I haven't been running as much as I have been busy with other things. This week was defintly a slack and a half, yet the yoga has going well. I plan to run a bunch of routes this weekend up north at my cottage. I think it will be nice to get some good trail rides in. No ipod needed for those. Just me and the forest clear my head and destress from camp. It should be a good weekend and a great start to the next week.
Side note:::::Riding!!!!!
The next bike trip has been planned and I can't wait. As I was riding home today, I began to think of the hills along the parkway and how wicked the route was last time. We have decided to extend the route past the falls towards fort erie. It's total distance 43km's. Which is tones more than last time. We have decided to leave early and to spend the night so we wouldn't have to be falling asleep driving like last time. We are going to start at Niagara glen and follow the same Niagara parkway till it reaches the falls. We we pass the falls and the rainbow bridge into the city of fort erie. It is quiet and distnace but I have a feeling it will be so worth it. This time I will remember the camera right away to capture some of the scenary. We've planned what to bring and next week we will discuss the final time and meeting location. All that happens now is the countdown of days.
Here is the mapping of our route.
*if you think of any cool stops to see on the way..totally let me know:)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Bikes Rides R Us...(a post and a half.)
So the long weekend has offically started well today is officaly half over. But none the less it has been going incredible. This post is unrelated to running, yet focuses more on biking, and how a small vehcile with two wheels can bring such joy to someones life. I had planned that this weekend I would do an epic ride. A bike adventure that I would be proud of, one that would stay in my memory and bring joy to myself that maybe I had been missing previously. Originally the plan was to bike to toronto and around the downtwon core, then when prepared to come home hop on the go train back to town. Small change of plans considering there was the carabana festival. Instead the planned changed alot more. I headed out with an old friend who I hadn't seen in months. Believeing that maybe this ride would be alot more awarkward and weird but it wasn't. It was almost as if time had standed still in the midst of our lives and just secretly months passed, therefore when we reunited nothing changed.
It started off at 11 when I board the go train headed westbound to Oakville where I would meet him. I have never felt more out of place on a train ride then I did that day. IT was packed with people in beaded costumes, showing all sorts of skin as I stood on the train dressed for a bike ride with a helmet and backpack and a bicycle taking up a large chunk of the train. The train was delayed because of the overflow of passangers getting on and off at all the stops so I didn't reach oakville till 1. But I wouldn't let the train put me down. After arriving and meeting up, we attached out bikes to the back of the automobile and pressed onward. From here the adventure started we aimed to drive to Niagara on the lake for an epic riding adventure all along the parkway. There was so much traffic on the QEW (because of the long weekend)...stupid us should have thought about that. But w.e We watched aladin and drove hoping to arrive before sunset. We stopped for food and picked up a few tall boys for the cycle. By 4:30/5 we arrived at Fort George with relief.
As soon as we hopped on our bikes we remember what the wait was all for. It felt so good to just give it all you had and pedal. The path and area surrouding was packed with people, yet with his quick bike and my determination to keep up we passed loads of people. Road past some amazing scenary. The big floral clock, fort george, sail boats, the hydro station, the botanical gardens, some winaries until we reached Niagara Glen. Here we hiked down, and hiked all through the foresty area. We did some pretend rock climbing, and he taught me some neat tricks and how to do bouldering (i think it was called). I wiped out on a rock, thinking I could jump on it, ended up slipping on the wet moss and brusiing my bum and leg. But meh, what are adventures for without the cuts and scrapes. We walked down to the waters edge, walked in the water, skipped rocks, which somehow turned into a massive water fight. Me losing of course. (damn evolution and the strength of man). Needed a bathroom break, hiked back up, used them, then hiked back down and did it all over again haha.
It started to get dark so we decided to head home. With the path being very invisiable to the eye we had multiple pathway mishaps. Followed by me verring off the path and ended up riding on the grass. As well as every time a car came close they had their highbeams on so it made it impossible to see. It was like a blinding walk to the light episode ever time. Which blinded the path and we then had to guess. To be honest though, it was well worth it. Yes, many can say that is very unsafe but at the time you are just living in the moment and in the excitment that the darkness produces. Almost living on a high...just not the drug aspect more high on life effect. After multple almost crashes, misdirections, and blinded eyes, we reached the car at 11.
We then we desperate for food, so we ate, then drove home. Exhausted beyond belief, but so very worth it. I thank him not only for the idea of the location, the drives he provided but also for the incredible journey along the way. It was defintly a day I would not forget. And perhaps another one should be in progress.
It started off at 11 when I board the go train headed westbound to Oakville where I would meet him. I have never felt more out of place on a train ride then I did that day. IT was packed with people in beaded costumes, showing all sorts of skin as I stood on the train dressed for a bike ride with a helmet and backpack and a bicycle taking up a large chunk of the train. The train was delayed because of the overflow of passangers getting on and off at all the stops so I didn't reach oakville till 1. But I wouldn't let the train put me down. After arriving and meeting up, we attached out bikes to the back of the automobile and pressed onward. From here the adventure started we aimed to drive to Niagara on the lake for an epic riding adventure all along the parkway. There was so much traffic on the QEW (because of the long weekend)...stupid us should have thought about that. But w.e We watched aladin and drove hoping to arrive before sunset. We stopped for food and picked up a few tall boys for the cycle. By 4:30/5 we arrived at Fort George with relief.
As soon as we hopped on our bikes we remember what the wait was all for. It felt so good to just give it all you had and pedal. The path and area surrouding was packed with people, yet with his quick bike and my determination to keep up we passed loads of people. Road past some amazing scenary. The big floral clock, fort george, sail boats, the hydro station, the botanical gardens, some winaries until we reached Niagara Glen. Here we hiked down, and hiked all through the foresty area. We did some pretend rock climbing, and he taught me some neat tricks and how to do bouldering (i think it was called). I wiped out on a rock, thinking I could jump on it, ended up slipping on the wet moss and brusiing my bum and leg. But meh, what are adventures for without the cuts and scrapes. We walked down to the waters edge, walked in the water, skipped rocks, which somehow turned into a massive water fight. Me losing of course. (damn evolution and the strength of man). Needed a bathroom break, hiked back up, used them, then hiked back down and did it all over again haha.
It started to get dark so we decided to head home. With the path being very invisiable to the eye we had multiple pathway mishaps. Followed by me verring off the path and ended up riding on the grass. As well as every time a car came close they had their highbeams on so it made it impossible to see. It was like a blinding walk to the light episode ever time. Which blinded the path and we then had to guess. To be honest though, it was well worth it. Yes, many can say that is very unsafe but at the time you are just living in the moment and in the excitment that the darkness produces. Almost living on a high...just not the drug aspect more high on life effect. After multple almost crashes, misdirections, and blinded eyes, we reached the car at 11.
We then we desperate for food, so we ate, then drove home. Exhausted beyond belief, but so very worth it. I thank him not only for the idea of the location, the drives he provided but also for the incredible journey along the way. It was defintly a day I would not forget. And perhaps another one should be in progress.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
another half under the belt.
What a day!
I think those three words sum it up quiet well. After deciding a while ago to run another half marathon today was the final day of the race. It would be my second half marathon and my mom's first. Turns out my uncle was there as well. IT was an incredible day for running. Even though my training for this run was not as well as I had planned because of work getting involved I still new I could finish it. The goal this time, was to beat the previous time of my half which was 2:05.
We woke up this morning, pumped and ready to go. After eating a delicious banana and filling up water bottles we were off to the race. The race started at 9am and even at 9 it was quiet warm, alot better running conditions then that of the full. As we headed out, I felt really slow. The first 5km's I felt like it was my slowest running yet, when i looked at my watch it had been 25 minutes. I knew I can do a 5km faster then that so I knew I had to pick up my pace for the next 15.
As we kept running the sun started beating down, I could feel the sweat dripping off my back and forhead. I was glad to have my running fuel belt, to provide water during those partched steps of the run. The route went down past the psyc hospital and along the water front, threw the subdivison and around the marine and then back and around it again. It was a neat course, yet each time we entered the subdivison you could feel the heat attack your body.
Because it was an out and back course, throughout many times in the run I passed my uncle and my mom, both with smiles to see and hope for them to finish. I felt I picked up the pace quiet a bit and every 5km's I got faster and faster. Till the final strech of the run. I was passing people who had passed me right at the beginning. At the 18km mark I ran like there was no tomorrow, turing the last coroner and coming through to the finish there was a guy on a bike who told me 300 meters to finish.
He followed me the entire way, cheering me on. Commenting me on my legs, stride and telling the guy in front of me to move over so he doesn't get steam rolled. I didn't believe I was running that fast but who knows. The man was a great support to have and I felt like the wind. Flying to the finish.
Here are the results so far, when the get posted I'll fill you in on more details. So far I was 38th out of ...... I was the 7th female out of...... I was the 3rd in my age category.....AND get this I finished with a time of 1 hour and 43 minutes....CAN YOU BELIEVE IT. I am still in shock. Considering the heat, and the worn out shoes, I creamed my time from last's half. It was an amazing finish, I am so proud and so glad I did it. I can't wait for the next. Props to my mom and uncle for finishing as well. Both with times they were really proud of. Well my mom was proud to just finish and that was incredible enough. I ran back and ran the last finish .5k with her till the end. I love her to death and can only hope she knows how proud we all are.
I think those three words sum it up quiet well. After deciding a while ago to run another half marathon today was the final day of the race. It would be my second half marathon and my mom's first. Turns out my uncle was there as well. IT was an incredible day for running. Even though my training for this run was not as well as I had planned because of work getting involved I still new I could finish it. The goal this time, was to beat the previous time of my half which was 2:05.
We woke up this morning, pumped and ready to go. After eating a delicious banana and filling up water bottles we were off to the race. The race started at 9am and even at 9 it was quiet warm, alot better running conditions then that of the full. As we headed out, I felt really slow. The first 5km's I felt like it was my slowest running yet, when i looked at my watch it had been 25 minutes. I knew I can do a 5km faster then that so I knew I had to pick up my pace for the next 15.
As we kept running the sun started beating down, I could feel the sweat dripping off my back and forhead. I was glad to have my running fuel belt, to provide water during those partched steps of the run. The route went down past the psyc hospital and along the water front, threw the subdivison and around the marine and then back and around it again. It was a neat course, yet each time we entered the subdivison you could feel the heat attack your body.
Because it was an out and back course, throughout many times in the run I passed my uncle and my mom, both with smiles to see and hope for them to finish. I felt I picked up the pace quiet a bit and every 5km's I got faster and faster. Till the final strech of the run. I was passing people who had passed me right at the beginning. At the 18km mark I ran like there was no tomorrow, turing the last coroner and coming through to the finish there was a guy on a bike who told me 300 meters to finish.
He followed me the entire way, cheering me on. Commenting me on my legs, stride and telling the guy in front of me to move over so he doesn't get steam rolled. I didn't believe I was running that fast but who knows. The man was a great support to have and I felt like the wind. Flying to the finish.
Here are the results so far, when the get posted I'll fill you in on more details. So far I was 38th out of ...... I was the 7th female out of...... I was the 3rd in my age category.....AND get this I finished with a time of 1 hour and 43 minutes....CAN YOU BELIEVE IT. I am still in shock. Considering the heat, and the worn out shoes, I creamed my time from last's half. It was an amazing finish, I am so proud and so glad I did it. I can't wait for the next. Props to my mom and uncle for finishing as well. Both with times they were really proud of. Well my mom was proud to just finish and that was incredible enough. I ran back and ran the last finish .5k with her till the end. I love her to death and can only hope she knows how proud we all are.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Life
Before you give up, think of the reason why you were holding on for so long in the first place. 
Monday, July 13, 2009
Half Marathon......I think so!
So it has been almost a month since I did the full marathon and i'm eager to get back out there and run again. I don't just mean running for fun at night, I mean the actual race feeling has been exploding inside.
So it has been finalized I am going to run another marathon. Well not a full but another half. July 26th in Whitby. So it is real close to where I am now which will be good, wont have to head away for the whole weekend.
I'm really excited, althought the training has been difficult because of work, but I have managed to get in two 15km run's last week and hopefully some more this week. Here's hoping I do, as well as I hope I am able to beat my time from last years run.
I also found new routes, they are incredible. I've seen dear, foxes, tones of birds, and the soloness of the route is great for thinking and clearing my head.
So it has been finalized I am going to run another marathon. Well not a full but another half. July 26th in Whitby. So it is real close to where I am now which will be good, wont have to head away for the whole weekend.
I'm really excited, althought the training has been difficult because of work, but I have managed to get in two 15km run's last week and hopefully some more this week. Here's hoping I do, as well as I hope I am able to beat my time from last years run.
I also found new routes, they are incredible. I've seen dear, foxes, tones of birds, and the soloness of the route is great for thinking and clearing my head.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Running Side Note
So here is yet another post not about running. But thats okay, what did you expect when this blog was entitled the Life and World of steph. Anyways. Life has been pretty good. It has had its ups and down's like any other life. The up's are by far the best and the down's, they are hard to get through yet with family, friends, and running I manage. I have been enjoying the summer weather, well the warm days of it. The cold rainy ones I am not to keen on. They make working at camp awful, but I figure we still have two months alot can change. I have been loving my weekends, I've kept busy with camping, cottages, parties, running, biking, heading downtown, and just hanging out with friends and family. The end of the summer I'm sure ill share a more indepth post about the summer for now I want to share some other things.
If you like reading I highly suggest you read these two books. They are really good and quiet easy reads. I found I was unable to put it down, which resulted in sleepless nights and very very tried mornings. But none the less sooo good. Both books are by the same author. The first is called The five people you meet in heaven. And the second book is called Tuesdays with Morrie. Both are very enjoyable, and kind of give you a new outlook on life. I'd say take a look at them, and let me know what you think.
The next best thing to the past two books I have read is this wicked new book that my mom bought for me after completeing the full marathon. Its called Great Races, Incredible Places: 100+ Fantastic Runs Around the World It contains tones of runs that take place all over the world, with information about each, and even some pictures. I can't wait to try and attempt some of them. It defintly gives me a challenge to focus upon.
Last but defintly not least. The Bicycle Film Festival is coming up. I recommened you watch the trailer and attend if you can. I'm so excited to go..Keep the dates open you guys, August 19th-22nd:D. Visit the website for more details @ www.bicyclefilmfestival.com
As for running..Been running 10 or more everday since the marathon with the exception of heading away on the weekend. It feels great to be back out there on my feet. I also have been doing yoga for the past 2 weeks every morning before camp...Lets hope it all pays off, and I can keep it up.
**click on any of the highlighted words for links to them**
If you like reading I highly suggest you read these two books. They are really good and quiet easy reads. I found I was unable to put it down, which resulted in sleepless nights and very very tried mornings. But none the less sooo good. Both books are by the same author. The first is called The five people you meet in heaven. And the second book is called Tuesdays with Morrie. Both are very enjoyable, and kind of give you a new outlook on life. I'd say take a look at them, and let me know what you think.
The next best thing to the past two books I have read is this wicked new book that my mom bought for me after completeing the full marathon. Its called Great Races, Incredible Places: 100+ Fantastic Runs Around the World It contains tones of runs that take place all over the world, with information about each, and even some pictures. I can't wait to try and attempt some of them. It defintly gives me a challenge to focus upon.
Last but defintly not least. The Bicycle Film Festival is coming up. I recommened you watch the trailer and attend if you can. I'm so excited to go..Keep the dates open you guys, August 19th-22nd:D. Visit the website for more details @ www.bicyclefilmfestival.com
As for running..Been running 10 or more everday since the marathon with the exception of heading away on the weekend. It feels great to be back out there on my feet. I also have been doing yoga for the past 2 weeks every morning before camp...Lets hope it all pays off, and I can keep it up.
**click on any of the highlighted words for links to them**
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The New Goal.
I shall fill everyone in on more detail later, but for now here's the new goal. This one will be much more difficult but the reward will be that much better. I can only strive to keep myself inspired and perhaps inspire others along the way.
Check the LINK: Tour Du Canada
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