dreaming over the ocean

The last hour of work on a Friday afternoon is generally the toughest, right?  That’s what they say? I certainly am finding that true today. I also guess that the summer hold that much more anticipation! This weekend, Sean and I are off for a short two day trip to Penticton .  We would leave tonight, but, the heat is going to be sweltering, and we have to make accommodations for the dog. We are heading up there to Participate in the GranFondo: 180Km of cycling in 37 Degree heat.  YIKES!!!  I’m very excited though, and it seems like it is going to be a great event.  I just hope we can finish. Three weekends ago, I had just gotten back from Malawi .  I saw super sick.  That was not fun.  Two weekends ago, I spent it up in Whistler, with 5 other triathlon girls, doing a training weekend.  IT was amazing, and it really reminded me about how much joy it is to have “nothing but training” to do for a few days in a row.  Especially ...

Since America and Canada are two different countries, with very different lived experiences for citizens, I thought I would make a "public health announcement," since this topic (and others) seems to be high in the American media right now.  I know that in posting this, I risk raising a controversial topic; however, all I am doing is presenting evidence and knowledge. The information provided is also similar to a progestin-only IUD (Mirena). Medical Abortion is NOT the same as ECP (Emergency Contraceptive Pill) There are numerous misconceptions regarding ECP and medical abortions among health professionals and clients alike. The most significant difference to note is that medical abortions terminate an already existing pregnancy, whereas ECP preventsa pregnancy from happening. While both methods are safe and effective, there are differences in usage and mechanisms of action. Medical abortion uses a medication regimen to induce a miscarriage by  either blocking the hormon...

Normally, I don't write a race report on the day of a race.  Today, I will.  For two reasons: first, because I go to Malawi on Monday, and I won't otherwise have time.  Second, because I feel like I have to explain. Honestly, sometimes I like to think that I have "fans" that follow my times while I'm racing, or look up my results... And, when I have a race like today's, I feel... Well... Embarrassed.  I'm better than today's results.  You know it. My coach and my teammates know it. Even I know it. But here I am.  Saddened, because I had a beautiful opportunity in a beautiful location, and the world was my oyster.  Had I done a personal best time, I may have even qualified for Mt tremblant.  If I di what I have the potential to do, I certainly would've.  But today was not my day for that.  And, I'm sad.  I will be better. And I'm optimistic.  Calgary's race is far enough after my trip to Malawi for some awesome training, with...

So , its the eve of race day! A little copy and paste from an email I sent to my coach, earlier.  Mostly because I'm tired, and I don't want to type on my tablet more. But, let's just start this out with saying that Boise is beautiful!!! I'm so excited for this race tomorrow!!! I'm also so excited for my 12:40start time! Generally, the things that could effect this race are done, including the mandatory pre race frozen yogurt. Now it is to get a good sleep, a morning "get the jitters out" run, and toe the line tomorrow.  No photos, as I forgot my phone at home.  I'll upload some when I get home. Meanwhile, if you are at all interested in I am doing tomorrow, have a live feed at ironman tracker .  (That link might only open well in a mobile format... ).  I'm bib # 991! ----------- Drive went really well yesterday, got a little nap in there, didn't feel to stiff.  Wasn't able to get a run in, because it was about 11-12hrs... By the time!e...

OH boy.  It's almost 11pm, and I am awake in my bed, with my mind running 1,000,000 miles a minute.  I may not be able to sleep this evening because I had a glorious afternoon nap today, but, I know that my mind is running with all the things that are happening in the next two weeks. When I feel my tired legs lying in bed, I am reminded that my first big race of the season is right around the corner. In 9 days, I will be toe-ing the line at Boise 70.3 .  There are only 40 qualifying spots for 70.3 WC Mt Tremblant, so I have to have my A game on.  I have high expectations, because I have only been faster this year, than any other year prior.  Can I do a sub 5hour race?  I hope so... last year, there were two women in my age-group who were that fast.  in 2012, apparently, Boise 70.3 had a 15mile bike ride due to ice.  In 2011, the times are all slower than 6 hours.   What the heck is going on here?!?! All it means, is that I have no idea wh...

I really ought to start writing short, frequent blogs.  But, seriously... who has time!?!? What has been going on in this little life of mine!? Well, I have been hammering out personal best times : In February, at the First Half Marathon, I ran a PB of 1:42:52. In March, I didn't race. In April, I ran a "almost" PB of 47:33, having done a 115km bike ride the day before with lots of climbing. In May, I ran *another* Half Marathon PB of 1:40:46 at the Vancouver BMO race. Of course, in order to do all that personal best racing, I also have to be training hard.  Training hard, but maintaining sanity is my motto these days. I have been working working working hard.  It has been very busy at Primary Outreach Services, and I have been really enjoying the work with the clients & am excited about the "system" changes that are happening at work.  Its new and exciting.   Its also stressful at times. I have also had the chance to take a great little get aw...

Sean and I are currently on the ferry, making our way back home after a weekend on Vancouver island. Nice to get away from the regular bump and grind, and good to get a quick visit with the Birch side of the family.  We were taking the little trip to hopefully inspire young minds. That's the hope, anyway. A lesser known fact about my young life is that I am a private school graduate;  not only a private school, but a boarding school. My parents sacrificed a lot to send me away to a place that I would wake up to the ocean air every day, wear knee high socks and a tartan skirt, and be reprimanded for sneaking a pet hedgehog into my room to live in the closet. I'm not going to lie... I honestly think that if I did not go to Brentwood , I would not be the person I am today.  I would not have gone to WVU, because I would not have rowed. I may not have seen the world, because I would have stayed living in Edmonton. I also would not have had the house parent, coaches, friends, ...