You want me to do something...

tell me I can't do it.- Maya Angelou

This title doesn't really ring true for me. Others may find it relateable. I put it out there for you externally motivated folks.

I've been keepin' active this week. Monday night I went and played racquetball after work. Did a little solo session. I found myself smiling as I whacked away. I think I'm getting better. Or, I wasn't exhausted and actually felt like moving. I had planned on attending my first ever "latin funk" class (aka zumba the Y just doesn't own the rights to the name) but I'd read the schedule incorrectly and there was no class to be had. I figured I would do that and it'd be better than nothing and I enjoyed it.

On Tuesday I had a job interview over my lunch and I actually cried during it. I realized partway through the interview that I was in a serious interview for a grown up job that I really wanted. I normally LOVE interviews. The way I look at it is that the position is mine for the taking or else they wouldn't be interviewing me. Anyways, when this realization donned on me I got incredibly stressed plus I talked about a client who'd committed suicide. So the stress, excitement, passion and sadness I was feeling started leaking out of my eyes and I started crying. I got back to work knowing that I bombed what, to date- was the greatest employment opportunity in my life and feeling pretty downcast. I valued the experience though. They called an hour later to tell me that I had a second interview! It's a good thing it was a voicemail or else I would have started crying all over again. This time, I had to do a 10 minute presentation for them. Well this was Tues and they wanted to see me Thurs. I did some juggling and arranged it to do the interview over my lunch. That night, instead of working on my powerpoint and feeling emotionally taxed, I decided that I would go to do some yoga and rowing. Tuesday nights at the Burlington Y are my favourite. It was a decent class and i was happy to have something else to focus on other than job interviews. Rowing was all right. I did intervals on there so it was good for getting the ole heart rate up before Yoga.

I worked Wednesday and when I logged in to my work e-mail there was a message waiting for me about an interview for a couple of positions. Yup, another interview. Also on Thursday. 2 interviews, 3 positions. I normally go out with my best friend on Wednesday and cancelled in order to work on the powerpoint. I knew there was no way Tuesday that I would get anything done and so went to the gym instead. This left only the one night to work on a 10 minute presentation on a topic that I had very little knowledge of. It took a few hours but I completed it. This left no time to fit a theoretical run in (I thought maybe, just mayyyyyyyyyyybe I'd feel like going for one in this cool weather. I was wrong)

Last night I looked it up and  confirmed my suspicions. It takes 10 minutes less to ride my bike to work. that is what I did. hopped on my bike this morning and rode to work. I work down the escarpment so it's not a bad ride. I just have to remember that my morning smoothie doesn't cut it for breakfast in this situation. I went to the interviews and made it through tear free. They both went really well. I appreciated getting to talk to some people about other programs at my current job. The presentation went well, or I think so... I found out that I am competing against one other person for the position. I am top two out of the 40 applicants which alone made me feel good. Whatever happens happens. I'm feeling much better now that this is over. I only have one more interview next week.

I am pretty content that I am able to squeeze in activity here and there. Including after the interview when I made a mad dash back to work so I got a 15 minute run in today as well (wearing a back pack in so business casual attire)

Weekly Round-Up

I wasn't so active last week. I was exhausted on Thursday and wasn't sure what was going on then Friday I was under the weather with whatever mystery malady I have. I'm still not up to par. I had a couple of job interviews this week as well. One I am interested in, the other not so much. I also went on a boat cruise Monday night through the Pheasant Plucker and its sister restaurants. It was really fun! The band was great and did fantastic covers of songs from my late highschool early university days. We were on the Hamilton Harbour Queen and it tooled around the bay. The weather was perfect. I also got my bike tuned up and two new wheels I went to the New Hope Bike Co-op. I Highly recommend them. the work thatI had done only cost $55. They were done quickly but I wasn't able to pick it up for a week because of other commitments. I'm hoping to get to a clinic when they offer one.

I've just been pretty busy and wasn't making time for the gym. Today though I was meeting friends downtown for brunch at The Augusta House. I went yesterday and had the eggs benny and it was fantastic and it's my only weekend off all summer so I decided I may as well head back down there again. This time I had the banana french toast. Equally as wonderful and a large serving. I rode my bike down. It was perfect weather. I quibbled about whether or not I wanted to attempt riding home. I would take the rail trail so it would have been a gradual elevation as opposed to riding up the jolly cut which is pretty steep. I wussed out though and ended up busing home. Like I said, I'm still not up to par so I wasn't sure how I'd feel and just pictured myself getting worse and being stuck half way home and forcing myself to either get up the hill or head back down and needing a ride home. One day I will though! One day.

A friend of mine told me about the Glowing Green Smoothie. I'm not a medical professional by any means and frankly, it sounded disgusting. I made up a batch one day out of boredom and because I happened to have all of the ingredients. It was gross, not disgusting. I did learn that you could change up the recipe though and began exploring other fruits and vegetables to trow in. Carrot papaya didn't go so well. There was also just a batch I threw random fruit into. I did find this recipe for a peach ginger number that was delish. I used the 'green' base from the glowing green and the fruit base from this and it was great. To keep the carbohydrates down, for my diabetes I left out the honey. It's the perfect time of year to pick up our Ontario Peaches.

I talked to my dietitian about smoothies and she's not a huge fan as they don't often provide enough protein and psychologically your body gets full from chewing. So, a piece of bread and pb is just as beneficial as a smoothie. Additionally, she recommended not messing around with costly protein powders and said that powdered milk adds the same protein and is more affordable. Overall, she is not supportive of smoothies. She said they're better than juices though because they at least have fibre in them. What IS great about smoothies is that I can make up a batch for the week and just pour them the night before and bring them along in the morning as I am NOT AT ALL a morning person I find them very convenient because some mornings I don't even have the will to chew. If you're someone who needs to get your bowels moving with a morning coffee and are trying to cut back, the green smoothies seem to do the job too. I don't drink coffee, nor do I have issue with morning movement, but definitely noticed the difference.

Anyways, that's about all. Lots of links for you to peruse. Have a great week!

"Strive for Progress, Not Perfection"

Today is one of those blogs that is about not blogging, offering up excuses for not running or training for a tri. I got a job, number one. YAY! I am working relief in a drop in for homeless people and 3 months later, I still love it. Although my scheduled shifts are sporadic the hours are typically the same. I am finding that this is actually quite helpful- knowing that on any given day I can work out at 4:30 pm, the latest. That being said, the job is very demanding. Physically not so much but I am emotionally sucked dry by my clients. These are for realsies people without a home or poor housing, dealing with some very intense issues. Yes, I still genuinely love it.
For the month after the tri I was focused on finding a job. This task, for anyone who has done it, is awful. Networking, applying, interviews, waiting...waiting...WAITING...takes its toll. I am very appreciative that I have since found something but it's kind of a dark period in time and you really get down on yourself and running just wasn't going to happen.

Photo care of Maureen Rich, I believe.
 

At the end of May I joined a team after my best friend worked VERY hard at convincing me. Another new activity for my books- ROWING! I wasn't too keen on it at first or throughout the duration of the practices. I took solace in the fact that we were all newbies, except for my aforementioned friend. I just really HATED lugging that boat in and out of the water and it seemed like every time that we did we received different directions and we never really did master it. We had our regatta this past weekend and it was incredibly fun. It totally made my mind up for me to continue doing it next year. I was with a great bunch of women and met a whole crew of new friends. I'd actually properly trained and would get on the rowing machine an extra two times a week. My roommate from university and very good friend used to row and gave me a few pointers one night after a yoga class that I really benefited from. So, at least I was heading to the gym a bit because of that. I just realized typing that that when I participate in an activity with a goal date I am pretty committed to training for it.

Photo care of Caren Funnell

My brother's also joined the gym that I go to and we try to "play" racquetball once a week. We've done 3 sessions thus far. We're actually improving but we don't know the rules. Basically, we jog around the court and whack at a ball. I'm better at directing it but he's better at actually hitting it. I like the activity. We need a coach though.

Lastly, my newest endeavour is a planning a mountain biking excursion in Yukon. I thought I had my brother sold on it if we went next summer to celebrate our average 30th birthdays he'll be in his 29th year, me in my 31st). I specifically wanted to get there during the summer solstice and stumbled across a mountain biking trip. I was talking to him at our weekly match today and he's hesitant to go. The summer solstice trip is an intermediate biking trip through the mountains of the territory. I was nervous about it too and started reading up on mountain biking and apparently the muscles, since they are larger are easier to train and develop. So yes, my ass will probably hurt (I've already looked into padded shorts) but I feel like this is yet another crazy adventure that I can train for. I think my brother's pride is getting in the way. Having trained for- and come in last- for several events I don't have that issue anymore. I just figure that I will do the same as always. Research, practice, hit the gym, buy the equipment, talk to professionals and be as prepared as I can be then take up the rear as always. I figure they can't let me die out there and I've got almost a year to train, which is more than I'd ever done before. I am impressed that baby brother admitted to me that this would be a life changing decision for him. I hadn't thought about that but he's right. We're both considerably overweight. He's a smoker. I think that not having ever trained for anything has him concerned. He even mentioned consulting our GP; which made me laugh because she knows all about my previous races and was super keen on me participating. So, little brother- I know you're reading this, I say just dive in and go for it. I know you have it in you. If I can do it, you definitely can as well. Genetically, you're better built for it than I am.




Overall, with taking up rowing this summer I have been reminded that once you start doing one activity you tend to take up more. I've swam a couple times, been to a couple yoga classes and started cycling more places. So, as my brother said, yes it is a lifestyle commitment but it tends to come naturally. You even take care of what you eat because you don't want to waste all that energy that you just expended on something deep fried. Or on the flipside- you 'guy-et' and allow yourself that piece of chocolate cake with less torment, knowing you just sweated up a storm.

 

Photo care of Caren Funnell
 

Tri Time

Tri training is starting up again. I took a couple of weeks off from training after the race  I have a cold and I always wait a week after a race until I start training again. so I waited the week, then was sick a week. I went to a baby shower today for a ling-time friend. Like, almost 25 year long- time friend. It was a really lovely afternoon. Then, I come home and read outside for a while. The weather is finally warming up here in southern Ontario.

I'm giving you the background because I was most definitely not in the mood to get out there today. BUT I DID. After aimlessly wandering in my hallway for a bit I figured I may as well put on my runners and head out. I was going to wait until this evening but Game of Thrones is on and I didn't want to be going out at 10. This is basically a pointless post. I went and did 3 miles in 48 minutes. At my last race I realized that my nike+ was a quarter of a K off in it's calculations. For every K it was telling me, it was actually less. Which sucks. Because now I don't know my actual speed, I guess I can just aim to go faster.

Today's run was actually quite pleasant. I recently did a stress test and got to see how exercise does affect your blood pressure immediately. So, I tried to push myself a little harder than I normally would. I still had some gas in the tank at the end. It was quite a nice run. I was sweating, breathing moderately heavily and soaking in the sunshine.

I often find on days like today when I'm forcing myself to get out there I just make up my mind and go, the more I dawdle the less likely I am to actually go. So, I didn't even hit the bathroom today before I left and I was very thankful that there's a McDonald's a km from my house. It worked out well for me. And on that note, I will end. Lesson of the day: pee before you flee.

"All Runners are Equal, Their Times are Just Different"

About a week and a half ago I did the Mercedes Oakville 10k. It was by far the most fun running race that I've done. The race followed a week after the Boston Marathon Bombing. There was evidence of  support being offered throughout the racers, there were special bibs, t-shirts and armbands. Of course I was also thinking about the victims of the events. When I heard about what had happened I couldn't stop thinking about those racers that did not get to finish the race. It's the best part. You're so tired but crossing the finish line knowing that you've accomplished something is amazing.

I've not previously done this race so I am not sure if the event is always so fun but I really enjoyed the atmosphere. At the end of the race you are entered to win the lease of a Mercedes for a year. The site informed participants that there was no parking available on site so we were to take a shuttle from the Bronte Go station to Appleby College. I showed up an hour early but still had to wait for 2 buses before I could get on one. This is my only complaint. I think they underestimated the number of people who would be utilizing the shuttle. I was nervous as the race was to begin at 8 and I got on the shuttle at 7:45 and had yet to pick up my race kit.

When I arrived on site, we had wonderful weather and everything was incredibly organized. Like all races there were people everywhere but it was well controlled. The announcers were great and funny. I went to the tent to grab my race kit and they couldn't find me because I'd registered by inverting my name. A fact I hadn't realized until I had gotten home and looked at a picture of my race bib. Even at the end of the race when the person congratulated 'Stanek' for finishing the race it didn't dawn on me. The bag check was also really well organized. They took a part of my bib, tied it to my bag and they were all organized by number.

Instead of a moment of silence for the victims in Boston they played Sweet Caroline. At the start line they had people with signs marking where you should be based on your estimated finish time. Normally, they just tell the fast people to be in the front. I liked this better because I find that there's always so much shuffling and congestion. The announcer described each category in terms that he defined them. The first being the people who had run a 5K warm up and were running laps back and forth, the next were vegans, the following were people who enjoyed potato chips and exercised so that they could indulge, and lastly the group I was in was described as the people who someone recommended that they give it a try and were likely to be hungover.

At the kilometre markers they had quotes posted. One was pain is only temporary, I think that was the 3rd K. At 8, it was 'I'm beginning to doubt the pain is temporary sign earlier'. At 9 it was only 1 more K until you can win a car. It was a good route, not too hilly. I was surprised at the number of the people in the community who came out to watch. Running along the main street some of the stores had staff in front cheering people on. There was one store that had a group of women in front cheering people on with horns and signs. One read 'run faster I just farted and another that said, 'you're kind of a big deal'. Which was a nice reminder that not many people participate in 10Ks. It came at a good time as I was quite tired. I was EXHAUSTED, actually.

As I completed the race people who had already finished were walking out of the finishing gates, not realizing there were people still finishing. I heard the announcers ask people to be aware that there were still people finishing the race and they wanted everyone to have a good experience finishing. I thought that was really nice. I got a medal for completing and they're the best! I love getting them.

I highly recommend this race as they also have a tot trot and junior jog. It was really a family affair with lots of prizes too. I did not win the car, but really have a wonderful experience.

My Doctor Will Be Happy

6.5K @ 8'03
Surprise Song: The Time of Times by Badly Drawn Boy
Takin' Me Home Song: Black Betty by Ram Jam

The Time of Times surprised me because I would never have though to put it on my running play list. When I headed out on my run today, I decided that I would just put my iPod on shuffle. When this song came on it made me feel light and bouncy and it put a spring into my step.

The reason that my doctor would be happy is that I went to the gym to do yoga and hit upon a slow driver plus a lack of parking thus, was only a few minutes early for the class. Monday nights are a particularly busy class. As I entered the room I noticed it was pretty full. I don't particularly enjoy this instructor so when I saw how full it was I decided that instead of worming my way into a spot and overcrowding an already crowded space that I would go for a run instead.

As you may recall, my doctor told me that yoga was not real exercise. Running, by his account, is. I am feeling particularly motivated these day as my race is less than 2 weeks away. I bumped into someone last week who asked how my running was and when I told her it was pretty much non existent and that my race was quickly approaching a mixture of concern and surprise crossed her face. That kind of guilted me into action.

So, regardless of the rainy weather I knew I committed to getting out there again. It wasn't too rainy and the 4 degree weather is pleasant to run in keeping me cool. At one point it started to rain quite heavily but it was a brief rainfall. I felt pretty good on my way home. I AM concerned about race day as the first half was tiresome. Ah well, I'll survive. Once that is done then I will begin training for my tri again. I'll be happy to shake things up a bit.

“Human beings are...

 made up of flesh and blood, and a miracle fiber called courage.” -George Patton

8 K @ 8'05
go.nike.com/06k2n1k3

Happy St Patrick's Day! Hope everyone has an enjoyable day. I WISH that I was out running right now in the snow globe world that is outside. I'm just not sure I'd quite manage as I've been celebrating. I am still the reigning Caps Champion.

I ran earlier this evening though. I really, really, REALLY did not want to. REALLLLLLLLLY. I did it though (pause for accolades)....

I could have easily let myself off the hook as I'd already run 4 times this week. Plus, it was -5 but felt like -10 out there. AND, I was just having a plain ole crappy day. I did it though. All 5 miles. My body was achy, I was emotionally exhausted and it took me 2 hours to motivate myself but I did it.

I was so angry and miserable out there and thought to myself that I should really re-evaluate my relationship with running (yes, those exact words). Like a relationship with a person, I felt that it was no longer making me happy, the spark just wasn't there anymore.  Why was this? What was I getting from this? If I didn't run, what would I do instead?  I decided I would just focus on running and save my existential crisis for later. I cursed a lot and just did the one foot in front of the other thing.

Running did require extra focus today as there was a skiff of snow hiding frozen puddles that made the route particularly slippery. I trudged along wishing that someone had have talked me out of this venture today. I hit my last mile and I don't know what it was but I felt myself pick up the pace and felt overall lighter. I knew that this 5 miles was better than my last. I did finish the run smiling.

I guess I'll stick with this stupid hobby. At least for one more day...tomorrow IS a rest day after all...