Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Christmas Cookies are Evil
I think the title says it all... Christmas cookies are evil. Every single damn morsel. And I have the stomach ache to prove it. Well, happy Tuesday. I sit here, waiting for the Canucks game to finish, so that I can watch the season finale of the Biggest Loser. The Canucks just scored a goal, bringing it to 3-2 for Nashville Predators, sometime in the 3rd period. Not that it really matters, but just a gauge as to how before I can watch tv. Typically on a Tuesday night, I would be out doing speedwork. However, I had my H1N1 flu shot, and of course, the side effects showed up just as I was finishing my work day. I came home feeling achy, headachey and exhausted. Apparently all the typical side effects experienced with this swine flu shot. Goody. So I thought an evening taking it easy would probably not be a bad idea on my part. Well, the hockey game is over, and time to indulge.... in the Biggest Loser. Ciao bella.
Friday, December 4, 2009
I Should Be In Bed...
Hi again,
Friday night, 11:59pm on Chocolate Cake Friday. Another Friday, and the cake certainly did not disappoint. The tradition continues.
I am writing as a way to settle mind before I head to bed, which I should have done an hour ago. However, I have been doing my usual obsessing about marathon training, pacing, and scheduling. Nothing changes, and everything changes. But what is consistent, is that I am always focussed on the prize, a Boston Marathon qualifier. And that seems worth it.
This weekend looks to be busy. Greg & I have errands to run in the morning, only to be back in time for Greg to watch the Canucks game. I am going to run 7 miles (12km) at race pace, as well as decide on my Christmas cookie for the selection on Monday, strategize about putting up Christmas lights and meet up with Karen & Denny late afternoon. The plan with them is to go ice skating at Robson Square, followed by dinner and who knows what. It will be fun to meet up with them and enjoy their company.
Sunday looks like 23km long run (in 0C temperatures!), followed by Christmas light application and hopefully baking, and lounging. Fingers crossed it all comes together. There has to be cookies, the deadline is set.
I found a blog of a guy who went from 452lb to 220lb in the course of 2 years who was an avid triathlete. It was quite amazing to read actually, and I am interested in finding out how his IM Florida race went. I'll have to check back.
Other than that, life is hectic but good. Work has had a few interesting curveballs tossed in to keep things interesting and on my toes. I made a conscious effort to not discuss work at all, and just focus on enjoying Greg's company when we went out for dinner. Hard to do, but why think about work when I can focus on play.
Well, I think this may have done the trick. Off to bed!
Ciao!
Friday night, 11:59pm on Chocolate Cake Friday. Another Friday, and the cake certainly did not disappoint. The tradition continues.
I am writing as a way to settle mind before I head to bed, which I should have done an hour ago. However, I have been doing my usual obsessing about marathon training, pacing, and scheduling. Nothing changes, and everything changes. But what is consistent, is that I am always focussed on the prize, a Boston Marathon qualifier. And that seems worth it.
This weekend looks to be busy. Greg & I have errands to run in the morning, only to be back in time for Greg to watch the Canucks game. I am going to run 7 miles (12km) at race pace, as well as decide on my Christmas cookie for the selection on Monday, strategize about putting up Christmas lights and meet up with Karen & Denny late afternoon. The plan with them is to go ice skating at Robson Square, followed by dinner and who knows what. It will be fun to meet up with them and enjoy their company.
Sunday looks like 23km long run (in 0C temperatures!), followed by Christmas light application and hopefully baking, and lounging. Fingers crossed it all comes together. There has to be cookies, the deadline is set.
I found a blog of a guy who went from 452lb to 220lb in the course of 2 years who was an avid triathlete. It was quite amazing to read actually, and I am interested in finding out how his IM Florida race went. I'll have to check back.
Other than that, life is hectic but good. Work has had a few interesting curveballs tossed in to keep things interesting and on my toes. I made a conscious effort to not discuss work at all, and just focus on enjoying Greg's company when we went out for dinner. Hard to do, but why think about work when I can focus on play.
Well, I think this may have done the trick. Off to bed!
Ciao!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Speedwork
Hi again,
So I am feeling a little stoked. I decided Tuesdays are a good night to focus on speedwork in my quest for a Boston Qualifier. I spent the better part of last night working on my schedule (still lots to tweak) and made the committment to myself, that in order to be faster, I have to run faster. And if that means subjecting myself to weekly sessions of tempting asthma attacks, so be it.
I have found on my journeys of running through North Vancouver, that there are a bunch of tracks around, and not too far away either. The track on Jones is mediocre at best- it's a dirt track and there is no guarantee that the lights will be on. So I have decided to move my weekly sessions to Sutherland Secondary, where a beautiful asphalt track awaits, with lots of lights and no shortage of soccer teams playing on the astro turf. It's conveniently 3km away from my house, which means this will provide a sufficient distance for warm up and cool down.
My first evening of sessions (or more like reinstallation of track work since before our honeymoon) started tonight. Work has been hectic lately, so my enthusiasm to go out and run out some stress was huge. My plan called for 3 x 1 mile repeats, aiming for a 7:00-7:15 mile pace. In short, I nailed it. I do notice that I had lost some fitness with all the chaos that has been my life the past 6 weeks, but I am pretty sure that I can reclaim some ground on that category. I am feeling really excited about doing this. Besides, it just reinforces why I love running, because I can't help but marvel at the sense of accomplishment afterwards!
Tonight I was able to enjoy one of my biggest tv indulgences- Biggest Loser. I used to just hate it, and watched to attack and critcize. Now I just watch to check out the different work out maneuvers (sp?) for the work out plan I will start (yeah, huh). It's down to the final four contestants, and it's kinda interesting to see how much their bodies have changed. I don't have any particular faves, but Tara Costa, the runner up from season 7 (can you tell I have watched every season?) was there to cheer on Amanda as she ran through the marathon challenge. I have respect for Tara, and I think it's because I have the same kind of competitive mindset. So I will be a little sad as I watch the end of this season next week (as I eat Christmas cookies!)
Well, that sums it up for one night. Ciao bella!
So I am feeling a little stoked. I decided Tuesdays are a good night to focus on speedwork in my quest for a Boston Qualifier. I spent the better part of last night working on my schedule (still lots to tweak) and made the committment to myself, that in order to be faster, I have to run faster. And if that means subjecting myself to weekly sessions of tempting asthma attacks, so be it.
I have found on my journeys of running through North Vancouver, that there are a bunch of tracks around, and not too far away either. The track on Jones is mediocre at best- it's a dirt track and there is no guarantee that the lights will be on. So I have decided to move my weekly sessions to Sutherland Secondary, where a beautiful asphalt track awaits, with lots of lights and no shortage of soccer teams playing on the astro turf. It's conveniently 3km away from my house, which means this will provide a sufficient distance for warm up and cool down.
My first evening of sessions (or more like reinstallation of track work since before our honeymoon) started tonight. Work has been hectic lately, so my enthusiasm to go out and run out some stress was huge. My plan called for 3 x 1 mile repeats, aiming for a 7:00-7:15 mile pace. In short, I nailed it. I do notice that I had lost some fitness with all the chaos that has been my life the past 6 weeks, but I am pretty sure that I can reclaim some ground on that category. I am feeling really excited about doing this. Besides, it just reinforces why I love running, because I can't help but marvel at the sense of accomplishment afterwards!
Tonight I was able to enjoy one of my biggest tv indulgences- Biggest Loser. I used to just hate it, and watched to attack and critcize. Now I just watch to check out the different work out maneuvers (sp?) for the work out plan I will start (yeah, huh). It's down to the final four contestants, and it's kinda interesting to see how much their bodies have changed. I don't have any particular faves, but Tara Costa, the runner up from season 7 (can you tell I have watched every season?) was there to cheer on Amanda as she ran through the marathon challenge. I have respect for Tara, and I think it's because I have the same kind of competitive mindset. So I will be a little sad as I watch the end of this season next week (as I eat Christmas cookies!)
Well, that sums it up for one night. Ciao bella!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Planning, Planning, Planning
So..... happy Monday.
I have spent a better portion of this evening, working on my future. Specifically, my training schedule for the next 10 months. I am nowhere near completion, but at least the foundation has been set. That's what happens when you realize that you have 5 half iron triathlons, 1 full BQ'er marathon, and an IronMan. Whoa. That's some full plate. But something tells me, that I get through this, I can seriously do anything. Seriously.
The workday started off a bit cranky. I am working on a number of projects that I would love to see completed. However, there are still factors that need attention. It will come with time and patience, however I know that it will all come together. We'll see.
Well, back to the spreadsheet!
I have spent a better portion of this evening, working on my future. Specifically, my training schedule for the next 10 months. I am nowhere near completion, but at least the foundation has been set. That's what happens when you realize that you have 5 half iron triathlons, 1 full BQ'er marathon, and an IronMan. Whoa. That's some full plate. But something tells me, that I get through this, I can seriously do anything. Seriously.
The workday started off a bit cranky. I am working on a number of projects that I would love to see completed. However, there are still factors that need attention. It will come with time and patience, however I know that it will all come together. We'll see.
Well, back to the spreadsheet!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Happy Sundays...
Hi again.
Day two of posting. Not to worry, I don't plan on making this a daily habit or anything like coffee. Just thought I would wiggle some digits.
Let's see, since my last post, I have signed up for a seasons pass of triathlons (that would be five by the way), in addition to my previous registration to IronMan Canada 2010. Six triathlons, plus 1 marathon (possibly 2 depending on the results of the first), makes Angela a very busy girl. No worries, I can do as much, or as little as I want with this pass, but I have to admit, I am very excited about it. As long as my lame hip holds up for the next 11 months, then we're all good.
As well, I went through my wedding DVD to short-list my preferences of wedding photos. We have 500 shots, I picked 201, and we both have to whittle it down to 100 for our photo albums. This could get interesting. But I like the idea of a good challenge, so we shall see.
Speaking of wedding, I did a bit of research about changing my name to my new married name.... this looks like this will take a bit of effort and dollars on my part. *sigh* But, it should be all good when said and done.
This morning, I joined my good friends at the Broadway Running Room. Without fail, there were a number of people who were planning on running the same distance as me. Makes longer distance running easier when you have good conversation. I ran with the "two Kens" as well as Eric, a guy who was in my marathon clinic sometime ago. He's running Sacramento next weekend, and I had to give my "voice of reason" to him, as he's anxiously deciding to run 8-10km every day this week to break in his new shoes and insert. Don't do it Eric!! Taper!!!!
They're still looking to fill the marathon instructor position. It breaks my heart, but I can't do it. I really loved teaching the clinic, but it seriously cannot happen now, especially since I have filled up my dance card with triathlons. They'll be fine, but it still makes me misty-eyed.
The rest of the day was spend grocery shopping (uh, chaos at SuperStore!), and then hanging out with Greg. My stomach was not feeling well after coffee with the gang @ Starbucks. I think my stomach has revolted against Starbucks. It was sooooo not happy with me for the rest of the afternoon. I'm fine now, but that took a lot out of me.
I plan on spending the evening figuring out my workout schedule for the next how many months. Sounds like fun to me, especially since I haven't a clue what to do with this thing they call "spare time." I promise to update once I have figured out my plan of attack.
Ciao!
Ange
Day two of posting. Not to worry, I don't plan on making this a daily habit or anything like coffee. Just thought I would wiggle some digits.
Let's see, since my last post, I have signed up for a seasons pass of triathlons (that would be five by the way), in addition to my previous registration to IronMan Canada 2010. Six triathlons, plus 1 marathon (possibly 2 depending on the results of the first), makes Angela a very busy girl. No worries, I can do as much, or as little as I want with this pass, but I have to admit, I am very excited about it. As long as my lame hip holds up for the next 11 months, then we're all good.
As well, I went through my wedding DVD to short-list my preferences of wedding photos. We have 500 shots, I picked 201, and we both have to whittle it down to 100 for our photo albums. This could get interesting. But I like the idea of a good challenge, so we shall see.
Speaking of wedding, I did a bit of research about changing my name to my new married name.... this looks like this will take a bit of effort and dollars on my part. *sigh* But, it should be all good when said and done.
This morning, I joined my good friends at the Broadway Running Room. Without fail, there were a number of people who were planning on running the same distance as me. Makes longer distance running easier when you have good conversation. I ran with the "two Kens" as well as Eric, a guy who was in my marathon clinic sometime ago. He's running Sacramento next weekend, and I had to give my "voice of reason" to him, as he's anxiously deciding to run 8-10km every day this week to break in his new shoes and insert. Don't do it Eric!! Taper!!!!
They're still looking to fill the marathon instructor position. It breaks my heart, but I can't do it. I really loved teaching the clinic, but it seriously cannot happen now, especially since I have filled up my dance card with triathlons. They'll be fine, but it still makes me misty-eyed.
The rest of the day was spend grocery shopping (uh, chaos at SuperStore!), and then hanging out with Greg. My stomach was not feeling well after coffee with the gang @ Starbucks. I think my stomach has revolted against Starbucks. It was sooooo not happy with me for the rest of the afternoon. I'm fine now, but that took a lot out of me.
I plan on spending the evening figuring out my workout schedule for the next how many months. Sounds like fun to me, especially since I haven't a clue what to do with this thing they call "spare time." I promise to update once I have figured out my plan of attack.
Ciao!
Ange
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The craving...
Here it starts, my first entry to my blog.
For those who know me, the title creates a bit of a smile. For the past 6 months, while dieting for wedding preparations, I ate a fudgy slice of chocolate cake from Safeway every Friday night. For some, this would seem like a crazy thing to do, for me, however it was a way to maintain my sanity while I stayed on course with my diet. And it worked too! I lost close to 30lbs doing this, so don't be knocking until you try! :-)
My rationale for doing this was so that I had a place to reflect, vent and just marvel. These past few years have been become more and more incredible, to the point that I am in awe. Like seriously. I have never imagined my life to be as happy as it has become, and that's just awesome.
A large part of that happiness stems from the fact that I have an amazing new husband, Greg. He is my rock, and my number one fan. And of course, I do everything I can do reciprocate. Isn't that how it's supposed to be?
Well anyways, here's my start. I can't promise this will be all that fascinating, but at least it may provide a better understanding as to how I think and why the hell I do the things that I do.
See ya soon.
Angela
For those who know me, the title creates a bit of a smile. For the past 6 months, while dieting for wedding preparations, I ate a fudgy slice of chocolate cake from Safeway every Friday night. For some, this would seem like a crazy thing to do, for me, however it was a way to maintain my sanity while I stayed on course with my diet. And it worked too! I lost close to 30lbs doing this, so don't be knocking until you try! :-)
My rationale for doing this was so that I had a place to reflect, vent and just marvel. These past few years have been become more and more incredible, to the point that I am in awe. Like seriously. I have never imagined my life to be as happy as it has become, and that's just awesome.
A large part of that happiness stems from the fact that I have an amazing new husband, Greg. He is my rock, and my number one fan. And of course, I do everything I can do reciprocate. Isn't that how it's supposed to be?
Well anyways, here's my start. I can't promise this will be all that fascinating, but at least it may provide a better understanding as to how I think and why the hell I do the things that I do.
See ya soon.
Angela
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)