This is Dragon speaking. I promised yesterday that I would do this, so I’m using my new speech recognition software to do this post and I only have to insert the pictures. It feels kind of weird to speak my thoughts instead of typing them out. It also feels kind of funny talking out loud to nobody.
I have to remember to speak the punctuation.
It was a cool and rainy day today. I was supposed to do my run this morning, but then it looked like this outside:
Instead, I made a quick breakfast. Well, maybe not so quick. I used my coconut flour/protein waffle batter and instead of waffles, I put it in a dish and popped it into the toaster oven.
I topped it with some peanut flour and some blueberry jam. This came out good, but maybe a little on the dry side.
Work was pretty busy today and I got a lot of work done early. Pretty soon it was time for lunch. We had gotten these chicken sausages at the store the other day.
I like that they are all natural and the chickens appear to be treated well. Normally, we get the Apple chicken sausage, but John wanted to try the Italian ones.
And what goes well with sausage? Potato chips. We actually usually have these in the house and I tend to nibble on them here and there. One of those things that doesn’t end up on the blog. (Dragon understands the word blog. 
)
The rest of the afternoon went by pretty fast. I made our lattes today.
This is my Monet cup. I got this at the Chicago Art Institute when we used to live there. One of my favorite paintings is the haystacks, which is on this cup.
After I finished up work for the day, it was time to go out for my run since the rain had stopped. This was week eight of couch to 5K. This was a warm-up then 28 min. of running. I have to say it was a horrible run. As soon as I started, it just felt awful. The whole time I was running, I couldn’t wait for it to be done. It seemed to take forever. When I ran on Saturday, my leg felt bad that day too. I thought that was because I had already biked that day, but I rested yesterday so my legs should have felt fine. I was getting a little upset while I ran partly because I just wanted to finish and partly because I didn’t want to do any more. While I was cooling down, I felt myself get teary. I thought I was okay until I came inside and John said it looked like I had been crying. I just wasn’t enjoying it at all. I don’t know if it is worth it to keep trying or not. That may have been my last run. I’ll have to see how I feel on Thursday.
Anyway, I was glad to be finished with that and to have gotten some exercise with no rain. Yay! I got out an oldie but goodie for dinner. Clam strips!
I love the clam strips!
So, I have to say Dragon does a pretty good job. I like how it capitalizes the word Dragon. It does that automatically. I think this software has an ego. He keeps up pretty well with natural speaking, but I do tend to want to stop and slowdown. I’m not sure how productive I will be for work, but if I can at least save my wrists with e-mail and blog posting, that will be good. Isn’t it weird to know that I didn’t type this post?
John was home tonight, so that means coffee out! The little café up the street didn’t make it, so it’s off to Starbucks we go. (Dragon knows Starbucks LOL). If only I could put in emoticons with Dragon.
I had an Americano. Decaf. Hiding behind my cup is an Apple fritter. John and I shared that. He is holding up one of his poker books. Normally we both read at Starbucks, but I didn’t bring a book. So we actually had to talk.
Dragon signing off. I feel like this is some secret superspy codename.
So cool, Lori!!! I think it’s great that you have a new tool for work and blogging! Anything to help your wrists/hands… hey, why not?! Gotta love technology!
Sorry about your run. I’ve had many of those. Hope your leg is okay!
Dragon rules…this is so cool!
Sorry you had a hard time running…I feel sad for you. 🙁
I am big fan of the clam strips too…wonder if I can get them gluten free?
Monet is one of my favourites too!
I don’t know if they make the clam strips gluten free. You could petition Sea Pak and see if they will do it!
Hi Lori! Running isn’t for everybody (though on blogs, it sure seems like it is). I don’t run because running is bad for my tricky knee. I am grateful for all I can do well in fitness, and really glad that my knee no longer gives me any trouble–but I’m going to keep it that way– by doing safe exercise for it! So, I don’t know the condition of your leg, but you would be an athletic girl regardless of whether or not you run. All of your biking is actually very inspiring to me. It’s just lovely how you and your husband enjoy fitness.
🙂 Marion
It’s just annoying because I used to run and now I can’t. It is hard to see everybody running and not do it. Not that I really even like it that much LOL!
An MT using voice recognition software?? Isn’t that like a pig eating bacon?? What is this world coming to. Just kidding. LOL Love how you feel like a superspy. 😀
I wouldn’t blame you one bit if you quit running, though I can understand the vexation. I say I will do it until it causes reoccurring injuries to my body. I don’t believe in hurting ones self (one word or two??) for fitness when there are so many ways to be active. You are stay so active and are very fit, Lori, I know you’ll do great!
It is funny to use the same technology that replaced a lot of our jobs, but fight fire with fire, right? 😀
Okay…please remember I’m a blonde….just read the post before this one (after reading this and commenting…) and see why you’re using Dragon. That’s actually really neat that you have that available to help with the typing and such. wow. You’re smart to be proactive. And I’m dumb for commenting without having my facts straight…:P
😛
Awesome that you had the software type your post! Did Dragon do the LOL too?
What kind of stretching or knee/leg strengthening exercises have you done lately? I’m also wondering if maybe something like acupuncture might help? Also, perhaps massage therapy? Not the nice soothing kind but the kind where they tug and pull and re-align. I go in every couple months and she always finds my hips are a little off, which puts added stress on my knees.
I’m sure you’ve thought about all of that and maybe done it all too. I just remember how you did before the accident and think there has to be more that can be done so you can enjoy the things you want to do! 🙁
Dragon does do LOL!
Now that I have had a night to sleep on it, I don’t feel so bad about the running as far as if I never do it again.
HI Lori!
I was sad when i became disenchanted with running too….after all between that and walking was a big part of my weightloss journey….but when you start dreading it……and it makes you feel physically and mentally worse than if you didn’t do run, it loses some of its charm. But i think you’ve found a great substitute in biking. After all biking makes you SMILE! and you look forward to the next bike ride….hmmmm… i think you’ve got something there.
I don’t think i’ve seen you mention weightlifting lately? I think i remember something about you were gonna start lifting at home??? Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and the shots of ecouragement you’ve sent my way! Hugs! deb
I do have free weights and the bowflex at home, but I will be rejoining a gym this month because I miss the barbell!
Hi Dragon! (We need to name it! Daryl? Dennis? Darwin?)
Have you considered roller blades for cross-training? I have a pair I bought at a yard sale for $2.00, but I haven’t been brave enough to try them yet. I talked to some women on the Greenline who were skating and they said it’s awesome exercise. One said it was a cross between running and biking. 🙂
Cammy – I think that roller blades + Lori would be a very scary thing indeed. LOL!
Well, as I said to Shelley, running and me are mortal enemies. I cannot believe how badly I have damaged myself with just two half-assed attempts at jogging now over a week and a half ago. Ha. I’m so mad I can’t even write about it on my own blog. And for a brief second i got excited when I saw Cammy’s mention of roller blades. Then I remembered that my sister broke her arm five minutes after trying them on for the first time.
The Dragon is outstanding. At first i wondered if it wasn’t a little stiffer than when you typed, but then it seemed like it just picked up on your natural cadence by the end of the blog.
It was a little awkward at first to use Dragon, and it still is, but it will take time for it to learn my speech rhythm and for me to not feel so weird using it.
Dragon works perfectly!
Lori, maybe you and running aren’t made for each other and that’s perfectly fine. Don’t forget: you’re a rockstar at biking and weight lifting. You say in a comment it’s hard to see everybody running and you’re not. But there are people who see you and John pass on a beautiful Saturday morning on your bikes and think: look those 2 having fun on their bike, why can’t I do that?
The world would be boring if we all we’re runners. We have to do what we love and you don’t love running but you love biking and weight lifting, so I would say: quit the running and focus on the other 2. It will make you so much happier.
Thanks Fran. I am a biker first and there really isn’t anything wrong with just walking!
Dragon – I mean, Lori – I’m sorry to hear the running isn’t working out. I can sympathise with your frustration with it… I somtimes wonder about what I would do if an injury prevented me from running. I know I’d have to find something to replace it because at this point I have to get my exercise in for my sanity, never mind maintaining my weight and good health! I’m glad that you have another sport you love to take its place.
I used to live outside of Chicago and went to the Art Institute a lot – they have a great collection of Monets.
Dragon has come FAR.
We tried it back in 1999 and practically wet our pants (ok we may have dribbled :)) at what it produced.
hilarious.
Wow, Lori, love the idea of Dragon! I’d feel strange speaking my posts too – hmmmm. Plus my fingers need the exercise, not my mouth! LOL just kidding!
Sorry about your run – perhaps you need to try the couch to 5K a bit slower? Like doubling up days or something like that? I LOVE running and used to do it but it’s been 25 years since I really did a run (other than little pieces) and I miss it. But it’s not for everyone and even when I went for my WMC appt. the doctor encouraged me to STOP running & keep walking (I was disappointed) but he says that there are so many injuries that really sideline a person for so long – and often permanently, that he really recommends walking briskly instead. I wasn’t impressed, but logic isn’t always impressive. especially when we want to hear something else! 😉
Dawn
I don’t know if doing the program slower would make a difference or not in my leg itself. I think it is just the new normal for me and I need to learn to live with that fact.
Well (comma) I think Dragon will be of help to you even if only for blog posting and emails (period)
Sorry about your run (period) While I don’t feel that any kind of exercise naturally feels good (comma) you definitely should not be in pain or crying over it (exclamation point)
I think your wrists & hands are going to love Dragon!
So sorry about the run Lori! I remember when I first started having my feet probs & the workouts got so bad – all of it, not just running & I just wanted to hide in a whole I felt so defeated. I know my Hoka shoes will not help you BUT maybe something like what Cammy suggested…. very frustrating!
OH NO on having to talk with John!!! 😉
Remember we exercise for our health! If it hurts you (physically, or emotionally) then just don’t do it. I have never been an advocate of pushing through the pain. I really wish running wasn’t so popular right now, we need to bring step aerobics back or something 😉
Oh Lordy – step aerobics? Please tell me not the spandex tights, leg warmers and headbands, too!
To confirm I’m old, I still have a pair of 80’s leg warmers in storage. Why? I have NO idea. But if Susan is right and step aerobics and Olivia Newton John type exercises make a come back, I’ll be right in style! And just think, that dragon wouldn’t MOVE if you wore it with a headband! 🙂 (I’ve lost it….apparently you CAN drink too much coffee! 🙂 )
Helen is just CRACKING ME UP with her comments today.
I think that unless you want to do a tri or du, you might as well let running go. Because it’s not your first love, not by a long shot. And that’s ok! You are a biker (chick). Hmmm, wonder if they make a t-shirt?
Hi Lori. Wow….that dragon is GREAT!!!! (many exclamation marks) So sorry the run was a bust. Frustrating I’m sure. See how Thursday goes and make a decision from there. Have a good Wednesday!
I am so sorry you had such a crappy run. I’ve soooo been there. Where you walk back to the house in tears of frustration (or pain). When I injured myself running last year I limped back to the house sobbing. It just SUCKED. 🙁
On a happier note, if you guys ever make it to Portland Michael will gladly play poker with your honey. He might take all your money though. 🙂
Michael might take my money, but John is quite a good player 😀
Secret Agent … Super Dragon
Now I have to put this on the Netflix list…
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