Run with me later?

I. Love. Long. Weekends. And even more so when the sun is shining and its a glorious temperature outside to run in without risk of hypothermia or heat exhaustion.

Today started out just right...with a sleep in. I had an early night last night but really looked forward to a few extra hours of sleeping in. Plus, after an intense weight session on Tuesday, my body really thanked me. A few rounds of coffee in, I felt really motivated to start on some spring cleaning. Problem is, it was the kind of cleaning that led to more cleaning. And now I have a house in disarray which will likely take the balance of the weekend to find a home for all my accrued treasures.

One of the greatest things about where I live is the beautiful countryside and proximity to conservations and trails. There came a point today when I looked a the clock and realized my window of opportunity to head outside before attending a family function, was shrinking. What a perfect day to run on a quiet road. Traffic should be minimal, everyone is busy with family. Wrong. Who knew there would be a traffic jam on a back road. Why didn't I think about all the city folk and their desire to see how maple syrup is made? A good portion of my run was explaining to the line up of cars where the park entrance was and that no, despite my fluorescent orange shirt I was not an employee directing traffic. I was simply wearing it so they didn't run me over in their excitement to see the sugar bush.

So, I had a lovely run of just over 5.5 kms and felt good about actually running outside again after many, many months. It inspired me to stick with it and I'm pretty pumped to go again this weekend. Okay so it was clearly more difficult than a treadmill but I know with some persistence it too will get easier and better.

Hi, you might remember me from...

So, it's been a while. While I received a few notes of concern from people thinking I disappeared or died, I was actually up against some obstacles...

2 days after my last post, my illness came back with a vengeance. So much so, the doctor gave me multiple prescriptions to get rid of my pneumonia-wannabe germs. It was another 2 weeks of coughing, sniffles and just down right gross feeling. Luckily, this round of super pills cured what I had and I think I only contracted it to 2 people.

In addition to this, I had a solid 3 weeks of travel. California, Calgary, Edmonton and Chicago brought incredible opportunities but also early mornings, long days and late nights and different time zones to contend with. And good food....okay yes also some delicious cold beverages too. Lame-o-schmamo excuses. Especially since I packed my gym gear everywhere I went. What a good lesson in discipline and a wake up call, as reflecting I am disappointed in myself. The whole point of setting goals is to work towards them, right? Plus, there are so many shining examples around me of people balancing way more than me. No excuses. Who knows, I may even attempt an early morning wake up and get a run or workout in before my day starts. (Haha, ya, not likely but if I tell someone they may hold me accountable).

So, ten days ago I had a run in between a trip. Today I pushed through 7.5 km with some relatively decent times. I'm not going to lie, it was more difficult than I wanted it to be but I know with perseverance I can get back to a schedule, my plan, my happy place.

"Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life."
Good to Great by Jim Collins