Today for Alberta's Family Day, me and my Mom drove down to Kalispell, Montana and did some shopping. I was on a mission to find some spandex running bottoms to eliminate my chafing problem and I ended up buying 2 pairs of capris and 2 pairs of shorts. You gotta love the sizing in the US -- here my size is always a medium -- there I am a small or extra small.
I woke up early to get a 4 mile run in and then some core work. I am now up to 2 min. 10 sec in plank, and 40 sec on both right and left side for side plank!! Yippee! I can't wait until I get past a minute for the side plank. I missed my swim, but that's OK!
As for shopping in Kalispell -- anyone that knows me, knows I am a clothes fiend and will be stunned to hear that I spent an all time low in the States today . . . Drumroll, please . . . Only $180.24!!!! And the money was spent on things I actually needed -- biodegradable kitty litter liners, a pair of polarized driving sunglasses that fit over your glasses, etc. (Well, Ok not things I REALLY needed, but a marked improvement over more shirts, tanks, and jeans!) This is for you Cath -- I was quite "chuffed" with myself!
Diva has had a nose bleed since Thursday night -- why do these things always happen on a long weekend?? She has been snorting every once in a while and a spray of blood and little clots will spurt out. The snow in the front lawn looks like a crime scene - sorry about the gross factor, but it is true. Her eyes are really red and I have been watching her closely. When I came home tonight, her eyes were tearing and when I wiped them, it was blood!! I called my vet, who is also a very good friend and after ascertaining that Diva was still acting normal (the usual happy puppy), she rescheduled her appointments so I can bring Diva in tomorrow at 8:30am. Diva is just as frisky and playful as normal, but I was on the verge of a mini-meltdown when I wiped the blood from her eye.
Keep your fingers crossed for me!!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Long Run Sunday
It's funny -- when I talk to non-triathletes, the question invariably arises, "So which sport do you like the most?" Now, how can I possibly answer that question without going into a long, rambling, philosophical diatribe? A triathlon isn't simply a race composed of swimming, biking, and running. A triathlon really starts the moment you start training for one. The early morning swims, the bike rides, and the long runs segue into a lifestyle -- eating right, getting enough sleep, being in tune with your body. You learn your weaknesses and see how sometimes you can change them into strengths. The ultimate goal is in achieving a balance - a seamless flow between all three sports. And, like life, the journey is far more important than the destination.
Through triathlon, I have blasted through self-imposed limitations I didn't even know existed! Things that I was afraid of trying, became things I had accomplished: Like the first open water swim race in which I had a panic attack, but then pulled it together; Or the first time I actually changed a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Triathlon not only heaved me out of old ruts and bad habits, but it rekindled my joy in life -- Anything IS possible! This is a powerful lesson that has carried over into my work, my relationships, and all facets of daily life. So, when asked the question, "Which sport is your favourite?", be prepared for the can of worms that is about to be opened!!!
In keeping with my goal of increasing my running mileage this year, I am tickled to report that I ran 16 miles this morning. That brings me to a total of 36 miles for the week. Yeehaw!! I wore longer spandex shorts to eliminate my inner thigh chafing problem and had a great run.
Well, that's it for tonight! Onward to the new week of training!!
Through triathlon, I have blasted through self-imposed limitations I didn't even know existed! Things that I was afraid of trying, became things I had accomplished: Like the first open water swim race in which I had a panic attack, but then pulled it together; Or the first time I actually changed a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Triathlon not only heaved me out of old ruts and bad habits, but it rekindled my joy in life -- Anything IS possible! This is a powerful lesson that has carried over into my work, my relationships, and all facets of daily life. So, when asked the question, "Which sport is your favourite?", be prepared for the can of worms that is about to be opened!!!
In keeping with my goal of increasing my running mileage this year, I am tickled to report that I ran 16 miles this morning. That brings me to a total of 36 miles for the week. Yeehaw!! I wore longer spandex shorts to eliminate my inner thigh chafing problem and had a great run.
Well, that's it for tonight! Onward to the new week of training!!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Saturday Spaghetti Night
Saturdays are my day off training, so today I just took the babies (Diva and Toby) out for a walk. The freight train known as the wind was really blasting today and I discovered I am quite adept at walking backwards! Diva (my blind dog) was having a hard time running today -- when it is really windy her sense of direction/smell goes haywire. Poor thing, she was running back and forth from snowbank to snowbank head first trying to get her bearings. As usual, she recovered each time and went barreling down the trail, made doggy-snow angels every once in a while, and rammed headfirst into Toby's bum when Toby would stop unexpectedly.
Diva is my biggest inspiration -- she suddenly went blind 5 years ago. One vet visit and two specialist appointments later, the diagnosis was official: SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome). I was devastated. Diva was not! She bumped into things for a while, (as a matter of fact, she still does on occasion) but we worked it out. Actually, Diva worked it out. I was the one that was in denial and had a difficult time trying to accept that my baby girl was now blind. Today, strangers have a hard time believing Diva is blind. Her sense of smell and hearing are incredible -- she navigates through the woods, trails, and roads with ease. Our relationship expanded to another dimension too -- she relies on my eyes and trusts me even more. When I take the girls out -- they run sans leash. (Another plus for living in rural area!!) She runs off down the road at breakneck speed but will stop if she hears me say "Watch Out!" to avoid a big pile of snow, or running in the ditch, etc. It's to the point now, where all I have to say is "Chow" and she immediately comes to my side. Running with a blind dog is one of the most inspirational things I have ever done -- I recommend it to anyone!! It really puts my own problems into perspective when I watch how Diva runs and play with Toby and my two cats.
Mike's minivan had been plowed under about 12 feet of snow and consequently, it was visited by the bylaw officer yesterday afternoon! Yes -- unfortunately . . . I am one of "those" neighbours. You know the type: barking dogs, vehicle parked on street making life difficult for the snowplow, cats wandering around outside. Fortunately, I have GREAT neighbours!! Hee-hee! (I have been known to bribe them with baked goodies.) But seriously, to live in my area is to live with animal lovers. Almost all my neighbours (including me) have cats that play outside and poop on each others' lawns -- hey - it all works out in the end! This is another benefit of living in a small community -- no uptight neighbours that never speak to one another except to complain. People are very relaxed here.
My Dad came over early this morning with about three different shovels to attack the mountain of snow/slush/ice that surrounded the minivan. I wanted him to come over later as I had a hair appointment at 9:00am and I wanted to help out. But, you can't argue with my Dad. My best neighbour friend (I got my youngest cat from her: My Peanut and her Rupert are siblings) lent my Dad her snowplow to help and by the time I got back, a definite pathway had been dug out. Tomorrow we boost the sucker and back it out! I have to say, the bylaw officer was so nice and kind. She gave me a call in the afternoon and said that it wasn't really a big deal and that she could come by and help with boosting it. It is days like this that I LOVE living here!!
As Sundays are my long run, I have managed to convince my Mom that Saturday is the official "Mom's Spaghetti Night." She makes the best spaghetti in the world and hey, if I am to reach my Ironman goals, I need to get a good carbo load in, right? Heh-heh!! To be fair, I made chocolate cake this afternoon and will be bringing it over.
Oh NO!!! As I am typing this, ANOTHER dump of snow is coming down!! AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!! Gratuitous whine now: "I don't wanna shovel anymore!!!!!!"
Diva is my biggest inspiration -- she suddenly went blind 5 years ago. One vet visit and two specialist appointments later, the diagnosis was official: SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome). I was devastated. Diva was not! She bumped into things for a while, (as a matter of fact, she still does on occasion) but we worked it out. Actually, Diva worked it out. I was the one that was in denial and had a difficult time trying to accept that my baby girl was now blind. Today, strangers have a hard time believing Diva is blind. Her sense of smell and hearing are incredible -- she navigates through the woods, trails, and roads with ease. Our relationship expanded to another dimension too -- she relies on my eyes and trusts me even more. When I take the girls out -- they run sans leash. (Another plus for living in rural area!!) She runs off down the road at breakneck speed but will stop if she hears me say "Watch Out!" to avoid a big pile of snow, or running in the ditch, etc. It's to the point now, where all I have to say is "Chow" and she immediately comes to my side. Running with a blind dog is one of the most inspirational things I have ever done -- I recommend it to anyone!! It really puts my own problems into perspective when I watch how Diva runs and play with Toby and my two cats.
Mike's minivan had been plowed under about 12 feet of snow and consequently, it was visited by the bylaw officer yesterday afternoon! Yes -- unfortunately . . . I am one of "those" neighbours. You know the type: barking dogs, vehicle parked on street making life difficult for the snowplow, cats wandering around outside. Fortunately, I have GREAT neighbours!! Hee-hee! (I have been known to bribe them with baked goodies.) But seriously, to live in my area is to live with animal lovers. Almost all my neighbours (including me) have cats that play outside and poop on each others' lawns -- hey - it all works out in the end! This is another benefit of living in a small community -- no uptight neighbours that never speak to one another except to complain. People are very relaxed here.
My Dad came over early this morning with about three different shovels to attack the mountain of snow/slush/ice that surrounded the minivan. I wanted him to come over later as I had a hair appointment at 9:00am and I wanted to help out. But, you can't argue with my Dad. My best neighbour friend (I got my youngest cat from her: My Peanut and her Rupert are siblings) lent my Dad her snowplow to help and by the time I got back, a definite pathway had been dug out. Tomorrow we boost the sucker and back it out! I have to say, the bylaw officer was so nice and kind. She gave me a call in the afternoon and said that it wasn't really a big deal and that she could come by and help with boosting it. It is days like this that I LOVE living here!!
As Sundays are my long run, I have managed to convince my Mom that Saturday is the official "Mom's Spaghetti Night." She makes the best spaghetti in the world and hey, if I am to reach my Ironman goals, I need to get a good carbo load in, right? Heh-heh!! To be fair, I made chocolate cake this afternoon and will be bringing it over.
Oh NO!!! As I am typing this, ANOTHER dump of snow is coming down!! AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!! Gratuitous whine now: "I don't wanna shovel anymore!!!!!!"
Friday, February 15, 2008
Blasting Inferno or the Infernal Blasting
So, living in the Crowsnest Pass has its pros and cons. Beautiful mountain vistas, secluded trails (where bush pit stops during long runs are possible without peeping onlookers), tons of wildlife, no mosquitos and clean mountain air. The downside? The eternal blasting wind. 80 - 100km per hour wind. All the time. Therefore, after 7 years of winter running with ever-increasing layers of clothing, I have decided to take my running indoors to the treadmill. The last time I went winter running, I was so garbed up, my heart rate escalated just from all the clothing:
- Balaclava, neckwarmer pulled up to eyes, toque, earwarmers over toque to keep out wind.
- Long sports bra top, 2 thermal long-sleeved tops, thermal jacket, wind jacket
- 2 pairs thermal tights, wind resistant lined pants.
Don't get me wrong, when I drive to Sparwood for my morning swim, the CALM winter weather entices me to run -- but after 7 years (or 7 circles of Hell??:) :) of blasting cold) I feel quite entitled to call it quits! My poor doggies on the other hand . . . Besides, my big races are done in 30 degree Celsius + heat. For anyone who has ever attempted long runs on a treadmill, you will know just how much I hate the wind when I find 2.5 hour treadmill runs enjoyable!! I happily run along with my new iPod and am truly blissful!
Mind you -- as soon as spring hits, I will be outside in all my glory! :) :)
My big goals for this year are to greatly increase my running mileage. Last year, I began increasing my running volume 3 months before IMC and my body felt really good with it. This year, I am more aggressive in my plan to rack up the miles. I have a great coach - Iron Greg who has coached me through three IMC's and all my doubts, questions, and worries. He still astonishes me his patience and calm demeanor. He is flying out to Malaysia tomorrow to compete in his umpteenth IM in hopes of achieving his dream of earning a Kona slot. Good luck Greg!!!!!!
Day One
Well, I finally decided to cave in, jump on the bandwagon, and start a blog. It is taking me a while to figure things out -- but we all have to start somewhere don't we?
Thursday, March 1, 2007
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