Olympic Fever

Since February 12th, my life has pretty much revolved around watching the Olympics. When I’m not training or at work (well actually, even sometimes when I am at work) I am watching the Olympics on tv or on the computer, or really wherever I can get it. I’ve always been a bit of an Olympic junkie, usually preferring the summer games to their winter counterpart, but this time around, it doesn't matter, I just can’t get enough of the winter action. Gimme moguls, gimme speed skating, gimme biathlon, gimme hockey, heck, I’ll even watch ice dance! I don’t know if it’s the excitement of cheering on team Canada on our own turf, or the festivities happening in a city that I recognize, but I just can’t get enough.

This weekend, rather spontaneously (and with the rest of Victoria apparently), Shane and I decided to make the trek over to Vancouver to take in some of the merriment. We were absolutely, incredibly lucky and managed to get tickets to see the much anticipated Canada vs. USA hockey game (and legitimately, at face value, none the less – no scalper tickets for us!).

To say the least, the energy in the arena was incredible. It was such a surreal moment, to be sitting in Canada Hockey Place amidst the sea of red – at the Olympic Games! During breaks in the action they interviewed two of Canada’s newest gold medalists, Alexandre Bilodeau and Jon Montgomery. As goofy as it may sound, it brought a little tear to my eye. I don’t know why the Olympics are so captivating to me, but they are. It’s inspiring to see athletes who have worked so hard and in most cases for so long (and especially in ‘lesser known’ sports) become instant heroes.

Of course, Canada didn’t get the result they wanted in the hockey game, but it was thrilling none the less. After the game, my body felt very strange – my tummy was anxious and I just felt a bit drained. I think it was the excitement and the nervousness and maybe even the slight disappointment all mixed together. It was a rollercoaster of emotions watching that game! I truly can’t imagine what it must feel like to take part in the Olympics.




As for training, things are going well… I figure with all this Olympic watching I’m really filling up my “inspiration and motivation” bank and while I did skip my long run this weekend to attend the Canada/USA game I figure that’s okay, cause well, who wouldn’t? Otherwise, I’ve had some really solid workouts and my swim is starting to feel pretty good. My stroke is feeling nice and relaxed without being “too relaxed” and I’m noticing a consistency in my times that I haven’t seen/felt in a long while. It’s nice to be in the middle of a swim workout and think to yourself “oh, this is it, this is right.” I like that feeling.

Funny Stuff

I came across this video/commercial the other day and it put a big smile on my face. Anyway, I couldn't resist, I felt the need to share...

1:45 Hilly

On my calendar, my long run for the week read “1:45 Hilly”. I set out on this run on Saturday afternoon a couple hours after a decent 2x 1200 swim. I wasn’t dreading it by any means, but wasn’t super pumped about it either - it was more just one of those days where I knew I needed to get the workout in and I was ready to do it. My Mom was nice enough to accompany me on her bike so I had someone to chat with (which has got to be pretty boring riding for her since the pace is pretty slow). I did a two loop route (mainly so Rusty could join us for the first hour) that wasn’t quite as rolling as it probably should have been, but it had quite a few really big climbs and equally big descents, so at the end of it, I did feel like I accomplished the “hilly” aspect of the run….

Anyway, WOW… what a great run!

I had one of those days where everything clicked. My pace was consistent throughout and all the drills (mainly C’s) Kelly has had me doing lately feel like they are really paying off. Simply, my stride felt great. My body felt great. The hills were even - dare I say it - great! Everything was so good, that I was even able to pick up my pace pretty significantly in the last 15 minutes or so. At the end of it all, it was just really nice to have such a good outing after having been a bit tired the week leading into it.

Who would have ever thought I'd think a run (and an hour-45 run at that) would be the perfect "pick me up".

A Day Off

Sometimes I feel like I need to come up with these wonderfully eloquent blog posts, that have one clear theme from start to finish and make me seem like some brilliant writer (which is clearly not the case), but today, I think it will be different. Mainly because I start writing one thing and it suddenly turns into something else (actually, come to think of it, most of my posts do that don’t they?). Anyway, it may jump around a little, so bear with me, but, well, here goes….

Over the last three weeks since we returned from Hawaii I’ve had a pretty solid training schedule. A consistent weekly routine of about 4 runs, 3 swims and 2 bikes (give or take the odd run/bike/swim). So really, nothing too overwhelming, but solid none the less (and with no days off). Anyway, when we got back I looked at my calendar and saw the plan for the following 3 weeks (which has been this past 3 weeks – confusing, I know) and I vowed to myself that I was not going to skip a workout (not that I usually skip workouts, but sometimes things come up and you have to miss one, right?). Anyway, I’m happy to say that I have not missed a single one.

One notable workout during this time was this past Saturday when Kirsten and I set out for a 2.5hr ride. It was raining pretty hard, but we geared up in all our new Christmas goodies (thanks Mom and Dad – or was it Santa?) and headed out. We decided to go out Millstream way and loop around to Prospect Lake (via Millstream Lake/Munns Rd). Neither of us had really ever ridden that way and so got a very very rude awakening on Millstream Lake/Munns Rd - I really don’t know which road we were on, just that the hill was big and steep and long and I was very underprepared, both mentally and physically… it’s been a long time since I’ve attempted any sort of climbing and let’s just say, I did not gear properly (and that was the least of my problems). Needless to say, it kicked my butt! I was a little disappointed in myself at first, but then realized it would be great to come back to this route later on in the season and see how far I’ve come. I guess I realize it will be a good measure of my improvement. Anyway, the rest of the ride was fairly uneventful – a few 60 second efforts in the mid section, capped off by a relatively flat ending on the Goose. And you know, even though my rear end and bike were caked with mud so thick it fell off in chunks, it was good to get out on the road and not be a "fair weather" rider.

Other than that, I met with Kelly yesterday for a bit of a catch up and the usual check in – you know, how are things going, making sure everything is on the right track, etc. etc.… During our chat I was reminded that these past few weeks were realistically the least amount of training volume I will probably have from here on out – something I knew deep down in my heart of hearts, but still had a little ‘gulp’ when it was said out loud.

Anyway, it was great to get some pointers on swim technique and talk about run stride and have Kelly reassure me I’ll be ready for August. I know I will be, but it’s always nice to hear it from someone other than myself or my family.

During our chat, I also mentioned that I’d been feeling a bit tired this week. Again, not overwhelmingly so, just in that I am really ready for bed by the end of the night and a bit fatigued in general. I have since noticed that my scheduled run for tomorrow has magically changed to “OFF” on my calendar… and you know, I must admit it was a nice surprise. Like a small reward for not skipping any workouts over the last little while. That said, I know by tomorrow night I’m going to be feeling antsy and like I haven’t had a workout in days. It really is amazing how your body gets so used to the constant state of exercise (and fatigue) in such a short period of time.

Well, I think I’ve rambled on long enough and since it feels like months ago that we were actually in Hawaii and I miss it so, I thought a few pictures from a great vacation were in order… so here they are :)

For the Love of Cereal

Last night during a pretty intense trainer workout, I realized I didn't fuel the ol' body enough throughout the day and I ended up feeling a little wobbly at the end of it all. (The start of a trainer session "bonk" perhaps?)

Oddly, on my drive home, all I could think about was how much I wanted a giant bowl of cereal. Nothing else would do... cereal was it. [Although, I should let it be noted, that after my gigantic bowl of Triple Berry Oatmeal Crisp I did indulge in some more typical "dinner" food as well].

Anyway, it got me thinking about how much I love cereal. In the morning before a good workout or in the afternoon/evening as a snack - I could probably eat cereal at any time of day, for each and every meal! Hot cereal, cold cereal, dry cereal, sugary cereal, bran cereal, wheat cereal, healthy cereal or even the one with a Cap'n on the front... I'm not too picky when it comes to cereal and well, I've come to realized I'm not alone in my love of all things grain.

Here is an article from Runner's World about this tasty treat (you may have to copy and paste, as my blogging skills are lacking today and I can't figure out how to get the link working).
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-300--12820-0,00.html?cm_mmc=nutrition-_-2009_11_12-_-nutrition-_-DIET%3a%20A%20Better%20Bowl

On the training front - minor bonk aside - things have been going pretty well. I'm back into a solid routine after the extended active recovery that was the holiday season, and getting up for early morning pool sessions now feels normal again.

My calf has been slightly noticeable (read: hurting) again as I've started to slack off on my massage and stretching, (but it is not nearly as bad as it was) and the slight tweaking I feel in it on longer runs has just reinforced that I need to continue to be diligent about taking care of it.

Otherwise, things continue to roll along.
Train, eat, work, eat, train, eat, sleep, repeat.

From Snow to Sun to Rain

The New Year began at Mt. Washington for a little 3 day holiday with friends before Shane and I headed for the surf and sun in Hawaii. We stayed in a beautiful chalet amidst what could only be described as a winter wonderland... the amount of snow that fell while we were there was pretty incredible. Not being one to enjoy downhill snow sports, I opted to try my hand at cross country skiing. What a blast (and sooo much cheaper than downhill)! Myself and two friends took part in the 'Discover Cross Country' package, and for about $45 enjoyed an hour and a half lesson, rentals and a trail pass. We skied for about 3 hrs total before trudging our tired bodies back to the chalet (which I counted as my workout for the day).

From the snow we headed to the sun of Waikiki beach. Oh la. It was nice. Shane has always said how much he loves the smell of Hawaii and that there really isn't anything like it.... and you know, he was right. We landed late at night so couldn't see much other than the lights of the city, but the indescribable smell (hibiscus? eucalyptus? many other flowers and plants all mixed in with the humid air?) was amazing. The week couldn't have been better. We relaxed, we explored, we splurged!

That said, I suppose training-wise it could have been better, as I didn't get much done, but hey, that's what vacation (and active recovery) is for right? I did manage to get in a few runs, a couple spins on the hotel bike and tonnes and tonnes of walks and hikes! Shockingly, I was still fighting my lingering cold and so the time "off" was probably a good thing.

We returned to Victoria late at night to relatively warm weather (for winter) and a heck of a lot of rain. As the plane touched down, reality set back in. All of life's daily routines would soon be getting back to normal. Train, eat, work, eat, train, eat, sleep, repeat. I'd be lying if I said getting up for my first pool session once back wasn't a bit of a shock to the system because let me tell you, it was! Having been off work for nearly a month, I had the luxury of doing my training whenever I felt like it - which was usually once the sun came up. That said, once I was at the pool, it felt good.

It's only about a week today that we've been back to reality but I feel like I've had some good training sessions in that time, and as much as I'd rather be in Hawaii, things are good. (Although, every once in a while I realize how soon August 29th is going to be here... yikes!)

Anyway, since it's been so long since my last blog post, I decided a point form list of 10 good things about the first 20 days of 2010 is in order. So here goes....

1) Ringing in the New Year in a winter wonderland, at a gorgeous chalet, with good friends.
2) A first attempt at cross country skiing - so much fun.
3) From Mt. Washington to amazing sun and relaxation on Oahu!
4) Our marathon walk/hike to, up and back from Diamond Head Crater... and the view from the top!
5) Hula Pie and shave ice. Two awesomely delicious treats.
6) Watching the incredible waves and even more incredible surfers at Pipeline.
7) Shane's 30th birthday!
8) Testing positive for Factor V Leiden (a genetic clotting disorder).
[While this may not seem like a positive, it was nice to have a small piece to the puzzle put in place as to what may have helped cause my clot last May].
9) Having some solid training sessions since our return from vacation and getting back into the Run Club routine at work.
10) Interesting and exciting new proposals.

Two Girls in Sneakers...

I can't believe we are approaching the end of a decade. I can't believe I'm now 29. I can't believe how quickly Christmas and my birthday flew by this year!

What I can believe is that 2010 is going to be a good year. A great year in fact. I think my favourite birthday card this year came from Kirsten. The message inside it read "there's nothing that two girls in sneakers can't do" and you know, I believe that too.

[I also have to give a little shout out to my 2nd favourite birthday card, which came from Shane (pictured below).



The inside of the card reads "No animals were harmed in the making of this birthday card. One dog, however, was made to feel like a complete idiot."]

Looking forward to 2010, I've been thinking a lot about resolutions (both new and old). I don't typically do the whole resolution thing as I tend to set goals (athletically) throughout the year and am otherwise pretty happy with how I live my life and how I deal with my vices (ahem, lattes, ahem). As such, I'm not sure I feel the need to change anything, or make new resolutions, at this time. That said, looking forward to 2010 has also had me reflecting on resolutions past...

A few years ago, I sat down with Shane and our friend Ash on Jan 1st (2007) and we all wrote down a few things we wanted to accomplish that year. Writing them down really does hold you accountable and I was able to stick with most of the resolutions I made for that year (aside from one which was to "paint more." I'm still not painting nearly enough). Anyway, I think the best resolution I made in 2007 was to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. After a busy 2006 that included welcoming Rusty to the family, finishing building our home and moving in, as well as getting married, I had really let myself get out of shape. I was able to stick with my exercise resolution pretty well, mainly by running, and then in March of that year I saw that Juan de Fuca was offering a triathlon clinic. I thought joining the tri clinic was a great idea and would give me a goal to help me keep fit... those who know me well, know that that clinic pretty much changed my life and that triathlon has become a passion (an addiction some might even say). So, I suppose, resolutions really can be a good thing...

As for the here and now, the past week I had planned to put in some heavy training before we go away on vacation. Unfortunately, the cold that I had been fighting (and thought I shook) caught up with me in a bad way on the morning of Christmas Eve. I've definitely had some colourful phlegm, thankfully only green and not both of the holiday colours (green and red that is). I took Christmas Eve and Christmas day off from training and then tried to get back into it, thinking I could exercise the phlegm right out of me... which, unfortunately I could not. I finally conceded defeat and have spent the day doing nothing (aside from visiting the clinic). I also plan to spend the next few days doing nothing before we head to Hawaii as I want to be healthy enough to enjoy my time with Shane... and besides, how am I supposed to get in some good runs along the beach in Hawaii if I'm still a gooey mess!

Well, with this I will sign off and bid 2009 farewell. I wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2010.

Thanks for reading.