THE MONTHLY POST....

I have come to this! One post per month... oh well, better than leaving the blogosphere altogether!!

I copied Lisa and ordered the exact same cycling jersey she had bought! I felt like a copycat but her being in New Mexico I knew we wouldn't be seen together wearing them... ;-) She had requested a picture so here it is:
I've done 3 races in the last month... keeping myself busy =)

1- Tour du Lac Brome 5K -21 June 2009

Like I mentionned in my last post, I offered the 5K race registration as a gift to my Dad for father's day and told him we would run it together. He has been running for a year now and I'm really proud of him for keeping up with his 3 runs a week. His previous PB was 41:10 at the Miami Tropical 5K. It rained a little bit a the beginning but we had a mostly dry race. The weather was perfect for a PB! And PB he did! We finished in 39:18 and he worked hard for it, the course was a lot hillier than what we're use to in the East side of Montreal. It was great to push him on the course and have him meet his goal. My Dad rocks!! 2- Not since Moses 10K -28 June 2009
This is by far the weirdest and most awesome adventure race you can do!! We run at the bottom of the seawall when the tide goes away in the Bay of Fundy. It's a mix of sand, mud, knee high water, rocks running. Very hard to do but very fun! I was even attacked by a lobster and a blue lobster nonetheless! Those are pretty rare and I couldn't believe I'd seen one =)

3- St-Lambert Sprint Triathlon -18 July 2009

I was pretty nervous heading into the race because I haven’t gone to the pool often in the last few months and I knew it was going to be hard. When I left the house it was pouring rain and dark, suppose to thunder shower... Surprise surprise at the race site: it's sunny and warm!! My cheering squad could have come afterall.... oops didn't have sunscreen...

Swim 750m -18:37 (including T1)

Very satisfied with my swim, I passed 2 swimmers in my lane and hold on to the lead swimmer. 30 laps went by really fast. This swim was only 30 sec slower than at my last tri (Esprit).

Bike 22K -42:49 (including T2 of 2:17)

We had to do 6 loops and I remember messing up at my first sprint tri so I kept repeating which loop I was on…. It did feel a little OCD. LOL Garmin tells me I had a speed of 30 km/h on the bike which I’m very proud of! All that cycling commute is definitely paying off. =)

Run 5K -36:21

The run was hard, I maintained an 11:21 pace, not the 10:30 I wanted but I couldn't go faster. I'm sort of disappointed in my run but it was 30°C and the sun really hit hard on me. I didn't let this bring my mental down when I saw I was slowing down, I always tried to pick the pace up a little.

So overall, I'm happy with how I raced and going to try and do better at Valleyfield! I was burnt on my shoulder and face and felt sick most of the afternoon and night... never forget that sunscreen even if it rains! Lesson learned...

TIME FLIES.... AND I CAN'T KEEP UP...

It's been 1 month + since I've checked in here. I feel like I can't keep up reading what others have to say anymore so I feel bad just posting and not replying to my blogger friends.

I've been cycling commuting for 2 months now, only missing a few days and I'm totally loving it! I'm doing 100-125 miles a week. The days I had to take the bus/subway were horrendous and I don't know what I will do come the fall when it gets cold... snowy and they close the cycling path. I'll probably be heading into a depression ;-)

I've lost 22 lbs and I feel great (only 15 to be back in marathon shape!). I remain pain free when running, I still have to pinch myself once in a while... It's so hard to believe!! I am not going crazy and will only run half-marathons in the fall and keep on with the stretching, icing and cross training. I'm up to 8 miles LSD and having a big grin in my face the whole time =)

Training for Niagara half starts at the beginning of August. In the meantime, I'm running a 5K race tomorrow to celebrate father's day with my Dad. Next week, I'm running 10K on the sea floor. And I've got one or two sprint triathlons in mind.

I had tae-box classes on Friday at lunchtime and I LOVE it. It's over for the summer but I've been thinking of registering somewhere since I loved it so much.

Hope you're all enjoying the summer, I'll try to be better ;-)

BIKE COMMUTING ADVENTURES!

Wind of 33 km/h in my face...

Wind gusts of 46km/h...

Ride of 1h25 instead of 1h...

Plastic bag got caught up in my rear wheel!!!

so I had to stop and remove chunks of plastic everywhere!

BUT looking like a superhero at work...

LOVING IT!!!!

CATCHING UP....

So I've been MIA. The cycling commute is kicking my ass!! I'm doing 25 miles per day on average (40 K for the metric folks). I'm definitely feeling it in my legs on the Friday. I believe most of the time the wind is in my face and when it's not I am FLYING! Rain or shine I am on my bike and not looking back at my time on the bus/subway. And I've lost like 7 lbs so who could complain about that?!!

I've been seeing the new physio and just started having some great results with the cold laser treatment on top of icing like crazy and stretching. I had my first run PAIN-FREE since November 2007 yesterday!! A blissful 5K with Rocky. It was wonderful. I'm feeling the foot a little right now but continuing with the treatment and hoping to see continuous improvement. Physio is SURE I will be able to run the Niagara Falls half on my Birthday and that made me very happy. I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And the 'stupid foot' problems might be coming to an end...

Leaving you with a pic of Rocky and the tulips who are just out in our front yard.

I hope all the Mississauga runners are having a great time!

HIKING IS MY NEW FOUND PASSION!

I know it's been 3 weeks since the Easter trip but I just got the pictures my friend took during the week-end! And Andra asked for a trip report =)

We were in Willoughby State Forest near Barton (VT) which is pretty small and not touristy at all. It was really peaceful and quiet, in fact we only saw 2 other hikers the whole time...

First day: Moose Mountain

We did not see anyone on the mountain that day and it probably was because the conditions were EXTREME. There was a snowstorm (-3°C/26F) with 30 mph wind... intense. We did not pack for winter conditions and it was up to 15°C the day before so it was a little unexpected. We were cold as soon as we started our hike! The trail was considered moderate but the first mile was all uphill with a climb of 900 ft. It was all snow and ice, good thing we had our grips on. We stopped twice, once for a snack but after 3 mins we couldn't feel our fingers and we were really cold. That's at that point that we noticed Rocky was shivering so I put him in his little carrier (YES I know how crazy it looks to carry your dog in a baby bag!!) but he really needed it. I even had to remove one my fleece and put it around him....

After 2h30 of pretty brutal conditions we made it to a lookout and got a great view of the moutains around even if it was a pretty dark day.

We tried to eat our lunch but it was too cold so we decided to make it back. I felt really heavy carrying Rocky and it was hard to move fast. The descent was quicker but it was hard for the knees and ankles. At this point, I removed Rocky from the bag and he made it down the mountain by himself. We were so happy to get back to the car and put the heat on!! We had the remaining of our lunch there. We felt pretty hardcore but needed a 2h nap to recover LOL

Total: 6.8 miles in 4h15

Second Day: Pigsah Mountain

There is a God somewhere because our 2nd day was totally gorgeous. A little warmer 5°C/41F without a crazy wind. It was still cold but we were able to eat our lunch at the lookout point without shivering to death =) The trail was harder but still considered moderate by the map, we hiked 1200 ft. in 1.1 miles. The view from the top and onto Clear Lake was spectacular!! Rocky did really well in the warmer weather he was able to do it all by himself =) Very proud of my little Guy!!

Total 4.2 miles in 3h

Random news:

1- I am seeing a new physiotherapist and she says I don't have PF anymore but achille tendonitis. The treatment is cold laser, stretching, ice ice ice, exercices and no running for 2 weeks. I'm actually seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I've spent the last year being told there was 'nothing' where I had pain and now the physio has given me hope again!!! =)

2- I raced a 5K last week at the Montreal 21K. It was close to a PW (32:56) but I had a little 'surprise' at the starting line.... aka as my EX who showed up at the race.... messed up my game!

3- I'm starting to commute by bike on Tuesday (I'm off tomorrow) it's going to be a daily 50K ride.... I should be back in top shape for the summer! I'm excited and hoping to finally be able to shed the 30lbs I put on since my running has decreased dramatically.

That's it for me! Thanks for reading and I'm hoping to catch up with all of you tomorrow!

4- I went hiking yesterday again!! We went to Mont Sutton here in Quebec and we did about 4 miles in 4h so yeah it was steep!!

OFF TO THE GREEN STATE!

Probably white right now though =)
Have a fabulous long week-end!

RECOVERY FROM SURGERY

Seems the surgery recovery is a little bit longer than the doctor led me to believe when I first saw him....

2 WEEKS WHITHOUT RUNNING OR SWIMMNG!!!!!!!!!

My mind will go crazy but the foot will appreciate it. My hiking trip next week is not compromised as long as we keep a walking pace and don't push it. I will also be able to start biking after Easter.

I'm having my sutures removed on Wednesday, right now it's not painful but I'm pretty uncomfortable. This is no mystery plastic surgery, I had 2 moles removed from my back and will know in about a month if they are benign. It was strongly suggested I have them removed since skin cancer runs in my family but the dermatologist do not think they are malign. So, I'm positive about this.

Hiking trip is in 4 DAYS!!!!!!!

RECOVERY WEEK

I took Monday off and my legs weren't that sore, it was quite surprising =) Foot is feeling medium so I am going to take advantage of my job insurance (yippee!) and try a new physiotherapist for cold laser on my PF.

Tuesday: 1K lane swimming in 21 mins

Wednesday: 1h25 on the bike

30 mins easy

20 mins 30s out of saddle every 2 mins

20 mins 30s hard every 2 mins

10 mins 30s out of saddle every 2 mins

5 mins cool down

Thursday: 3 mile run, beautiful 15°C and sunny. I LOVE SPRING!!

Mile 1 @ 12:12 min/mile (with Dad until 0.62 mile)

Mile 2 @ 10:57 min/mile

Mile 3 @ 10:34 min/mile

Near 2.5 mile a little boy about 8 years old was trying (and succeeding) at out running me. He was doing 9:30 min/mile pace!!! I was getting quite annoyed.... I mean its one thing to outrun me but he was turning to see if I was still following and giving me a big smile while I was huffing and puffing.... great a kid can beat me LOL

On a positive note, my fall races are decided!!

I registered for this half yesterday, going to visit Laurel and Flyers26

And I'm waiting to register for this one since I'm hopeful I could fix the stupid foot and run the marathon on my birthday!!! Crossing the bridge plays a big role on my desire to run the full too... But if it's not meant to be than I'll be happy to run the half =)

I'm getting some minor surgery tomorrow so will have to take it easy over the week-end.

Happy running to those who can!

AROUND THE BAY 2009 EDITION

The race that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside =) I am happy to have been able to participate in this event this year. 2007 holds my PB for this distance (3:21 while marathon training!) and 2008 was done while suffering with PF and finishing my thesis (3:40). Although I was in no shape to do the 30K this year, the relay was a great way to participate in my favorite race. Our team "Footlose and Fancy Feet" did really well, I ran with my friend Pat who smoked the hills (1:35 for the last 15K).

I was convinced it would magically stop raining for the race but when I got up on Sunday and I realised it was going to be pouring rain.... I had a mini panic attack LOL

Once I walked to the starting line and got all excited to start runing I forgot about the rain (well at this point it was just light rain). Then 15 mins in the race it was torrential downpour!! Soaked totally soaked... but smiling =) I always get emotional at the beginning of races, like I'm here doing this! It just feels awesome to be running with 7000 of my best friends!

My target goal pace was 12 min/mile. Splits:

Mile 1: 11:17 min/mile (I thought WAY TOO FAST, SLOW DOWN!)
Mile 2: 11:43 min/mile (better but still too fast!)
Mile 3: 11:36 min/mile (You're going to pay for this later on!)
Mile 4: 11:54 min/mile (now that' better!)
Mile 5: 11:58 min/mile (right on)
Mile 6: 11:36 min/mile (burst of energy!)
Mile 7: 11:18 min/mile (I'm freaking doing this)
Mile 8: 11:10 min/mile (OMFG!)
Mile 9: 11:18 min/mile (I can't freakin believe it =)
Mile 0.47: 10:29 min/mile (KICK BUTT FINISH!)

Average: 11:30 min/mile

I am so happy with my race!! I never thought I could pull that pace for 15K! The chip time is higher considering that around 5.5 miles, I was stopped for more than 2 mins as a train passed.... I had been able to avoid it the last 2 years but there is always a train on race day and it stops a lot of people. Pretty frustrating but nothing you can change about it! I'm not hurting too bad today. Foot is sore and knee too but I'll survive this. I'm bummed I didn't see many bloggers. I got the chance to chat with Francis before the race (it was good to see you again!).

Rain or shine this race is the best!!

MY FIRST HIKE!

In preparation for my Easter hiking trip to Vermont, I got invited to hike Mont St-Hilaire with a friend who has done many hiking trips and and his friends.

My first mountain at Réserve Naturalle Gault

We did the Rocky trail, which was 4.7 K and we were 0.1K away from the top when this picture was taken
Took us 1h30 to get to the top. It was an easy hike for Steve but I was working hard lol

View from the other side of the moutain

On our way down, I had more time to enjoy the view:
I lost one of my yaktrax at some point but we back tracked and anothe hiker had found it. The boys got a little excited after we reached the top and brought me on an off path adventure.... but we were not lost ;-) We made it back to the summit one more time after going abruptly down...

I stopped my garmin at some point and forgot to start it back for 30 mins but according to Steve we did 9.8K in 2h50. The elevation of the mountain was 407 meters or 1335 feet.

Great company, great day! It was a LOT of fun! Looking forward to Vermont even more now.

(Running related: I did a LSD of 9 miles 2 weeks ago, last week I had visit from Windsor so I only did 3 miles, and today was 5 miles. The ATB relay is next week, I'm pretty excited to go!)

BLOG N' MUSIC!


I surprised myself, it only took me 20 mins to figure out how to add the playlist to my blog. I'm getting better at this whole nerd computer thing =) I always spend 2-3 h on Katie's blog listening to her playlist so I thought it was about time I did my own.

Great week training wise so far for me.
Monday: Long strenght training
Tuesday: 2.5 miles run with Rocky
Wednesday: 35 mins on the bike (10 at 30s easy:30s hard)
Today: 1.25K swim in 26 mins (1K in 21 mins! I'm getting faster without training :o)
Tomorrow: Tae-Box at lunch time (a trial, let's hope I don't hurt anyone!)

I figured out a way to make it to the pool! I leave work early and can make it to the 4PM lane swimming. Gotta love my flexible schedule. It was great to be back in the pool after more than a month and half without going. I missed the water except the temperature today would have been more appropriate in a hot tub... I wanted to do 2K but I had to stop when I felt like I was going to faint!!

Is anyone still watching Grey's Anatomy, it's one of the only show I am still following (with 24!) and it's starting to really bug me the whole re-run thing.... end of rant ;-)

MANAGING IT ALL

So........ I haven't posted in 2 weeks? Wow that flew right by!! My job is keeping me really busy and guess what? I got my first paycheque!! I still can't believe that the government is taking almost half of it but eh c'est la vie!

I had my longest run of the year yesterday. I wanted to do it outside but it was -StupidCold/-28°C in the morning so I waited... 2h later it was only down 2°C...... so I dragged my ass downstair to suffer on the dreadmill. What a shock to realize that it wasn't THAT bad afterall. And I actually wasn't wanting to die the whole time =)

8 miles/13K in 1:35 with overall pace of 11:47 min/mile (!!!!) which is SPEED LIGHTING FAST for me these days .

The treadmill came to a brutal stop... so I had to re-start it and I still had lots of energy left so I decided to try for negative splits.

9.45K @12:16 min/mile (when it stopped....)
3.55K @ 11:22min/mile

I feel like a survivor, coming to a stop so suddently is not recommended... especially when you have wonky ankles, foot, legs etc like me ;-)

Anyhow, I hope you're all doing well and I'll try to catch up with you guys this week!

SHOUT OUT TO THE BEST VIRTUAL RACE DIRECTOR!

I ran 3 miles with my Dad yesterday, it was pretty slow (his knee is bugging him) but we got it done for you! 41:40 at 13:53 min/mile. I love the company too much to complain about the speed of the run! LOL

A friend and I are going to the Bicycle Show on Friday, I really hope they have the saddle I want to buy there! It's the first time I am going to this so hopefully it is worth the 10$ cover to get in.

Also, I signed up for another race (someone stops me please!!) but this is one is VERY COOL!! It's called Not Since Moses and we run at the "bottom of the sea after it parts, right where 15 meters of water packed with flounder and bass flow a couple of hours before and after the event." It's in Nova Scotia, my adopted province (Andra you should come for this!).

Have a good rest of week Peeps!

SO MUCH TO WRITE ABOUT SO LITTLE TIME TO DO IT!

I'm beat, the new job+commute is kicking my ass!! No time/motivation for anything computer related once I come back home on week nights and week-ends concist of trying to prepare all the meals, laundry etc. for the week to come.

The new job is great so far. I'm enjoying the projects I've been assigned to. Since there is no lab work involved I do not feel like a 'real' chemist right now but I think it's more an adaptation period to go through. I'm looking forward to my first pay cheque this week!! My first big purchase will be a new saddle for my bike. I want to get an ISM Adamo Women's saddle as recommended by my friend Jordan.

Training is going really well. I hit all my training last week. This week was harder, missed both strenght workouts (insert shameful expression) and the swim. I have a really hard time getting to the pool ay 9PM. I get up pretty early to avoid traffic and 9PM is almost my bed time. Not sure I'll do lots of swimming in the next few weeks.

Running is going well, my LSD is up to 6.25 miles (the Race is 15K or 9.4miles), train ticket is bought so I am going! PF is not back but I've been suffering from achilles tendonitis... which is NOT cool. Sometimes, I just feel like I should give up and get back to my old 'Couch potato' self... but gotta keep on trucking... right?

At least, there is my bike trainer which I still love, it's a blessing to be able to do intense workouts since running is not more than 2 times a week for me...

That's most news from me. I'm going to try and read all (gulp 156) messages you guys have written while I was sleeping LOL

BTW Happy Single Awareness Day! (aka Valentine's Day)

WORKING LADY!

Yep that's me! Survived my first week of work (well it was only 3 days but that was a good thing). Commuting is insane... I never hated more living in the 'suburb' more than now. Think big snowstorm on my first day and 2h45 commute to get back home (should take 1h15!) The job is very interesting so far. I'm working on a project that is getting lots of media attention and that's quite exciting! On my first day, the Director of my Section was interviewed for CBC news. As I take up on projects that will be me =)

It's been rough to keep up with the training as I am totally wiped when I get back home. It will take some time to get use to the new routine.

Here's last week in Review (Week 6)

Monday: off, resting the ankle
Tuesday: Swim 2K in 43 mins
Wednesday: 45 mins shoveling
Thursday: 45 mins shoveling
Friday: off
Saturday: 45 mins long ride (10 W-U, 10 mins 15s out of saddle every 2 mins, 10 mins 30s out of saddle every 2 mins, 10 mins 30s out of saddle every 1 min, 5 mins CD)
Sunday: LSD 4.5 miles at 11:59 min/mile pace. On the treadmill, hated every minute of it but that's pretty fast for a LSD for me so that made me happy!

Here's the Review from the week before that I forgot to report... (Week 5)

Monday: off
Tuesday: Bike trainer speed session (10 W-U, 15 mins 30/30 hard/easy, 10 CD) +short strenght
Wednesday: 2.5 miles at race pace (11:47 min/mile)
Thursday: 10 mins bike warm-up + Long strenght training, 1K swim 23:30 (fastest time so far!)
Friday: off
Saturday: 60 mins long ride (30 W-U, 10 mins 15s out of saddle every 2 mins, 10 mins 15s out of saddle every 1 min, 10 mins CD)
Sunday: 4.1 miles at 12:30 min/mile pace. Outside and hard!

Hoping to do a little better this week!!! Imagine that, we're expecting more snow on Tuesday/Wednesday.... yay.....

STUPID WINTER

Almost twisted my ankle at the end of my LSD today.... trying to avoid a stupid jerk driving his car way too close to me.

Ankle is now bruised...

Knee hurts A LOT...

Icing both.... stupid stupid winter.

Pity party line: WHY ME?!

ETA: My Dad ran his 2nd race yesterday, the tropical 5K in Miami. He had a PB with a time of 41:05, a little faster than in Montreal and considering he had a bronchitis for the last 2 weeks, a great performance! I am so proud of my Dad! I cannot wait till the day he's going to say, let's run a marathon together =)

TRAINING WITH A STUPID FOOT ~ WEEK 4~

I went back to the Doc today. I went shopping with my Mom on Friday (for 9h!!!) and my foot was really sore at the end of the day. I thought this was a very bad sign and wanted to get it checked before I start the new job (Date is set! January 28 is my first day at my REAL job!).

Anyhow, I have no pain where the PF usually was. I can now stand on my heels and walk (which I hadn't been able to do for the past 15 months... ). It's a slow process, it is normal for my foot to be sore and feel 'weird' as I changed my way of walking to not feel too much pain when the PF was there.

Since the pain is not constant and it comes after a long day of walking or an intense run in the snow. She suggests RICE and not pushing it. Which is what I am going to do. Overall a positive meeting. I am still on the waiting list for the MRI but she thinks nothing will come out of it.

Here's last week in Review

Monday: Long strenght training following the lovely Carrie's program

Tuesday: Bike speed session . I ramped-up the 'speed' intervals this week from 10 mins to 15 mins. So includind warm up and cool down 35 mins on the bike

Wednesday: 25 mins run in Minus Mental (-34°C/29F)

Thursday: Short strength training and the first swim since November! 1.25K in a very respectable 29 mins I wasn't as rusty as I thought!

Friday: Rest = 9h of shoping!!

Saturday: Long ride on the trainer with some 'hills'.

30 mins @ Ride easy

10 mins @ 15 sec climbing out of the saddle every 2 mins (hard)

10 mins @ 30 sec climbing out of the saddle every 2 mins (really hard)

10 mins @ 45 sec climbing out of the saddle every 2 mins (holy f'ck hard!!)

10 mins @ cool down

Sunday: The worst run in the history of runs. 3.9 miles outside, streets and sidewalks were not plowed. I couldn't find my yak trax so this was like torture would feel. It was the worst run ever. Slow and bad footing. I hate winter.

Today I took a rest day, the mix of intense spin on Saturday and the bad footing of yesterday's run made my legs very tired and sore. Back to regular programming tomorrow. As much as I am excited to start the new job, I am also super scared of the real world. Hopefully, I won't suck too much LOL

Have a good week everyone!

TAG, I HAVE IT!

One of my favorite blogger peep, Laurel, tagged me the other day.

4 favorite memories from 2008
1. Quebec City Half-marathon
2. Miami Half-marathon
3. Trip to Aruba with my Dad
4. Finishing my Ph.D.

4 favorite movies watched in 2008
1. Borderline (Quebec movie)
2. Spirit of the Marathon
3. James Bond Quantum
4. 27 dresses

4 of my favorite foods in 2008
1. Chips (Doritos and Miss Vickies)
2. Big Mac
3. Nachos/Salsa/Guacamole
4. Swiss Chalet (ordered from them a lot while I was writing my Ph.D. thesis!)

4 places i loved in 2008
1. Oranjestad, Aruba
2. Burlington, Vermont
3. Miami, Florida
4. Rediscovering Montreal after living away for 5 years

4 events i loved in 2008
1. Quebec City Half-marathon
2. Around the Bay 30K
3. Miami Half Marathon
4. Cheering my best friend while she was finishing her first half in Detroit

4 things i liked in 2008
1. Time for myself
2. Reconnecting with old friends
3. Blogging
4. Red wine

4 things i am looking forward to in 2009
1. Starting my new job
2. Losing weight
3. Moving to a new apartment or condo
4. Settling in the real world

4 people I tag
1. Leana
2. Katie
3. Alexandra
4. Brian


I went for a run yesterday, I couldn't feel my feet for the first 10 mins. I turned around to go back home then the wind was at my back and my toes came back to life so I kept running. One women at the bus stop asked me if I was alright... guess she's not an adept of winter sports lol

So 2 miles in 25 mins, -34°C/-29F. Good enough in those conditions.....

50/50 DRAW, who is going to be next?

I got it mid-December from Marci in Whitby Ontario, so the book came from the province next mine (Québec). I just finished it and it's time for me to pass it on and let it travel some more miles. This awesome idea was piloted by Ted, and has a few simple rules:

1. Respond to my post in order to be the next in line to read the book.
2. I will mail the book to you.
3. Read the book.
4. After reading the book, create a post in your blog and find out who wants to be next in line to read the book.
5. Ship the book to the next blogger.
6. You must take a picture of yourself with the book.
7. Write a small comment of what you think of the book in it.
8. Ship the book to the next blogger.
9. Lastly, you must use any form of human power (i.e, walk, run, skateboarding, bike) in order to take the book to the post office. Exception: If you live very far to the Post Office, use car.
HAVE FUN !!!!

I will run the book to the post office which is conveniently only about a mile away. I really enjoyed the book, it made me cry, it made me laugh. Dean is such an amazing person, definitely physically but he came across as a very down to earth runner in his book having normal self doubt about finishing his adventure. I felt close to him while reading the book. Lots of great tips on running and nutrition throughout too.

I read most of it while cycling on the trainer so it's only appropriate to have a picture while doing that! Very small space for me in the garage but it's kinda cozy at the same time.

TRAINING WITH A STUPID FOOT ~ WEEK 3~

Training is going well but I've been asked if my foot hurts... no it does not hurt BUT it doesn't feel quite right... sigh... is that a BIG problem?? It is really tight and it goes up my calf too, so I am stretching a lot and massaging too...

Otherwise it's been a great week. Nutrition is back to a normal level and I lost a couple of pounds this week.

Here's last week in Review
Monday: 40 mins run with my Dad

Tuesday: Bike speed session . Same as last week but a lot easier so I am ready to ramp-up the 'speed intervals this week.

10 mins warm-up

10 mins speed session (30 sec hard/30 sec easy)

10 mins cool down

Wednesday: We got hit with 30 cm/12 inches of snow. My parents left for a trip so I was in charge of all the shoveling by myself.... 2h30 of shoveling later I was too exhausted to run!

Thursday: 2h of shoveling, 25 mins run on the treadmill and I wanted to die the whole time (shoes were great though!). Finished it off with a long strenght training... I was sore from shoveling so this wasn't my smartest idea LOL

Friday: 1h shoveling (and totally done!)

Saturday: Long ride on the trainer; riding easy for 55 mins then 15-30 sec pick up climbing out

of the saddle (hard!)

Today: 'Long' run well if you can call 3 miles like that which was totally AWESOME!

Most of the streets where plowed and I wanted to test how fast I could go, still comfortably hard.

Mile 1: 11:27 min/mile

Mile 2: 11:34 min/mile

Mile 3: 11:26 min/mile

I am so very happy with this run. =) I was afraid I didn't have it in me cause I am running with my Dad often and the pace is really slow (for me, not for him). I want to run 12 min/mile at ATB so better get started. I did a 20 mins cool down on the trainer when I came back home. I'm really liking the indoor trainer.

Have a good week everyone!

AROUND THE BAY HERE I COME!

I started my new training schedule 2 weeks ago. I'm hoping the amount of cross training will keep me away from more injuries....

Everything is going well so far. The runs are great but my foot/ankle is sore the day after I run. I am doing tons of stretching exercices and using Icy/Hot to massage it. So far so good. I don't think I could up the runs to 3 times a week right now....

I am still on the quest for the perfect shoe.. after spending 1h and trying about 10 pair of shoes I ended up buying the most expensive ones at the Running Room... The Brooks Trance 8 that I paid a big fortune: 225$ CDN, they better be worth it! I tried them last and they fit perfectly, tomorrow will be my first run with them. I'm hoping not to lose any toenails with those.. the Asics were a killer for me.

I am starting my new job next week!! I decide to take a chance on the City of Montreal one. I am super excited and pumped! In the meantime I am enjoying these last few days of freedom =)

Have a good week everyone!