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!

Back to the Grind

Days off fly by so quickly! Especially when you're taking first aid classes and trying to figure out small business stuff! But I am officially certified as a first aider now, so that's one thing to cross of the to-do list.

Tonight I'm off to see Eat Pray Love with my fave peeps, S & L. It may be another popcorn for dinner night. We'll see how much effort my hair requires to look presentable!

Had physio today and am definitely making progress! I was given stronger bands to increase the resistance for some of my exercises AND she's really piling on the homework! I think it probably takes 30-45 minutes to do all of my exercises. Yikes, add to running, working, yoga...less time for blogging, obviously.

Now, to find clothes and fix hair and makeup...

MIA

Sorry for the lack of posting--I've been taking first aid classes, going to wedding showers, running, and trying to avoid thunderstorms!

Regularly scheduled posting will resume shortly. =)

500 Worthy

What, pray tell is worthy of the 500th post on this blog?

Lemme tell ya:

Graham wafter + Nutella

Oh. My. God.

Sunday LSD Run

10 K
776 cal
1:19:14 (more than 2 minutes faster than my last 10K, which was a race!)

Another good Hawaii training day--16C, steady drizzle, 66% humidity (Honolulu is 26C feeling like 34C, and 70% humidity today).

Going to stretch out my hip flexor (the left one is a little tight) and have some lunch and plan a restorative yoga class for tonight!

NSV!!

I am currently wearing (and breathing easily) in a pair of capri's that I haven't been able to wear for two summers!

Whoo hoo!

Happy Weekend!

Oh thank goodness the weekend has arrived! Not because I have a lot planned, but because I get SIX, yes six, count 'em, six days off!! And all in a row too. =)

So what have I been up to? Well, working and not a lot of sleeping. That makes for a somewhat cranky H-woman. Thank goodness I'm still going strong on my daily yoga/meditation practice. Granted, the last two days consisted of supta baddha konasana and deep belly breathing. Who cares, it's slowing down and focusing on the breath that counts!

Thursday after work I had a brutal run. It was hot, I was tired and slightly dehydrated and the humidity was killing me. But I got out the door which was all I really wanted to do. And 20 minutes running is better than 20 minutes sitting on the couch thinking about running. I walked down and got the sparkly bits in my hair taken care of and had a great glass of wine and catch up with my hair dresser.

Yesterday I went to the best Lebanese restaurant in town, Aida's. I'm so lucky, 'cause it's just down the street! S & L and I had a great visit and then we headed for ice cream. Along the way we picked up S's SIL and nephews who were in town for a brief visit. Our lemon sorbet was NOT what we were looking for. S & I actually threw most of ours away. It just tasted like fake lemon. Ewwww.

I hit the sack early--9 p.m. And slept and slept and slept! It was glorious! Nerm let me sleep till 7:30, but we laid in bed till almost 9. Le sigh.

After a cuppa chai and a nectarine, I headed out for a run. 4.61 km, 35 minutes and 368 calories later, I'm feeling great. My running speed is good and my body seems pretty happy. I've been making a concentrated effort to actually do the physio exercises more than once a week! It makes a difference--who knew? Never mind, don't answer that!

I'm going to a BBQ tonight with my yoga peeps. Tomorrow is a long run, teaching yoga at 6 and that's IT! Next week I've got first aid in the afternoons, a wedding shower on Monday, my mom and nephew are arriving on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and then it'll be back to work on Friday. Yikes, why does it go so quickly?!

Anyway, if I'm teaching a yoga class tomorrow, I should probably go plan one! Have a great weekend!

Utterly knackered!

will post more tomorrow.

OMIGOD!

Was my lunch good!!

Into the container went:
-romaine lettuce
-cilantro
-1 cup heirloom tomatoes
-1 cup cucumber
-red onion
-1/4 avocado
-6 strips Sesame Ginger tempeh, prepared as per package
-1/2 cup black beans

Dressed with:
1 tsp sesame oil
1 1/2 TB seasoned rice vinegar
1 TB lemon juice

I would have taken a photo, but I was too busy enjoying it!

Thanks, Sheryl!

Oh My...

Getting to work for 6 am is hard! And I'm an early bird!

Physiotherapists can inflict pain! Miraculously, the inflicted pain can make the other pain go away. My knee is much happier now after a good 10 minutes of torture (she massaged the sore spot), some ultrasound and then 5 or 6 needles sticking in it for 10-15 minutes. No running yesterday though, as I was under strict orders to take it easy. Walking 5 blocks to the bus stop was more than enough. =)

My curried chicken burgers with fresh cilantro and mango chutney are AMAZING! Find the recipe HERE. There may not be any leftovers.

Savasana is a lovely way to end a stressful day! Especially when it's a guided meditation with Rodney Yee.

Good friends are precious! I reconnected with my friend, M, through crackbook and I couldn't be more grateful. We're holding each other accountable during our marathon training (she got her exam deferred and now gets to spend FIVE whole days in Honolulu avec moi!) and our weight loss efforts. And it's just cool to be able to talk to her again, 'cause let's face it: I talk a lot, so does she and we can follow each other's crazy thought patterns as our conversations jump all over the place. Most people can't keep up. =)

And with that, I need to go finish packing my lunch (a Super Salad a la Bitchcakes) complete with a snack for the way home (my goal this week in an effort to curb after work snacking).

Sushi Night

Last night was my sort-of-monthly sushi date with my old next door neighbour and super-duper running friend, Iris.

Let's just say that while the company and food were excellent, sushi + scale = not so good. =)

Nothing lots of water can't take care of!

When I got home, I did some yoga from a you-tube download of Wanderlust, a music and yoga festival that wrapped up this weekend. Then I played with headstand and handstand prep for a bit. It continually amazes me how different it feels being upside down on your head vs. your hands!

Not much on my agenda for tonight: physio, some errands, clean the kitchen and if my physio doesn't kill me, a short run. Oh, the life of a single girl!

Holiday Monday

Good morning!

I’m seeing how far I can take the daily yoga challenge on my own. Journaling has been going great guns since July 17, so let’s see how I do.

Last night I did a Kundalini practice from myyogaonline.com. It was short and I thought my arms would fall off (they’re held over head with your hands in shiva mudra (also known as uttarabodhi mudra) for the entire practice! Uttarabodhi mudra is known as the mudra of the highest enlightenment or gesture of perfection.

Today I’m having a yoga play date with Sonya and then maybe heading to see Sex and the City 2. Other than that, there’s not much scheduled besides some knitting. The baby blanket isn’t going to knit itself!

Update: Yoga play date was good—got my yogic butt kicked again! Got caught in a crazy rain storm on the way home. Stopped in at Community and picked up some tempeh (never tried it before) and chia seeds. Headed over to Safeway when the sky opened up. Caught a cab home, fed the guinea pigs (their humans went away for the weekend), talked to their humans (they got home earlier than I thought they would be), and made the most AMAZING pizza for dinner!

One WW pita, topped with sauce, onion, spinach, zuke, ‘shrooms, turkey bite, orange pepper and Kraft Italiano cheese blend. I bought olives but forgot to put them on. Ooops! With or without, I want another one! I had totally forgot that I used to make pita pizzas when I first joined WW. Mmmmmm….catching up on Corrie (the knitting has been put away) and then heading to bed.

Sunday Long Runs Return!

Yay! I woke up this morning to the rain they’d been forecasting for days that hadn’t come. I was expecting to have to go water the garden before I headed out, but Mother Nature took care of that for me.

 

Today’s weather was perfect training weather for Honolulu: 14C, 88% humidity & light rain. Long runs are for preparing your body for the long mileage on race day. I’ve been getting in some good runs lately (thank God for my physiotherapist, Carmen!) and so today’s long run wasn’t really, well, long. But that’s OK. Slow and steady will get me across the finish line upright, smiling, and uninjured (that’s the biggie!)

Today’s stats: 8.17 km, 1:06:09, 630 calories burned

Average running speed: 7:23 km/h

Average walking speed: 8:51 km/h

I stopped for groceries before coming home and picked up the fixing’s for dinner: grilled curried turkey burgers, cauliflower, peppers and potato in homemade butter chicken sauce served atop fresh spinach. Mmmm!