Are the weeks flying by for everyone else too? Total craziness. I have almost 3 weeks of work until my Christmas break (a teacher gets such great holidays- don't hate me). I am sure ready for a break in schedule.
One of the best things about a break from the day job is a chance to be more active. Generally, instead of gaining some weight over Christmas, I lose a bit because I am moving more. I am looking forward to doing some cross country skiing, snow shoeing, biking and running and doing it whenever I please.
Speaking of weight gain, it is so strange that at this time every year I all of a sudden develop a bit of a gut. Like a few pounds worth of weight that comes out of no where. It seems to be a hormone issue in my opinion but why it occurs at the same time is still beyond me. A little bit of training and schedule in January and it disappears. It does drive me crazy though because a couple pounds is such a bit deal to a lot of women (me included) and I have to work really hard to not let it throw me mentally. You know the, "I feel less sexy", "I hate the way I look in my jeans", "I can't get into these jeans, jeepers", "better change the 2 piece for the 1 piece for awhile". It is so frustrating and can be discouraging so I work really hard to love me at every shape and size. There is more to me than a number or the fit of my jeans!
My "off season" usually begins mid to late Aug until our harvest is done sometime in October. I am still exercising and working out, it is very inconsistent though. Typically in the past few years, there is an early season triathlon on our calendars in around the end of March or April and so training picks up in Dec and ramps up in January. This year, we had a bike event the end of Oct and so the off season training was more than it usually is. I feel like I have maintained my fitness better this year. And I was motivated to keep moving. Kona in Oct keep me engaged and Ironman Arizona also helped. Since then though, I have been in a bit of a slump. Tired more than usual, lazy, unmotivated, don't want to get up in the morning, too tired in the evening, you get the picture. The miles tick by so slowly and time crawls. I hate that feeling. It is good to honor the down time with some relaxation but too much leads to bad habits and frustration. I am intentionally going to push things this week in terms of getting up earlier again to get a bit of a routine going. What do you guys do when you are unmotivated?
A few random things from my week.
I saw this picture somewhere and I think it describes my closet to a tee.
Made some chocolate chip cookies and scuffles one evening last week. Took some to the son in Regina we went to visit this past weekend. The other son begged me to hide the rest for him.
I can't seem to get enough blueberries lately. My oatmeal each morning looks like this with a chaser of blueberries because you can never have too many. And I usually have more later in the day. As I said, CAN"T. GET. ENOUGH
It is officially Christmas when you have a poinsettia on the table
I really like this. Not sure my kids shared my sentiments.
It is more like winter around here now. A bit of snow on the ground and below freezing temperatures. More snow and much colder temperatures coming in the later part of this week. Looking forward especially to the rock hard vehicle seat after work each day.
Spent from Friday to Sunday in Regina and did a few of my favorite things. (your welcome for humming that song now for the rest of the day)
A couple hours in a bike shop looking at bikes. Forgot to take any pictures as I was too busy talking and listening, and seriously, I did do my fair share of listening. I tried to keep my questions to under say, 20 or 30. I am going back in a week to get fitted on a bike they are right now building!!! So exciting.
Saturday and Sunday both started with a walk to a favourite spot for oatmeal and coffee/tea with my favourite guy.
Spent an evening in a hockey arena at a WHL hockey game. Both our boys played hockey and both girls were in figure skating so for many years, I spent at least 5 days a week in the evening at the rink from Oct to April, sometimes longer for hockey. There has been no hockey or skating for about 4 years now and I sometimes miss it;) Hanging out with the other parents watching our kids, planning tournaments or carnivals.
We watched the Regina Pats play Prince Albert Raiders. Nice time, good seats, cheap night ($15 a ticket), good entertainment and lots of laughing.
Training this Week:
Monday; rest
Tuesday: 13 mile ride
4 mile treadmill run
Wednesday: 2 mile walk
Thursday: nothing
Friday: 16 mile ride
Saturday: 3 mile walk
Sunday: 2.5 mile walk
Also completed 2 strength training sessions about 15 min each but a very low mileage week. Seem tired more than usual and my get up and go seems to have got up and gone without me.
Event for the Future:
Antelope Canyon Ultra Marathon
Antelope Canyon offers a 50 mile, 50 km or half marathon option and for Feb 25, 2017, this event is already sold out. Antelope Canyon Ultra is part of the Grand Circle Trail series that offers 7 events in the Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico state areas.
The course is introduced from the event website with this statement.
"50 miler- On this course you will experience two of the most photographed land features in the country- Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River. After traversing the desert sand and slickrock to reach these unbelievable features, the run finishes out on smooth single track around the plateau that the city of Page, AZ is built upon, with jaw-dropping views of Lake Powell. "
I googled images from the event and they are breathtaking.
You can find more information about the Antelope Canyon Ultra here.
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