I did it!!

I kicked up into handstand...and stayed there!! Granted, Glenna helped and made sure I didn't topple over backwards, but I. DID. IT!!

Wheeeeee! I've been working all summer for this day! I signed up to take a week-long Anusara class--so far we've done some pretty crazy twisting, forward folds, standing poses and inversions. Tomorrow is arm balancing and Friday is *gasp* backbends. Who knows, maybe Urdvha dhanurasana (wheel pose) will be mine too!

And now I must go soak in my claw foot tub to prepare for tomorrow. 'night.

Fly-By Post

Whew! Where has December gone?! Oh right, I've been away for most of it. =)

Got home last Friday after a horrific day of travel: my airport shuttle didn't show up (had to take a cab $50 USD), my flight was delayed 3 hours, my bag was overweight ($75 USD later) I got an aisle seat (beside an old guy who got up a lot) and then, the last straw: my neck pillow had a hole! I did eventually make it home and swept out just as quickly to get my hair done (whacked more than a few inches off and covered up the sparkly bits) and then headed to physio.

Saturday, I went for a run! It felt great! That night I went with some friends to Loose Moose's "A Christmoose Carol". OMIGOD, I almost peed my pants! Loads of fun.

Sunday we headed to the mountains to our lovely home for the week, the Falconcrest Lodge. My bro picked well! Our suites were lovely.

Shopped in Banff on Monday, dinner at the Banff Springs.

Skied Lake Louise on Tuesday (icy, no snow and what was there was all man made) on my NEW SKIS! Let's just say I got a sweet deal: last year's demos, new bindings and tuned up and ready to go for what it would cost me to rent skis for the week. Stacy and I shared a lesson with Pete from New Zealand which was a good refresher. Fondue at the Grizzly House in Banff. Yum.

We headed to Sunshine on Wednesday and I was almost in tears before we started. The boots I was using (Stacy's old ones--she and my bro got new ones on Monday) were hurting my shins. I made it till just after lunch and then called it a day. Went back to town that night to buy boots that didn't hurt me. Dinner at the Grizzly Paw in Canmore.

Thursday: back to Sunshine for a fun filled day of skiing. I skied from 9 till 2:15 with no pain! But my quads were screaming at me, "You b&$#*h! We ran a marathon a week ago and now we're skiing?!" I listened to them. I had the most spectacular crash of anyone in the family and do you think my brother had his helmet cam on? NO. But it was great, really, it was! Dinner at the French Quarter in Canmore. Yum.

Friday: back to the city to see "A Christmas Carol". Dinner at the Keg, then back to family's hotel room for drinks, cards and dice.

Saturday: Santa arrived at Auntie's house! I made breakfast then we headed to Grandma's for dinner with the extended family. Back to family's hotel room for more drinks, games (Scrabble, anyone?) and The Big Bang Theory (there was a marathon on the comedy channel yesterday).

Today: Boxing Day shopping at 7. Drop of Stacy, grab my skis from their car, said a quick goodbye and then yoga at 9:30.

6:19:33

If I wouldn't have had to stop to pee, I'd have made my 6:15 goal! But I finished upright, smiling and uninjured. And pain-free, too! A better recap will follow, I promise!

More to come later. I spent the day scuba diving (BIG deal for this land-lubber who's terrified to put her face in the water). I didn't go deep, but I was submerged and breathing out of the tank! Saw some awesome marine life: sea turtles, barracuda, cute purple fishies and a humpbacked whale. PRICELESS.

Going to hit my mat for a down dog or two and then we're going out for dinner. The seafood here is fan-tab-u-lous! I've been walking lots (it's 1.5 miles to Michelle's hotel and that's where we've been leaving from every morning (sans marathon morning--I took a bus from the zoo) and worked out most of the li'l kinks and mitigating some of the damage of the fruity drinks and good food!

Tomorrow is kayaking! Whoo hoo!

Aloha!

Not long now!

In keeping with Garrath’s rules (Carol’s marathon instructor) I’ve set 3 goals:

Acceptable - what I will be happy with, such as a time or feeling.
Great - make this a little harder - time, pace, etc.
Freaking Awesome - my dream goal

Acceptable: 7:7:54 (less than walking the same race in 2006)
Great: 6:15:00
Freaking Awesome: Anything that starts with a 5!

Upright, smiling and uninjured goes without saying!

Aloha!

Raining Cats and Dogs!

That's what I woke up to yesterday! This is my third trip to Hawaii and I've never had a day like that before, so I guess I was due. And quite frankly, better Friday than Sunday race day!

I can see the finish line/area from my condo. Home is definitely within crawling distance at the end of the race!

I was to meet Michelle at the Expo and headed downstairs to see if I could hail a cab. No dice. But even with the rain it was still really nice out. Put a hat on my head and started walking....I found a cab about 3/4 mile later and within minutes was pulling up to the expo.

It seemed smaller this time...but the big banner is still out front (all the photos are on Michelle's camera) and the line ups went really quickly. We found the Running Skirts girls and I walked away with a new skirt, a skirt with tights and a really cool tank top. More photo ops, new hats for both of us and then over to the big mall.

There's no better way to spend a rainy day than shopping! Lulu, J. Crew, The Levi's Store, Banana Republic, Lucky Jeans.... my wallet is much lighter!

Anyway, the sun is finally shining (it was raining when I woke up) and I'm loving it! The forecast for tomorrow is good and I'm looking forward to it. The energy of over 20,000 runners is contagious!

Aloha!

Aloha!

I LOVE Hawaii!!

I've been up far too long, though. Got up this morning, finished packing and waited for my plumber friend to come over and rescue the knife mom dropped in the bathroom sink. Pee-ewww! Apparently the sink was this close to being fully clogged.

High-tailed it to the airport and then sat and waited in typical airport style. I thought all the renos at YYC were done, but not at Gate B20. What a joke! And nary a Starbucks in sight (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). Or water fountain. But I digress.

Had an hour and half between flights which I planned on having lunch during, but by the time I hit a bathroom, went through customs and security my flight to Honolulu was boarding! Which left me to purchase $13 of crappy airline food. My roast beef sammie became some beef, a slice of cheese and romaine lettuce sans bread. Then I had cheese and crackers.

Oh, and did I mention we were an hour late landing due to head winds? No? Well, we were. So I was Starvin' Marvin! Found the nearest restaurant which just so happens to be right (and I mean right) on the beach where I had the most delicious pina colada (when in Rome), veggies and shrimp and pasta in a wine sauce. YUM!

Veggin' out in my fabulous penthouse (with both a mountain and ocean view!) thinking I should hit the hay. Forecast for tomorrow is rain, but I intend to be at the Marathon Expo and/or the big mall all day!

Aloha!

The Countdown is On!

One more sleep!!

I've made a huge dent in my to-do list, but there's still plenty left. With that, I must start my day with a run! It's currently -2C and 74% humidity. In Honolulu, it's already 18C and 94% humidity!!

Forecast for Sunday: low 22, high 23, 20% chance of precipitation and it'll feel like 30C. Works for me!!

I have wi-fi in my condo, so I'll keep you updated. And you can track my progress on the Honolulu Marathon website on race day. Either way, please send speedy vibes my way on Sunday!

Aloha!

Points Plus--Day Two

After learning the hard way yesterday about the evils of Starbucks, I have pre-journalled my day.

I've yet to add snacks: an apple & carrots.

And I still have 8 points left to play with. Crack hummus and peanut butter will take care of those leftovers quite nicely, methinks!

Poor, Poor, Mr. Garmin

I didn't get around to registering him when I bought him. "I'll do it later" I said to myself. Well, two years later, this morning "later" arrived. I went to register him to download all of my data instead of manually transferring it into a spreadsheet I built myself. I know, I know, I made things way more difficult than they needed to be.

So I figured out that the plug in actually hides the USB and hooked it up to the laptop. And then went to find the Serial Number. "On the back of the unit" the website helpfully says. Except if it was there, it has worn off. Nary a number or a letter (let alone 8 or 9) to be found.

*sigh*

I either delete all the data I've yet to transfer or take it somewhere to see if someone else's eyes see what mine don't.

That'll teach me for procrastinating!

Points Plus--Day One

I like the idea: eat whole, unprocessed foods. Fruits and veg are pointless. Measure. Move more.

I dislike:
-that I had to buy an effing calculator (the slider is no more) so you have to track online or use their calculator. Pen and paper seems to be going buh-bye...

-that the meeting I attended seem woefully under-prepared and was staffed with rude people (oh wait, that always happens at that location). AND I wasn't the only one who noticed, which means I wasn't just being a grumpy pants!

All in all, I like it. I signed up for the e-tools trial and I'll probably stick with online since meetings in this city don't work for me (times and locations are never right with my wacky schedule).

And my yoga class tonight was wonderful! I heart teaching!

Catch up time!

Wow, this week has flown by!

My schedule has been full: of people, places and things, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Except maybe warmer. I'm not ready for the cold, hard reality of winter in Canada yet! Four more sleeps and I'll be in a tropical paradise, though!

So, what's been going on?

Well, work has consumed more than it's usual share of hours (apparently I must 'make up' my share of the evening and weekend shifts that I'll be missing while I'm on holidays). This pay period has me working two extra shifts. No wonder I'm exhausted!

Then there's been some family stuff what with Grandpa dying and all. I've spent some great time with my mom as we've been navigating our way through her family's dynamics. Interesting stuff, lemme tell ya!

Add to that a run (not enough), some yoga (teaching and practicing, again, not enough of either!) and some time with friends and a Christmas, I mean Winter Holiday Party and I've used up most of my waking hours this week!

My list of things to do for tomorrow and Tuesday morning is growing at an exponential rate! I am going to go downtown to the WW meeting and check out this new program everyone keeps talking about. I'll try anything once!

I've also got to plan tomorrow night's yoga class. We're upping the time from an hour to 90 minutes. There are some ideas swirling around in my mind (and captured on my crack-berry) but I need to formulate something a little more concrete.

Whew! Now, look at the time! Must hit the hay.

Good Day

-walked to work and didn't freeze
-had yummy tomato fennel fish soup for lunch
-went for a run
-studied A Course in Miracles with a great group of women
-had some kettle chips salt and pepper chips

Must take melatonin and hit the hay! Hope your day was as fabulous as mine!

Cookin' Fool!

My kitchen smells yummy!

I've been a busy girl tonight:
-planned my *first* yoga class for the Eating Disorders Program for tomorrow night
-made tomato fennel fish stew
-made veggie pizza
-crock pot is cooking a chicken taco soup

Into the pot went (in this order):
-onion
-celery (2 stalks)
-garlic (2 cloves)
-orange pepper
-Epicure taco seasoning (~3 tsp)
-chili powder (~2 tsp)
-can of niblet corn, drained
-can of white navy beans, drained and rinsed well
-two bone-in chili pepper chicken breasts from Costco
-can of diced tomatoes (not drained)

The lid is on and it's turned on low. By morning, I'll have a yummy chicken taco soup! I'll just have to take the bird out, shred it, give the rest a good mix, add the bird back in and VOILA!

I'll let you know how it all tastes.

I'm working straight through till Friday (thank goodness for days off) and then the weekend, too. I know that I will need to have healthy, hearty food to get me through the week.

This week is going to be great, though! How come?
-Teaching tomorrow night.
-A Course in Miracles group meets tomorrow. So excited that I came across this--I went to a vision board workshop yesterday (OMIGOD, so AMAZING!!) and the facilitator mentioned it.
-Anusara 'All you need is love' class on Wednesday and tea with my yogi friends beforehand
-Sparkly bits covered on Thursday
-Off on Friday but am going to another yoga class and fulfilling my commitment that I made in yesterday's workshop
-Work Saturday, Christmas party Saturday night
-Work Sunday.
-Rest Monday.
-Work Tuesday evening.
-Leave for Hawaii on THURSDAY!!

Hmmm....guess I'll have to fit some running in there somewhere. I wasn't able to fit in my 20 miler (32K) but I can certainly get some solid running in during the week.

Whew! I'm going to bed.

Tomato Fennel Fish Stew

From this month's Chatelaine.

Fish stew

Make it. I used basa because my Safeway didn't have haddock or tilapia that wasn't coated in a mystery sauce or deep fried.

It's easy, quick and tasty on a cold winter night!

Last Week

Was a little crazy.

I said good-bye to this man:


It was freaking cold. And then the tranny in my mom's vehicle acted up as my brother was driving home from Edmonton. A rescue mission (by me, of course) was launched and I met them in Red Deer. It was freaking cold. The next day my mom, brother and I were on our way back to Red Deer to get Grandpa from the funeral home when we got a flat tire. Did I mention it was -41C before the wind chill? Yeah, freaking cold. Thank goodness for amazing neighbours! Funeral day: just as cold. Oh, and the rental vehicle didn't have a snow brush or a block heater!

Yeah...and family drama just to round things out!

Nerm and I are pretty happy it's just us right now.

Back to Reality

Back to work this morning. Ugh. I'd rather be sleeping....

Be back later.

Blogging Hiatus

Taking a break while I head home for a few days. My grandpa passed away yesterday morning so my world's been pretty topsy turvy.

I should be back Thursday...

Shanti om.

Now I remember...

Why I chose to wear my hiking boots to work all last winter instead of these:



While they are super warm, cozy even, these boots ain't made for walkin'!

I have a huge blister on the back of my left heel (higher though, more like where my calf meets Achilles tendon) which made the 21+ blocks I had to walk today more than a little painful. They are also HEAVY.

I did not walk anywhere today, I CLUNKED.

From now on, dear Joan of Arctic boots, you are relegated to car rides, ski-dooing and short treks. As cute as you are, it pains me to write this: No more daily walks to work for you!

WOWSA!

I haven't been for a massage in months. I knew this. I should have been prepared for the pain I was about to endure.

I feel like I was in a fight this afternoon. I did not win.

Take away lesson: get a massage at least once a month!

Oy.

Knitting Fool

So yesterday the only reason I got dressed was to head to my LYS (local yarn store), MakeOne. I had made a mistake on my Entrelac scarf and wasn't exactly sure what to do about it. I had a good idea that it would involve ripping it out and starting that block again and I wasn't brave enough to try it on my own.

I braved the great outdoors (snow and -20C wind chills) and made nice with Calgary Transit. Yeaaaaaaah...I remember now why I quit the job that required me to spend so much time on the bus. It was cold, slow and I missed my connection. "Oooh, lucky me," I think. I've got time to go get a reduced fat eggnog chai latte!

Which would have be FAN-FREAKING-TABULOUS had the girl not put COFFEE in it!!

*spats out vile coffee concoction*

And the amazing customer service that I received when I pointed out the error of her ways (my cup was marked correctly, after all) was enough to almost spoil my afternoon. But soon I was back on the bus (and oh, the people watching opportunities!) heading to Bridgeland.

I arrived and Alana soon had me sorted out. I had intended to go to the store anyway, since Tuesdays are their 'knit night'. I just liked leaving during daylight hours instead of in the dark. Oh, how I love the short November days!

Alas, five hours and a ball of beautiful Noro Silk Garden yarn later, I returned home. Today the only thing I'll be getting dressed for is dinner with Cath followed by an Anusara Inspired yoga class!

Update: OK, I lied. I went out to 'get the stink blew off' as my dad used to say. Took out the garbage, compost and swept my deck and the back walk. Then I thought I'd go for a little walk...trudge is more like it, risking life and limb due to the inch thick ice layer hidden beneath the inches of snow. I made it 1.3K (in all) and had worked up a good sweat so called it a day. Ma Nature, I don't know what we did to deserve such a crappy summer and then to have winter thrust upon us this way! All I know is that I'm glad to be heading to Hawaii in 23 days (EEEEEK!) but I'm more than a little worried about my 32K I have to run this week! Enough already!

Long Slow Monday?

I had grand plans to run my 16K yesterday after my yoga workshop finished. After two and half days melting in a hot yoga studio however, my pitta constitution was spent. I came home and sat firmly on my ass, catching up on Coronation Street and cuddling with my Nerm.

That means today I have a two hour-ish run ahead of me today...like now. I scheduled a physio appointment for this afternoon so I need to get out there. I'd also like to beat the rain/snow that's on it's way!

Weekend & run recap to follow!

Tonight's the Night!

I did it!!


(photo from www.yogajournal.com)

Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand) was MINE tonight! It was brief, and I had a spotter, but I DID it. And I did it more than once to prove it wasn't chance. All summer Sonya and I have been working on it. I bought a handstand dvd. I have fallen. I got back up.

But tonight, Judy had us go into the pose in an entirely different way than we'd been approaching it. And it worked like a charm!

On another note...is it wrong that I've been eating carrots solely as a vehicle to get this:

to my mouth? I wonder...they're yummy carrots from the farmer's market if that makes it any better...

Whirlwind of Activity

Hello!

I had a super busy, great day! I had coffee with an old co-worker who's moved on to bigger and better things in the company and is in town on a big project. It was great to catch up with her!

Then I connected with M and we hit the mall running. A quick stop in Chapters (and almost $50 later) and I emerged. Stops at the Bay, Ricki's, RW&CO, the post office, Lulu and Sephora rounded out our evening. We high-fived when we walked out of Lulu without having opened our wallets.

I got to hear a race report for the half marathon she just did. I think all of these races are in our future. An all girls race? Sign me up!

Then I made a very yummy batch of African Stew. My friend Lisa Q. introduced me to this fabulous vegetarian concoction of chickpeas, brown rice (I used quick cooking barley), sweet potato, onion, garlic, peanut butter and kale. Served up with a wedge of lemon (or lime) and some hot sauce and it's to. die. for! If I wasn't so lazy, I'd post the recipe. But now I just want to clean up the kitchen so it's not such a disaster to wake up to in the morning, do my physio and hit the hay.

How was your day?

Weekend Review

Saturday:
-Farmer's Market. Check.
-Coffee. Check.
-Winterstart 5 miler (8K). Check.
-Food and drink (more calories consumed than burned). Check.

Sunday:
-10.6km with friend (who amazes me--she's diabetic and runs marathons. Talk about needing to know about carbs!). Check.
-Starbucks: reduced fat eggnog chai. *sigh* There is a God! Check.
-Lunch at the Grizzly Paw in Canmore. Check. I may have also done some birthday shopping for my brother: Colon Cleaner Hot Sauce.
-10.2km on my own in the sunshine when I got home. Check.

Now:
Dinner's cooking (thank goodness for a convection oven!) and I'm catching up and trying to get excited about work in the morning. =)

Hope you had a grand weekend, I did!

TGIF!

Wowsa! What a week! Too many 6 am shifts for this early bird. I worked evenings tonight though which meant I got to sleep in (well, if you call sleeping till 0630h sleeping in).

I did realize though, that I am booked every weekend from now until the second weekend of 2011. And every weekend in March, the month all about me!

This weekend:
-Farmer's Market for baby carrots from Beck's at Innisfail Growers & Honey crisp apples
-Perhaps a coffee with the girls (still not sure on that one)
-Head to Banff for Winterstart 5 miler
-21K Sunday morning
-NAP Sunday afternoon

Guess I should go to bed since I'll be so busy!

Oh, and great yoga news! I met with the Recreational Therapist in charge of the Eating Disorders Program that runs at 2 hospitals in the city (one for kids, one for adults). I'm going to be teaching yoga on Monday nights!! I'm really excited about it. Yoga has transformed/saved/changed my life so I hope that I'll be able to share my passion with these patients. We're waiting (since Oct. 4, but who's counting) for a criminal records check to come back and occupational health to determine if I really have had a measles shot (hello, MMR in Grade 9?) and the chicken pox (yep, 1980--grade one. I remember it quite vividly!). Once they clear me, we're good to go!

Namaste.

Sunday Long Runs Return!

Thank goodness! I had myself pretty freaked out this week. Honolulu is 1 month, 1 week and 4 days away and I haven't done a solid long run since Melissa's at the end of September. EGAD!!

I had a good little run yesterday (in my old shoes) and felt good heading out this morning. I purposely chose to run along my bus route (with a bus ticket in my pocket) in case I needed a ride home. I didn't!



2:04:22
16K
1245 cal

I've got ham in the oven and everything I need to make cheesy scalloped potatoes in wine. YUM. I heart Sunday dinners.

I finished the baby blanket!! I had do do a few rows when I got home from the workshop yesterday afternoon, but it's cast off. All that's left is to weave in the ends. The Entrelac workshop was good, just a little rushed. I think a 3 or 3 1/2 hour class would have been better. Christie and I came home and worked on our scarves for a few hours to make sure we knew what we were doing. Then we decided that we deserved a bevvie after making our brains work that hard!

Alas, I didn't make the best choices, but today is a new day. And I must remember to drink more water!

Physio Rehab

Photo from www.saucony.com

Well, I was right! It was the shoes! We have a new plan: ease into 'em gradually, and make more regular appointments for physio. Oh, and do the exercises!!

I had acupuncture on both legs and while I had jelly legs as I left, they're starting to feel better now. I also have an appointment on Monday afternoon. Have I mentioned how much I love my physio? My running is SO much better since I started seeing her. And my body likes physio too--happy body = good running.

Whipped up a pasta dinner with stuff in my fridge:

-zuke
-onion
-shallot
-garlic
-28 oz diced tomatoes

Saute veg in a bit of EVOO. Add tomatoes and simmer till liquid has reduced to barely anything. Add:

-red wine (I had some Shiraz laying about)
-fresh basil
-anchovy paste (don't worry, you can't taste it! It adds a whole new dimension to the sauce)

Simmer some more until desired thickness (another 20 minutes or so).
Served up over a cup of macaroni (original, I know) with a tablespoon of grated Parm (the real stuff, not the powder from the green can. Trust me, it's like the anchovies!)

Super yummy! And I also have leftovers!

I have the day off tomorrow and am looking forward to:
-a run
-some yoga
-noodles for lunch
-possibly a kirtan (chanting)
-drinks to say goodbye to a coworker
-dinner with Carol, who I haven't seen in what seems like ages!

Whew! And I'm almost done the blanket--10 rows left!

Whew! Wednesday

A numbered list of things I'm grateful for today:

1. My legs. For carrying me 5.3km with no pain in my old shoes. I can't wait to discuss with my physio tomorrow.

2. My lungs. For taking in enough oxygen so that I could run those 5.3K, even in 93% humidity.

3. The crisp, fall air. I love running in the fall! (I don't love running in the dark so much, though.)

4. My mom. Just 'cause I know I'm lucky that we have such a great relationship. She's not just my mom, she's my friend, too.

5. My hairdresser, Jody. She makes the sparkly bits go away!

6. The Banff Tea Company's Ayurvedic Keep Well Tea. It's yummy!

7. Nerm. 'Cause she makes me laugh. And she's getting to be such a good snuggler. That's important as the temperature drops!

8. My trip to Africa. I was going through some photos tonight and it brought back some wonderful memories. It was worth working two jobs for!

Arrrrrgh!

So I didn't even get my first interval done and the pain was there. Right knee this time. It was twinging the odd time during my last two runs, but nothing like this. And really, I'm not about to start a 26K run with a knee that hurts. Is it my new shoes? Biomechanics? Orthotics + new shoes? God help me, an injury? Egad, I just don't know!

So now I wait till Monday and place a frantic call to my amazing physio, Carmen. I'll take my training plan with me and we'll revamp it together.

Oh well, now it looks like mom and I can shop!

Long Run Saturday?

Yep, 'cause going to work after running 26km holds no appeal. So I'll run today instead of tomorrow.

Guess I'd better get going!

Back later with a recap....

Kelowna!

Arrived yesterday and LOVE our digs. A 2 bedroom, 3 bath villa right on the lake. Who could ask for more?

I went for a great run this morning on the Mill Creek Greenway. It's a great path that runs alongside the creek (where the salmon are spawning). There are still leaves on the trees and they are gorgeous--all kinds of colour. I felt great considering I haven't ran since last Sunday and I'm still not 100%. My body felt good during and after, though. The 87% humidity and 5C wasn't quite the weather I'd anticipated, but I managed quite well. Less than 2 months till Hawaii! The pressure is on. And training is not optional. At this point, every single run matters.

Tomorrow we're off to find some WINE. Mission Hill, Cedar Creek, Grey Monk....mmmm....

Oh, and we found the most AMAZING bread E.V.E.R. at Choices: Fig & Anise. Add some good cheddar. And wine. Deeeeelightful!

Off to the local stitch and bitch! This baby blankie will get done!

Where did the week go?

Oh right, I was sick for most of it! I've got a full blown sinus infection now and the walk in clinic by my house was not accepting anymore patients yesterday when I stopped after work. So I need to get out of my jammies and head to a clinic for some antibiotics before work.

I had a brief nap (although I don't think I actually slept) after work, I headed out to the Rocky Mountain Food & Wine Festival. I made the same mistake I make every year: I wear girly shoes. They look hot, but after hours walking and standing on cement, I'm ready to amputate! Alas, we had a blast and didn't actually make it through the entire tasting hall! I think we got two thirds of the way around, but before we knew it they were announcing it was over. So we went to a near by (although it didn't seem so near in heels) bar/night club, Vicious Circle.

The bus I used to take to work went by this every day and I had never been inside! It was cool--there was one side that had the dance floor and the other had a pool table and tables where you could sit and talk. And there was some cool art, too.

On the weight loss front, I'm holding steady and I like it.

I'm saving my long run this week for tomorrow. I'll be running along the beach! Yep, I'm leaving on a jet plane. Kelowna, here I come! I'll be back on Friday night and I still haven't decided if my laptop is accompanying me or not. We'll see. But I really should go pack since I work till 10 tonight and my flight leaves bright and early in the morning!

Insert Witty Title Here

Still sick today, but feeling much more human this evening. Could have been the afternoon nap on the couch cuddling with Nerm!

Had a good feed of noodles (Vietnam Fortune on Kensington Road & 14 St NW)to wish Carol well in the marathon on Sunday (carb loading for her, spicy noodle soup pour moi) for dinner and that seems to have done the trick.

What I've learned in the past two days of being sick on the couch:

1. It's the ONLY time I've regretted giving my tv away.

2. Nerm is getting much better at cuddling. She is also a couch hog.

3. My yoga practice changes considerably--no handstands or headstands for me this week! I could barely manage variations of sun salutations this morning. Sitting on my mat and breathing was much more my speed.

4. I did find some great Anusara classes online though!

5. My family (most of 'em anyway) are pretty amazing.

6. I'm really looking forward to next week in Kelowna! My mom and I are taking a reality break/birthday trip/wine tasting/yoga on the beach mini-vacay. We deserve it!

7. Drug induced sleep can either be (a) glorious or (b) weird. Last night was (b). Not so much fun, especially when boss phones 3.5 hours after I've called in sick and wakes me up. Hello, sick! Still sleeping at 0930. Leave me alone!

8. Hot water, lemon and honey from Northern Alberta makes my throat happy. Well, happier.

Bah!

Sick! Sore throat. Coughing.

Bah!

Sunday night already?

What happened to Saturday?!

I had an absolutely AMAZING yoga class yesterday morning! This is the pose we were working towards:

Vishvamitrasana (photo from http://www.snlivingyoga.com/index.php) I didn't have my back leg straight and my hammies and shoulders weren't too happy about being that stretched out, but there was marked improvement from in Tuesday night's class!

After class I went for tea with two of my fellow teachers (after a catch up with our teacher in the alley!) and we caught up on the past few months. The time just flew by!

Came home and mom and I went out for the rest of the day to run errands for the old people. Had lunch at a Vietnamese place, went to IKEA, Wal-Mart, Superstore, back to Wal-Mart, dinner at Avocado and then out to my grandparents' to deliver some stuff. Whew!

Twelve hours after leaving my house yesterday morning, I returned! Nerm was a bit peckish, to say the least. =)

Didn't quite get my 23K in this morning--my right shin and knee and left foot started to hurt around 20K so I called mom and she came and picked me up. No sense hurting myself with Honolulu only 2 months away! Oh well, 20.91K is nothing to sneeze at, 'specially since my pace was great and until then, I felt great, too.

Stopped at the farmer's market, Sunterra--they cooked our turkey and ham this year ;-) --Running Room (had to buy a Stick) and the most important: Starbucks! Came home and vegged out on the patio enjoying the lovely summer weather we're finally having. BBQ'd some rib eyes and potatoes and swiss chard for dinner and there may be some pumpkin pie in my future!

Long Turkey Weekend

Saturday: yoga
Sunday: 23K run
Monday: Turkey

And perhaps a trip to the farmer's market in there somewhere, too.

Still Kickin!

Barely, though!

I didn't get much sleep on the weekend what with moving the old people. They are, however, settled in their new digs and ready to begin a new phase in their lives. They've *ahem* We've recreated their house on the farm in their new apartment. Every SINGLE wall has something hanging on it. And the one wall that didn't, well, my mom has instructions to bring a particular piece this weekend when she comes back!

Food was completely off the wall. We didn't eat for hours at a time and then when we did, there was NOTHING healthy about it. I also realized that I don't eat in chain restaurants. My family does. Good thing for booze!

Taught my free yoga class at Lulu last night-31 people crammed into a space better suited for 20! It was good though, and I'm happy with how it went.

Tonight is my yoga class, thank God. I need some serious time on the mat. Even if it's just in child's pose!

I got out for a couple of runs in my cool new shoes, but not for as long as I would have liked. Oh well, a short run is better than no run, right?

This weekend is going to be all about me! Lounging in my jammies, knitting, running, it's all on the list. Sunterra is cooking our turkey dinner this year, too. =)

Gotta run, veggie pita pizza is done!

Old People

Not me. My grandparents. They moved this weekend. My grandma is one of those high maintenance people at the best of times. You can imagine what this weekend has been like.

I'm exhausted. My mom's exhausted. They're exhausted. My aunt and uncle and cousins are exhausted.

I might snap.

Maybe I should just go to bed.

And a run in the morning. =)

3:02:18

Melissa's Road Race 2010

22K (only scheduled for a 19K run this week)
gale forced winds
sunshine
mountains
beer and nachos after
hot springs
comfy condo in Canmore

All in all, a great weekend with good friends!

Pictures to follow.

All About Nerm

Today is Nerm's birthday! Well, not technically her birthday, but it's her second birthday with me!

She's taught me patience, made me laugh out loud, cry, and giggle (often all in the same day). She's shown me that it is possible to mend a broken heart and love again.

She knows that kitty spit is the secret to perfectly white paws & that there is a mouse graveyard under the couch ('specially the green ones!).

She's shown me that the secret to a perfect adho mukha svanasana (downward facing dog) is active paws and melting your heart so that your spine lengthens.

She's taught me to slow down and appreciate the joy in basking in the warmth of a fire and watching the flames flicker.

But best of all is a head-butt and a snuggle.

I ♥ you, Nermal Ruth.
Your Human

Shopping!

In my own closet!

I love it!!

Tonight I went out with two of my very favourite people, S & L. We decided that maybe Monday night was the night to try and score a table at UNA pizzeria on 17th ave (formerly the Wicked Wedge). Success!

But rewind a little.

Yoga play date with Sonya--lots of catching up and warm up of chandra namaskar (moon salutations in honour of the upcoming equinox). Then we played upside down for awhile. My handstand prep is coming along--it's really disconcerting being upside down like that! Progress is definitely being made though and I'm feeling it now in my arms/shoulders/back. I tried headstand (freestyle in the middle of the room) but after all my handstand work, my body just said, "Nope. Not today." So headstand will wait till tomorrow. Sonya did some handstand (and went right over into a full wheel (urdvha dhanurasana) but not on purpose--oops!) and forearm balancing before we decided to tackle the sequence to end all sequences: Eye of the Tiger!

It basically takes all of the yoga poses from the 3 Anusara syllabi and links them together in a practice that can take up to four hours to complete from start to finish. We made it through most of the standing poses today...but still got all of the elements of a good practice in:

warm up
inversion
standing poses
twists
forward bends
savasana

But I digress. I was talking about shopping!

Our playdate turned into a 2.5 hour practice (eeek! where did the time go?) I hopped in the shower and tried to decide what to wear.

I ended up in a pair of trouser jeans I found in my closet (2 sizes smaller than the ones I was lamenting about earlier this week). Whoo hoo!

And a gorgeous brown and pink silk camisole I forgot I had. Jean jacket. Brown scarf. Brown boots.

None of which I have worn in the last year and half. Well, except maybe the boots!

The food? Tasty. Would I wait for an hour or more? Nope.

It's not just about the scale

Hell, no. I try and take my measurements every month. Since August 15, here's the deets:

Weight: -5.2 pounds
Ribs (under bustline): -7/8"
Upper arm: -1/2"
Belly button: -1/2"
Hips: -1/4"
Thigh: -3/4"
Bust: STS (Thank God the Girls aren't going anywhere!)

Total: 2 7/8" (that's almost 3 inches in a month!)

I'll take it.

And, last night I wore the pants from the suit I bought when I was at goal weight. Granted, the Spanx kept me sucked in, but I could not only breathe, I could also eat without blowing a button or a seam.

Smorgasborg of things...

The scale did not go up or down today: it stayed right smack dab where it was last week.

I've been toying with when to do my long run (16K) this week:

- today, after work
- tomorrow, before work at 11 am
- Monday morning

Keep in mind I'm doing next week's long run (22K, supposed to be only 19K) at Melissa's on Saturday.

I'd decided to try after work, but then thought better of it. I am a morning runner. My routine is down pat for a morning run:

- get up
- brekkie and caffeine
- move a little
- pit stop
- RUN

Running in the afternoon is tough for me: when to eat? what to eat? how much to eat?

I also have a job that has me on my feet and moving for the better part of 8 hours, so....decision made. I'm going to my friend's parent's new Persian restaurant for dinner, then to bed at a reasonable hour, getting a solid 7-8 hours of sleep, getting up and going for a run before work. (And then I'm going to hear Sarah Harmer!)

And I'll sleep in on Monday! Followed by a yoga playdate, dinner at UNA pizza and maybe a free yoga class at Lulu...

TGIF!

Why does short shifting always seem like a good idea, but when it actually happens, it isn't so much fun? Good thing is this time around, I short shift before rather than after. I had to work evenings on Wednesday then days on Thursday so that I can have next Friday off. While I'm enjoying a peaceful, quiet day in a sleepy mountain town (in a kick-ass condo) I shall remember that this was worth it!

Had a spur of the moment dinner with Michelle and came home to jammies and Nerm. I picked up my knitting and am happy to report that I am now officially over half done the baby afghan!! Which is good because I've found some other projects that I want to work on: meditation shawls for my yogi girls and the new pattern I'm learning at the end of October--I'm thinking a cape or toque or both!

My grandparents got word last week: they move the first weekend of October!

I'm off to drink one last cup of tea and knit a few more rows before bed. Oh, and guess who won free tickets to see Sarah Harmer on Sunday night?!

Nighty-night

I had a sore, scratchy throat that got worse as the day progressed. My coffee date with a friend got postponed till next week, so I headed to Sunterra to pick up some fresh (and LOCAL) fruit and OJ. Cinnamon buns (ooey, gooey, sticky cinnamon buns) may have also made it into my backpack.

They are for breakfast on Saturday morning, apres weigh in.

While on the bus to the store, I texted Carol:

Sore, scratchy throat. Noodles?

So off we went to our favourite noodle house for beef sate pho with extra veggies and lots of green tea. Mmmmmmmmm......

Had a good visit on the phone with my mom and also confirmed with my doctor friend that, yes, it IS possible to get strep throat (it's at work) even though I've had a tonsillectomy. Doctor's orders: wash your hands!!

And now I'm going to go to bed and catch some zzzzz's.

A lovely quote from my yoga teacher:

The descending current manifests as the individual. The liberating current connects the individual to the universal. The place in the middle is our heart.

Glorious!

While the day started out rainy and icky, the rest of my day off was glorious!

- a nap on the couch with Nerm and the fireplace on

- catching up with my cousin on the phone

- knitting

- an amazing yoga class! Who knew that backbends could be so much fun? Ustrasana (camel), I heart you! (and now can't get the song, Alice the Camel, out of my head!)

Time for bed!

Seriously?

Did I move to Vancouver and not realize it?! It's about 7C and drizzling here. Oh, and 91% humidity. It made for a damp run, that's for sure!

44 min, 5.98km and 486 calories burned. Honolulu, here I come!

Not just for a marathon, but for the summer I never had.

In other news, it seems that Reitmans thinks I have also moved to Vancouver. In the spring I emailed them and asked them, ever so politely, to puh-leeeease bring back their trouser jeans. They fit me perfectly and make my ass look good. But now I need a new *smaller* size! Alas, they don't make them anymore. So someone from head office responded and said (I'm paraphrasing), "don't despair, H-woman, in the fall they will return."

Last week mom and I spent some time shopping and let me tell ya, there wasn't a trouser jean to be found. And no, skinny jeans look good on no one, especially someone with thighs like mine!

So I emailed and asked (again, ever so politely) when, exactly, could I expect to see said trouser jeans in my neck of the woods? I was given the phone number for a store in Vancouver and one in West Van to call. Ummmm...ok, but I live in Calgary!

But I phoned, just to say that I had. Turns out the 'trouser jeans' this customer service dude/dudette (I can't tell from the name) is talking about is NOT the trouser jean I seek! Call me crazy, but I like a jean with a waistband, fly and button, not slip on pseudo-fat pants. Now, I know that their Comfort pant is comfortable, I even own a pair. And they are also too big, which is why I seek new pants!

But the Comfort pant is all they now carry. Arrrrrgh! And it's not what I want at all.

*le sigh*

I've sent an email to Lynn Spence c/o Cityline in the hopes that she may be able to point me in a trouser jean direction.

An added bonus of the jean dilemma in my house: I tried on my favourite cammo-corduroy-cargo pants that I bought in Hawaii while I was at goal weight.

drum roll, please

THEY FIT!

And I can breathe! (an added bonus)

So, the crisis is somewhat averted. I have at least one pair of pants that I can wear. They're just uber casual, so I guess I'll have to schedule my social life accordingly.

=)

Mayo and Coffee?

I found this on Crystal's blog this morning and had to share!

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
When 24 hours in a day is not enough;
remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly,
he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
and start to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again
if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand
and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions
Things that if everything else was lost
and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued,
'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are
important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time
to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.

'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand
and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.

'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Please share this with other "Golf Balls"

I just did ...

Sunday Long Slow Run

It's freaking cold out there this morning! It was 3C and 91% humidity when I left this morning. I could see my breath! I have to admit that it's nicer to run and get warm than start out hot and get even hotter. And let's face it, I'm not one of those girls who 'glows'. Oh no, I SWEAT. I turn red. It's not overly attractive, but it feels good!

So today had me scheduled for 10K. Garmin says:
1:20:01
10.43 km
846 cal

We never did make it out for a bike ride. We stopped at Lulu to pick up a few things *grin*, went to Chapters where Michelle got me a journal just like hers! It's fabulous: on the left side, each day of the week. On the right, space for notes! Oh the stickers I can fill this book with! And it's a great way to see your week at a glance.

We attempted to find somewhere relatively healthy for dinner. Easier said than done! We tried a Vietnamese place down by Chinook. No go--closed for renos. Bonus was that we were right by Community, so we stopped to pick up some coconut water (natural gatorade) for our runs today. We wound up at Broken Plate in Willow Park. Mmmmm....Greek food!

We were starving but the host sat us at the bar and immediately (or so it seemed) we had drinks and pita and dips (hummus, tzatziki, red pepper/feta, eggplant). We took our time and didn't order right away. I hate when you order appies and an entree and after three bites of appetizer the entree arrives! It was nice to be able to savour the food. Moussaka for me and halibut for Michelle and we were nicely full.

How will the rest of my day go? Nothing too exciting, I'm afraid. Shower, eat, make lunch, go to work. Oh well, I get Monday and Tuesday off!

Happy Day!

It's the Weekend!

Reasons to celebrate:

- Michelle's in town again this weekend!

- The AMAZING fish and chips with tartar sauce I made for dinner last night. The recipe in Crazy Plates was a guide, I added some Epicure Tyee fish rub (I think it's just called fish rub now, 'cause nobody knows what "tyee" means. FYI: "the big one") to the coating. I also fiddled with the tartar sauce: I added 1/2 TB asparagus relish from the farmer's market and a chopped sweet pickle for the sweet relish and then added capers just cause capers make everything better.

- The Peach & Raspberry Cobbler I made. I was inspired by Jaime's post the other day. I substituted raspberries for the blackberries (I'm not a big fan) and Oh My! A photo doesn't do this baby justice, so I won't include one.

- My WI. Another 0.4 gone. I like it.

- Starting the day with an awesome Yoga class filled with wonderful yogis and an inspiring teacher. Mind, body and spirit are all happy.

- Registering for a knitting workshop! A new skill: entrelac! It looks like this. I WILL have the baby blankie done by then, I swear!

- Registering for a weekend workshop with another wonderful yoga teacher!

- A bike ride, perhaps? We'll see what Mother Nature has in store for later this afternoon.

- An afternoon nap with Nerm. Need I say more?

Down 0.4!

I'll take it!

That is all.

Rockin' my world!

A few things that are rockin' my world of late:

- the assortment of flavourful herbal teas I've been drinking

- my run this afternoon--today was the day the walking interval got smaller. Yep, I was slower, but I did every single interval, all 11 of them! 44 min, 5.60 km. Check!

- the lasagna that I whipped up with some sauce I'd frozen awhile ago, some extra lean ground chicken, onion, cottage cheese and mozzarella. Mmmmm...I heart my convection oven it cooks things so much quicker!

- my rib cage. It's been hiding under a layer of adipose tissue for quite some time and has recently made a reappearance.

- did I mention the tea?

April 1998-Sept. 7, 2008

It took me putting a sticker on my calendar tonight (for yoga practice) to realize that my beloved Kitty, also known as Doodlebug and Ma peitite chou chou, has been gone for two years. I realize now how much she taught me: unconditional love, patience, living in the moment and the pure joy of basking in a sunbeam.

Even though I lost a huge part of me two years ago, I appreciate the gifts I was given in return: my wonderful friend, Christie, who took care of Kitty while she was sick, held my hand and cried along side me as we said goodbye to her and my little Nerm.

**There will come a time when you believe that everything is finished. That will be the beginning.** Louis L'Amour

I miss you, Doodlebug.

Back to School Goal Setting

I spent a lot of years in school:
1980-1993 (K-12)
1993-1998 (U of A BSc MLS)
2007-2008 (Athabasca U)
2010 (Jan-Jun Yoga Teacher Training).

I'm one ed-u-ma-cated chick!

September is a better "new" year for me than January. I also feel compelled to go buy stationery. Is it bad that I was literally drooling over my friend Michelle's weekly planner on the weekend? I still want one! Maybe when she returns on Friday we can go on a shopping mission. Although, we discovered that we know how to do some serious damage to the bank account when we went hog-wild at Lulu on Sunday, but really, how much could you spend at Staples? Never mind, don't answer that!

So what's the point to this, you ask? Well, my goals lately (I can't remember the exact day I started, but it's been a few weeks now):

1. Stop eating before 2000h (that's 8 p.m. if you don't do the 24-hour clock thing). Sometimes this may not happen, especially when I work evening shifts, but the intent is to eat dinner and then STOP.

2. Drink more herbal tea. See #1 above. No eating after 8, but who said no drinking?! I stocked up this weekend:

From Teaopia: Coconut Cream Green, Wild Cherry and Pina Colada.
From Banff Tea Co.: Women's Keep Well-Uma & Chocolate Mint Rooibos.

3. Sleep 7-8 hours each night.

Most nights, it's worked just fine! I'm currently sipping some delightful Coconut Cream green tea.

Note to Self:
Drinking wine on a school night is neither in alignment with the above stated goals nor conducive to getting up for work in the morning! But it was good wine and great company!

Long Slow Monday

I keep forgetting it's Monday today! I ran past a church this morning and couldn't figure out why the parking lot was empty...

My arse was protesting my bike ride from Saturday so I didn't run yesterday. That means today's the day!

2.04.16
15.33 km
1162 cal

Did some stretching and had some chocolate milk. Now I'm trying to figure out what's for lunch. Maybe I should shower first, though!

Lazy Sunday

After yesterday's big kahuna bike ride (19 km each way) from Harvie Heights to Banff, then shopping (I stocked up on this and this at the Banff Tea Co. & bought yummy caramels at my favourite candy shop), walking most of the way to the Hot Springs, soaking for a bit, walking back to the bikes and riding into a head wind all the way back to Harvie Heights (big storm was moving in!), Michelle and I didn't feel the running mojo this morning. It rained all night and is still raining...Did I mention how sore my ass is this morning?!

We did, however, wander down to Lulu to do a little shopping! We found some things while we were in Banff, but didn't have room in the pannier to hold it all, so we were women on a mission (in Mission, hee hee) this morning! And the best part: I scored a yoga class to teach! Lulu has free classes on Monday nights, and I am scheduled to teach the Oct. 4 class at the 4th Street location. Whoo hoo!









I also bought the Revitalize Tech Short sleeve, and a Run Swiftly in grey but Blogger won't let me upload the photos. Thank goodness for a discount, is all I can say!!

The rest of my day is pretty low key: laundry, finish An Echo in the Bone (OMIGOD, I love, love, love Jamie Fraser!), and dinner with my cousin and her hubby.

Down 1.8!

That is all =)

Gettin' Ready...

For the Long Weekend!

-spent some time tidying last night. My house looked like a bomb went off.

-I even did some laundry. Not much, but a little!

-Concert tonight with Michelle. We're going to see John Hiatt at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.

-Doctor's appointment tomorrow, then bus ride home (always entertaining).

-Biking Canmore to Banff on Saturday! Should be fun, fun, fun! I think a picnic is definitely in order, along with a stop in the tea shop to stock up! Mmmm...chocolate mint tea, anyone?

-Long run on Saturday (14.5K)

And I'm really proud of myself for pushing my ass out the door last night for a walk. I wasn't feeling the running mojo, but I knew I should get out and move. 45 minutes and almost 5K later, I felt much better. I even put the book down early *gasp* and went to sleep before 11!

Woke up this morning still loving my hair (all the sparkly bits got covered yesterday and we chopped off a few inches) but annoyed as I seem to be kind of snuffly. I hope it's just lack of sleep catching up with me and NOT the cold that my co-worker has brought to work with her for the last week. Cold-FX is my friend! Now, off to make my lunch!
Happy Thursday!

Rest Days

That's what the past couple of days have been, and man, do I need another one!

After Saturday's AMAZING trail run (read about it here and here), I went bowling with my co-workers.

Let's just say my bowling skills need work. A LOT of work! We had some dinner, bowled a few games and then headed to a pub. Good food, good friends, some bevvies, it's all good! I think bowling helped prevent me from being too sore on Sunday. It kept me moving so that I didn't seize up.

Sunday I spent all day in my jammies. Yep. ALL day. It was glorious.

Back to work yesterday, followed by a physio appointment. I wasn't sure if I should even keep the appointment because I wasn't sore at all. Turns out she found a few tight spots with those acupuncture needles! I was more sore after physio than from the run! Today my legs felt great, but I was feeling the effects of two late nights reading.

I'm currently wrapped up in Diana Gabaldon's latest in the Outlander series, An Echo in the Bone. Like the others in this series, I cannot put it down!

And quite frankly, I adore Jamie Fraser!

I had a quick nap and then got my butt out the door. It wasn't the 45 min run that was scheduled, but 30 minutes are better than none. Note to self: remember the inhaler next time! Just over 4K isn't too shabby. Friday morning I'll get in the full 45 minutes before I head to my doctor's appointment.

A few stretches, a soak in the tub (a few pages in the book), make my lunch and then it's time for bed.

'Night!

Oops! Fogot to Mention

My friend Iris (the one who convinced me to run the trail run yesterday) was the top female in yesterday's marathon event! The race consists of a 16K, 29K and 42K.

Her courage, determination and sheer will power are a continual inspiration to me. Her goal this summer was to run at least one event from April to September. Her summer looked like this:

3 x 50km races
1 x 50 mile race
1 x 100km race

She ran the 42km yesterday and in two weeks is headed to Lethbridge to run the Lost Soul 100 km. I'm amazed by her strength and in awe of how she pushes her limits continuously.

In turn, she pushes me to test my limits.

I like it.

She spent most of last week sick on the couch (I thought I might have to take her to the hospital at one point) and ran an incredible race yesterday! She passed me when I was around the 10.5 or 11K mark, high-fived and bounded (yes, bounded) up the hill. I sped up, hoping that we might be able to finish sort of close together, but by the time I crested the same hill, she was gone!

I thought she said "I'm having a good run."

Apparently she said, "I'm so ready to be done."

Seeing her mid-course helped me to speed up for the challenging hills in the second half. I left the girl I was running with around the 12K mark and suddenly, I was all alone in the woods.

Silence.

Sun streamed through the canopy of leaves. My footsteps and breathing were all I could hear. It was incredible.

Peaceful.

Serene.

Three more marathoners passed me before I finished. I ran out of the trees into the parking lot and knew the finish line was close. I dug deep, channeled my inner Kenyan, and ran with all my heart.

I did it!

And I'd do it again.

Maybe not today (it's been rainy and gross all day, so I imagine that big bog at 4k is quite a bit boggier today than yesterday!). But I'll definitely run this trail again. And again.

Because I can.

Moose Mountain Trail Run

16K
A mountain
A trail (Telephone Loop)
Sunshine
75 people

2 hours, 28 minutes, 48 seconds and 1099 calories later, I finished the HARDEST 16K run I have ever done!

I wasn't last (not that it matters).

I LOVED it!

I feel great.

I finished strong.

I got the BEST race shirt EVER.

I won a door prize (great duffle bag equal to the price of registration, you can't beat that!).

The absolute BEST post-race food I have ever had: homemade veggie soup (garnished with fresh parsley and crushed ripple chips), buns, 'nanas, candy, chips, gatorade, did I mention the homemade soup?!

And I may have agreed to run 30K in Wyoming next summer....=)

I'm Off!

To run 16K on a trail (likely very muddy) in the mountains!

Be back later!

Four for Friday

In Laura style:

1. Thank God (or whatever higher being you believe in) it's Friday!! One more evening shift and I'm done for a bit (Sept. 15, but who's counting?).

2. Alli is bringing the baby over for a visit this morning. Yaaay! I like babies, just not kids. It's weird, I know.

3. Gathering all my gear for my first trail run tomorrow! I'm a little freaked out, but excited at the same time. Laundry is in and now I just need to pack three different ensembles in preparation for whatever weather Mother Nature decides to throw at us. Bragg Creek weather can be very different than Calgary's, even though it's only a short drive away. That's what happens the closer you get to the mountains: the weather gets more erratic!

4. I saved the best for last! Down FOUR (count 'em, FOUR) pounds this week! It's amazing what happens when you really apply yourself versus half-assing it. I've been in Maintenance Mode for quite awhile, so I'm thrilled by this. Now I just need to take this momentum into next week, when I see my doctor. My main motivator is the marathon--running 42.2K even five pounds lighter will be easier (and hopefully faster), so each pound counts!

Garden goodness

Sweet and Spicy Swiss Chard
from All Recipes dot com
The onion and chard all came from my garden!

I doubled the recipe and threw in some black beans (1/2 cup). Calorie King says the whole thing plus the beans is 579 calories. It's tasty, although I think I'd put more ginger in next time. It's definitely different than how I usually eat chard (one of my very favourite veggies!)

And here's Nerm in her new penthouse:

Whew! Wednesday!

I'm on evening shift this week, which is a struggle food-wise for me. Last night I had really good intentions of having a pot of herbal tea when I got home from work. Really, I did. Then there was the pineapple I didn't eat at dinner. Hmmm...I haven't had any fruit today, so I should eat that. Then the crackers and cheese came out. Have I mentioned that I've yet to find a cheese I don't like?

Yeah...but all of those are excuses and if I learned anything from my trip to Maui two years ago, it was that Excuses Begone! I had a really great conversation with my SIL this morning about it. And then I went for a run.

It was hard! Not impossible, but I struggled. Could be the lack of proper fuel this morning. Could be?! I'm sure it was the lack of proper fuel in the tank! Lessons learned:
1. Eat breakfast.
2. Run earlier so it's not so hot!

46.39 min
6.03 km
471 cal

I'll take it! Marathon training is as much about mental toughness training as the physical training. I know this. So my 16K trail run on Saturday is for honing my mental toughness. And then I'm going bowling (read: drinking and making a fool of myself attempting to bowl)!

On the yoga front: still trying to figure out insurance. Oy. Home practice: not daily anymore but still there!

Much Better Way to Run!

I did a destination long run this morning. Well, since I didn't really know where I would end up, maybe 'destination' isn't the right word. Either way, I just ran till the Garmin said 10.02km. Then I hopped on the bus and came home! It was pretty cool to see how far it actually was as we drove back along the route I'd just ran.



Today's run puts me in the town of Squilax, BC (I'm now running between Kamloops and Revelstoke) with a lovely view of Shuswap Lake to the north! By the end of the month, I'm hoping to be in Tappen. That's assuming I can get all my runs in this week! =)

Followed that with a yummy lunch:
1/2 Weight Watcher's pita
1 tempeh burger
pickles, lettuce, red onion and tomato
Cattle Boyz BBQ sauce

And now I think I'm going to put on a sweater, knit, have a nap and go to yoga! Happy Sunday!

Friday, Sweet Friday, How I Love Thee!

TGIF has never been so sweet. Why, you ask? Well, lemme tell ya:

- I slept all of two hours last night. Yep. Two. From 1100 - 0113h. I think the dream about my dad wigged me out so I couldn't go back to sleep. It wasn't the nightmare one, it was all good, I think it was just seeing him that did it (if that makes any sense whatsoever).

- I checked the forecast on the Weather Network literally right before I walked out the door. No rain till thundershowers in the afternoon. I got two blocks from home (S'bucks in sight now) and the sky opened up, thunder boomed and lightening crashed. Lovely. And all at 0540h. Did I mention that I had neither a coat nor brellie? Yeah, figures! Have I mentioned I'm seriously considering a career change? Yep. Meteorologist. Apparently it's the only job that you can always be wrong at and still keep your job! =P

- Two people called in sick at work. They weren't going to call anyone in, either. Yeah, that went over like a proverbial lead balloon. By 11 (a mere 5 hours into my 8 hour shift), we had replaced the two sickos.

OY. Alas, I'm home now. I stopped at Shoppers and picked up my winning lottery tickets for both tonight and tomorrow. I also got two free plays from a few weeks ago. My banker frowns on my retirement savings plan, but I'm told they won't give you the money unless you buy a ticket. Also stopped and got some groceries and bought only healthy stuff! Big feat on two hours of sleep! It was yummy veggie pita pizzas for dinner tonight chez moi.

I also just had a lovely soak in my claw foot tub. *sigh*

Happy Friday! 'Night!

How did it get to be Thursday already?

You know what I'm afraid of? Getting to be 80 years old and every time you blink BAM! there goes another year! This week seems to have flown right by, just like most of August has, July did, June (what happened in June?), May...I vaguely remember May.

So what's new with me? Well, I went for a great run this morning, although I left it a little late and holy smokes, it's hot out there! I don't mind running while it gradually warms up, it's when I start and it's already hot that I struggle with. Regardless, I got out there and got it done.

What says Mr. Garmin?
5.59 km
40:45
444 calories

Meeting up with my yoga peeps tonight for some Lebanese munchies and to discuss fall classes. Then it's back to work tomorrow morning pour moi.

I Heart Days Off!

I only wish that I could figure out a way to get the same paycheque every two weeks without working!

I slept until I woke up this morning, sans alarm clock. I made it till 0730h. This is HUGE for me! Had a slow, lazy morning as I got ready for my run.

Headed out in 88% humidity (14C) and ran 40 minutes of 3 & 2's.
Total distance: 5.16 km
404 calories. Finished the run with the temperature at 16C and 77% humidity.

After the run I hopped on the bus and headed to my yogi friend, M's house. She's been away all summer in California visiting family so it was great to catch up. On the way home, my other friend M texted me. We made immediate plans to grab a bite to eat and catch up. Nothing like good Greek food and good friends to make an evening fly by!

Tomorrow's plan is simple: sleep, run, eat, knit. Maybe not in that exact order, but you get the idea.

Running Fool

Good morning! I woke up bright and early this morning and got ready to head out for my long run. I only got out once this week for a run so wasn't too sure how my body was going to feel.

It started out kind of cool and humid (12C and 82%) and now it's 18C and 60% and sunny. I wasn't sure of my route either...stick to the same old or try something new? A few ideas popped into mind:

- Run down Elbow Drive for my 11K and then hop on a bus home. Too bad I only brought ATM card--no change for bus, no bus ticket. Not a good option today. Note to self: bring bus ticket next time!

- Run up the hill at Brittania, then cut over to the ridge and down into Sandy Beach, returning via my regular route. Naaahhh.

- Or, out and back down Elbow Drive. Hmmm...might be onto something here...



Now I've gotta hop in the shower and get ready for work! I'm hoping to bail out a little early to make it to yoga class at 6...wish me luck!