My First 5 km Race

Run: 10 km
Monthly total: 248 km

Today, I ran my very first race (not counting middle years track & field events). Corina, Meghan and I signed up to run the 5 km event at the 31st Brandon YMCA Spring Run. Sadly, poor Megs was unable to make it due to illness, but Corina and I definately had her there in spirit. At the end of the day, we know Meg’s long legs would have punished the course. Heart you, Meghan!

It was perfect weather to run – cool and no rain. Mom, Jeremy and I met a very excited Corina at 7:30 am. My feelings matched hers, along with an ounce of anxiousness. I found myself fussing with my shoelaces, where I hadn’t given them a second thought any of the times I laced up the last 2 months.

There was very groovy energy at the event. We saw people we knew, including Cousin Steve, who was running the half marathon. He looks super fit, which is really inspiring. We sang O Canada at 7:55 and cheered on the “half’ers” at 8:00. Suddenly, it’s 8:15 and they are calling up the 5 and 10 km runners. Eep! Corina and I giggle and titter our way to the pack to await our start.

At 8:20 the air horn blows and we’re off! Such an adreneline rush, we easily did the opening incline, and cheerily waved to my mom and my hubby. They were busy snapping pictures, thankfully catching some “before pictures”. Ha!

Corina and I had an understanding that we would start together, but would chose a pace that was comfortable – even if it didn’t match each other. Immediately, Corina asked if I liked our pace. I responded, “I’m too excited to tell!” As we ran on, we discovered that our paces were a match made in heaven. It was meant to be.

Corina and I shared light chit chat along the way, negotiating around people, commenting on runners’ fashions, and generally expressing our joy with the whole experience. We both felt the burn at the end, but were able to pour on a final drive to the finish line – together! It was a fab first Run Event.

(Fashion note: My Savage Green Run: Sun Blocker LS was perfect! It was super cute, comfy and helped our fans pick us out in the crowd.)

I had my Ironman watch on, but in the excitement forgot to check it at the end. Our time will be posted online later, but no matter. Our main goal of entering a running event, finishing it, while running the entire way is accomplished. The dirty 30′s are going to be sweet!

Now another 5 km? Did I hear 10 km?

Here’s a pic from my phone. I have more camera shots I’ll post here or on FB shortly.

Grrrrr…. (No, not “ferret” iPhone automatic correction)

The Big 3-0!

Bike: 18 km

Monthly Total: 238 km

Bonus Activity: Boot Camp and Mega Massage (that counts for something, right?!)

Here I am, freshly 30! I am having a sweet, sweet Stella’s Cafe Mexican (Vegetarian) Breakfast. Life doesn’t get better!

Oh but it does…

The whole day played out like this. I awoke at 4:00 in the morning, possibly due to the excitement of the day ahead. (Apparently, I turn crazy at the age of 30.) I snuggled and snoozed with my hubby until 4:50, when I rolled out of bed to get ready for boot camp. I had a great workout session, saw a skunk and then a baby squirrel almost get swooped up by a falcon (I screamed a tiny bit – probably saved the little critter’s life – no big deal), on my bike to and from the park.

(NOTE: I successfully biked to and from every boot camp session for the month of May. Proud!)

I went home to share a a cup of joe with Jeremy and had a light snooze on the couch, after watching some sports center. I had nice, leisurely shower after which we jumped on our bikes to head for Stella’s cafe. We had an awesome breakfast on the patio all by ourselves (see above) and rode out bikes home.

We then got ready for our big couple’s spa day. I coached Jeremy on Spa etiquette, as he had never had a professional massage nor been to a spa. (Well, there was a brush with a man spa in Vancouver, but I digress…) We went to the Urban Oasis Spa at the Clarion Hotel. We slipped into our bathing suits (I wore my bik!) and soaked in the mineral pool. I must note, there were more men there then women. It was Happy Birthday to me!

We then had our couple’s massage – I had a guy and Jeremy had a girl. My guy was the perfect therapist – not too creepy, not too good looking, and very quiet. Jeremy and I talked sporadically the first 10 minutes and then dropped into dead silent, just enjoying the massage. It… was… awesome.

We enjoyed some light spa food, including veggies, crackers, and dips – we even shared a cookie. It must have been my b-day, in order for Jeremy to SHARE a cookie with me! We then headed back to the mineral pool for another 20 minute soak.

The sun was shining, so we decided to hit the Earls Patio across the street. We ordered a couple of drinks and a little appetizer. It was yummy and glorious, as I was sitting on a patio when I would normally be at work!

We went home, prettied up and drove to St. Bonfiace for dinner. We dined at one our favorite restaurants, Inferno Bistro. I had Meghan’s “Char Arctique”, which was fabulous. We had lobster pot stickers for an appy and were much too full for dessert.

But, not too full! We had leftover birthday cake when we got home and birthday Shiraz, compliments of my sisters.

In the words of Corina, I was totally loving my life.

Windy, Windy

Bike: 12 km – Run: 1 km – Walk: 2 km

Monthly Total: 220 km

Bonus Activity: Ultimate Frisbee

The legendary prairie winds were blowing yesterday. I rode my bike in a tail wind, and pretty much kicked out my heals and rode the breeze the whole way to work. However, the rest of the day I sadly watched the 3 flags outside our office get ripped up in the crazy wind storm. The Weather Network had even sited Wind Warnings – gusts up to 70 km/hour. Eep.

I decided to put on my charming hat and convince my co-worker to give me (and my bike) a ride home. Hearing my plea, my new program manager says: “I love riding in the wind! I pretend I’m climbing the side of a mountain and ride out my low gears.” Well, when he puts it that way…

I decided to suck it up and ride home. I did check with the bike expert (AKA the hubby) and he said I would definitely not be killed in my attempt. Yes – I can be a drama queen.

You know, the ride wasn’t near as bad as I thought it would be. The winds must have settled  a titch, and I only felt like I was going to be blown over sideways once, while crossing Portage Avenue. Success!

Ultimate frisbee on the other hand, was a treat.  It was crazy quick turnovers, as we played in a wide open field. However, the Red Light Disc Tricks were the first to score into the wind and was able to win the game. Double Success!

The wind that was once my nemesis, may now be my friend.

PS – Yes, I am writing this post on the morning of my big birthday. A full report to be covered later.

Happy Birthday, Jeremy!

Bike: 16 km – Run: 5 km – Walk: 2km

Monthly Total: 205 km

Bonus Activity: Boot Camp, Frisbee, Beach Volleyball

Jeremy turns 31 and I turn 30 this year – thus, it was party week-end! We started it off right, with a full 5 km run Saturday morning. 5 km! That afternoon, my sisters swept me away for a spa date downtown, which was followed up with appetizers and drinks at our place. Heather, Lisa, and Amy bought me an awesome Lululemon Run: Sun Blocker LS shirt (in green) for my big race next week. It’s perfect! They also presented me with a new, professional hair straightener. Very sweet and very thoughtful.

We got dolled up and headed to Saffrons for more eats and many more drinks. We had a fabulous time, partying it up in the tent – out of the rain and wind. Lots of laughs and good cheer.

Sunday, we had brunch at Stella’s with Eileen to officially celebrate Jeremy’s birthday. We were loving the fact we were able to eat on the Patio – gorgeous weather. In the afternoon, Jeremy, Heather, Amy and I hung out in the sun and did a tour of the zoo. (New inside joke established… Lizard, lizard… ) We then headed to Buccacino’s for an excellent Italian dinner.  Amy dropped us off at Cafe 22, so that Heather, Jeremy and I could enjoy the Corydon night life – enjoy it we did! We were joined by some more friends, and were entertained my terribly intoxicated individual who attempted to pass through the patio window, where no door was to be found. He shared various, repetitive words with all of us, and for his finale was shoved into a cab by our waitress. Bravo!

Today, we headed to Assinboine Park for a hot dog roast (veggie dogs for me!) and played some frisbee and beach volleyball. It rained a bit, but not enough to slow us down!

Now, all our guests have gone home and we are left being cozy in our apartment, listening to a thunderstorm. I HEART my life.

Yesterday Count

Bike: 20 km
Monthly Total: 182 km
Bonus Activity: Boot Camp

Busy eve last night and hit the sack early. Mmmmm…. Sleep.

Ultimate Frisbee – Season Opener

Bike: 12 km – Run: 2 km

Monthly Total: 162 km

Bonus Activity: Ultimate Frisbee

Tonight was the season opener for Summer League Ultimate Frisbee. Yay! It was so great to see the old team again. We’re called the Red Light Disc Tricks, which I super love. We played a team that usually beats us. They started off strong, as we fumbled with the disc, as we tried to remember how to play together. Being traditionally  a second half team, we pulled through to win 15-13. Nice!

I caught a couple of points and overall felt fantastic. Any girl I matched up with, I was able to handle. There was one blond that played a deep threat. She’d get away from me initially, but I was able to quickly overtake her. I’m pretty sure my physcial fitness is a head of where I was at last year. If you recall my initial goal as to why I’m doing this challenge – increase my endurance, so that I can increase my game in activities I love – this is incredibly encouraging.

Now, I have to somehow come down from the adrenalin rush to fall asleep. Boot camp at 5:30 tomorrow!

Monday Shmunday

Bike: 15 km

Monthly Total: 148 km

Bonus Activity: Boot Camp

It was your typical Monday morning in the office. Lots of drama and many cases of the grumpies. This is probably because it was absolutely GORGEOUS outside and no one wanted to be at work. Ohs wells.

I felt sleepy after work, but agreed with my co-workers: it was too nice of a day to waste. I jumped on my bike and put in a 15 km bike loop to meet J-Rock. I went against my old bike safety training (MPI summer job days) and wore sandals. My feet carry the memory of the week-end – still worth it!

The Epic Hike: Hunt Lake Trail

Hike: 15 km – Bike: 4 km

Monthly Total: 133 km

We had the most fantastic, epic hike of our lives this week-end… thus far, anyway. Our hardcore buddy Peter invited a number of us to join him on the Hunt Lake Trail – only 4 of us were brave enough to accept his invitation. Peter, Christa, Chris, Jeremy and I all piled into the Alero Saturday morning and drove 1 hour to West Hawk Lake.  Peter’s girlfirend, Heather (also the captain of our ultimate team) would have joined us, however she was on call this week-end and playing Spongie finals at an godly hour. While Peter advised us to “wear good shoes” and said he was bringing a “polish sausage and lighter for lunch” – Heather also added such advise as “bring water, a snack, toilet paper, a light jacket, and dry clothes for the ride home”. She is such a dear!

We headed off, armed with Peter and his chainsaw, into the Whiteshell wilderness. Peter started off at a good pace, and we were thankful he was weighted down with some extra poundage. After 1 km, we veered off the beaten path away from the water. Our hike included everything – balancing on fallen trees to cross marshy wooded areas, trecking across beaver damns, and shimming along logs over running water. It was so challenging that it was distracting us from the fatigue – my kind of activity! Peter cutdown some fallen trees to clean up the trail, while Jeremy hucked the debris aside. (He was the only intelligent one to bring gloves. He loves trail maintenance!)

We looped around and reached the end of the Hunt Lake Trail with a lovely cabin, where we built a fire and cooked veggie dogs. We removed our hiking boots and dipped our feet in the cool, clear water. The Best! Here is a picture Chris took on my Iphone of Jere and I laying on the rock.

We bandaged up our feet, put our packs back on, and headed down the “established” trail. It was gorgeous! It had a fabulous view of water most of the way, and included lots of rock climbing and descending. It wasn’t the type of rock climbing that Peter is accustomed to – with harnesses and such – but there were rocks and there was vertical assent. There was an awesome breeze coming off the water, which was kept us going.

I had no idea such a trail existed so close to home and am so thankful to Peter for introducing it to us. We truly believe our 5 km training and bicycle commute helped us tremendously in this adventure. The 8 thousand kilometer challenge is starting to prove its worth already!

Downward Dog

Bike: 16 km – Walk: 1 km
Monthly Total: 114.5 km
Bonus Activity: Boot Camp

At boot camp this morning, I had to tell Lisa (as I scampered around the duck pond) that I was feeling the pain today. Seeing the sweat roll off my face, she believed me and eased up a touch. Gawd bless her!

At the end of the workout, we did a lovely downward dog which felt amazing. From my upside down position, I could see my bike against the lightpost. The morning sun was pouring through it, which looked absolutely gorgeous.

I swung home, got ready super quick, and made the sound decision to be late for work in order to take my bike. Jere left at the same time, thus we got to chit chat, side by side on the bikes. So awesome and so smart on my part.

Tonight, we got together with Shane, Bobby, Evan and Brandi for some British eats at Elephant and Castle. Very delicious, very filling, but super earned. I need some substance for the hike tomorrow. Yikes!

Valley of Pain

Bike: 12 km – Run: 4.5 km

Monthly Total: 97.5 km

I feel tired today. I built up for this – the  Couch to 5 Km program, add the bicycle commute to work, add the boot camp… I’m starting to feel it. I truly believe I will get through this valley of pain, where this level of physical output will become a walk in the park. The name of the game is to take it to the next level: 10 km run with the girls, epic mountain bike tours – you know. Cool stuff.

The trick is to stay motivated. I have boot camp tomorrow morning, and a date with the Brydges for dinner. No opportunity to run. Saturday, we are going for a 6 hour hike in the Whiteshell with some friends. Opportunity to pass out from exhaustion maybe, but no opportunity to run. Thus, tonight’s run HAD to happen. It felt good, which is a sweet, sweet reward for what feels punishing.

Gotta keep this up. Valley of Pain be damned!