What have I done to deserve this? (Yes, I am quoting the Pet Shop Boys!)

I haven't posted any photos lately. Because I am in my pjs, I am not going out to shoot. I looked around my apartment for inspiration. I'm sorry this is the best I came up with. Notice the mud? Yup, I ran through puddles tonight. 

I am so addicted to SkyFm. I can't stop listening to 80s music. And I know the lyrics to just about every song.  I am feeling nostalgic. 

She walks in beauty - Lord Byron

Yikes so for some reason I had this poem stuck in my head when I woke up this morning. I'd like to know what I was dreaming about. Anyway... enjoy!

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes:

Thus mellow'd to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impair'd the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o'er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

I have a dentist appointment this morning. I am squeezing it before I go into the office. Should be fun. I am trying to drink as much coffee as I can before I go.

I finished my column last night and I went to the public school board meeting. Not much came out of the meeting but it's good to go to one every now and then. The real news will come once the boards start working on next year's budgets.

I'm on call this weekend. I don't find it's the long weekend. Everyone else has stuff to do except me! So it all worked out. There's probably lots of photo ops associated with Easter. I just hope the weather stays nice. I need to squeeze in my runs.

Audrey is back!

Just finished a great hill repeat workout with Audrey! I am so excited she is back to train with me.
We went to a secret location to try hill repeats. The location proved to be better than I thought. There's a lot of flat trail so we can do some speed work too when the snow melts.

I finished work early today... that's right 3:30 p.m. That is so early for me! The rest of the week is going to be tough because I am on call this long weekend. As long as I can get out for some sunshine, I will come out of the week smiling.

I feel really great! And to celebrate I am going to have a glass of wine (or two).... ha ha

Girl power

I don't want to go outside. I am sure this will pass. I need to run somewhere between 12k and 14k this morning. Yesterday, I ran with Wendy and dragged my butt. I just got my period this morning so I blaming it and the hills I ran the night before.

On Friday, I went to the teachers convention over at the Comp/PWA. The carpark was overflowing and the side streets lined. I drove down one street looking for a spot. I couldn't find one. So I decided to do a U-turn. Big mistake.

I got stuck. Or rather, my little Versa got stuck. Try as I might I couldn't get it to move alone. After revving up my car for about 10 minutes, the neighbours began to notice. Two nice ladies came out of their home and a third woman driving by, stopped her truck and got out to help. Then the three women pushed and my Versa miraculously moved.

Thank you, ladies! Let this be a warning to you - don't allow the ice to encase your wheels! I was driving a block of ice.

I can feel the change in the air. Before I even dragged my butt out of bed this morning, I knew it was going to be a nice day. I'm begging you Mother Nature please melt this snow.

I have a bunch of freelance writing to do. It should take me until noon. Then I have a few hours before I run with Wendy. I ran 10k last night and threw in some hill repeats. I feel slightly behind in my training schedule. I blame my old sneaker and last week's cold. I am back on track again so that feels good.

I started reading Shakey: Neil Young's Biography by Jimmy McDonough. Here's a review. I'm not that far into to offer an opinion yet. It is a bestseller but just because it's a bestseller doesn't mean it's any good. I'll keep you posted.

Back to the training

Bring on the weekend.....

I love my new desk at work. Suddenly I am more productive. I am more focused. Before I could see the whole newsroom.

You know how it goes. You hear bits and pieces of conversations. You feel compelled to comment. You You never get any work done. I snagged Nick's desk.. which was only three feet away. But there's a wall. And that makes all the difference. I can hide. I love it. My interviews are more private and I have less distractions.

Amazing!

I had a short 8k run with Carleigh tonight. Tomorrow I am going for a longer run most likely solo. I may throw some hills in. I am feeling much better. I need to make up some mileage in the next few days. I work next weekend.

I'm feeling much better today. I'm not at 100% but close to it. I should be up to running tomorrow. I really miss running. Yes, I know it's been only a couple days but I feel sluggish. I hope to run with Wendy and Carleigh.

It's been a super busy week. There's a teacher convention starting tomorrow. I'm going to the keynote speakers so that should be interesting.

Oilers game

Here are a few pics from the Oilers game last Friday. I was really paranoid my camera would be taken away from security so I just snagged a few at the end of the game. The Oilers, as you know, won in a shoot out. It was my first NHL game where it ended in a shoot out. It was fun. And of course, the Oilers won!

this too will pass

I am sickly. I can't stop coughing. It started on Saturday. And today the sneezing started. My energy levels are okay so I can still work but I am infecting the entire newsroom. I decided not to go into the schools this week. I don't think the teachers would appreciate my coughing and wheezing in their classrooms.

I am hoping a good nights sleep will ward off any further flu symptoms. I had the police scanner last night so I didn't sleep well. Tonight I am scanner free. I already had a hot shower. I'm waiting for the tea to steep before I jump into bed with a book.

new sneakers, new life

I love my new sneakers. My poor feet thanked me this morning for finally tossing out my old sneakers. My Asics did the trick for two half-marathons, a few 10ks and training. Thank you, but now I've moved on.

I picked up the Mizuno Wave Rider 13. A neutral shoe, the Mizuno provides ample arch support.
Read about my new runners here. I felt the support immediately. In fact, I felt the shoes were propelling me further and further down the trail. This morning, I wanted to keep running. I felt great.

Except.. for the chest cold I developed over the last few days. I woke up coughing. I couldn't wait to try out my new sneakers. So I ran anyway. The first 6k were a little painful.

Of course, it started to snow too. I managed to run 11k in a pretty good time for my long run. Tomorrow it's hills with Carleigh. Can't wait!

Nine weeks to go before Red Deer!

hey there

I'm eating yummy pasta with tomatoes and basil pesto. Yummy. Terri is on her way to pick me up. Then we're off to Edmonton.

I can't wait. We're going to have so much fun. Let's go Oilers! I'll be taking lots of pictures so I will post when I get home.

My latest  Running with Rhyno column is now up on the website. Enjoy!

Geez... is it Thursday already? I know I have been a bad blogger lately. Life, as usual, got in the way. But the good news is I am off this weekend. So I have lots of time to blog.

I'm going to watch the Oilers vs. the Red Wings tomorrow night. I am so excited. I don't care the Oilers are likely to lose. This will be my first time watching the Oilers play at home. Sure, I've seen them play in Ottawa and Toronto but not in Edmonton. It's going to be emotional! Terri is so awesome for inviting me to come with her!

Of course, I am buying new sneakers at the Running Room. I've slacked a little this week. I can literally feel the ground every time my foot strikes the path. Not good. I'm still not sure which brand I am going. I will let you know.

I'm so hot. It's so hot. My office was burning up all day. And as luck would have it I spent most of my day at my desk.

Carleigh and I are going to do hill repeats tonight. I am looking forward to the burn. I'm going to run a 10k in Grimshaw next month. It's perfect timing. I'll be able to gauge how my training for the Red Deer half is going. I want to shave a few minutes off my Vegas time.

I am determined to stick to my schedule. The training is the easy part. I need to ensure I eat enough. I am a meal skipper. So far, so good. Maybe I should set my watch to sound when it's time to eat. Or maybe not.

I'm sitting beside a local rockstar goalie, Curtis Skip. Maybe I should get his autograph before he gets too big to sign for us little people. 

I desperately need new runners. I ran 10k and I felt every step of the way. Go figure. Since May, I've run two half-marathons and a few other races in the same pair.

The problem is there's  no Running Room here in Grande Prairie or a reasonably priced sports store with selection. I hate ordering sneakers and clothes online. The good news is I am going to Edmonton on Friday so I can get my new sneakers.

I'm not sure where I am going.. back to New Balance or stay with Asics. My barefoot runners should be coming soon. I'm looking forward to trying them. Then maybe I'll never wear sneakers again. Who knows?

Foreign Media

So there's tons of other news outlets in town this week for the Games. This guy is from APTN. There's lots of stories. Erika and I met a radio journalist from CBC North in Whitehorse. His name is Leonard. Yesterday he told me about a couple of stories he did. I am trying to find them online but having no luck. 

Hey hey

This man drove all the way from Yellowknife to hawk his homemade jewellery during the Arctic Winter Games. He said sales are going well. Funny, he admitted he bought some of the earrings from the Prairie Mall. He didn't try to sell me anything. We were just chatting. When I told him I worked at the newspaper, he asked me to snap a picture. I told him it was my day off and the odds were he wouldn't make it in print. He was happy nonetheless to have someone to chat with for a few minutes. 

Pole pushing, a Dene Games Competition

It's a brand new day.

I didn't have a great lens to shoot with. I managed to get a few good shots. Above are two oft the Inuksuk Drum Dancers. I think they were my favourite act.  They have amazing voices. In this picture, the two women are throat singing. 

Billy Joe Laboucan, storyteller

Laboucan is a Cree linguist of Cree/Metis descent. During the Arctic Winter Games Gala program he told short little stories between each performance. I quite enjoyed his stories. He lives in Peace River.

Almost nothing beats the feeling you get after a good run. I only ran 8k this afternoon but I feel absolutely wonderful. I'm always burnt out after I work a weekend shift. A good run was what I needed to start my weekend off right.

I don't really have any plans except the usual - get caught up on sleep and reading. I'll go to the closing ceremonies for the Arctic Winter Games Saturday night. I'm crossing my fingers there won't be a a first act. I enjoyed the second act of the opening ceremonies. The first part was a little unnecessary.

I do have some writing to do. I have a few deadlines coming up. Other than that my weekend slate is open.

I miss writing in my journal. I stopped writing it months ago. I don't know why I stopped. I miss being able to write and not have to edit myself. 

I must get back to it. We all need an outlet. Journal writing has always been a great one for me in the past. 

I've been chilling out all night. It's nice not to have anything on your plate. 

eating spinach and tofu for dinner

The first thing I did after leaving the office tonight was head to the grocery store. I have been eating on peanut butter toast all week. I haven't had the time or energy to wade through the grocery store aisles. I'm off until Monday. Yipee!

I am just going to hibernate tonight and most of tomorrow. I needed food. Coincidently I have Ellen on in the background while I put away my veggies.

Jonathan Safran Foer is on promoting his book Eating Animals. This is my first time hearing about the book. It sounds really good. Have you read it? I am going to look for it in Edmonton next week.

At lunch I aimed for a bit of culture at the Prairie Mall

I haven't seen any of the Arctic Games or any of the cultural events. I'm hoping to get to something when I am off on Thursday and Friday.

Tonight I am interviewing people from a local knitting club for a feature on ... you guessed it, knitting.

This morning I interviewed a chef de mission from Yamal-Nenets (north of Russia) through a translator. That was interesting. I felt like I was back in Korea.

I'm trying to keep my eyes open. It's been a long 10 days.

Not your regular flesh burger

A local restaurant in town is serving up a special menu for the Arctic Winter Games. Thankfully there's only Caribou on the menu and not seal meat or whale blubber. Don't worry, my fellow herbivores, I did not sample the dish. I just took the picture and interviewed the manager. Apparently caribou meat is very tasty.

Celebrity Spotting....

I've got a couple hours before I head over to the Crystal Centre for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. I should take a nap.

But I won't. Once I am up. I am up. Besides the scanner is next to me on the table. Won't be good to sleep through a crisis in the middle of the day. I'm having my lunch break now before I go back into the office.

Two people recognized me today for my running column in the paper. That was weird. Very weird. I didn't think anyone read it besides the people I interview. Also weird because my hair is much shorter in my mug shot.

Still cool to know I have "fans" other than Carleigh West and Jean Skip!

Saturday

Knock on wood. It's been a good weekend so far. Nothing has blown up. Nothing has burnt down and there haven't been any serious accidents.

I'm home now and it's only 8:20 so you know it is a good weekend.

I wrote two stories today and took a few standalone shots for Monday's paper. The trick was to get something nonArctic Games related. Easy to do when the weather is nice. And it was so I was happy.

The Opening Ceremonies for the Arctic Winter Games are tomorrow evening. I get to cover them! I'm excited.

I'm glad to be home early tonight so I can finish a book. Last night, I was at the airport when a WWII plane flown by Air pilots from a Canadian-based television program on the history channel. Everyone was excited. If I knew more about planes and the television show, I would have been. It was cool to see though. I'm glad I found the hangar.

A silver lining

I'm with Olympic silver medallist Kristie Moore. Okay so I am not a curling fan and I have no idea how to play but it is an Olympic medal! Congrats Kristie! 

I ran 10k with Richard and Mike tonight. We had a slushy and icy run. I had another one of those go go go days so I was happy to run with some speedsters and not on my own. I probably would have stopped midway through and cried. But I'm all good now.

I feel better. This past weekend really did a number on my body. I think I am going to hibernate for the next few days. Wait... can't do that... I'm working straight until Wednesday. I guess I'll have to put that plan on hold for a few days. 

I'm a little behind with my blogging this week. The weekend sure did me in. A big team Canada win and the alcohol consumption did me in.

I'm back on track now. The sun is shining and all it good.

I had a great 10k run yesterday afternoon. I managed to get out in the daylight because I had a night meeting. I wish I could run late every afternoon every day. I know that's not going to happen. So I'll just be happy when I can get outside.

The Arctic Winter Games start this weekend. As luck would have it, I am on call. I am excited to cover the opening ceremonies. That should be awesome. I know I won't be asked to cover any sporting events so that sucks.

It will be nice to shake things up a bit and do something a little different.

I haven't run since Saturday. I really need to go for a long run tomorrow. My apartment looked like a tornado blew through it so I gave it a good clean this evening. I had lots of laundry to do too. I was productive.

Not much else to report except I am on call this weekend. And the Arctic Winter Games begin in four days. Sadly, I won't be able to take in any of the Games because I will be working.

We win Gold!!!!! Pictures from a Gold Medal Game