Hatley

Yesterday was the Hatley Castle 8K.

After talking with Paulie the night before, he convinced me I should race... and I'm glad I did! I keep forgetting what the 'runner's high' is like, and I'm reminded with every race I enter.

The course is notorious for showing no mercy on the steep climbs and rolling hills. Heading for the start line, I was beginning to question myself if this was a smart decision... but it was a little late to be backing out then --too many people have already seen me.

Hoping to run under 40 minutes, I crossed the finish line at 41:04 - which isn't a bad time for me. I was thinking sub 40 was a little unrealistic. But, on the plus side, I got a calf massage at the end!! And total bonus: my masseuse was pretty dang cute.

Today, my body feels pretty good! I'm pumped.... I have no aches, no pains! Perhaps I wasn't pushing hard enough.. !? I must say, I gave it a pretty hard effort on the last 500 m stretch. There was a fleeting 2-3 seconds at the finish line where I thought it was possible I could have met my '09 goal, and puked. Sigh... It vanished pretty quick, though.

I'm hoping to get into a regular running routine to get myself into better running shape. I'm looking into joining a running team. A little ambitious, I know... but all those runners from PIH, Westshore, or Running Room are so fit and look so damn ripped. I'm hoping I can hold off from my regular junk food binge - wish me luck!!

I've also given some serious consideration to running some longer running races. The Merville 15k is coming up... and maybe even a 1/2 sometime this season.. ? I suppose that would mean that I have to be doing some longer training runs... I'll keep you posted on how/if those go!

Meanwhile, here's a picture of me from the race:


Keep fit and have fun!

J

ah, simply marvelous...

These past three days have been my saving grace.

It all started Wednesday. I woke up early. Ran at 10:30, swam at noon. Came home, had lunch then napped for two hours. The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to creeping on facebook, organizing my room, lazing around. Thursday was much of the same. Swam at 9:45, home for lunch at noon, then had a nap. I cut it to 30 minutes to avoid the groggyness I experienced the day before. It worked - I woke up feeling rather refreshed. My afternoon consisted of lots of wasting time, facebook, and writing emails. Then at 5:30, it was off to spin. I don't know if it's possible, but I bet I lost around five pounds through my sweat. That was the first night I did the run off the bike. Just a ten minute steady jog, but it felt great! I'm hoping it's getting my body prepped for UBC, which is only 2 weeks away!!

Today, I'm hoping to be slightly productive and get a start on some papers due next week :-(

The last few weeks have been hellish to say the least. The copious amounts of work and stress have been wrecking havoc on my body; mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I couldn't even begin to explain how low I've been feeling, so reading week couldn't have come at a better time. The last few days have been reminding me of my hawaii days...

...riding to the hot ponds...
...running along shower drive...
...swimming in the pahoa pool because it's warmer than the hilo one...
...talking with the hippies at the pahoa market...
...going into town for random fun events...
...ecstatic dance...
...sunday markets...
...safeway sandwiches...
...the 'be cool' loop...
...richardson's beach..
...being serenaded to sleep by the coqui frogs...
...talking with Chad at Safeway...

ah, simply marvelous...


J

Tuh - aw - muss

Two years ago today, Tom was riding his bike down Elk Lake Drive when he got hit by an astro van. In celebration of this anniversary, his recovery, his amazing positive attitude, motivation, devotion to a better lifestyle and making life as awesome as possible... this blog entry is dedicated to him.

Tom is nothing short of amazing. No more than a month after his accident, he was back riding on the roads again!

Today, Tom is still dealing with side-effects of his accident, but still continues to train as hard as he can and keep a positive mentality.

He's taken a horrible situation, and gives it a positive light; making other cyclists aware of dangers on the road, reminding drivers to be more cautious when they're driving, and generally helping others grasp a greater appreciation for life and striving to achieve all the wonders that comes out of it.

Tom is one of the most amazing people I know. I look up to him as a big brother, an athlete, a person, a friend. I'm very glad he didn't get completely crushed by that astro van!

Got 5 minutes? Check this link!

Keep fit and have fun!

J