Tuesday 30 June 2009

Staycation

Wow, I've lucked out weather wise this week. The weather gods have been smiling since last Friday when I bolted out of the office.

Saturday was very warm when I got up at 5:30am, so I got dressed in my running gear and out the door I went. It was gorgeous and I love hot weather, the sun had just risen and the birds were chirping (man they can be noisy). I've been slowly working my distance up while slowing down my speed. It felt great to be out and enjoying the run but I have to really watch that I don't get carried away, so I stopped at 6K and walked the rest of the way home.

The rest of the day was spent at the beach, sitting on the back deck reading and working in the garden.

Sunday morning was sort of a mixed message, missed calls kind of morning. Initially a few of us were going to ride our bikes downtown but that got changed, it was so nice out I really didn't want to spend the day down in the Byward Market milling about in stores. As it turned out I missed out on contacting Brenda, but was in touch with Karen and we headed off for a little bike tour from Arnprior to Parkenham. It was 25K to get to Scoops Ice Cream Shop where we took a much deserved break, after all, its all about the ice cream!

Pakenham is a small community on the shores of the Mississippi River here in Eastern Ontario.

Population is probably in the 3-digit range, with a few shops, a bank, a couple of restaurants, a furniture and butchery (go left for sofas, right for steaks), and of course Scoops great ice cream stand.

There is also the only North American 5 span bridge that was built in 1901. Very picturesque.


You'd think that if is was 25K there is would be the same distance back, but due to the Sunday summer traffic we changed it up a little for the ride home. With the wind at our back we headed off on our way home. What a gorgeous ride and just so nice to get out on the bike for my first big ride since March.

Lily loves it when I'm home, she lounges around on the back deck, is always on high alert for her friend the chipmunk and she can be seen hiding under the hostas just waiting for her little furry friend.















Today is overcast and humid, but I wanted to get my run in just in case the skies opened up and we were hit with rain.

I debated as to whether I should wear my fuel belt or not. The past several runs I haven't bothered, but I decided I should. I unearthed it from where I had packed it last March and grabbed a bottle of PowerAid and out I went. The sky was threatening to rain and the wind had picked up, but it was perfect. I decided to try a very slow 8K, it was going to be a stretch for me, but I went really slowly and made sure to take my walk breaks.

Happily I can report I made 8k, albeit my knee is a little achy right now as I sit here at the computer.

Well, the sun has just poked her head out and I'm heading outside, tomorrow is our Canada Day, celebrations will be taking place across our fair nation.

Catch up with you later,

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

14 comments:

bluecolnago said...

sounds like good times! funny how bike rides get longer on the return trip when there are things to see....

don't over-do it!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

glad you're having such a great time! the pics are wonderful! Great job on the 8k, hope the knee doesn't stay achy for too long :)

teacherwoman said...

Sounds like some good times! Love the staycation!

Unknown said...

It does look like the weather is beautiful there. You said something about liking the weather hot. If that's the case, do I have the place for you. ;-)

Chic Runner said...

I am super jealous of your staycation and your great weather! :) enjoy your time!

Jo Lynn said...

Your staycation sounds better than some of the vacations I've taken. Love the pictures. ;)

Kim said...

Sounds perfect! Enjoy the rest of your week.

Wes said...

ok. What is a river named Mississippi doing in Canada? and what exactly is "hot weather" up there? :-)

Glad you are running AND enjoying such a lovely staycation!!

Anonymous said...

I haeve a friend in Packenham and every time I go over that bridge on my way to her house I keep thinking... this brdige would make a great photo.... nicely done.
Great staycation week for you!
Cheers
Ter

Nat said...

I need to visit... :)

I am working up my mileage too... glad to see you're back at it.

Aka Alice said...

Betty and I were just talking this morning about how much more of our city we've seen since we've started biking and running. Being on vay-kay in the home town is a great way to chill.

Unknown said...

enjoy the rest of your time off.

i need a short staycation!!

Unknown said...

Happy Canada Day to you !!! I love your post about your staycation. BTW, I love your MJ-like sunglasses and what kind of drink were you holding? Bet you spike it really good with vodka or rum? ;-)

Marlene said...

Sounds like you're making great use of your time on "staycation".

Congratulations on the 8K! Must feel good to be building up your distance again.