Thetis 1:28:41
Sunday, July 30, 2006
The first thing I mumbled when I woke up this morning was “You’ve got to be kidding..”. It was dark and raining outside and it was 6:15am and… what the heck was I thinking planning a run at such a ghastly time! I grumbled as I made some coffee, while I ate my toast, while brushing my teeth and all the way down the elevator to the car. I started looking forward to the run about half-way to Thetis made a pathetic attempt to convince Joey to run too. That effort was a waste…he almost laughed out loud.
Nanc, Ron and Arturo were already in the p-lot when I got there. Joey dropped me off (with an evil grin on his face) so he could take the car and do his own run at the lakes, later in the morning….when it was dryer and warmer. Pano showed up today! It was sooo fun running and chatting with him…just like old times! It was a wet run, especially through the broom. It has completely covered the trail. That was just pure crap. The rest of the route was great and the sun even started to come out just as we finished. After a quick change into some dry clothes, Arturo and I drove to Esquimalt to watch the 8km race. We parked just as the lead group was heading toward us, lead by JB. We had about 20 minutes to kill so we grabbed a coffee and stood at the finish and waited. I bumped into Syl and Ron and had a few laughs as runners started coming in. Deby had a speedy run and was really flying at the end. I think it was a PR for him and was the third Masters runner. Yay Don!
When I got home I yakked a bit with Joey’s sister in Montreal. We chatted about bikes and cycling. She has a Guru bike and is quite into the whole cycling scene. This inspired me to drop into Fort St. Cycle and start looking to see what is out there. Squintch came with us since he bought a sharp bike last year and wanted to look around too. There are some pretty sexy bikes in that shop and a few within my price-range. My next step is to get fitted on a few and try them out. Jennie said I could ask her and S for advice too once I narrow it down.
30 07 06 20:43 | diva | 
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Antics at the Track 1:08:21
Saturday, July 29, 2006
This morning when I woke up I felt like I had had a nap. I didn’t get much sleep but a cup of coffee cured that, at least initially. I got to the Oak Bay track early today to do the warm-up in time to start the WO right at 8:30. Joey and I wanted to catch the 11:30 ferry to Satlspring. Ron, Nanc and Buddy were there when I got back and soon after Antonia joined us for her first run with the group. She has a very interesting athletic background having done some running in high school and then getting involved at a very high level in Fitness competition. She now wants to start running again so she’s trying out the group to see what she can do.
My WO today was 5 x 200m x 2, crossing the field diagonally as a break…I added a couple of cartwheels and a stunning round-off (I stuck the landing) during the breaks providing some much needed entertainment. Nanc took charge at one point, blowing Ron’s whistle and barking commands at me as I did one of my intervals…we were all a little kooky today and poor Antonia may never come back! I was just about to go for a cool-down when Ron suggested I do a couple of 600s with Nanc to help gage whether or not I need to continue with my break. I ended up doing three with her, all at a consistent pace: 2:00-1:59-1:59. The 600s were more fluid than my 200s for some reason and felt comfortable. I must have been muscling the 200s a bit, trying too hard to go fast. So, Ron and I will likely talk in the next day or two about whether or not my training break is over. All I know is that I feel the best when I am training hard and am fit…don’t we all!
Joey and I spent the day on Saltspring. We went to the market and walked around there a bit... didn't buy anything. I sort of got tired looking at hemp-this and organic-that...so we drove to Boob's cottage but there was a car in the lane-way. We figured Joan's sister was there with her family so we drove around to the public dock on the other side of the lake and hung out there for a bit. It got cloudy and a bit windy so we caught the 3:50 ferry coming home. Joey's making a roast tonight for dinner so I think we are just going to stay in for the night and relax. I have a 7:00am run tomorrow. Pan is supposed to be coming but Joey said he is not going to be stood up again...I am not pushing it this time!
Yay Friday! 37:25
Friday, July 28, 2006
Matty and I met at UVic right after work and did a quick run around the trails there. Once I got warmed up my legs felt pretty perky so that was a relief after Wednesday’s crap-run. We only ran about 8km but I felt loads better. I had just enough time to take a quick shower before Joey and I had to leave for a dinner we were invited to. Joey ran around the lakes earlier with Squintch so he was ready by the time I got back. My boss and his wife had us over to their place along with another couple they know. We had a great time and a tasty meal with a Greek theme, the main course being lamb. I’m not usually too fond of lamb but this was an entire boneless flank that had been marinating all day and then barbequed. It was tasty! We didn’t get home until 12:30 though and I had a glass of red wine…brilliant move!
A Goose Ride!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
I met Jennie on the Goose after work today. I stopped at a bench close to where we were to meet and waited a few minutes wondering if I was going to get stood up again. Along comes Jennie looking sleek and cool on her road bike and sleek helmet. I looked over at my bike propped up by a kick-stand with its big, cushy seat and thick tires and realized I was really going to have to get a cooler looking bike at some point! We leisurely road the Goose yakking the whole way and turned around shortly after hitting Royal Roads. It was so fun…Jennie is so great! There weren’t too many people on the trail so we were able to ride side by side most of the way. Joey went to the IRR WO. I had given him and Shannon a WO (2-3-4-4-3-2 with 2 min rests) that Boob gave us last year at this time and they said that everyone seemed happy.
Boo-Hoo Wednesday 57:42
Wednesday, July 27, 2006
I had a good sing today…finally. I hope it sticks…patience woman!
I was supposed to meet Judy downtown for a nice social run. We got our wires crossed however and she didn’t get my email confirming our date. After a call to her cell and work numbers with no answer, I realized I would have to run alone…boo-hoo… I ran an out and back along Dallas. It was relentlessly windy on the way back which made the run a bit of a drag and added to my grumpiness. To top things off, my back and pelvis felt achy. I stopped and stretched a few times. It begins with my lower back (on the left side) feeling tight and then it starts to radiate into my pelvis. I must be compensating and changing my gait when my back tightens like that. It’s very annoying. ..call a whah-bulance… Anyhoo, Joey picked me up at the “Y” as soon as I got back and we went to Squintch’s place for dinner. He made a great meal which cheered me up and then we went to the Beacon Hill Drive-in for ice-cream…which really cheered me up!
Tuesday at Cedar 1:20:49
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
I had another decent singing practice today. The old habits that snuck in seem to be heading out the back door…see ya!
The office wasn’t too bad this morning. We are leaving the blinds closed all day now so it’s dark and I cannot see out. This makes me very unhappy. I took off for a bit in the afternoon just to get some air and daylight.
I ran to Cedar Hill from work and met up with everyone in the p-lot. There was another fairly large group again tonight. Boob didn’t email me the WO so I asked Ron for a suggestion. He said to run two figure eights which meant going up the killer hill twice, three times if you include the warm-up. Everyone re-grouped in the middle to get some water. It was another hot one…even the breeze felt warm. Jarhead and I started with the group but continued all the way around the golf course running full loops, switching directions on the second one. I caught the group on their last lower loop and followed behind them and then we all ran straight back down to the p-lot. I ran at an easy pace picking it up slightly on the hills but did not push. I would turn back and pick up Jarhead on the flat sections so we both had company. This was his second run of the day! His new Team Gobi shirt sure looks snazzy!
Deby gave me a lift to Thrifty’s afterwards and I picked up some groceries and walked home from there. Joey had a meeting tonight so I had some lasagna that he had left out to thaw. Joey did a WO at Cedar Hill on his own this morning...impressive! A quick call to Shan…a bit of boob-tube, then this girl is going beddy-bye!
Monday Strength Day
Monday, July 24, 2006
Can you believe it!? Another gorgeous, sunny day! I have lost track of how many sunny days we have had in a row…I love that!
I warmed up slowly this morning and went back and listened to my singing lessons I had saved on mini discs from a couple of months ago when I was on a roll. I realized how carefully Selena and I had worked on some key concepts that I have not been paying enough attention to. I had a good practice in the end and reminded myself not to get desperate when things go awry.
My office was about 40C when I came in this morning. That’s because J and I left the blinds open all weekend. Way to go. The office was insufferably hot all day long.
No running today. I did some weights and core stuff and will now go catch an episode of Medium…maybe call Shan and see how the packing is coming!
Fun Weekend!
July 21-23rd, 2006
Friday: I took my usual Friday off from running. I was feeling pretty droopy…I think it’s the heat. Joey and I met up with Squintch in the evening and had dinner together at the Penny Farthing.
Saturday: I went to the Oak Bay track in the morning. I still felt droopy but was able to handle 8 x 200m with 200m+ rests. Ron said to just concentrate on form and efficiency etc rather than speed. My legs felt great but my breathing was a bit labored. I was breathing harder than usual in the warm-up and was breathing hard during the intervals. I think it’s just the heat. Graham and Rui were there too and did their own WOs.
We were expecting company for dinner so I spent a couple of hours cleaning while Joey went grocery shopping. By the late afternoon, the condo had turned into a sauna with the stove and oven going. I was afraid Selena would pass out, but instead she insisted she loves the heat…the hotter the better. Barbara, her son Graham and Timothy also came over. Joey cooked another one of his gourmet meals complete with appetizers and dessert. Everyone was impressed!
Sunday: I met up with Matty, Meg, Graham and Gar at Thetis…..at 7:00.Yes, that’s right….7 in the morning! I ran a total of 80 minutes - felt ok but still not stellar- then scooted home with just enough time to shower before Shan picked me up. We took the 11:00 ferry to Boob and Joan’s cottage on Saltspring where we spent the day, eating, drinking, snoozing, swimming, reading and lounging and laughing in the sun! Thanks Boob and Joan!!
I decided not to sing this weekend....mentally and emotionally not there and would have melted trying....
Not a Stellar Day...1:05:39
Thursday, July 21, 2006
I had a tough voice lesson today. I was getting discouraged but Selena was great and said not to worry. She said often when a big break-through happens we become impatient and get ahead of ourselves so we stop doing the things that got us ahead as meticulously as we should. That’s when old habits creep back in. She was incredibly encouraging and told me not to give up…it’s there and it will come back. She also said I have to make the information she has given me my own, to believe in and trust myself (gulp!) and that her absence over the next couple of months will allow me to do that. Learning a skill like singing has so much to do with getting into a zone where you don’t care what others think and having a deep trust in yourself which allows you to be free to focus entirely on the words and the emotions of the piece you are singing. This, Selena says, is what all singers struggle with. She has known very few singers who haven’t had to work on this all their lives. I’m up for the challenge…in fact, I couldn’t live without it…life would be boring without these challenges!
It was really warm at the lakes tonight. I did a small warm-up with some Pose drills and then we ran the usual warm-up to the boat-house, and fuelled up with some water. We ran the first interval to the fountain at Hamsterly Beach re-grouping there…drinking more water and then ran 4 to 5 x 3 minutes. I ran at a moderate pace but picked it up slowly as I went through the last two sets to a brisk pace. I noticed as I went along that I was tired, hot and unmotivated. My legs felt fine I just had low energy. Why did I try and pick it up…maybe trying to make up for a lousy lesson?….Way to go, goof-ball…I’ll be off tomorrow and will see how I feel on Saturday. If I am still tired, I will take the day off.
Shan and I met up with Jennie for dinner at the Med Grill. It was so great seeing her and catching up on all her news. Her bread business is doing really well and is keeping her busy. Shan kept us entertained as usual with her great sense of humor!
Boob Run 48:24
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
The Boob run today included Boob, me, Deby, Jarhead, Matty and Wayne. We did a great run mostly on trails, detouring to the lakes to get some water. We yakked about the tour and the great race from yesterday day…the end of which I missed because I fell asleep! I caught the tail-end of today’s race before work this morning while eating breakfast.
Tonight I ran at an easy pace for about 20 minutes and was feeling great so I picked it up just a bit for the last 30 minutes. I would like to run at least an hour next week so hopfully the rest of the gang will be willing to do the same. Wayne had to split after the run but the rest of us went down to the gym and did our strength routine.
I stopped off at Planet Organic on the way home and picked up a few things, spending a fortune. Joey had dinner ready when I got home (the swetie!)…turkey cutlets…they were so delicious!
I managed to finagle one more voice lesson tomorrow out of Selena before she leaves. I want to have a tune-up before my coaching with Timothy next week. I am really looking forward to working with him. He has really good ears and he comprehends well all aspects of singing and technique….to me at least.
Drills and Hills 1:17:54
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
I ran from work to Cedar Hill again this week. I got there at about 5:00 and I had some time to kill so I did a good 15 minutes of Pose drills and some hip strengthening exercises. I have been doing Pose drills at home once or twice a week since the spring but because I have been running on the track twice a week this summer, I haven’t felt the need to do the Pose drills. For the indoor drills I attach one end of a bungee cord to a piano leg and the other end has a Velcro ankle strap. You perform the drills on the spot with the contacnt tension of the bungee pulling your foot back. The idea is to resist this backwards pull by using your hamstrings to pull the foot off the ground directly under your body. This is a great strength and balance exercise.
We had a pretty big group out tonight including Wayne, who had been away for about a week and a new guy who seems pretty keen. After the usual ¾ loop warm-up, the WO started with a lower ¾ loop and 3 upper loops. Matty and I started the ¾ loop at an easy pace but worked the hills a bit which were towards the end. We ran the three upper loops with everyone and again, I worked the hills but just spun comfortably on the flat and downhill sections. Matty did an impressive 2nd loop and flew by us all. It took a while to warm-up but I felt pretty good as the run went along. Joey said the WO for him was brutal. He looked pretty good though for someone who has been off for over a week. I told him Cedar Hill always feels hard but it sure does pay off after 6-8 weeks.
We had Matty over for dinner tonight. We thawed some of the spaghetti sauce (that I had made!) and had garlic bread and a spinach salad….we were starving! We watched Le Tour after supper and Matty answered some technical questions Joey and I had about how the riders accumulate points throughout the race.
Easy on the Goose 50:00
Monday, July 17, 2006
Selena called me at work today to see how things were going. I was just going to call and invite her and Barbara over for dinner on the weekend before she heads off to Banff. She said she will be going to Boston to visit her brother right after she gets back so it looks like it’s going to be a while before I have another lesson. I emailed Timothy to set up a coaching. He said he would be willing to work with me so now would be a good time while he’s in town and while I am still on track.
I drove over to Matty’s place after work and checked out his new pad. It’s pretty nice and in a good location. My first apartments did not look like his. We drove over together to meet Jarhead and Leanne for our Goose run. Before we set off, the four of us were standing there chatting about some exciting Gobi news Jarhead had when suddenly, we see Syl whizzing by us on the other side of the street, just hammering away, looking like he was on a mission! He thought he was late and was concentrating so hard, he didn’t even see us. He had just finished some hellish, four-hour ride and had run from his place! What a guy! We ran our usual route at a very easy pace. Syl left us at the turn-around point to head home. When we got back, Matty and I did about 5 short strides on the grass next to the school before we headed home.
Joey has almost forgiven me for yesterday. I think there’s a trust issue now where running is concerned…I really blew it!
I am wondering if I should take a couple of days completely off from running. The hike was supposed to be a break but I wonder how much rest I actually got. I haven’t been doing the WOs, just running but I still wonder if I am really rested. I will talk to Ron and see what he says.
Easy on the Goose 50:00
Monday, July 17, 2006
Selena called me at work today to see how things were going. I was just about to call and invite her and Barbara over for dinner on the weekend before she heads off to Banff. She said she will be going to Boston to visit her brother right after she gets back so it looks like it’s going to be a while before I get a lesson. I emailed Timothy to set up a coaching. He said he would be willing to work with me so now would be a good time while he’s in town and while I am still on track.
I drove over to Matty’s place after work and checked out his new pad. It’s pretty nice and in a good location. My first apartments did not look like his. We drove over together to meet Jarhead and Leanne for our Goose run. Before we set off, the four of us were standing there chatting about some exciting Gobi news Jarhead had when suddenly, we see Syl whizzing by us on the other side of the street, just hammering away, looking like he was on a mission! He thought he was late and was concentrating so hard, he didn’t even see us. He had just finished some hellish, four-hour ride and had run from his place! What a guy! We ran our usual route at a very easy pace. Syl left us at the turn-around point to head home. When we got back, Matty and I did about 5 short strides on the grass next to the school before we headed home.
Joey has almost forgiven me for yesterday. I think there’s a trust issue now where running is concerned…I really blew it!
I am wondering if I should take a couple of days completely off from running. The hike was supposed to be a break but I wonder how much rest I actually got. I haven’t been doing the WOs, just running but I still wonder if I am really rested. I will talk to Ron and see what he says.
Two Laps 1:27:47
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Poor Joey. I told him that Pan and Lin would be at the lakes this morning…and possibly Shan too, so he dragged himself out of bed thinking he would have a couple of people to run with. Instead, only Matty showed up so he was basically all on his own. We ran with him for the first few kms but eventually pulled away. Joey was a great sport though and did his lap and then patiently waited for us to do our double. He apparently bumped into Shan who got there just as he finished and Helena who had started only 20 minutes after we had left. Needless to say, I owe him big-time for that goof-up. Next time he will make his own arrangements to meet people.
It was hot out there this morning. We left at 8:30 which is a bit late for a long run in the summer heat. I prefer to leave closer to seven but Matty is not a morning person. Neither am I in the winter when it’s dark and cold. We ran at a moderate pace, chatting about this and that.
Joey was still speaking to me the rest of the day (whew!). We hung out at Willow’s Beach, reading, snoozing…I gave my legs a good 10 minute soak in the ocean…ahhhh…it felt great! Later, we went downtown and did a few errands and just basically bummed around.
I made a pizza tonight for dinner and was already in my PJs when we had the idea to go for an ice-cream downtown. We called Squintch and Shan. Squintch was into it but Shan was a no since she did a big ride on her new bike today (and a run) and had just arrived home. So, I threw some pants back on and we met Squintch downtown and we had gelato….I think ice-cream is the only thing that would get me back into street clothes after I have already been in PJ-mode…that and maybe a swim in a lake….or a run…or to go shop for a new puppy!
Yay!...Track!
Saturday, July 15th, 2006.
Joey dropped me off at the tack this morning and went on to the lakes to do his own run. He is easing back into it after taking a few days off last week. Ron was there and the group today was just me, Rui and Graham who is preparing for the World Duathlon Championships in Newfoundland in two weeks. He is sharpening up his running in preparation by doing some track sessions. We did a 20 minute warm-up together and then he and Rui did a full WO, while I did 8 x gradual pick-ups (150 meters). Ron helped me work on using my arms efficiently to get more speed especially in the last 50 meters of each rep. It felt so good to spin and feel light on my feet and I think I even managed not to spazz out too much trying to use my arms. I’m not sure if this is right but I tried not to twist my torso/shoulders by engaging my core...I felt stronger and more balanced but I am not sure if it was actually working...something to continue trying. I remember Malcolm would often talk about keeping the spine lengthened when you run and engaging the core a bit to help do this. That's similar to what I do when I sing to help support the breath...nothing violent, just a slight tension below the belly button area to help your posture remain lengthened and your ribs stay open while you sing...otherwise you start to collapse as the air leaves your lungs...blah...blah...Anyways, Graham had a great WO and looks really ready to have a serious go in Corner Brook. That dream almost ended as we did the cool-down together and I nearly knocked him down, smashing into him trying to take a wrong turn on the trails. I also ran right into a hurdle during the WO…both moves were really graceful. I did some weights as soon as we got back.
Joey has a concert tonight for the voice academy so we couldn’t venture too far from town. We just bummed around…I didn’t practice to day….naughty girl….but will have an extra-long one tomorrow.
The Lady of the Lake 58:19
Thursday, July 13, 2006
I woke up this morning after a nice, long nine-hour sleep and felt like I could have slept more. I think that trip last weekend did me in…so much for taking a break! Another couple of nights of sleep like that and I should be all caught up and raring to go.
I picked Joey up downtown and we met the group at the lakes. There was a new guy tonight who comes to Victoria once a week and is looking for a club to train with. I think he liked the WO and the group. Boob wasn’t able to make the run but sent along the WO. We were to do the usual warm-up but make our way back and re-group at the 9km marker. The interval started there and finished at the 6km, five minutes of active rest and then back to the 9km followed by a cool-down. I ran the warm-up with the group and followed them out on their first interval with Matt. He couldn’t stand running at the back so he sped ahead and did a good 2km at high-speed. I didn’t take the bait and continued at a steady pace. He waited for me at the 9km marker and then we continued around the lakes, picking up the pace as we went along while the group finished off the WO. I have run that route hundreds of times and I still love it. A dog started running alongside us in the last km, looking friendly enough at first but then he started nipping and growling at Matt’s ankles. Matt stopped but the dog was still looking at Matt’s legs like they were tasty drumsticks. I conjured up my lowest, loudest voice and yelled at the dog to get lost. It worked and I of course I razzed Matt that little ol’ me saved his life! Ha! The owners didn't even apologize...sheesh!
I still feel a bit stiff and tired but better than Wednesday. Trudging for hours on end in heavy hiking boots while lugging a heavy back-pack is a big departure from what I was doing before, running quick-paced intervals in racing flats around a track. I’ll take tomorrow off and meet Ron at the track on Saturday morning to do a bit of light speed-work. That should help me feel perkier and get my legs back in line.
Short & Easy (no...not me!) 44:54
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
I was feeling a bit tired all day today. I think the hike finally caught up to me. I contemplated not going for a run after work but I couldn’t bear missing out on a fun trail run. I told Boob and Don that I was going easy and they didn’t seem to mind shuffling along at a slow pace. We ran a nice little route that took us through the Tech Park trails, a brand new section of gravel trails that led us to West Saanich Road, then a section at the lakes, along Pipeline Rd and then back to Boob’s work. We skipped the weights since Boob had to scoot home. I am going to try and do a few reps tonight....we’ll see…I am feeling a bit sleepy.
Rain at Cedar Hell 1:23:22
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
I did a nice run with Joey, Jarhead and his friend Leanne yesterday after work along the usual Songhees route. We did a 25 minute out and back, chatting the whole way…very enjoyable! Joey had made lasagna the day before so we chowed down on that for dinner….Squintch is going to be furious since I told him Joey hadn’t made the lasagna…it was a surprise…honest!
I sang this morning and I felt pretty good despite the long break!
It was super busy at work since I’ve been back…lot’s to do to catch up. I stayed a little late tonight since I was running to the WO at Cedar Hill and got some work done while the office was completely quiet.
It only took about 20 minutes to get to Cedar Hill so I think I am going to run there from work the rest of the summer.
There was a good group that showed up tonight. It was actually raining a bit...something that rarely happens at this WO. Shan ran from downtown and timed it so that we met her as we finished our warm-up just in time to start the WO. Tonight Boob’s plan was 1 x ¾ loop, then 1 upper loop and then 2 hill repeats on the gravel road going from the Rec centre up to Derby Rd. I ran with the group for the first ¾ loop but stayed in the middle of the pack at a moderate pace. I then did a second ¾ loop counter clock-wise with Jarhead, again at a moderate pace while the rest of the gang hammered the upper loop. I then did the hills with everyone…the first one very easy paced and the second harder, just for fun! My legs feel great but the upper part of my butt is still sore from our last hike that was completely downhill to the trailhead for 4 hours straight!
I jogged back home with DonE and am now going to eat din-din!!
Back Home!
Monday, July 10, 2006
We got in just after 11:00 last night from the second annual adventure hike. It was a great trip with a mixture of bad luck, awesome views, extreme weather, blisters, black-fly bites, good laughs, wild animal encounters and many games of Uno. I plan on doing a photo essay on the trip and so will Pan-Pan and Lin....it may take me about a week to put it all together but I can say it was a very challenging hike!
More to come soon...
Easy Trot Around Cedar Hill 1:07:20
Tuesday, July 7, 2006
There was a big group out tonight at Cedar Hill…at least 15 people! The plan for the group was a ¾ bottom loop and 2 x the upper loop. Matty, Jarhead and I did the same but ran in the opposite direction so we wouldn’t be tempted to run hard. My legs felt a bit heavy at first from yesterday’s bike ride so I took it very easy but they loosened up more and more as we ran along, cheering the group as they went by us.
Joey and I had dinner with Squintch and then I did a flurry of packing, trying to squeeze enough food (I am in charge of breakfasts) for everyone and deciding on what to bring. I think we are going to have a great trip. Pan-Pan is bringing the Uno cards so the 2nd annual Uno tournament will soon begin!
Another Fun Day!! 1:00:58
Monday, July 03, 2006
Shan called me this morning to go for a run around the lakes. We jogged at a very easy pace and bumped into Judith who was just starting her run (with a cast on her arm!), chatted a bit with her and then ran back to the car.
Joey and I biked out to Mattix Farm in the afternoon. We spent a wonderful day just biking around and checking out the market and a beach Boob suggested we go see.
I was thinking of doing the self-transcendence duathlon in August. I am officially on a break right now from training so I’d have to do this du without “training” for it….not sure if I could approach a race and not train, especially such a tough event…hmmmm. I may have to wait for another time…
Fun Day! 1:23:28
Sunday, July 2, 2006
Joey and I got up bright and early again this morning. My throat was feeling better this morning so I think I managed to not get sick…yay! Tony showed up at our place at 7:30 and we all headed out to the ferry to go to Joan and Boob’s cottage on Satlspring Island. Steve and Boob were there when we arrived, already dressed to go for a run. The cottage property is to die for! The lake is so quiet and private.
We started our run close to 11:00am. Boob had us running on a gorgeous technical trail that ran along the Oceanside, through forests, farm fields and gravel roads that finally led us to the last 2 miles…which was entirely up-hill on a paved road…in the blazing sun. It was brutal. I wanted to stop and walk so badly!!
When we got back, Ron had arrived and was keeping Joey company on the patio. Mike and Zora showed up not long afterwards. The rest of the day was spent eating and swimming. Tony gave me a lesson on how to do the front crawl. I can swim and love the water but have never had any lessons. A friend of mine taught me the basics a few summers ago but I could barely go 30 meters before I would have to stop. I was able to go a lot farther today…Thanks Tone!
Happy Canada Day!! 52:12
Saturday, July 1, 2006
I had a really great sleep last night. My throat was the same but at least it wasn’t getting worse. Joey was really undecided about running the Sydney Days 5km race with me and just as I was leaving to head out the door, he came out of the bedroom with his running gear on. He figured he would show up and see how he felt once he got there.
We met up with Boob, Ased and Gary and did the warm-up together. It was a glorious morning with a light breeze coming off the ocean. Joey decided to run the race afterall although he didn’t look too happy about it! Ron was there and gave me a race plan just before start. It was a super low-key event with only about a hundred or so running so I felt pretty relaxed. The gun went off immediately after the starter guy said “ready?” so we all jumped and started laughing as we all realized that the race had begun! I went through the first km at a very relaxed pace. As I continued along I did not feel very strong so by the time I hit the third km I had to concentrate on keeping a steady pace let alone picking it up (which was the plan). I wasn’t thrilled with my time (17:54) but consoled myself with knowing that I would have been ecstatic with my time three months ago so I at least I believe I can run faster…this is a good thing! Ron and I agreed that I just wasn’t recovered enough for a race and should probably taken Thursday off. Anyhoo, the race was still a lot of fun and everyone had a great time afterwards talking and hanging out.
There were endless draw-prizes to be won…unfortunately none of our gang won anything except for Tony who missed out on a pair of shoes because he went for a bike ride after the race. Ased had a great run and seemed happy. Joey’s calf was hurting so he took it easy.
I spent the rest of the day buying things for the big hiking trip I am doing next week. Pano, Lin, the Squintch and I are going to Cathedral Provincial Park near Keremeos. It’s about 5 hours drive from Vancouver. We’ll have to hike a good 10 miles to get to the camping site so Squintch and I plan on hopping the ferry right after work on Wednesday Lin and Pano will meet us and we will start the drive towards the park. We will have to stop to camp overnight at another park on the way and will start on our hike in early the next day. We will apparently have four awesome days of hiking from our campsite (which is near a lake!!).
We spent the evening at a friend’s condo to watch the fireworks….I have to admit, I am getting bored of fireworks….
Friday Off
Friday, June 30, 2006
I woke up with a dry throat again this morning and felt run-down until the afternoon. Joey and I met Squintch downtown for dinner at the Canoe Club. I was beat and had a race in the morning so it was an early night.
