Milton Crap- o- Rama Duelathon

Ok OK OK I know I am suppose to be all positive and say I was just going out there for fun, just to see where my fitness is at, who cares about the results blah blah blah but really I didn't think I would do that BAD.

This morning I left my house at 6:18am to get to the Kelso Conservation Area before the roads closed at 8:30 for my race which was to start at 10am. Great drive down, wasn't nervous, ate breakfast while driving, not sleepy at all. Got a little nervous when all saw all the talent...basically all the cool bikes- mainly Cervelos. Little nervous when all saw the many Duelathlon racks. Not at all nervous at the start line.. Just didn't think there was a tremendous amount of competition... WRONG. Had a decent first run- wanted around 4:30km and was 4:43km- still good enough for third woman into transition. First transition was nothing special- need to work on them.. Managed to clip in ok at the mount line without out fault- which is a victory. Then onto the bike course... wish I could say something nice about it.. nope only negatives..so many in fact it calls for bullets.

• The wind- 47km/hr.
• The COLD wind.
• Riding up the 6th line hill- against the wind.
• Dropping my chain, having to get off and reset it as it get jammed and just can't put it on while still riding.
• Having to walk up a hill after dropping said chain cause I know I wouldn't be able to clip in on the hill.
• People on ridding on the right. On the rare occasion that I could pass a mountain bike, or an 80 year old man, I couldn't do quick enough.
• The 6th line hill, with the wind at my back and ridding my brakes down the entire thing. Some people told me they reached 75km/hr going down. Wasn't worth it to me going that fast and crashing.
• Lack of bike computer.. I swear every time Luke touches my bike he disrupts it.
• SOOO many people passing me, the entire ride.
• Even when I felt I had a grove going.. Passed again.
• And the worst of all.. my time 26km hour. I might have been out there on a trike. 100/139- Numbers don't lie- I completely sucked up the bike.

So I finninaly made back to T2- people are already finishing- How bad is that? Go to rack my bike and my spot is gone. Crap quickly look around for a place to rack and in the process knock over one of those shinny P3 Cervelos. Opps- waste more time picking it up. Figure might as well do a clothing change and take off my long sleeve. First time using a race belt. Actually really like it- don't know why i resist it. My goal for the secondrun was 5min km and not to be passed- by anybody. Let a few men pass, but mostly did the passing, but by that point the only people left on the course were drawing the pension so that was simple.

Over all, I wanted to do it in 1:50 and failed miserly. 1:59. I have never done soo poorly, so off where I thought I could do. I didn't even stay for door prises. I mulled and fumed for the whole two hour drive home. I guess God thought I needed some humbling. I will be off to go weep silently in the corner.

A and L

This has got to be the first couple shot taken of us in MANY years.

Winner!!

Well after stating my sadness about never winning anything.....I won something! Tonight at the kick off night for the triathlon club I won the big prize of a Chiroflow water pillow, courtesy Hanover chiropractic, which happens to be where I get my back cracked. Now that Ever is sleeping through the night- well mostly I'm set to SLEEP.

Nachos

One day I was really hungry, and so I made a big plate of nachos. I thought ' I hope nobody comes and sees me eating this big plate of nachos'. Of course somebody did. This person offered me a fork to eat my big plate of nachos. I said no thank you. I took the picture to remove my shame from eating this big plate of nachos. I have shame cause I think I am gaining weight cause Ever is nursing less, and I am exercising less. I don't want to be exersising less.

Creative Arts

It is VERY difficult to get a good picture of Maya. She just doesn't seem to know how to smile.

This past weekend my brother got married. Seeing the day as a sewing opportunity I jumped on it. For Maya, simple little dress. Only problem was making it HUGE. I swear I made it in the right size and measurements- even got somebody to help measure her so it would right. Thus had to take it in at the sides and hem it again. Did the waist three times. However, overall was simple. Done in Amy Butler fabric- as chosen by Maya. It was expensive but worth it.
Ever's little sailer suit was completed using a 35 year old pattern. Oh and it was insane. Just didn;t make sense.. thankfully I was able to sew at work during the night on my breaks. The thankful part is the other nurse previous job was sewing so thanks to her Ever's suit turned out so well. It must have taken me at least ten hours, but I got the fabric on sale so it cost less then $15 to make.
Amy, Doug's new wife also saw her wedding as an opportunity to create. She knitted the sweater and made the skirt. How cute is that!!

Disciplinarian

Maya is five years old. Old enough to know that there are consequences for her actions... or in actions. I asked her last week to put away her clean clothes, I reminded her several times, I even told her to go do it NOW. Later after she went to bed I noticed that the clothes were STILL not put away sooo I took all of her dresses and hid them. This was Tuesday. Now it is Thursday and if the NEW lot of clean clothes are not put away by the time I get home the skirts are going to. That girl had better learn to listen or she will be naked.

Note- Taking away her clothes should work as she loves her dresses.

Eating their weight in Food

One of the claims to fame of the trillium run is that it is the best fed race around. True- tons of food, fabulous. Pizza- even veggie, fruit and veggies and cheese platters, bananas, yougert, sandwiches, wraps with BACON, assorted sweets, soda. Wonderful. Kinda gave the kids freedom to eat what they wanted. Maya had a field day. at one point she had to sit cause her "tummy hurt from eating to much". And the true mark of having enough... she didn't even ask for lunch on the way home. In fact she ate a light dinner.
Don't worry I will make her run laps to work it off tomorrow.

Just Cute

Mount Forest Trillium Run

Fourth Race in four weeks...yep getting a little tired. Only one more to go..... If I do it.

I did this race last year, but it was a different course and I had my exclusively breastfed baby in tow soo there is not much comparison. I did a PR for 10k- 45 :39. Good enough for 3rd overall. Wish I could say it was fun..but it was painful. I have had kinda a lazy month for training- other than races I have not really made it my priority, I think it was a combination of long recovery after around the bay and with killer cold/sinus something/ death virus. I started off with Westgrey, but wasn't feeling it so dropped off around 3-4k. Had more issues with stations only offering Gatorade when I wanted water. I feel really refreshed when I can dump a cup on my head, not so nice doing that with Gatorade. Really felt like I could never just get in the groove, although I kinda kicked it up around 8k and felt every step the last 2k. Able to sprint the last 100metres so I'm happy about that.
Now for the greedy portion of my post. Pictured is my joyous smile pretending that I am happy about the hat. Another hat. Hat that does not even fit me, nor Luke. Guess I am donating it to something. Anybody need a actually really nice brooks red hat?
Also... it has been sooooooo long since I have won anything in the draw prices. I would have been happy with a goody bag or socks or that devinici hybrid, or the Tim Hortins coffee maker. My plan was to sell the bike I won to buy a wetsuit. Lukes theory is that something really good must be coming.

Toronto

This week Maya and I travelled to Toronto to see a pediatric dermatologist for a check up on her nevus sebaceous, in case you are interested, it will be removed the summer of her 15th year. So while we were in Toronto we decided to do some other girly things, alot of which were vittoed due to see below, and the insane two hour wait for the doctor. She seemed proud that she was so behind. What we did do was ride a TTC bus to the subway station and ride the subway to the Eaton's Centre!! I had not been there since before we moved from Toronto, so it was interesting to see some changes on Young. As well, style watching while shopping was incredibly fun. Am aware I have no personal style. The day for Maya was all about food. She absolutely had to have desert after dinner- thus she got a chocolate at Godiva chocolates-but because we both looked rather worn out (Messy/Poor/ Dressed in Hanover chic) the clerk gave her an extra brownie.
Maya got a sweatshop dress from H &M, and I got one from Joe. I really wanted one from Jacob or Banana Republic, but I just could not justify the cost. Especially since.. see below. The highlight for the day was definitely the subway- so many questions. Funny because before we actually went on one she had no concept of what one was.

The other exciting news for Thursday was the engine seized on our 2002 Toyota. Yep, apparently a gasset blew which allowed antifreeze to leak all over the engine which caused it to lose all power. BUT I am choosing to praise god in this situation because:
- It happen somewhat close to home, outside of Arther.
-I was able to get off the road safely
-I was actually carrying my cell and was able to get Luke and CAA to come with in the hour.
- It was not raining so Maya and I were able to sit in the sun, in a field, eating a snack while we waited.
-I did not have Ever with me.
-We still made it to our appointment as we had actually left several hours early. Luke and I just switched cars.
-God is amazing and will provide.

Married

Every night Maya begs and pleads with us to cuddle her while she is going to sleep. My solution... she can just get married now to some little boy- problem solved.

Chesley Community Classic

Have I mentioned that I hate 5k? Just not my distance, although I read recently that EVERYBODY feels like hell doing them. Of course being a sucker for punishment, and it benefited the hospital, I participated, completing the hilly, windy course in 22:38. It should have rained just to add to my torture.
At the start line- which was rather expanded this year due to being the 20th anniversary, and the high school joining in- I thought I could possibly win it again. However at that moment I saw THE local fast female toe in at the start line. Then I realized one of these high schoolers might actually be racing it. Thus, I was 8th overall, 3rd female, 2nd in my age category.
Much sadness as this was to be the 5k that Luke promised to run with me this year. Guess it will just have to be another.

Fashion Friday

Some key fashion DO NOTs for the spring season....

- Shirts/ Sweaters with kittens, puppies should not be worn by those over the age of 12.
-Uniform scrub tops, although quite comfortable should be limited to those actually needing a uniform. Socially- not acceptable.
-Although I have mentioned it before, it bears repeating. Skater shoes should be worn be those who skateboard. Those under the age of 25 can get away with it if they absolutely have to dress in the skater style. Over age 25- move on and pick out something more sensible.

Phones in the 21st Century

If there is one thing that makes me feel like its the "future", its today's touch phones.

In my effort to be more organized with my work stuff, I have been humming and hawing over upgrading my phone to a to one that would allow me to do office stuff, be orgaized and check mail, task list, quick notes, that sort of stuff.
After much research and testing, I decided on the Samsung Omnia:

It has Windows Mobile 6.1, Mobile Office, Wi-Fi, decent reception, touch screen , totally customizable, easy of use, small size etc.
So far I like it and its been pretty easy to get used to.
The only thing I don't like is there is not simple place to put the stylus, which I use on it a lot.
So far it seems like its going to be worth it. I just pray I don't drop it or break it.

Injury

After having not really hurt myself for a couple of seasons, I have been kind of waiting this past year to get injured.
So it happened at the last game of Futsal (indoor soccer) of the season this past Monday.
My team was short and we had no subs. It was about 8 minutes into the second half and my team was up 4-1. I was defence and tried to stop the ball from going out over goal line to prevent a corner kick and at the same time an opposing player was trying to kick it at the net. Somehow I managed to trip over the end of my foot and the other player kind of fell into me at the same time.
So this was the result (although I think this picture is from Wednesday). I was out for the rest of the game and my ankle immediately started swelling. The bruising and such didn't appear until the next evening. Its probably one of the more painful injury's I have had before but at least I can walk on it as long as I don't go sideways at all.
I am just hoping it gets well soon enough that I'm not going to miss any outdoor games.

Sleep!

The other day I tried for two hours to get Ever to have nap....my mother picks him up and he fell alseep in less the two minutes no joke. We have offered her a permanent place in our home.

A tale of Two Races.

A few of the races I have done also have kids fun runs. Up to now Maya has been very much against participating in such events. However, I mentioned this week of the possibility of her running in the 5peaks children's challenge, and surprisingly she seemed keen. Originally she wanted to run the advertised 1km run in her flip flops... but I manged to talk her out of it and into some sensible Barbie running shoes. She defied popular choice of wearing sports wear and instead opted for a skirt ensemble. Maya was so excited getting her number, getting her race kit, and lining up. She wasn't really interested in a warm up and stretch, but really I do not think it affected her performance. She did so great running, not stopping once all with a smile on her face. The course wasn't so much 1km as 250metres, but fun was had by all. To reward her efforts she was presented with a rice krispie and a certificate. She plans on bring her race number and sharing the details of her victorious run at show and tell this week.

After the excitement of Maya's race, I geared up to run the Enduro 8.7k course. As I had run 5 peak course at Horseshoe Valley last year, it being a ski hill and all- I figured although it was a different geographic location, it would be technically similar. Was I wrong!!!
Very technical course which took full advantage of said ski hill. It also took full advantage of melting snow to create MUD. Pictured are my shoes- my free shoes. The ones I have to show off at the run clinic...to the washing machine for them. The hose did nothing.
After learning my lesson last year I correctly chose to go at the front of the second wave. I was running with people at my level. I push them and they push me, few passed and I passed only a few. We headed straight up the ski hill to wide switch backs which essentially were mud slip and slides. I managed to go down only once and caught myself with one muddy hand. By a km into the race I was mud from the knees down. We then settled into single track mostly uphill rolling hills, mud pits, rocky large boulder sections, MTN biking boardwalks, and very steep uphills. THEN i did the second loop for the enduro course. Was hot, should have worn my singlet. Found the first loop hard and painful, second fun, after I had gotten into a groove. It was way more demanding then I thought it would be, and because of that stupid mud I have blisters on both of my feet.
Coming into the race I was thinking 42ish min for the trail run. After I started it, guessed 45min, after the second loop I figured I would be happy to finish under 55min. Honestly I have never walked more in a race in my life. And to think I did this instead of the half marathon because I thought it would less taxing on my STILL infected with cold virus body. I'm using an inhaler now!!!
By the numbers...
Overall- 64/258
Female- 7/94
Age Cat 3/36- Yes a metal!
Time- 51:53
Pace- 6:03- You have no idea how this number hurts me.

I have Short toes..... but really any human can run.

Twitter

Wondering at 3:38am if anybody I know is using twitter? Other than YOU Luke. Will the secrets ever end???

Spring Thaw

For a fun little "C" race I did the Barrie Spring Thaw this weekend. Mostly it was a reason to have a quick visit with Andrea, but I also wanted a chance to do a 5k race and see how much farther I have to go in order to do 5k under 20 minutes.

Perhaps this wasn't the race to do it.

As it was a 'C' race- meaning mostly for fun, not following my pre race rituals, sickly with a cough that sounds like I am a pack a day smoker, a sinus thing going on that causes a constant drip of thick yellow blood tinged discharge......perhaps it was not my best perform possible.
Goal was 22min.
Actual time 22:18.. so not bad, beat the fit looking girl with nicer legs then me so all is good. Think I was the third female across the line. Second in my age category, pretty what much I expected from a charity run benefiting the local christian high school.

The highlight post was going to the running room and getting a brooks running skirt. Thanks Annie! Took it out on a LSD today. Is great... slightly worried I got the wrong size- hoping it will shrink in the wash a tad.