Sunday, November 30, 2008

maybe just one more ...

So it's official, I have signed up with the Connor Clinic in Oakville to train for a Marathon in May-ish (perhaps the Mississauga one...though it was not my fav). Leading up to the day I will be doing 'The Chilly 1/2' (hopefully with Box and Steph) and 'Around the Bay' in March. I am still going to keep at my swimming and hopefully transition to triathlons come summer time...but I am itching to get back on the roads and to go for long runs. As weird as it may sound to some, I just love the feeling of training for something big! Maybe this next race will be the race that gets me to Boston?!?! Here's hoping!
For those who think I am insane I found an insightful article online that explains my crazy addiction of running/training. (http://www.medicinenet.com/)
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When you're running a marathon, whether it's in New York City, Washington, or Chicago, you need every trick in the book to get through not only months of grueling training, but the grand finale as well: 26.2 miles of road that you cross step by agonizing step.
Through the blood, sweat, and tears, many runners report that their favorite trick -- and part of the reason they wake morning after morning to pound the pavement -- is what is referred to as runner's high.
While runner's high might be more short-term, it's well-known that regular exercise also offers long-term benefits, on both the mind and the body.
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"On average, you tend to see people who are runners and habitual exercisers having better moods, suffering from less depression and less anxiety, and more general feelings of well-being," says Bryant. "For people who are physically active on a regular basis, they have active relaxation -- kind of by moving the body and focusing on the sensation of moving your body and getting into the rhythmic activity
(swimming included) and motion, it produces this relaxation response, and that I think contributes significantly to the feelings of psychological well-being."
While marathon running can take its toll on the body, it does offer significant benefits as well.
"Clearly, there are many health benefits of running at this level," says Rick Hall, MS, a registered dietitian and advisory board member of the Arizona Governor's Council on Health, Physical Fitness, and Sports. "A smart marathon runner has put in many hours of training for many weeks or months, before the event, and the health benefits of sustained aerobic exercise are well documented: improved circulation, reduced body fat, lowered blood cholesterol, and better self-esteem."
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When a runner comes down off the high, many are left asking, "Why bother?" What sense is there in running a 26.2 mile race?
"I've completed three full marathons and two half-marathons in the past two years," Hall tells WebMD. "In the next year, I plan to complete two half-marathons and two full marathons -- one as a component of an Ironman competition."
While it sounds insane, for Hall, it's the epitome of accomplishment after months of training and hard work that drives him to compete in marathons over and over again.
"For me, the event itself isn't really about competition," says Hall. "The marathon is my reward for the months of training leading up to the event itself. You don't build a house in one day: You make a plan, wake up early every day, and work hard. Such as it is, for me, with a marathon."
And of course, there's more than runner's high -- there's finish-line high.
"There is no better feeling than raising your hands as you cross the finish line of a 26.2 mile course to the sound of hundreds of spectators cheering," says Hall. "The emotional high of completing an endurance event can last for days."

Thursday, November 27, 2008

How I Got Through It ~ By Amirra (page 181)
I spent years wondering, "What was he thinking?" and "How could he do that?" - both when we were together and broken up. It was like an ongoing game of chess that only I was playing. I was sure I could get him back in the game once I figured out what was motivating him and made him realize what he would be losing. I was constantly trying to find the reset button on our relationship to get us back to the place where things were great. Now, I fancy myself a bit of a smarty pants, but even though I knew logically that you can't coerce someone into feeling what you want them to feel, I wasn't above testing that rule. There's nothing I wanted more than for him to have the same fire burning inside and the desire and will to salvage our marriage. But all my attempts at the mighty wake up call were glaringly unsuccessful, and he never did spring into action and become the guy that I wanted him to be. Sadly, there was nothing stronger than his ambivalence about our future together. As far as he was concerned, we could stay together or break up. Whatever. It's cool. Is it? As if the choices were even remotely equal. In my version of what my life was supposed to be like, I'd always imagined that my marriage would be something that both parties would feel invested in. Finally, it dawned on me. All of the "what is he thinking's?" and "How could he do that?" were my own trip - not his. What became crystal clear was the he was not thinking about it at all! Only I was! That's why he did the things he did. And he didn't do the things I wanted him to because this didn't even occur to him. Our marriage was that unimportant. It wasn't even on his radar. He was content with the ebb and flow of that which made me miserable. And you know what else I realized? He was not sitting around wondering what I was thinking, feeling, or doing, so why was I wasting my time? Sometimes the cold reality is that guys just aren't thinking about us at all. this relevation made it so much easier for me to finally lay down my king and accept his checkmate that had been on the board for so long. Real love doesn't require strategy - but getting on with your life does. Awesome Thought: The right guy is out there right now, wondering when he's going to meet someone like you.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Oprah's Holiday Hits

As was shared on Oprah today, for the next 48 hours anyone can visit oprah.com to download 8 holiday hits for free. It just so happened my brother shared this tid bit with me, and right away I went online and downloaded all the songs. It takes about 2 minutes and is easy peasy japaneasy! I love this time of year!
Christmas tracks:
1. Faith Hill ~ Joy To The World
2. Tony Bennett ~ I'll Be Home For Christmas
3. Il Divo ~ O'Holy Night
4. Josh Groban ~ It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
5. Brian McKnight ~ It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
6. Amy Grant ~ O Come all Ye Faithful
7. Harry Connick Jr. ~ It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas
8. Aretha Franklin ~ Silent Night

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tis the season

Well I do believe it's official ... the Christmas season is upon (apon) us ... says so by Mrs. Starbucks and my new staple Mr. Tim's (the mugs have changed designs). This past weekend I headed into toronto to watch the Santa Claus parade with the O'Regan clan and Jodie and Mitchell. It was nice to kick off the Christmas season by doing something festive. It was also nice to see the snow, if only for a little bit. Though I am kind of, sort of, by passing spending the holidays in Oakville but rather in Florida, I look forward to spending time with family and friends over the next month celebrating this time of year! Happy Holidays!
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller (just finished reading the book in class today...what an inspiring story of Helen Keller)
ps. Notice anyone famous in the photo?!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Beyonce - If I were a boy

Just finished watching Beyonce on Oprah and she sang her new song "If I were a Boy". So good! One of those songs that when it comes on the radio in the car you crank it up. Thought I would share. xo(for some reason I can't post the official video?)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Thumbs up...thumbs down

Thumbs up: As I was searching for something to watch on tv tonight...wasn't ready to jump into bed yet...and I came across a show called "Stylista". I was a fan of Project Runway when I was living across the ocean, but for some reason I haven't been able to remind myself to figure out when the show is on. I think it's because though I found it entertaining I can't seem to connect with what the designers are creating. I took sewing lessons and it was SO not for me. Stylista is the same concept of using your imagination with style however it's about styling people-sets-magazine spreads-etc. Soo good. Lots of catty-ness and un-needed drama, but hey you gotta have flare to have a fashion sense ;) So check Stylista on the CW at 9pm Wednesday nights.
Thumbs down: Tonight Jodie and I randomly met up to go to the movies. We were going to see the new Angelina movie, but thought it was a little much for a Wednesday night. So instead we opted for "Rachel Getting Married" with Anne Hathaway. All I have to say was it was terrible! An hour into the show we felt we gave the movie all we could and decided to pack up and leave...of the 6 of us in the show I think 2 remained. So awful. Can't say I have ever walked out of a show. So save your money and wait until "Australia" with Nicole Kidman comes out the end of the month. If you need someone to go with I will be first in line at the box office.
Night night...off to swim in the morning...still drowning!
Ps. 1 month tomorrow and I will officially be done teacher's college and will also be hopping on a plane for Florida!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Swimming - Sinking

As my alarm woke me up this morning for 6am I was wondering what the heck I was doing up that early...but remembered right away that I had agreed to go swimming with my crazy athletic triathlete neighbours. I grabbed my fabulous speedo one piecer (hideous), goggles and cap and headed over to the pool in Oakville. To make a long story short, I was WAY over my league! I was swimming with people who have been doing triathlons and iron mans their entire adult lives. One guy was doing his last minute training for the worlds. Needless to say I gave it my all, but still was flapping and flailing in an attempt to do the drills and sprints. All were supportive and cheered me on, but I know I have a long way to go to get to their level! On a side note...one of my favourite things to do is enter into an entire new world. I remember when I went for my first long run with the Running Room early one Sunday morning. It was so peaceful and calm out with only the noise of runners and a lot of runners at that...I just remember thinking how in my old life I would have been sleeping in, and had no clue about this entire world of running. Same went for today, I was in awe of all the early morning swimmers all clocking in their routines while most people were snug in their beds (of course my bed some mornings is the greatest place to be). Though I can feel almost every muscle in my body at the moment and am thinking I am crazy for going again on Thursday, I know this new experience will be so rewarding and hopefully my goal of completing an Olympic length triathlon in 2009 will be checked off my bucket list! I have a long road of training to go, but am excited of entering into this new world of training.
PS. The pool I will be swimming at is Centennial Pool on Navy Street. It's $3.25 to go, and the pool is divided into different groups of swimmers/training levels. So for those of you who want to join the experience I will be there Tuesday and Thursday mornings!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

November

This weekend I definitely had a run for my money...and though I had a great time, I am spent!...but of course would do it all again. October was definitely a month not to be forgotten (even though i would like to), but I am excited that November is here, and will look forward to what the new month brings. Friday night went to the movies and saw the new Leo movie. 3.5 stars. Highlight of the night was reminising about cous cous with Box. Saturday night the LPers celebrated a night of costumes at Amie and Trevor's. I was very impressed with the dedication of the outfits and seeing people fully commit (my hum bug attitude was on the sidelines). Best costume of the night was Borat! I was beyond shocked, however was impressed with his courage. I had a backless outfit on and felt self conscience to say the least...whereas Borat was skin to the wind! Too funny! Annnd today was spent in the tdot with the Bryce girls; where we enjoyed watching Dirty Dancing the play. 4 stars. Great movie, great play. "No body puts baby in a corner" The perfect thing to do on a Sunday!
"Look for miracles. Hope for the best. But when you can't change what you are going through, let the simple, quiet, daily miracle of acceptance find you."

Saturday, November 1, 2008

the babes and moms in my life

Mommy Jodie & Mitchell. Mommy Angela & Irene. Mommy Heather & Estelle! picture too cute for words.