grndmas "training" for Paris

[Shoesy]

Bon voyage, Shirl !!!

[grndma]

:)I've probably missed you but [glow=red,2,300]BON VOYAGE SHIRL[/glow]
Hope you have a wonderful time. I'm waiting for feedback on the fashion show with bated breath.
Denise
Love from England

[joan1]

Bon Voyage Shirl, I know you will have a great time.

I too have a last 10 pounds I want OFF. I plan on gaining it back on holiday , as on holiday the rule is eat whatever you want when you want it!! I must go with clothes a bit loose or I'll be in trouble with busting seams otherwise.

Denise, I love those sandals, they are very smart, and look comfy too. I am impressed with 6 mile walks, that would take me 1 /12 hours, I am lucky to fit an hour walk in every other day, I have been so busy, and when I am not busy I am exhausted,, seems unfair.

[cigalechanta]

Bon Voyage shirl and whoever else is lucky to be off to Paris.
I'd like to download my dog's picture . How?

[grndma]

:)Shirl will be arriving about now, she will probably be waiting at the luggage carousel. If we all think very hard we can be with her in spirit!.................................................................................
Yes she's there, tired but happy, to be finally in Paris, and so excited. .....WE ARE WITH YOU SHIRL
Joan, yes it did take one hour and 40 minutes, took me a bit longer on Sunday because Grndpa came too. AKA "he who lives life in the slow lane" so he ambles along. I walk at a fast pace and I'm like a dog keep going on ahead and running back to him.
Denise
Love from England

[Shoesy]

Grndma - How on earth am I supposed to concentrate on cleaning my house when I am thinking of Shirl arriving in Paris RIGHT NOW ! Hmmm.......I guess now I'll start dancing and singing around the house as I move furniture around and wash the floors.

[grndma]

:)I've just returned from my walk and had a thought[glow=red,2,300]!![/glow]
If I've just walked 6 miles in 1 hour 35mins (albeit at a fast pace) how far do we walk in Paris? has anyone ever clocked it with a pedometer?
I will do some research next time.

Shirl will have checked into her accommodation. do you think she is sleeping or exploring the city? Wish I was there with her.
Denise
love from England

[annettecinca]

Believe it or not, out of sheer curiosity, we took a pedometer with us last time! We averaged 7-8 miles a day, but some days got in 10-11.

[grndma]

Thanks AnetteCinCa How did your feet hold up? Did you do any training beforehand? It's not just your feet that suffer I have noticed how much stronger my leg muscles have become lately, since I've been walking more.
I don't know how people who are not used to walking go on ;
Denise
Love from England

[annettecinca]

Denise, my husband and I walk 3 miles nearly every night on a regular basis, so don't really do anything special to "train" for Paris (except maybe go shopping for clothes! and shoes!) My feet have fared much better since I've spent more time and thought into what I put on them for all that walking. They still get tired, but not achy and sore like they used to. "Tired" I can live with.

[grndma]

:)Thats good news Annette. I also walk alot anyway both in my job and in my life and last year coincidentally, I started walking the local hills a few weeks before my Paris trip. I was not doing it for Paris I just discovered some public footpaths and was trying to encourage Grndpa to get fitter and loose weight. (at his age I have to look after him and keep him going or he will seize up!). I found when I was in Paris my feet were MUCH better than ever before and I attributed it to the walking and also for the first time I wore good (white) trainers ( :gasp, horror!!) ;D ;D
This year I decided to do "training" in ernest and walk 5 to 6 miles per day in addition to my normal walking. I wear a pedometer (as per Paul Kenna) but the aim is 10,000steps to keep fit..
Glad to hear you are so active. I agree shopping for clothes and shoes is the best training for Paris
Denise
Love from England

[denise]

:)Only 22 days to go guys....yeeeee...sooo excited!!!!
I am now planning my wardrobe and have been unable to resist purchasing a few items. Trouble is if I am not careful I will take far to many clothes. I am only going for eight days.
I thought I would share my purchases with you...
Also this is good pracise for posting my photographic trip report!

In addition to the tan gladiator sandals I mentioned earlier in this thread I've also bought a 2nd pair of gladiator sandals from Clarks, in black similar to these but with larger shiny silver metal trim.
This fashion is so good, these sandals are so comfortable AND supprtive. and we all know how important good footwear is in Paris.



Next a pair of dark blue streach straight leg jeans from Marks and Spencer. For us more mature ladies these are great because they fit on the waist, so you don't get "muffin tops! AND they hold your stomach in!



Two pairs of tailored city shorts in grey, and chocolate brown.
(anticipating hot weather!) Ignore the high heels I certainly WON'T be wearing those!




And two sleeveless cotton tops to go with them in bright orange and a deep rose pink, similar to this.


I aso bought two V neck, three quarter sleeved cotton teeshirts in white and apple green, I can't find a picture.

I bought this dress in chocolate brown. ( the swirly skirt and flattering Wide belt makes me feel so feminine!)



And a grey trenchcoat, with pink/grey silk scarf.
(Eat you heart out Aimee Leduc, private investigator....I think I have been reading too many Cara Black novels!! )
Sorry this is not very big but a bigger picture was not in focus, but you get the idea.



Hope you enjoy my little fashion show. ;D

I have also recently purchased a pedal bike, I have been considering this for ages but the price of petrol now has made my mind up. It is now around £1. 16p per LITRE ($2.29, 1.16 EUROS) locally and we are cheaper than most. So I have been cycling to work and to the shops. I may even consider hiring a Velub in Paris but I am concerned about the Paris traffic. Has anyone else used Velub? how was it?
Hope you all have a good Saturday.
Denise
love from England

[Anne]

Denise, do all your purchases mean that you have no intention of shopping in Paris ?

I like your sandals very much, but my feet get swollen when the weather is hot and/or I walk a lot, so no sandals with straps for me since the straps hurt very much when the feet are swollen .

[andi]

OOOOH Denise it's definately getting close now for both of us! I am hardly being able to contain my excitement myself. Those clothes look very nice and will be comfortable and cool, fingers crossed that we have some nice weather. I have resisted the temptation thus far to buy any more new things, with the exception of some underwear. Why do we feel the need to purchase new underwear everytime we travel?

[geordy]

Whoa, Denise you will certainly be a fashion plate!!

You must be so excited!

And Andi yes only the "best" if not new undies get to go to Paris!
(Though the "most comfortable..and sturdy..go on the plane trip since it is an overnighter!)

[Shoesy]

Your personal fashion show has earned you an exalt, Denise.
What a lovely new wardrobe you have acquired, and how exciting that you will be wearing those snazzy outfits in Paris! I've become a bit envious, though, because I SOOOOO want those jeans. They look very flattering and comfortable as well. Thanks again for sharing your purchases with us. Wear everything in good health.

[ouiparis]

I approve! I hope you'll be so kind to show us at least a few pictures of you modeling your tres chic attire against the backdrop of the Paree!

[Jody]

We need to change your name to tres chic grandmama! Love those jeans!!

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

Wow, you've really been having fun with this! Way to go, and we do expect to see some of these items posed against recognizably Parisian backdrops!

[denise]

:)Good morning all...only 20 days 13 hours and 7 mins and I will be landing at CDG!!!
I've just noticed I've been promoted to senior member and got another star...when did that happen? Thanks Mr Moderator.
I am back in OPF land having had the gremlins again in my computer and my identity not being recognised!!!
I was beginning to have withdrawal symptoms and Michael and I were being forced to have CONVERSATIONS, instead of our usual comfortable habit of me on OPF and him watching the horse racing!
Unfortunately Andi you will be returning in 20 days time, but you will have had a WONDERFUL time I am sure and you will be planning your next trip.
Anne.... Yes, I am still planning on shopping in Paris, especially as we are staying in the middle of the garment district. NOBODY can try to stop me!!!! ;DLOL But you have reminded me NOT to buy anything else , to WAIT till Paris. (excercise self control Denise )
And yes I am really looking forward to having photos taken in front of Paris monuments.
The cycling is going well, still not sure if I could brave the Paris traffic. Anybody tried it?
Have a good Monday
Denise
Love from England