Just so you all know...

My second tonnail turned black then fell off. I'm kinda proud of this.

Five trys for this picture

Just not fast enough... Woodstock 2010

Did the Sprint Triathlon 600m- 20k- 4k.... and I didn't measure up.
Swam a little to slow
Rode a little to slow.
Ran too slow.

I had not felt well all week, exhausted from doing nights, had a virus, not fully recovered from the marathon, am anemic are all excuses I can used but I just wasn't excited to race.

The swim- 15:30
I honestly thought I would have done better than this. I have been putting the work in. I swim twice a week, even if I want to die I am make an effort to get to the pool. What I don't have is open water experience this year- being once, and overall not enough race experience. I should have tried to swim at the edge of the crowd rather than fight with people for a draft. At least I stayed on course.

The bike-43:56
In every race you should have a plan and than a back up plan and yet another plan. In every race I plan to drink alot on the bike. I am just thirsty then.... but I had forgotten my usual bike bottle so I had planned to use a bottle we had brought water in....but it fell of my bike at the mount line and I didn't notice for several kilometres. I only found it after the race to know where it went. Soo the last idea was to stop and pick up a water bottle on the side of the course if I saw one, I saw one but was too chicken to do so. I should have. Despite drinking half the lake I was very happy to see the first aid station on the run.
Overall I thought I was going fast, I was only passed twice by people not in my age category. Felt I was working.. but I guess not hard enough.

The Run- 19:59
This is where I felt really let down- I am a runner. I usually kill the run. I have had complete strangers telling my what a great run I had.... not so today. Off the bike I had dead legs, and my left posterior knee felt very wrong. I was almost limping... Eventually that went away but still I only passed and didn't get passed and yet it felt soo slow. Could not get into a rhythm and wanted to race to be over. I was hot and uncomfortable and I really didn't know what to do with my arms. I have ran half marathons at a faster pace. Really sucked.

Transitions
The one saving grace- I did great. The only thing I could have done better was put on my race belt faster- or worn it under my wetsuit. Even took off my shoes while riding. Didn't do a flying leap off but I was scared of the Mount/Dismount lady she seemed crusty.
Oh and to the person set up beside me in transition- you might want to tone it down a little, a metre square is a little too much space to take up in most races.

May Totals

Tapering for a marathon and recovering from a marathon make for sucky totals. Nights have also taken a bite out of everything. As well, the swim totals will not be as accurate as I have started open water swimming.

Swim- 8.25k
Bike -114k
Run 124k

Last Night in Montreal

Really enjoyed Last Night in Montreal by Emily Mandel. Picked up at the local library.
A page turner that kept me awake after working nights. A story that I felt myself wanting to be a part of, wanting to experience life the way the drifting main character does, sometimes I get frustrated by the roots we have.

Judger

On the heels of Ericka's post I must admit that I am a person who judges those who don't show love.....and even Mormons need love.

Everybody go to PostSecret- it is a good thing.

Master Artist

Ever has learned how to draw circles, now all his big truck drawings have tires.

Food

The grocery store had 'local' asparagus on sale. Really who knows where it came from, at least it had a foodland Ontario tag, but I digress. I bought a ton much to the amusement of all shopping. 'What are you going to do with all that asparagus??? To let the world know- I froze it. Asparagus soup in January anybody?

On Tuesday night we had roasted chicken, quinoa, steamed asparagus, and apple pie for desert. I didn't make the pie, it was a fundraiser fro a couple going to Honduras.

On Thursday night we had Chicken pot pie. The roasting pan has the chicken for the pot. The red casserole has the veggies, and the sliver pot has the cream sauce i made- ready to be all mixed together and topped with a pastry crust.

Rant

Called today to make an appointment with my FD for some routine bloodwork.
My appointment......July 26. Of course the nice receptionist suggested I could go to ER if this wasn't soon enough.

Not that I know all the answers, just know there has got to be a better one.

Mississaga Marathon Observations from Luke

• Eating with runners the night before a big race, is NOT something to do if you are looking to lose weight. 
• Noticed a runner kind of running oddly, then noticed that her thighs had rubbed themselves raw the prior 17km and were bleeding. Probably the most painful thing I have seen in a long time. But she was obviously determined to finish.
• Saugeen tri club members loved when I cheered for them on the course, which I do extremely loud and long. That's a lot of fun.
• Had a great time hanging out with everyone.
• Marathon rate at a very nice hotel made me feel spoiled. Best water slide I have been on in a long time. Seriously.
• Seeing everyone run half and full marathons, in no way, shape, or form, makes me want to do it sometime.
• It is sort of stressful trying to beat the runners to spectator points to see people go by. Especially if they are fast. I missed Bevin for this reason.
• I didn't take enough pictures... as usual.

Mississauga Marathon and Half-Marathon Crew (most of them anyway)

Missasuaga Marathon 2010

Well that is done, checked off, and yes I finished.
All week before I was just waiting and resting. Waiting to get hurt, waiting for something to happen so I wouldn't be able to run. I had dreams/ nightmares of all that training going to waste, but surprisingly I made it to the start line.

Went down the day before- THANK YOU STEPHANIE AND PAUL for looking after the kids. Luke and I almost got a divorce related to my crustiness/nervousness and would have not done well with the kids there. Toured the expo. Was disappointed at the size, I had hoped to get some arm warmers but I didn't see anything at all. Saw my Internet friend Kim. Bought some blister preventers and was the best $10 ever spent. Will give you one Ron. Went out to dinner with Tri club people who don't have links and then had fun at the pool/water slide. We had an amazingly comfortable bed at the Delta and I actually slept. Well in between nightmares.

Rise and shine at 5:20. Quick got ready and ate my porridge I had brought, a little extra chia seeds than usual. We all got to the race site in good time. Enough for last minute prep and a quick trip to the porta potties. Pictures taken, gear left with my WONDERFUL SHERPA HUSBAND and got the the starting corrals.... and I had to pee. OK to late now- will pee at a porta potty along the way.
Cannon goes off and walk four minutes to the start line. The first 5k were gravy. Just fun enjoying the moment and whoo they went by fast. Realised at 12k that I could BQ if I held steady and soon realized I had a bit extra to hold onto. But I didn't want to waste any of that time on the porta potty. So I was that girl splashing water down the front and down the back.

Before I knew it the half were separating from the fulls. I started crying realising that I was actually doing this, then was soon brought back to reality by the man who looked like a skeleton wearing the skimpy shorts and no shirt. Seriously put on a singlet.
Anyways crossed the half mark at 1:48. Felt good. Was following the pace band, feeling like a 3:38-40 would be possible.
Then I hit 25k, saw a man peeing in the trees- yelled out whoo hooo, and at that exact moment my right calf cramped/seized completely. Immittlty stopped, stretched it out and walked for 500metres up a hill. Watched the 3:40 pace bunny go by- who wasn't nice when I asked her a few questions by the way. Eventually stared running again. Every step was painful and hard. Saw the 3:45 bunny by....then it was pure survivor mode to finish. By 36k realised that were was no hope of regaining time lost., and just hoped to finish by 4:00 and threw away my 3:40 pace band. I like to call 38- 40.5 k a special version of hell. I walked a bit and kept on thinking if I can make it to 41k it will just like picking up Maya- only 1.2 to go. Thankfully the crowd support was there bringing me in. Sadly I was still listening to my Ipod and just about missed Andrea who had come all the way to see me finish. I saw her at the last moment and blew her a kiss. Her coming really made my day!
Then I was at the finishing shoot and I gave a strong finishing kick. Chip time 3:49:10

I know I should be happy with my effort for a first marathon.. but damn you nine minutes from keeping me from Boston and my ever so lusted Boston Jacket. Curses to those spectating with one on mocking me with me not quite enough time.

What did I learn? Same thing I say after every long run. More long tempo runs.
I think I could have done better with my nutrition. I had 3-4 E-LOAD tablets, a ton of water, and two sharkies every time I thought of them- which amounted to slightly less than three bags. I also took in 3 orange slices and a small piece of banana along the way. I had a gel with me but really didn't want to take it soo I didn't.

Where do I go from here?
At one point during the race I could see a trail system and for a moment forgot myself and started to go towards it, thinking 'oh lets get off this road and do something fun'. Telling I would say. I truly enjoyed the distance but did not enjoy the roads. I looked way to enviously at the bike riders.Wishing I was riding instead of running on this -insert bad word here- pavement. Thankfully it is triathlon season and my first is coming quick, thus it is time for me and my bike to become closer.

Luke's Music

At 32, I have come to realize that my music tastes that I once thought diverse, have narrowed. While I used to download and update the songs on my ipod pretty regularly, but now for the last couple of years  I just listen to the Dance Department, Tiesto's Club Life, and Indie Feed Electronica podcasts. While those podcasts cover a wide variety of music, I typically enjoy the sort of french house electronica that groups like Daft Punk, all of the Ed Banger crew, SebastiAn and several others create. One primary theme being that very little of what i listen to has lyrics. The other being that what I listen has a lot of variety within the spectrum of the genre, from a nice heavy beat, to a more ambient mixed style.
Besides that , I guess I also listen to a lot of Massive Attack, and a few other random ones that I have picked up off of the internet. Oh ya, that and several CBC podcasts when I don't want to listen to music.
Otherwise its electronic stuff.



Oh and also, rumour is that Daft Punk is going on tour this summer to promote the Tron Legacy soundtrack, which they created. So if they are in Toronto, Anne and I plan on going if anyone else is interested.

Dinner

-Lemon Cranberry muffins.
-Swiss Chard pie with olive oil dough
-Spinach quiche

Enough for two days.... except for the muffins. Really those mini muffins do not make me eat any less.. maybe even more.
Do not look at the messy stove. Well do and understand that the stove top I clean and under the burners Luke is responsible for.

Muddy Children

.

Potty Trained

Well the deed is done, there will be no more diapers in this house, all because *drum roll* Ever is potty trained!

This picture is of Ever's first pooh on the potty. I was downstairs and Ever did this all by himself then came to get to me and show me. I'm not one of those sit with you while you defecate parents.

The entire process wasn't that painful. Ever basically initiated it by deciding not to wear diapers anymore cause they brothered him. What potentially started the movement was a big discussion about what happens when you pooh in the pool.
So we decided it was time, and we commit. There is no diapers at night, there is no pull ups ( diapers marketed as another name), and only once did he pooh in his pants. Sorry Stephanie. I think the process took a week.
I have a sense of disbelief about the whole thing. Really... !!No more???
It had to happen soon cause I kept on forgetting to change his diapers anyways.
Now the next step is moving from the potty to the toilet cause we aren't so good at emptying the potty, so then Ever does it, and well sometimes it doesn't work out so well. To facilitate this we are getting this amazing toilet seat.

So now I have all of the diapers for sale. Anybody want to be completely set up for $175?

Trillium Race

So on Saturday Anne and I (that's right, it's Luke writing this one)went to Mount Forest to do a race on a cold, rainy miserable day. Running keeps you warm though.
So I did the 5K. Time was 25:16. My legs are really sore, but I think if I do a few more races and run a bit more I will be able to do under 25min without trouble this summer. Wow, that was a lot shorter than Anne's reports!

Anne did 10K in 45:18 (she thinks). So she was running faster than I was for twice the distance, and she feels fine. I am not sure how I feel about that.
Plus it was basically a fun run for her as she was holding back for the marathan she is doing next weekend. We are going alone and the kids are staying with Grammy, which will be great.

Maya's Dance

So this year Maya did ballet at the grey-bruce school of dance, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Here is a video of what her class performed at local dance competition prior to the recitals. Her group received 1st place @ 89%!

April Totals

Swim 9.97k
Bike- 87k
Run- 239.09

A good month... but could somebody come and vacuum our house?

Technologic

I'm feeling perhaps a tad too plugged in lately. To long run I need:

Cell phone- for dog attacks, naked men, and utter exhaustion.

Ipod- Really into podcast lately. Namely -This American Life, Stuff you should know, Zen and the art of triathlon, The Age Grouper.

Garmin- I just might be the last runner to get one, but it has quickly become a friend. A friend that whispers I am going to slow. A friend that keeps track of all my details. This friend has only left me in the lurch once by forgetting to get its battery charged but it was rather missed. The friend bruises my wrist but I am OK with the abuse.

Oh and I also need food. Sharkies are my present favorite.


The theme song for this post.

Calories

Just for fun I thought I would add up the calories I consumed today at A&W.
500ml Chocolate Milk
+
Regular Fries
+
Teen Burger

Grand Total= 980calories!!!!!!

It was a once a year kind of treat, not to be repeated any time soon. That has got to be more than half of what I need for the entire day.

I think I have come to the end of rope.

I am asked constantly how I have time to run? Do I have a good babysitter so I can run? Usually I just say it a challenge but I manage.

Then for some reason woman often share with me how they could never run because their husbands would not be supportive. How their husbands are not home enough. Basically how the mother is the single person responsible for the care of the children.

I am sick of hearing this, so sick I am ready to snap.
Soon I fear I will be advising woman to leave their husbands. Really, would they be any worse off?

While I am complaining... Rather frustrating how some men who are sharing the childing raising yet society is not willing to accommodate their participation. For example, a father may not participate in dance preparations, but would a mother not be allowed into a hockey change room?

Any nasty comments will be deleted, this is my blog and I will say what I want. Get your own blog if you disagree.

A run fueled by big feet, jelly beans and mini eggs... nope dose not work for me.

For the last fricken time. A marathon is a set and specific distance.
42.195 km
26.21876 miles

Less than a month

 

In less than a month now I will be running the Missasuaga Marathon. Although it would be nice to Boston qualify on my first try at 42.195, quite frankly I think that would very wishful thinking at this point. The problem is pavement. IT just trashes my legs. I did my entire 34k long run on gravel/trail today and really worry about the pain of the extended pavement exposure. I read one training plan and it calls for alot of long runs then another that only does one over 30k. I also have no idea about what to do for calories. I have been training with sharkies/other candy and water. Just can't do gels anymore. I wonder about a few chips as I crave salt. Luke thinks I should take a salt lick.
I am thinking around 4:15- 4:30.???

Ballet Girl

 

Annual 5k

I really hate 5ks.. but knowing that I only do a couple a year make them bearable.
Did Spring Thaw 5k in Barrie today. Total time 22:38- which actually is worse than last year. Bummer. In my defence it was windy and cold and of course I didn't bring the right clothes. Still got second in my age group. Got the exact same metal as last year. Yep Annie they are starting to add up.
Now trying to decide if I should do a couple hours on the bike or a hour trot on the tready for recovery.

This is why I love Facebook

Yesterday was my birthday, just so you all know, I will be accepting belated birthday gifts.

Anyways we didn't have any significant plans, and it was raining, I wasn't having a emotional breakdown as I usually do on my birthday but I was feeling down. UNTIL I read a new friend status update on Facebook.. she was participating in an indoor triathlon that day. A phone call later and Luke and I were all ready to go for 6:30pm.

Basically it was run out of Stone Tree, you swam 370metres in their over heated pool, rode 10k on a exercise bike, and ran 2.5k on a treadmill. There was a tad too much time for transitions, and I could not get comfortable on the bike. I didn't push to hard but had fun....and apparently Luke had fun too, or at least he said he did. Definitely better than going out for dinner and we got protein bars for our efforts.

Still Nursing

On another breastfeeding note, tonight Maya advised me to pump my milk so she could drink it. She most likely wanted it to wash down the banana I made her run around the house 20times for.

Spelling

Our address is 531 12th Ave.

What I realized today is I can't spell the rest of ave.

March Totals

Swim- 2.4k
Bike- 10k
Run- 158.7k

Really pathetic I know, but I did have an injury, my bike tire in flat, and I had some meeting on swim night/ work.

Only 42 days to marthon- I'm going for a run now at Allen Park.

Hypervention

Just registered for the Mississauga Marathon.

A full marathon.
42.195km
26.2miles

Going to have to get going on that.

Around the Bay 2010

I had some high hopes for the race. I had hoped to smash my time of last year by 1.30min- finishing in under 2:30- and achieving a sliver metal... I had hoped this until about a week prior... see below- ankle injury. BUT i did do everything I could to make it happen- I picked up an extra shift thus allowing me to see the chiro, buy some homeopathic stuff, some other top secret stuff, I sat on my butt all week, I iced like a crazy person, and I even exposed myself to radiation to ensure there wasn't a stress fracture there. But it wasn't just my day....

I think that mentally I had lost my push because I mentally prepared myself all week to not run the race so when it came to race, and I was able to race I just didn't have the drive. I also I have been suffering some insomnia and haven't been sleeping well for a few weeks now. My other excesses are:
-There is a point in my cycle when I naturally have low energy levels- and this was it.
-I had the beginnings of a something yesterday and today my throat is a scratchy mess with lots of phlegm.
- I just don't think I get enough hill/ tempo work in.

I probleary started out to fast, but I wanted to run if I had to stop at 10k due to my ankle but right when I saw Kim I realised I was dropping off pace, by 18k when I saw the 2:30 bunny pass me and I had no hope of staying with him that my day was turning into a tempo Marathon pace day. I finished strong, hoping I wouldn't be too beat up today.. but I think the damage was already done, stairs are an issue today. People keep on looking at me cause I'm walking funny.

It wasn't a total disaster, I have a time I am still proud of, and I know there is always next year. I had great fun, I met Kim at the expo, a blog of which I have been enjoying for quite a while. I met some Running Manics on the go... Was it British accent Mark?? Wearing Ascis and is a fore- foot runner? Tons of people asked about the Saugeen Triathlon Club.
And just to get me through the last few kilometres I sang.. at the top of my lungs Eye of the Tiger, and Run to Me. I think I made a few peoples day.

Ankle :(

On Friday night I was sitting with my feet up at the computer making an attempt to put Ever asleep. I was JUST moving my ankle around and somehow, something shifted out of place. This has happened before and usually after a few moments I can get 'things' back in situ. Not this time. I thought things would relax while I went to sleep, and pop back into place.
Saturday morning, and it is still off, so Luke dose a little off market chiropractic care and gently 'things' pop into place. It was tender but but overally so.
Sunday I planned to run but take it easy during a fun run with the tri club. Perhaps not the smartest thing I could have done.

Swollen, and tender to touch. Walking to pick up Maya yesterday wasn't to smart but how else would she have gotten home?

What makes this especially fun is a little race called Around the Bay on Sunday. I am Icing, compressing and elevating the best I can, but really with the kids/ dinner to be made/ laundry to be done how am I to rest??
I don't feel like I should pull out of it. I am seeing Chiro tomorrow. Perhaps this is a lesson in patience?

Not the Smartest Thing To Do...

The other day I went for a run, gratefully provided for by Erika. I had planed on a simple out for a half hour and return- negative splitting of course. I did the first 30minutes without incidence, arriving at a T intersection. I could have turned around and went back where I came from OR I thought it might be fun to go on the No exit road that was a snowmobile path, thus completing a square back to Erika house.

The snowmobile trail was rough going- few sink holes, lots of mud, and many puddles- nothing a good trail runner can't handle. After about 10min I figured I should have met the road but instead the trail veered east when I needed to go west. Frustration abound, I turned around and ran back along that snowmobile trail. Now my destination is right along the hydro towers pathway and so coming across them I figured I could cut across the country side and take a fun short cut. Ten minutes later my legs are scratched from branches, I have had snow up to my knees- wearing shorts of course, and I come across a field of boulders. I admit defeat and turn around. I ended up being 25minutes late.. and I don't think Erika was to mad.

This would have not been so bad except for the fact I didn't have my cell phone on me, I had told no one where I was going, I was actually just in shorts and bra so if I had to stop/ injured I would be hypodermic rather quickly and I had no defence against wild animals. The pack of deer I saw wasn't likely to hurt me but the pack of coyotes I have seen in the past might have mistaken me for dinner.

Whats missing????

Temper

Emotional breakdown for unknown reason.

Re Fashion

My mother says this was my sister Kathie's coat- but not mine?? Even though she was older apparently I didn't wear it when I got to that size???
So I washed up up, sewed up the mice and moths would have made and sewed on some new buttons and ta da new coat! Vintage!

On another note.. Maya officially has straight hair now. I have hope once she hit maturity the curls will return. I think she is on her way to being a brunette permanently as well now.

Jammin in his Jammies

Due to Ever's persistent pretending that anything was a guitar we got him one... well it is really a ukalie but shhh don't tell him.

Tutus

This huge mass of pink tulle is to become tutus for Maya's dance class. I was handed it plus some old elastic with some vague instructions. I made four prototypes before I got it right.
Fun with the non- profit dance company.

Gambling

Tim Hortins- 1
Anne-0

How much of a scam I think the whole roll up the rim thing- Undefinable.....and yet I am still suckered in.

Febuary Totals

Keeping in mind that my tready isn't accurate, and my bike totals were a little off due to a flat tire issue making it rather easy to hammer it out... and really it just isn't right.

Swim- 6.7km.
Bike-150km
Run- 173km Thought this number would be higher, however I was sick for a few days and missed two runs- including a long one. Still disapointed.
Other- Downhill skiing x5hrs.

In the future

We think Maya has a strong future in middle management.

We have taken to calling her bossy bureaucrat.

She isn't very happy with us.

On Food

On family day our church had a little gathering for families to play games and have potluck. Sounds fun right?

Except I felt kinda stressed. There was snacks. There is always snacks. No matter where we go there is always food. Do we really need to eat at hour intervals...... I say no.

Sure it was only popcorn and juice* but it represents a problem. Historically perhaps yes we needed to eat more, where as now we do not have near the amount of physically taxing work to do thus we simply do not require the fuel, but we still eat, eat and eat.



*Juice- I'm guessing it wasn't fresh squeezed, so it is some chemical/ sugar concoction.

Safety?

At the grocery today I saw a person driving a minivan while talking on a cell phone, which is a forgivable offence. However, I also saw a infant car seat in the front passenger seat. I did a quick glance and saw that there were unoccupied seats in the back as well as noting that the seat belt for the front seat was dangling and not at the very least securing that seat. What I didn't notice was if there wasn't an actual baby in that seat. Soo I let it go.

Naughty Boy

One of the children's favorite games is to move the little table into the living room, move the cushion in front of it and jump off the table on to the mat.

There is a rule that in our house anything that I like gets broken. There are countless examples.

Do you see where this is going?? I asked Luke not to jump, I said he has broken other things by jumping ie. Our blanket box which remain unfixed.

He jumped. He broke the 35 year old table my siblings and I played with. He broke the table I lovingly refinished for my children. He broke the table.

I really do not know why he is smiling.

Cause everybody else has one

Maya NEEDED a seat cover for school cause everybody else has one.. well like three people. Fabric from Sally Maddock and who knows where the quiting batting came from.

Carrot Muffins

I had a craving for cream cheese icing. So I made vegan carrot muffins to go with. I used chia seeds instead of flax, and used grape seed oil instead of coconut oil.

On another note, our camera sucks.

Curried Sweet Poato Fritters

Super Yummy meal, this is the last one left. Simple and fast. From 2009 Vegetarian Times Magazine again.

Whisk together
-3 eggs
- 1/2c Cornmeal
-Curry powder
-1t grated ginger

Stir in
- 4c Grated Sweet potato
-1/2diced onion
-1/2c frozen peas
-1/4c Mango Chutney

Then fry up 4-5min per side. Preferably in a cast iron fry pan. FYI- bought mine at garage sales. Were rusty and yucky but cleaned up nicely.

Groundhog Jog

Little fun local race to help celebrate the rodents prediction of six more weeks of winter.... and winter it was!
The children went to Mary and Dwight of Wosley, and Luke and I did this little jog 'together'. I say together loosely cause Luke doesn't want to run with me :(
It was incredibly cold and windy. Some short stretches of snowdrifts on the roads, the driving snow was a nice touch. At several points I tucked in behind other runners to get a break from the wind. Reasonable crowd for a race that was put together in a month and a half on a cold winter day, we think about 75ish runners/walkers. I did it in around 22:57- 2nd female overall.
Luke did really well with around 25- 26min mark. Received a metal for my efforts, I already have a bronze in the same pattern so now I need is a shinny gold. Oh and best Engraving ever on a metal. Seriously can not stand metals that have no details.

The true highlight were the porta poties. The Cadillac of movable sanitation. A delight!