Full Moon Madness

or Retail Therapy, you decide....

I hate shopping almost as much as I dislike winter, but since I live in this climate I might as well embrace it.

The past few years I've suffered terribly from SAD (seasonal affective disorder).  There was NO way that it was going to beat me up again this year, so I've been popping Vitamins' C and D since September and trying to get out into the winter weather as much as possible.  What better way than snow shoeing and cross country skiing!!  I've skied before and although I'm slow and had a pretty hard fall a few years ago I had decided to hang up my equipment.  (I actually made a pretty nifty outdoor winter decoration with the old ski's)....but since I've been snowshoeing I realised I have a need for speed.

Why walk when you can run?  Why not include ski's again?  Well, why not????  Last Sunday I went over to the Quebec side to Greg Christies bike and ski shop.  What a treat this place is!  As soon as I walked in I was greated by Glen who ended up helping me select the perfect cross country ski package.  We talked about expectations, skill level (or lack thereof) and where I would be doing most of my skiing.   I ended up getting Madshus boots and ski's and of course poles (even though I have a pair).  I even talked to Glen about upgrading my bike (ssshhh, don't tell Ruby), so I'll be going over in the next couple of weeks and seeing what he suggests...so far the Opus, Alto looks good.  But I really have to do my homework and go to Bushtukah and talk with Erin and Zack...

I've also joined the Kanata Nordic Ski Club which is 5 minutes from my office, so for the past couple of days I've ski'd the trails right after work and I'm gaining my confidence back.  I'm hoping to go to the Gatineau's in Quebec on Saturday for a little more of a challenging ski.  Look out, clear the trails!!!

On the running front, well, let's just say I'm cross training right now, I am going to run on Sunday with Jen and the Richmond Road Race 5K and 10K race the following week will be more of a fun run.  I have to admit, I'm enjoying not having to get ready for a particular race right at the moment. 

Good Luck to everyone running in Disney this weekend, bundle up your buns...who knew it would just a few degrees warmer there than what we are experiencing here!!!  Have fun you guys....and have fun being GOOFY!!

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

Cross training and snow shoeing

We have had quite a bit of snow over the past few days, which will make the skier's very happy, me, well I live with it and I'm trying to enjoy it.

After digging my way out of the driveway yesterday, I threw the snowshoes into the car and headed up to Fitzroy Provincial Park.  A New Year, new fitness tactics.

The park is an unknown jewel in the winter time.  Some but very few actually use the park during this snowy season, and for those who don't, well shame on you.

There are cross country ski trails that are meticulously groomed and there are snowmobile trails, never do the two meet so you can ski without fear of being run over.


Recently due to the surge of snowshoer's in the area there are makeshift trails which are being well used. Yesterday I broke a few trails as well as followed a few too.

As much as I bitch and complain about winter, there is always something beautiful to see.  The silence was overwhelming, other than the call of the chickadee or the bluejay, it seemed as though I was the only one in the park.

There was one point where I had to stop for a rest, my heart was pounding out of my chest...you just don't realize how much effort it is to slog through unbroken trails...(yes, I carry I.D. and have my cell phone with me...)



Another perfect picture of what you can see if you take the time....

Well, I'm headed out to shovel the driveway again (cross training) we had another big dump of snow last night and then I'll go back up to the park for another afternoon of cardio workout (snow shoeing).

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

Hill Training ~ Snow Delay!