Can World's Strongest Dad, A Tribute

Imagine being this sort of parent. I feel very small and incredibly humble.

Training partners

I have often found amusing/annoying a little thing that BF says to me. When I lament hills or the wind on my cycling (or running) jaunts, he scolds me.

"The wind is your training partner!" he says.

And he is right. The wind works against us at times, but it also helps us out. It is a cruel and unusual wind indeed that doesn't help you for a portion of your ride. And the key is always to plan a ride based on where that wind will be coming from to maximize your energy and workout. And to a degree too, the wind is a mental challenge - it is harder on the old noggin to have the wind in your face - it just feels like you can't get anywhere.

This past Sunday the Dean of the Cathedral said something that really struck a chord. We've been talking about the Holy Spirit as we approach Pentecost and about the various forms the Holy Spirit takes in the Bible. A classic one is as a dove. There is also flame. And this week's discussion about what form taken was that of wind. At one point the Holy Spirit appeared as wind.

And it struck me that that makes it come full circle when I'm cycling. The Holy Spirit is with me. The Holy Spirit is my training partner. The Holy Spirit is with me as I work hard to improve my physical state of being. And by thinking of that challenge in a bit more of a spiritual sense, I can feel a sense of well-being that the Holy Spirit is helping me. And guiding me. And challenging me.

I guess I'd better not offer any more expletives when the wind is being particularly difficult on a ride or on a run!

Nice wind, helpful wind, nice helpful Holy Spirit. :)

Race photos

The starting line - waiting, waiting, waiting...

And we're off...see me smilling back at Sebastian?

I'm still smiling in the final loop...

After the finish.

Posing with my man and my dog.

Race Day!

So today was finally the day. I ran the 10 KM in the Fredericton Marathon.

53:26 (or somewhere thereabouts) - I have a bad memory for numbers.

It was a great race. I felt good running and probably could have done better but considering I was aiming for a sub-60 minute race, that's pretty f*cking amazing!

Now I am pooped. Took my Mum for Brunch at the Blue Canoe with Sebastian. I'm ready for a nap now!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

I'm falling...

I had a dumb accident on Saturday that has resulted in pain and suffering.

I have two little decks - to call them decks is doing them a huge service - they are really just steps to my door. On the back set I keep the barbecue.

I've noticed that this back deck is rotting a bit, one plank in particular was looking pretty dicey. I've been meaning to do something vague about it but haven't done anything.

Well the good news is I no longer have to ponder what to do about the plank - it's now gone.

The bad news is I fell through it Saturday afternoon. I'd been doing yard work etc and noticed I had forgotten to put the cover back on the BBQ the last time I used it. So I opened the backdoor and stepped out to cover it. I stepped squarely down on the plank and it gave way and I went straight down like a rock. I badly bruised and scraped (but no open cuts) the leg that went through and badly wrenched the leg that didn't.

I bruise like no tomorrow so it's going to be really attractive. I just hope I can still run the Marathon next weekend.

Wow

I received a letter in the mail on Friday telling me I was being awarded a great honour as a Scouting volunteer.

I've worked hard as a Cub Leader and Adult volunteer trainer over the past few years. I've been feeling a little burned out by the process lately and even questioning whether to stay giving so much at it.

This is a huge boost. I am touched and honoured.

A week of work, whining and wunning.

Crikey I feel like this has been a long week. Like mega-long. Like interminable.

Tuesday I presented to the Public Safety and Environment committee. It was a wellfield update. It went really well. Council likes me, the Mayor likes me. It's a great feeling to be doing your job well and to be appreciated for it.

Running is going well. I did a tempo run with Honey Tuesday that went well. Then last night I had a great run - I've really kicked up the pace. I think it is not unreasonable to plan for a sub 55 minute race. I was hoping for a sub-60. I am happy. And I plan to keep running and get my time down. Maybe sub-50 by the end of the summer.

We bought boy a Trek 7000 hybrid for his birthday. It will also be my commuter bike which is nice. It's a nice looking bike too.

Last night was an open house about the City's new proposed Water Treatment Plant. It went well - lots of people showed up.

And now it's Friday again. BF is coming over later. I am so ready for a quiet Friday night. After my speed work run though. I'm not looking forward to intervals. This weather SUCKS!