamy Peanut Butter	135	6	11	5	98	2
Smuckers - Concord Grape Jam	50	25	0	0	0	0
Oscar Meyer - Deli Fresh Honey Ham	60	1	2	10	560	2
Classic white bread, 6 slices	480	90	6	15	1,020	15
	725	122	19	30	1,678	19
S N A C K S
YOGURT PRETZELS, 40 g	190	28	0	2	180	19
Outshine Fruit Bars Creamy Coconut	240	40	6	8	80	36
Hershey Special Dark Chocolate Bar	190	25	12	2	15	21
	620	93	18	12	275	76
Totals	2,478	295	93	119	4,935	107
Your Daily Goal	3,879	485	129	194	2,300	145
Remaining	1,401	190	35	74	-2,634	38
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 1,949 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Monday, February 22, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking, 4.5 mph, very, very brisk pace	130	1,991
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-42
Daily Total / Goal	131 / 30	1,949 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	131 / 210	1,949 / 4,130

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total calories consumed 2478 calories

total calories burned (ten mile walk) 1991 calories

total net 487 calories

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fitbit day 173

20801 steps  

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