In early December (I remember the day was Dec 5th, because it was right before my physics final exam), I got a call from Chris Prowse at the Bike Barn. Chris, Lisa and Will, the three owners of the Bike Barn, proposed to me an extremely generous sponsorship arrangement . I flew to Penticton over the holidays to pick up the winter bike I will be riding for the next several months. Last Saturday was my first official outdoor ride on it. Nick and I met up at 9am and headed alongside Lochside up to the ferries. We cruised along Lands End and down through West Sannich in just under 120 minutes. I continued through Emily Carr/Royal Oak residential area and then down into Fernwood before heading back to Gordon Head. WOW what a difference a lighter bike made! Dura Ace is a huge step up, and I can safely say I am never looking back!
My swimming has been progressing nicely. I love swimming at different pools and with different people all the time. Keeps things interesting and challenging. A few x-varsity swimmers joined on with the Tri Club, and their January speed is FAST! One of the new girls hopped in and crushes 1:13s/100m. She doesn’t have the endurance yet, so I can keep up over a 4.5km set, but when she gets fit...SCARY. I love swimming with these kids, they’re super talented, fun and make me look forward to every swim with them.
Running is where things are a little rocky, but I am focused on sorting out all the physical irritations my body is experiencing and then keeping them at bay. Tuesday brought a glimpse, of good running form. It wasn’t much, but it was proof that something lies below the surface, just waiting for my body to be healthy and strong enough to run fast. I am SLOWLY learning that running quality miles, versus dozens of junky miles, will not only get me farther, but keep me healthier. Quality versus quantity here.
I finished my Stats class, and passed with flying colors! The class actually boosted my GPA. But let’s not get any ideas... I am NOT about to become a Math major. That was purely completing a pre-req. I am now taking a fun(ish) elective; Moral Ethical Concerns of Contemporary Society. There are really great discussions in this class.
I have been trying to do a fair amount of cooking and baking, with the intention that I will save money...mmm OK probably not since I try to buy organic, but it IS healthier for sure! Since Jan 12th I have made several batches of gluten-free cookies, one banana chocolate loaf and, dipping into my Spanish roots, I made a Spanish omelette. It is pretty much just an omelette baked in a dish. 6 eggs, some potato thinly sliced, bacon, spinach, olive oil, red pepper and well I think I added a few other veggies, but I don’t remember (It didn’t have a long life)
OK looks like I hit the main areas of my life! Happy training.
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