An Update

Been awhile since I posted -- I tell you, I think facebook is the scourge of the internet -- and I remain hopelessly addicted. I have become lazy in my blogging because it is so much easier to just upload some photos, change up my status updates and creep on people's walls than to acutally sit down and write something. And this is the problem with our hectic, "just-in-time" lives. No room to just sit down and think, or reflect or even stay in touch ... at least not with flesh and blood people.


So here's an idea of what's been going on with me -- for anyone still checking in. Not the same as having a cup of coffee, but until we get together for that coffee, this'll do.


Freshest in my mind is the ski trip I just finished. A few of us from Ontario headed out to Alberta and BC to meet up with a friend of mine there. We skied at Kimberley first which is I think one of those hidden gems you're bound to hear more about as more people discover the secret. We had amazing snow there and then to top it off, it dumped all night for us before our last day of skiing. What's better than floating through the powder, legs on fire, joining in the whoops across the mountain? Especially when yours are the only tracks in sight.


After a couple days in such decadent conditions, we relocated to Lake Louise, AB for some days in the sun on the slopes. Sadly, with sun comes clear skis and with clear skis, comes old snow. But just the same, it was way better than Ontario (I compared as soon as I got back with a trip up to Blue Mountain) and way BIGGER than Ontario as well. And of course, size matters.


So after that escape from reality ... largely enabled by my Aunt, thank you VERY much! ... it is back to work and back to training of course.



This season will be another challenging handful of races. But at least I will know a little more of what to expect from the "big dog" category and I will also be blessedly looming-election free. So outside stress shouldn't be as big a factor this summer. Coach Joe and I have been working hard to line up the off season and though I am still bucking a little to regain my focus, I am starting to see real gains in tone and strength, and I also joined a spinning group at RPM in Toronto which gets me out in a group twice a week doing drills I would never have the discipline to do on a trainer.



Strength training has been added to the regime as well and a trip to the gym is always an adventure in meat-marketing. I am approached without fail by a roided-out gym-rat on every visit. Plus, it seems everyone knows how to do my workout but me. Why is it that no one ever comes up to you in the gym and says "wow, so that's how it's done! Thank god you and your perfect form showed up to educate me today." No no no. It's always "you should this" or "you need that". Sigh. Anyway, despite my apparent shortfallings on proper form *hooey!* I'm doing fine and I walk around all the time with the gentle hum of recovering muscles.



First race is at the end of April ... I can't believe how fast this winter is slipping away. I know for you snow shovelers it seems endless, but for we athletes ... well let's just say I'm starting to feel a little anxious. I was planning to attend training camp as per usual, but will have to make do without this season. Sad to say the least but hopefully I'll find solace in the money I'll save and the vacation time I can use later to visit the WC at Mont Ste Anne later this summer. Or the cottage.



Anyway, at this point in the off-season, I'm feeling good. I'm having fun with my training, and throwing in the odd ski adventure is keeping things interesting as well. Should be a good summer!



Beyond training, things are just chugging along. I'm reading "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert at the moment ... and I think everyone is. I kept seeing it everywhere and people kept telling me I should pick it up, so I did and I'm loving it. Hopefully Oprah doesn't get her hands on it. But you should.



At the movies, I have seen Cloverfield and Kiterunner most recently. Cloverfield was entertaining, watch it. Kiterunner was really good too ... watch it and read the book.



So I think that's all I have time for today ... but I hope all my faithful readers are well in the world and best of luck to Bruce County, where the roads are closed the snow is blowing ... as per usual.



Stay safe and Have fun!