Oliver Half Iron Photos and Other (I'd say pretty boring) News....

As I mentioned in my last blog I had a friend from work that drove up to the Okanagan to watch me race.  She also took pictures.  Here are some of the photos from my race.

In transition the morning of the race.

Me, and a few friends, on the shore waiting for our swim wave to go.

On the bike....

On the run...

Heading to the finish.... or to the turn around to do it all over again...

Anyhow that race now seems like it was a long time ago.  June, as usual, is a crazy busy month.  I had a friend visiting from the UK and it was fun playing tour guide for her.  We managed to see a lot  in a little over 24 hours (including a quick trip up to Whistler).  I wish I had taken photos though to share with you.  Once she was off on her adventures in the rest of B.C. and Alberta I got to writing my report cards.  Thankfully term three seems to be the easiest set to write and so I didn't let them stress me too much.  The rest of the month I've been trying to clean and organize my classroom for next year.  My students have been awesome this year so Tuesday will be a really tough day.  Yes, this Tuesday is my last day with my class.  I'm getting pretty excited about my up coming summer vacation.  My last summer vacation was January 2009 so you'd say I'm pretty much due for one.  I have a few adventures planned but nothing as adventurous as my friend Khai.  He's riding solo across Canada.  You can check out his blog here .  I am taking part in STP which is a 200 mile bike ride that starts in Seattle, Washington and ends in Portland, Oregon. After that I'm meeting two of my Canadian friends that I met in Australia in BC wine country.  Since we did a lot of wine tasting together what better way to visit in Canada.  I have a couple more adventures planned, and if I can find a seat sale I may add a few more adventures to my agenda.  I still have Ironman Canada on the agenda but it will involve a lot of driving as it's the same weekend as my niece's Bat Mitzvah.  I've figured a few things out I just need to fire an e-mail off to Ironman Canada to let then know what's up.

Okay, enough of the rambling.  One and a half days left with students, one day with out students, and then EVERY DAY IS SATURDAY for two months!  I can't wait!!!

Oliver Half Iron

This weekend I took part in the Oliver Half Ironman.  It was my first race after a long hiatus while living in Australia in 2009.  While this isn't an official race report it does sum up my day.  It is written in true Karen rambling fashion.
While I'm still the slowest of the bunch in my possie I had a great race.  My swim was very slow and steady (not an ounce of race mentality while swimming) and I managed to find open water.  It was a very relaxing swim if you can believe it, but I guess my swim time reflects that too.  Of the six times I've done the race it was my third fastest swim (i think?).  The swim to bike transition is really long and if you knew me as a I kid I would never walk around in bare feet 'cause I have super sensitive feet.  Needless to say I felt like I was passed by 100 people from the lake entrance to bike transition all the while my feet screaming at me for not  having socks on them. 
 My bike was good and I was happy with my split.  I had to stop twice for the toilet but riding towards the toilets I felt like I was Lance Armstrong -  so  yes I could be a sprinter! When I add both transitions into my bike split (which was what is what like for the first four years of the race) my bike split was my second fastest but with out the new long transition it would have been my fastest.  That had me quite happy because since my return to Canada I'm always being dropped by my possie.  And yes, my possie is made up of amazing women who ride faster than me, but I didn't think that I had gotten that much slower.  Thankfully I'm no slower than I was before -  my possie is just faster.  I can live with that though as I'm one to shy away from working hard to get faster.  
The run was my third fastest split and I was totally happy with that.  With the year of no running then a back injury that slowed me down for about six weeks (and I've only run 21 km once since returning from oz) I was stoked about my run.  I ran my version of strong and only got stronger as the race went on (I'm certain I had a negative split).  It was my third fastest run but I think it felt like my best run.  I ran strong with a huge smile on my face the entire time.  I even picked off a whole bunch of people (and obviously I was picked off by a ton of the fast ones).  
My finish time ended up being less than a minute away from being a new personal best.  I know if there had been a nice red carpet for me to run on from the beach to the transition it would have been my fastest, or if the transition hadn't have moved it certainly would have been my fastest.  So yah, you could say I was a happy girl.  While I became a stressed, fat, lazy, out of shape girl in Aus, I'M BACK as fit, much happier Karen!!!  
Oh as for the weather it was cool on the bike (but not cold).  There was wind but I don't think it was that bad.  The run was nice too (some wind and a bit of rain for those of us out a little longer).  I was only cold when I was finished but that was quickly fixed with some warm clothing.  
I highly recommend this race and might even do it again next year.   Congratulations to all my fellow racers.  It was fun to see and cheer  you guys on.  Oh and the best part of the race weekend is that it is in British Columbia wine country and  I've come home with 13 new bottles of wine!!  It's time to enjoy them.
As an aside note it was really great to have friends travel the 400+ km to be on the sidelines to cheer for me.  Many pictures were taken so once I get them, and I approve them to appear on this blog, you'll see them too.

Vancouver Marathon Sunday

This morning I spent over five and half hours riding and running around the city of Vancouver cheering on my friends running half and full marathons.  It was a miserable day with too much rain and no sun.  But despite the weather it didn't stop my friends from running.  Two of my friends were going for specific half marathon times and both were disappointed by missing them by just shear minutes.  I feel for both of them because they didn't make their race goal but I also want to give them a shake.  They both ran solid half marathons with times that I don't think I could  ever come close to.  I'm really proud of them but they are both out for revenge.  In six weeks we have another local half marathon and they both signed up.  The funniest thing for me is that while they don't know one another they are both gunning for the same race time and I believe they both will get it!  Wouldn't it be funny if they met at their next race?

I also had two friends running in their first marathon.  What's special about these two people is that they are work colleagues (okay Ellen just retired last year but I still think of her as a work colleague).  A few years back I started a run club for my staff at school.  I started very slowly with the goal of having them run 30 mins non stop after twenty weeks.  Yes, not a lofty goal, but a goal all the same.  What was so cool about today's marathon is that two of them - Ellen and Janine, ran their first marathons.  I very clearly remember having conversations with them way back when (not that many years ago) about how they could run a marathon if they really wanted to.  At that point in time a ten km race seemed like the perfect goal. and since then they've kept running.  Today they ran their first marathons in amazing times.  If Ellen were a year older she would have qualified for Boston!  Can you imagine?  Needless to say I am soooooo proud of both of them!

Ellen (in purple)

Janine (in blue)

Congratulations to Tammy, Brenda, Michele, Nicole, Doug, Terry, Janice, Andy, Eva, Jim, Greg, Celina, Eric, Ellen, Janine and all the other people that I knew out there today.  It wasn't a pretty day but you were all amazing!

Canucks Win Round One!!

Okay, it's been like for ever since I've written and I apologize if you've been checking.  My life is a lot less exciting now that I'm back in  Canada - my airplane travel has been cut way back.  But I'm not complaining at all.  I love living in Vancouver and I have a really amazing group of friends to keep me busy too.

My friend had her surgery and from what I can tell all went exceptionally well.  She still has a long road in front of her and I can assure you she's going to do her best to keep the upper hand.

My report cards were written ( and no, they didn't have to be written twice), and I've met with some of the parents of my students.  My students are making excellent gains too so I'm really quite pleased.  I'm still loving my job and I'm super motivated to try new things.  I love my school.

I'm still training pretty consistently too averaging three runs, three swims, and two rides a week.  I'm still slow like stink but that's okay too.  I swim, bike, and run with some amazing girlfriends so even if I'm super slow (and I spend some time on my own) people often loop back to get me, or wait up if I get too far behind.

My road bike got really sick and I was worried that I would have to put it to rest permanently. It's still on its last leg (unless I want to pump more cash into it than it's actually worth) but I'm able to take it out.  Unfortunately I can't rely on it to change gears, and when climbing a hill this can be a huge problem (especially since I climb like a snail).  But, it's still going so I'm still riding it.  Soon enough my "fancy" bike will make it out on to the streets and hopefully then I'll regain some of my speed.  Hopefully....

I've had some trouble with my back which had me not running on the land.  It sucked but I think I've just about got that under control too.  But the back injury also helped me get reacquainted with water running which I actually really like (as long as I'm with a friend).

Over the Easter weekend I took a little walk around my city.    Here are a few of the photos I took as I walked across the Granville Street Bridge.  You'll notice that unlike during the Olympics in February, we actually had snow on our local mountains in April.

But the thing that has been sucking up the most of my time, is the National Hockey League Playoffs.  My Vancouver Canucks made it to the playoffs and had to play the LA Kings in a best of seven series.  The first three games were nail bitters which sent my heart racing.  After three games we were down two games to one but thankfully managed to come back and win the next three in a row.  I LOVE playoff hockey - so much intensity - but I also hate the stress that it brings.  It's brought me a lot of stress these past couple of weeks.  Thankfully we have a few days before we move on to the second round.

The view from the seats I was in during one of the final games of the regular season.

(I've actually been really lucky since I've returned to Canada because I've been to four Canucks games including a playoff game! I think it pays to let people know that you love hockey).

Watching game six of the LA/Vancouver Round One Series with my Twin Sisters.

They were sporting the Sedin Twins shirts - two excellent Canucks (who are twins too)

Bring on Round Two!

I'm Still Alive

Sorry that it has been a while.  I'm still alive and in the middle of Vancouver Canucks playoff hockey.  I've been pretty busy doing this and that these past few weeks but again you'll have to wait.  I just wanted you to know I'm alive.

Thinking of a Friend

Yesterday, while out on my long ride I heard some news that has really affected me.  A friend of mine has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I can't stop thinking about her.  She's young and full of spirit and drive.  She's a people helper spending a year working in Africa to help those less fortunate. That's who she is, someone always helping others.  This week she is undergoing a double mastectomy and then will be gifted with two new and I'm sure beautiful perky breasts.  It sounds like Chemo will start after that.  I know she is strong, and from what I've been reading she has an amazing attitude and an incredible support network. If you're reading this, please take the time to think of her and send her strength and love.  I know I will be.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico March 2010

As I mentioned a post or so back this year I was given two weeks for Spring Break instead of our typical one week.  The second week I headed to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico  for a week of sun and fun.

Amy and I arrived at the Cancun airport in the wee hours of the morning.  We were bussed to our hotel to find out that a room wasn't going to be available for us until mid day (it was 5:30 am!).  Obviously we weren't too pleased but we made the best of the situation.  With luggage stored and bathing suits on under our clothing we headed to the beach chairs for a nap until the sun came out.  Thankfully by noon we had our "official room" and so we were able to settle a bit more.  

The resort was clean and the staff super friendly.  The buffet had a good selection of fresh and not so fresh foods (ie very fried).  The bartenders were friendly too so all was good.  I got right into reading (which I love to do but rarely make the time to do in my busy Vancouver life).  I walked the beach most days too but almost always forgot to take my camera.  Amy took part in a few more of the "included" activities.  I did enjoy their boogie boards and took in a bit of stretching, yoga, salsa lessons, and botchie ball.

We were close enough to walk into Playa Del Carmen but we only did it a couple of times each.

Amy at her windsurfing lesson.

Me at the beach 

Because we were at an all inclusive resort we had a couple of traditions we tried to stick to each day.  These included daily chips, salsa, and avocado dips, and multiple mango margarita's from our favourite beach bartender Carlos. (I had another favourite bar tender in the lobby bar too).

Part of our daily afternoon snack

On Tuesday we went to our first restaurant on the resort for dinner.  Amy and I had already had a few too many margaritis by the time we got to the restaurant but it didn't really matter.  We had a fabulous time and had the best waiter ever.  As you can see from the pictures below it was a Mexican restaurant.  While in Mexico we also ate at a Mediteranian, Italian, and Mayan restaurant.

After dinner we headed to the stage to catch the show.  It was MEXICO night so it was a Mexican theme show.  

The Mexican Show

While at the show we met two travellers from Argentina Luciana and Lisandro.  We met them because Amy was really wanting to Salsa dance.  She's a good Salsa dancer and after taking the Salsa dance lesson with me in the afternoon - which really wasn't anything close to real Salsa - she wanted to really dance.  I saw this guy (Lisandro) on his own and asked him if he could Salsa dance.  He said, "yes" and a new friend was made.  Plans were made to head to the disco after the live show.  Drinks continued to flow.  As soon as we got into the disco Amy was off dancing with one of the guys who worked for the resort.  She was dancing up a storm and it was great to see.  I don't  think the guy new what had hit him!!

Amy and Luciana

Amy dancing up a storm

Amy, Lisandro, Me, and Luciana

The next day we did an afternoon evening Mayan ruins and cultural tour.  We checked out the ruins at Coba.  We chose Coba because we could actually climb it.  We also got to ride around the area from ruin to ruin.

Mayan ruins at Coba

Ancient Mayan ball game.

Me on my bike checking out ruins.

Highest pyramid.

View from the Top

Looking down the stairs from the top.

Amy and I at the top.

Amy and I safely at the bottom

From there we headed to a small shack for a  Mayan pottery lesson.  The Mayan kids in the class were super cute and very willing to help us out.  The young boy was so eager to help me out that he took my clay out of my hand and created what he felt I should create.  It was too funny.  Needless to say I didn't leave with any new Mayan pottery.

From the pottery class we had a traditional Mayan dinner.  We then drove to a cave (Sonotae) to watch traditional Mayan dancers and listen to their music.  

Amy and I were both glad we took Wednesday to do our Mayan adventure because the weather wasn't all that great.  The rest of the week has warm and sunny with the odd cloud or gust of wind.  I managed to read all the books I had brought, and borrowed one from Amy too.  By Saturday I was out of books and actually a bit bored.  I'm so used to running from place to place that to spend a week doing almost nothing wasn't easy for me.  I'm glad I did it though as it was pretty crazy finishing a very stressful teaching year in Australia, pack up my Aussie home, fly back to Vancouver, get my personal items back into my apartment, and head right back to work with out the usual summer vacation to decompress.

Anyhow, here are a few more pictures from my walks on the beach near Playa Del Carmen.  My favourite was seeing the Inukshuk in Mexico.  Obviously a Canadian had put it there.  Happy Spring everyone.  I'm heading into report card writing time so I can't promise much action here.  In the mean time though I'll keep thinking about my Mexican adventure.

Looking back at my resort from the beach.

A little piece of heaven.

The Inukshuk