Sick means no training

But, I guess mandatory resting. Sick (and very bored) this weekend with a sore throat, trying to get better by taking it easy, which is really hard for me. Did manage to do some more biking on the bike/trainer Saturday. My ass isn't getting used to the seat yet and I really need to get my bike fitted to me, think it'll help with the old lady hip!

Was checking out the BMO Full marathon route for 2013, same as 2012 and there looks to be a good size hill up and down between 5 and 10km, literally looks to be 2.5kms down and 2.5kms up! Guess I have to continue training on hills! Almost the entire route will have spectacular views, but especially from 20km marker! Next question is do I take the camera with me or not! Probably not if I want to finish it in 6 hours.

Once again the start is at Queen Elizabeth Park and the finish is, lucky for me, right in front of my work place! I'll have some champagne waiting for me in the work fridge!

I'm also very lucky, two, possibly three, friends are doing the full with me. I've got three friends doing the half as well! Very exciting! It looks like I really am taking everyone with me on my crazy train of running and fitness.

I changed my first flat!

I'm embarrassed to say how long it took me but I finally managed to change the tube in my road bike! Although, while changing it I didn't have a presta valve adapter so my bike was sitting in my living room like this for a day. It was sad and mocked me everytime I looked at it!

I did manage to find the presta valve adapter and then had issues getting the damn tire back on!! Oh, the tire just snaps back on I'm told, its easy I'm told. Easy my ass! Eventually I figured it out, eventually figured out how to put my CycleOps winter training kit together (instructions sucked) and now my living room looks like this!

Mexico, Santa and starting my Ironman (woman!) Training

Wow, November was fun! I went to Mexico for a fabulous wedding, started my Ironman training (tired already) and got a chance to spend the day with Santa while he was giving out presents at the top of Grouse Mountain.

Mexico was fantastic! This was pretty much my view everyday, except the one day we hung out at the pool bar. I will go back! The service where we were was great! The bar opened everyday at 10am, I had the servers tell me a number of times that the alcohol was free (because I would ask for bottled water instead of beer!). The rooms were nice, the food was great, service always fantastic and I became a HUGE fan of champagne! Probably wasn't a good idea to do it as shots that one night.

Today I got to spend the morning and afternoon with Santa at the Top of Grouse Mountain. We had a work function and over 100 kids at two sittings, and the kids were adorable! My friend Chifa and I helped Santa hand out presents (I was photographer). I got asked if I was a snow princess by an adorable 5 or 6 year old, then she asked if I was going to come outside and skate with my dress on, too cute! Santa had a couple of kids that maybe weren't entirely impressed (crying) but he did get homemade cookies, letters and a homemade Christmas tree!

The Ironman (woman!) training is in full swing. Swim, bike, run; swim, bike, run is my life for the next 9 months. I think the healthy eating and no alcohol is going to be harder then the swim, bike, run training. I just got a new winter trainer (for the bike at home) so I can sit on the bike for hours at a time at home. I'm lucky to have so many people in my life that have done Ironman before. They say it takes a village to raise a child, I think it's going to be the same with me and my training!

Off for a swim!