Today, I had set a goal for myself: do my run in the morning before I go to work. Thursdays are great for accomplishing this since I leave a little bit later to go to work (8:00 instead of 7:30). I had every intention of doing it, but......it didn't happen. I didn't get to sleep until really late so when the alarm went off, the temptation to go back to sleep was just too great.
In the end, I went for my run after my knitting/crocheting group (someone actually showed up this time!!!). It was raining a little bit, so it gave me a chance to try out a new jacket from Lululemon that I bought last week (it's the Run: Essential Jacket). When I first put it on, I thought - there's no way this thing will keep me warm. By the end, though, I was actually too hot, so it definitely surprised me. Today's run was a 5km tempo run at 6:20/km with 2km easy warm-up and 1km cool-down. My total time was 52:33, with my 5km in 31:29 (slightly faster than my goal time). It was a good run and my longest in a while - the last time I did more than 5km was my half-marathon in Quebec City at the end of August.
On an unrelated note, I have to rave about some food I bought this week. Chris has been gone for the last couple days, so I've been on my own food-wise. I decided to take this opportunity to try some frozen Indian entrees I've seen at the grocery store. They're made by President's Choice (PC) and they're part of their Blue Menu (healthier options). I tried the Butter Chicken and the Chicken Korma, and each entree includes some rice, some chicken and some sauce. It's hard to imagine, given that it's frozen food, but they were so good! I couldn't believe how awesome they were. I'm not Indian, so I have no idea if they're authentic or not, but they were delicious and that's all I care about. Plus, they were 370 and 380 calories respectively for a generous serving of food. (I wanted to eat more, but only because they tasted good, not because I was still hungry). 6 minutes in the microwave, no preparation, no dishes - what more can you ask for?
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Challenging run
After my 1-mile time-trial on Sunday, I entered the data in the Smart Coach program on the Runner's World site and voila, I had a new plan. My first scheduled run was today and according to the plan, I was to run 3km at 7:03/km. Normally, I run at a much faster pace and consequently, a much higher intensity. However, I'm going to put my faith in the program and try to follow the pacing suggestions as best I can. During my run, I really had to hold back and it was extremely difficult, even more difficult than pushing myself to run fast. At the end of the 3km, I thought, "That's it???" I couldn't believe the run was over already. Again, I'm going to trust the program and follow the mileage guidelines. At this point, as we head into the winter, what do I have to lose? On another note, my heart rate stayed below 200 for the entire run, maxing out at 195, and I barely broke a sweat (a first for my normally-sweaty self).
In the evening, I had my spinning class at the CEGEP. As always, it was a fantastic class and it has quickly become the highlight of my week. I found out that my spinning instructor ran a 2:33 marathon in Montreal this past weekend. I couldn't believe it! I congratulated him on such an awesome time and it seems he has some prize money coming once they finalize the rankings.
For dinner tonight, I made something that used to be one of my favourite meals growing up. It's a chicken-broccoli-cheese casserole that you serve over rice - I promise it tastes much better than it sounds. This afternoon, my sister called to ask a question about how to make it (because she was having it for her dinner) and I suddenly decided that I wanted it too. It's been at least a year since the last time I made it and it was as good as I remembered!
In the evening, I had my spinning class at the CEGEP. As always, it was a fantastic class and it has quickly become the highlight of my week. I found out that my spinning instructor ran a 2:33 marathon in Montreal this past weekend. I couldn't believe it! I congratulated him on such an awesome time and it seems he has some prize money coming once they finalize the rankings.
For dinner tonight, I made something that used to be one of my favourite meals growing up. It's a chicken-broccoli-cheese casserole that you serve over rice - I promise it tastes much better than it sounds. This afternoon, my sister called to ask a question about how to make it (because she was having it for her dinner) and I suddenly decided that I wanted it too. It's been at least a year since the last time I made it and it was as good as I remembered!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Nicest dog ever!
Mika, our 2-year-old husky/border collie, while extremely strong-willed and too smart for her own good, has some moments of loyalty and caring that just blow my mind. Last night, for example, after my run, my back started spasming (as it does sometimes). As I lay there on the floor, with an ice pack on my back, Mika came over, curled up beside me, reached out her paw and rested it on top of my hand. She stayed there with me until the spasming subsided and I could move again. Then of course, she was back to her usual rambunctious self.
Another similar example happened last year during the winter. I had spent the early morning puking my guts out before finally falling asleep on the bathroom floor. When Chris got up to go to work, he found me there asleep and sure enough, there was Mika, lying beside me so she could keep an eye on me.
Another similar example happened last year during the winter. I had spent the early morning puking my guts out before finally falling asleep on the bathroom floor. When Chris got up to go to work, he found me there asleep and sure enough, there was Mika, lying beside me so she could keep an eye on me.
Mika is a lady of comfort....
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Busy Weekend + 1 mile TT
After an insanely busy week, I was so happy when the weekend arrived. Unfortunately, I had to drop Chris off for his football game early Saturday morning, so I didn't get to sleep in as I had planned. When I got back, though, I decided to lie down and relax for a bit on the couch. "I'll just close my eyes for a couple minutes" turned into me waking up at 11:30! I guess I needed the sleep. I woke up just in time to watch the Notre Dame game at 12. Although touch-and-go at times, we did end up winning so we're 2-2 on the season. After the game, I went to my friend's house for dinner. Her husband has been deployed since May and she has 2 kids, plus she works full-time so it's been a bit rough for her. I brought everything to make dinner for her - spaghetti with a roasted cherry tomato sauce topped with goat cheese. We had a nice time and chatted until late in the evening.
As usual, I spent my Sunday lesson planning for the week. It's nice to get it all done in one shot and not have to worry about it during the week, but I hate that it consumes half my weekend. In the evening, after watching this week's movie at the base theatre (Cowboys and Aliens - don't waste your time), I decided to go for a run. Now that my race season is done, I'm in need of a new plan for the winter. I've decided to try one of the Smart Coach plans from the Runner's World site. I didn't have any fantastic race times from this year to put in, so I went on a 1 mile time trial run to establish a base-line before starting the plan. Tomorrow, I'll put the time (8:30) into the site and see what program pops out. Aside from some stomach cramps (which I decided to ignore), the run went fairly well. The air was a little colder than I would have liked and it made breathing a touch more difficult, but other than that, I can't really complain.
As usual, I spent my Sunday lesson planning for the week. It's nice to get it all done in one shot and not have to worry about it during the week, but I hate that it consumes half my weekend. In the evening, after watching this week's movie at the base theatre (Cowboys and Aliens - don't waste your time), I decided to go for a run. Now that my race season is done, I'm in need of a new plan for the winter. I've decided to try one of the Smart Coach plans from the Runner's World site. I didn't have any fantastic race times from this year to put in, so I went on a 1 mile time trial run to establish a base-line before starting the plan. Tomorrow, I'll put the time (8:30) into the site and see what program pops out. Aside from some stomach cramps (which I decided to ignore), the run went fairly well. The air was a little colder than I would have liked and it made breathing a touch more difficult, but other than that, I can't really complain.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
2 new records!
Whew! What a week it has been and it's not even over yet. I feel like I have been going full-speed from the second I wake up until the time I finally crash at the end of the day. On Tuesday, I had my spinning class and it was fantastic! It's definitely one of the highlights of my week.
On to the 2 records I set tonight. With all the stress and go-go-go of this week, when I went for my run tonight (5km), I felt this urge to keep pushing harder and harder. For some reason, I just did not want to run easy. I listened to some high energy music to keep me pumped and during every chorus, I did some quick pick-ups. I ran the 5km in 28:22, which for me is the fastest I've ever covered that distance or so I thought. Unfortunately, I just checked my log and discovered that it is, in fact, not my fastest 5km time, which has turned this into a rather lame blog post. Hey, read about my 2nd fastest time ever! At any rate, considering that I'm coming back from injury and that I've hardly run in the past month, I'm declaring it a record anyways.
The second record is for real, though. Tonight, I recorded a new max heart rate: 218. This, of course, is completely unintentional since I have no desire to give myself a heart attack. According to the heart rate zones I have on my Garmin, I spent all but 4:41 in Zone 5 and above. I clearly need to find some way of establishing heart rate zones to fit with my abnormal heart rate tendencies.
On to the 2 records I set tonight. With all the stress and go-go-go of this week, when I went for my run tonight (5km), I felt this urge to keep pushing harder and harder. For some reason, I just did not want to run easy. I listened to some high energy music to keep me pumped and during every chorus, I did some quick pick-ups. I ran the 5km in 28:22, which for me is the fastest I've ever covered that distance or so I thought. Unfortunately, I just checked my log and discovered that it is, in fact, not my fastest 5km time, which has turned this into a rather lame blog post. Hey, read about my 2nd fastest time ever! At any rate, considering that I'm coming back from injury and that I've hardly run in the past month, I'm declaring it a record anyways.
The second record is for real, though. Tonight, I recorded a new max heart rate: 218. This, of course, is completely unintentional since I have no desire to give myself a heart attack. According to the heart rate zones I have on my Garmin, I spent all but 4:41 in Zone 5 and above. I clearly need to find some way of establishing heart rate zones to fit with my abnormal heart rate tendencies.
Monday, September 19, 2011
First run back!
After much anticipation, my first run back was a success! No pain, only slight discomfort in my knee - I think I can live with that. I did a super easy 5km with a minor hill thrown in for fun.
My biggest problem was my heart rate. I've decided to try training using my heart rate zones after doing a lot of reading about it. I used an online calculator, which based the zones off my LT (calculated to be about 190bpm, using a 20min TT). Now, for today's easy run, I decided to set my Garmin to alert me if I exceeded Zone 2, whose upper limit is 172. I normally have a rather high heart rate, resting at about 90 and while running, it often climbs to over 210 (and I don't feel like I'm about to have a heart attack). However, in order for me to stay under 172, I basically have to be walking. Like I was doing 8min/km (1:45/km slower than normal) and my Garmin was still beeping at me. After a km or so, I just turned the alerts off, ran slower than normal and still averaged 192bpm.
Any suggestions on how I can modify the heart rate zone concept to make it work for me and my overly enthusiastic heart?
My biggest problem was my heart rate. I've decided to try training using my heart rate zones after doing a lot of reading about it. I used an online calculator, which based the zones off my LT (calculated to be about 190bpm, using a 20min TT). Now, for today's easy run, I decided to set my Garmin to alert me if I exceeded Zone 2, whose upper limit is 172. I normally have a rather high heart rate, resting at about 90 and while running, it often climbs to over 210 (and I don't feel like I'm about to have a heart attack). However, in order for me to stay under 172, I basically have to be walking. Like I was doing 8min/km (1:45/km slower than normal) and my Garmin was still beeping at me. After a km or so, I just turned the alerts off, ran slower than normal and still averaged 192bpm.
Any suggestions on how I can modify the heart rate zone concept to make it work for me and my overly enthusiastic heart?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
2011 Season Report
The racing season has come to a close, so it's time to reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly of 2011.
The good
- The Staircase Challenge in Quebec City was awesome! This one is definitely on my to-do list for next year, though I think I will stick with the 11km, 2000-step Challenge (not the Super Challenge - 16km, 3000 steps, yikes!)
- The Magog Triathlon was also a good race. It was nice just to have one event to focus on (bike), so I was really able to give it my all. Plus it was my cousins' first triathlon and on the way home, they were already talking about next year.
- My half-marathon PR (2:17) happened at the Barrie Waterfront Half-Marathon, a race I was not even planning to run. (I hope they learn from the organizational mistakes of this year to put on an even better race next year and if my schedule permits, I'll be there!)
- I'm also extremely proud of myself for attempting and completing the half-marathon distance. If you had told me a few years ago that I would be running halfs, I think I would have died laughing. I'm really looking forward to another exciting year of training and racing 21.1.
The bad
- The Saguenay Half-Marathon was just miserable. It was my first ever half and just my luck, it poured rain for exactly 2 hours and 24 minutes, just long enough for me to finish the race. I was so cold by the end that I couldn't feel my legs and I didn't have enough dexterity left in my fingers to zip up a jacket (or changes songs on my iPod shuffle). And then there was the digestive nightmare I experienced afterwards (I'll skip the details). Although I finished last, I did finish and that's all that matters.
- When I started the Quebec City Half-Marathon, I was flying. My pace was great and I was all set to break 2:15. But then we crossed the river and we were greeted by ex-hurricane winds. Yes, we were running in the aftermath of Irene. Even though my pace slowed to a crawl and my stomach didn't exactly cooperate, I did finish and I managed to outrun Irene.
The ugly
- My first attempt at an Olympic duathlon resulted in a DNF, also a first. It's not that the distance was undoable for me, but I was so exhausted after 3 straight weeks of racing that my body just said, enough is enough. I think I'll try a duathlon again next year but with at least a week off before. And I'm not racing in Jonquiere again unless they change that bike course. I hate that 7.7 loop with every fibre of my being!
- The La Baie triathlon, how I detest you. For once in my life, the swim was actually the most enjoyable part of a tri. The bike was extremely hilly, I almost wiped out going around a corner and then I was completely shot for the run. Not a great race. Top that off with a bike wipe-out on the way back to the car that sent me to the hospital for a concussion (and heatstroke, it turns out) and it was not a good day.
Like I said, all in all, it was a pretty good season, despite being cut short by injury. For next year, I plan on running a few halfs, doing a couple tris and I'm going to keep up my biking. I haven't decided if I will join the Gazelles again or if I'll join the base team, but either way I'll definitely be part of a bike club.
The good
- The Staircase Challenge in Quebec City was awesome! This one is definitely on my to-do list for next year, though I think I will stick with the 11km, 2000-step Challenge (not the Super Challenge - 16km, 3000 steps, yikes!)
- The Magog Triathlon was also a good race. It was nice just to have one event to focus on (bike), so I was really able to give it my all. Plus it was my cousins' first triathlon and on the way home, they were already talking about next year.
- My half-marathon PR (2:17) happened at the Barrie Waterfront Half-Marathon, a race I was not even planning to run. (I hope they learn from the organizational mistakes of this year to put on an even better race next year and if my schedule permits, I'll be there!)
- I'm also extremely proud of myself for attempting and completing the half-marathon distance. If you had told me a few years ago that I would be running halfs, I think I would have died laughing. I'm really looking forward to another exciting year of training and racing 21.1.
The bad
- The Saguenay Half-Marathon was just miserable. It was my first ever half and just my luck, it poured rain for exactly 2 hours and 24 minutes, just long enough for me to finish the race. I was so cold by the end that I couldn't feel my legs and I didn't have enough dexterity left in my fingers to zip up a jacket (or changes songs on my iPod shuffle). And then there was the digestive nightmare I experienced afterwards (I'll skip the details). Although I finished last, I did finish and that's all that matters.
- When I started the Quebec City Half-Marathon, I was flying. My pace was great and I was all set to break 2:15. But then we crossed the river and we were greeted by ex-hurricane winds. Yes, we were running in the aftermath of Irene. Even though my pace slowed to a crawl and my stomach didn't exactly cooperate, I did finish and I managed to outrun Irene.
The ugly
- My first attempt at an Olympic duathlon resulted in a DNF, also a first. It's not that the distance was undoable for me, but I was so exhausted after 3 straight weeks of racing that my body just said, enough is enough. I think I'll try a duathlon again next year but with at least a week off before. And I'm not racing in Jonquiere again unless they change that bike course. I hate that 7.7 loop with every fibre of my being!
- The La Baie triathlon, how I detest you. For once in my life, the swim was actually the most enjoyable part of a tri. The bike was extremely hilly, I almost wiped out going around a corner and then I was completely shot for the run. Not a great race. Top that off with a bike wipe-out on the way back to the car that sent me to the hospital for a concussion (and heatstroke, it turns out) and it was not a good day.
Like I said, all in all, it was a pretty good season, despite being cut short by injury. For next year, I plan on running a few halfs, doing a couple tris and I'm going to keep up my biking. I haven't decided if I will join the Gazelles again or if I'll join the base team, but either way I'll definitely be part of a bike club.
Impatient
I've decided that tomorrow is going to be my first day back running. It's been 3 weeks since the Quebec City half-marathon, with very little running during that time. I'm going to ease back into it slowly, a few easy 5kms during the week and maybe a 10km next weekend. Hopefully my knee will have had enough time to recover and I can start rebuilding.
Now I can't wait for tomorrow to get here!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
No Army Run
I'm really too tired to post much today (longggg day) but I saw the doctor this evening and he thinks I have bursitis in my knee. That would explain why it only really hurts when I run (and for a while afterwards) and how it comes and goes. So the verdict is at least another full week of rest before trying to run again. As a result, no Army Run for me this weekend. I'm disappointed but I know there's always next year. On the bright side, it means I can spend the weekend planning for my courses and getting a lot of work done. I'm also hoping to draft my winter running plan and if all goes well, I should be back on the road soon.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Back to the classroom...
Whew, the last couple days have been really busy and it's only just starting. Yesterday morning, I had 3 phone classes to start the week, plus a bit of admin. As it stands now, I have 5 phone students Monday morning and 5 Tuesday afternoon. One of the things I hate about the beginning of the school year is how sore my throat gets the first couple weeks. It's almost like it has to get back in shape for all the talking I do, especially with these phone classes. In the afternoon, I taught on the base and while Chris was at practice, I did a bunch of errands around Chicoutimi. I got all my photocopying for this week done, plus I bought a dog bed for Miss Kona, a new answering machine, a couple mugs, some groceries and a 2012 agenda. Yes, I know it's early, but I saw exactly what I wanted while I was in Staples and I figured that if I waited, it wouldn't be there when I went back.
For dinner last night, I made beef fajita salad wraps (I guess that's what you'd call them - salad + strips of seasoned beef on tortillas). I also made the marinade for tandoori chicken and got that all ready for tonight because I knew it'd be a busy day. (As I'm writing, the chicken is in the oven and man does it smell good!) After dinner, I did a bike workout on my trainer in the evening while we watched Hell's Kitchen and Elise still hasn't been sent home. Gah!!!!
Today was my first day back in Jonquiere. I don't know why, but I'm always nervous the first class. Even though I worked there all last year and most of my students today I have taught before, I was still a little nervous. I had two classes this morning, then a phone class in the afternoon. Because the rest of my Tuesday afternoon phone classes don't start until next week, I was able to squeeze in a quick nap after dealing with a scheduling mini-crisis.
In the evening, the MFRC had their welcome/registration night so I was there with my booth for the knitting/crocheting group I'm running, as well as the anglophone group. I got a few names on my list, which is great, and I was able to chat with lots of people. I also talked to the base cycling club and I'm now on their mailing list; they also mentioned that they might start a running club, which would be fantastic. After that, I went to the CEGEP for my spinning class. The instructor is fantastic and I'm really glad I took the time to find out which classes he would be teaching. All in all, it's been a pretty long day and I'm exhausted!
For dinner last night, I made beef fajita salad wraps (I guess that's what you'd call them - salad + strips of seasoned beef on tortillas). I also made the marinade for tandoori chicken and got that all ready for tonight because I knew it'd be a busy day. (As I'm writing, the chicken is in the oven and man does it smell good!) After dinner, I did a bike workout on my trainer in the evening while we watched Hell's Kitchen and Elise still hasn't been sent home. Gah!!!!
Today was my first day back in Jonquiere. I don't know why, but I'm always nervous the first class. Even though I worked there all last year and most of my students today I have taught before, I was still a little nervous. I had two classes this morning, then a phone class in the afternoon. Because the rest of my Tuesday afternoon phone classes don't start until next week, I was able to squeeze in a quick nap after dealing with a scheduling mini-crisis.
In the evening, the MFRC had their welcome/registration night so I was there with my booth for the knitting/crocheting group I'm running, as well as the anglophone group. I got a few names on my list, which is great, and I was able to chat with lots of people. I also talked to the base cycling club and I'm now on their mailing list; they also mentioned that they might start a running club, which would be fantastic. After that, I went to the CEGEP for my spinning class. The instructor is fantastic and I'm really glad I took the time to find out which classes he would be teaching. All in all, it's been a pretty long day and I'm exhausted!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Back to running!
I spent most of today planning for my upcoming courses. I'm trying to get as much done now so I don't have to think as much once things really get going. Presently, I'm working on a global plan for the course on the base. Since it's only a 5-week course, it's hasn't been too difficult. The tricky part is that I'm co-teaching the class with another teacher, so I have to make sure that my stuff relates, but doesn't overlap, with the activities he's doing. I've also started brainstorming some ideas for the MFRC course I'll hopefully be teaching. This year, there are enough students to run an Intermediate A class (the highest level offered) and I've requested to teach it. There is no set curriculum for it (ie. no modules, no books), so everything has to come from the teacher. I really hope I get it because I have some great ideas.
In the evening, I went for my first run in almost two weeks. And yes, I actually finished it! It was an easy 5km, just to see how my knee/hip would respond. There was a bit of discomfort at the beginning but it became more tolerable after a kilometre or so. In the last couple kilometres, I threw in some pick-ups that corresponded to the choruses of the songs I was listening to. I finished in a fairly good time (31:40), all things considered. I'm hoping I'll be okay to do the Army Run next weekend, despite my recent lack of training. I was hoping to break 2:15 at the race, but I think I'll have to settle for less than 2:30.
For dinner tonight, I made a roasted cauliflower risotto and a smoky tomato soup. I'm really liking this whole risotto thing - there are endless variations. I made a basic risotto while the cauliflower roasted in the oven, then I mixed it all together at the end. For the soup, the main ingredients are fire-roasted tomatoes, carrots, chicken broth plus some pasta (the extremely small kind that looks like couscous - I can't remember the name). Very flavourful!
Tomorrow it's back to work - I have 3 half-hour phone classes in the morning, then 2 hours on the base in the afternoon. It's been nice having a gradual re-integration into work. This week, though, is my last "easy" week before it kicks into high gear next week.
In the evening, I went for my first run in almost two weeks. And yes, I actually finished it! It was an easy 5km, just to see how my knee/hip would respond. There was a bit of discomfort at the beginning but it became more tolerable after a kilometre or so. In the last couple kilometres, I threw in some pick-ups that corresponded to the choruses of the songs I was listening to. I finished in a fairly good time (31:40), all things considered. I'm hoping I'll be okay to do the Army Run next weekend, despite my recent lack of training. I was hoping to break 2:15 at the race, but I think I'll have to settle for less than 2:30.
For dinner tonight, I made a roasted cauliflower risotto and a smoky tomato soup. I'm really liking this whole risotto thing - there are endless variations. I made a basic risotto while the cauliflower roasted in the oven, then I mixed it all together at the end. For the soup, the main ingredients are fire-roasted tomatoes, carrots, chicken broth plus some pasta (the extremely small kind that looks like couscous - I can't remember the name). Very flavourful!
Tomorrow it's back to work - I have 3 half-hour phone classes in the morning, then 2 hours on the base in the afternoon. It's been nice having a gradual re-integration into work. This week, though, is my last "easy" week before it kicks into high gear next week.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Tire change = successful!
Today I decided that my biking season is finished for the year. Yes, the weather can still be nice in September, but realistically, I'm more likely to ride if my bike is set up on my trainer in the living room, especially with my busy work schedule. I hauled the trainer out of the basement and while hooking the bike itself up is not that difficult, you have to put a special tire on (so the trainer doesn't shred your road tire). Normally, I pay someone to change it for me. It's $5 and totally worth every penny. But that means I have to call the shop, make an appointment, take the bike into Chicoutimi, etc, etc. Plus, as a semi-serious cyclist, I should be able to change a tire myself. I've watched YouTube videos on how to do it, plus I've seen it done it front of me a few times, so I thought, I can figure this out.
A frustrating hour later (yes, an hour), covered in grease and blood (from when I accidently stabbed myself with the teeth of my gears), I had installed the new tire correctly. Let me tell you though - it's not as easy as it looks. It took me several tries and more than once I thougth I was almost done, only to discover I had to start all over again. With what I learned today, I could probably now do it in half the time, but I'm proud of myself for (finally) figuring it out on my own.
To accomodate the trainer, we had to rearrange the living room a bit, but now I can watch TV and ride at the same time (otherwise, it's REALLY boring). I did my first workout this evening while watching an episode of Lost. I did 35min before my knee started acting up, but at least it's better than nothing. Effective immediately, anytime I watch any of the following shows, I must be on my trainer while watching (reruns or not): Glee, Modern Family, House and Hell's Kitchen. I'm putting this out there so that I'm accountable to somebody and hopefully that'll motivate my lazy butt to work out.
A frustrating hour later (yes, an hour), covered in grease and blood (from when I accidently stabbed myself with the teeth of my gears), I had installed the new tire correctly. Let me tell you though - it's not as easy as it looks. It took me several tries and more than once I thougth I was almost done, only to discover I had to start all over again. With what I learned today, I could probably now do it in half the time, but I'm proud of myself for (finally) figuring it out on my own.
To accomodate the trainer, we had to rearrange the living room a bit, but now I can watch TV and ride at the same time (otherwise, it's REALLY boring). I did my first workout this evening while watching an episode of Lost. I did 35min before my knee started acting up, but at least it's better than nothing. Effective immediately, anytime I watch any of the following shows, I must be on my trainer while watching (reruns or not): Glee, Modern Family, House and Hell's Kitchen. I'm putting this out there so that I'm accountable to somebody and hopefully that'll motivate my lazy butt to work out.
So it's official....
I'm not participating in the Montreal triathlon tomorrow. I'm extremely disappointed, as I was hoping to PB at this race, given it's favourable terrain. While I could probably finish it, I don't want to risk aggravating the injury or causing permanent damage. I also decided that, given the choice between the Montreal race and the Army Run in Ottawa on the 18th, I would much prefer to do the Army Run. So I see the doctor on Wednesday and hopefully I'll be ready to go for the 18th.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Back to work!
Today was my first day back at "work", although I have to admit it was a pretty easy day. I was supposed to have one of my private students in the early afternoon, but she cancelled and rescheduled for next week. That left only my first ever telephone class, as well as my scheduling project, which is slowly moving forwards as people return from vacation. I was surprised how quickly the half hour conversation class went - it hardly seemed like work (plus I can wear my PJs if I want). Over the next couple weeks, the rest of my phone classes will be starting (it's a staggered start), for a total of 4.5 hours per week. Tomorrow, I start doing placement tests for the MFRC and I've got 9 people to test tomorrow (2 in the morning, 7 in the evening).
My knee/hip were hurting pretty badly today, so I didn't make any attempt to go running. We'll see about tomorrow.
My knee/hip were hurting pretty badly today, so I didn't make any attempt to go running. We'll see about tomorrow.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Still hurtin'
After 7 full days of not running, I decided to give it a shot this afternoon, with Miss Mika as my running buddy. I made it a whole .33km before I had to stop. Talk about frustrating. I'll give it another shot tomorrow but I'm starting to wonder what to do about my triathlon on Saturday.....
On another note, I strongly dislike Gordon Ramsay at the moment. In this season of Hell's Kitchen, there has been one candidate (I'm not even going to call her a chef) that has deserved to go home since about the first episode. However, due to her "dramatic nature", I feel like he has been keeping her around for the sake of TV ratings, which, in my opinion, is a pathetic money grab. Elise, you need to go home!!!!
On another note, I strongly dislike Gordon Ramsay at the moment. In this season of Hell's Kitchen, there has been one candidate (I'm not even going to call her a chef) that has deserved to go home since about the first episode. However, due to her "dramatic nature", I feel like he has been keeping her around for the sake of TV ratings, which, in my opinion, is a pathetic money grab. Elise, you need to go home!!!!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Busy Saturday
I am quite pleased with how much I got accomplished yesterday. After I dropped Chris off at the school for their away game, I went to the car rental place and sorted out the bill. Then I came home and spent a couple hours building my new desk. On our way home from Kingston on Friday, we stopped at Ikea again and I bought two tables to replace my delapidated L-shaped desk. It looks really good and it matches my bookcase, too. (On that note, anyone want the old desk? It's a pièce de junk, but if you want it, it's yours.)
After a quick trip to the grocery store, I was ready to start Chris' birthday cake. I had a bit of a setback when I didn't wait long enough to take the cake out of the pan and it completely fell apart. Half of it came out onto the cooling rack and the other half was still stuck to the bottom. So I had to make a second cake and this time I made sure it was cool enough before attempting the transfer again. For this cake, I decided to try using fondant so I could do some of the intricate decorations I had planned for this ND-themed cake. First, I made a basic buttercream icing and covered the cake in a thin layer - basically, it's the glue that holds the fondant in place. I then made two batches of fondant, one in blue and one in yellow. I was surprised at how easy it was to make; the hard part is all the kneading at the end to remove the stickiness and get it to the right consistency. The base layer for the cake was the yellow, so I had to roll in out very thin then pick it up and place it over the cake (all without ripping it). That was a bit stressful, I must say. Once it was on the cake, I had to smooth it out and cover the sides. I had watched a couple YouTube videos on how to do it, so it wasn't too hard. I used the blue fondant for the decoration and I cut out letters using some cookie cutters I had bought. Across the top, I spelled out ND's slogan "Play like a champion today" and across the bottom, I wrote "Happy birthday Chris". In the middle, I put the ND logo, which I made by printing off the design from the Internet and using an exacto knife to trace and cut the fondant. All in all, there was nothing terribly difficult but it took a lot of time (6 hours!) and patience to get it done.
After a quick trip to the grocery store, I was ready to start Chris' birthday cake. I had a bit of a setback when I didn't wait long enough to take the cake out of the pan and it completely fell apart. Half of it came out onto the cooling rack and the other half was still stuck to the bottom. So I had to make a second cake and this time I made sure it was cool enough before attempting the transfer again. For this cake, I decided to try using fondant so I could do some of the intricate decorations I had planned for this ND-themed cake. First, I made a basic buttercream icing and covered the cake in a thin layer - basically, it's the glue that holds the fondant in place. I then made two batches of fondant, one in blue and one in yellow. I was surprised at how easy it was to make; the hard part is all the kneading at the end to remove the stickiness and get it to the right consistency. The base layer for the cake was the yellow, so I had to roll in out very thin then pick it up and place it over the cake (all without ripping it). That was a bit stressful, I must say. Once it was on the cake, I had to smooth it out and cover the sides. I had watched a couple YouTube videos on how to do it, so it wasn't too hard. I used the blue fondant for the decoration and I cut out letters using some cookie cutters I had bought. Across the top, I spelled out ND's slogan "Play like a champion today" and across the bottom, I wrote "Happy birthday Chris". In the middle, I put the ND logo, which I made by printing off the design from the Internet and using an exacto knife to trace and cut the fondant. All in all, there was nothing terribly difficult but it took a lot of time (6 hours!) and patience to get it done.
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