Work Out Time

Missed my Monday morning Bikram Yoga class this week. 

Which was bad.

I’d booked five hours in the saddle over the past weekend.
My plan is to practice Monday's and Friday's. Monday's to free up the tightness, Friday's to prepare for the rides.
I’m currently training for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer (cycling 160km a day times two).

Sometimes time can be our enemy.

Same with sleep. We need it. But getting it, is another matter.
Today I got a long run in. First time in a while. 

It was pouring rain. I could of chosen not to go, but instead I geared up and headed out.

Not thinking of anything other then, “At least I’m doing it!” I struggled on.

Running has always been in my life. I love it.
But past injuries like a nagging Achilles injury and snapped Soleus slowed me down.

My goal some day is to run a half marathon. 

I’m at my mum’s this weekend (hence no riding) so my route is one I did when I was twenty pounds lighter (sad, but true - really).

Festering in the wind and the rain, I carefully chose my steps in the grass along the waterfront. All the while saying to myself, “I’m so grateful I can run.”
There comes a point when you haven’t been doing something for a while when your body quickly reminds you of your age.

I felt it.

Then I chuckled to myself. Consistency with running hasn’t been key as of late.

Once the week before. This would be my second time this week.

In the damp I kept telling myself. “I am getting there.”

Then I started to see Robins in the trees. Five of them in one. Spring soon. 
A healthy distraction.

The first hill came. I shortened my stride and stepped in as best I could. Slow.

Get home injury free - the goal.

Then came the time when it felt like I was getting past my comfort zone. To my delight the sky opened up. Not for more rain. For the endorphin rush.

That’s what it’s all about!

Why we get addicted to running, or any other sport for that matter.

Once you’re edging past your comfort zone a whole new set of emotions floods in. And as long as the body is following the mind. You’re OK.

Work out time.

The best.

Muffin Tops

Best name I’ve heard yet for the fat that forms above the hips.

Had a big scare when I made it into the gym this week. My how they grow when you aren’t exercising.

Very sad. I am missing sweating and raising my heart rate. Most of all, riding in a pack with the TripleShot Pre-Dawn Cycling Destination Club.

An avid cyclist I know who consistently wins or places in the top three had the best advise for me.

He talked about Lance Armstrong. How when he was so sick his body and muscles went down to nothing. Yet, when he came back – he bounced back. Working it all the right ways.

I formalize in my mind how I can heal from old injuries during this time. To come back stronger.

From what I’ve been reading on various blogs with regards to pelvic fractures, it will be some time before I can run again. The range of motion with the clavicle fracture is good. But working it is testy. (See Broken Wings.)

Yet the recumbent bicycle beckons!

I tested 20 minutes after a little stretching and crunches. Only to suffer the afternoon with some pain-killers.

But I’m learning. What the body wants. What the body can take.

Ice cream (emotional/sympathy soothers) and growing muffin tops!

Giving Back

Anyone ever ask you what your perfect day looks like?

I know mine.

It starts out with a long workout. Something that grinds me to the core. When I’m done I’m lit up like a Christmas tree. With a salt lick on my face.

Every muscle is tired. Not achy. Tired.

I’m relishing the thought of a huge brunch with my fave Kick-Ass coffee.

I’ve digested a lot of fresh air. I’m high.

Yesterday was the perfect day. I started out on road ride with my devote bike store, Pro City Cycle.

As we rolled out I heard, “mellow.” I was okay with that. I’d wrestled with getting my ass out of bed in the first place.

We carry on and I get yakking with another gal, Sandy.

Under an hour later we hit the turnaround for the mellow. I’m feeling I need at least an hour and a half so I bolt to carry on. Sandy joins me. We talk training. She’s doing a triathlon and says she’s got 2.5 hours to put in today. I’m in, but realize I didn’t bring nutrition. She’s got it covered. We’re on.

The perfect way to start the day. We spun 60 kms with a host of varied elevations and came back to the shop in 2.5 hours exactly.

It was a grunt. I hadn’t eaten breakfast and she’s way fitter then I am. But boy, what a delightful way to start the day.

We toasted a kick-butt coffee at the shop and hugged goodbye. She was off to her kids.

Something she’d said during the tail end of our ride really stuck with me. We were both so elated to start the day out so right. She then said something like, “Now that’s I’ve done something for myself, I’m ready to give back to my kids.”

I thought to myself, how sweet. You do something for yourself – like a wicked workout and you’re even more valuable to everyone else. So true.

For giving back.

The Perfect Day

“Never stop dreaming.”

That’s what mum said to me this morning as she exited the boat after a late brunch. Dreams are made of magic I’ve always surmised to myself, and help lead you on through life.

The alarm sounded off at 5:45 a.m. Snooze got smacked three times then I was up. I loaded my gear for a road ride into the truck along with the dog and the gym bag with running shoes.

Off to meet my fave workout partner for a road ride and a run. Early rise to beat the heat.

It’s us and the wildlife at that time. A buck here, a rabbit there. Taking in the birds, the roosters and the fresh air CC commented “Aren’t we lucky to live here!”

Without question. We got an hour ride of hills in and plucked ourselves off the bikes and onto running mode. Once our legs warmed up we challenged a hill into some single track trails and around the lake path. Heart rate was up a bit and we kept pace. All the while I’m thinking, would I be doing this if it wasn’t for my pal CC?

Back in transition I was treated to the smoothie of my life. Blueberries, pineapple, banana and whatever else. My stomach and taste buds sang the morning!

I was sent home with a coffee and cookies. I’d scheduled a meet-up with friends T and R at the RV park next to me at 9 a.m.

There’s certain folk you meet on the path of life that lay a foundation of thoughts that trickle into your subconscious. T and R are special to me. Both have had their own unique health challenges. But resonate with a love for life and helping those around them.

We talked about R’s recent surgery and post recovery. Two months rather then the predicted six. Scars to prove it. A smile, chin up and astute in skin colour, energy and posture. I attributed that to the love and care from T along with the winning attitude for the speedy recovery.

Health topped our conversation this morning. CC and I had already had a conversation on our ride about complainers. Some people like to. There's no magic pill for good health. T's formula is as follows:

• positive attitude
• stay active
• eat right
• give your body what it needs to be healthy

“Most people want the most out of life. To live until they die,” she said adding, “I love life.”

There was only an hour for catch up so I rode their RV back to my home gate. As we hugged goodbye T’s parting words were, “Live life to it’s fullest.”

All this made for a perfect day.