This colourful scene totally captured my attention when I was out at the end of March practicing for a new challenge - and it has nothing to do with photography!
The red blinds were eye-catching all alone, but with that gorgeous bright pink blossom with the branches spreading right across them, it was irresistible!
I even got a window reflections of the flowers and a hint of the beautiful blue sky!
Did you ever think that red and pink looked so good together?
So what is this new challenge all about?
It's one that I haven't done in too long a time!
Now the warmer, and mostly drier, weather is here,
I decided that I would walk 10.000 steps a day. To encourage me further,
I invested in an activity tracker which measures more than just steps.
When I reach the 10.000 mark each day, I get stars and rockets and fireworks
on my Fitbit tracker screen! That's so encouraging and makes me laugh!
The next part of my challenge is to walk the quarter-marathon (10.54 km/6.55 miles)
that will be taking part on Sunday 23 April in the city of Lausanne where I live!
The last time I did it was in 2007 and I managed a timing of 1hr32!
This year the route is different and there seems to be more uphill parts
which makes it more challenging!
I have been out training and working on improving my stamina and practicing uphill walking around my city, down by the lake and in the parks. This is a very hilly city!
The photograph of the blinds and the blossom was taken when I was out practicing
after a tough climb uphill. So I was happy to pause in my training and catch my breath.
So lucky too, that I'd managed to fit my pocket camera into my waist pouch!
As I reluctantly left this beautiful scene to continue my rapid walking,
I looked back one more time and caught the upper part of the blossoming tree
against the blue of the sky!
I knew you wanted to see that as well!
All we need now is dry weather to make our Walking Event the best ever
and a cooling breeze wouldn't go amiss either!
***
Joining our Scene and Story link-up at Paisley Rain Boots
***
Taking a blogging break.
I seem to be busy with so many other things right now.
See you all again soon!
Wow! I am so impressed with your walking goal and your commitment to the quarter marathon. That is fabulous! Don't you just love it when the Fitbit vibrates and you know you did it for the day. Occasionally I have a day where I fall short, like yesterday, but for the most part everyday is good. I keep track of my daily steps and weekly total on a sheet that summarizes eight weeks at a time. Good feeling to look and see progress each week.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah. I'm really enjoying my new fitness and walking programme! That's how I discovered this wonderful pink blossom, out on one of my training outings!
DeleteOf course we wanted to see more of the pretty blossom tree.
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK with your challenge Sandra. I wish you well.
Hugs, Sarn xxx
It's rather exciting to have a new challenge, Sarn!
DeleteAlways nice to have you visit!
We had a little taste of nice weather yesterday and I did a bit of garden clean up. Nothing like being out in nature!
ReplyDeleteLove your pictures as always.
Sue
Thank you for visiting, Sue!
DeleteThe first photo reminds me of some of the pictures I've seen of Japan in spring. Very elegant! Good luck with your walking_!
ReplyDeleteJapan in the spring must be simply wonderful. I've only seen it in films or photos of all those rows of trees in blossom! Thank you for your happy walking wishes!
DeleteI can remember as a girl my mother telling me pink and red did NOT go together, but I always rather liked it. It's a wonderful photo! And since pink has always been my favorite color, of course I love the second view, too. Good for you on your walking goal. You've inspired me to raise that bar for myself.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing the preconceived ideas that were held about colour combination, isn't it? Remember the one about "blue and green should never be seen without a colour in-between"? I adore blue and green together! Getting into the walking habit is such a healthy one that we can do all our lives without any complication or costs! It has become a necessity for me!
Delete10000 steps a day! Sounds uncountably much to me - but I've never been into sports. I'll keep my fingers crossed you'll manage your goal!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures - as always. And red and pink go together very nicely!
It's surprising how feasible 10.000 steps a day is when you really get out and start walking. Rainy days are a huge challenge, I have to admit! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI do like the red and pink together. An amazing goal you conquering. Good on you!
ReplyDeleteYes, red and pink look astonishingly good together! Thank you for visiting and for your comment! Still preparing for that goal!
DeleteThat first shot is just beautiful! Enjoy the spring.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fi. Spring is especially wonderful this year!
DeleteI love the red and pink together, but I like the second picture, closer-up even more. The shine of the sun on the branch catches my eye and the little green buds pushing up among the pink blossoms cheer "Spring!" It made me so happy. :)
ReplyDeleteThe blossom is really glorious this year as we've had very little rain to destroy the petals. Yes, I like those little green buds sprouting between the blossom too!
Deletethe blossoms are really quite gorgeous, thanks for sharing them. perhaps I should try walking 10,000 steps, been too lazy lately... good luck with your walks.
ReplyDeletehave a lovely day.
Thanks, Lissa! I loved that blossom too and it looked so striking against the red! I'm just going out for my early evening walk as I haven't quite done my 10.000 steps today, but I did many more yesterday! The main thing is regularity!
DeleteGood for you, Sandra, and what a lovely spring you are having!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa! Yes, we are having a beautiful and colourful spring which came a little earlier this year!
DeleteSuch striking images!
ReplyDeleteYou are much further into spring than here.
Still no flowers, except the tiny ones I found hours south of here.
Walking is such a wonderful thing. I find that when i stand wonderfully tall while walking that it frees up my lower body, from my waste down to move more freely. It is a tangible feeling that I love. Let me know if you experience that as well. I wish you many fabulous walks!
Always so nice to see you here, Tammie Lee! Our spring is just wonderful this year. I would say that it came a little earlier than usual and is enchanting us all by stretching out all its beauty for a long time. My favourite season, with autumn charming me also, but quite differently.
DeleteI've always enjoyed walking and when I walk to enjoy nature, I walk slowly and deliberately. looking up and down and all around, taking in the smallest details. When I'm doing rapid walking, or Nordic Walking with my poles, I'm working on the placement of my body, the rhythm of the movement and yes, the upper body stretched out which allows more freedom for my stride.
oh all this vibrant color is a sight for sore eyes! And good for you for challenging yourself. I just bought myself a "fitbit" and it's just the motivation I needed to get up and get going...trying to get my 10,000 steps in each day. Happy spring, happy walking!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! Fitbits are a great motivator to get us moving. Yesterday, I reached my maximum amount of steps at just over 19.000. An exception to be sure! I wouldn't do that every day! I'm having synchronizing problems on my computer at the moment (I have the older Windows 8.1) and am loathe to upgrade before I have to!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous day you had for walking. I'm glad you had the little camera tucked in. I've always like pink and red together. I don't think they clash at all. Love the reflections, too. Good luck with your challenge!
ReplyDeleteHello Cathy, so nice to see you! I'm so pleased that everyone likes red and pink together! My walking practice continues, alternating intensive and more relaxed days! I'm really enjoying it!
DeleteI love pink and red together - they make me think of cinnamon candy. I sometimes wear a rose-pink cardi over a red top and I always feel very cheerful in that combo.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your walking! How nice to live in a hilly city. :)
I'm glad you like pink and red together too, Sue! The combination has an element of joyful fun, doesn't it! I can understand how you feel in your rose-pink cardi and the red top!
DeleteI missed this post while I was in Arizona I think. But I LOVE that pink and red! What a great find..I would have taken a busload of photos just to get it all in various perspectives. Your wonderful blue sky is always a wonderful photograph!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. Yes, I did take lots of photos of that red and pink together, but I liked this one the best because of the reflections and the shadows!
Delete