Making Time to Play

Long run Saturday + run to sping monday + hills tuesday + spin wednesday = spent scooter.

My legs are done and I just devored a chicken and rib supper. Yes I know this feeling and l love it! One month to go till 21.1km.

So MTV Canada and returned and I celebrate this by grabbing my remote to change the channel. I remember my excitment when I was going to get MTV Canada and the huge dissappointment is was. It was Music Television without any music. It was terrible TV and so out of touch compared to Muchmusic. Then a miracle happend. They created MTV2 which actually played music video's all the time. It was fantastic just like Muchmusic's Loud. Then an very bad thing happened to MTV2. Punch Much took that over and boy that is terrible. People actually pay...that is right...pay to vote on a video. Yikes! and the stuff they pick is always less than desired from my stand point anyways. So basically nothing has changed and I will still be watching Much (eventhough most of it is crap) because I will still see music video's and will pass on the new MTV Canada. That said, summer is on it's way and TV dissappears. Thank god no more exercising in the basement infront of the TV. Hello mp3 player in the sun.

I want my summer, not my MTV!

I might just have to agree with a few of these and some well, I can't deny. Thanks M.

Travel
when the drive to the race is longer than the race itself
when you say "There's only a half-marathon (10k, 5k, etc)
when you run to your gate at the airport even though you aren't late and you aren't wearing running shoes
when you pack a separate bag for your running clothes
when your idea of sightseeing involves visiting the local running store and finding the best place for hill repeats and long runs
when you get off an 18 hour flight and go for your long run because a) you need to stretch your legs, b) you want to see the city/country, and c) you have a scheduled run
when you realize that all the traveling you did in the last year revolved around races
when, on trips, you find it entertaining to see how fast you can convert speeds and distances from miles to kilometers and vice versa
you avoid travelling to places where yo! u won't be able to run
when you get back from vacation and the first thing you tell people about is how the running was
when you fly with your running clothes and shoes in your carry-on bag

Nutrition
when all your friends think you eat too healthy
when you not only eat gels, but you know the best flavors for every brand
when you consider pasta to be a food group
when the sports drinks are in front of the soda, beer, and juice in your fridge
when you drink your least favorite kind of sports drink because you know it is what they will be handing out at waterstops for your next race and you want your body to be accustomed to it
when pasta is the only food you'll eat two nights before a race
Family and Friends
when you've run, showered, and eaten breakfast (twice) before your family/roommates even wake up
your friends no longer look at y! ou like your nuts, because they know it for sure
when you forget birthdays and anniversaries, even major holidays, but never the date of your next race
when you have to make a real effort to remember to talk to your (non-running)family and friends about something other than running
when your boss tells you to go run because your having a bad day at work
when your family plans vacations based on where your next marathon will be
when people stop asking you if you are going to run today, but rather ask you when
when your friends by sports drinks for their party so you'll have something to drink, since they know you have a run/race the next day
when your friends know that if you don't answer your phone, you're probably running
when you pass on going out with your friends on Friday night because you have to get up early and run
when you no longer have to explain to your friends why cotton isn't the best choice for running attire when you come back after a 1 hour run and your spouse says 'That was fast.
when your friends think they need to practice more before they can run with you
when your spouse begs you to go for a run because you are in a bad mood

Injuries
when you know how to pronounce (correctly) Plantar Fasciitis
when you have a favorite ice pack
when you brag about losing toenails
when you go through a box of Band-Aids without getting a single cut
when there are permanent blood stains on your T-shirts where your nipples were rubbed raw
when it hurts worse to take a shower than it does to keep running
when your rolling pin is kept near your bed instead of in the kitchen

Clothes
when every T-shirt you own has a race name and sponsors listed on it
when your socks come in two categories: run! ning socks and others
when you have tons of race shirts but can't find a work shirt for the life of you
when you balk at the cost of everyday shoes and then spend $75 - $100 on a pair of running shoes that will only last 3 months and think you're getting a fabulous deal
when you think a black Timex Ironman watch goes with black tie dress
when you spend $12 on socks that help you avoid blisters
when you have to explain to everyone why you can't run in the T-shirts you get at races

Sometimes things are too good to be true. Yes this was sadly the case on St Patrick's Day at the Brier Patch. Went before the game and it was steady. Then we went to the game and it became a really big party. Yes 7000 people in the Brandt Centre tried to get into the Brier Patch which already had 7000 people in it and 2000 people in the lounge. The result green beer standing in line. Yes a double line from two ways that was about a hour and a half long. Still good times had by all and their was alot of all there.

Keep dancing my friends....you know I am!

See you on Par-Tee-Street at the Brier Patch

I did another presentation tonite and I had a comment that really suprised me. It was from a University Student who said the presentation seemed rehearsed. Really? Why would you think that I would actually prepare and be ready for a professional development presenation. Of course it was rehearsed as I have been doing these for a while but this one had elements that I have never done and it still was rehearsed...hmmm maybe I have a talent of presenting something new that looks like old habit? Interesting anyways. All I can say is that I will take unhappy hockey coaches anyday over mid aged women with life experience problems anyday. Funny they didn't all like Billy Talent....Well at least the kids get it.

Friday night was fantastic. It was like being in University again with the crew I was with and the people I saw. I havn't seen some of those people in 7 years. However what made the night great was the event. In honor of the 2006 Brier in Regina....Yes the Brier Patch. 6000 people in a building the size of a football field combined with sober and drunk people of every age to add all kinds of entertainment. To add to this was Blue Rodeo right in front of me. Fantastic. It made the trip worth it even though I had a presentation with only four people the next day, the live version of Try, 5 Days in May, I Could Happen to you and finally Lost Together was amazing.

Lost Together is how I feel right now

Strange and beautifulare the stars tonight
that dance around your headin your eyes
I see that perfect world
I hope that doesn't sound too weird
And I want all the world to know
that your love's all I need
all that I need
and if we're lost
then we are lost together
yea if we're lost
then we are lost together
I stand before this faceless crowd
and I wonder why I bother
so much controlled by so few
stumbling from one disaster to another
I've heard it all so many times before
it's all a dream to me now
a dream to me now
And if we're lost
then we are lost together
yea if we're lost
then we are lost together
In this silence of this whispered night
I listen only to your breath
and that second of a shooting starsome
how it all makes sense
And I want all the world to know
that your love's all I need
all that I need
and if we're lost
then we are lost together
yea if we're lost
then we are lost together

Finally getting nice to run outside but last night's 45 minute spin followed by 45 minutes treadmill was an indication that lots of work needs to be done for April 23's run. Pretty sure that a PR is not in the works but running outside will be a welcome addition to training. Hello diet and exercise.

So last night I took my first formal cooking class which is kinda funny because it was one that I programmed at work. My sweet and I learn how to make Sushi. Now everyone totally freaks out from the whole raw fish thing but those are the people who have no idea what it is. The class was fantastic and the food was great. It was so much fun and so good mixing the different type of combinations in the seaweed and rice. I like the wasabi as it is hot in a horseradish type of way along with the picked ginger.

So basically coming soon to my place is a Sushi party. Make sure you are hungry and if you like salad and rice, then you will like it. If up for adventure...you will love it.

Ok so it is March and we should be able to run outside. Nope...freezing rain and tonnes of snow put a big wrench in that but still it is not as bad as Newfoundland. This was week one hardcore training. My body is hanging in there but the legs and knees can feel it. It gets me excited again as I am no longer a spectator right now. I was talking about running and due to the age I am it is really a true sport that one can stay competative. I mean the results are on websites and you still compete against really good athletes. Not to say that my fastball team is not competative but their is something about training and practice that makes the event feel more elite.

I'm off to watch my sweet curl this weekend in provincials in Saskatoon and once again I am hooked on Amazing Race #9. However is seems I record everything and watch it just before bed time. If I am watching TV at 7:00 pm then it is a sign that something else can be done.

I also had the a laugh today as the Wolf was doing a bit on Canadian Idol in Regina and the Oscars. The song the DJ was going to sing was "Momma don't let your baby grow up to be a gay cowboy." No disrepect but it was funny.