another computer bites the dust

As you can tell I've been cutting back on my posting. Some of the reason is because I feel I don't have much to say other than the same old thing over and over again, but the majority of the reason comes from convenience. You see Trevor's lap top computer has decided to break down on us and the thing refuses to even power up. Trevor is completely frustrated as the computer is only a year and a half and he paid a pretty penny for it. I am not sure if this happens in your household, but it happens in ours...the more you pay for something the better chance of it breaking down (shortly after the warranty expires). It used to be so convenient to just punch out a blog while I was watching one of my favorite shows just before bed. My computer is in the basement and not that I am too lazy to go downstairs, but I'd rather spend my time hanging out with Trevor than being by myself in the office.

Las Night we went out for my birthday dinner (a week after my birthday). We went to a place called Big T's BBQ & Smokehouse. I wanted to go to Tony Roma's, but Trevor went to Big T's the day before and raved how great it was and so we went there. The meat just fell off the bones. It was really good and filling. For dessert we had an apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream. Today we are off to the mall to do some shopping. Even though I've now been running for a couple of years I still don't have an actual running jacket, but that's going to change today. With the running challenge I do more running outside than I did before and with Fall the weather isn't getting any warmer.

Today we have a pretty relaxing time as far as exercise is involved. I just have to do a short 3.5 mile run...nothing too crazy. Tomorrow is where the craziness comes in. . With the Las Vegas Marathon (Dec 4th) it was supposed to be a 12 mile run. However, now that we are officially doing the Seattle Marathon and it is one week sooner I had to fast fwd my program by one week and now have to do an 18 mile run and I am not looking forward to it.

I got my running room magazine in the mail the other day and it had a fun section titled:

You know you're a runner when...

*You have a favorite flavor of Power Gel
*You're proud of losing toenails
*Saturday nights are restful sleeps before your Sunday run.
*A neighborhood pool is stated on your daily running streak.
*You put more time and work into your log book than filing your tax return.
*Your running shoe collection fills half your basement.
*You slip and fall, stop your watch and then check for injuries.
*You look in the mirror trying to see if you have a leg length discrepancy.
*Your vitamin a day pill is Advil.
*You physical and massage therapist are on speed dial.
*You can correctly pronounce plantar fasciitis and "fartlek" without giggling.

I laughed just reading it as the majority of it was true for me. I hope you all have a great weekend and hopefully I'll be doing my usual daily blogs again.

Happy Birthday to my brother, Brian!!

(whose birthday was yesterday).

You're the best brother anyone could have!!

I hope you have a wonderful upcoming year.

25 days and counting...

Yesterday I wasn't able to get to the gym. Instead my parents invited Simon and I out for Joey's Only Seafood. Trevor was able to meet us at the restaurant for lunch. I think it has been about 7 or 8 years since we've last been to that place. I didn't realize just how greasy the food was. But in small portions it tasted pretty good. One can only do that once in awhile. I think all the grease made me tired as I was dragging my butt the rest of the day.

The weather was changing through the entire day. One second it would be raining and the next it would be nice and sunny. Trevor didn't get home until 7:30 pm. As soon as he walked in the door I quickly got my running stuff together and headed out to do one loop of our community (2.54 miles). I am not sure why I put on shorts, but I did. Maybe it was a good things 'cause I was so cold the whole entire run that all I could think about was getting home quicker where it was nice and warm. Last night I ran a 9:04 mile/min pace, which for my standards is pretty good. I would like to get the loop done in under 20 minutes one day, but that won't be anytime soon...that'll require a lot of work.

Do I have to run today...

I must say that so far on the running challenge things have been going fairly well. I've managed to get all my runs in and I've actually wanted to go running. However, today I don't know why (maybe cause I am a year older now...lol), but I didn't feel like going to the gym today after picking up Simon from school. It was a really tough run for me. I was tired and I've been having problems with my left knee since Saturday's 16 mile run. It's just one of those days where my body really wants me to take the day off, but one must push through and keep moving forward.

Well it looks like we will be doing the Seattle Marathon. Trevor booked the hotel and we are looking into the flights. May as well go spend some money in the US since our Canadian dollar is doing so well. The only bad part is that we will be missing Trevor's 1st Christmas Party at the his new place, but I am sure there will be more parties to go to.

Speaking of Parties we had my mother-in-law and sister-in-law's surprise birthday party on Saturday. It went well and they both were thrilled. That's what all the balloons were for on Friday. Trevor and I as well as a Trevor's cousin Sherry and her hubby were out at the hall on Friday night decorating. The hall looked really good.

Doreen with her Birthday Hat

You can't see it but on the bottom it reads:

Young at Heart, but old in parts

Great Grandma Ellen Oseen with the kids

One of Shauna's Birthday Gifts....How Cute!!!! (She got two black kittens)

The kids put in a long shift and couldn't stay

awake for the ride home.

My studies are going well, but I have my first project due on Monday and I am starting to feel the stress. I just feel like there is not enough time in the day to get everything done. Oh well...somehow I'll manage...time to help Simon with his homework...

My Special Day!!

“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”
Abraham Lincoln

That's right I turned 33 this morning. Actually before the day begun I was not sure if I'd be able to get my run into today. Well, I would've got it in somehow, but it was looking like it may have been a 11 pm run. As it turns out I was able to get to the gym this morning. I drove the kids to school because on Friday's I volunteer in the Library, but as it turned out the Library door was locked and I waited till 9am and then decided that I am going to the gym this morning. So, things turned out great. To top it all off I passed the 100 mile mark since starting the run challenge 3 weeks ago.

Since this weekend is fairly hectic with other engagements we will enjoying my birthday festivities next week. So, how lucky am I that I get to actually have a Birthday Week.

I had a couple of errands to do this afternoon, which involved balloons and you'd think balloons would make a person smile. Well that was not the case with me. I had to transport 20 regular sized balloons and 4 huge balloons (all filled with Helium). I had removed the back seats out of the mini van, since I figured they would take up a lot of room, but I really had no idea. Getting them out of the store was a challenge. The sales lady helped me as she could quickly tell that I wasn't going to be able to get out of the door with the bundle. One balloon popped. Thankfully they got me another for free. About 10 minutes later we are out the door on the way to the mini van. It is a lot more windy than I remember it being, so the balloons are getting all tangled. It takes me and the sales lady about 20 minutes to get the balloons in the van. Then a gust of wind comes and Simon says a balloon took off...just Great!! Thank goodness it wasn't one of the big expensive ones. Oh well. As we are driving home I can't see a single thing. "This isn't safe" I keep saying to myself. We manage to get home and before we get out I squeeze from the driver's seat to the back of the van amongst all these balloons and sort them out and tie them down. 15 minutes later everything is under control. Ask me how I feel about balloons??? Actually, you better not...

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes and the running advice. I really appreciate all of it...keep it coming. As for the advice from Cam, Trevor and I are now considering doing the Seattle Marathon, which takes place on November 25th. It is a lot cheaper than Las Vegas, so it'll come down to the arrangements of where to send the kids for that weekend. So, hopefully it'll all work out. What's a running challenge without a marathon thrown in there, right Cam!!

unjustified

As you can see my countdown clock has been removed for the Las Vegas Marathon. Why? Let me tell you. Yesterday Trevor and I sat down and looked into flights and hotels. We were surprised to find out that the cost would be approximately $2,000 for a 3 day trip to Vegas to do a marathon. That would include flight and hotel (and not even staying at the fancier hotels), so we were unable to justify spending that kind of cashola on just a get away for a marathon. We'll just save our money for our family vacation to Mexico. I guess I'll just have to wait and plan for a marathon in the New Year. I will for sure do the Calgary Marathon, but that doesn't happen until July. Am I disappointed??Absolutely...but life goes on and I still plan on training as if I am still doing it...because that's what I do.

As the deadline to sign up for Ironman Canada is coming up close I decided that I better get it done. I would hate for the day to come and go and I miss it. So, it's official Ironman Canada 2008...here I come...I am going to conquer the swim. I am going to conquer the bike. I am going to conquer the run. I am excited with what 2008 has for me in store. Yeah, Yeah...I know I say that every year, but this time I MEAN IT!!

Today I had hills to do during my running and it actually went a lot better than last week. I learned not to take it too hard during the first set or else I'll be dying by the time the 4th and 5th set come along. I did achieve my goal of maintaining the 9:13 min/mile pace while doing the hills. To me this is exciting news. I think my biggest goal is to work on my endurance and by endurance I mean runs that are over 2 hours long. Hats off to all of you endurance runners...that's incredible stuff...feel free to give me any advice on how to become a better runner. I'll take all advice with a smile on my face.

webkinz is where it's at

On Sunday we were over at my parent's place for lunch and they had invited one of our pastor's over from our church. He is actually an Ironman and Trevor and I've spoken to him in the foyer passing by, but never really had the opportunity to sit down with him, so my mom thought it would be great to have us all over for a visit at the same time. He was there with his family, which included his wife, two boys and a girl (age 11). I was asking the girl what kind of things she is into. I wanted to know what I had to look forward to with Kamden. The girl went on about something called Webkinz. I've heard Kamden talk about it a few times, but I never really knew what they were. After the girl finished explaining to me about them, I thought that I should maybe pick one up for the kids. Kamden is really into Bratz right now and I don't have a huge problem with them, however, I do think they may be geared towards older kids and I am not that appreciative of their style of clothes. Kamden is only 6 years old and I don't want her to be influenced by these Bratz that wear clothes, which I feel is inappropriate for possibly any age. So, instead of telling her no more Bratz, I am trying to persuade her to play with other things that I feel are more appropriate and I think Webkinz is great. Kamden and Simon both understand that there will be no Webkinz if homework and piano is not done first. They are only allowed 1 hour of Webkinz a day. I must admit that last night when the kids went to bed Trevor and I logged into their Webkinz account and started playing the games. It was a win-win situation as Trevor and I had fun while getting more "Webkinz Coins" for the kids. Just in case any of you are wondering Simon got the Koala Bear and named him Kieran and Kamden got the White Terrier and named her Yasmin. Check out the Webkinz site.

Running Challenge is still going strong. I had a good tempo run today and managed to hold onto a 9:13 pace for 20 minutes. That is something I would never have been able to do even a month ago. I think I finally realize that if I push myself I will not die. Yes, I may hurt a bit in the following day, but it too shall pass. Trevor always tells me that when we go to the gym together that I am the only girl in the whole entire place that looks like she is working hard. I am the only girl that is dripping...correction...pouring sweat. He tells me it looks "Hot". Trevor is too funny sometimes...that's why I love him so much.

"The harder you work, the luckier you get."

__Gary Player

14.5 miles done---yeah!!

I am so happy that I've finished my long run and don't have to do another till next Sunday. Sometimes I feel that I was not made to cover long distances as it just seems to be such a difficult thing for me. I just have to remember "one foot in front of the other" and I know I can do that.

This morning we left the house at 8am and headed over to my parent's place to drop of the kiddies. I left their house around 8:30am and went out and did a "fun" 14.5 miler today. I am still feeling the muscles from doing weights this past week, but I managed to push through and arrive safely back home. Trevor, the runner, had 18 miles today and he even beat me home. No, I am not jealous...I am happy that he's such a great runner. I just wish some of his running mojo would rub off on me...that's all. My mom made us some soup for lunch and then we hung out for a bit as Trevor headed to the football game at 1:30pm. We took off at 2pm and headed out to do some errands. I am finally at home just relaxing and it feels so nice to have my feet up. I will try to enjoy the next few hours and then it's off to church for the Saturday Night Service. Tomorrow I am off to teach Sunday School for the 2nd week in a row and I'm looking forward to seeing the kids from last week. Some new and exciting news: Trevor and I are getting baptized on December 29th. I know it seems far away, but I am sure before you know it it'll be time. We are very excited about this big step as we know how important it is.

Question: "What is the importance of Christian baptism?"

Answer: Christian baptism, according to the Bible, is an outward testimony of what has occurred inwardly in a believer’s life. Christian baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The Bible declares, “Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:3-4 NIV). In Christian baptism, the action of being immersed in the water pictures being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection.

glitter-graphics.com

Could I possibly be more sore??

Every muscle in my body is aching right now. My arms, legs, back, shoulders...you name it...it hurts. I know it has been a really long time since I've lifted heavy weights, but I wasn't prepared for this. I know in time my body will get used to it and things will get better. I've only been doing weights for almost 2 weeks now and I managed to squeeze into my size two jeans after not being in them for over a year. Mind you they are stretchy denim, so there is a bit of give to them. My body fat has gone from 23% in the mornings to 21% (I am hoping to get that number around 15%) and I've lost 5 lbs. I am not sure if it's from the running or weights, but whatever it is I can tell it's working.

Yesterday after doing legs (weights) I had to do hills on the treadmill (running). The plan stated that I was to do 4 x 600 m at a 9:13 pace. I don't know what I was thinking as I haven't done any real hill training ever, but I took it up to 6% and with the 9:13 pace I almost died or rather fell off the machine. I was able to do 2 sets, but by the time the third set came along I had to decrease it to 3% and then the final set was at 2%. Why did I go out so hard initially? Oh Well...I know that 6% will be a goal that I'll have to work towards. Today I get to do a steady 5.0 mile run at 10:15 pace. I love the steady run because I can do it!! I also love the tempo runs 'cause I can actually run at a 9:13 pace for 20 minutes (of course I feel like I am dying, but I can do it). Saturday I get to do a 14.5 mile run on the treadmill and if my body is hurting as bad as it is right now, it may be a tough 14.5 miles.

Okay...enough slacking for me...back to the books!!

Probably not good when...

you get a call from your 5 year olds school at 9:30 am asking if he'll be in today. My response "ah...yeah...he got on the bus this morning". This will be Simon's 4th day of school and I think he has been on time one day. The bus is supposed to arrive at 7:50 am and usually doesn't pull up to the bus stop until after 8:00 am. Out of all things that bug me (and Trevor can vouch for this) tardiness is at the top of the list. We are paying $900 for the year for the kids school bus service. The least they can do is show up on time, don't you think. I just needed to vent a little.

Well I better get going I must pick up Simon from school (I don't want to be late) and then we are off to the gym for Chest/Shoulders/Biceps and a quick 3.5 mile Tempo run. I have had a problem with my left knee since Sunday's long run, but am hoping that it won't get worse from running today. Work through the pain...keep the running challenge going.

Simon learns something new everyday

Always put your hands out when are going down for a fall
or you might end up like this

Last Thursday Simon and I went to the bus stop to pick up Kamden. On the way home the kids thought it would be fun to run home. They were about 25 meters in front of me when I heard Simon crying. I must've been looking elsewhere as I didn't see what happened. I decided to pick up the pace and see what went down. As I approached I noticed blood coming from Simon face. It turns out that our little boy took a tumble and didn't put out his hands when he fell. Instead he ended up getting a nice scrape on his precious little face. The above picture was taken 2 days after the incident, so it doesn't fully depict how the wound actually looked after the fall, but you get the idea. Good thing school pictures are not for another 2 weeks or so.

This morning was fantastic during my first day as a Sheppard in Discoveryland. To my surprise, Kamden and Simon decided that they wanted to go to Church---again---today. They just can't get enough of Discoveryland. So Simon was in my class as I was teaching the 5 year olds. There are 3 Sheppards and 2 Jr. Sheppards per group of children. It was really great to see Simon interacting with the other kids. I can't believe how quickly the time went by before I knew it the parents were coming to pick up the kids. I am really looking forward to serving as a Sheppard for the entire year.

After lunch today we headed to the gym for our long run. My parents are away this weekend, so we had no choice but to do our stuff on the treadmill. I was able to keep my pace up for the full 12 miles. It was tough and there were times that I felt like walking, but I didn't. No one said that running everyday would be easy. I am sure tomorrow will be a tough one for me as I can really feel the soreness in my legs right now. Not just from the run, but also from doing legs (weights) at the gym. It'll just be a nice easy run for me---no more than 30 minutes. I'll save the legs for speed work and hills later on in the week. Next weekend is a 14.5 miler for me...yup...that sounds like a lot of fun.

Happy Saturday

Right now I am typing on my new computer. I think the last time that I got a brand new computer was back in 1994 when I was at NAIT studying Office Administration. That was the year when the Internet had just come out and the only way to get it was through dial-up. You can imagine how thrilled my parents were when they go to use the phone and they couldn't because I was on the computer. I can't believe how far computers have come in such a short period of time. I am sure it won't be very long before my new baby is considered out-of-date.

Today Kamden was very excited to go to the gym. Since she is in school the full day she doesn't get the opportunity to go during the week. I take Simon to the gym right after school, so he gets to eat lunch there. Unfortunately, at 12 noon - 2:30 he is lucky if he gets one or two other kids to play with. He was by himself for the most part of the week. On Thursday and Friday I packed along his UNO cards and the child care players play UNO with him and he just loves that. I know he really misses having his buddy, Kamden, there to play with, but it won't be long before he too is in school the whole entire day.

Today I had a short 3.5 mile run. I managed to keep the pace at around 10:15---which is what my marathon training program required of me today. For me keeping it at around that pace is difficult, but I know it'll get easier as time goes by. Tomorrow I have a fun-filled 12 mile run at the gym (Trevor has a 16 mile run). My pace for tomorrow run is between 10:15 and 11:30, which sounds pleasing to me. Should be a fun one!! I am not sure why, but after today's run my middle toe nail on my left foot looks like hammers. It's all bruised and the nail is actually lofted. Trevor and I have a gift certificate for Oasis Spa for the Serenity Package, which includes a couples massage, facial and pedicure. We purchased it for each other last Christmas, but I must admit that I've been holding it off because I am extremely embarrassed with the condition of my toe nails. I suppose I may as well just admit that I will never be a foot model and move on with my life and schedule that appointment. So what if the the people at the spa laugh at my toes...I've worked darn hard to get them to look that way.

Well it's almost time to call it a night. Tomorrow is my very first day teaching Sunday School to the five year olds. I have to be there at 8:30 am. I am super excited as I've been feeling called to do this for awhile. Last year I helped out with the 2 year olds, but as much as I loved those kids I really felt like I was just playing with them instead of teaching them about Jesus and that's what I want to do. There's something about the five year old age that I just love. I think it's their inquisitive minds and they just say the cutest things. I will be working with 4 other "Sheppard's" and our kids are called "White Sheep"...should be a fun time.

Weekend----YEAH

Is it already the weekend? Wow I can' t believe how quickly the week went by...crazy! The kids have settled quite nicely into their school schedules. Simon is really enjoying his new life as a student and Kamden is always full of stories when she gets off the bus in the afternoons.

Simon and his Kindergarten Teacher, Mrs. Walthers

This past week I have started giving the kids piano lessons. Kamden has had two previous year of lessons with a really great teacher, but due health reasons she was unable to continue teaching this year. Since I've taken piano for many years (around 25 in total) I decided that I would attempt to give our kids lessons. So far it is going extremely well. As soon as I get home with Simon in the afternoon the first thing he wants to do when he walks in the door is practice. Kamden on the other hand will practice, but tends to put up a little bit of a fight. Trevor says that mommy and daughter butt heads a lot cause our personalities are so similar. I guess I can agree with that. I think I really just have to work on having more patience with her and then things will be better.

I am enjoying this running challenge immensely. So far it has been 7 days straight. If it wasn't for the running challenge I don't think I would've been at the gym everyday this week. I know this probably sounds silly, but I can already see improvements from Saturday to today...is that crazy? I've had a super great eating week as well. All in all I seem to be more focused on my goals and am looking forward to December 2nd when we do the LV Marathon.

I started my studies today for my course. I am really excited about it. There is a lot of reading/work to do, but I have the office set up downstairs and it's just a really nice place for me to study...so peaceful and quiet without the kids. I drop the kids off for the bus at 7:50am and get home right at 8am. Then I am able to study from 8am-11am everyday. The only thing I am missing in the office is a computer. The kids have a computer, which they share, in Kamden's room and Trevor has his laptop (which is actually both of ours), but we are off to the store tomorrow to get me a new, inexpensive one for me for school. I can't wait!!! Did I ever mention that I have the BEST husband ever!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY

WONDERFUL SISTER-IN-LAW,

SHAUNA

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Simon's First Day of Kindergarten

This is it, my baby started his first day of school today. Funny how just yesterday I remember going to the hospital 5.5 weeks before his due date as someone couldn't wait to meet us. Now five years later he's in school.

Looks like tomorrow I will have to get up earlier (6:30am) since this morning felt very rushed or maybe that was because mommy had to take a million pictures : ) I think I'll just get up earlier so that I have at least 15 minutes to myself before I wake them up.

Yesterday I gave the kids piano lessons. This will be Simon's first year and Kamden's 3rd year. Unfortunately, Kamden's teacher became ill half way through last year and was unable to teach this year. So instead of finding a new teacher I am attempting it on my own. I started taking piano when I was 6 years old and then I played up until I was 19 years old. After that I took a bit of a hiatus and started back up shortly after I got married and quit 2 years ago, so that Kamden could start. I am hoping that they'll have a fun time with it. Besides Kamden still wants to be a Rockstar when she grows up and I keep telling her that she should know how to play an instrument. Speaking of Rockstar...while we were in Disneyland Kamden decided that she would like to spend her $30 of her vacation spending money getting a new "Rockstar Diva" make-over from "Libby Lu". Us Canadians do not have the privilege of having a "Libby Lu", so this was a huge treat for us. She got her make-over done early on Monday morning as soon as the store opened and then we went to Disneyland after. She loved walking around looking like a rock princess with the head set on. She managed to sleep on the hair that night so that it would still be able to keep the doo on Tuesday.

So far so good on the run challenge. I am enjoying it a lot. The new agenda is that after I pick up Simon from Kindergarten we head straight for the gym and he'll eat his lunch there. Today will be a good day as I have a steady pace run (5.0 miles) and all I have to do today is abs. I have the day off of any other weights, which is probably a great thing as I am sore. My muscles are aching...especially my quads and pecs.

I am off to the Doctor's to find out about my EKG results from the beginning of August. She told me on the phone it is nothing serious, so that's good. Have a GREAT day!!

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do
everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the
something I can do. "__Helen Keller

Just got back from the doctor's office and here are my results from the EKG test:

Average Heart Rate Reading: 54 beats per minute

Lowest Heart Rate Reading: 28 beats per minute (when I am sleeping)

Highest Heart Rate Reading: 116 beats per minute (which just happened to be around the same time as when Simon slipped and bonked his head on the wall at the swimming pool and ended up getting a couple of stitches on his forehead)

The individuals that analyzed my 24 hour EKG holster reading for my Doctor asked her if I take medication to slow down my heart rate. She is aware of my active lifestyle and training schedule and has said that the low heart rate is due to that. So it turns out that I have a really good heart...YEAH!!!

Kamden's First Day of Grade 1

FIRST DAY OF GRADE ONE

I think this is when it starts to happen. This is when my life is going to start going by very quickly. Kamden started her first day of Grade 1 today, which means that she will be putting in a full shift a school. Yesterday I got her to help me make her lunch, which went very well. She was so proud of making it that I think eating what she made will be a special treat for her. This morning I woke the kids up at about 6:50am. It was a bit of a slow start around the Oseen household, but things started picking up after about 10 minutes. This year Kamden's bus stop is a little closer to the house, which means we are able to walk there. We left the house at 7:35 am, which is a little early, but I wasn't sure how quick or slow the kids would be walking. We got to the bus stop about 10 minutes early, so tomorrow we will leave 5 minutes later and see if that works out a bit better. Kamden's bus came right on time at 7:50 am and off she went. The bus door opened and it wasn't Kamden's bus driver that she had last year. I could see the disappointment in her face. However, I am almost positvie that she'll will like this driver just as much as Kamden likes everyone. She gets back home at 3:50 pm and I can't wait. Simon is looking forward to starting Kindergarten on Thursday (two more sleeps) and being able to ride the bus with his big sister.




So for the next two days it'll be just Simon and I, so off to the gym we go this afternoon for a short 3.5 mile run and speed work (thank goodness quads are feeling better) and some fun lower body weight and abdominal work.

Time to Relax and enjoy the day

I was hoping that I was going to have a wonderful sleep in my own bed last night, but all I could think about was starting school. I just wish I could turn my mind off, but no that just didn't happen. Instead I had a very restless night, which involved a lot of tossing and turning.

When I woke up this morning my quads really hurt. Probably on a day like today not too long ago I would've taken the day off of the gym, but that's not going to happen. Instead we were off to the gym to do Chest/Shoulders/Biceps. We decided to go fairly easy during the first week as it has been about 8 months since either of us did weights. We also did 100 leg lifts, 100 ball crunches, 100 oblique exercises, and 100 back extensions on the ball. I have no doubt that I'll have a hard time rolling out of bed tomorrow morning. I am certain my abs will be in pain. Despite my aching quads I jumped on the treadmill (I am in this run challenge for the long haul) and did a nice and easy pace for an hour. Surprisingly it didn't hurt as much as I was anticipating. I think the hardest part was stepping off the machine...OUCH!!

Trevor is enjoying the afternoon with his brother. They have season tickets to our local football team, Calgary Stampeders. They have a game every Labor Day with my home town team, Edmonton Eskimos. I must admit that since I've lived in Calgary for almost 10 years I have begun cheering for Calgary. I guess that just means that I was meant to be a Calgarian.

I am spending the day with the kids and we are off to the park in about half an hour.

Well on my way

Today was day two of my running challenge and in the last two days I have done 15 miles. On Saturday Trevor and I ran 10 miles through Fish Creek. I can't even remember the last time that Trevor and I ran together, but I can definitely tell you that I miss running with him. It's not that we have these great discussions while we are running together as we both are wearing our mp3 players, however just knowing that your best friend is there right beside you is just one of the best feelings ever. Today we went for an early morning jaunt in my mom and dad's neighborhood. It was just a nice and easy 5 mile run. Tomorrow we are off to the gym, which will be the first time since the end of July. It'll be the start of my strength training program. I am looking forward to the change. I will be starting off with light weights as I want to be able to move on Tuesday morning followed by an hour on the treadmill. As the weeks go by I will be doing heavier and heavier weights in hopes to gain muscle and lose fat. I will be taking some "before pics" and then re-taking pictures every two weeks or so.

We slept over at my mom and dad's place on Friday night and then we were off to the Millarville Farmer's Market. It was about a half an hour drive out of the city. There was a lot of food there, but when we left all we had in our bag was lemon-lime apples and a poppy seed loaf. After leaving the farmer's market we headed for a place called Elbow River Waterfalls. It was so beautiful there and if I knew that we were going to be going there I would have brought along my camera, but, unfortunately, we kind of went there on a whim. Oh well...I am sure we'll be back there in the summer for a picnic.

Today we spent a good part of the afternoon cleaning up our office in the basement, which until today was being used as a storage room. We decided that the room will be used primarily as my study room as I start my Personal Fitness Training Course. The room looks 1000 times better and I am looking forward to having a space especially for me. Initially I was planning on studying on the kitchen table, but I think being around food while studying is probably not a smart thing. Another option was studying at the library, but with the library opening at 10 am and me having to be at School at 11:25 am to pick up Simon just didn't work out.

Time to relax and watch Big Brother 8---yeah, I can't believe we watch that show either! Then a great night sleep in our own bed once again.