The better side of things

I'm finally getting around to posting some pics from last weeks game.

First off, here's a video of the crowd signing Oh Canada (we would not win any international voice competitions).  There was so much positive energy flowing.  Everyone was excited and into it.  This doesn't even begin to capture how many people were there.  My husband caught me doing my stupid cheesy little grin near the end.  I'm such a nerd!

Here's me & my family before it began.  Love how I'm the shortest.

 Me & my "wittle" boy (who's ducking down so we both fit in the screen) ...

 Daddy & his girl

Proud to be Canadian

Rumors are that the riot started when this kid tried to throw his sister into a water fountain (kidding)

Vancouver really is a beautiful city (not that these pictures do it justice) 

You just gotta love the water & the mountains.

Now ... to update my 30 Days of Activity.....

I'm disappointed to say that I missed a day. :(  Bad Heidi!  Last Thursday, I just didn't get to it and got lazy.  Not that it counts, but I certainly made up for it on Friday when I rode my bike to work (30 min), rode from work and directly to a friends house (52 min), then went for a hike (2 hours),  followed by a bike ride home (20 min).  In total about 3 hours and 40 min of exercise .... and it didn't even really feel like it.  I love breaking up workouts like that. Wasn't even sore the next day.

This week I should be bike commuting for most of the week.  My husband's truck is waiting for a part to come in.  We are a 1 car family with 3 drivers - interesting!  Hopefully the weather cooperates, which it may or may not.

Jun 1- 2.5 mile run + walking

Jun 2- 2.6 mile run + walking

Jun 3 - 75 min walk

Jun 4 - 30 min walk

Jun 5 - 75 min biking

Jun 6 - 80 min biking, 10 min running, 15 min walking

Jun 7 - 30 min walk

Jun 8 - 80 min bike

Jun 9 - 30 min walk

Jun 10 - 90 min bike, 35 min run

Jun 11 - 7hrs yardwork

Jun 12 - 2+ hrs hike

Jun 13 - 4.5 mile run

Jun 14 - 1.5 hr hike

Jun 15 - approx. 90 min walking

Jun 16 - NOTHING - Grrrr!

Jun 17 - 1 hr 40 min biking, 2+ hrs hike

Jun 18 - 60 min walk

Jun 19 - 30 min walk

Heidi

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Disgusted and Ashamed - Riot of 2011

It is not a proud day to be from Vancouver.  I can not express strongly enough how utterly disgusted I am at those who took such horrible action following the Vancouver Canucks loss in the Stanley Cup. 

These jerks are NOT fans, they are punks and losers and I hope that as many as possible are made to pay consequences for what they have done.  They are NOT representative of Vancouver, British Columbia or Canada.  They are scum of the earth and I am hugely disappointed in them, a couple specifically.

Little did I know that logo I posted yesterday (Fear the Fans) would be so incredibly accurate.  I am ashamed to be even remotely associated.

As for us, we fared just fine.  I must say that for the most part things were well controlled and while we were in the downtown core I felt safe (and I'm a big ol' chicken poop, so that's saying alot).  We left halfway through the 2nd period and things were very quiet.  We went for a nice walk along the water and then left about the same time the game ended .... and people went crazy.  Luckily we didn't witness any of that and were completely safe.  Regardless of what some people say, I think the police did as good a job as they could.  Personally I would have lost it and started beating and shooting people if I were them, but history will tell you if they'd resorted to that things could have gone much, much worse and the police would have been scrutinized for their action.

For the most part, those who started this, planned it.  And those who followed and became involved were destined to cause trouble.  In particular, I hope the parents of the kids involved are so very proud of their horrible parenting skills.  These kids have been on this path at least since they were 8 years old.  Their actions have made my sympathies swing way past understanding the difficult upbringing they may have had.  They are old enough to know better and I hope they pay the price.

I do have pictures to share and maybe a video or two.  But this post is not a happy one and I want to keep my happy memories separate so will share later.

Some of you contacted me in concern ... thank you for that.  I had hope, faith and belief that things would not go sour like they did and I am sorely disappointed.

Jun 1- 2.5 mile run + walking

Jun 2- 2.6 mile run + walking

Jun 3 - 75 min walk

Jun 4 - 30 min walk

Jun 5 - 75 min biking

Jun 6 - 80 min biking, 10 min running, 15 min walking

Jun 7 - 30 min walk

Jun 8 - 80 min bike

Jun 9 - 30 min walk

Jun 10 - 90 min bike, 35 min run

Jun 11 - 7hrs yardwork

Jun 12 - 2+ hrs hike

Jun 13 - 4.5 mile run

Jun 14 - 1.5 hr hike

Jun 15 - approx. 90 min walking

Heidi

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Go Canucks GO!!!! Let's raise that cup!!!!!!

It's an exciting day.  Stanley Cup Finals!  We're taking the family and heading into downtown Vancouver soon.  Can't believe we're going down there.  The streets here have been packed and no doubt tonight it will be insane.  Normally I hate crowds, but I'm really looking forward to this.

I have not traditionally been a real hockey fan, though I have enjoyed watching the game from time to time and I have anappreciation for it.  I am however fiercely competitive and love to support a local team so I get drawn into the excitement and anticipation.

Saw this and thought it was kind of funny...

I'm pretty confident that tonight there will not be a repeat of the Riots of 1994.  I think the city learned a thing or two and after just going through the Olympics here last year, I think things will be reasonably controlled.  If I didn't we wouldn't be going there.  Let's hope I'm right.

Today's exercise will have to consist of just miles and miles of walking around downtown.  I'm certain we'll have to park a good distance away from the action.

Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with pictures .... and even more hopefully with stories of the crowd erupting in cheers as Vancouver's captain hoists that cup!!!!

Jun 1- 2.5 mile run + walking

Jun 2- 2.6 mile run + walking

Jun 3 - 75 min walk

Jun 4 - 30 min walk

Jun 5 - 75 min biking

Jun 6 - 80 min biking, 10 min running, 15 min walking

Jun 7 - 30 min walk

Jun 8 - 80 min bike

Jun 9 - 30 min walk

Jun 10 - 90 min bike, 35 min run

Jun 11 - 7hrs yardwork

Jun 12 - 2+ hrs hike

Jun 13 - 4.5 mile run

Jun 14 - 1.5 hr hike

Heidi

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Building up, building up

Lack of posting does not equate lack of activity!  I've been a busy girl.  


A few highlights ....


* Finally broke over the mileage slump and knocked out a 5K - mid day, during work, in the heat.  This was in honour of Alicia's Virtual Race for Autism 5K.  I almost forgot about this run, and was reminded on the last day.  Good thing, because I really needed that boot to get out there and do it.  Honestly though, I have no idea how long it took me.  This was just about actually running the distance.  I ran to the bank and back then added on a loop.  There were LOTS of stops for traffic lights, plus a short stop inside the bank.  But I ran at least 5K and that was what mattered.  Oh, and to make me feel super duper accomplished, I also rode my bike to/from work that day.


* 7 hrs yardword - holy carfluffles is weed-whacking 3'+ high grass then raking it up tough on the arms.  I'm STILL sore a few days later.  I'm probably not even halfway done.  I feel like that guy on the Husqvarna commercial "Taming the Wild" where he goes to bed with a perfectly manicured yard and wakes up to it as a complete jungle.


* 2+ hr hike with a friend.  Beautiful trail, gorgeous weather. But why is it that I can run for 2-3 hours (when in shape) and my feet are great, but if I walk much over 5K I get hotspots or blisters.  Same shoes.  I've got a teensy blister but it won't kill me or stop me.


* And best of all ... last night while the Vancouver Canucks were sorely disappointing us (good thing I'll never make it into the Boston Marathon .... it's kind of an embarrassing town for a Vancouverite to be in these days), I temporarily withdrew my support and went for a run .... 4.5 miles!  I'm still struggling with being proud of 4.5 miles as my long run, considering where I've come from, but I am proud.  Started off difficult as usual, but then my spirit kicked in and my stubborness got me through.  


My diet is basically pretty good, I've been a bit addicted to having a massive salad with an Asian Sesame dressing (YUM!).  But there have been a few slips where things from the "forbidden" list have crossed my lips.  I'm not beating myself up over it.  At least when it has happened, the quantities were what most people would call moderate  (a cookie or two, a couple potato chips, a small handful of pretzels).  I'm not happy that I haven't met my challenge 100% in this area, but it's still improvement.  It's not 4, 5, 6 ... 8 cookies, it's not a good size bowl of pretzels.  Though if I want to see more change in my body more changes are required.  I'll keep chipping away at it.

Jun 1- 2.5 mile run + walking

Jun 2- 2.6 mile run + walking

Jun 3 - 75 min walk

Jun 4 - 30 min walk

Jun 5 - 75 min biking

Jun 6 - 80 min biking, 10 min running, 15 min walking

Jun 7 - 30 min walk

Jun 8 - 80 min bike

Jun 9 - 30 min walk

Jun 10 - 90 min bike, 35 min run

Jun 11 - 7hrs yardwork

Jun 12 - 2+ hrs hike

Jun 13 - 4.5 mile run

Heidi

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Minutes keep adding up

Well now, that game was an embarrassment.  8-1 loss for our Canucks.  Still enjoyed watching it, but probably should have spent those wasted 3 hours doing some else.  I do believe they will prevail though.  Last night was just a stinker.

Yesterday I certainly made a big dent in the activity levels for June.

Bike ride to/from work which was about 80 minutes.  Even stopped at a vegetable stand on the way home and carried 5 oranges, 5 apples, 4 grapefruit, and a large zucchini in my backpack for about 5K of the ride.  That was a heavy sucker!!  I've been thinking lately about digging out the old kiddy trailer for my bike and using it to go get groceries.  Using a little less fuel, getting a little more exercise.  Just gotta get the cobwebs and dirt off of it.  All it takes is a little extra planning.

After the game I wanted to get in a little run.  It's been a few days and even though I'm being active, it's really my running I want to bring back up to snuff.  Headed out with the big dog in hopes of doing about 3 miles.  Unfortunately 1 mile into my run I got attacked with stomach pains.  Not enough time to process dinner. :(  Had to cut my route short and walk home.  I was disappointed in that, but still proud that I got out and did a little extra.  Oh well, the dog was happy to get out.  She was really good last night too.

Every day just keeps getting better and better!

Jun 1- 2.5 mile run + walking

Jun 2- 2.6 mile run + walking

Jun 3 - 75 min walk

Jun 4 - 30 min walk

Jun 5 - 75 min biking

Jun 6 - 80 min biking, 10 min running, 15 min walking

Heidi

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Sunny Days ... Keeping those clouds away

Oh my what a beautiful weekend.  Sun - FINALLY!  I'd almost bet that 50% of people around here got some degree of a sunburn this weekend (yes, that would include me).  Our bodies are not used to this bright stuff.  You just had to get out in it as much as possible.  To quote Allan from Two & A Half Men .... "Hey! When the bar is only open nine months a decade you drink 'til you puke! ...and then you keep drinking!"


Friday my legs were feeling the runs from the previous two days.  So I went on a nice long walk.  Walked through the area where my Grandparents lived when I was growing up.  It's only about a 10 min walk away, but I haven't been by there in many years.  Quite nostalgic.  


Saturday was a busy day.  In the morning my daughter and I went out and got her a bunny.  I'll have to get some pictures up of the little guy.  While I was originally quite opposed to her getting one, he sure is a cutie and it's kind of neat having him.  He's already starting to show some personality.  Saturday was Game 2 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs so I was glued to the TV watching our Vancouver Canucks scoop up a narrow win.  Go Canucks Go!!!!  I did manage to squeeze in a 30 min walk though, and did a ton of housework.  Also managed to lay out in the glorious sunshine for a short while.  Felt SOOOO good!


Sunday we took the family to watch the drag races.  Was fun for a while, but a long day.  I would have happily left earlier, but, it was still nice to just hang out and relax in the sun.  Afterwards though I NEEDED to move, so took the bike out for a nice long ride.  Sure can cover a lot of area in a short while as compared to running.  


I feel like I'm doing a fairly good job on mixing up my activities so far.  And eating has been very good!  Even though the family had two bags of chips on Sunday, I stayed out of them.  My only regret was not bringing enough water.  I brought a large bottle, but it was so hot and it wasn't enough.  I wasn't spending $3 on a small bottle of water, so felt a bit dehydrated last night.  Trying to catch up today.


It's been a great week, I've been doing everything right.  Now just waiting for my body to catch up and show a little reward on the scale.  Even if it's not showing there (YET!), I am feeling better.  As long as I keep at it, it will come. I'm confident.

Jun 1- 2.5 mile run + walking

Jun 2- 2.6 mile run + walking

Jun 3 - 75 min walk

Jun 4 - 30 min walk

Jun 5 - 75 min biking

Heidi

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Change in Direction

Another successful day.  I just love having a goal to work towards.  When you'd otherwise just sluff off a workout for the comfort of a couch and warm blanket (yes, we're still wrapping up with blankets and starting the woodstove most nights - grrrr, this is June right?) ... when you have a goal to work towards, you get up and go out anyways.

Another short run last night.  Had it planned to go a little further, however my daughter had a drama event at school and she thought it would run longer than it did.  I was out running when she called to get picked up and had to shorten up my route.  As it was, by the time I got there she was the last one left, so I really couldn't have gone longer.

The weather is supposed to improve this weekend.  It's really trying right now so I have high hopes.  As such, I'd let to get out for a nice long bike ride or even something like a 2 hour walk.  This 30 minute thing is fine, but that's really a minimum and I want to be out there more.  Especially if it's going to involve SUN!

I will say one thing .... last night's run was more enjoyable, so there's hope.  The first 10 minutes is torture, but my body adapted quicker than the day before and the last half of the run felt a bit like it used to (that floaty feeling) and I even managed a not bad pace at the end (8:30ish/mile).

I also found a nice little 5K-ish route near my house that I'd not previously considered.  It even has a grocery store mid-route that I can use as a bathroom break (very important feature).  Quite convenient!  I intend to make good use of this route and add some extensions and/or loops to it.  Funny, in the recent years that I've been running, I never once considered heading in this direction.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!!!!

Jun 1- 2.5 mile run + walking

Jun 2- 2.6 mile run + walking

Heidi

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Food Pusher's Galore

How lovely that our Vancouver Canucks squeaked out a win in the first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!  Scored with less than 19 seconds left on the clock.  Nothing like leaving it to the last minute.  Kind of how I feel about my weight these days.  I've procrastinated, let things slide, and now it's the last minute.

Yesterday went pretty well.  I avoided all my trouble foods.  Nearly had to get in TWO fights at work.

A couple months ago my one boss was going to walk across the street and get a little snack.  He asked if I wanted anything.  I had this crazy hankering for a Nanaimo square (chocolate, icing, tons of butter, sugar - horrible things).  So, he got me one.  To be honest it was just OK.

But, he got it in his head that this was a special treat for me.  He kind of treats me like a daughter/niece and often spoils me.  So ... he proceeded to bring me a damn Nanaimo square over, and over, and over.  Stupidly, I felt too guilty to refuse them, even though I really didn't even like it.  I really should have told him that.  He was just trying to be nice, and honestly these squares were not the sole cause for my recent weight gain - just part of the equation.

Recently I've told him a few times to please not get me one, that I really need to lose weight again.  But, he has continued to bring it anyway.  Often pushing, saying that I can eat it because I rode my bike, or I'm going for a run, or my weight is just fine.  And I've continued to eat it.

Well, whatta-ya-know .... yesterday I see him walking in with a tell-tale little baggy.  I know what he's done.  Before he even gets close to my desk I put up my hand and told him that if he had something in there for me I had to politely, yet firmly, decline.  I told him I am doing a challenge for June and will not be eating that stuff.  Again, he tries to push it on me.  His arguments: "but it's a brownie this time" ..... "they look really good" .... and my favourite "It's only the 1st, you have plenty of days left".  Seriously???? Failing on day 1 is not what I call a good start.  And even after that he actually brought the brownie to my desk and waved it in my face!  GASP!!!!!

But, I stood my ground and refused the brownie.  I sure hope he got the message.  I deeply appreciate his generosity, I really do, but I need to put my foot down on this.

Then, after that, my other boss starts talking about the big game.  Asking me what kind of snacks I was planning.  He's mentioning all the things that are great to eat during a game:  nachos with piles of cheese, chicken wings, pizza, beer, ribs.  Of course he has no idea (nor would he care) that I'm trying to eat better.  But, I REALLY didn't need to hear about all these yummy gross foods.

As it was, the only snack I did have during the game was a delicious fresh pineapple.

After the game I went out for a short run.  It was demoralizing.  I feel so slow, so awkward.  My husband came with me.  He's quite a bit taller than me, and much fitter right now.  He finds it difficult to run very slow and at one point opted to speed walk beside me.  I actually stopped and belted him full throttle.  Jerk!  I was crabby, crabby, crabby and feeling awful about myself, very self concious.  He was trying to make me laugh, but failed miserably.      Knowing that he could walk at my run speed made me feel even worse.

But, by the last 1/2 mile of the run I started to feel better and more positive.  I should know that running leaves me feeling better in the end.

June 1 was successful.

Jun 1- 2.5 mile run + walking

Heidi

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