OBMAO

The operation continues.

Last night there was 11km in Glenbow provincial park. Big ass hill at beginning was a fun ride down. It was a but of a bitch coming back up after 10km and a storm breathing down our necks! But I made it all the way up without walking. I stopped, but I rode the whole thing.

Tonight I rode Nose Hill park. Just about 14km on tired legs in the heat was hard. I did walk a few bits. But it felt great to be out and catching up with my friend.

Getting psyched to hit Fernie again this weekend for an all girls camp! I'm sure my ass is going to get handed to me by a mountain or two, it's going to be fun!!

OBMAO

How is it August 9 already?!

I'm on day six of the 21 day fix. I knew I was eating well, and this just shows how skewed my portions were. Have I been perfect for the past six days? Nope. But better than before and that's all that matters. 

The workouts are great in terms of they are only 30 minutes and they make you sweat! I'm pretty sore afterwards too.  And I've been doing the modified/no weights version. I'm interested to see the scale/measurement changes after 21 days (I'm not checking until then). 

The Shakeology is...meh. I got the vanilla and it ranks up there with some of the worst protein powders I've ever tasted. I did manage to create a palatable iced chai version so that I still get my morning caffeine but not the milk and sugar. Vegan tropical strawberry is my favourite so far though. 

Over and out. I need to shower and head home. Laundry and meal prep awaits!

OBMAO

Did 10.5 km around Nose Hill after work. It was fast, hard, and hilly! And we just beat the rain, again.

You can't outrun (out bike) your fork.

It's true. So I signed up for the 21 day fix. My cousin's wife is a coach. I know I could use the measuring cups that full my kitchen drawer, and I do, but I obviously need some more guidance.

I'm still going to bike (hells yeah) and I promised Robin I would at least *try* the workouts. But I know the key is with my diet.

That said, I'm also considering a Fitbit Surge....I want the daily activity monitor AND the heart rate monitor for a more accurate calorie burn calculation.

Healthy lunch is packed. Biking gear is packed. A good night's sleep and I'm good to go another day!

OBMAO

Hit the trails at the Nordic Centre today. Conditions were great, scored rock star parking and had an awesome hour and twenty minute ride with two really big climbs.

Yesterday was COP with Andrea and that's what's on tap for tomorrow, too.

I'm signed up for an amazing camp in Fernie in August so I need to dial up my riding!

Operation Bike My Ass Off

In an effort to beat the insane heat, A and I met at 7 this morning to head to Bragg Creek. We arrived and were some of the first people there, which meant a parking spot in the shade. It was still cool and we were excited to hit the trails. And then shit hit the fan. A couldn't find the keys. And her car doesn't tell like mine does if the fob isn't in the car while it's running. So we weren't sure if they were on the ground by my car (20 minutes away) or at the gas station where she filled up...

And to top it all off, there's no cell service at the trailhead. So A rode back till she got a signal, called my mom to check around my car and her hubby to bring an extra set of keys. I waited and was tormented by flies and mosquitoes. Oh yeah, we both forgot bug spray =\

A returned and we got ready to head out. D would bring a key and meet us later. And then we saw it...

On top of the car, hiding behind the ski rack, were the keys.

So we got started a little late, but still beat most of the heat. We rode up boundary ridge (I think it took us about an hour of steady climbing). And flew back down in 15 minutes or less. Super fun--great cardio on the uphill and lots of practice working on the skills I'm learning in my course on the way down.

Hit up Costco, spent the afternoon prepping lunches and dinners for the week and now am hanging out in front of my AC with Nerm. =)

Operation: Bike My Ass Off

is still in progress. I've signed up for a ladies only mountain biking class in Banff. Two nights in, and I've kearned sooooo much already! I've rocked some stuff, found some stuff to work on, but have had a blast!

Today A and I rode 30.5 km on the pathways in the city. We came *this* close to getting caught in a storm but made it to the Lazy Loaf & Kettle just in time!! The bad part was the big ass hills at the end of our ride. I had to stop a few times, but I biked up every. single. one.

Another mountain ride is on tap for Sunday with A & D. Monday I'm back in Canmore for week two of training.

OBMAO update

I can't remember (or keep track of) what day it is, so here's the update: it's working.

Since May 2, I've lost 5.6" and 2.2 pounds.
I can comfortably fit into clothes clothes I couldn't just two weeks ago.

I biked almost 10 km today on my regular trails without stopping or gasping for breath (and without a single hit of ventolin).

I'd say that's a win. =D

OBMAO

I've lost count of what day I'm on. But the biking continues:
Thursday was 11km on trails in Nose Hill. Loads of fun on some new trails in the trees.

Friday root canal. Third time on the same tooth. Ouch. Then a two and a half hour long meeting with the builders. There *may* be progress. Followed by an another 11km on the trails in Nose Hill with AF. Loads of fun. Even the big ass hill at the end.

Saturday: up bright and early to head to banff with AF & D. Tunnel mountain rocked! There was evidence of bears but we didn't see any up close or personal, which I'm quite all right with. I did my first log, tried the skinny on Star Wars (and then promptly bailed) and practiced riding some berms. So. Much. Fun!!

Sunday: my tooth is hurting more and more. Time to combine Advil and Tylenol. And go for a ride. CD and I headed to to ride the Legacy a Trail from Canmore to Banff. Just under 40km for the day. Loads of fun, but my mouth hurt more and more as the day went on.

No sleep. Nary a wink. Call dentist. $85 in steroids, pain killers and antibiotics later, I sure hope the pain goes away soon! And sleep. Sleep will be good, too.

OBMAO days 23-25

It's working! Down 5 1/8" in two weeks!

Day 23 6.2 km mountain biking
Day 24 hard core shopping! Clothes on! Clothes off! Repeat multiple times!
Day 25 35 min standing yoga poses

OBMAO Updates

Day 18 (Friday): walked in the big mall with mom
Day 19: walked out past the park
Day 20: biked in Nose Hill. Raced to get back before the rain.
Day 21: biked in Nose Hill. Best ride of the year so far! Why? I'm standing there, gasping for breath and my friend Kimmy rides up! She's on her way home from work. So we had an impromptu group ride!! So much fun that we're going to do it again. But plan it this time!
Day 22: biked in nose hill again. 13 km. solo. Found some new trails. Frick. That park is just one hill after another. Slowly getting stronger. I need more shorts and a new sports bra! I hate doing laundry this often! Ok, I just hate doing laundry.

The scale showed my hard work on the weekend. Down 3 pounds. =)

OBMAO Day 17

Walked down by the river. Head wind on the way out, drenched on the way back. It was snowing by the time I got home.  30 minutes. Done.

OBMAO Day 16

it was cold and icky here today. I stayed inside and did Turkish get ups. My abs hurt already. It's a safe bet I won't be able to move tomorrow. And this without added weights! I blame Deb T. She's the one who reminded me about them.

Hopefully it'll be warm enough to ride tomorrow...I'll pack long sleeves and tights just in case.

I need an extra pair of bike shorts. Laundry every other day is getting old fast!

OBMAO Day 15

My legs are tired from yesterday's climb. I went for a walk along the pathways. It's gorgeous out there! The sun is shining and there's a bit of a breeze to keep the temperature comfortable. 

30 minute walk: done. 

Tomorrow I'm going to hit up the trails in Nose Hill after work. 

OBMAO Day 14

Two weeks!! I took my measurements yesterday. As a scientist, I'm all about data collection.

Today was 53 minutes straight up a mountain. Well, 50 minutes up. Three down. My legs and lungs burned. But it was fun! Afterwards, I hit the paths by the river and took a spin around the skills park for another 37 minutes.

OBMAO Day 13

A quick 30 spin around east lands before the snow blew in! Legs and lungs are feeling the burn!

OBMAO Day 12

Rode the Eastlands for the first time ever. I certainly hope the city doesn't turn it into some retail wasteland! I think it's my favourite place to ride do far. Weather permitting, I'm headed back there tomorrow.

My app shows just over 4 km in 42 min, but there were lots of hills and lots of grins. I was drenched in sweat and other than that steep black diamond bit I had to walk down, so much fun!!

I used to think mountain biking wasn't a workout, until I tried it, obviously. but powering up those trails filled with roots and rocks requires stamina and balance. And staying control going down a hill is just like in yoga, when you draw everything in towards the midline. Holy moly Batman, i feel my abs!!

So. Much. Fun!!!

Oh, and nary a wipeout!

OBMAO Day 11

Thirty minute walk along the bluff in Brittania.

Went to a literary event my friend was participating in. So much fun to see S & D again.

OBMAO Day 9 & 10

Day 9: 7.14 km in Bowmont park with AF. Wiped out on the steep hill down to the dipsy-do. I landed on my left leg--right where I hit it on Sunday. Ouch!! There was swelling (thank goodness for the bag of frozen peas). There was blood. There will be bruises. But hey, it's street cred. And so. much. freaking. fun!!!

Day 10: rest. And job interview in Canmore. Cause yeah, who wouldn't want to work where you play?!

OBMAO Day 8

11.2 km in town. Big wipe out by the makeshift bridge. I'm now sporting road rash on both sides!

Foiled by pathway construction seemingly at every turn. Not a good day to bike. Thank goodness for CD, though. She came and rescued me from the mother if all hills!

OBMAO Day 7

10 km in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. It's beautiful there! Too bad it was cold (5C with a frigid north wind) and cloudy. Oh, and downhill all the way there. Which means uphill all. the. way. back. I made it up more than I thought I would! It's a great ride to use a gauge over the summer. We'll see if continuous riding and lots of hill training pays off!

My lungs are still burning.
My legs are still quivering.

It's all good. =)

I've got lasagna baking (no noodles--butternut squash instead). I've been gluten free for just over a week and it's amazing the difference I feel--less bloated, less joint swelling and pain.

OBMAO Days 5 & 6

Day 5: rest

Day 6: a quick, 2.16 km walk around my neighborhood. Did I mention I live on top of a big hill? No matter which way I go, there's a hill. It's good for my ass, legs and lungs though! It was definitely cooler than the past few days on my bike. Today called for pants instead of shorts, long sleeves instead of short and a toque instead of helmet!

OBMAO Day 4

45 minutes in Twelve Mile Coulée with AF.

Road rash on my left arm and leg. That's what happens when you catch your tire and slide off a rock!

Fun though! Legs and lungs were burning.

Oh, and there was also a sighting of hot runners! =

OBMAO Day 3

I was distracted by birthday present shopping after work, so I opted to ride pathways again. CD joined me but just over 1 km in, she got a flat!! And it's need a new tire flat, not just a tube. So we walked back to the car, locked up the bikes and went for a walk. All told, another easy 25 minutes of activity. I'm pretty sure AF won't be as easy on me tomorrow!

Operation Bike My Ass Off (OBMAO) Day 2

Just a nice little 30 minute recovery ride on the pathways. The bridge was out or I would have gone further. One bridge out = multiple hills to go further. My legs and lungs cried out for mercy. I conceded.

My ass hurts, I'm not gonna lie. But even just cruising along, I couldn't wipe the grin off my face.

So. Much. Fun. Day 3 is going to rock! I'm torn between trying Bowmont park again (sans AF) or heading into Nose Hill to check it out....

Operation Bike My Ass Off Day 1

The scale said a bad number to me the other day. So, I'm taking control back.

Yesterday I biked for about an hour and a half (my technology konked out, so I don't have any details) with AF in Bowmount park. The trails were awesome! I grinned the entire time (except when I was grimacing going up a hill) ! My lungs and legs burned.

It was great.

Epsom salts are my new BFF.

And now I'm off for an easy(ier) recovery ride.  May the technology gods be with me.

What's New In My World

My life has been a roller coaster since I last posted. Between step-kids, ex wives, FIL dying unexpectedly and DBF losing his job, we had a LOT of shit to deal with. I'd like to say we handled it all with grace and aplomb, but that's not entirely true. Our relationship took a few beatings but we've come through some really dark days to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel (and it's not a train!).

We're currently doing things long distance--DBF moved for work and to be closer to his kids. So far long distance is working. We talk multiple times a day and see each other at least every other weekend.  Our communication has improved 500%. It's a temporary situation and definitely not ideal. But we're making the best of it. And I know that it will all be worth it. Eventually.

I bought a car! I bought a condo! Finally, my money is building equity for ME, not someone else! I feel so grown up now. =P

I'm teaching regular yoga classes. I've been meditating. I've been hanging out with Nerm (who is happier than she's ever been).

So far, 2015 is shaping up pretty good. And with only a week until the big four oh, I'm grateful for so many things: my love, my family,  Nermal, and my friends.

The only thing I'm wishing for right now: SNOW. There hasn't been enough skiing!