That is how I would describe how I feel about the movie "Mamma Mia". It was such a great show. When I was younger (a lot younger), pre-teens I remember putting in my mom's Voulez-Vous Abba tape...remember those... in my walk man and mowing the lawn. It actually made mowing the lawn seem like a lot of fun. The other Abba tape that my mom had was Super Trouper. I loved that I knew all the songs in Mamma Mia except for two of them. I didn't quite manage to dance in the isles like I desperately wanted to as this would have involved stepping out of my box in a huge way, but I laughed and had a permanent smile on my face for the entire show. The best (most comedic) part was when Pierce Brosnan started to sing. I laughed the entire time. I think it would've have been a better jump going from a musical to 007 rather than vice versa. The only thing I could think about when he was singing is that this is James Bond and James Bond really shouldn't be singing. He should be catching some bad guys. Anyways...this is an awesome chick flick and I highly recommend it. Loved it, Loved it, Loved it.
Todays workout out went pretty good. I managed to do the 1:45 bike and met my expectations. My run was supposed to be 45 minutes, but I only did 30 minutes as the treadmill was getting boring. I just wanted to get out of the gym. Despite having gave a pint of blood on Monday night I managed to have a great workout. In the past my workouts following a blood donation have been far from great.
Some Big News....Calagary 70.3 Ironman....coming next year...I know I said I was taking next year off of doing IM, but I never said anything about half IM. I'd be crazy not to do it. When Trevor showed me that had added the new race here, I was excited, which has led me to believe that maybe, even though I am not that great at them (yet), triathlons may be my thing that I love doing. I love training. You know what...I even love losing toenails because that means I've worked hard (or have bad shoes). Right now I am just so optimistic about Ironman that I don't want to lose this feeling.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Love
Monday, July 28, 2008
Finally---Jazzercise
After much anticipation on Kamden's part her Jazzercise camp has finally begun today. We got to the school about 10 minutes early, which worked out well cause I had to fill in some forms. Then it was off across the street to the pool to get Simon to his Level 2 swimming class. That part of the day is a bit of a rush, but manageable. I think just as long as Simon wears his trunks to the pool then we should be okay. I actually don't mind watching Simon for 45 minutes in the viewing area as there are two ladies, which are just a treat to talk to. I actually know one of them from our previous church. It makes the time go by quickly. After Simon's lessons we headed over to the van and got on our rollerblades and bladed for about an hour and then I took Simon to Tim Hortons, so that I could get some coffee. We still had 30 minutes till we had to get Kamden as her Jazzercise camp is 3 hours long. I guess Simon and I will have to figure out some more activities to do for the rest of the week while we wait for her. After Kamden was finally done we picked her up and headed to my favorite place, the gym---okay---not my favorite place, but I am there all the time. I just had to do an 1 hour twenty minute run (as I missed it yesterday 'cause of Simon's family birthday party yesterday). I managed 7.5 miles, which is okay---didn't really feel like going much harder than that. After the gym we headed home and I made the kids some food and then off to the blood donar clinic we went. It probably has been over a year since I've donated last. I thought for sure my hemoglobin levels would be insufficient (as the usually have been in the past and I haven't been taking any iron pills). To my surprise I passed the hemoglobin test and was off to donate blood---yeah. Today I managed to complete my blood donation in 5 minutes. My best is still under 4 minutes. Had some cookies and soup in the refreshment area. Trevor met us there as he was going to give as well, but can you believe Mr. Fitness failed his hemoglobin test---no blood donation for him. Too bad, so sad. When we got home we took the kids out for about half an hour on their bikes...they are getting better and better ever day. Simon is doing really well...good stuff!!
Tomorrow I am really going to go to Mamma Mia. I can't wait. Also, tomorrow is my last day of my group sessions. I actually did learn a lot by going and a part of me will miss it. It'll be nice to get back on schedule with my Tuesday workouts. It's always tough rescheduling everying.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Get to check something off the "Summer To Do List"
Simon learns how to ride his bike on two wheels:
I must admit that from past biking sessions with little man I was a bit concerned about his future at successfully completing an Ironman. I was wondering if it was actually stated in the Ironman rules that you may not race with training wheels on your bike. After last week, since it rained so much here we didn't have any opportunities to go out and teach him. The week before when we went I would be holding on to him and then two seconds later he would completely let go of the handle bars and grab on to me. I kept telling him "look, buddy, if you want to ride a unicycle (no hands) you will first have to learn to ride with two wheels while holding on". I am definitely not the greatest teacher as I get frustrated easily and it is not uncommon for everyone to be in tears by the end a session with mommy. Trevor and I decided that no matter what Simon will learn how to ride his bike and we said that starting today we will go at least 20 minutes every night and focus on biking and that's it. I started out with Simon, but as usual got super frustrated in the first few minutes as he was steering like a crazy person. His balance was so out of whack. Trevor could see my frustration and said that he would take over with Simon while I helped Kamden who knows how to bike, but since last summer has forgotten how to get started and needed work with turning around. Fine...we switched kids for about 10 minutes. Kamden was doing really good 2 minutes after I started helping her. Trevor was pushing/holding Simon going up and down the alley and I could see his back was getting sore so I said that we should switch again. I worked with Simon for about another 5 minutes and noticed his balance was a lot better. After giving him a few instructions I let go and ran beside him and he could see that I was no longer holding on. I think that's when it clicked in his head that he COULD ride a bike. His chances of doing an Ironman are now more probable than they were this morning...YEAH---Simon!! I think that is probably his best present that he could have given himself.
Earlier on in the day I thought I would test out the kids endurance levels and I got them to put on their Rollerblades and I put mine on as well. We headed out the door at 2:40 pm and I took them on our running loop, which we do after our long bikes. The loop is a total of 2.52 miles. I thought we'd be okay as long as we had some water. The kids actually didn't do too bad. There was a few falls, but no injuries, which is good 'cause I didn't bring the first aid kit or my cell phone. We managed to finish the loop after 1 hour and 10 minutes. I told them that if they completed the loop I would take them to 7-11 for a Slurpee. So after our long Rollerblade journey we walked, which is one mile from our house to 7-11 and back. I am pretty sure that the kids are going to sleep good tonight.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
No Mamma Mia
Last night I went to the theatre and got there early at 6:45pm. I was meeting others there at 7:00 pm. When I got to the theatre it was unbelievably packed. Dark Knight was sold out for 5 shows and I think people just went to the theatre to see that. When they realized they couldn't see that show instead of going home they stayed for other shows. By the time the others showed up at 7:05pm Mamma Mia was sold out. I did contemplate buying tickets as soon as I got there but then I had a gut feeling that it would sell out or we would have to sit right at the front and break our necks watching the movie. I am kind of disappointed that I didn't see it, but I will live. I probably would've met a bit early at 6:30 knowing that it just came out---but whatever.
Dropping off the kids at my parents today. I have 2 finals to write tomorrow and a nurse visit, so it's going to be busy tomorrow. Simon is celebrating his 6th birthday tomorrow and I won't even see him first thing, which kind of makes me sad. However, we are all going out for dinner with him to his favorite birthday place, Montana's. I don't know why the kids love that place so much, but they do.
I had a good training bike yesterday. I was supposed to go for 1hr 20m, but pushed out 1 hr 45m. I don't know why, but I felt like going on and on. Yesterday I had the usual group in the afternoon (one more week left), so I had to get home and make lunch and take a shower, so I was a bit rushed with the workout. Today I might go for a little run this afternoon---we'll see.
Right now as I sit here thinking about the dates I am feeling anxious as I realize that Ironman Canada is only 4 weeks and 4 days away. Am I ready? I sure hope so. This year I've had a pretty good year as far as my race season goes (last year was one of my worst years). I am looking forward to actually racing, which makes me excited. I do have some goals in mind, but as soon as I write it down or blog it things tend to go in the shitter, so I am just going to keep my goals in my head.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sore...not from exercising
On Sunday we decided to give Simon his birthday present a little early (his b-day is on Thursday). I think it was partly due to the fact that he missed us while he was away at camp. Despite the fact that he had an awesome time, he doesn't want to go back. Kamden had a great time and didn't want to leave. I don't think our kids could be more opposite from each other. I guess we'll just have to wait till next year to see if little man changes his mind. Back to Simon's birthday present...so Trevor and I went to the Toy R Us last Thursday with absolutely no idea of what to buy for Simon. It seems like they have everything they need and way too many toys. As usual, Trevor heads straight to the electronics section which is like the toy store for big kids. After looking around for a few minutes we notice that they actually have the Wii gaming system in stock. We have been looking for one forever. After about a 5 minute conversation we decided that we should get him one even though it was above the amount that we were going to spend, but it'll be a fun family thing for us. Well Sunday night we played and played. We did some bowling, tennis, fishing, baseball...you name it...we played it. I have been sore the last few days---man---who get sore from that stuff. My rotator cuff is actually really sore from bowling on Sunday. We rented a couple more games yesterday to try them out including Hannah Montana (a dancing game), which I love and some "Cars" game for Simon (that one is for the boys) and then some Mario Party 8---tried that one a bit last night...it was okay.
Right now I am getting ready to head to the gym. Today I just have a fun bike ride. On Sunday I went for a walk with the family in Fish Creek and managed to twist my ankle a bit after seeing a snake and having the crap scared out of me. I couldn't get out of there fast enough and when I went to run I did something funky to the ankle. I've learned a lesson...don't walk in grass....EVER!!! So anyways...I would have like to run today, but I think I will be holding off...maybe tomorrow.
Tonight...I can't wait...I am going to see Mamma Mia with my mom and Jodie (sis-in-law). I love Abba, so I am pretty sure I'll be doing a lot of singing...FUN!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Update---Camp
I am thrilled that I didn't shed a tear when I dropped the kids off at camp today. They were pretty excited asking "how much longer" throughout our 1.5 drive out there. When we got there they eagerly jumped out and got them signed in. Then we were escorted first to Kamden's cabin...cabin #4. Luckily there was one top bunk available, which Kamden has been wanting---so that worked out. When Kamden got to her room there was already 3 other girls there as well as her room counsellor. We set Kamden up and then we both took Simon over to his cabin. He was in cabin #12. Unfortunately, Simon did not get a top bunk but happily took a bottom one. There was already four other boys already settled in the room. The only thing missing was his camp counsellor. There was a boys Jr counsellor in the room---probably was 17 years old or so. He was really great with the boys, so I was content with that. We got Simon settled and then walked back to Kamden's cabin and then she basically said that I can go now that she would be okay. Simon and I started walking out the door and then she said "mom, I love you...can I get a hug?" Simon and I headed back to his cabin in hopes that his counsellor would now be there, but no. I sat around with him for about 15 minutes and it was almost time for me to go. I gave him a warning and told him that I have to leave in 5 minutes. I could see the sombre look on his face. He was pretty clingy---I was concerned. He kept saying that he didn't even want to come to camp and that it wasn't idea. I finally told him that he has to stay because I have to go and buy him his birthday present, which, thankfully, brought a slight smile to his face. Then Jr Counsellor said that he was taking all the boys to the bathroom, which was my cue to head out. I told Simon I love him and have fun and started walking. When I turned around he was running toward the bathrooms with the group of boys. I know he'll be okay and come home with some great stories.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The night before camp
I can't believe the kids are off to camp tomorrow for 4 days and 3 nights. I guess it is kind of unusual for kids as young as 5 to be going to a sleepover camp, but I think they'll have a lot of fun. We have to get up bright and early at 7am, so that I can give the kids a bath before they go. They do have showers at the camp, but I can't see them taking a shower all by themselves. I guess my only expectation at this point is that they change their underwear on a daily basis...really what more can I expect?? Registration is from 10am - 11:15am. The kids want to get there right at 10am so that they can pick a top bunk (hopefully they have bunk beds). I am just hoping and praying the neither of them will get homesick. I used to be so bad for that when I was little. I would call home every day and cry my eyes out and beg my mom or dad to come pick me up...wasn`t I a treat????
Since the kids are gone and the house will be empty and all my school assignments are complete for this semester (I just have 2 finals on Jul 24th) I tried to fill my schedule for the next three days so that I wouldn't end up getting into trouble. I tend to get into trouble when I am home alone and that's when I start to become your typical emotional eater. Tomorrow in the afternoon I have to get my Police Check and Alberta Children`s Service Intervention Check for the new job and then I will probably go to the gym for my brick workout. Trevor and I are planning on going swimming together tomorrow night, so that should be fun.
Thursday---not looking forward to---at 9 am I am getting my hair trimmed (that`s probably the best part of my day). As soon as I get home from that I am off to the basement to ride my bike for 6 hours and 45 minutes and then I`ll be outside for a couple of loops around the neighborhood (45 minute run). I guess that`ll keep me out of trouble. I am sure that I`ll be pretty exhausted by the time I am done. Trevor is off to a football game that evening, so that is why I have jam packed my Thursday so I won`t have time to be lonely,bored or sad. Normally the long bike would be for Saturday, but we have to pick up K & S from camp at 10:30 am.
Friday---Up at 4am (hopefully I`l be able to do that) and head to the gym with Trevor for 2 hours of hills on the bike. Then I have an appointment with Dr. J at 8:30am. Meet my mom for lunch. Then Trevor and I are off on a double date with a friend of mine and her hubby. We are going to East Side Mario`s and then to Hancock. Should be fun a lot of fun.
One of my favorite website is www.greatday.com as it is very motivating. Kind of nice to begin your day reading something that is inspiring and motivational to get you going. One entry that recently caught my eye was this one:
If you want
If you want to be interesting, be interested. If you want to be heard, listen.If you wish to truly learn, teach. If you would like to be wealthy, be generous.
If you desire to be understood, take the time to understand. If you want to have many friends, be friendly.
If you want the world to change for the better, make a positive change in yourself. If you long for peace, be peaceful.
What you give to life is what life becomes for you. The treasures you accumulate all come from the good things you do.
Every day is your opportunity to raise your life to a higher level by giving the best that you have. Whatever it is you desire, give it, be it, support it, and you will enjoy it in great abundance.
-- Ralph Marston
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Slacker
Seems now that the kids are on their summer holidays that time is just flying by. This past week Simon was scheduled for Level 1 swimming lessons from 9-9:45am while Kamden had her jazzercise camp across the street at her school from 9-12pm, but, unfortunately, session one of her class got canceled due to lack of interest for that week. The good news is that her session 2 class running from Jul 28th to Aug 1st is still ago. So every morning this week I woke them up at 7:45 am so that we could be out the door by 8:30am to get Simon to his lessons. On Monday we headed to the gym after swimming as I had to take the car in for an oil change and the place is in walking distance from the gym, so despite my soreness from the marathon on Sunday I decided to go on the elliptical for awhile, which I am convinced made my soreness go away quicker. Tuesday was much the same as Monday except I had a 1:55 bike ride. I managed to do pretty good on the bike to my surprise. The only issue I had was that I had worn shorts and because It was a tempo ride I ended up sweating hard and my shorts were dripping sweat down my legs into my shoes. By the time I was done that exercise session my socks and shoes were soaked and stinky. Wednesday Trevor took the day off of work and came to Simon's swimming class. After his class we headed to the Calgary Stampede. It was a lot of fun and the weather was perfect for the entire day. Although there was a few times I looked up and thought for sure that it could storm at any second, but it passed. The kids managed to pull through once again and stay there till 12 midnight. By the time we got home it was 12:45 am....phew...what a day. Thursday...Simon had his second last swimming lesson. After his class I took the kids to my parent's place as I had an appointment in the afternoon. Once I picked them up and brought them home it was almost 6 pm and I had a paper to work on. I worked on it for about 4 hours. Friday...Simon's last swim class....he passes level 1...Yeah Simon. After swimming the kids and I went home for a bit and I worked on my paper for an hour and then it was time to go to Daddy's work for a Stampede Bar B Que...we had a lot of food. Then after that we had to go to the bank for an appointment. The kids and I got home around 4 pm. I worked on my paper for about 1.5 hours and then I was back in the car driving the kids to a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Then straight home to work on the paper again for about another 4 hours. Trevor picked up the kids and I finished the paper...Yeah Me!!
Saturday....you think I for sure would have woke up and worked out, but NO. I woke up with a headache instead. I think I woke up just after 8 am and I hung out with the kids for a bit and then I went to lay down again for another 2 hours. Thankfully this time when I got up the headache was gone. We just ended up having a family day. We played Monopoly for many hours---two games. For the most part we all had a pretty fun day. It was actually really nice. Now that I have had so many days off of exercise I know I need to get back. Tomorrow is a 1:40 run through Fish Creek. It'll be a nice day, so I am looking forward to it.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Calgary Marathon Race Results 2008
4:34:39
Females 160/252
Female 30-34 24/36
484/684 Overall
Friday, July 04, 2008
Scared
Right now I am freaking out as the marathon, as usual, has approached quickly. I can not believe that it is only 1 sleep away. The butterflies in my stomach are just going. I just need to relax and not think of the worst possible case scenario, but rather remain calm and think positive. At this point of the game I feel under trained, despite the fact that I have been (and still am) training for IM. I am just going to visualize me doing well and reaching my goals. I have figured out the water bottle problem since my last marathon, which is a good thing. Up until last Sunday's 10 miler I was concerned that I wouldn't have any water (besides the water stations) on the run and since I am running with the 4:30 pacer (which does a 10 minute run followed by a one-minute walk---which I love) and they don't stop for water...I am thrilled that things have worked out in that department.
Yesterday we had a busy shift with taking the kids to their first Calgary Stampede Parade. I think one of the highlights of the parade for them was seeing all the horse poop. They laughed and laughed. It was pretty stinky, but I guess since it is the stampede we should have know there was going to be a million horses. They had a lot of different marching bands and, of course, the good ol' bag pipe and drum bands. It was just over 2 hours long.
Last night I had a really good sleep...yeah...I got up at 7am and then at around 9am we headed out to our community stampede stomp for some free pancakes. Then it was off to the gym for a 2 hour bike and 1 hour run.My workout went great and kind of boosted my self esteem for the race tomorrow : ) The only thing was that the training run was shortened to 30 minutes as it just looked so nice out and the kids wanted to go back to the stampede stomp for a burger/hot dog and some games. Unfortunately, Trevor and I had to opt out of the burgers and I had some soup and salad at home instead. I had to take my guts into consideration. I don't want to have stomach problems on my run tomorrow. Grandma and Grandpa just picked up the kids and now we have a free evening...till tomorrow...yikes....
