Back to school, kids

Sorry about the lack of updates... Will update later today if I can.
School. Y'know.

Find me a way

So many words and so much time.

Firstly, I really am beginning to believe the grouse grind has put a toll on my body and mind. I did take a rest day yesterday after wednesday's run (which was horrible, by the way). Today, I slept in. Got up at 7:00.

Yeah, sadly, that's what sleeping in is for me.

Usually, I wake up at five in the morning. Most of the time, in those long grey minutes of the pre-sunset quiet, I plan my day and think about the good feelings that will follow after my run. 

This morning was different. My alarm woke me up at 5:15. Turned it off, turned over and went right back to bed. Exhaustion.

And now I'm really kicking myself for it since today will be a full and busy day. How am I supposed to squeeze in a run ?! (I HAVE to run today, tomorrow and sunday) 

Maybe I'll cut work short and run before my dinner tonight. 

Secondly, there has been certain changes in my life as of late. Other than a job opportunity that I have seized, I've been feeling rather...refreshed.

Let's just note that everything's refreshingly free of pretensions in which a lot of people  will inevitably entrap themselves.






It's about time I sat up and took notice, even if it's a fantasy that'll only stay in my head.

Exhaustion.

There's absolutely something so delicious about going to bed exhausted.

How many times have I fallen asleep, tired and spent? Hardly ever anymore except for last night.

Did the Grouse Grind yesterday morning. It was NOT what I was expecting at all. It just got progressively worse and as I reached the 3/4 mark, I felt dread.
"Really? When am I there!?"
I pushed myself forward, tried to only take 30 second breaks after every 10 minutes.
'You can do this. YOU. YOU can do it. Why? Because you're AWESOME and so possible.'
Repeat this your head.
Repeat this in your head.
It worked for me.

The time that I finished was 58 minutes. Not too shabby for a first timer. The time doesn't matter to me though; What really 'counts' is the fact that I finished in one piece, haha.

Everything happens for some twisted reason

This life loving is greater than any pleasure you can devise.

I'm not usually THIS bubblegum happy. Just lately, some events have been really mood lifting. It probably has a lot to do with my positive outlets.

No longer tethered to the sick and bad bad bad disease, I can fully and openly taste everything.

Maybe it has to do with the people in my life. New ones, the present ones.

I don't quite know how it happened, this fast remake of new self, but here we are.
Yeah, I know. How vague.

What am I talking about?

Who knows.

I'm just happy and that's all that matters.

Tune we play and play with our tune.

Training 

Well, something happened this morning and I'm not sure why exactly.

Did my 3 mile run at 6:40 this morning. 

3.17 miles in 34 minutes (10:43 pace). Did 4 speed sessions (fartlek) but they were slightly different. A bit faster, and for shorter periods. After 4, my legs felt a little heavy. Kept going at a slow pace (just like last run) until end of mile 3. Maybe I should dial it down- perhaps, my idea of easy training sessions have become precipitate and hard.

Other than that, today's going to be a beeeaaauuutiful day. The sun is shining, and Nike is waiting for me to come by so I can clean out their store. 

For now, more coffee, some reading. 

Have a wonderful day!

Loving this: To my amazing and lovely readers; I appreciate the feedback and comments SO MUCH. I thank you for the comfort.

Loving this 2: In love. I've been listening to this all morning. Morning hip swivels. Pourquoi pas? 

Onto smaller and smarter steps

Training

Logged for today: 4.47 miles in 44 minutes / 9:50 pace.

Did something new today which was something called Fartlek. I've heard of this Swedish term before but didn't think I would use this training technique in my schedule.
You speed up, then about 30 seconds in, you increase your steps, resulting in a much faster pace for another 30 seconds or so. Then you progress back into your 'normal' pace for a little while, just before you hit your comfort level and go again. Repeat.

J and I did this 5 times and I could tell my body was feeling discomfort. Not to the point of mental/physical pain but it was TOUGH.

Knowing that someone is right there beside you, waiting to encourage you and keep you going. There's ease in that and it's just so motivating. I'm fortunate to have met passionate people on this journey so soon. The journey continues...

Feel more at easy with my pace and my running form/gait.

The short period of comfortable silence with my own shallow breath and the drip of my sweat down my spine and in between my breasts. The soft patter of many footsteps and the brush of the breeze.

Wish I could show you how it feels. Wish everyone ran and knew this feeling.

Anyways... Over all, this was, again, one of my favourite runs. It just keeps getting better and better.

For every run I do, I gain more confidence and the sight of my goals, motivation and passion becomes more apparent, more clearly pronounced.

And also, I feel..... somewhat different these days. Happy, calm, giddy, emotional. Stable.

There is constant shift in movement, emotions and thoughts.

Blah. I'm done blabbing.

Loving this: My post - run breakfast. Twas excellent, indeed.

Fig jam, toast, orange, and green smoothie (spinach, almond milk and blueberries). What. Up. 

Not loving this: I still haven't showered... This explains one thing: I like bathing in my own nature.

Improvised Curry; Oh so good!

Ingredients:

- 1 tbsp sesame (or coconut, canola or olive) oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 tbsp crushed or chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup of chick peas
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 large zucchini, sliced into thin pieces
- 1/2 red pepper, julienned
- 1 tbsp corn starch, mixed with 1 tbsp of water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 (or more, if you prefer) cup of rice, cooked

1. Heat oil in large sauce pan over med heat and cook onion for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add curry paste and garlic and cook for a minute.

3. Add coconut milk, sugar and salt then bring to a boil.

4. Add red pepper and zucchini, cover, then reduce heat to low-med and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Add chick peas and let it simmer some more.

6. Add cornstarch paste and stir continuously until the curry thickens, then stir in lemon juice and some basil.

7. Serve on a bed of rice.


That's the general recipe so you can tweak it if you'd like. Use different vegetables, add chicken if you're not vegetarian. Slice up some carrots, top your curry with crushed walnuts. Be creative.

Bon appetit !