Wordless Wednesday

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

Back at it

So, I'm back at it, although I'm not quite ready for any races at the moment. I've been working my way back slowly, really slowly and I'm up to 6K comfortably. My new Saucony's that I purchased while at the sports expo during the May Ottawa Race Weekend are really helping the situation. Even though I've worn Saucony's 90 % of my running career, I think the pair I was wearing during the winter were part of my knee problem.

Winter running is totally different, I understand that, but for some reason the pair of shoes I was wearing were never that "comfortable", they didn't have that cushion feeling to them. Between my S.I. joint, not so comfortable shoes and not being in the best of shape all contributed to my injury. But that is behind me now, I'm being very cognisant of how I feel while I'm out pounding the pavement and I'm still incorporating running 10 minutes walking for 1. I have noticed a change in my gait though, so I'll have to make sure I don't start favouring that leg too much.

For what was to have been a stormy weekend with rain and thundershower's, we really lucked out. Saturday and Sunday ended up being Diamond Days. Sunshine, warmth, gentle summer breezes. It was our real first taste of summer.

After my 6K run on Saturday morning I headed to the beach. I'm on staycation right now and really enjoying my time off. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dad, but when he comes up in May it really isn't a vacation for me. So, I'm taking the opportunity to have an "all about me week".

Cottager's and camper's have made their way back to the "hood". Teenagers have been partying hard on the beaches the last few weeks since they've been released into the wilds and have been let out of school.

Sailboats and speed boats have been battling for space on the Ottawa River, luckily the river is big enough to handle both and still give respect to the kayak's and canoeists.

The migratory waterbird's are back too. Seagull's or as I affectionately call them "Shithawks" are back, along with Turn's, Buffleheads, Mallard's, well you get my drift.

Luckily we don't have too much of a problem with Canada Geese on the beach. They migrate in during the spring and fall, but then they leave because there is so much activity on the beach, they high tail it out and head north or over to Andrew Haydon Park.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day and I ended up going for a 47K bike tour. But more about that later. I'm on staycation, I don't have to sit at my computer! So, I'll catch up with you later, enjoy yourselves.

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

Staycation, gardening, sweat and HILLS

Despite the threat of thunderstorms, timing glitches and port-a-pottie incidences (that was me). Everyone I've talked with had a blast at the 2008 Boilermaker and have already signed up for next year! Luckily I had my garmin with me, and I'm very happy to say my garmin time was 1:46:45, not bad for an old chick!

This week I'm on staycation (sans father), which allows me the freedom to basically do what the heck I want to do and when I want to do it!

Monday was our drive back from Utica and what a great ride it was....we stopped at little roadside shops and looked at chachka's till our eyes fell out and our wallets were empty. Well, not really but there were some really nice things. I picked up a really funky wire wrapped ring!

Tuesday, gah, haircut. Not quiet what I wanted, but hey, hair grows, then on to shop at the 50% off the 50% off , at Liz Claiborne's.....gotta love that. Back to the house for some R & R and some beverages....summer..........

Wednesday started with a long walk along the beach, ahhhh summer time, love it, then cutting the lawn...yikes, it was long, wet and full of bugs, this took over an hour and a half, I need a man servant. Wednesday night was the 20 minute challenge that the Running Room hosts every year. Anyone can sign up, go for a walk, a stroll, bring the kids, bring the dog, bring whom ever you want, just get out off the couch and participate in life. There were soooo many people it was truly amazing to see. However, for our Half Marathon group it was hills....remind me, never cut the lawn on hill night. I got it done but holy molly I was huffing and puffing like a freight train on the last hill.

Thursday where has the week gone?? So far I've been in the garden since 8:30, transplanting and pruning, covered in bug spray, sweat, dirt and grime and loving it!!! Tonight is the clinic night for the Half group, so I'll head into town later to run a steady pace with the group.

So, here I am, loving the weather, having some BEvERages, relaxing and heading to the beach....hope everyone is enjoying their week!!

Oh, did I mention I'm contemplating a 50K Ultra in 2009???

Life's fun if you don't weaken.

Lily