Training Keeps me Sane

swimming

2010-04-14T20:54:00.001-07:00

As you may know if you've ever read my blog I'm not a great swimmer. I've learned to semi enjoy swimming but I can never seem to go faster, I sometimes cut more workouts short if I'm tired and if I miss a swim and don't sweat it. But tonight I found a fun way to train - train with someone!! Brilliant Eh!! I can't believe I just figured this out tonight after 4.5 years of swimming!

Tonight's swim was so fun, and went by so fast...and I even tried to swim a little faster than normal...I was still being lapped :-)

I'm joining a swim club next week, and hopefully it will be the start to faster times, better technique and even some new friends!!

a little uninspired

2010-04-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

Obviously I've been feeling a little uninspired lately.

Life has been a little tough - lots of work, a little training and not as much sleep as I would like.

With that being said there have been little inspirations along that way keep giving smiles.

* Max has started walking - it's been so amazing to see him stand up, take a step, then take some more steps and then get the proudest look on his face...a few steps and a few claps. Greg was lamenting today how he just has the best disposition.

* I've started training more...with more consistency and specificity

* I finally had a day to make cookies and muffins - I've missed baking

* With the help of my friend Sarah, I've set a new "old lady" PB in my 10km time. She totally pushed me, we pushed either, and we suffered through to a 43:44 finish!!

I will find some inspiration more regularly...

Ode to Family and Friends

2010-02-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

Well not really an ode because I have no poetics skills whatsoever, but definitely a tribute. Without my family I would rarely get to see my friends and life would be way harder.

My family is constantly stepping up when Max can't go to daycare, or when I need an extra hand because of a long work day. My sister is always here when I need to get out with my friends. She came over nice and early yesterday so I could meet Angie and Sarah for a run and early lunch. And I drove home with a smile...it's so nice to get out for some fresh air, and reconnect with friends.

So a big thank you to my family...without them I would be way too stressed and way more of a hermit!!

About the run...it was fantastic! It was pretty crisp out but we hardly noticed hte weather or the fast clip we were keeping because of all the talking that was going on. I smiled the whole way home!

On Max news...he's learned to climb the chair by himself, brush his own hair (so cute), stand for a couple of seconds, hit blocks on the wall that cause dents and put Mommy's dirty shoes on the wall...he's such a mutchkin and I love it...so much perosnality!!

Another Week Down

2010-02-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I've finished another week of work. The transition of stay at home mom to working mom is complete, however, still not easy.

Max's transition into daycare has been rough - so many germs - and therefore, so much sickness. It's been making me rethink my daycare strategy and see if I can find a nanny. I interviewed (along with my friend Anu from work because we would share the nanny) a woman last night but it wasn't a good fit. Just like daycare, it's actually hard to think that anyone would take as good of care of Max.

Weekends have been wonderful - I get to see his smile all day, I get lots of hugs, lots of kisses and lots of reminders why he's the sweetest baby!

Training has been tough. I had grand plans that I would fit everything in, with maybe just a little less volume and unfortunately that has not been the case. My efforts are definitely lower because by 7:30 or 8:00 I just don't have much gas left in the tank. I've been worn out by the end of the week so a friday bike or run is missed because I actually fall asleep on the couch (not my MO). But the weekend workouts have been good, and hopefully I'll start to get stronger during the week. I miss being is great shape and having the energy to kick every workout's A@#!! So if you have any extra energy please send it my way!!

Yuck!

2010-01-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

It's been 10 days of throwing up - as Sarah says, Max has the Daycare blues!!

Hopefully the virus will subside very soon, or they will figure out what it is when we head back to emergency tomorrow morning. The poor little dude is loosing weight...his belly is gone and he's so lethargic...barely playing!

Daycare is hard on babies...so many germs. How can I make this easier on him?

Thank goodness for grandparents though! If it weren't for my parents and my sister I don't know what I would have done. I always think about all the single mom's out there who don't have a support family...I can't imagine how hard things can get for them.

The Munchkiness of Max Almon

2010-01-10T18:55:00.001-08:00

Max can be quite a Munchkin. I personally think it's his budding personality, hard headness and social butterfliness that causes all of this monkeying around. It cracks me up...I love it!

Here are a couple examples of his Munchkinesses:

1. He sat with one leg up on the grocery cart flirting with all the ladies this morning.
2. He screamed when I took him out of the swing to bring him home when it was getting dark.
3. He throw his food all over the floor...really purposfully...then looked at me and smiled.
4. He played "I throw my cup, mommy picks it up" through half of dinner.
5. As soon as I took his diaper off for his bath he peed all over the outside of the bath tub
6. We spent his bath time playing "mom I want to stand, please stop making me sit"

I know all mother's say this, but he is seriously the sweetest boy I've ever met...I'm so lucky.

One of the positives of working full time is that the time I get with Max I truly truly cherish and try to enjoy every second...every instance of munchinkiness!

Trying Fit it All In

2010-01-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

Holy Crap going back to work is HARD! Everything about it is hard...I've spent a year hanging out with Max everyday...the longest I was away from him was during IMC, I could fit my training in while he napped, I could clean up the house (kind of) at night, and even sit down and relax once and while. And now, Reality has hit. So I have a whole new appreciation for anyone with a job and a child that fits in a workout...kudos to you because I had no idea!

So logistically, this is how my day looks:
*5 to get ready for work and unload the dishwasher (or some other day to day chore that should be done...and one day this week have a conference call with my boss...that's right 5:30am)
*6 - get Max up and spend some time with him while we get ready to leave
*6:50ish - leave the house to drop Max off at daycare and continue onto work. This probably the hardest part of the day because he cries and like all mom's I can't stand to hear him...I just want to make it all better but I can't
*7:30 - start work and try to minimize breaks and lunch so I can leave at 4pm (an hour earlier than we're suppose to and there are lots of days that I have manditory meetings that I have to stay for)
*5 - arrive home with the Big Guy - make dinner, play, bath and give him all the hugs and kisses I can
7:45 - get on the treadmill or bike with the utmost disdain and wonder how I'm going to make it through the workout.

And I have it easy, in some ways, because my husband works over seas so I'm not worried about fitting time in with him...what's going to happen when he gets back...how's it all going to fit in...

On the positive side, work is good...it's exciting to be back in the swing of things and there's always optimisim in January! Max has ha d a couple of days with my parents to help break up daycare in the first week, and I have one workout cut short because of a whole in my tire, so I get a little extra rest with minimal guilt this week!

Another Holiday Season Come and Gone!

2010-01-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

Another holiday season has come and gone. As with all holidays there are some ups and downs. Thankfully mostly ups. Lots of food (I am too scared to step on the scale), lots of family, lots of friends, and lots of celebrating our Little Man!

I think my favorite night was Christmas Eve. We had ribs...wierd, and not a tradition, but really good! And cards games...so fun!! Christmas is so much for fun with Max...he makes it really special again and I want nothing more than to see him smile, so we try really hard to get funny gifts and enjoy the paper and boxes that they come in!

Today I took him out in his new sleigh (birthday present from Poppa Pete and Grandma B), and he was smiling the whole time...a big toothy smile that was saying "good faster Mommy"!! When it was over (it was kind of a quick trip because it was cold) he was not impressed that I took him out of the sleigh and he tried to bite me - a few times!! So hopefully we can head out again tomorrow.

But now it's over, and reality is about to hit - I'm back to work! Yikes!! This year has been so amazing. I feel so fortunate that I got to spend a whole year with him - watching him grow, learn new things, and smile...he has the best smile ever!! But like many other women I am back to work monday. It will be so hard to leave him at daycare, and miss a whole day of him playing and discovering and smiling. I don't know how I am going to concentrate - my boss said he would order me an extra box of kleenex and I really think I'm going to need it. To help me get a little excited about work I bought a new dress - a big thanks to Sarah for giving me the little encouragement I needed to go back in the store after brunch!!

Happy Birthday Max!

2009-12-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Max's first birthday. What an amazing little boy he is. I am in awer of him every time I look at him. He is always smiling, exploring, laughing, trying to make me laugh, giving hugs, and just being the sweetest kid ever! (I do realize that every mother thinks the same thing about their child)!

We had an awesome day. Greg made it home...yeah! We had pancakes for breakfast (wholewheat with flax), then we spent the day playing, reading, practicing climbing the stairs, and napping. Then the party started! The grandparents and my sister (his only aunt/uncle that lives in calgary) came over. He was spoiled rotten with presents which he thoroughly enjoyed playing with all night. We had a wonderful meal...wonderful because it's always fun to sit around a big table with drinks and food, and then we watched Mr. Mutchkins eat his first birthday cupcake. I didn't know how it was going to go. He definitely has my sweet tooth and he likes when we give him tastes of icing and cake, and he feeds himself some things, but still...so we put him the highchair sans clothes, put a chocolate cupcake with green frosting on his table tray and watched him go to town, and I mean devour the cupcake like nothing I had ever seen before...it was so funny and so cute!!! Green frosting on his face and hands, and handfuls of cake going into his mouth...he couldn't go fast enough!!

All the sugar gave his some added energy to play, crawl and smile some more!! He had a nice bath and story before bed to relax him!

Best Day!

Snow Day

2009-12-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

Winter is officially here! It snowed all day today, and the winds were gusting. Max and I didn't have any big plans but they were definitely limited by the weather!

So we ventured to Co-op the closest grocery store that I hardly ever frequent because according to the radio they are by far the most expensive. Because today was a day off of working out I needed some other distraction, so I decided it would be a good day to bake. I baked cookies and then immediately froze them! And then because I had no other good excuses to get out of it...I cleaned...I like excuses. And I should have more tomorrow...treadmill here I come!

It's suppose to stop snowing tomorrow but then get really cold. It reminds me of this time last year...we brought Max home from the hospital in -30 degrees and I was constantly telling Greg to slow down...he was so tiny and fragile.

Procrastinating

2009-11-23T13:15:00.000-08:00

I'm updating my blog to get out of cleaning! Since the move everyday there are things to do and some times I don't feel all that keen to clean!! It's way better when I can hop on my bike while Max is sleeping to escape the work but alas I have basketball tonight so the workout will have to wait and the cleaning will have to start...as soon as I'm done typing!!

I went for a long run yesterday with a buddy I've known since highschool and he introduced me to the group of guys he runs with on sunday. They were awesome!! There's nothing like a 62 year old running machine to get and keep me inspired!! There were two other guys...equally impressive...fast, and fun to run with. Mike had a Roughriders flag tied around his neck and he was getting a tonne of cheers from the Saskatchewan imports we were seeing on the paths. I wish I would have had a Stampeders jersey on because I'm a home town girl!!

Sarah competed in IM Arizona and did awesome yesterday. She's such an inspiration...finished 11:04 and 13th in her age group!! I followed her during the day and emailed back and forth with our coach on her progress!! Hopefully she's recoverying well today!!

Well, onto the floors and laundry and anything else I can fit in before Mr. Max wakes up!!

The Race

2009-11-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

The last month of so I've been training for a marathon that I probably, actually almost definitely, was not going to run. I start back at work in January and it was the middle of January, so to pack up Max after not seeing him that much all week and fly and run and then fly back seemed like a lot of work. But I needed a goal, a race, something to keep my focus during workouts!! So I've found it...the Frozen Ass 50km!! It's only 8km longer than a marathon so it's not outrageous, it's perfect timing (mid february) and I even have a buddy running it!!

Training this morning had a lot more meaning...I was running my intervals as hard as I could knowing that there was something I was working for!! Way more fun than just working out!!

In one month and one day Max is going to be a year old...I'm so excited for his birthday. I can't believe how fast the year is going and fast he's growing, and changing and becoming his own little man!! He crawls, tries to stand, sings (kind of), dances and waves bye...and not to brag, but he gives me kisses...I'm the only one he gives kisses and they're so cute and just make my day!!

Birthday party planning here we come!!

Halloween!!

2009-11-01T18:31:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was Max's first Halloween and it was awesome!! Friday we went to at party at the Chestermere Community center where Max stopped the show with his squeals of delight! We walked through the haunted house, stopped at all the games and admired the costumes...it was a perfect party!

Saturday we went to Grandpa Al's and Grandma Carol's to see the pumpkin, eat some lunch and play while showing off his Mickey Mouse costume. Which I have to say he looked so cute in...he had a tale and a bowtie!!

As far as workouts go...I'm in run focused plan. I'm liking it but really missing my long rides and long swims. I've barely been swimming because it's hard to fit in right now, and I can only ride so long on the trainer. But the long runs have been really fun because I've been running with Sarah during the week...and 3 hours goes by way faster when you're chatting!! Not to mention, I run them faster with her.

Greg's coming home for 5 days on tuesday. It was a surprise and it just so happens that we are moving into our new place at the same time so we will have some time together there (he's never seen it, so my fingers are crossed that he'll like it)! And I'm sure we'll have a lot of time to swim, go the zoo, and just hang out!!

What's Next!

2009-10-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I've decided that I'm going to do some marathon training for a run in January. I've been enjoying training with Sarah on wednesdays...when she does her long runs as she's training for Ironman Arizona. They're so fun. They keep me in shape and they're a nice time to socialize...when I'm not being a little too harsh with my opinions!!

Coach has added some pacing workouts, some good bike workouts and of course, there's also my women's league basketball games once a week...and we are even winning a couple!!

Max's two front teeth are totally coming through. They're so big and they've caused him a little bit of grief, but he looks so cute when he smiles. And he definitely knows how to use his teeth...which help me try new, interesting foods. I'm pretty conscious of making sure he gets lots of different vegetables and fruits, and eats balanced meals but every once in a while he gets to sample some of the good stuff...his favorites are mint chocolate chip icecream and chocolate muffins!! The apple does not fall far from the tree!!

So marathoning here I come...who knows if I will get to the race start...maybe I will have to run my own marathon!!

Been way too long

2009-09-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've written a post...I tried but it got erased and I didn't have time to retype. The gist of that post was that I'm back on bike and loving it! I would be loving it even more if I was wearing my own shoes. IMC still has them because unfortunately they didn't make it into my transition bag but they will return home shortly and my feet will be happy to see them. Right now I'm wearing my husband's shoes...they're way too big but they make me laugh every time I look down. I rode outside last weekend (a big thank you to Jen and Shawn for babysitting my little man) and I looked like a total dork - huge clown shoes, a small helmet that I borrowed from my very petite mother and big "fashion" glasses...but at least I was outside in the sun...chatting with my friends and passlining it! So fun!!

I need something to train for though...I've been thinking about what races...should I focus on running, or think about some tris next year...any suggestions?

Max cut another tooth last night...so you can feel his top front tooth. It's so cute. He's been working on his standing, clapping and of course his screaming!

Race Report

2009-09-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

I loved Sunday, however sunday was final day of a long climb....trying to fit my life of being a mother in with training for an Ironman. Some days it brought me to tears from sheer exhaustion and other days it kept me sane as a single mom (only kind of because my husband works over seas).
And it really was a family Ironman because I would never have got to the start line with out my family's commitment to help...babysitting, driving over during rush hour traffic so they could hang out at my house without the perk of playing with Max because he was sleeping and making my workouts a priority...how amazing is that!

So sunday! I got up at 4am after a good night's sleep (the first one in 8.5 months because Max slept in my parent's room) and did the mundane getting ready stuff. I ate my normal breakfast of toast with PB&J and had a huge cup of coffee! We headed down to the start line and I got dropped off at the Starbucks and that couldn't have been a better coincidence because I used their bathroom! Went to body marking where I told them the wrong number and then headed through to my bike. I pumped my tired and got to see Richelle and Sarah! And then I sat down with Hope and Mark and just hung out until it was time to put my wetsuite on. I ripped my wetsuite the day before but Richelle hooked me up with Aqua Sphere and they lent me one for race. It was kind of funky looking with the gold shoulders but I didn't get a sore shoulder...something that happened every time I swam in my Blue Seventy! Then after I got my wetsuite on I headed through the gets and made my way over to where my family was hanging out...I wanted to make sure I could see Max before I started because it was going to be the longest amount of time I would be away from him. And after some pictures the canon went off. My mantra through the swim was smooth and steady. And for the most part it felt really good...it always amazes me that I can swim nearly 4km and I even did it faster this year! Because I was a touch faster I got into more traffic and even got a couple of hits to the head!

Transition was good. I tried to be fast. The volunteer was amazing. And I was off to my bike.

My plan was to ride "cheesy easy" the first 120 km which gave me plenty of time to look for my family along mainstreet and soak in the whole experience. It was quite busy on the bike...people everywhere. I got to McLean Creek and it was a little tough with all the congestion. I got a flat tire about 15km before Oliver and for the first time (maybe ever) I changed the tire by myself. It took me a couple of minutes to orientate myself and figure what to do but eventually I got a new tube in, however I got a little overzealouz with the CO2 cartridge and had to do it all over again. But surprisingly it didn't really effect my game plan or my mental state...I was still feeling good. I cruised up Richter and over the rollers and then after Special Needs I put a little more effort in. Riding up Yellow Lake was awesome...I knew my family was going to be there so I just concentrated on seeing them, which was awesome, and the next thing I knew I was at the top. The ride down there was a head wind so I had to work a little harder than anticipated.

T2 felt pretty fast and my legs didn't feel and jelly as they did 2 years ago.

The beginning of the run felt awesome. I couldn't believe my pace was feeling so easy and I was trying to get myself to slow down. I met up with Angie at The Cherrylane Mall which was great because it was nice to chat for a bit. Not too long after that my stomach started to go crazy. It wasn't emptying and it felt so horrible. I knew I needed to get some calories down and keeping drinking soup for salt. The calories were the toughest part because my stomach felt so awful...but I managed to get some bananas and coke down. I stayed away from gatorade and gels because the thought of them was making me ill. Over all I maintained a fairly good pace but I felt like I was suffering...it was one of the toughest runs I've ever done. I was excited to see the turn around because then I knew I only had a 1/2 marathon left and I knew I could do that. There were so many great people out there with encouraging words that helped me keep going. Seeing all the TTL athletes through out the day was so great!

The finish line was amazing! It was so great to have my husband, son and family there to cheer for me and take care of me! I knew I was looking pretty rough because every volunteer I walked by had a very concerned look on their face and asked me if I needed anything. I tried to have a massage but my stomach would not cooperate. However, I did manage to get down a piece of pizza...it tasted so good!

And now, a couple of days later I'm starting to miss training and am looking forward to moving again!

I already miss Ironman, hopefully one day I'll make it back there!

IMC

2009-09-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

I don't have much time to do a race report today...but what a great day. I had so much fun, enjoyed the course, seeing my family out there cheering and cheering for my teamates along the way.

I will be sad not to do another Ironman for a long time...

Happy 8 Months!

2009-08-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

First things first...Happy 8 Months to my Baby Boy!! It's hard to believe he's already 8 months. Every time I look at him I can't get over how sweet and wonderful he is!! And he's growing up so fast! Right before my eyes he's growing in to a little boy...trying so hard to crawl and getting frustrated when he can't, getting his teeth, and making new sounds (the scream is still his favorite)!!

I rode the Lac Le Jeune ride the only ride I know in Kamloops) yesterday. And it was so fun. My legs weren't as heavy as they have been the last couple of weeks so i didn't quite feel like I was going backwards!! It was just a nice, peaceful ride with very few cars! Coach told me to ride the last 40km at race pace and lucky for me that part of the ride is all down hill and fast (which I deserved because I had to climb all the way up there first) and I barely had to peddle! Then I slipped my new Nike's (they feel like slippers) onto my feet, which had been looked at by a funny doctor on wednesday and given a cortisone shot...and low and behold I had less pain then normal and it was fun to run! yeah!!

Then best of all we spent the afternoon at the beach with Max...it wasn't that warm so we just walked around and played at the park!

Call 911

2009-08-13T08:29:00.001-07:00

You know the song...it's totally catching...something about "call 911". Well my husband found this exercise/dance video to that song, and it's hilarious. Neither of us are that great of dancers but will do anything to get Max to smile! And smile he did! He thought we were hilarious trying to copy the video!!

Max was sick for the first time yesterday (besides some minor teething fevers). He had a fever, a running nose and cranky disposition until about 5pm last night. The poor Little Dude was not happy, but he when he went to bed he was already starting to come out of it and this morning he woke up happy...smiling at all the skaters and trying to get as much attention as he could...he's a little charmer to say the least!

The First Cool Day

2009-08-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

The first cool day we've had here in Kamloops and it's 27 degrees...crazy!!

Sunday it was 39 degrees and on the positive side it's preparing me for IMC heat. I did a four hour ride...and I'm not one to talk about how fast/slow I can ride but I have to say that I the ride I did on sunday I only covered 100km in 4 hours because it was so hard...I climbed for at least 25 km and it took me right into a good head wind....so needless to say it was a super hard ride. And when I got back I headed out for a 2 hour run and that's when I started to feel the heat...I was dripping the whole way and the heat was definitely getting to me, but it was a great run and a great workout. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon napping and watching a friend from Calgary play soccer! Max stayed up all the way until 7pm with all the excitement!

Monday afternoon we spent the afternoon at Riverside Park. Max loved the river...it was cold but he was all about bobbing up and down! He was screaming with delight!! Then we headed to the Icecream shop and Max had his first taste of icecream and he couldn't contain himself! He took a lick and then another and then he wouldn't let us eat our icecream because he was trying to get it...he loved it and it was so cute...we only let him eat a little because I was scared his tummy couldn't handle it!

Tomorrow we're back to Calgary for 5 days...looking forward to the home cooking!

Training Camp

2009-07-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

After a quick couple of days in Kamloops Max and I packed the truck up again, picked my sister from the airport and headed down to Penticton. I was white nuckling the drive the whole way there because it was pouring rain and it was so windy...a little scary...I like to drive on perfectly dry roads really slowly :-)

As it was raining our first training night was altered...instead of an easy ride and open water swim we headed to the pool. Coach and I had a good laugh because my swimming has improved so dramatically in the last couple of years...I'm still not even close to being fast but at least I'm not going backwards anymore.

Friday was the long the long ride day. Max had just cut a tooth, and for the last couple of weeks had not been sleeping well, and friday night was no exception. He was up at least 5 times and I felt like I got no sleep. We headed over to our starting point at 6:15...it was raining and cloudy. But we started out and the rain quickly disappeared which was handy because I got 2 flat tires in first 10km. Thank goodness for UBER tire changer - Jay who was coming up behind me...he had my tires changed in 5 minutes flat. Unfortunately he hurt his back while doing, and left me feeling guilty all weekend. Sarah, who I was riding with and who is totally fun to chat with, and I continued on. When we made the turn up to head up Richter the head wind started and the wind did not let up the rest of the day. It was the toughest wind I've ever had to bike in. But Sarah and I maintained a good pace the whole way and we were really happy with how hard we biked. It did teach me that I can't bike that hard and still run afterwards. All in all it was a good day...learned that I need to stay within myself for the bike, race day can only get easier with the winds we fought that day, and that IMC is definitely the prettiest course I've ever road!

I spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with Max and my sister...I was missing them on the ride.

Saturday we did the 4km open water swim. The water was perfect...so still and warm! And I think I was a touch faster than 2 years ago...yeah!! Then we did a 60km recovery ride. Again it was a beautiful ride! We went up the Green Mountain Road...they call the climb the wall...and it is totally steep but not that long! And the rest of the ride is scenic and rolling. It was a little bit of a slow ride and I was anxious to get back to Max and hang out with him because I had spent the previous day away. As soon as we got back to the hotel it started to pour...sideways rain because of the intense winds.

Sunday was long run day. I ran with three team mates. Two years ago when I did this run we ran a leisurely 30km...it felt great...we chatted the whole time and I really enjoyed it. This year I still enjoyed it, but there was definitely less chatting because we were cruising...we were running faster kilometer splits than my stand alone marathon time...so we ran 30km 24 minutes faster than the last time I did that run. I was done when we got back! But after some soaking in Lake Skaha my spirits picked up! I need my three team mates with me the next time I do a marathon...I'll definitely break my PB.

And yesterday, glorious yesterday, was a rest day...filled with attempts to fill my hunger and a massage!

We're Here!!

2009-07-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

We've arrived in Kamloops! The first 3 hours were while Max was sleeping, so they were a breeze and went by quite quickly. We stayed the night in Golden and then packed up the next morning and headed out again....what usually would be a 3 1/2 hour drive took us about 6 1/2 hours! We stopped threes times to eat, rest, take a little walk, etc...and then a fourth stop because of an accident. But we made it! Max and I were both a little wiped to say the least...he went to bed at 5:15 and I went to bed at 8:15!

I got a short hill workout in and 45 minute run before the weather turned hot...smoking hot...saunter slowly hot! My little guy is not exactly tanning material either so I was constantly slathering sunscreen on him when we went outside which was only long enough for a short walk this morning and then a short walk to and from the pool this afternoon!

Easy couple of days because then it's time to pack the truck up again and head to Penticton for camp!

Finally!!

2009-07-17T08:39:00.001-07:00

Max's sleeping habits had been getting worse and worse...he was waking up around 5 times in the middle of the night, and he needed me to help him back to sleep. Last week I decided that we would stay at my parent's house (because I live in a condo and cannot do that to my neighbours) and let the little dude cry it out. It did not work...he cried, and I was on the verge of tears listening to him cry...so I tried it two nights and two nights I picked him up to cuddle him back to sleep. So needless to say I have not been getting any sleep lately and my training hours are getting longer and longer!

Yesterday was a big day...I think I got three hours of sleep and then did a 180km ride with a brick run...I felt like I was 25 and had spent the night at the club partying it up. Thank goodness I perked up after about 50km (with a little help from my coach and her husband as they rode really hard back into Cochrane and I was trying to keep up). It was a beautiful day for a ride (the first one in weeks) and the date square in Bragg Creek helped me push the last half of the ride!

And then at night Max woke up 3 times between 8 and 9 which is even a lot for him! So I thought we were in for a bad night...but it turns out he just needed a little food and then he slept all the way until 3am! I couldn't believe it when I looked at the clock at 2am and he still hadn't woken up...I actually got up to make sure he was ok...and of course he was...he probably just knew his mama needed some sleep! I felt like a new person this morning!! My goodness what a little sleep does for my mood!

So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this becomes the new pattern!

I'm Getting a Little Sleepy!

2009-07-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Trainig last week was great...we had great weather, I did a race and fit all the other stuff in that I had to, so I shouldn't be complaining...but boy, would I like to sleep through the night! The little dude gets up around midnight to eat and once and a while he needs to eat around the 4:30 mark, but that doesn't mean he sleeps in between those times. He likes to wake up crying...which usually means "Mom, come hold me and put me back to sleep." So I decided for my own sanity that he needs to get himself back to sleep during the times he doesn't need to eat (not to mention that he would be getting a better sleep too)! So off to my parent's house we went so I could let him cry it out during those times he's not hungry. I live in a condo and I can't bare to do that to my neighbours.

Well, he woke up at about 10:30...and I didn't go to him...he cried really really, make a mother cry herself, hard...but then he slept better! He woke up at midnight and 4:30 to eat, which sucks but is easier to handle when I don't get to get up 2 other times to soothe him. And hopefully it helped him sleep better.

The bonus was I got to run with my mom this morning. We ran over to the one hill in Chestermere (it's not very long but does the trick) and we ran some hills before heading home! It was the perfect day to run...20 degrees with some light cloud cover...can't get any better and it was a good thing we got it in because it is now pouring rain!! Good ole' Calgary...rains during the stampede!!

Turner Valley Race Report

2009-07-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

Being back to racing after having a baby and then recovering from a stress fracture I wanted to do another race...as always, just for another fun experience. There was a spring tri out in Turner Valley (inaugural event) and my coach and I both signed up. Couldn't have asked for a better day...the weather was a perfect 20 degrees and I have my little man (and my wonderful sister who is babysitter extradinaire) with me!

The swim was in a outdoor pool which is so fun. The lanes were quite narrow, so the whole way I kept thinking I was going to get a fist to the head!! But it was all good, no injuries and then it was off to the bike. The website said the course was rolling...it should have said climb the hill and cruise back to town! And much like all the races around here the bike was very scenic! So after a nice cruise into town it was off on to the run...again, the website said flat and fast...I'm not sure if the person who wrote that had even looked at the course because there was nothing, and I mean nothing flat about it! But it was on a really nice trail so it was a great run!

The whole day was so fun...I just love being out a races...finishing with Max's smiling face and then chatting with everyone. That's the great thing about triathlon...we can all do it...all shapes, sizes, speeds...because at the end of the day it's just about having a fun day and getting some fitness in!

A Day of Firsts!

2009-06-28T17:19:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day Max and I have been jogging together. It was such a beautiful morning and I kept looking outside thinking it would be awesome to get out for a run! So I got Max all dressed and into the stroller with his hat and glasses. He wasn't too keen on the glasses and they kept shifting when he was moving his head trying to get comfortable for a nap. He soon fell asleep, we had a great run and ended at The Lady Bug Cafe (go there if you like good coffee and you're not in a hurray...there is nothing speedy about that place)!

The second "first" of the day was we had to make a Costco trip...something I haven't done since my husband left, but you can't find cheaper diapers or contact solution anywhere! So we used the baby bjorn, and it worked great! Max loved the trip...so many people to look and smile at!

Then after a nap and swim at Westside Rec, Max had his third "first" of the day...he ate blueberries! It was time to try something new and I had a whole wack of blueberries of the Costco trip, so we blended them up...not sure what he thought of them! But he was sure cute eating them!! Blueberries everywhere!

Boy Did I Get Lucky!

2009-06-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the weatherman said it was going to be windy, but when you have one day to do a long run you just have to get out there! So I rode out to Cochrane...beautiful ride...no wind! And after meeting up with my coach we rode up to Highway 1A to meet up with our friend (the 67 year old machine who inspires me every time I ride with him) and from there we rode back down to Cochrane where we saw the once dormant flag blowing in the wind like there was no tomorrow. By the time we got to Cochrane it was basically time for me to start heading back home and lucky for me I was going to get some company. The ride home was so easy except for a couple of spots because the wind was blowing so hard that we barely had to peddle.

I got dropped back off home, and my riding buddies came in for a couple of minutes to grab some water (Coach's Infinit was a bit old and not smelling very good) and Max was loving the company! Max loves to giggle and smile at people but I have never seen him this excited in my life...he was smiling and laughing and giggling as he was entertained with singing and dancing! It was so sweet!

And here's where I get lucky...they had to head back to Cochrane with a strong strong head wind the whole way...they are tough because I think I would have been accepting the ride home!

So I managed to get a ride in with no wind or a tail wind...how great is that! And then I got to come home to the happiest baby on the planet!

The Saggy Baggy Elephant

2009-06-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Not only one of my favorite children's stories that I read to Max but also the theme of my swim yesterday. Last friday after Max's swim lesson I was so anxious to get him rinsed off, changed and then fed for a nap that I didn't rinse my own bathing suit off...nor did I take it out my bag for a day (or two). I put on said bathing suit last night to go for a swim, and it was so baggy and so worn that I was sooooo embarrassed to go the pool. But what do you do...I couldn't go home and get another bathing suit...I had to get a workout in! So I swam, and prayed that nobody really noticed that you could kind of see through my bathing suit and that I looked ridiculus!

If I would have come home to get a new bathing suit I would have found Grandpa trying to calm Max down and get him to sleep...the little dude usually goes to bed like a champ...5:45 without a peep! But not last night, he cried so much and so hard that he was still sobbing in his sleep when I got home. It almost broke my heart. Thank goodness Grandpa's the best with babies...he even said he would come back next week :-)

On the plus side, Greg suggested I get a new bathing suit...so I did...blue and cute!

Chinook Half Ironman Race Report

2009-06-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first tri after having Max. I have been so nervous the last couple of days...it's even been a bit hard to sleep the last couple of nights. Fortunately, I was so exhausted that I slept awesome the night before. And Max cooperated, and only got up once...yeah!! We stayed at my parent's house so that saturday morning I could get up and Max could eat and then stay in his usual routine (eat, play, sleep) and then meet me at the finish line!

So I got to transition and got everything set up and ready to go...chatted with some friends, and met some ladies to chat with in the bathroom line up! I forgot how darn hard it is to put my wetsuit on, but as one of the ladies I met said...at least I can get it on! I went and got in the lake to do a couple of strokes and get the feel for being in a lake. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any open water swims in and not being a swimmer that may not have been a good way to start my race season. So the race started, I jumped in the water and started swimming...the water was warm and there weren't that many people which was great, but I couldn't seem to get my breathing rate under control, so I had to flip on my back...unfortunately it's a little tough to site from my back, so needless to say I went of course and the nice canoe guy had to give me a little nudge and tell me to get back on course! But after about a third of the swim I started to feel relaxed and was swimming relatively well (for me). I felt strong and the water felt good...next time I might try to get a couple of open waters in before hand. But the swim portion ended and I was off to my bike.

I had a pretty good transition, waved to my mom and I was off to one of my favorite parts! I felt really good on the bike. There was a slight head wind, but it was a beautiful day...blue sky, not too hot, and really great scenery. My goal for the race was to ride hard (but within myself), and I felt good the whole ride. I had set up my profile bottle the day before and hadn't noticed that the short stray was way too short so I was having trouble getting some fluid, but it wasn't a huge deal....until at the half way part I noticed that the other half of my straw was in the bottle....along with the elastics and some other things...ooops I wasn't playing close enough attention when I set it up. So I decided to stop and try to get the straw set up properly...I did but then it fell off and I was back trying to a drink looking like a dork! We had a nice tail win back to transition and the ride seemed to be flying by!

In transition, some guy hung his wet suit up where I was suppose to put my bike so I had to take some time to move his stuff. And then I ran the wrong way. But when I got going the right way I felt strong. The run was beautiful...on pathways through Fishcreek Park. It was a 2 loop run with one big hill. The first loop felt longer because I didn't know where I was going, but I was running with a guy about the same pace and he kept me wanting to push. Shortly into the second lap the guy had to slow down (stomach issues) but it motivated me to try and catch the people in front. The second lap went fairly fast because I knew what to expect. The run had gotten hotter than was originally projected, but it was great to IMC training! And truthfully, I just kept thinking of Max's smiling face knowing that he was waiting for me at the finish line! The finish line was great...my family was there...and Max was there with big smiles!! As soon as I felt good I got big hugs and kisses from him!

We hung out at the finish line for a while...taking some post race pics with the Grandma's and Grandpa! Before we headed to the car I had to feed Max because he was starving! And when we got home, before I had a chance to shower and change my clothes Max had some cereal and sweet potatoes...his favorite! After Max was down for a nap I inched my way into an ice bath...it felt really good in a bizarre way! The shower after the ice bath was quite painful as I forgot to lube up! Thank goodness for polysporin!

All in all it was a great race...a beautiful course, great weather, and pretty good race!

Harder on Mom!

2009-06-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I decided that one or twice a week Max should go the gym daycare while I get a swim in...my thinking is that it's good for him to be looked after by other people, be exposed to other children, and even build up his immunity.

But it took me about 2 weeks to really commit to doing it, and because this week is a taper week with short workouts there couldn't have been a better day! So I saved him a spot this morning and then gathered my nerve all day! We got there early so I could get him all signed in and give a couple of instructions and then kiss my sleeping boy goodbye. Well what a great way to get a really focused workout in! I swam my butt off so I could get back there to pick him up!

And of course he was playing in the exersaucer, smiling at the nice lady, and not even blinking that I wasn't there! So the first tester went good! We'll probably try it once a week if I can keep my nerve :-)

Family Fun

2009-06-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

My whole family (minus my husband who is back in China working and Max who would rather nap than run right now which leaves my mom, dad, brother and sister) ran the Footstock 10Km Race on saturday! It was so fun. Those Cochrane Folks really know how to put on a great race...they had the weather man cooperate, some great trails to run on, and a whole host of volunteers and spectators with big smiles!

My brother and I ran the whole way together and it was so fun to run with him! My mom wasn't far behind us, and then my dad and sister were not too far behind her. Max stayed with my coach's daughter for the race...he was really good and slept the whole time (he looked especially cute in his sunglasses)!!

Then after the race and some pictures we headed the Bakery for an early lunch which we were all excited about! Can't think of a better way to spend the day than hanging with my family and getting to run!

Now's it's recovery time for the Chinook Half Ironman...looking forward to the rest!

Riding Long

2009-06-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the perfect day to ride. It was clear blue skies and not too windy! I had planned to do 140km. I rode out to Cochrane to meet my coach, her husband and another triathlete friend. We then took airport road (think downhill into farmland...so pretty) and continued onto Bragg Creek. We did have a little visit from a nice RCMP officer making sure that we weren't riding side by side (which, truthfully we had been doing quite a bit...but we were talking). Then in Bragg we did a quick loop up to the Texas Gate (it's good practice because I hate riding over them, although every time it gets a little easier).

And then we hit Bragg again. We stopped to have a date square which I wolfed down in 10 seconds flat because lately I can't seem to eat enough...I'm always hungry...always thinking about my next meal. And then we started to cruise home.

Max was with Grandma, and he's so good I knew they were just playing and having fun, and most likely sleeping...which both Max and Grandma like to do. But I was getting anxious to see the Little Dude...his big smile just melts my heart so I had to hammer home. I pushed pretty hard...it's crazy how being a mom can make you a better rider! So after a great long ride which ended up being a 155km I did a quick 10 min transition run...had to cut it short because I didn't feel like being away any longer! Not to mention the little dude wasn't very interested in giving me any smiles, so I had to put my mom face on to get a smile/giggle out of him! Feeding him sweet potatoes also helps...they're his favorite!! He eats 2 ounces and shows no interest in quiting! He grabs the spoon from my hand and chomps on it trying to get more sweet potatoes!! So after the snack I got lots of smiles!!

1 day to the family 10km race!! My whole family (mom, dad, brother and sister) and me are doing the Footstock 10km race out in Cochrane. About 5 years ago we did a half marathon together and it was so fun! So tomorrow should be a great day! Because my brother is in town tonight I bribed him with pizza to come over and look after Max (he'll be sleeping) while I go for a run tonight!!

This is my last week of big volume before a huge taper week which I'm looking forward to...I do love to rest!!

Life without Greg is a little lonely. We get to talk everyday and we email regularly but it'll be really great when we're all in Kamloops! And thank goodness for friends...Jen brought Vietnamese over last night and we chatted and ate...it was so great!!

Isn't it Suppose to Be Hot!

2009-06-04T12:31:00.001-07:00

Early in the week my friend asked me if I wanted to ride up Highway 40. And I told him that I would love to but me and the Little Dude were hanging and that I didn't have a babysitter...well he had skipped the nicest part...his wife had offered to babysit while we rode.

So this was going to be Max's first really long time without me or his dad...I wasn't nervous, although I was a touch sad when I sad goodbye. I got everything ready the night before...food for a week, 2 outfits, and all my bike stuff. We got there at 6 in the morning and were on the road a little later.

Well when I said I packed all my bike stuff I lied. I forgot to pack anything warm and when we got there it was freezing...like below 0 because I could see my breathe. Thank gawd Mark had extra warm armers that I could put on my legs. We started riding and things just got colder from there...feet and hands were so cold that at one point I thought it was almost dangerous because I couldn't break. We made the group decision to turn around sooner rather than later because the way the mountains are positioned it is only going to get colder. So we stopped. It was so great and actually felt quite nice...so nice that neither of us wanted to get going again...but I was started to shiver so off we went...the next 15km were the coldest km's of my life...my hands were so cold that I really couldn't hold onto my handle bars very well, breaking was tough and my feet were so cold they were aching. It's June...I'm not suppose to need hats, gloves and extra jackets and pants to ride...what's up!!

We got back to the car and headed to Canmore for some coffee and food because it was so cold we didn't eat or drink (I did try to eat a granola bar but it had frozen so it was too hard to eat).

When we got back to the house Max was sleeping...he had been a good baby and everything had went well!

I hoped on the trainer at night while Max was sleeping to finish up my workout...way more boring but way warmer :-)

I Love Racing!

2009-06-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

The stress fracture in my foot has kept me from running the last 6 weeks and I was signed up to do a half marathon this weekend, and against my better judgement I traded my half mary chip for my friends 10km chip...I just wanted to get out and race...feel the energy of everyone out there and have some fun...and I totally did!!

The thing about not having great expectations is there's not pressure, so I was just going out for a run! I saw some friends before it started, and hung out with my sister! Then the Gun Went Off, and what can I saw...I couldn't control myself I just wanted to run as hard as could that morning! And it was so fun...before I knew it the first mile had gone by! I was keeping a pretty solid pace for me (it helped that the course was totally flat, the weather was great, and there were amazing people out there cheering)! So I finished pretty fast and it would have been even faster if I didn't have to take a pit stop at the 7km mark!!

And the best part was my family was waiting for me at the finish line...so I got to hang out with my husband and son...cheer on my sister and mom...and chat with my friends! It was a great day!

Then we headed home for some lunch before a short walk around the river!

Greg got on a plane to China this morning. Max and I are sad he had to leave, but it's only 6 weeks and we will be meeting up with him in Kamloops where the team is training for 6 weeks! So today's been a little sad, but the time will fly...Max and I just have to stay super busy because time flies when you're having fun!!

A Little Late

2009-05-27T11:13:00.001-07:00

As I was getting ready to go to the gym this morning I heard Greg yell he needed some help. I found him in Max's bedroom covered in poo! Max exploded everywhere so we had to get him out of his clothes, and into the bath where he promptly peed! So we had to empty the bath and start again! The good news is...I think Max felt way better after all that :-)

So needless to say I was a little late getting to the gym for my swim and elliptical (my run workout) but it worked out okay because I swam this morning and then I'll hit the elliptical tonight. With Greg getting ready to go to China he's working less, and I'm taking advantage of the training time because starting monday my training times will be very limited and very scheduled!

The swim workout was great this morning...it was a build on the fun hill workout that we had as a group last night. It was so warm...it was the first time I rode outside in only a t-shirt and not a jacket (or two). Warm weather keep coming!!

I Think Spring is Finally Here!

2009-05-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

We've had a couple of nice days in a row now, and yesterday was no exception...it was beautiful outside which made it a beautiful day to do my long ride. I headed out with my buddy and we rode out past Bragg Creek and then back home. The winds were out but not that bad and there were so many riders out which is fun because it gives you someone to try and catch.

On our way out we had a jerk in a gigantic truck honk about 6 times times at us for no reason...we were riding single file close to the white line but he was not impressed we were on "his" rode! He was probably headed home to sit on the couch and eat potato chips :-)

On our way back through Bragg there were at least 30 riders, maybe more there...that's how you know spring is here...everyone just has to get out and ride! The way back home was a pretty fast trip...I was anxious to see Max and Greg so it makes me push as hard as I can to get home quickly. All in all it was a fun, fast day!

I think Max found his hair today. While I was feeding him he was stroking the top of his head and feeling his hair...so cute!

I Love Hills!

2009-05-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

The weather has not been all that great the last couple of days...high winds, rain, some snow and just plain cold! So yesterday I was watching outside all day wondering if I was going to find the enthusiasm to get on my bike and face the cold. I was kind of leaning towards no...but my husband got home and told me to get out there (in a very nice, loving way) and I am so glad that I listened to him. I put on a long tank top, 2 long sleeve shirts, and 2 jackets, gloves, and of course long pants and headed to Edworthy to do hill repeats. And as one of my team members said, "this is a sick way to have fun"...and it was so fun!

There were so many people from my team there, which makes climbing more fun because I'm always trying to catch the person ahead of me! We did 8 hills...it was a perfect length hill and then headed home for almost a 2 hour workout! I was so invigorated when I got home, and was so glad I got out.

I had to spend about 5 minutes getting my feet warmed and then had a nice long hot shower!

Saturday Ride

2009-05-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better than a beautiful saturday! I woke up feeling not too hot (head cold) but really really looking forward to getting on my bike and meeting up with my team for a ride! I left the house with my husband and son waving goodbye! I rode to meet my team and then rode with them for a while towards Elbow Falls! The ride was good. I had some good head winds on the way out Springbank Road, a good cross wind to Cochrane and then a good head wind out to Elbow Falls...but the nice thing about all that wind on the way out means an easy ride on the way back to Bragg Creek...and it was super easy...and super fast...and so fun! But the most fun part of the day was just coming...Greg and Max met me in Bragg Creek for lunch!

It's so awesome...we meet at the end of my ride, and I get to enjoy lunch with my family! It really makes the ride and training so much more enjoyable knowing they're waiting for me. And then I got to show some of the ladies my new little man (or Big Guy because he's growing like a bad weed). And having Greg and Max meet up with me takes away some of the guilt that I'm gone when I go for a long ride! It's not like the last time I trained for Ironman and felt like I could be gone all day...ride as long as I want and then even run and hangout.

On the running side...still not running but I'm doing some major elliptical workouts and they do my quads in pretty good so hopefully running won't be too painful when I start again!

Off to the zoo today...it's perfect...nice weather, some clouds so it's not too hot!

Getting through the Week!

2009-05-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a tougher week than most. I'm in my highest volume week of the month (next week is a rest week which I'm definitely looking forward to) and I haven't got that much sleep! But that's just part of the course of training for triathlon with a baby! A couple of days ago my husband asked my why I was so tired, and not thinking too much of it I said something about Max waking up at night, and then he started laughing...he's said the next time I ask you that make sure you remind me that you have an infant son and your training for Ironman! He was sympathizing which was really nice! I'm a little worn down and just don't feel like my energetic self so I'm been psyching myself up all day - I'm going to get on my bike tonight and just get the workout down...punch the clock! Sometimes you just have to put the miles in even when you don't feel like it and working out is the last thing on your mind...way behind sleeping, laying down, and not moving :-)

Max and I went for a short swim today at Westside. He's so cute in swim suite that I just love taking him! He practiced his floats, went through the river, and then we sat in the hot tub and chatted with the other mom's!

Rain Rain Go Away

2009-05-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Max's first lesson! It was so fun...and I think he had fun too! The instructor was great...we sang songs, played little games and practiced back floats, front floats, pushing off the wall and the under water dunk (I think this one scared me more than Max)! It was such a fun filled half hour that Max took a huge snooze in the afternoon!

Today I went for a ride outside. I stepped out the doors of our condo building and it was sprinkling rain (which it had been all morning). I have never left my house to ride when it's been raining but I needed to get outside for a workout...swimming inside and doing the elliptical inside (instead of a run) has left me craving the fresh air! So, I pulled up my boot straps and off I went avoiding yet another trainer session. In the first 15 km I was rained on, hailed on and almost blown off my bike (the last one is slightly exaggerated but it was windy)! I stopped and called my husband thinking that maybe it wasn't safe to ride, but he didn't answer, so I hopped back on bike and kept heading out to Bragg Creek. I was trying to be positive...this was a great way to work on my toughness and bike handling skills. I got a few more km's of no rain but then the rain hit the last 8km and it was brutal...I was soaked to the bone and freezing freezing freezing cold! I couldn't fill my feet or my hands! So when I got to Bragg, instead of continuing on and then coming back to meet my family for lunch I stopped...gingerly got off my bike because everything was so cold it hurt and bought a coffee while I waited for my family. And there is no guilt...I hate being cold and riding is suppose to be fun, and I was not having much fun! With that said I owe some miles next week so it'll have to be an extra good, extra long ride :-)

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin!!

2009-05-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been pretty exciting as Max has been rolling over more and more! He still doesn't do it every time we put him on his stomach but the other day he did it twice in a row...and it's still the coolest thing! He's almost rolling from his back to his front as well because he's learned to flex is back and neck and reach for toys which almost rolls him over! It's so cute!

Training's going pretty well this week...I had a great swim on monday...I still can't believe I can say that! I'm not very fast but I don't dread getting in the water like I use to...and there's this nice lady who I often share a lane with. There's this older gentleman who swims in the lane next to us and he's like "old faithful"...he's always there, doing tonnes of laps in a modified dog paddle!

I've been on the elliptical a view times already and last night I managed to get my heart rate up to my 10km race pace. Coach specified that in my training program but before I got to the gym I was having major doubts that I was going to get it that high! Not only did my heart rate climb high but I had a great time watching Entertainment tonight during my workout...I guess that's the one positive to not running...the TV makes workouts go by quicker :-)

On the Road Again

2009-05-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

I only road outside three times last year because I was pregnant. I know I'm a little paranoid but all the books said you loose your sense of balance so I didn't want to take any chances! So I was stolked to get outside and enjoy the weather on my bike. The first couple of kilometers were a little nerve wracking but as soon as I got them out of my system it was such a great ride! The sun was out (I was even over dressed) and the cars were all in a friendly mood :-)

I rode just over 70km and then met Greg and Max in Bragg Creek for a late lunch (and a cinnamon bun)...it was the perfect end to a great ride!

Max and I went for a quick walk when we got home and then headed inside for some play time! I grabbed a glass of water while I was holding the Big Guy and he was totally mesmerized by the glass and then he started giggling! It was so cute!!

My Feet Are the Coolest Thing I've Ever Seen!!

2009-04-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

That is what my son is saying now...he's so sweet. He found his feet last thursday and all he wants to do is look at them and try to put them in his mouth! His favorite toy is attached to his body which is great because he's always entertained! We got him an Excersaucer today! He's played in one at his Grandparent's house, so I plopped him in it and went to through a load of laundry in (which is 2 meters from where he was playing) and he started crying...I guess he got scared of all the music and lights!! So I grabbed...let him settle down and then we played with it again and he was loving it!! He had the cutest excited face ever!!

My foot is not quite as cool as Max's, but I'm not limping anymore which is a bonus. I'm on the elliptical for a couple of weeks. I've had two elliptical workouts this week and what can say....boring!! It's not near as fun as running but on the upside I got to watch Jon and Kate Plus 8!!

Had a great bike last night with the group last night! And then a potluck with the team...and Carmen's Lemon Merengue Pie was Too Die For!!

One Step Back!

2009-04-24T12:32:00.001-07:00

I've been in denial since last tuesday. I was doing a hill workout on the treadmill and when I finished my foot was so sore, but I limped over to do my weights and finished my workout. The rest of the week it was so sore, but I just kept on thinking that I "tweaked" something. I did my longer run on sunday and my foot was not impressed...so it must be my orthotics...right?!?! I made an appointment to get my orthotics fixed up. But unfortunately I'm still limping around today and I've had at least two stress fractures before and I'm pretty sure this is one too (I'll find out for sure on monday). Unfortunately that means missing my first "race" of the year...the Police Half Marathon...it's a great course around the Glenmore Reservoir. So I'm on the elliptical for a while and this will give me a chance to get in some really good rides and maybe even an extra swim!

It's been a busy week! We're trying to sell our condo and we've had quite a few walk throughs but since the Bank of Canada has lowered their interest rates we've had even that many more requests...at least we have a really clean house :-)

New Watch

2009-04-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

I got this fancy new watch for my birthday...it does speed, distance, time, heart rate, as well as make my toast and brew my coffee!! I was so excited to do my long run (2 hours today) to see how far and fast I was going. And it turns out that I'm not running as fast as I use to pre-pregnancy and pre-year before (stress fracture year) and it was kind of a bummer. As I was running I was trying to keep a certain pace and then I would check my heart rate and realize it was well beyong the zone 1-2 where it was suppose to be...so I would back off a bit and then my competitiveness would take over and I would have to pick the pace up again!

I really figured that after having Max I would be back to where I was pre-baby in a couple of months...boy was I wrong! I guess it's going to take some time to get my speed and conditioning back. I had heard that new mom's have increased aerobic conditioning and often come out of childbirth in better shape...I wish I would fallen into that group! I guess Patience is the key...not necessarily my strong point :-)

On a high note though...Max had a huge nap while I ran (Grandma, Grandpa and Aunty were babysitting) so I didn't have to miss a smile.

2009-04-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

This is my first time writing...as a mom on maternity leave I probably have too much time on my hands so I've started following some blogs of ladies in the same circumstance as me and I find them motivating...there are other women out there who love training for tri but only have certain times in the day when it now fits in. I use to be able to fit my training in whenever I wanted...it was so easy! With an understanding boyfriend (now husband) my only obligation was my regular job, and cleaning the bathroom once a week, so I could swim, bike and run as much as I wanted (as a side note there has never been that much swimming because it's not that much fun)!

Things have definitely changed but for the better...we now have a beautiful baby boy who is the light of my life!! He smiles, and giggles, and tells me the most hilarious stories! But I still like to get my training in...well I still have to because I signed up to Ironman Canada for a 2nd time. At the time, as a childless person I had no idea how things would change...I thought it would be easy to train whenever I wanted. Boy was I wrong...thank goodness I still have an understanding husband who helps me fit things in, and understanding parents who love to babysit because fitting training in is tough.

So through this blog I will share with you my ups and downs being a mom while I train for IMC!!