FOUR!!!!!

Sweetness

My wonderful friend/sister Andrea,
Where ever we go we are mistaken for sisters , I don't think it is because we look alike but because we share such an emotional connection.

And tonight when I think she is about to break I will take her frustrations and run them out, and pray.


And here is to baby Archie coming soon.

Run4health- Walkerton.

Interesting fact- this is the second race of the year I have done going by the title run 4/for  health and they were both timed by the same company.

June 10k- 47:20
Sept 10k- 47:53

Apparently I am getting slower as the year goes on.It was hot, and I am losing the weight loss battle. Why do I do these things?

Really they were both bad days. The entire race I hated as it was on road. Road that I actually train on all the time- read BORING and sick of. OK enough negativity.

First year event put on for the Walkerton Hospital foundation. I actually made an effort and raised money -$303.00 worth. Excellent organization. By far the best first year event I have ever been to. Long sleeve tec t-shirt. Chocolate finishers metal. No door prises which is sad cause I love door prices and really who doesn't?

Maya did the 1k family fun run. My only beef with the day was there was a one size fits all cotton t-shirt for her. Well we didn't take it. She doesn't want it, it doesn't fit me. Frankly just a waste. I am sure they will be filling the racks of the local thrift store in the next month. She made me run it with her. So she moaned and complained the entire thing that I was running to fast and her legs hurt. Misery loves company so I'm thinking this has got to stop and I can not run with her. I didn't want to, I wanted to cut the apron strings but she almost had a panic attack thinking she would have to go by herself and all the other children. She got a kinder egg at the finish line- best prise ever. Oh and  a ribbon. She cared way more about the egg.

Happy Day

It is official, now that Ever is in school Luke and I can have 'date' days. I hate when couples who are long married using the term 'date" but anyways for  lack of a better word- and suggestions are welcome- we spent the day together.
Spent a very challenging four hours MTN biking at Kolopore. It is rather depressing to say how many kilometres we covered in that amount of time so just know I could run it faster than I biked it today. Wow biking over rocky, rooty and hilly terrain is challenging.

Then we stoped at the bakery and the Lestleville chesse shop.  Happiness all round.

What makes me happy on night shift...

From the Toronto Star...

"Pack 20,000 men into a confined space and no good will come of it — either it’ll end in a brawl or, worse, the creation of the Promise Keepers."




From Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
 
"I had just come to accept that my life would be ordinary when extraordinary things begin to happen."
 
And here's to hoping my superpower will manifest itself or a great windfall of currency of epic proportions will occur.

Halibution Forest 26k

This picture is for a man who does not want to be named but requested specifically to have his picture on the dink site.



Well from the photos one kinda guesses that if I am in possession of a Haliburtion stool, I must have won the race, and indeed I did. I just kinda feel like I am not worthy of it.

This was my second running for the forest. A little anti climatic over last year when it was all a big unknown. The mystical Haliburtion which a raced on two weeks notice. This year I have had some strong training, earlier in the summer, however,  for the past month I have been working tons, have had a injury and just have not made fitness a priority. Thus just wasn't sure about Haliburton. I took a quick glance at the start list for the 26k and didn't see any obvious fast names, the thing is you just never know who you don't know. At the start line the man who shall be unnamed looked around and said 'ohh there is a lots of fast girls here'. In particular I was eying up a skinny girl with a iron man Canada visor and a woman who looked muscular fit- and had a matching lulu lemon shorts and bra. As well two friends from Hanover had travelled up with me- and if the one trained regularly she could definitely beat me.  I knew that course was the driest anybody could remember but.....

I lead the race from the start to the finish. I like to go out hard, which I know isn't the best practice- that's why loops and out and backs are hard for me. I just stop pushing for some reason. Ran with the same guys I always do at ouser races. All though the first half I was looking for Grant who was running the 50k. I was praying that he stayed on course cause ummm he has a little problem with that. Not so effective as he did go off for 2k BUT that is far better than another guy I talked to who was 10k off. When I did see him I gave him a quick hug and kiss and then I got in trouble for wasting time. Last year I was so focused on the mud I just didn't notice the hills but this year they were overwhelming. I didn't feel like I walked alot, but I must have. At the the turn around I was 2-3minites up on second.  As I didn't want a repeat of last year so there was alot of glancing over my shoulder for a female presence. Didn't really care about the men, they have testosterone and I don't. It is a really pretty course and I focused on that and the stool waiting for me. Spent some time feeling sorry for myself and my hamstring. Lots of emotion knowing that I was leading this race again, and how it was mine to lose like last year. Knowing that if I could pull it off it would be my first win EVER in a race.

When it felt like I was dragging too much I took a gel. Four in fact. Last year I remember just searching my fuel belt for anything cause I was so done. Don't know if I physically need them but mentally they do give me a boost. Glad I had my fuel belt cause those aid stations just feel so far apart. I found it to be a warm day.

When I came into aid station two the volunteers I don't think really realised I was in the 26k and didn't understand my haste just to dump water my my head and go. I had a strong finish, the gate was open but I went around the edge just as the course was marked just so I know I did the right thing. Felt good knowing I was the winner but I was feeling pretty loserish about my time. ON the insane muddy course last year I was five minutes faster!!!

I think last year the stars lined up ( not that I care about astrology but I think it is a good saying) and it was my day. Even though I came second last year I feel better about that race.

This year I was struggling with an injury and stress knowing that I needed a strong finish to get back on top of the OUSER points. I have felt like I am buying my time all summer until the magic of cooler fall temperatures and Ever going to school happens. I know I should be blissed about my win but if I look back at other years and see winners times of  2:50, 2:45, 2:47, 2:31 and I feel lousy about my 2:59.

I think I have an inferiority complex. 

Re- Fashioned

Maya, my fashion obsessed little girl. The little girl who aspires to be a fashion show organizer. She has never seen a fashion show.

This little girl came to me and asked if we could cut short this long skirt. Of course I did for her. However as this is the child who grows it is actually to small to begin with, before she even made it to school she split it up the back. So I sewed in a panel. Really she needs side panels but I just don't think it is worth it. She got her short skirt for the first day of school and that is going to have to be enough.

To School!!!

It has finally happened- Ever has started school! He met his teacher last week, then today was the most anticipated day.  We made his lunch, picked out an outfit and then he went to school and we left him there! The day was not without some drama. I had gotten him some shoes and he kept on wearing them so I hid them and now they remain hidden. Can't find them.
Maya reminded us he needed a blanket for quiet time and we don't have a surplus on little blankets, kindly, Maya offered one of her doll blankets. I have some superman fabric I will make a blanket out of.
AND when we got there it was discovered he wasn't going to his classroom but had gym, luckily it was with a teacher who is in the tri club but still,  just don't understand.

Luke went in with him and made sure he was mildly sedated. This was after the crying stopped.

Here's our big grade three girlie. Again in a split class. 2/3 this time. I think next year I will insist she be a straight grade as this the THIRD year she has been in a split. I think she spends to much time focusing on the younger kids. Well at least she isn't in a portable.  She got a new backpack for this year and a new shirt from me, otherwise I did no back to school shopping as Grammy is mildly obsessed with shopping for her :)

A Dairy Beverage

Went to get Anne some chocolate milk (great recovery drink) tonight as it was on special a Mac's. 99/c per L
But it turns out it wasn't chocolate milk it was chocolate dairy beverage, which is disgusting (yes we taste the difference).
Seriously, its not milk, its manufactured modified milk ingredients. Its getting hard to find real chocolate milk  and I thought in this day and age were were tryng to move away from man-made food like substances.
Oh well, there is always regular milk and chocolate powder, but I know I will be looking at the labels on those closely too.

Dead

For the official record at my funeral I would like some people to sing I'll Fly Away and I would like Tracy Chapman's song Say Hallelujah played please. I really like her voice so just play it. Maybe with a slide show or something like that in the year 2061.

Great News!!

I just looking over the rules for Hailiburton and came across this one :

All  senior citizens  running the 100miler may enlist the use of a pacer for the entrie race. (Slightly paraphrased)

Time to gather all your friends for next year eh Grant. ahhahahahahha

Anne Wins!

Luke would not let me drive the car with the bike rack on it today. So my bike was chopped into several pieces and I had to put it back together again before I could actually ride. Problem was I had never attempted the bike puzzle before.
Luke patiently showed me last night, I watched with anger and resentment, all the while thinking, Hmmm I'm sure there will be somebody there to help me.
Course there is never anybody there. Premier MTN biking park in the area and the place is always dead. So why would I think that???

Anyways I pull into the parking lot and what do I see???
The CAA Bike Patrol.

The Bayshore Race

Second year of this local half marathon.. and I have never done it. Had to fix that. Cute course, some hills, some gravel road, some rail trail and a whole lota pavement. Either I pulled a muscle on the pavement or it is from MTN biking either way I'm walking funny.
Goal was to complete in under 1:45. Ended up chatting the race away, strong steady effort. Pleased with the result. Kinda lost all steam around 20k- even let somebody pass. Ran the last 50 or so metres in with the kids which I have always wanted to do.
Find it slightly bizarre that the local newspaper was a platinum sponsor and yet there is no mention actually in the paper. Guess there is too much baseball news. I hate baseball.

Middle of the Pack- Xterra Style

One of my goals for the summer was to complete a off road triathlon/ dualathlon. However as time progressed it seemed it wasn't going to happen as I was yet to purchase a MTN bike. SO then I kinda decided I should be an adult and save my MTN bike money for like real life stuff. Like a back door, like our dishwasher just broke and the part to fix it is $200, or like my car is too ghetto for African lions safari so maybe I should plan for a new one. BUT then I was driving through Owen Sound and I saw a sale sign at the bike store. I will not get into what I bought cause I kinda obsess over if that was the best bike for my money spent so lets just leave it.

Anyways bought the bike on Tuesday and realised there was a Xterra race to be entered on the Sunday. Got two rides in prior to the race totaling maybe two hours on technical  trails. The race was held at hardwood hills near Barrie. I had actually rode there about eight years ago but I certainly did not remember the trails and I was assured the trails had changed since then.
The race was 3.8k run/ 16.2k Bike/ 3.8run. - had a respectable first run in 17:30 6/20 females. As I was doing the entire race in my running shoes I got onto the bike quickly. Took about 2km for the first female to catch me, then it was a steady stream of passing. Spent a far bit of time just pulling over so people could pass, didn't want the stress of somebody riding my back wheel.  LOVED the technical single track. Can certainly see the advantage of knowing the trail you will be riding on well. Where as in road racing sure there are some technical skills required but really road is road any where you go.  It was a two lap course and by the end of it, after the rain and the resulting mud I was done. Though I think I wowed the race director with my superior dismount. Of course perhaps he was just smiling cause the males had just crossed the finish line before I even started my second run.  Bike- Did the loops in 36minites each. The fastest female did them in 26minites each. 12/20.

Second run in 19:45. I ran down one girl but quite frankly just didn't have time to catch anybody else. Seriously the female who came in 8thOA did her second run in 26 minutes  and she still had such an advantage over me because of the bike. I knew it would be bad but I didn't think it would be quite that bad. I ended up 11/22. Definitely no metal for me this race.

So everybody wants to know if I wiped out. Yes I did. In fact I think I had sex with my bike during my most spectacular tumble. Part of the issue was my rear brake was a little non functioning so I just overshot the trail on many occasions.
Overall good race experience, the organization was good. The race director looked  my OAT number so I didn't have to pay extra, I wasn't supposed to get a shirt cause I signed up soo late but I did, and it is a really nice one. The course was well laid out. Nobody- even an old man could have gotten lost there. My one complaint was you did a 2k section four times!! There was a post race BBQ and there was good honey stingers products in the registration bag. Too bad I am allergic to honey. Somebody will benefit.
All in all I can't wait to do another, just next time I hope not to be soo embarrassed by my bike skills.

Differences

Love trails...either riding or running. However since I have renewed my love of riding by owning an actual MTN bike I have noticed that..
-Hills- As a runner you don't really notice them. Sure if it is a huge uphill you will walk, but on a bike you are very  conscious of all ups and downs as it is completely different riding.
- Roots, rocks, and stumps. As a runner the more of those obstacles the better- well at least in my case. As a rider- please just give me fast trail.
-Luke is faster than me. Ummm whats up with that??

Church Today

As I am known to do, I didn't go church today in favor of a race. Thus on my way home I listened to 'All worship Sunday' on the radio. Then listened to Sex and the Soul on Tabestry. Minus the fellowship I think I'm good.

Our car is too getto for Afriican lions safari and other sadness.

Typically summer Canadian family goes to African lios safari for a day trip, tries to go for a little drive though to see the animals. Not so typical in the fact we were turned back.
See we thought we were doing a good thing. Bringing the car that already had body pieces missing. No worries about scratches and dents from the animals we thought. Nope seems it was too rough of shape, the windshield is cracked in two places. Thus the safari earned $20 more dollars from us for the bus. Not that I am complaining- it is a safety issue. Here were some pros, the driver of the bus knew all the insider knowledge that we would have not gotten in a car. Who cares if the buses get scratched and banged up  when the driver positions the bus to bloke the path of a rino it is just another photo opportunity. If we had been in our car we would have gone right pass those massive beasts.
The other sadness involves the boy. the boy who does not grow, the boy still wearing size 24m pants, the boy who is 35inches tall. The boy was refused entry onto the water slide tower thing. His sister could go, two years could go, kids in diapers taking a break from nursing could go, but our almost 4year old was left crying. We tried to talk to the person in charge about genetics and physical fitness and his ability pop wheelies on his two wheeler. We lost, and he cried and cried. The thing is I am not going to put my kid in a dangerous situation, height restrictions are great for rides. Mostly I am angry because I paid the same entry fee for Ever as I did Maya and Ever did not enjoy the same privages as her because of genetics.
Oh and afterwards we went to Old Navy for the growing members of the family- Maya and Luke and again we had to explain to him that when he grows he gets new clothes.
Anybody got any growth hormone?

Daughters

Anybody know why my child is so completely opposite of me? Like can't we like anything the same, want to do the same sort activities?

Well I guess we are both stubborn.

Drinking at 8am and running the Dirty Girls

I heard about this race way back in the winter, how it was to be a 12hour night race. Night as in, in summer when it would be cooler. I all but signed up then. Of course I procrastinate so I didn't do it. THEN I got the goal of the OUSER short course races so I decided I would pass on it and just do the 30k. THEN the summer schedule came out. Two nights prior to the race.... the decision was made there. I was doing the 12hour.

So back to my short course goal this year. Yep so that meant no super long stuff so really I felt I was trained for 6hours and not so much 12hours. But really that's ok cause I know I can walk for 12hours, so I felt it was all good.

Now I am running. Some people have plans before they start. Me, not so much. My plan on the fly was to do what felt like easy efforts the entire thing. Obviously that means each lap is slower than the last. I'm all good with that.

And now it gets kinda hazy. I really zone out. There isn't alot of intelligent thoughts, just intense bargaining. So we go back to my old favorite- Bullets.

-Another reason I know I'm getting fat is chafing. I have never had chafing like I have had this year. If it was not for Alana's Bodyglyde ( mine went missing) and medicated gold bond, I would have had to stop at 30k.
-There was some darkness when I realised that I would not be hitting 55k on the next lap while I was 35k mark. Just like in nursing you shouldn't do math after midnight while running.
-I was just so intently hot. I did a complete clothes change at 30k cause I was just so sweaty. I just usually don't sweat so much.
-When I was in labour with Maya in the back of my mind I kept on thinking maybe something will go wrong so we can go to the hospital and I can get some drugs. Thus while running in the back of my mind I thought maybe something will go wrong so I can quit and then get some drugs.
- Kept on thinking ...should have trained for this.
- My runny nose magically cleared up after the race.
-I think I could have benefited from some gels but I was going with the real food system.
-I really thought I would be fine during the night. Thanks to those night shifts I thought it would be easy. Battled some real fatigue from 12-3am. I also just felt dragged down by the darkness which I totally was not expecting.
-I think I have learned I am just not that into loops.
- Did 65k. Pretty sure I could have focused and got 70k in. Or at least 67k. Again I will never be happy.
- Was moderately stiff and sore on Sunday. Monday/ Tuesday are surprising fine.Like I could be running fine, but I am kinda busy working on my wine drinking.

All in all it was a good night, and really do I do like running cause why else would I do?? Right??

All Boy

We were roughhousing the other day and Ever pulls back crying "OHHH you have hurt my brain." Thing was he was holding his genitals.

Me: So Ever, where is your brain?
Ever: My brain is in my penis.

Much laughter.

Suppose I should tell him the truth, but really he will hit puberty soon enough and then really that's where is brain will be.
Boys/Men.

The Brothers Ford are Jerk- offs

My Rob Ford story- When we lived in Rexdale is was elected to the seat that represented out area. He upset a longstanding councillor who had seems to have passion for the area. How did he do it?? His lawn signs were 10:1 and I think honestly spent every waking moment knocking on doors. When he knocked on door though I had some questions, but he was soo focused on getting to that next door he literally backed away and spewed saygood nonsense and left.
Now the stupid idiot and his brother are on counsel and their fat asses want to get rid of events promoting physical fitness and there illiterate brains want to do away with library's.
I don't want to wish them unwell but really being that fat isn't healthy and things happen when you are that fat. So if something bad was to happen, well would that be a bad thing??

Sushi

Not to say that I am completely un cultured and backwoods but I always said I didn't like sushi. I always say I like my food hot. I have even gone to a sushi restaurant and ate nothing cause I wanted no part of it.
But...... the other day I was hungry, and hot, and tired, and we were driving past the sushi place in Walkerton and we stopped in and we got some and I ate it and I actually liked it.
Mind you, this is western sushi which I'm told (by wikipedia) that it is practically like eatting burgers and fries.

Nationally Famous

Thanks to my awesome ability to waste time online which stems from nursing the kids for endless hours in front of the computer I was quoted in The Globe and Mail.
A reporter put out a call on Runners Mania for interviews and cause I waste wasting time online and I was home wasting my time he called and I talked all about it. Basically about me being demanding and my need for liquor but what ever, I'm in the Globe.

(Disclaimer- I actually don't read it but I issue I bought cause I was in it I liked so perhaps when those children go to school I can linger with  a morning copy.)

A 'Weighty' Issue

It appears that the magical ability to eat anything while breastfeeding has finally  dissipated. Or it could be that I am not using any sort of restraint but the one thing that is true is I'm becoming portly.
It has creeped up slowly. My wetsuit needs a little extra tugging to be done up, my clothes are a bit snug, and no that isn't all new muscle in my thighs, and the most important is- compared to six months ago a friend who had not seen me noticed a difference.

And why??
I think it is simply I eat to much. I never think twice about a second serving. If it is there I eat it.  With a box of chocolates  at work I eat eight instead of the more reasonable two. I know I have become more relaxed about eating junk food. I mean if ice cream is on sale I really don't have to buy it. Perhaps I am fueling myself too much for the long runs. I really don't need one supper before a run and one after.

I know people may think I am skinny and I have nothing to worry about but  genetics always rule. Sure my mother is a match stick But on my fathers side the woman tend to run a little thick, and I think I could run thick too.

Thus everybody has the permission to act as a community of supporters and remind me that no, that Key Lime pie just isn't worth it.

Apparently flip-flops and a bathing suit ar A-OK on fighter jets (that randomly land at the wiarton airport when Anne and the kids are in the area) LOL.

Beating the Heat

Have retired to Lions Head To enjoy the breeze and company. Presently teaching Annie about the Internet.

Cause this blog needs more pictures of feet

Post Mishawah.

Limberlost 2011

Another little trail race in the blistering heat. I say little cause I only did the 28k not the crazy insane 56k- not cause the distance is crazy but the heat was intense.

I have been thinking alot about how hard I don't push it in races. How most of the time I am content to say I pushed it but really I don't think I did. I have excesses of why but really I think it comes down do I just don't want to. I think I have really got to want it to push it. BUT to get that point I have to had failures to focus on how I don't want to be feeling at the end of a race. I also need to focus on how good it feels to do well. How I love to tell Luke how good I did. Actually I fear his disappointment most of all.

So I didn't know how I was going to at Limberlost. I am soo not a hot weather runner. My thoughts were simply survival. I knew the winner from last year was coming back and I saw somebody at the start line who beat me at PYP .
So I'm running along about 3k in and I am in 3rd position and I remember Sheldon from running mania describing his race from last year and what his 14k splits were so my first goal was to beat his 1:32 for the first lap. I did it in 1:24. Meanwhile I had attached myself to a man in a blue shirt. Almost literally, when we went up hills I was 5inches from his behind. His clothing had been freshly laundered. My eyes were firmly on is ankles. When he drank water from his bottles so did I. He didn't stop at the aid station so he kept the pace and I caught up to him. Thus during the second lap my goal was to stay attached to my new friend Chris.... and a three hour finishing time. Did it in 3:02:25. Very pleased about it. A interesting highlight was the fact I used four gels. I felt fine which is great. I just know if I don't take in calories I fade. At Hailburtion I used all the fuel I had brought and the aid stations were far apart and I checked my belt several times looking for something so I know I need it..even if it is just physiological.

Great post- race meal.. like MEAL with salads, fruits and grilled chicken. And what made the day was on the drive out to the highway we saw a big black bear run across the highway. Anyrace where I we wildlife bigger than a dog wins!


This race was not without its drama, and I actually managed to get a woman disqualified. But I don't think thats a story for the blog cause I think the race directors handled it very well. Give me some wine and I will talk.

Pool

It was hot today, and so while Anne was away, the kids and I went out and got a new pool.
Much cool wetness was had.

Creemore Booze Fest 2011

Ran the Creemore Vertical Challenge July something. Improved my 25k time by three minute finishing in 2:26. Sixth female O/A.
Basically I can remember the heat. At first I thought it was going to overcast and no wind so somewhat tolerable. Maybe even a slight rain but around 6km in the sun came out. So it was sunny and no wind. That's joyful. So hot.... Some aid station had ice and that was bliss. Wore trail shoes which wasn't necessary. Ran a whole two kilometres in the lead and liked it but the fast girls came along, which is ok cause really they are faster. I am slightly (HUGELY) annoyed that the winner has a baby younger than four months. When I had a four month old my uterus would have fallen out and I would have had to keep a hand tucked there to hold it in. Soo anyways i got sixth. Some other people beat me too but I am just bitter about her.
There was exactly one puddle and I stepped in it. Would have really liked to have a lie down in it but I had to settle on the finish line where there is the Mad river. The finish line also had wine. I drank some. On a empty stomach. Ok I had alot and I couldn't walk straight and Luke cut me off and so I was taking beer out of other peoples hand when his back was turned. Soo my words were slurred but the trip to the conservative Christian Camp went quite well.
I still think I can do better on that course. There is just something about it.

Trespassing

While we were at Camp Mishawah, a super awesome thing happened....Ever learned to ride his bike without training wheels!! It actually took less than 100 metres and it rather alarming now good he is at it already. In fact the three year old was trying to pop wheelies they day he learned. I have high hopes him and I can form a mother son MBX team. Thus to celebrate his new skill we thought he would enjoy an endless strip of pavement to practice.... so we took him to an airstrip.
The abandoned airstrip was 2km and super fun to ride bikes on- even if it was getting overgrown.

This photo of an accident was not intentional, just funny. Maya will get mad at us for saying that when she is old enough to read this blog.

So just cause we thought it would be fun we let the kids also drive on the airstrip. Maya was scarred and couldn't do it herself but felt perfectly fine sitting in the passenger seat while her brother, half of her age drove the car! He actually did quite well did a corner himself. There will be no mother son auto racing team.

Right Again!!

You know those money making schemes/cults like ACN and Priamerica? Direct marketing? I just didn't get them. Why did people fall for them? But one day my insightful husband enlightened me.

" People just want money and they don't want to work for it."

Kinda like fitness. People want to lose weight but they don't want to work for it. SO they buy those 'toning' shoes. They promise to 'shape you up' while you go about your everyday walking.
Read the research  people, they just don't work.

11/7/11

What a great date today!!!!

Great to write and great cause it is lucky thirteen for Luke and I.
I would write something mushy gushy but well I am on nights so there is none of that going on.