Getting Fat.

Well, I survived the Edge to Edge half marathon on Sunday. 

To say it was hilly would be an understatement. To say it was hard, also, an understatement. 

You likely won't be surprised to read that it was very much a personal worst as far as time was concerned (by a long shot!).

That said, I'm actually really proud of the finish, because you know what, it's sure not easy carrying another person for 21.1k (even a teeny tiny one). 

So yeah, if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm knocked up. With child. Pregnant. 

It was planned (because when you have a clotting disorder, everything to do with getting and being pregnant must be very well planned), but it happened a hell of a lot faster than we expected. I'm just at the start of my second trimester. The first one definitely took a little more energy out of me than I expected (who knew the fatigue could be such an ass kicker) but otherwise, so far everything seems to be going well, and I've got a great team (yes, a full team) of doctors looking after me. 

Anyway, along with all the changes to do with our move and the newness of life in Ukee, adding in all the excitement and changes that happen with a new pregnancy (and the fatigue, have I mentioned that?) have definitely been a contributing factor in the lack of anything resembling training these days... but that's okay. Every big goal requires some sacrifices and adjustments to what you've previously known, and making sure this baby gets delivered healthy is my number 1 priority for the year. 

And on that note, I'm gonna go find something to eat and put my feet up. 

Observations

We have internet!!!! 

As of yesterday, Shane and I are back connected to the outside world via the ol' world wide web. It probably makes me happier than it should.

But, that's not really what this post is about is it? Let's talk about Ucluelet (since I don't really seem to know what training is anymore).

I've been in Ukee for a little over a month now. The house is unpacked (mostly), pictures have been hung (mostly), and we have even welcomed our first house guests for a weekend. In fact, you might even say our little space is beginning to feel a bit more like home.

Over the first few weeks, I didn't get to spend more than 4-5 days in a row up here, as I was having to go back to Victoria regularly for different appointments and things, and to finalize all the little details around our house before the tenants took over on June 1. I know everyone does it, but it's so crazy how we fix up our homes and correct all the little imperfections that we've lived with for years, just in time for someone else to take it over. Thankfully, I feel like we've left our home on the Malahat in good hands. *knocks on wood*

It's interesting moving to a new town, especially one that is a tourist town, at the start of tourist season. The locals assume you are either a tourist or a transient worker, and don't really seem like they want to bother to get to know you. Of course, the fact that I am not super outgoing and tend to be a bit shy, probably doesn't help. But let's just say, I haven't always felt entirely welcomed (I'm looking at you, bitchy Post Office girl). Thankfully Shane works with a couple of great guys, so we've got a bit of a built in social circle through them.

Anyway, I didn't expect to make friends right away, so I'm not sure what I complaining about, but I will admit, there have been a couple days where I have felt very lonely and isolated. That said, when/if I find a job, I'm sure it will help.

Also, I'm trying to put myself out there a little bit more. I attended a yoga class at the community centre last week, and intend to go back. Funnily enough, I'm pretty sure the yoga instructor lives directly across the street from me, so I've got that in my back pocket as a bit of a conversation starter for next time.

Other fun Ukee happenings... I saw a wolf while out walking one afternoon/evening.  It was pretty terrifying in the moment, but after the fact, a pretty cool thing. A few days later, Shane and I saw a woman walking a giant pig. It snorted at us, haha. It was quite the contrast from the wolf. We also spent some time a couple weekends ago checking out the Rip Curl Pro Tofino. It's not everyday you get to watch a surf contest just down the road from your house.

Otherwise, I spend a lot of time walking and exploring the town and surrounding beaches, running errands and finishing off things around the house (although I think I crossed the last thing off my to do list yesterday) and poaching Internet from the big resort in town while I sit on the beach out front (well, I used to do that I suppose). I'm still doing the odd bit of running and biking, but it's definitely not very consistent at this time. 

I must say, my life is pretty relaxing these days and I'm just soaking it all in as I find my new rhythm. 

This weekend Kirsten and I run the Edge to Edge half marathon here in Ucluelet. I'm undertrained. It is an extremely hilly route, and I have very little in the way of expectations. If fact, I'd just like to finish. 

More news and another update to come next week following the half. Wish me luck!