dreaming over the ocean

Oh boy!  I cannot believe how quickly this spring had passed by.  Seriously, it is summer already, and Ironman Whistler is just around the corner.   These last couple months, particularly April, have been super hectic.  At the end of March, I had a couple weeks of feeling like I was never feeling healthy.  So much so, that around Easter, I was so sick that I was (well... Still am) convinced that I had mono.  I've never had it before in my life, and my symptoms were right on.  It wasn't strep, which was my other likely.   At that same time, we had a wedding on Vancouver Island, so my mum came to visit.  On her first day here, she slipped and broke her arm.  She stayed for 3ish weeks.   Around that time, sean and I travelled to California (it was awesome!), and I had one of my slowest 1/2 Iron distance races ever.  It hurt SO bad.  I learnt a very basic message:  you can't race fast and efficiently if you don't t...

Wow.  Can you believe that March is right there?  It is so close that we can touch it!  And, here in Vancouver, it feels like it.  Bright, sunny skies. Flowers blooming (?!?!) No snow on the mountains.  Outside riding already!  Hooray! This winter has been quick, spring is right around the corner, and the summer… well, let’s pretend it is still far away. I will be returning to my job at Primary Outreach Services, in the DTES, on Monday.  I have been away for about 8 months, and there are many things I am looking forward to in returning.  This time in public health has really served to teach me many things, and has really served to show me what components of public health nursing that I love, and which I don’t.  However, that is a whole other post, for a whole other day.  Maybe next week, once I am back. This past Sunday, I ran my first race of 2015 at the Fort Langley Historic Half.  Unfortunately, it was after having a month...

Every once and a while, something happens that gets me really stoked up for the coming season.  That recently happened.  But first, let me back up a bit... This coming season is going to be hard & challenging, and I expect it to push my limits.  Not only my limits, but the limits of everyone around me as well:  we often forget about all the people “on the periphery” who help support people’s dreams.  They are the ones that allow crazies like me (someone who holds a full time job, and too many volunteer positions) to succeed. Recently I received a great notification that I had been chosen as part of the Betty Designs 2015 team! So far, what I like is that as a “silent feminist” I get to be on a virtual team of strong, inspirational women, who are able to come together, network, and encourage each other.  It’s like a free group of new friends! I truly believe that the way women encourage each other is exceptionally empowering.  I also...

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 ...

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...

When I was out for my long run yesterday, in the brisk winter evening, I was thinking a little bit about dedication and follow through.   I think that has been a bit of a theme recently, and it was at the front of my mind yesterday, following a bit of a "bust" with a yoga fundraiser. I have always believed that once you commit to something, you should follow through with it.  I was once having a conversation, mid-way through my first M.Sc Degree (which I loathed), and the person asked me why I was continuing doing something I was not enjoying.  To me, it was because I started.  I couldn't just stop... maybe it would mean defeat, maybe it would feel like I was pulling out of a commitment. I just knew I had to finish.  This may not be the same for everyone, but it is for me. In my life now, I see this theme repeating itself, over and over again.  It happens in Triathlon. for Malawi. for God. Yesterday, after a few weeks of trying to get some information...

and, what a summer it has been.  I cannot believe how quickly it is zooming by, and part of that is probably because I have been working a full time job, as well as trying to enjoy the dog days of summer.  Other than working, our trip to alaska, and eating ice cream sandwiches, i have been busy training and racing.  Of course, I have a big race coming up in exactly one month August, which is Challenge Penticton.  I am really excited for this race, because it is my first full-length/iron-length/"ironman" race.  It is held on the same course as it has been for the past 30 years, but put on by a different company.  I like getting new flavour in the triathlon world, and I think Challenge is going to be able to deliver great things.  Meanwhile, I have had a few other races on the docket, and this past weekend was one that I felt excited about. The first time I ever was exposed to Long distance triathlon was way back in 2008, when I did a relay r...

All of a sudden, I am racing a 1/2 ironman on saturday.  Not going to lie, it has kinda crept up on me, and as always, i have NO IDEA how I am going to do. I've already had my little freak out to Sean, where I complain that I haven't trained enough, and how it is going to be hot, and at elevation, and how there are more than 130 women in my age group.  that new, fast, age group   YOu know the one... those women who have been doing the sport long enough to be experienced, but not so long that their body is rebelling? WElcome to age group 30-34.  Welcome to St George, Utah. It's going to be hot . In more ways than one! meanwhile, I am doing things like this, to get me race ready... i went to physio today, and he did acupuncture.  If you remember, in 2007, I had a bike crash that caused me to break both my arms.  It left me with one joint that was "good."  I.e.  never been fractured. But, since my arms are pretty much ...

There, being where?!?!!? there being New Orleans .  There being back home in Vancouver .  There being done my assignments .  Done being job searching.   There are so many things going on right now!  so, i am going to hit a few points: triathlon, Malawi, and school.   Triathlon:  It's kinda amazing, because the fact that I am doing a 70.3 in 8 days has kinda snuck up on me.  I know that I haven't talked much about triathlon this spring, because... well... sometimes I wonder how interesting it is to people?!?!?  I do  think that there is so much more in this world (and, consequently, in my life) worth talking about.  Not that it isn't interesting... but, it's narrow.  And, I wish that this blog can reach a large group of readers.  Not just people who do triathlon. that being said.... I am SUPER excited about this race.  Mostly, because I feel spot on.  Now, I have no data to back that up.  Not really...

In Celebration of the official first day of spring, that happened 5 days ago, I present to you a time-lapse video of flowers blooming.  I really like how some go super fast, and some are slower.  And how they all go with the catchy background music.  It just makes you feel good. Couple of big things going on. #1: it has been BEAUTIFUL in Montreal this last week.  We had a couple days of 20+ weather.  All the snow has melted, and little sprouts are coming out of the ground.  the most disapointing thing, though, is that i only have winter shoes.  and my toes want to be free.  yet, they can't be, because my sandals are in vancouver.  I think that makes a big difference in training, because you just want to be outside.  Despite the HUGE amount of school work that is happening right now, I was able to get a quality 14 hour week in.  but, it has now returned to the seasonal norms, which means: training goes back inside, and toes are...

surely, this cannot be true.  but, alas.  i can see the end of the summer. in a mere 4 weeks , I will be one day post my last race of the season, and 1 day pre-leaving for africa. HOLY CRAP! it feels like there is so much time left, but also so little.  Scheduling is crazy and time is ticking away.  between now and then, there are weddings to attend on the west coast, "inlaws" to visit with, training to be done, Rx's to be picked up (yup. the doc convinced me to go on malaria prophylaxis), bags to move and people to visit with, work to do, and school work to be formatted.  oh yeah.  a lot of finger crossing and god praying to be had that my trip to Malawi is not a total gongshow. Anyway, i was down in Canmore this weekend, supporting and cheering and volunteering for the boy I like love's  24 Hour of Adrenalin   corporate team.  Like last year, it was a load of fun, I had a (marginally) better volunteer position, and I...

so, the other day, I had the first conversation where training got in the way of "life."  I mean, there have been other times, but, this time was the first time I had a conversation where I realized that not everyone thinks that my way of prioritizing is "normal." the conversation went something like this, at about 10 pm: "well, I have a 2-hr bike ride for sometime tomorrow and swim practice in the morning.  And a dentist appointment.  and work.  Do you want to join me for the bike ride?" "hmmm, sure, that sounds good.  What time?" "Well, I was thinking after I get back from work." "when are you working until?" "7pm" "ummmm.  you want to ride at 7:30, for 2 hours?  when are you doing to eat dinner?" "well, after?" "errrr... isn't eating just as important as training?" "well, yes.  but, i will  eat.  just after riding." .... quizzical  stare. "i mean, it...

consistency and organization.  The first has seemed to be the recent trend in multisport.  And, by trend, i mean... it seems as if i am reading lots about it lately.  People seem to be talking about it a lot lately.  And, the second. well, it seems to go so nicely with the first. because if you lack organization, consistency is pretty difficult to have. I have been learning about consistency lately.  A friend of mine wrote a fantastic entry   (followed up by a blog entry about time... um... consistency and organization, AGAIN!)  about how it is not all that impressive to have a run in the morning, and a swim in the evening.  but, what is pretty impressive, is doing that same routine (or similar) day in and day out, for weeks. months. years. My coach   recently raced Gulf Coast Triathlon  and nailed her bike leg, which allowed her to have a great run.  Just look at this power file: a straight line, with a Hea...

so, it has been a while since I have had a decent post, and, there have been quite a few reasons as too why. I have had a great couple weeks.    things in life are going well .  They have been busy, I have had my first real race of the season, I am in the final steps of submitting my research proposal, and I started my final "Stage" (aka. clinical rotation) for the school year.  Grades for the semester are starting to roll in, so far, with very good results.  Over easter, i got to see the ever hot and wonderful boy i like. and, all of this means that I have all of 120 clinical hours remaining between me and the summer. it means that i don't really have much homework. just paying 800$ tuition for working 40hrs a week. 120 clinical hours between me and complete school freedom (or, so i hope) for the summer. 120 clinical hours between me and moving on from montreal for at least 8 months. 120 clinical hours between me and going to hawaii. 120 clinical hours ...

so, i have a few minutes to blog, before i get back to my papers, or, before the boy i like calls.  i am sitting in my bed, looking at the *terrible* weather outside, and exhausted due to the workout that i just finished.  you can see it here: I am running a 1/2 marathon tomorrow , (but would rather be racing NOLA 70.3 .  but, life and funds dictate something else... one day i will get back to race my "inaugural" 1/2 ironman).  I really hope that the weather clears up tomorrow, or the race will be like it was last year.  wet and cold.  and, that is NOT weather for a PB.  and, i really  want a PB for this distance.  it has been 2.5 years that i have ran 1:46's on my stand alone 1/2's.  it is time, folks.   time to smash that.  (but... after the past few weeks of crappy training... and today's workout?!?  we shall see...) and, just as a note... i have been loving working out in my new zones... they have definitely bump...

but, only for a short time.  Tonight, I am having to myself.  I will finish a glass of wine, watch a movie, and go to sleep *EARLY.* first off, thanks to all the great comments after my 5km race report.  they really meant a lot.  and, also, if you are a (possibly new) follower (via blogspot or twitter), post a comment!  I would love to know you are following, and add you too my RSS feed.  I love new followers, and i love reading new blogs, and i LOVE getting comments from you all.  honestly... what do YOU want to read about?! what are you interested in!? I have not had a quality post in quite some time, because it is crunch   time,  my friends.  It is that time of the semester where everything tumbles together, no matter how well prepared you were for it.  I thought (oh so naively, perhaps) that I was on top of my work.  but, sadly, that was not quite true. Over the last 3 weeks, i have been ears deep in school work...

first off, it is a recovery week . It means: more time for school work. More time to see friends. More time to sleep. More time to focus on good nutrition. All things i like. secondly, the forecast is amazing. that means lots of outside commuting, and sunshine to wake me up in the morning, and crisp nights. it means extra free energy. its not warm. but it is sunny and dry. thirdly, lots of things for school are wrapping up. i just had my last family nursing meeting. Tomorrow, I will do a final OSCE for my physical assessment class. I will have my last clinical rotation feedback class. all of this means papers are soon to be due, and presentations are to be had, but, in general, there is an end to this story of the semester. fourth, i ROCKED master's swimming last night. We had a 1000m warm up, then a pyramid, that included 50/100/200/400/200/100/50 sprint/fast bits, with recovery distances in between. Normally, my "go to" T-Time for 100m is 1:30, fairly co...

I am super duper tired. no matter what, it seems as if i can't get enough sleep each night. but, thus is life. so, just sayin that this post is prolly going to be short... training is crazy these days... i am in the last week of my second strength/tempo block of the winter. And, one of the things about these weeks, is that running is loaded to the front end of the week. on sunday, i have a long run. on monday, an hour endurance. on tuesday, a 45 min tempo effort, doing mile repeats. and, i don't know about you, but, many times, i thin that running is the necessary evil attached to the end of two beautiful activities. i am not a runner. but, something has clicked in the last few weeks. all of a sudden, i have learnt to run in my zones. this has been a LONG time coming. I remember many many post-workout comments of "are you sure that you want me running in HR zones that low? i can bike in them... but, running, my HR can't stay below 150..." now, i feel ...

so, yesterday was NOT as it was expected to be. I guess, the weekend was not as it expected to be. yesterday, after I posted my post, i ran out the door (Late, as always on a sunday morn) to head to church. Walked around the corner, saw a man peeing in a corner. fan-fricken-tastic. is *this* how the day is going to go? it got better. got to church, and had a good start to the service. We have recently had a influx of people who are closer to my age, which is great. Considering, at my church , we have all of about 15 people who regularly attend. and, there is about 2 who are my age. anyway, i disgress. i often go to churches which are not your "run of the mill" church. so, this one fits well in my life. i find it also very "new testament." but, we also are a church which is kinda "on the fringe." on the fringe, meaning, well, we often have crazy people come into the service. and, when I say crazy, i mean crazy... like, often being treated...