Training to Live

soon after we got home from florida, jon took me out on a re-con mission. there is a park across the road, and it has a creek, and in one area, the creek kind of widens out into a pond. we had discussed the skate-ability of it but we weren’t sure, since i had never seen anyone on the ice.
the re-con was a success. jon deemed it safe enough and got right to shovelling. 2 hours later, he came home to get me and the skates (it’s a little easier to shovel when you can move around faster). 1 more hour of hard work and we were able to skate around. we’ve been back 3-4 more times since – have had to re-shovel a few times due to snowfall, though nothing major (since we have not had any real storms this january). el nino hit two weeks ago and kind of did a number on my recreational area. there were big patches of open water that jon would not let me go near. our temperatures are finally back down to normal winter numbers, and from street level, the rink looks like it might be solid again! i’m pretty sure the weekend will involve some serious time on the blades (if i can handle the -21 wind chills)! i am thrilled. winter is really messing with my ability to do winter sports this year, and i am a sad puppy. no snowshoeing whatsoever and for the past two weeks, skating has been very touch and go.
i took my camera with us a couple of times and shot some video which i have finally finished editing into something to watch. enjoy!

skating in the park from haya finan on Vimeo.

the lack of snow/ice has been very good for my running though. around the bay is quickly coming up and i need to work up to more miles and hours. optimally i’d like to have run for 3 hours or so at least once before march 28. i have been able to get out for runs lately, but the next few weeks might require indoor bike workout substitutions when it’s too windy. walking to the bus stop was extremely laborious because i was walking into the wind and just the act of moving forward required immense effort. i kind of wished i was heavier, and also pointier/more aerodynamic for cutting through the wind. alas, i am light and rounded on top.

i’m going to try going swimming tomorrow before work. we’ll see if i can make it a fun, spa-like outing, as tina once suggested. then it’s the WEEKEND!!! lots of fun planned, including dinner at a super fancy place downtown (too bad i have to get dressed up for -19° weather. yay!). more to come.