Yesterday I received an email from my sister Kirsten that she has decided to run the 2012 Boston Marathon in support of a charity (Lupus Canada) by joining her friend Heather’s fundraising team “LaceUp4Lupus.”
I’m having trouble getting my words out of my brain, through my fingertips and onto the keyboard today, so I thought it might be best just to share Kirsten’s email.
So without further ado…
Most of you know that I qualified last May at the Vancouver Marathon to run the Boston Marathon. I am so excited that I will finally get to travel to Boston this April and run in the 116th Annual race. For those of you that don't know marathons, Boston is the dream... I have been trying for years to qualify and training an unbelievable amount to improve my fitness so I can run a strong race there.
I recently discovered that a friend of mine, Heather Bretshneider, has lupus and is running the Vancouver Marathon this year to raise money for Lupus Canada. She is asking other runners for support by joining her team 'LaceUp4Lupus' and choosing their own race to run, with the goal of raising a total $4200 ($100 per km of the marathon).
It was an easy decision for me to join and run the Boston Marathon in support of her team. I had been thinking about running for a charity and it makes me even more excited to be fulfilling my personal dream while helping others.
We are collecting donations through the 2012 Walk for Lupus website and I would appreciate any donation - big or small! My goal is to start by raising at least $420 and then see where I can take this from there. The easiest way to support me is by making a secure online donation using your credit card using this link.
You can read more about Heather's story by checking out her blog.
The Walk for Lupus is Lupus Canada’s most important national public awareness and fundraising event. Lupus affects tens of thousands of Canadian men, women and children. It is a chronic, inflammatory disease that can attack any tissue or organ in the body. Although there is no cure, with your help we will be one step closer to finding one.
www.lupuscanada.org has more information as well.
Your support is greatly appreciated. Please consider passing this message on to your friends, family, and coworkers.
Thank you!
Kirsten
As for today, I’m thinking it’s going to be a pretty good Friday. The sun is shining and I started off the day with a run along the waterfront as the sun came up. As I crested the little mini-incline from Cook Street onto Dallas Road, the lights of Port Angeles looked like they were within swimming distance. The sky was clear and even the darkness of the morning seemed bright....
Friday, January 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Weekly Goal Setting
This week, I’ve decided to set a little mini-goal for myself.
The goal: to complete all of my workouts without cutting any of them short.
This really shouldn’t be too too hard, as I generally like to stick with my schedule and I don’t alter “the plan” that often. That said, I’ve noticed over the last couple weeks, I’ve been a little too nonchalant about, say, only doing a 5’ cool down on a run as opposed to a 10’, or perhaps shortening the amount of time I do drills, etc. etc. I blame it partially on the weather and other time constraints (like trying to get a full run workout in during an hour long lunch break and still having time to shower), but also partially for the fact that I have slowly created this bad habit and somehow continually allow myself to justify it. The cool down is part of the workout too, and I just need to reinforce that in my brain.
So, the week has started well. After a rest day on Sunday, I had a trainer ride and run to do on Monday. Done and done! Nothing cut short, nothing skipped.
This morning was a swim workout followed by a strength session. I lost track of time a little in the gym and did end up being about 10’ late for work (oops) but I got the entire workout done – including all 40 push ups! (even if there was an extra rest break during the push ups than there was supposed to be, haha).
Also, because I can’t seem to write a blog post lately that doesn’t meander from one random topic to another; I came across this article yesterday and enjoyed reading it, so figured I’d share.
The author lists his “Ten Principles of Personal Development.” My favourite of these “Ten Principles” is:
You become what you think.
Pretty powerful string of 5 words if you ask me.
The goal: to complete all of my workouts without cutting any of them short.
This really shouldn’t be too too hard, as I generally like to stick with my schedule and I don’t alter “the plan” that often. That said, I’ve noticed over the last couple weeks, I’ve been a little too nonchalant about, say, only doing a 5’ cool down on a run as opposed to a 10’, or perhaps shortening the amount of time I do drills, etc. etc. I blame it partially on the weather and other time constraints (like trying to get a full run workout in during an hour long lunch break and still having time to shower), but also partially for the fact that I have slowly created this bad habit and somehow continually allow myself to justify it. The cool down is part of the workout too, and I just need to reinforce that in my brain.
So, the week has started well. After a rest day on Sunday, I had a trainer ride and run to do on Monday. Done and done! Nothing cut short, nothing skipped.
This morning was a swim workout followed by a strength session. I lost track of time a little in the gym and did end up being about 10’ late for work (oops) but I got the entire workout done – including all 40 push ups! (even if there was an extra rest break during the push ups than there was supposed to be, haha).
Also, because I can’t seem to write a blog post lately that doesn’t meander from one random topic to another; I came across this article yesterday and enjoyed reading it, so figured I’d share.
The author lists his “Ten Principles of Personal Development.” My favourite of these “Ten Principles” is:
You become what you think.
Pretty powerful string of 5 words if you ask me.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Pure Joy, Excuses and Random Stuff
Is it Friday already?
I suppose the week has kind of gotten away from me. It has been filled with snow (and “snow days” off from work), comedians (Gerry Dee, you are one funny man), yoga (practicing and observing), swimming (in a pool almost all to myself – thank you snow), biking (ahh, the good old trainer) and, well, one altered and one skipped run workout (explanation to come).
Anyway, let’s see…. it has definitely been an easier week on the training calendar which has been really nice, especially as I head into my last full weekend of Yoga Teacher Training (yay!).
That said, I still managed to drastically modify one run workout and miss a second run workout all together this week. I’m blaming these lapses on the snow that blanketed Victoria, but I suppose that is just an excuse and with a little extra effort I probably (maybe) could have fit the run in that I missed if I had of really really tried.
I do think I made the correct decision about modifying my interval run, as it didn’t seem safe to be doing intervals along the side of a snow and ice covered road with no sidewalk – safety first and all that good stuff (you're welcome Mom).
But, back to my excuses regarding the skipped run… I wasn’t sure when or where I could squeeze the workout in that wasn’t uber-icy and my schedule for the day didn’t allow any time to go to the gym to run on a treadmill. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel like stressing about it and so, I just X'd it off the ol’ schedule and tried to put it out of my mind. (FYI: that is definitely rare for me - not stressing about a missed workout). I managed to feel fine with my decision for almost one whole day. But of course, now I feel guilty, haha.
Anyway, because it’s Friday and I kinda dig this, here is another version of Random Facts Friday.
1) I'm pretty sure this face is the definition of pure joy.
Happiest pooch in all the land!
2) There seem to be a lot of websites where you can find random facts on the internet. Three of the facts I found are:
* In high school, Robin Williams was voted 'Least Likely to Succeed.'
* Tasmania is said to have the cleanest air in the world.
* The aorta, the largest artery in the body, is almost the diameter of a garden hose.
I have no idea if any of these facts are indeed true.
3) I do not know how to do the butterfly or dolphin kick. I’ve attempted flip turns before (in the privacy of Shane’s Dad’s backyard pool), but I am too afraid/embarrassed to try them at the pool in front of people. So, if anyone wants to join me at JdF to practice flip turns and look silly together, please let me know.
4) How’s this for random?
5) Ironman Canada was exactly 218 days, 14 hours, 3 minutes and 44 seconds away at the time I wrote this.
6) When I post next I will be a certified yoga instructor.
I suppose the week has kind of gotten away from me. It has been filled with snow (and “snow days” off from work), comedians (Gerry Dee, you are one funny man), yoga (practicing and observing), swimming (in a pool almost all to myself – thank you snow), biking (ahh, the good old trainer) and, well, one altered and one skipped run workout (explanation to come).
Anyway, let’s see…. it has definitely been an easier week on the training calendar which has been really nice, especially as I head into my last full weekend of Yoga Teacher Training (yay!).
That said, I still managed to drastically modify one run workout and miss a second run workout all together this week. I’m blaming these lapses on the snow that blanketed Victoria, but I suppose that is just an excuse and with a little extra effort I probably (maybe) could have fit the run in that I missed if I had of really really tried.
I do think I made the correct decision about modifying my interval run, as it didn’t seem safe to be doing intervals along the side of a snow and ice covered road with no sidewalk – safety first and all that good stuff (you're welcome Mom).
But, back to my excuses regarding the skipped run… I wasn’t sure when or where I could squeeze the workout in that wasn’t uber-icy and my schedule for the day didn’t allow any time to go to the gym to run on a treadmill. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel like stressing about it and so, I just X'd it off the ol’ schedule and tried to put it out of my mind. (FYI: that is definitely rare for me - not stressing about a missed workout). I managed to feel fine with my decision for almost one whole day. But of course, now I feel guilty, haha.
Anyway, because it’s Friday and I kinda dig this, here is another version of Random Facts Friday.
1) I'm pretty sure this face is the definition of pure joy.
2) There seem to be a lot of websites where you can find random facts on the internet. Three of the facts I found are:
* In high school, Robin Williams was voted 'Least Likely to Succeed.'
* Tasmania is said to have the cleanest air in the world.
* The aorta, the largest artery in the body, is almost the diameter of a garden hose.
I have no idea if any of these facts are indeed true.
3) I do not know how to do the butterfly or dolphin kick. I’ve attempted flip turns before (in the privacy of Shane’s Dad’s backyard pool), but I am too afraid/embarrassed to try them at the pool in front of people. So, if anyone wants to join me at JdF to practice flip turns and look silly together, please let me know.
4) How’s this for random?
5) Ironman Canada was exactly 218 days, 14 hours, 3 minutes and 44 seconds away at the time I wrote this.
6) When I post next I will be a certified yoga instructor.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Intervals are FUN!
Week 2 of the BUILD is going well - really well in fact. I’ve had very similar (if not exactly the same) workouts this week as I did last week, and Tuesday’s “best average” set in the pool, followed by an interval run later in the day actually – wait for it – felt good!
[So I guess Kelly wasn’t really trying to kill me after all. Kinda makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, non?]
So, let's see...
The past weekend was chock-a-block full of yoga (with a couple of easy runs thrown in for good measure). I was tired, slightly yoga’d out, and dang ready for a weekend by the time 5pm Sunday rolled around, but alas, it was not meant to be and it was straight back into the regular grind on Monday morning. I got up early to spin on the trainer before heading to work, and it was the best decision, as it allowed for some much needed downtime on the couch Monday evening.
Since then, it has been a busy week, but aside from feeling slightly “off” yesterday and not really knowing why, I feel like my workouts have all been clicking and I’ve been feeling strong. As mentioned above, Tuesday’s intervals went about 100x better than the previous Tuesday. Last night’s return to trainer class was fab, and this morning – even though I snoozed a little too long and was a bit late to the pool – my swim was, in the words of Guy Fieri, on point!
I also am not feeling quite as yoga’d out any longer and had a nice quiet practice on my own in the lobby of the McPherson Playhouse yesterday during my lunch break. Kind of a great perk to the job to be able to practice in such a quiet and pretty space.
The camera on my relic of a phone really doesn’t do it justice, but well, with art all around me and the sun shining, it was a pretty great place to spend an hour practicing.
Tonight I run, and then am teaching yoga to a class at VI Fitness for the first time. I’m nervous, but excited. Friday is a much needed rest day. (TGIF indeed!) Saturday Shane turns 32. (How did this happen? When did we become adults? Has time sped up?)
Also, this video has been cracking me up lately…. ENJOY!
Namaste, mutha f*ckas.
[So I guess Kelly wasn’t really trying to kill me after all. Kinda makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, non?]
So, let's see...
The past weekend was chock-a-block full of yoga (with a couple of easy runs thrown in for good measure). I was tired, slightly yoga’d out, and dang ready for a weekend by the time 5pm Sunday rolled around, but alas, it was not meant to be and it was straight back into the regular grind on Monday morning. I got up early to spin on the trainer before heading to work, and it was the best decision, as it allowed for some much needed downtime on the couch Monday evening.
Since then, it has been a busy week, but aside from feeling slightly “off” yesterday and not really knowing why, I feel like my workouts have all been clicking and I’ve been feeling strong. As mentioned above, Tuesday’s intervals went about 100x better than the previous Tuesday. Last night’s return to trainer class was fab, and this morning – even though I snoozed a little too long and was a bit late to the pool – my swim was, in the words of Guy Fieri, on point!
I also am not feeling quite as yoga’d out any longer and had a nice quiet practice on my own in the lobby of the McPherson Playhouse yesterday during my lunch break. Kind of a great perk to the job to be able to practice in such a quiet and pretty space.
Tonight I run, and then am teaching yoga to a class at VI Fitness for the first time. I’m nervous, but excited. Friday is a much needed rest day. (TGIF indeed!) Saturday Shane turns 32. (How did this happen? When did we become adults? Has time sped up?)
Also, this video has been cracking me up lately…. ENJOY!
Namaste, mutha f*ckas.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Tee Gee Eye Eff
Well, here we are.
One week into 2012.
One week closer to IMC.
One week closer to NZ.
CrAzY!
I am also one week removed from active recovery and am now back into my regular training regime and the start of the dreaded, wait, I mean, oh-so-glorious, BUILD.
I’m starting to think I was maybe a little too focused on the ‘recovery’ part of things over the holidays and perhaps not enough on the ‘active’ part, as both of my workouts on Tuesday (intervals, oh, intervals) were a bit of a shock to the system. That said, after getting over the shock of these workouts and the feeling that Kelly may be trying to kill me, the rest of the week has gone fairly well and I’m sure it will only get easier from here. Right? Right?
Also, this weekend is my second to last weekend of Yoga Teacher Training! As much as I’ve loved this experience and am so happy I decided to do it – I will be really happy when the course is over. Working all week and then being in class all weekend can be very draining and I think is what partially contributed to my December burnout.
Anyway, all that said, since it’s Friday and I don’t have much to report on the training front besides the fact that my interval workouts almost killed me on Tuesday, I decided to finally steal an idea that I’ve been meaning to steal for a while (that’s how the blogosphere goes round right? One person steals a good idea, then the next, and the next….)
And so, I present to you some of my Random Friday Facts (or is it Random Facts Friday?)
1) I really like that split second when you are driving in the rain and you go under an underpass and the sound of the rain on the windshield stops momentarily. It always makes me smile.
2) My aunt gave me a pair of scented fuzzy green socks once. I thought it was a bit of an odd gift at the time – scented socks, really? – but they are one of the most comfortable pairs of socks I’ve ever owned, and while they no longer smell like gardenias (or whatever) they are still fuzzy and nice and I am wearing them today.
3) Whenever I see someone I know but haven't seen in a long time, I am never sure if I should say hi or not because I'm not sure if he/she will remember me. I suppose what that really means is that I never think anyone remembers me - ever.
4) Growing up, I was pretty sure I would be the first woman to play in the NBA. Now, I maybe, maybe, touch a basketball once a year.
5) I’ve seen Damn You Auto Correct before, but have never paid much attention to it. Yesterday I came across The 25 Funniest AutoCorrects Of 2011. Number 6. Oh man, Number 6.
6) I’ve been running in Nike Pegasus for pretty much my entire “running career” with a small detour into a pair of Asics at one point. I doubt I will ever stray again. I think the Pegasus are the perfect shoe.
7) I’ve been really digging this song lately….
And on that note… I’m out.
HAPPY FRIDAY!
One week into 2012.
One week closer to IMC.
One week closer to NZ.
CrAzY!
I am also one week removed from active recovery and am now back into my regular training regime and the start of the dreaded, wait, I mean, oh-so-glorious, BUILD.
I’m starting to think I was maybe a little too focused on the ‘recovery’ part of things over the holidays and perhaps not enough on the ‘active’ part, as both of my workouts on Tuesday (intervals, oh, intervals) were a bit of a shock to the system. That said, after getting over the shock of these workouts and the feeling that Kelly may be trying to kill me, the rest of the week has gone fairly well and I’m sure it will only get easier from here. Right? Right?
Also, this weekend is my second to last weekend of Yoga Teacher Training! As much as I’ve loved this experience and am so happy I decided to do it – I will be really happy when the course is over. Working all week and then being in class all weekend can be very draining and I think is what partially contributed to my December burnout.
Anyway, all that said, since it’s Friday and I don’t have much to report on the training front besides the fact that my interval workouts almost killed me on Tuesday, I decided to finally steal an idea that I’ve been meaning to steal for a while (that’s how the blogosphere goes round right? One person steals a good idea, then the next, and the next….)
And so, I present to you some of my Random Friday Facts (or is it Random Facts Friday?)
1) I really like that split second when you are driving in the rain and you go under an underpass and the sound of the rain on the windshield stops momentarily. It always makes me smile.
2) My aunt gave me a pair of scented fuzzy green socks once. I thought it was a bit of an odd gift at the time – scented socks, really? – but they are one of the most comfortable pairs of socks I’ve ever owned, and while they no longer smell like gardenias (or whatever) they are still fuzzy and nice and I am wearing them today.
3) Whenever I see someone I know but haven't seen in a long time, I am never sure if I should say hi or not because I'm not sure if he/she will remember me. I suppose what that really means is that I never think anyone remembers me - ever.
4) Growing up, I was pretty sure I would be the first woman to play in the NBA. Now, I maybe, maybe, touch a basketball once a year.
5) I’ve seen Damn You Auto Correct before, but have never paid much attention to it. Yesterday I came across The 25 Funniest AutoCorrects Of 2011. Number 6. Oh man, Number 6.
6) I’ve been running in Nike Pegasus for pretty much my entire “running career” with a small detour into a pair of Asics at one point. I doubt I will ever stray again. I think the Pegasus are the perfect shoe.
7) I’ve been really digging this song lately….
And on that note… I’m out.
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Rear View
There seems to be a lot of “year in review” posts and articles floating around the ol’ worldwide web at this time of year. That, combined with two very slow days at work, gave me the grand idea to read back through all of my 2011 blog posts.
2011. It’s been an interesting ride.
Anyway, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and so here is my 2011 recap – in short form and links!
January
I PB’d the 8k distance for the first time in 2011 by outsprinting an unsuspecting competitor, (who in fact actually beat me in the race if you base it on chip time) and followed it up with a winning day of training.
February
I did some time trials, learned that a 14’ workout can be sheer agony, gave some thought to my bucket list, celebrated my 5 year wedding anniversary, spent some time in the Whistler ER with my bestie Laura and wiped the eff out on a curb attempting another 5k time trial.
March
Shane’s anniversary present finally arrived in the mail.
Bobble Head Shane
Also, I PB’d the 5k distance, but was still kind of disappointed in the race. In fact, I still am, I know I can run 5k faster than that.
April
I began a “Battle of the Sweets” at work, and mostly won (until this December hit – YIKES!). I set some quarter year resolutions and even played the alphabet game.
D is for Dog. H is for Hope.
May
May was a big month. Kirsten qualified for Boston! Let me just say that again – KIRSTEN QUALIFIED FOR BOSTON! I PB’d the 8k distance for the 2nd time in 2011. My parents kicked butt over 21.1kms on one of the soggiest days in the month of May.
Wet Happy Finishers
I tasted the ‘age group’ podium for the first time in my life as a triathlete (even with a horrific effort on the run)… and well, May 16th came and went - and I must say, I’m still very thankful to be alive and able.
June
Training was great. I definitely embraced the swim, work, run, eat, sleep, bike, work, run, eat, sleep, swim, work routine and loved it. I was super excited to race the Victoria Sprint at Elk Lake (and get the new hoody) and then was kinda disappointed in my race. [Side Note: Reading back all these posts, I’m sensing a theme here – I don’t ever seem to race to what I feel my full potential is. Must work on that in 2012].
July
I was originally planning to race in Vancouver, but life happened and a trip to the mainland wasn’t in the cards, so instead, Kirsten, Tyler and I had a little mini “Simulation Race” of sorts. It was probably my best performance of the year to that point, haha. I watched a lot (A LOT) of the Tour de France and then Shane and I jetted off to Orlando (for work and PLAY) where I won my very first (albeit not super competitive) 5k race! Woot!
Also, Lego Dog lives in Orlando!
August
I raced more. I wrote more. I made it onto the ‘age group’ podium for a 2nd time in 2011 and then had a race that just kind of happened. I questioned my ongoing anticoagulation and most importantly and excitingly I had the best end to August that any tri-geek could ask for! I qualified for the Age Group World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand next October and signed up for Ironman Canada 2012!
Registration Complete!
September
September brought along some indecision, the start to my yoga teacher training and plenty of things to be thankful for.
October
I tried to keep my mind off the fact that I decided not to run the Victoria Marathon. When the big day rolled around, I gave my cowbell a workout and played the role of [jealous] cheerleader. The next day it was all about CYCLOCROSS! Oh, and I dressed Rusty up as a dog-chicken for Halloween :)
Dog Chicken
November
Vegas Baby! Oh, and a DNF. But I still love cyclocross. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. SO.MUCH.FUN!
My Vegas Running Buddy
December
It’s been both a great month and a challenging month. I’ve struggled a little to find my rhythm with training, but I’ve also had some great workouts, some great yoga moments and a wonderful Christmas season with plenty to be thankful for. I turned 31 (and had trouble blowing out all the candles?!) and got spoiled rotten.
And now, here we are - the end of the year. While 2011 hasn’t had the epic-ness of an Ironman, it’s still been a pretty great year. I’ve learned lots and challenged myself in new ways. My main triathlon goal was to get faster, and I can say I have accomplished this.
On the training front, I’m currently enjoying a bit of downtime with a couple weeks of active recovery. It is just what I needed, and I'd say I'm definitely starting to feel a little bit more recharged. I'll admit, it has taken me longer to get to that state than I expected (and I don't know that I'm fully there yet), but I am definitely starting to feel a bit lazy and definitely kind of antsy, so I think that is a really good sign.
As the New Year dawns, the BUILD begins. I’m actually really looking forward to it (and am only a little bit nervous).
And with that, I bid 2011 adieu. I have a sneaking suspicion that 2012 is going to be one hell of a year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
2011. It’s been an interesting ride.
Anyway, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and so here is my 2011 recap – in short form and links!
January
I PB’d the 8k distance for the first time in 2011 by outsprinting an unsuspecting competitor, (who in fact actually beat me in the race if you base it on chip time) and followed it up with a winning day of training.
February
I did some time trials, learned that a 14’ workout can be sheer agony, gave some thought to my bucket list, celebrated my 5 year wedding anniversary, spent some time in the Whistler ER with my bestie Laura and wiped the eff out on a curb attempting another 5k time trial.
March
Shane’s anniversary present finally arrived in the mail.
Also, I PB’d the 5k distance, but was still kind of disappointed in the race. In fact, I still am, I know I can run 5k faster than that.
April
I began a “Battle of the Sweets” at work, and mostly won (until this December hit – YIKES!). I set some quarter year resolutions and even played the alphabet game.
May
May was a big month. Kirsten qualified for Boston! Let me just say that again – KIRSTEN QUALIFIED FOR BOSTON! I PB’d the 8k distance for the 2nd time in 2011. My parents kicked butt over 21.1kms on one of the soggiest days in the month of May.
I tasted the ‘age group’ podium for the first time in my life as a triathlete (even with a horrific effort on the run)… and well, May 16th came and went - and I must say, I’m still very thankful to be alive and able.
June
Training was great. I definitely embraced the swim, work, run, eat, sleep, bike, work, run, eat, sleep, swim, work routine and loved it. I was super excited to race the Victoria Sprint at Elk Lake (and get the new hoody) and then was kinda disappointed in my race. [Side Note: Reading back all these posts, I’m sensing a theme here – I don’t ever seem to race to what I feel my full potential is. Must work on that in 2012].
July
I was originally planning to race in Vancouver, but life happened and a trip to the mainland wasn’t in the cards, so instead, Kirsten, Tyler and I had a little mini “Simulation Race” of sorts. It was probably my best performance of the year to that point, haha. I watched a lot (A LOT) of the Tour de France and then Shane and I jetted off to Orlando (for work and PLAY) where I won my very first (albeit not super competitive) 5k race! Woot!
August
I raced more. I wrote more. I made it onto the ‘age group’ podium for a 2nd time in 2011 and then had a race that just kind of happened. I questioned my ongoing anticoagulation and most importantly and excitingly I had the best end to August that any tri-geek could ask for! I qualified for the Age Group World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand next October and signed up for Ironman Canada 2012!
September
September brought along some indecision, the start to my yoga teacher training and plenty of things to be thankful for.
October
I tried to keep my mind off the fact that I decided not to run the Victoria Marathon. When the big day rolled around, I gave my cowbell a workout and played the role of [jealous] cheerleader. The next day it was all about CYCLOCROSS! Oh, and I dressed Rusty up as a dog-chicken for Halloween :)
November
Vegas Baby! Oh, and a DNF. But I still love cyclocross. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. SO.MUCH.FUN!
December
It’s been both a great month and a challenging month. I’ve struggled a little to find my rhythm with training, but I’ve also had some great workouts, some great yoga moments and a wonderful Christmas season with plenty to be thankful for. I turned 31 (and had trouble blowing out all the candles?!) and got spoiled rotten.
And now, here we are - the end of the year. While 2011 hasn’t had the epic-ness of an Ironman, it’s still been a pretty great year. I’ve learned lots and challenged myself in new ways. My main triathlon goal was to get faster, and I can say I have accomplished this.
On the training front, I’m currently enjoying a bit of downtime with a couple weeks of active recovery. It is just what I needed, and I'd say I'm definitely starting to feel a little bit more recharged. I'll admit, it has taken me longer to get to that state than I expected (and I don't know that I'm fully there yet), but I am definitely starting to feel a bit lazy and definitely kind of antsy, so I think that is a really good sign.
As the New Year dawns, the BUILD begins. I’m actually really looking forward to it (and am only a little bit nervous).
And with that, I bid 2011 adieu. I have a sneaking suspicion that 2012 is going to be one hell of a year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmas Time is Here
Well, after last week’s whiny “poor me” post about how training has been a bit of a struggle lately, I figured a happy post was in order… and what is happier than the Peanuts signing Christmas songs?
Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest.
Anyway, now that that song is completely stuck in your head and you have a happy holiday smile on your face, let’s recap shall we?
So, thankfully, I feel like I am slowly pulling my way out of my irrational “oh-my-gawd-I’m-burnt-out-already-and-it’s-only-December” mindset. I won’t say my motivation is as high as it has ever been, but I have actually enjoyed going to the pool this week and my run this morning wasn’t terrible. It wasn’t a hard effort by any stretch of the imagination, but it was solid, so that was nice.
Last weekend was pretty okay too. After that much needed day off on Friday, Kirsten, Shane and I swam at Panorama on Saturday morning (a decent 3k effort for me) and then headed to the Lakes for a 90’ run. The run felt really difficult to me and I think our pace was pretty slow, but as we talked, it turned out Kiki and Shane were feeling the same too! So (this may sound terrible) it kind of made me feel better about myself to know I wasn’t struggling on my own.
From there, Kirsten and I capped off the training part of the weekend with a 105’ bike on Sunday along West Saanich and the Lochside Trail. While it was chilly, it was a beautiful day and the ride seemed to almost get easier as we went along. I think just getting out and spinning the legs was the perfect thing for both my mind and body.
So, I guess, I’m trying not to let one bad week eat at me and am instead enjoying over-indulging in Christmas treats and realizing that I’m in a good place physically with lots of time before IMC (35 weeks this Sunday!) - and, well, I have lots to be thankful for.
Christmas time is here, and it is my favourite time of year!
Merry Christmas loyal readers! (aka. Mom, Dad and Mandy) :)
Anyway, now that that song is completely stuck in your head and you have a happy holiday smile on your face, let’s recap shall we?
So, thankfully, I feel like I am slowly pulling my way out of my irrational “oh-my-gawd-I’m-burnt-out-already-and-it’s-only-December” mindset. I won’t say my motivation is as high as it has ever been, but I have actually enjoyed going to the pool this week and my run this morning wasn’t terrible. It wasn’t a hard effort by any stretch of the imagination, but it was solid, so that was nice.
Last weekend was pretty okay too. After that much needed day off on Friday, Kirsten, Shane and I swam at Panorama on Saturday morning (a decent 3k effort for me) and then headed to the Lakes for a 90’ run. The run felt really difficult to me and I think our pace was pretty slow, but as we talked, it turned out Kiki and Shane were feeling the same too! So (this may sound terrible) it kind of made me feel better about myself to know I wasn’t struggling on my own.
From there, Kirsten and I capped off the training part of the weekend with a 105’ bike on Sunday along West Saanich and the Lochside Trail. While it was chilly, it was a beautiful day and the ride seemed to almost get easier as we went along. I think just getting out and spinning the legs was the perfect thing for both my mind and body.
So, I guess, I’m trying not to let one bad week eat at me and am instead enjoying over-indulging in Christmas treats and realizing that I’m in a good place physically with lots of time before IMC (35 weeks this Sunday!) - and, well, I have lots to be thankful for.
Christmas time is here, and it is my favourite time of year!
Merry Christmas loyal readers! (aka. Mom, Dad and Mandy) :)
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