tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64031460936994910502024-03-18T20:59:35.071-07:00AdventuresThis blog is about all those things that make life awesome, because it's that what life is all about? Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-91355476860902742332014-05-25T14:08:00.004-07:002014-05-25T14:08:47.184-07:00Run, Run, Recovery Bites<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGHcScVT836OTJIKFtsZwbGVCq64ZcR4ke7rQ-46ImYLWz3_4356brct6jSAjX2FF4ze-qyMEFkEqIme1hyUI1Jg6N-d887WZ4h50o9VpDhgU282sQdbZb0ukxYxiuJQ2kT_0Lty2-fDI/s1600/37252-ilyke.net-large-funny-animal-pictures-part-2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGHcScVT836OTJIKFtsZwbGVCq64ZcR4ke7rQ-46ImYLWz3_4356brct6jSAjX2FF4ze-qyMEFkEqIme1hyUI1Jg6N-d887WZ4h50o9VpDhgU282sQdbZb0ukxYxiuJQ2kT_0Lty2-fDI/s1600/37252-ilyke.net-large-funny-animal-pictures-part-2_1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Hey all you athletes!<br />
<br />
<i>Do you feel tired after running?</i><br />
<br />
<i>Feel like you are trapped in a cage of the same old post workout meals?</i><br />
<i>Want a reward for running far?</i><br />
<i>Want something decedent, but somehow has no refined sugar or grains? (and can be vegan?!)</i><br />
<br />
Well I've got just the thing for you! Break free of your protein shake cage and try baking...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Runner Recovery Bites </span> </u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(yes they are paleo and vegan!)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 extra large can chickpeas (drained)</li>
<li>1/3 cup real maple syrup</li>
<li>1/2 cup nut butter of your choice (peanut or almond are highly recommended)</li>
<li>1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/8 tsp ginger (optional)</li>
<li>Pinch of nutmeg (optional)</li>
<li>Mix ins of your choice: cocoa nibs, chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, coconut, seeds, etc. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees</li>
<li>Lightly grease muffin tin</li>
<li>Add chickpeas, maple syrup, nut butter, cinnamon, ginger nutmeg and salt into food processor. Puree until smooth</li>
<li>Scrape into bowl and mix in your additions. </li>
<li>Scoop into muffin tins and bake for about 20mins until toothpick comes out clean.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Now the best part about this recipe is that you don't actually have to bake them if you don't want to.. yes that's right! You can eat the dough raw without any fear of salmonella. (therefore about half the recipe makes it into the oven while the other half ends up on my finger and then in my tummy.!) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enjoy and let me know if you find any unreal flavour combinations!</div>
<div>
So far I've been loving the chocolate chip nut combo!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Eat happy, Run Happy,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shanny</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-37193991131801765772014-03-30T16:26:00.004-07:002014-03-30T16:27:07.373-07:00Healthy Homemade Honey-Nut Granola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNELNAqUirmNSdFYst9n7gKrHIASY1-Vfpa_OiYSCqAYpMgV4yltfMeHTAXAzSu1O6uDmbWht_R0_1mteo6iZnqTHsZ_FX6nT9oMIuaXebwe2jGaxGGL24NOWcTaqQzj3L3yMC4jaPPuvU/s3200/10151826_10152473159847787_974376799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNELNAqUirmNSdFYst9n7gKrHIASY1-Vfpa_OiYSCqAYpMgV4yltfMeHTAXAzSu1O6uDmbWht_R0_1mteo6iZnqTHsZ_FX6nT9oMIuaXebwe2jGaxGGL24NOWcTaqQzj3L3yMC4jaPPuvU/s3200/10151826_10152473159847787_974376799_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are looking for a yummy breakfast or snack that is sure to fill you up with healthy goodness, make sure to try out this granola I just made! I've played around with a few variations (I must say the Maple Syrup is my favourite, but this honey-nut flavour brings back fond memories of Honey-Nut Cheerios!) This granola is great because the egg whites help it clump up great and reduce the amount of oil needed!<br />
<br />
<b>6 Cups Chopped Steel Cut Oats (or large Flake Oats)</b><br />
<b>1 Cup Chopped Mixed Nuts</b><br />
<b>2/3 Cup Chopped Dried Fruit (raisins, logan fruit, cranberries, coconut)</b><br />
<b>1/8 Cup Flax Seeds</b><br />
<b>3 Tbsp Chia Seeds</b><br />
<b>1/4 Cup Ground Flax Meal</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1 Tbsp Cinnamon</b><br />
<b>1 Tsp Ginger</b><br />
<b>1/4 Tsp Nutmeg</b><br />
<b>1/2 Tsp Salt</b><br />
<b>(and any other spices you like!)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract</b><br />
<b>1/3 Cup Coconut Oil (melted) (or use canola, olive or any other oil)</b><br />
<b>3/4 Cup Honey (or you can use agave or maple for different flavours)</b><br />
<b>3 Egg Whites</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Preheat oven to 350F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper</b></li>
<li><b>Add dry ingredients into large bowl and stir to combine</b></li>
<li><b>Add egg whites into smaller bowl and whisk until frothy</b></li>
<li><b>Add oil, vanilla and honey to egg whites and mix until combined well</b></li>
<li><b>Combine the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until coated</b></li>
<li><b>Spread granola out on baking sheets evenly and bake in oven for 12 minutes</b></li>
<li><b>Remove granola from oven and flip to prevent burning</b></li>
<li><b>Return sheets to oven and bake for another 8 minutes until nicely golden</b></li>
<li><b>Let cool completely (it will become crispy once it cools) and then store in air tight container. </b></li>
<li><b>(Try not to eat all of it before it gets into the tupperware! ;) )</b></li>
</ol>
<br />
<i>Recipe adapted from: "Ultimate Healthy Granola" by Camilla Saulsbury (Camilla Cooks) and Katrina (Baking and Boys)</i><br />
<br />
Note: Almost every ingredient is optional so feel free to play around with different combinations! You can even add chocolate chips or something if you like once its cooled for a sweet treat! This recipe takes well to being cut in half or by two-thirds too!<br />
<br />
From my tummy to yours:<br />
<br />
Shanny<br />
<br />
<br />Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-49483925555685378842013-09-09T08:12:00.002-07:002022-02-10T19:47:20.653-08:002013 World Mountain Running Championships<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmZEF4BaqMNzRnytVcrSqLNHZlbJzq44pnaMXeBDER7DA7aREdoXeQ3SMJTEnN6XLkzNlMPrwrmdUQ8wpzLLYitoJfaGHmkzryTR3ibFuOZ9XbclbAUhR2j9eCFmvjGrkw1-oHjDZed5B/s1600/IMG_4446.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmZEF4BaqMNzRnytVcrSqLNHZlbJzq44pnaMXeBDER7DA7aREdoXeQ3SMJTEnN6XLkzNlMPrwrmdUQ8wpzLLYitoJfaGHmkzryTR3ibFuOZ9XbclbAUhR2j9eCFmvjGrkw1-oHjDZed5B/s320/IMG_4446.JPG" width="320" /></a>I woke up before my alarm as almost every racer does with a race this big, but luckily I slept pretty well! I only woke up once or twice durin the night so that was good! Right from the get go I knew it was going to be a good day. The sun was shining, my shoes were shining and my face was shining! I had a breakie of the hotel's yogurt and cereal with dried fruit and of course some mochas for a lil caffeine kick.. I love coffee! Our team was looking ready to go but all coming in at different times with varied levels of sleep. You could feel the anticipation in the room, that excited vibe that today was the day! We soon headed up to our rooms and got ready to warm up down on the dirt road before heading up the gondola to the race course. It was great to warm up with Mel and Sarah. This trip has sure made me try to understand a bit more French! BAHAHA most of our team is French-Canadian so there's lots of fun and enthusiasm!! It was exciting to be chauffeured onto the gondola by the workers as we were the elite athletes being brought up! And let me tell you were there ever a lot more elite athletes on too of the mountain for us to join! It was so amazing to be surrounded by such lean, muscular running machines!! Spandex, polyester and sweat were the articles of clothing to be worn! We were soon brought into the call area which was fenced off from the others.. It felt a bit like a cage keeping the tigers in at the zoo. All the women paced, sprinted, high kicked, lunged and stretched back and forth in the pen. Leg slaps and words of encouragement showered the ears and the feeling of anticipation continued to build! Some of us took it with a smile and broke out into a dance party... Okay maybe it was only the Canadian girls who did that! Lol.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlploKjutgw07qWdIijNrtJS5klYigwFjZyPlMDFWV9sdag9MygCT1OFq1kbvp9OKCeqrOVHPaOXJBcHfk88NXpmGtnqzM5B-zeAwLTbkEH0ccH3j0XJqgIIpXAEu5FCtLwJRJ3PcDgZjP/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlploKjutgw07qWdIijNrtJS5klYigwFjZyPlMDFWV9sdag9MygCT1OFq1kbvp9OKCeqrOVHPaOXJBcHfk88NXpmGtnqzM5B-zeAwLTbkEH0ccH3j0XJqgIIpXAEu5FCtLwJRJ3PcDgZjP/s320/IMG_4445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Soon we were summoned up to the inflated arch to line up country by country . The next thing we knew a gun shot off and the race was on!! I was feeling strong but could feel where my comfortable pace was and tried to find that balance. We stormed up the hill to wild cheers and fast footwork! Just as your legs started to scream we hit the peak and tore down the dirt road with all those loose rocks I mentioned earlier. Luckily I knew the right hand side had a bit of a path with less so I tried to get over to that side right away! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These girls are amazing! I consider myself pretty fast at running downhill but I found myself getting passed and had to have a talk with myself, to continue doing what felt right for me and to run my race! After all that's all we can do at the end of the day! It's the best talent in the world! I felt good and was running hard flying down the road, making the sharp corner and heading into the forest! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMmrZsh7Z0k2CHaguYmMNbQLRW4OSI6tenTMvkKIQMPL5t2rGOdMPZyDXWN0dBPi6dyYsJFcOn4eQhLYOixbh4V-KM3M-z3E1aw1CAodFcpvEDa75Chcd3VOcMiwV6ghpem33lF_DOHCS/s1600/IMG_4454.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMmrZsh7Z0k2CHaguYmMNbQLRW4OSI6tenTMvkKIQMPL5t2rGOdMPZyDXWN0dBPi6dyYsJFcOn4eQhLYOixbh4V-KM3M-z3E1aw1CAodFcpvEDa75Chcd3VOcMiwV6ghpem33lF_DOHCS/s320/IMG_4454.JPG" width="320" /></a>Aye yaye! That's where you beg as plead for your eyes to adjust faster so you don't trip or roll an ankle on hidden rocks roots divets and drops Hidden in the shadows! I passed some people here and got passed too! It was a free for all with the thought In your head that not only was the uphill comin but we had to do this twice. I felt pretty solid with my placing up until the ski hill came. I knew this was going l be brutal for me. Uphill like that is HARD! Wow! I struggled up the hill losing places but pushing and pushing running and power hiking and was relieved to see the summit and water station! Grabbing a cup of water I thought I was going gulp down the most refreshing water but it hit my throat and I thought I was going to throw up! It was carbonated mineral water!!!! Why oh why would they do this?! Yuuuuck!! The bubbles and taste was the last thing your body wants when it's red lining! Fortunately I didn't puke and continued on my way up the single track. It was harder than we thought but I persevered and continued the trudge uphill smiling with every tiny flat or downhill slope as I tried to catch a deep breath. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The last hill up to the top of the course was hard but I could hear everyone and the announcer calling out names and countries and tried my best to keep those feet turning to run that corner and start round two! It was then I found out that Mel was right behind me and I was happy to hear that! Sarah took off ahead and strongly from the start and Meggan made a great pass by me on the ski hill! It was so encouraging to know we were all running strong! </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EV8L65lp4Pa8FA6J-E5t23cCxOZtVGbFgGDR2ZXdmtqBhLi0BVnjaN7dLnipJJ4IOFmROZUs0cpxFoHuRWboSreUYs7GpodQvFeoQ6bMr-bOKAp3pCktQODc_eDySC2mOgRqRoHAiDvC/s1600/IMG_4462.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EV8L65lp4Pa8FA6J-E5t23cCxOZtVGbFgGDR2ZXdmtqBhLi0BVnjaN7dLnipJJ4IOFmROZUs0cpxFoHuRWboSreUYs7GpodQvFeoQ6bMr-bOKAp3pCktQODc_eDySC2mOgRqRoHAiDvC/s320/IMG_4462.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lap two was much of the same thing but even harder as I had already been pushing so hard for what felt like so long. My legs felt weak on a few corners as quick slopes where I had to slow myself down but nothing to do but to do it and I ran ran ran!! One girl got injured on course and required the medics to come attend on their 4x4, it was brutal to see a race end like that for someone but I had to carry on my way as it was my race too and I knew she'd be looked after. Fortunately she was limping with another runner so I didn't feel obligated to stop. I continued on and pushed up the hill alternating places with a great girl from Australia. Mel came by us with her strong legs from biking and I was happy to cheer her on as I gasped for air! Hahah. It was so brutal but so epic to be racing up this challenging hill. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I couldn't find the energy to thank people or even smile as I Climbed the uphill but knew I had to keep my strength. I made a final pass of the girl ahead of me and settled that place then saw the last hill to the finish in sight! I was exhausted, lungs burning, legs on fire and so hot but I knew I had to finish that line strong! I made it up the slope fighting every step then saw our team manager Adrian Lambert ahead and was able to ask him which way to turn, left or right, once I got to the top! Hahah the worst thing would have been to run the wrong way!! Luckily he caught my drift and pointed to my left and I ran into the finish line as they announced my name and country! It felt so good to finish but wow was I tanked!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDAYD0x8nHJjozev7ChaieeLwIWripiZPUZ0z1ZNMWOqTOH7gYewlX8vmi-4oVcIZQlcm-sDYW0nftWr_Q0eXETCogGX0Fjl-chqiNzzJuIB4LnEGb-zvJH2H6BHmtQ45rH9Od-xQHhHv/s1600/IMG_4466.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDAYD0x8nHJjozev7ChaieeLwIWripiZPUZ0z1ZNMWOqTOH7gYewlX8vmi-4oVcIZQlcm-sDYW0nftWr_Q0eXETCogGX0Fjl-chqiNzzJuIB4LnEGb-zvJH2H6BHmtQ45rH9Od-xQHhHv/s200/IMG_4466.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My legs shook, I tried desperately to gasp at air, and fought the urge to puke and pass out! All while taking in more awful mineral water and being congratulated by teammates. I left it all out there and couldn't be happier! I placed 57th out of 82, minus the 3 that DNF. Better than last year and with a great time!!! I'm so happy! All our Canadian women placed under 60th position which is awesome! I'm so proud of everyone!! We had such an amazing team and I couldn't be more grateful for this experience as opportunity to represent my country.<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, after I regulated my body temperature, breathing and regained some strength back it was all back to smiles, laughs and.. ninja jumps. Obviously.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1XtXpklAszetn0KMTTPbPf6ou1LChlMdCf9LRQ62BnmGn4GamhxM2X2H1rY-OAy7usxqCJV-XiW5rQPAKkvKkwYjXLGyS54e6utEGgwQXgqkOjmTak5VgSqaCMWK7ClhrgQo_bsIfiiE/s1600/IMG_4448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1XtXpklAszetn0KMTTPbPf6ou1LChlMdCf9LRQ62BnmGn4GamhxM2X2H1rY-OAy7usxqCJV-XiW5rQPAKkvKkwYjXLGyS54e6utEGgwQXgqkOjmTak5VgSqaCMWK7ClhrgQo_bsIfiiE/s320/IMG_4448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We watched the senior men race, who all kicked major butt!! So proud of all of them!! Then Calum, Sarah and I then went on to do a two hour run as we took an adventure in the Polish mountain side before we had to head back home to get ready for our closing ceremonies. Which were much to our surprise outside.. followed by a dinner trough style feeding frenzy which we happily bypassed for a great restaurant that was serving up fresh pizzas, pastas, salads, ice cream and beers all with live music! We had a blast and ran home to catch the last bus like Cinderella!<br />
<br />
Some of us continued the party on in the hotel bar playing pool and hanging out after. What an amazing day!!! This has been another incredible experience and I couldnt be more grateful for all the amazing love and support from my family and friends. It wouldnt be the same without you all and I appreciate every minute of it!! Big thanks especially to my family and my best girlies (you know who you are!!) I didn't run with duck wings Lauren, but I think I went fast enough! Hahah!!<br />
<br />
Love, smiles, laughs and sore muscles,<br />
<br />
Shanny!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-32067303132564307992013-09-09T00:40:00.002-07:002013-09-09T00:40:23.213-07:00Krynica!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHn-h9C2zzsB8HW9EtNCpIO54gQv4MT7csG9ioL2ZHPvmX-U48pj8_Cs48_bZVoKsFkslndmLfA85yx8uHgX7mOYKCnDDLKJRvXKXcFHG8tmpuqoj9BtltZqiuInxCzKvB4r7wQspDAXp/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHn-h9C2zzsB8HW9EtNCpIO54gQv4MT7csG9ioL2ZHPvmX-U48pj8_Cs48_bZVoKsFkslndmLfA85yx8uHgX7mOYKCnDDLKJRvXKXcFHG8tmpuqoj9BtltZqiuInxCzKvB4r7wQspDAXp/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
WOOOOOW!</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7NNCmCnkL6A6wXpx28-NO4WNdGN1g2S2rEekQ4FFXYjHHBtH5lWlo8RrcvWSCz_AGJdx63yZF5pmgaFuDnLQOTV9IONP5tXyYF3R7UlYpm6SXhUbFrmlPu9OE8NVPkljUpiaX9P2ZhIe/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7NNCmCnkL6A6wXpx28-NO4WNdGN1g2S2rEekQ4FFXYjHHBtH5lWlo8RrcvWSCz_AGJdx63yZF5pmgaFuDnLQOTV9IONP5tXyYF3R7UlYpm6SXhUbFrmlPu9OE8NVPkljUpiaX9P2ZhIe/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Can you say an incredible experience?! That was amazing! Ever since meeting up with my teammates (the most wonderful people- our team Canada had so much great spirit, life, talent, personality and shining aura) I've been on cloud 9. It's so exciting seeing all the top athletes in the world coming into your hotel and all prepping for a race of a lifetime. The lean, mean athletes that can destroy a buffet faster than a hotdog eating competition! BooM! Hahah no I'm just kidding. Our hotel did an amazing job keeping everything stocked up and fruit on hand at all times. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34_KVr8dGjDSlCp4DVvgmv7tAfbnLa7AFo9X1zoB_7Vfq8fUQt1micwZNG8rHuUuL53F7_9d4vYSSvWyU6CMchw_amp6fiCJPGaaw22ESHylJnSC0mbJb_35Hvx1PUBd_fsn_YmOc9EXj/s1600/IMG_4382.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34_KVr8dGjDSlCp4DVvgmv7tAfbnLa7AFo9X1zoB_7Vfq8fUQt1micwZNG8rHuUuL53F7_9d4vYSSvWyU6CMchw_amp6fiCJPGaaw22ESHylJnSC0mbJb_35Hvx1PUBd_fsn_YmOc9EXj/s1600/IMG_4382.PNG" height="212" width="320" /></a>After getting our new team gear for this year (which looks incredible- BIG thanks to Running Room for sponsoring and supplying us with our gear this year), we started looking sharp and ready to roll! We recieved singlets, t-shirts, shorts, and track suit this year! We are all so excited to have them actually say Canada and Mountain Running 2013 on them! Our team got together and scoped out the course for the race two days before.. it was great to see what it would be like.. Starts off with a grassy sprint about 400m long up a wide hill, then past the gondola where the downhill starts along a dirt road that was covered in about fist sized loose rocks here and there! Talk about scary for your ankles! There were some sharp hairpin turns that we instantly knew would be a challenge to run. After running down for quite a long way on this same road which eventually got some tree coverage as it went into the forest, we discovered less loose rocks, but a harder trail to see with all the shadows from the trees playing tricks on your eyes. The road went down for what seemed like a crazy long time. And then we realised we missed out turn up and had to head back after about a km or two of going too far! Hahah Thank goodness at least! Lol! After back tracking, we found our turn off.. UP A SKI HILL! Boom! Hahah but unlike last year, where we had to go straight up the hill, this time the course zig zagged up the hill which I actually wasn't too excited about.. it makes it harder and longer (less steep, but uneven muscles and a challenge to try to run or walk). It's in dead grass which also is hard as it becomes slippery on your shoes and let me tell you.. sliding back sucked! The great news was that after you finish that section, we enter a single track trail which is much more to my likings! I love the trails, it was a challenging trail continuing up the mountain though which although wasnt too technical, it was pretty steep in places, but gradual enough to make you feel like you shouldnt be walking even though thats all my muscles could let me do at a lot of times. After that, we pop out onto a rocky road and up a short hill that takes us back to the top of the gondola.. where we get to do it all over again! Hurray!! Hahahha!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWgoQSyv0C7S750__72ZlKI-i4AKzvTaKG2_OU89MgbYRRco5b0itRfHq0kVvISglOAy_9lDhdnvTRjv1nXopRW5fgWmtwHzD1VEr29A93V7EQKnq9DQJJUPtjVnSU_DbvNs5hChP6Hno/s1600/IMG_4386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWgoQSyv0C7S750__72ZlKI-i4AKzvTaKG2_OU89MgbYRRco5b0itRfHq0kVvISglOAy_9lDhdnvTRjv1nXopRW5fgWmtwHzD1VEr29A93V7EQKnq9DQJJUPtjVnSU_DbvNs5hChP6Hno/s1600/IMG_4386.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN98dNu9rMjsqoejUReYpk9TUIa9qltStyPkvcql-HowBjEFrmdNkbIgEwK6atZQMA29PoXVYKz2QnN96GOZh-frU8vn-9IIoaiDOAFgpyIspbk7dMzvRqdwfWpIAKPMDXPIIxWBeQeRU/s1600/IMG_4360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN98dNu9rMjsqoejUReYpk9TUIa9qltStyPkvcql-HowBjEFrmdNkbIgEwK6atZQMA29PoXVYKz2QnN96GOZh-frU8vn-9IIoaiDOAFgpyIspbk7dMzvRqdwfWpIAKPMDXPIIxWBeQeRU/s1600/IMG_4360.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Me and a few of the guys from our team including Calum, Mathieu, Kris and Sean headed out for a small shake out jog that afternoon before the opening ceremonies. It was nice to get the muscles a bit looser and we actually ended up seeing the start of a 10km race we think. It was amazing to see even more people of all shapes and sizes running. The most emotional thing for me was seeing a man with a disability running the same race with his walking sticks.. tears sprang to my eyes when I saw the determination and spirit in this mans face. It's amazing how the body can do so much if we let it. He really inspired me! There were a ton of little polish stands set up selling wooden carvings, polish furs, toys and random other polish things outside of the race exhibit which was filled of all the same things as the ones in Canada.. but not as many free PowerBar samples unfortunately. Lol We enjoyed exploring the stands and I saw the cutest little puppy!! So naturally I played with it for as long as I could stay there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcrgyDsJprEHhsa48yaj_3tdndJN5W0-iCx07yK7g_QkzmFgqtRQrXlNU4NyzfJUTA6757CjJAWZ9ea0IWPkmcND2zF7_lPqnLIHiCLZPngNqIiw_KvZITHBafiMSydlncPii4qVUrs7w/s1600/IMG_4383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcrgyDsJprEHhsa48yaj_3tdndJN5W0-iCx07yK7g_QkzmFgqtRQrXlNU4NyzfJUTA6757CjJAWZ9ea0IWPkmcND2zF7_lPqnLIHiCLZPngNqIiw_KvZITHBafiMSydlncPii4qVUrs7w/s1600/IMG_4383.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsCTWBufloGaUjfC-yEVQSi7idwrY6kD6zwy55XgIcMaUBcRG1jA5kdOmg7PHiD0up7xqrhyphenhyphenpJl_l2J1JoVa5B7vYQgcZnZdWsU-l7qlmfTymTZ2EEp_lk4AP1E4BZJVks-EUEgWyuQlz/s1600/IMG_4403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsCTWBufloGaUjfC-yEVQSi7idwrY6kD6zwy55XgIcMaUBcRG1jA5kdOmg7PHiD0up7xqrhyphenhyphenpJl_l2J1JoVa5B7vYQgcZnZdWsU-l7qlmfTymTZ2EEp_lk4AP1E4BZJVks-EUEgWyuQlz/s1600/IMG_4403.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
The opening ceremonies consisted of a parade through the main town of Krynica with our national flags.. which Canada provided their own thanks to one Calum Neff, who saved our butts, by bringing his own flag and duct tape to make one for us when the organizers did not have our flag! Fail on their part! But we didn't mind too much and took it in real Canadian grace and continued on our way to pose for pictures with other countries! After the ceremonies opened with some speeches from VIP's we broke into a dance party to one amazing opera singer then headed home for some pasta with salmon and last minute stretching and rolling. Some of us gathered up and made a pool on who would win the race tomorrow picking up to six contenders for the senior men.. unfortunately my plan of voting for the coolest names didn't pan out the way I planned and I ended up dead last according to the guys. Lol! Rats!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sx7IsnGGsjK9twEgehsykvrmNdqeS0yO1EjeX_LqknRraVYIaO-zOk7aoUbWYr2XdWnNcb9YqxQuP18ZGISWa0323oRF5otNAHwwTrSqctDZAccnNvtC-GC8CC0o7YBmw5ZeKVKkbTaD/s1600/IMG_4407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sx7IsnGGsjK9twEgehsykvrmNdqeS0yO1EjeX_LqknRraVYIaO-zOk7aoUbWYr2XdWnNcb9YqxQuP18ZGISWa0323oRF5otNAHwwTrSqctDZAccnNvtC-GC8CC0o7YBmw5ZeKVKkbTaD/s1600/IMG_4407.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyways, we trimmed our ridiculously large numbers down so that they could fit on our shirts.. and not be the full size of a page of paper.. so funny. I've never seen anything like that!!! I got to bed at a decently early hour and shared a moment with Mel on how this was the experience of a lifetime tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Annnnd that's all you get for this post! Hahaha the next one will be on the race itself.. what you've all been waiting for! :)<br />
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-89456390368246205722013-09-05T11:54:00.000-07:002013-09-05T11:55:36.194-07:00Medieval Training/History Tour!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdj5ZAG30-WJOj8107TLJlfUtU0NGF6f8_hiHFfIMA1O4yV9banoFJfZC0lPvT06Uv_A7Iexx2dyNC7puPk-05lqToiKzPFxXT5e3GJQZhmEYL1VEEII6-NvZLrMXWuyzzmUx5nRMpJrk/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdj5ZAG30-WJOj8107TLJlfUtU0NGF6f8_hiHFfIMA1O4yV9banoFJfZC0lPvT06Uv_A7Iexx2dyNC7puPk-05lqToiKzPFxXT5e3GJQZhmEYL1VEEII6-NvZLrMXWuyzzmUx5nRMpJrk/s200/IMG_4281.JPG" width="150" /></a>Today I went back in time. I probably looked like a Roman spartan.. or Greek warrior... no, let me correct that.. I DID look like a wicked cool spartan/warrior/runner in Asics!! Hahhaha okay, not as fashionable as the bronze battle armor, but heck that would be a lot heavier to run in and I gotta taper. right? Right!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI0RQTZSVHcb-jJvQri9fCUuNrvuKCzsbo6wemZI8MZ58SdtzuaP80vzsYQ2fKkFTgFeOANHcdvfTSqOtHsePVOmqtTgs4mqiMO0H_9-jn9YUdCqeLrV4-fvWkpf36SpMVwiG_kCFexNG/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI0RQTZSVHcb-jJvQri9fCUuNrvuKCzsbo6wemZI8MZ58SdtzuaP80vzsYQ2fKkFTgFeOANHcdvfTSqOtHsePVOmqtTgs4mqiMO0H_9-jn9YUdCqeLrV4-fvWkpf36SpMVwiG_kCFexNG/s200/IMG_4279.JPG" width="150" /></a>So my teammate Kris Swanson came into Krakow and we met up for a training day. After running a couple km to meet up we ran off to this park which Kris had found on one of the maps. It was a pretty easy route there so that was good! After entering a bit of green from the city we soon ran up a little hill(harder to find in the city) and came upon this epic old track! It was a gravel track surrounding a soccer field in the middle, but the sweetest part was the brick and concrete tiled old stadium that was built around it! It was absolutely epic! You felt like you were running in the middle ages! Some of the concrete slabs were crumbling, bricks were falling off and I'm sure you could hear swords clashing in the background! We did some nice easy laps then Kris did his speed work while I did some stairs.<br />
<br />
How awesome?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheHyRx_Dity4NO7bXUxeG34PhEfeXQHv9aWNl5OZzyo5urcQi23IPhZg5SitlQ_enx5JtYayA2LelBuhhsKd3tjjD6JmsD6dxFKbY6DfHiEk147dDp5Mvhz0PVA6BNEwPvvS3tBUY-DY-/s1600/IMG_4285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheHyRx_Dity4NO7bXUxeG34PhEfeXQHv9aWNl5OZzyo5urcQi23IPhZg5SitlQ_enx5JtYayA2LelBuhhsKd3tjjD6JmsD6dxFKbY6DfHiEk147dDp5Mvhz0PVA6BNEwPvvS3tBUY-DY-/s400/IMG_4285.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Awesome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqcYhZduWUIYlSiuT0d92PqdJPbKPUED78UXvjsp8yUvlNqj2LMRZQxUD2siUUFhwGmOLulyTisX2I2DjWZylv_E2icWGpwKPfvV_cSrLZRmSAQ1G1dHDC7ysB2gzhWNvHo0-Bf2BZcZh/s1600/IMG_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqcYhZduWUIYlSiuT0d92PqdJPbKPUED78UXvjsp8yUvlNqj2LMRZQxUD2siUUFhwGmOLulyTisX2I2DjWZylv_E2icWGpwKPfvV_cSrLZRmSAQ1G1dHDC7ysB2gzhWNvHo0-Bf2BZcZh/s200/IMG_4288.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQz_xDNh-0Fv3EpEEXoT0VyDF0wjwF_VEVz4fTQjBcE_93po7k0HeGRXGfJ_2oOdcJuju8JGnyubGHGEKhsMQ-Iz6FBCb4MLAY8pLdRiT9B4EwJ0LjvQg6yZyL15JKoKAQhQ37uJdzwIEg/s1600/IMG_4329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQz_xDNh-0Fv3EpEEXoT0VyDF0wjwF_VEVz4fTQjBcE_93po7k0HeGRXGfJ_2oOdcJuju8JGnyubGHGEKhsMQ-Iz6FBCb4MLAY8pLdRiT9B4EwJ0LjvQg6yZyL15JKoKAQhQ37uJdzwIEg/s320/IMG_4329.JPG" width="150" /></a>Later on I met up with Aussie team member Nick Wightman and Kris again and we did a walking tour of the Jewish area in old Krakow. It was really informative and I learned a ton, but some parts were pretty heavy. I still can't believe the atrocity of just how many innocent Jewish people were killed.. So so tragic. We enjoyed the tour though and were able to clock in another 3km of walking in our running shoes! No silly sandels for runners! hahahha! After a nice dinner where we had all ordered our sides of grilled veggies and then tossed them on our entrees we headed back to our respective homes. Me back another 3km to start packing up for the next day. I really enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Chopin and they put up with my weird requests for glasses of ice and first aid supplies and massive appetite for breakfast! Hahahahha<br />
<br />
We saw something really cool when we were walking that was really uplifting. Along one of the bridges there were a ton of padlocks. The guide explained to us that each of these padlocks was put on by a couple in love and then they toss the key into the river to represent their never ending love. They often had their names and dates engraved into them too! It was so cool to see so many and so many different ages! Some must have been from over 50 years ago where other ones were sparkling new! <3<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBxrXSxrXVwQu194JD15_OCoR4am4O-Qno4jjhiQJ7eD6BGSBzxjGueTv7fm_E6CPfVhtnikS_ljAIjBB16WIsOswgQWpLsyjsHUQOYyQWN6WO97TXPu_Wy2G0Riio1fJiKcWFNTIzRao/s1600/IMG_4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBxrXSxrXVwQu194JD15_OCoR4am4O-Qno4jjhiQJ7eD6BGSBzxjGueTv7fm_E6CPfVhtnikS_ljAIjBB16WIsOswgQWpLsyjsHUQOYyQWN6WO97TXPu_Wy2G0Riio1fJiKcWFNTIzRao/s320/IMG_4320.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: white;">A new day brings a new adventure and it started off great with a nice facetime chat with my awesome man, Joel. :) And continued on well after that! I was even early for my bus to the airport! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm now at the Pegaz Hotel in Krynica after a fun bus ride with Meggan Franks and her husband, Housten and the whole Aussie team! It seems likes a beautiful hotel and the sun is shining! I'm all settled into my room and am just about to head out for a short jog. I've already run some familiar faces from the American team included Joe Grey. I'm very excited and it's starting to be so real now that we are all starting to arrive!! This is such an incredible experience! I've been having a blast with my teammates, meeting some new members and enjoying a nice dinner. This is a real step up from last year. Very organized and very nice!! Couldn't ask for anything more! </div>
<br />
Talk to you soon!!<br />
<br />
Shannykins<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-32839291192053394382013-09-04T03:38:00.005-07:002013-09-04T03:38:40.605-07:00No Where to Go, But Up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHmv0mWS3JT0UsYBTjxiRjnGMJz6DPhkCr3gnngA1R_UEvB4wiG8tsrQsgjNtguzbnbhFpljZMKpUJHNzru5ohu45kQSHfNkdJI3Q6LVUZB_BsS8K2WRjqo5zoGpb8r5HNiJuCejy18yT/s1600/IMG_4117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHmv0mWS3JT0UsYBTjxiRjnGMJz6DPhkCr3gnngA1R_UEvB4wiG8tsrQsgjNtguzbnbhFpljZMKpUJHNzru5ohu45kQSHfNkdJI3Q6LVUZB_BsS8K2WRjqo5zoGpb8r5HNiJuCejy18yT/s1600/IMG_4117.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Wow! Was today ever spectacular!! It started off right with a nice healthy breakfast of oats, raisins and hot milk and some egg whites with a slab of smoked cheese on toast. No fruit this time.. I think I've discovered the upset tummy issue wasnt food poisoning.. it was allergies to pinapple which was in the fruit salad.. I'm assuming its all doused in pineapple juice from the can cuz I picked out all the pieces.. I discovered this after some eye swelling after eating fruit and oats and yogurt the other morning. So I will stick with my apples and bananas I have in my food stash in my room! Hahahah!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhz8d53JtACUOBmQ3jfEYMi_AHv_D0MOwvnLP6wOmgx8U9pBs_F-X5bBtbHXNbjzmsvOKmQCYqA2iYFWFG8KQi7m5oEBIz5IrVHhhdwZ2z0pTPq4vUO7qL38k5F6-p6CrlT2OgnMoR201/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhz8d53JtACUOBmQ3jfEYMi_AHv_D0MOwvnLP6wOmgx8U9pBs_F-X5bBtbHXNbjzmsvOKmQCYqA2iYFWFG8KQi7m5oEBIz5IrVHhhdwZ2z0pTPq4vUO7qL38k5F6-p6CrlT2OgnMoR201/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
Anyways, on with my story! So I ran into town to get a bike to both get my workout in and explore around some more. My buddy that I made friends with was working there again and he hooked me up with a sweet bike and pink helmet to match my pink shirt! Woohoo!! I rode along the whole waterfront and then went up to this old fort! It was so cool!! I couldn't believe the view from it.. ( i even paid the 9zl they charged (supposed to be 11zl, but they dont like giving change back really and maybe he was just nice to me well, yes he was just nice to me! Hhahah so he let me pay the kids rate.) This big grassy mound is in the middle of the fort that has an astounding view of all of Krakow! It was gorgeous!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWydobd3ajwA5OyJ9EdGAb1S0sH8qjMDTOKk2ywxv24p4i4yPgiwNjkSHgcHAz68A9jvtNk_B8ZcKkYsrV8v2wQjt71HTWDjgLYV3FyBw9x0EC3Q_pONbkxGhxpeaVLgMjmv_4529Oyc2/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWydobd3ajwA5OyJ9EdGAb1S0sH8qjMDTOKk2ywxv24p4i4yPgiwNjkSHgcHAz68A9jvtNk_B8ZcKkYsrV8v2wQjt71HTWDjgLYV3FyBw9x0EC3Q_pONbkxGhxpeaVLgMjmv_4529Oyc2/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well when I was in the fort.. I saw something that must be a requirement for every castle built.. ever. Now I know you must be wondering.. what is this?! Turrets? A drawbridge?! Cannons?! Nie! It is a DISCO BALL! It's not a castle without a disco ball folks! They knew how to live in up back in the day! :D<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXvv-UA-BpkH0f6bKRrWjuY6YNIpzFvUQB7QMfHpetuoCGCE5pyIjs78A-5ds7CqhSqm4iIPF6VEB1IXmcgqiQKnAIc60zi9S2R_crjQrwfr6Wcxu8KXt-vAAINvaH_3G8giZyCoRfjez/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXvv-UA-BpkH0f6bKRrWjuY6YNIpzFvUQB7QMfHpetuoCGCE5pyIjs78A-5ds7CqhSqm4iIPF6VEB1IXmcgqiQKnAIc60zi9S2R_crjQrwfr6Wcxu8KXt-vAAINvaH_3G8giZyCoRfjez/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
Looking up at it I knew it was going to be great and it made me happy I didnt have to run straight up! But it sure reminded me of the Aussie's team slogan for mountain running last year.. "no where to go but up!' It was perfect!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUe_5VZQt7pluqhcQI7NGFc2pxaFibJj6XglQuPHj_62f8_ExN8FF4azOcu4xM8WZ5-9Y0qrnFusK4mdj3wbf7fY6WOeJ2juN7ngMVw3RhlEmCGKjDURTUePoQuhDbJPUSchR5tfGAP8qi/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUe_5VZQt7pluqhcQI7NGFc2pxaFibJj6XglQuPHj_62f8_ExN8FF4azOcu4xM8WZ5-9Y0qrnFusK4mdj3wbf7fY6WOeJ2juN7ngMVw3RhlEmCGKjDURTUePoQuhDbJPUSchR5tfGAP8qi/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
After riding around for 3 hours and hanging out in the fort taking pictures and exploring for another hour I decided it was probably time to head back because I'm supposed to be taking it easy. lol. So i returned the bike and chilled out in the main square to enjoy some people watching and light greek yogurt that I found in the little grocery shop! I might have been the only weirdo there in athletic gear, stretching and eating healthy high protein post workout snacks... okay yes, fine i admit.. i was the only weirdo doing that!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyBQm5Fc6yfeF_Umg7ib8GJtKSadtjFOqjIzMNGZlMQKDsgNwXQojIHJBiQjET-aLSr_gRtsK2j-eutfFXVChn18cEoffXiNPyIq9wm_02mbUSpxGAUpGfPeG_zhJgLZYbg6XUTIuH-sw/s1600/IMG_4234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyBQm5Fc6yfeF_Umg7ib8GJtKSadtjFOqjIzMNGZlMQKDsgNwXQojIHJBiQjET-aLSr_gRtsK2j-eutfFXVChn18cEoffXiNPyIq9wm_02mbUSpxGAUpGfPeG_zhJgLZYbg6XUTIuH-sw/s1600/IMG_4234.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
It was a gorgeous day and I really loved being out there! I found some whole wheat pasta for dins (a shocking surprise!) and had a nice relaxing evening in the hotel. I can't believe I head to Kryinca so soon!! It's starting to become real again!! Ahhhhh!! Exciting! I'm starting to feel a bit nervous now too! Can't wait!<br />
<br />
Love and hugs,<br />
<br />
Shanny<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhlMDaBzUy0FJVjJ5BN3W24EYTGp05nFORTFfer9LlJGu1M9JwRCa9DrU30q63r5ivol4icz1eEvdXO5Pqf9JRwV0iuc5sR3xmPW024Ix8iYqr4_bOYIwSDUNZf7bd1d2Q5c2NBRqKS8c/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhlMDaBzUy0FJVjJ5BN3W24EYTGp05nFORTFfer9LlJGu1M9JwRCa9DrU30q63r5ivol4icz1eEvdXO5Pqf9JRwV0iuc5sR3xmPW024Ix8iYqr4_bOYIwSDUNZf7bd1d2Q5c2NBRqKS8c/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-72544113891741575642013-09-03T12:07:00.003-07:002013-09-03T12:07:50.790-07:00Wieliczka Salt Mine!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6VpT2RDBGHW6ueB2o96yBdkkqLG4W2rjqfSExbeg78mcTcVYqdp2NAxzsU1c3zD5CN5BP9FT0eJdP2hl39Hs7QXBYnU8UKRphiYmU2udKb1BYMaXVmtTez2dJFRSXhStqX5dAgkpVm7x/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6VpT2RDBGHW6ueB2o96yBdkkqLG4W2rjqfSExbeg78mcTcVYqdp2NAxzsU1c3zD5CN5BP9FT0eJdP2hl39Hs7QXBYnU8UKRphiYmU2udKb1BYMaXVmtTez2dJFRSXhStqX5dAgkpVm7x/s200/IMG_4009.JPG" width="150" /></a>I made sure to wake up early and leave early to make sure I had time to catch my bus time! No diddle daddling! And yes, I made it with plenty of time to spare! I proudly stood out front and waited for the bus after being a major keener and being one of the first people there! Hahaha. Anyways, our group was smaller so our guide was saying with only 21 people. It was a nice size group and people seemed to be from everywhere.. yet everyone pretty much kept to themselves. So many people speak multiple languages in Europe! It's so cool. Everyone was on the English tour, but I could pick out at least 4 different languages spoken just within our group too. The salt mine was really cool! I had no idea how big it was! In the 2 hours we spent inside of the mine, we saw less that 1% of the mine!! Crazy, we covered 2km walking too!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa_NMWg5c9rsip4oIkd8JhCl8PmNnp38geMLPIwvqX7G072K0geoCAmxSoaBq3X-OyxC6SUuHXup03ozqB3F0l8FnJB0b-t4Ffcxb2-UGQthmvh_OyEUQzG80G0GvA7AumSkB6BPB5lat/s1600/IMG_4034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGa_NMWg5c9rsip4oIkd8JhCl8PmNnp38geMLPIwvqX7G072K0geoCAmxSoaBq3X-OyxC6SUuHXup03ozqB3F0l8FnJB0b-t4Ffcxb2-UGQthmvh_OyEUQzG80G0GvA7AumSkB6BPB5lat/s200/IMG_4034.JPG" width="150" /></a>The mine itself was really cool, we started it off by going down a ton of wooden stairs.. which of course I considered running up, (as it turns out theres actually a firefighters race that does that carrying all their gear!) The tunnels are dug right into the salt which is so cool! Our guide Sebastian was showing us that even though it looked grey, the floor, walls and statues were all actually made of salt and when you held a light up to it is when translucent!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn8Zru-DjQmRIFYyp3MuBVUwK5MU3Eqmwy5fIAYxkgZmDqf_RmaPKXKGkU34qPi3JFBlXvMaJrGdoB9sdlqV_PlybTcmawNsBPB49ovw_vrtucet4kHSqxzFpxpBqUqwmrwZoIyBdAOPv/s1600/IMG_4045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn8Zru-DjQmRIFYyp3MuBVUwK5MU3Eqmwy5fIAYxkgZmDqf_RmaPKXKGkU34qPi3JFBlXvMaJrGdoB9sdlqV_PlybTcmawNsBPB49ovw_vrtucet4kHSqxzFpxpBqUqwmrwZoIyBdAOPv/s200/IMG_4045.JPG" width="139" /></a>That's one thing I didn't expect.. all the incredible carvings!! It was beautiful to have these elaborate decorations in the mines against all the rough old wooden machines on display. One of the coolest things I saw other than the salt that looked like cauliflower, was the chandeliers made of salt crystals! Sooo amazing!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZ8wO9l2cqzDQLYEvT411xI2uvXtY8lgpSWLcLWyOh3ZXrzAKx9t2YMaTZq5E4_LuczQHygFSQ9ysH1_5frFY8OrkCEFY3fqJzKCCVbfHRVqdfb8Ytqy5idEzIeqAD980PRUMob20Z_lc/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZ8wO9l2cqzDQLYEvT411xI2uvXtY8lgpSWLcLWyOh3ZXrzAKx9t2YMaTZq5E4_LuczQHygFSQ9ysH1_5frFY8OrkCEFY3fqJzKCCVbfHRVqdfb8Ytqy5idEzIeqAD980PRUMob20Z_lc/s200/IMG_4057.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
At the end of the tour we were able to take the miners elevator up which packed 9 people into a tiny compartment, much like the sardines of the Grouse Mountain Gondola in the peak of the winter season! It was a suuuper fast elevator and whipped us up 125m in no time!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnnb_J1OEJJ7Ixd6g3gHOqa2g0zI9-hGwZ_s7OVvtm7qiFCPPfrUiF17WcFJGKRrF4WhQH09htTIa74byiEwjnc9jpEc15s2xtJn0RiOCDcXg3LKbg5UfaYIt__8EOJgQ1FL2u4VF6v0o/s1600/IMG_4059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnnb_J1OEJJ7Ixd6g3gHOqa2g0zI9-hGwZ_s7OVvtm7qiFCPPfrUiF17WcFJGKRrF4WhQH09htTIa74byiEwjnc9jpEc15s2xtJn0RiOCDcXg3LKbg5UfaYIt__8EOJgQ1FL2u4VF6v0o/s200/IMG_4059.JPG" width="200" /></a>After the tour, I headed back to the hotel and had a nice little workout in the old but decent gym at the hotel. After that I was a good girl and rolled and stretched and iced. And then got a suuuuper yummy dinner! I had planned on going into the Old Town again, but then it started raining on my 2.5km walk into town so I shortened it and just went to the mall. Theres a tooon of places to eat in there and one of the restaurants was serving major yum yums! I got the baked eggplant stuffed with walnuts, spinach and mozzerella then covered in tomato sauce.. omg.. it was incredible. I need to go there again! I couldn't believe how yummy it was! It's crazy how you can find some amazing deals here if you look in the right places! My dinner cost me 19zl which is about $6 canadian. say waaaa! heyoooo! Gotta love that!<br />
<br />
There was also something cool down there which marks it a monumental day.. toilets! Bahah! This marks the second weirdest place I've taken a potty break and I can now say I've peed both on top of a mountain and 125m underground!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9LV7r3AtJWhmC__P1WIIcP9QZbBtfZI3tfyfATB7wRhvYJsAmJ5gFe_4wdFTMk6yMvV4ay-r0AX7Voroc41MtYBdvEUOX75H5_JOkmB7o0AeKP10u78NmBjDhnmUwwZVhm0G23SBFN4X/s1600/IMG_4104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9LV7r3AtJWhmC__P1WIIcP9QZbBtfZI3tfyfATB7wRhvYJsAmJ5gFe_4wdFTMk6yMvV4ay-r0AX7Voroc41MtYBdvEUOX75H5_JOkmB7o0AeKP10u78NmBjDhnmUwwZVhm0G23SBFN4X/s320/IMG_4104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyways that's my big day! Hope you all had wonderful ones too!<br />
<br />
Love, love, love,<br />
<br />
<br />
ShannyShannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-41093492042830546102013-09-02T00:06:00.000-07:002013-09-02T00:06:02.883-07:00On Two WheelsWell, I've definitely had a few more challenges this trip than I did last time, but I've been having a great time! Yesterday was rainy so I decided it would be a great day to do the salt mine tour! So I ran into town in the morning bought my ticket for the next leaving tour then ran back to the hotel to pack a lunch and such. I had to put on some pants and warmer clothes too and ended up being 5 mins late after I had to stop at the store which had a very unexpected line up at the cashier! I arrived saw a big bus and was like yeeeeees! Went into the store to announce my arrival and get on the bus.. only to learn that mine had already left! Bah! Fortunately they were kind enough to defer my ticket to the next day so I'm leaving early this morning. Hahahah!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDUY7ZWM_GQiaYE4W_QirIU-E2byuMPAg_QnXBcAj9VEzO4P4_pPtFrdYm3mzG9_MC5_n6RHBYISW19P36b5QcRswJwtVDJK3B4fGuadiVjbGnu7hi_4z2Z1AnAYFOvhaExPA8LiJGqfp/s1600/P8310332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDUY7ZWM_GQiaYE4W_QirIU-E2byuMPAg_QnXBcAj9VEzO4P4_pPtFrdYm3mzG9_MC5_n6RHBYISW19P36b5QcRswJwtVDJK3B4fGuadiVjbGnu7hi_4z2Z1AnAYFOvhaExPA8LiJGqfp/s200/P8310332.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
After that bombed, I noticed a flyer for the rent a bike place in Krakow and was reminded that I had wanted to do that! So I headed into the main square and quickly made buddies with the rent a bike guys. They spent about 30 mins with me going over possible options on where to ride. The park I really want to see looks really confusing to bike to.. so I decided to veedo that and opted for a easier route.. which ended up being too confusing anyways. I really need to get better at reading a map! Lol. Anyways, I had a lovely ride in the rain (they thought i was crazy for wanting to take a bike out in this weather..) went around the Planty again then headed water front crossed the bridge and did the whole coast line. I saw the coolest/weirdest thing!! They built a beach!! Theres this big barge that they put a swimming pool in and then on the hill above it they built a platform with a sandy beach! There's lawn chairs, umbrellas, a playground and beach volleyball courts! So cool!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCFlwYkaccC8FVxQkuko8KDaQdxy33OuRrSrvSi-xfqL0iMsvKpZtTAKKJtNCjQk-WWFgplFd1Gpi8H9dGlQ0pLrcSK5_pwJ1_855tv9K8iZJg-LktuDJR-G229bH8_VtcHldpgRQMSRb/s1600/P8310341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCFlwYkaccC8FVxQkuko8KDaQdxy33OuRrSrvSi-xfqL0iMsvKpZtTAKKJtNCjQk-WWFgplFd1Gpi8H9dGlQ0pLrcSK5_pwJ1_855tv9K8iZJg-LktuDJR-G229bH8_VtcHldpgRQMSRb/s200/P8310341.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Then kept going along the road to get to hopefully these lakes or monastery that most ppl want to see thats about 10km away from the main square.. well I did better than that and went way past the monastery and continued into the next town through the polish farm land. It was quite pretty!! Making it to the next town meant that I miss my turn however, lol so I headed back after having my peanut butter and banana sandwich. The way home was a lot quicker it seemed, but when I got into a little village I decided to try to go up on the curb so i wouldnt have to be close to the cars.. few as they may be.. i saw the lip of the curb and thought ohhhh no this is how i always fell as a kid... "no shannon, you can do it..." BOOM! lol no shannon you still cant do it! blast! sooo embarrassing. I ate it, but had my helmet on and such so stayed safe, dont worry! Just a few new battle wounds to my poor shins n bruise on my hand. they have taken a hammering this year! but what falls off must get back on and after pickin up my pride.. or what was left of it i climbed back on and rode back to the waterfront and enjoyed riding for another hour. After returning my bike I headed home to warm up and drink my keffir, it's quite popular here! Did some laundry in the shower and chilled out to write my blog.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh836_olR5bTxMzosS3vSPKP0PrRGoZxxQNmHAswoTBZlQndisqNOYLVOs0Qys-lsaHOUwGklbHjALtsjMMRy-4g5kO-X6e7zSq4-Ljoj_LDb-ZT9WmH0hk6WDXhGj2ADRxs3mVeovuyTKb/s1600/P8310342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh836_olR5bTxMzosS3vSPKP0PrRGoZxxQNmHAswoTBZlQndisqNOYLVOs0Qys-lsaHOUwGklbHjALtsjMMRy-4g5kO-X6e7zSq4-Ljoj_LDb-ZT9WmH0hk6WDXhGj2ADRxs3mVeovuyTKb/s200/P8310342.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Later on I went out for dinner after looking at reviews online.. found a great restaurant called Dynia! It has italian food and is super affordable. I made the big trek there, which was a lot colder than I thought.. the sun had come out in the afternoon, but it didnt warm up much to my surprise! lol. I got the most amazing pasta! Never would have expected that in Poland, but hey good food is everywhere! And Italy is closer to Poland than it is to Canada! My spaghetti was a mountain of sundried tomatoes, eggplant, spinach and goat cheese! NOOOM! I ate the whole thing! Hahah I guess that isn't a surprise if you know me and my appetite, but I was even impressed that my tummy held it all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iBZQtTz7Tdp4TzVV9dbqeiiB3LBNQYbBErDbPnIdMjwTbyjMaqTKp4bS855xF-2mmfWeyYLnYo2yfbkOntN8V57N1Gaxglc1lBvkyB0rveHgWG6YPBO0ROpHFKuJitaE55wmuVyw0Mjk/s1600/IMG_4004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iBZQtTz7Tdp4TzVV9dbqeiiB3LBNQYbBErDbPnIdMjwTbyjMaqTKp4bS855xF-2mmfWeyYLnYo2yfbkOntN8V57N1Gaxglc1lBvkyB0rveHgWG6YPBO0ROpHFKuJitaE55wmuVyw0Mjk/s200/IMG_4004.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Anyways, I better go so that I make sure I make my bus this time!! Hahahhaha<br />
<br />
Love and laughs,<br />
Shanny<br />
<br />
<br />
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-62645643691124999642013-09-01T08:53:00.005-07:002022-02-10T20:08:20.077-08:00Dzień DobryGood morning!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope you had a great slumber! I'm back to update you on my days! Hurray!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yesterday:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKwC_y_vacQ22YyoATgSCWIALcZngD_J3tNUtRgfpmI3Ox9TaW8ZF5lmAm7YXHdh37aRckR1GK9LgX-JN1i323BxiS6dayt47hvWSZUPYtsLZ7XwHNkDWRUASAnf6DjCpaGcnHIBGQL3I/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKwC_y_vacQ22YyoATgSCWIALcZngD_J3tNUtRgfpmI3Ox9TaW8ZF5lmAm7YXHdh37aRckR1GK9LgX-JN1i323BxiS6dayt47hvWSZUPYtsLZ7XwHNkDWRUASAnf6DjCpaGcnHIBGQL3I/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4Fkl4EY68oDpOLWLj9x61P6N0cq-avadLXlb7-ONV8e3gfsQDmXOuK2VnguyHjmk4uqYaTZ7rzf8AJblt5yKXBasKH_j2UDeXn6h8zNzoOcerQz8rQMfMZLo11PJ0dFjnxsVhR0HEa-_/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4Fkl4EY68oDpOLWLj9x61P6N0cq-avadLXlb7-ONV8e3gfsQDmXOuK2VnguyHjmk4uqYaTZ7rzf8AJblt5yKXBasKH_j2UDeXn6h8zNzoOcerQz8rQMfMZLo11PJ0dFjnxsVhR0HEa-_/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" width="200" /></a>Talk about feeling the time difference! The day before had been great- didn't really notice a difference at all and I went to bed nice and tired like I should have been.. but then woke up at 2am.. my body was convinced it should have been awake and should be eating dinner! I tried very hard to tell it otherwise.. sweet talk it into considering the possibility of sleep and me.. but it was a tough cookie~ At 6am I called it quits and got up and doodled around until 625am so that I could get some breakie that starts at 6:30am. After some healthy oats, fruit and yogurt I said what the heck, lets hit the road and see if I can run to the lake I had read about the night before! Followed the waterfront path all the way to one of the bridges when I brought out the tourist map (flashing sign for people to point and laugh.. not really, but you know what i mean) and I navigated through some tiny and some busy streets to find the entrance to the park. It had a paved road that I ran along into it and it was there I ran into a whole bunch of movie set crews! They were filming that day but luckily hadnt started because.. who else is awake at that hour, so I was able to run through and with the help of sign language I was able to find the quarry and lake!! WOW! Beauuuutiful!! I ran a bit around the lake, took some pics and found the biggest snails ever! They must feed them MiracleGrow out here.. it was the size of my index finger!! I'll have to put up a pic to show you!! </div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhdnrXsukGeLgdAyv0W-yGp8EJlp0-XQknj_Y4ZbClCz6s_pLfP77bSZok8pfRVdWIdTeg_8FBFrh5m1cZQK7xkN6WYl03slgzXzBhWqnGNsrMxQRn3nedd5ggALEuTH2ckkyw4YTLQ9D/s1600/IMG_3731.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhdnrXsukGeLgdAyv0W-yGp8EJlp0-XQknj_Y4ZbClCz6s_pLfP77bSZok8pfRVdWIdTeg_8FBFrh5m1cZQK7xkN6WYl03slgzXzBhWqnGNsrMxQRn3nedd5ggALEuTH2ckkyw4YTLQ9D/s1600/IMG_3731.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU5RKgUk-hJIkTmnEqxa5cXpaPgfeUGfsnspqHLkNtYE1szxMKYAenb_snuhalN59B0c8P0B3l-ipPvqV7SQ-bNWDZok3n6t2DOo179f3TxaiGYhBg6HypEbS1gX8kY6YQBcXgoPMmuZ7/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU5RKgUk-hJIkTmnEqxa5cXpaPgfeUGfsnspqHLkNtYE1szxMKYAenb_snuhalN59B0c8P0B3l-ipPvqV7SQ-bNWDZok3n6t2DOo179f3TxaiGYhBg6HypEbS1gX8kY6YQBcXgoPMmuZ7/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" width="200" /></a>The path was very cool, but unfortunately there was a ton of post partying litter and garbage! Boo! Why do people do that to trails?!!? The run was feeling good but then my tummy started really being unhappy. I had some pain the "night" before-when i lay awake, but didn't think anything of it.. maybe should have. After seeing the lake and taking as many pics as I could, i headed off running back to the hotel. I ended up having to stop and walk early to keep my tummy attached, but I made it back! That's what counts! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzxUmNvj-FZP50iwlDQPBAjHLGVRukeCBLJe_HTnpr39zo9DHWK6hhH3S4_bcVjI1YzPGWCnFMHUoJIhe5Olf7Y3IJ1KYcL7jQp8CXJMZEZLVq2Jtz5903ac6pJ3PzU0GFe-cOZLTfkIg/s1600/IMG_3745.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzxUmNvj-FZP50iwlDQPBAjHLGVRukeCBLJe_HTnpr39zo9DHWK6hhH3S4_bcVjI1YzPGWCnFMHUoJIhe5Olf7Y3IJ1KYcL7jQp8CXJMZEZLVq2Jtz5903ac6pJ3PzU0GFe-cOZLTfkIg/s1600/IMG_3745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK6c1eJsVPkW8UuMVJKbJlFbLnrws6gCdAi0jK0fRPG_DHIR_GgSQOzfMGkT0S0nvt2HZbSUeovbXJE_n9txbxipKhNSqjJ28oulMCK_On8Cp5H_6tz95eoCQz6a90Z6ri7OlxOkGZVC8/s1600/IMG_3775.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK6c1eJsVPkW8UuMVJKbJlFbLnrws6gCdAi0jK0fRPG_DHIR_GgSQOzfMGkT0S0nvt2HZbSUeovbXJE_n9txbxipKhNSqjJ28oulMCK_On8Cp5H_6tz95eoCQz6a90Z6ri7OlxOkGZVC8/s1600/IMG_3775.JPG" width="150" /></a>A bit later I could be found passed out sleeping on the bed with the sunshine streaming in for a solid two hours. Bleeeeeh! But I was feeling better than before and promptly ate my peanut butter n banana sanny. nom noms. Since it was only about 2, I was able to finish my original plan for the day... THE ZOO!!! YAAAAY! I havent been to the zoo since i was a wee little one!! So excited!! I caught a bus there and had a blast seeing all the animals! It was a great zoo! They had all the major animals you expect and hope for at the zoo like tigers, lions, elephants and sea lions.. but they had two animals that really blew my mind... RACCOONS AND CANADIAN GEESE! (oh and a skunk too) Bahahahhah!! Sooo funny to see these animals we consider pests featured at the zoo! hahahhahha! I guess that's what people from other areas think when they come to our zoo too! The chimpanzee scared the beans out of a group of tourists when it jumped at them, the gorilla climbed the hanging tires, the tiger stood and layed back down, the sea lion smiled and made goo-goo eyes and the little tiny monkey had enough off my pictures and turned him bum to me. IT WAS AWESOME!</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZG3Z8LWl3iqvPmsSwcyP16xf3DfAP0ElAlBytWORFS2Rx7JpnN2KgHdDvrjbUFZy8I9d-UGmrt_6rq0ccG841WmMcg9oE_kg0klIaTD8zL6XN6Kfr8MW6Cu6Gz9jseHf-Wp1urCfQQLMm/s1600/IMG_3944.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZG3Z8LWl3iqvPmsSwcyP16xf3DfAP0ElAlBytWORFS2Rx7JpnN2KgHdDvrjbUFZy8I9d-UGmrt_6rq0ccG841WmMcg9oE_kg0klIaTD8zL6XN6Kfr8MW6Cu6Gz9jseHf-Wp1urCfQQLMm/s1600/IMG_3944.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Had some delicious cabbage rolls and some sort of grilled polish cheese for dinner and had a nice relaxing evening :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh yeah! I almost forgot.. when I was finishing up dinner.. look what rolled up! A tricked out carriage!! Dwwwaaaaaaammmnnnn! Lol!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzexEcvTnrpWzpCKfBnkdaPLcd1tP29xFduXufPeVY_cpqCJ2OuOTS_HLMOY5LZe5MurTZSgeJG8rGTHxzT3g7FiU87eiuGOmNalOdnhrNLEwmbOY1BGC9RDlAOqmpywDkZyy-llRtqMIi/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzexEcvTnrpWzpCKfBnkdaPLcd1tP29xFduXufPeVY_cpqCJ2OuOTS_HLMOY5LZe5MurTZSgeJG8rGTHxzT3g7FiU87eiuGOmNalOdnhrNLEwmbOY1BGC9RDlAOqmpywDkZyy-llRtqMIi/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways... this is really long so Ill just write about yesterday and make todays later on so i don't make you go cross eyed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love, love, love! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shanny</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-19556526494870957732013-08-30T13:13:00.001-07:002013-08-30T13:13:59.595-07:00Cześć, Kraków!Aka.. Hi, Krakow!!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've arrived save and sound at my hotel last night and have been out and about running around Krakow all day! Needless to say.. my feet are now tired and sore and so I'm being a bed potato and blogging! Hurraaaah for you! You get to read my rambles! So now for your eyes content, enjoy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlkt0I7OJHyWgSYPRjWooSj7bvFS3hKjiwAV76ud8jhyphenhypheneUdZ-q0UtMEyqpsK3_M6Od0faGPCd34vtNdfXqroRWZOjpfRsX2DayUoDUZIEBP_DdA6KLNQDs_6xqrRVRHvgSYF8Jl6ijKW1/s1600/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlkt0I7OJHyWgSYPRjWooSj7bvFS3hKjiwAV76ud8jhyphenhypheneUdZ-q0UtMEyqpsK3_M6Od0faGPCd34vtNdfXqroRWZOjpfRsX2DayUoDUZIEBP_DdA6KLNQDs_6xqrRVRHvgSYF8Jl6ijKW1/s200/IMG_3558.JPG" width="150" /></a>The Stare Miasto hosts the awesome Old Town and luckily for me, its only a short run or walk away! Today I decided to explore it in the best way I know.. running! Strapping on my hot pink Brooks Pure Flows and matching hot pink Nathan handheld, I hit the roads this morning! There is a gorgeous green belt that surrounds the Old Town called the Planty which is perfect for running (although I didn't see any other runners), biking and strolling. Hidden in the green belt there's tons of benches, statues, monuments, water features and gardens. It was really nice to get a bit of my green fix for the day after so much plane and bus time yesterday! </div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFTgYMRFWhKLhuEQtO3Ch8QOymGhK6e1UVB06RVhIT-MxMjCT9eWaLHLmlJlo_zBPS96K3OSOQzf8HQBnTvq81P-XsehqlxjlP30bALcEMyPVg1A03xT4cYwmQsqO14diaclsBsON0s0D/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFTgYMRFWhKLhuEQtO3Ch8QOymGhK6e1UVB06RVhIT-MxMjCT9eWaLHLmlJlo_zBPS96K3OSOQzf8HQBnTvq81P-XsehqlxjlP30bALcEMyPVg1A03xT4cYwmQsqO14diaclsBsON0s0D/s200/IMG_3562.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Near the water is Wawel Castle, which I had to run to obviously (much to the confusion in some peoples faces when I was speedy and they were stationary/slowitary) haha yes I just made up slowitary incase you are wondering. It's a really neat little castle! Loved the views of the water out front and the big castle doors!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNLIMC95IWiRtdHrtDbfiu5MiIKcXpauvULUyslfNt8OeuQGP3Y12VG2GxwyNa-5uI8HoFdauBh81kRFN5_2MbmGg2Nc0vTHEFS971MOGql68TSk2Vn5vFulzVBnfitMqGvW6NmhOoUIb/s1600/IMG_3584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNLIMC95IWiRtdHrtDbfiu5MiIKcXpauvULUyslfNt8OeuQGP3Y12VG2GxwyNa-5uI8HoFdauBh81kRFN5_2MbmGg2Nc0vTHEFS971MOGql68TSk2Vn5vFulzVBnfitMqGvW6NmhOoUIb/s200/IMG_3584.JPG" width="200" /></a>The Old Town features cobblestone roads, few cars, tons of stores, outdoor markets, restaurants, souveniers, tourists and fun! It reminded me a bit of Italy, but was very much Polish, not Italian! There were horse drawn carriage tours, people dressed in costumes (knights, polish outfits, and scary grim reapers and, most, randomly of all Tigger). Don't ask, cuz I don't know! Lol! I loved seeing the huts filled with massive grills covered in meat, sausages, saurkraut, veggies and potatoes! There are pretzels everywhere too! Holy smokes! I must have ran and walked past no fewer than 20 little pretzel carts! Hahaha! No shortage of carbs here! I would absolutely reccommend checking this place out if you are ever in Krakow! One favourite was a metalwork stand where they not only sold forged metal, but were hammering it right there! SOO COOL! I spent a ton of time hanging out infront if that place just watching! Way better than TV!</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N9MnU42IWK3Y5xWo8i0lPzSglS2uWTc6yJFUucSUHa8PbuzGu87OzIiD_tYoerci6dymPJHpZsDaoEMIqV2XWEX3AENIDq3Z6m5dV6OiddwBgzTIB_zqfuHEJxHcrPRi_pWWOTNr3bKD/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N9MnU42IWK3Y5xWo8i0lPzSglS2uWTc6yJFUucSUHa8PbuzGu87OzIiD_tYoerci6dymPJHpZsDaoEMIqV2XWEX3AENIDq3Z6m5dV6OiddwBgzTIB_zqfuHEJxHcrPRi_pWWOTNr3bKD/s200/IMG_3601.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
I've stalked up on crucial food items after finding a grocery store.. aka bananas, peanut butter (yes I was able to find it, Joel you were right!) and bread.. hellooooo peanut butter and banana sandwich! And discovered the best pirogies I've ever eaten at Zapiecek Polskie Pierogarnie! They have a ton of different fillings and are super affordable! Plus the borscht was good too! My first real Polish meal! The pork neck, tomato salad and potatoes didnt feel as polish as this did! Hahah </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, I'm waiting on the weather to see what I get up to tomorrow so you will have to wait and see.. just like me! Hahah</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all and take care!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shanny</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
~Run happy, live happy, be happy~<br /><br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-77162853723958008522013-08-29T06:08:00.001-07:002022-02-10T19:57:14.505-08:00Fly Time!
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkl9ml1oai8jpmHCUBuWGEixc7DiaGtAfxwTuOQcfavNFVAwD58k-nMMmxoTm3K2wBh-5OtAtC196B6xYoOUe3PfhKzceKH1Fvflv9k1axuXHQWjcfLILxQ8ojxiZWiTyWF_Q4kjyTsCX4/s1600/IMG_3534.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkl9ml1oai8jpmHCUBuWGEixc7DiaGtAfxwTuOQcfavNFVAwD58k-nMMmxoTm3K2wBh-5OtAtC196B6xYoOUe3PfhKzceKH1Fvflv9k1axuXHQWjcfLILxQ8ojxiZWiTyWF_Q4kjyTsCX4/s1600/IMG_3534.JPG" width="200" /></a>Well, well, well.. I can’t believe how fast the last few
months have flown by! And when I say flown, I mean really fly, like how I’m in
the air right now! It’s been the summer of my dreams.. each weekend I conquered mountains both near and in Whistler. The sights, smells, sounds
and stinky socks have been unreal!!! Crazily enough, this is the first weekend
I don’t have plans to run a mountain.. but that could always change.. Zakopane
is supposed to be beautiful… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh485t2fyYCzR7iNAfQ78vqZoV38u8Eers2iJmb4zUXZpRMZMne23n9ufnpi8cCVMN-epq1x3oZ1ue3Pnl09TurDvpfE8VtINfiUyo5k9ybjm01ZB3m57PuWW_4yffxAKsxbdHh2mRSSAQo/s1600/IMG_3535.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh485t2fyYCzR7iNAfQ78vqZoV38u8Eers2iJmb4zUXZpRMZMne23n9ufnpi8cCVMN-epq1x3oZ1ue3Pnl09TurDvpfE8VtINfiUyo5k9ybjm01ZB3m57PuWW_4yffxAKsxbdHh2mRSSAQo/s1600/IMG_3535.JPG" width="200" /></a>Anyways, that leads me to my point! I’m on my way to Poland
for the 2013 World Mountain Running Championships at the moment! It’s been a
long plane ride thus far, but really good! Bringing snacks on was definitely
smart and I have enjoyed having my bagel and cream cheese. The little pasta
dinners are a lot smaller than my normal plate! Bahha! I did pull together the
pieces on the tray and make a little sandwich too though! That was a tastier
way to eat the littte assortment! And yes, I was that weirdo doing lunges,
squats and calf raises as well as stretching and rolling my feet about 2 hours
into the flight. Hahahha! I managed to drift in and out of sleep for maybe an
hour or so.. better than last time! Too excited to sleep now though, plus we
are almost ready for our breakfast.. and landing in Frankfurt in 2 hours. Its
starting to feel a lot more real now and I’m getting pumped for arriving! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwFpsB61xksgZ9rcwQE_S1C5TKAHoqnz7PPAF_1R96tJnch7jnex5Cdq2vrxPZMcZxCbxNPj4ewA9X0bvjH1gipmcYlEKL_RnppWT2rZWaneFTxL5a6FN33lCRfyHrKQRslRMPuLVjlhd/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwFpsB61xksgZ9rcwQE_S1C5TKAHoqnz7PPAF_1R96tJnch7jnex5Cdq2vrxPZMcZxCbxNPj4ewA9X0bvjH1gipmcYlEKL_RnppWT2rZWaneFTxL5a6FN33lCRfyHrKQRslRMPuLVjlhd/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just wanted to give you an update and thanks to all my
wonderful friends, family, acquaintances and running community for all the love
and support. Its been incredible to know I have so many people behind me.. even
if they just met me! What an amazing feeling!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More updates to come, but take care for now. Love you all so
much!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ps. I figured out a new favourite saying the other day.. I
duno if someone else said it.. im sure they have but I guess I will too if
that’s the case:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Run happy, live happy, be happy <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shanny</div>
<br />
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-42365130031775104012013-06-28T07:19:00.002-07:002022-02-10T19:52:51.591-08:00Blue Skies and a Scotiabank 1/2 MarathonOpening the drapes in the morning and being smiled upon by sunshine and blue skies: awesome!!! Opening the drapes in the morning and be smiled upon by sunny blue skies on race day: priceless! What a morning Sunday was! As soon as I saw the day, I knew it was time to play (even if it was 5:30am)!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The 2013 Scotiabank 1/2 Marathon marked my second road race ever! Knowing a bit more what they are about, I was super keen to have another great experience like the BMO 1/2 Marathon and excited to run fast!!! "Beep, beep!" In the words of Road Runner, or "Meep, Meep!!" As I always thought he said! I got to UBC without a problem and danced into the bathroom in the stadiums that us lucky runners found avoiding the scent of port-o-potties and line ups! Score!! Now it was time to warm up! The legs felt pretty darn good and not sore after our 9km trail run the day before so that was one big weight off my shoulders and wearing my new pink Acsics outfit I knew I was set!! I mean it matched my hot pink Brooks Pure Flows and 2XU compression socks! Could I ask for more?! Oh wait, what about some great tunes to bust it out to: Tiesto! Boom!!! Starting warm up I heard some clicks beside us and looked over to see Rob Shaer's happy self and camera clicking away! Gooooood mornin!! And cue race time!<br />
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_uO23dIojlmP32Mj_mIiU6kkTfDUYqWhj0KCjx16Jb2t9eiGXKiUC0hJzwF0TB-9I17TmxFuMLoyY4MeyejmeDD3OLOdseUdxFUah5CcZMKH1qFLv7Aqv2GGvzaKlYOltyfuPmIsvT35/s960/942604_10151728999478846_1701916490_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_uO23dIojlmP32Mj_mIiU6kkTfDUYqWhj0KCjx16Jb2t9eiGXKiUC0hJzwF0TB-9I17TmxFuMLoyY4MeyejmeDD3OLOdseUdxFUah5CcZMKH1qFLv7Aqv2GGvzaKlYOltyfuPmIsvT35/s400/942604_10151728999478846_1701916490_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Being near the front end of the sub 1:50 corral meant we were able to kick it off strong and run, run, run!! I joined into the count down and leaped into the air as soon as it was go-time! If I had been wearing bare feet a holler of "Yabba Dabba Doooooo!" Would have been absolutely fitting as my feeties flew into action! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Less crowded and able to navigate through crowds I had a blast dodging past runners and found a great pace to make time yet preserve fuel for the next 21km! The long road flats were quick to bop through and I excitedly picked out the few little kids and families watching to give high fives too! So cute!! I love seeing families out together and especially exposing their children to this active fun activity! Learning to support others and be healthy is so important! Riding on cloud 9 from my high fives I kicked it up a notch more knowing the downhill would be coming soon! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Running felt great!! I was pushing myself hard, but was able to find that perfect pace that busts it out without burning you out! I even found myself using the runners around me as encouragement to push it harder to make that pass or draft in around a corner. Kudos to the naked man from Wreck Beach promoting the naked run!!! That was hilarious! He got a huge peace sign and laugh out of me! Busting down the long hill, I gave my legs the reins and let them go wild! It was a blast flying down with the breeze cooling you off! The scenery of the ocean front was gorgeous!!! Blue oceans, lush forested mountains and the North Shor: wow!! I think I ran looking sideways for a big chunk of that! Talk about a beautiful city to live in! Vancouver, you rock!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qEWazwE2daxTPOZrviEFOoI1IpeGNJSqdFQoI4ZMeBo32142YcxuUY5fy6CUSRRD4TJ4FHfkhB-u_UH-QIerYS2HyuMoznmQhg2dnVCcBhnpf9v9Kntsrw4ZrbDTE6ZhppwCS9CNeq9G/s960/1010590_10151729003493846_2143056561_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qEWazwE2daxTPOZrviEFOoI1IpeGNJSqdFQoI4ZMeBo32142YcxuUY5fy6CUSRRD4TJ4FHfkhB-u_UH-QIerYS2HyuMoznmQhg2dnVCcBhnpf9v9Kntsrw4ZrbDTE6ZhppwCS9CNeq9G/s400/1010590_10151729003493846_2143056561_n.jpg" width="265" /></a>Hitting 10km I was feeling some of my efforts and had to push it harder to keep up my pace. Gotta love the challenge but it also plays with your head and it becomes more of a mental challenge as well as a physical challenge! Gel in and smile plastered on I ran on! A few silly faces, thank yous to supporters and volunteers, police and jumps (no I didn't ninja jump this time like I did in the BMO, this was more an exhilarated leap of joy!) Seeing Rob upcoming I quickly grabbed a gaterade cup and then ran over taking a quick sip! Lost in my happiness and excitedness to get a picture: I pranced into the air: as did my cup of hydration as it flew into a graceful rainbow of neon yellow beside me! The amazing photographer, Rob Shaer, caught my leap of joy on film! Sorry if I spashed gaterade in anyone around me!! I was too scared to check and just thanked goodness I could run fast so I could evacuate the crime scene!! Hahahahah!!! Ooopsies! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The last quarter was intense! I fought hard and really pushed myself. I knew I wanted a sub 1:30.00 time and wanted it bad!! Facing the Burrard Bridge looked daunting and sure burned but heck after running mountains and trail running.. It's just a paved bridge after all so I gunned it at a steady pace and gave everything I had to the last few km. A final sprint at the end pushed me even faster as a guy from the UK and I were entered into a neck and neck race to the finish line! Passing under those arches felt amazing (after the feeling of tingles and puking went away!) wooooohoooooo!!! What a race!!! I finished with a gun time of 1:27:24- placing me 2nd in my age category! Wow!!! Even better than my previous 3rd place finish at the BMO!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The race was a wonderful experience and so well organized! Shuttles worked like a dream come true and I was so excited to see the beautiful faces of some fellow friends who were running it- Kathyrn, Aaron! BIG thank yous to everyone who made that happen!! Thank you organizers, staff, volunteers, photographers, sponsors, Vancouver Police, supporters who came to cheer us on and participants! Congratulations on a great event!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love, smiles and stinky socks,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shanny! Xo</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQ7MTnv9TDs5QpbmaW7f1dtgXLmwTHvDvZMG28sHLTsB684ZTQhxLwAOh7suKPaeKPyiuOOSIsoqDkP5S8cgXMLpYMMavCLxAr3Jlith_dLgq3tlacRHdtjMGWt5U9Xy241LsSunKK8fa/s960/922766_10151729004333846_540891956_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQ7MTnv9TDs5QpbmaW7f1dtgXLmwTHvDvZMG28sHLTsB684ZTQhxLwAOh7suKPaeKPyiuOOSIsoqDkP5S8cgXMLpYMMavCLxAr3Jlith_dLgq3tlacRHdtjMGWt5U9Xy241LsSunKK8fa/s640/922766_10151729004333846_540891956_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ps. Thank you and regrets to Kristin who was unable to race due to injury but transferred me her race injury! Can't wait to see you back running! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhcZTdgZaZJRjF9rZI4Qpf-WnigRqWlA2NrnvqI5hAI5Mxs3rEItOcCtjJDq09uIx8E6fxijpXlp6HDJN8Iockndl7Bq9rCANy0x73sWYdBcC_urRupE6tOMhe6yqzCRvSaZ0IrMyqoTD/s640/blogger-image--1209986932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-8622515938587470192013-06-21T08:21:00.002-07:002022-02-10T19:55:28.864-08:005 Peaks Alice Lake AnniversaryThis race marked it ladies and gentlemen: the one year anniversary of my racing career! The 5 Peaks Alice Lake 2012 race was the first trail race I ever ran and what can I say? It sparked something special in me! The amazing people, joking with them on the course, feeling the burn of my muscles, the sweat pouring off my body, the smile stretching across my face, the hit of adrenaline, and getting lost in the incredible scenery and scent of the forest!!! I knew I'd come across something special! Surprising myself with a decent placing I started to wonder how I would have done if I had actually cranked it out the whole time instead of chatting. But regardless if the placing it was the joy and love if it that made me want to come back for more!! I have to give a BIG thanks here to all my friends and supports from the 2012 Kintec Trail Running Clinic who not only encouraged me to try a race, but also informed me that trail races existed!! Also BIG BIG thanks to my best friend Lauren without whom it wouldn't have been possible to get to the race as she volunteered to drive me the night before when I was out if luck with no ride!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, since I've found this passion I've been racing for a year and loving every minute of it! Even when Im about to cry or puke, I still love it! It's the best personal challenge and reward I can relish in as it gives me the feeling of flying and connectedness. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year I was fortunate enough to be able to race it just a week after placing 3rd in the 2013 National Mountain Running Championships! Joel and I were able to do a bit of a preview of the gorgeous beginning and end if the course in which we both got lost and absorbed into the natural beauty if the area! Lush green mossy trees, stunning lakes and happy campers all mixed with not only the sweet smell of the forest but also campfire! Yum!! We got there a bit early for a quick warm up and hoped it wouldn't rain too much on us as it was sprinkling lightly. I was pleasantly surprised to run into Adam Campbell and knew it was going to be a fast race once I saw him, Chessa, Laura, Jason, and Mike Murphy! Lining up at the start line with such amazing runners is an incredible feeling! On the count down from Chris Colpitts, we were off!! And boy were we off! We hit the ground running and the leaders pulled off quick! Supporting campers cheered us on and soon we hit the trails! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a gradually undulating start to the course if which I remembered from last year we started hitting some tougher terrain and I was feeling it. My legs felt absolutely weighted down and I began to feel those nagging thoughts come creeping into my mind that maybe 'I wasn't recovered from racing last week' ' maybe I shouldn't have ran 40km in the two days after my race' and finally 'maybe this just wasn't my race'. I struggled through this onslaught and keep pushing even though it felt a bit hopeless having to power hike smaller hills than I am used to and getting passed here and there. Laura and Tara passed me as they powered up hills and the feelings continued. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But then it switched!!! We hit the technical downhill segment and my wings grew back! Fast feet flying down dry dusty dirt and dodging trees, roots, rocks, and other innocent runners..?! My time to shine and smile big as I hoped I didn't eat dirt! Loving every minute if it I made some important passes and time! </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lFUbPgzTYtDcC_vT0FQkZW116GpK-VWNDIJRRBwRMTzpPLX95ZScdG91NyK2MY7LokwzciitG2qcasENBJS3ntJraSl1QfbmLpjeLL047ACN6D8EJ9BUQhB-1u1TOJeITsEDqAKxmRJ0/s1600/9004111274_77f325b459_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lFUbPgzTYtDcC_vT0FQkZW116GpK-VWNDIJRRBwRMTzpPLX95ZScdG91NyK2MY7LokwzciitG2qcasENBJS3ntJraSl1QfbmLpjeLL047ACN6D8EJ9BUQhB-1u1TOJeITsEDqAKxmRJ0/s400/9004111274_77f325b459_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Rob Shaer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once that was rocked I knew we had sone brutal uphill climb waiting for us and soon downshifted to make the ascent! I continued my race by runnin any bit deemed efficient and kept my eye on the target as I hunted for the finish line! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Flying down the gravel road I gained in the strong and great runner Laura and knew I had to push hard to beat her! It was neck and neck til the last stretch where I pulled ahead and crossed that Finish line.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This race proven to be a big challenge mentally as well as physically and it reminded me of the strength and determination it takes any runner to run. You need to keep your head up and never forget to smile. It might be hard, it might seem impossible but you have to remind yourself that so much of the sweetness of the reward is stemmed from overcoming adversity and growing as a person. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Many many thanks to the amazing organizers, Jen Segger for the amazing course, Chris Colpitts, Rob Shaer for the amazing pictures and all the lovely volunteers! It was so great to meet even more if our amazing running community and the quality people in it!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Result wise I came third in my age category cutting several minutes off my time last year and am very pleased with that placing! My friends has great results too and I'm sure everyone who was there can't wait for the next race!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Running, especially trail running, makes me "happy, happy, happy!" (Sy from Duck Dynasty) :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love always,</div>
<div>
Shanny</div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-82385272714687114752013-06-06T20:31:00.002-07:002013-06-07T00:00:27.804-07:00Oh Canada!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ymLc1FKmzn2JzvuiF2pmdyj9-ykGQ0CLaSSMpdM-ym4infaqiyeRl_5ZmLAfKBk98zy86gUirGSGHddMpTwvRM629h6p_BvSInpY5ZcJxEWY-fE7AdbCa2HQJbLcF-Ta3tpN64rAV0TB/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ymLc1FKmzn2JzvuiF2pmdyj9-ykGQ0CLaSSMpdM-ym4infaqiyeRl_5ZmLAfKBk98zy86gUirGSGHddMpTwvRM629h6p_BvSInpY5ZcJxEWY-fE7AdbCa2HQJbLcF-Ta3tpN64rAV0TB/s320/IMG_1410.JPG" width="240"></a></div>
What can I say, but we have some great terrain here in
Canada! Truly the strong and free! It takes some sheer brute strength to drive
your muscles to the point of exhaustion and race up mountains, jump over roots
and rocks, plow through ankle deep mud, crash through creeks, slip, slid and
leap down steep hills, rein your momentum in and change directions before you
either fall or crash off course and just to take that breath that seems to run
away from you… but let me tell you.. the FREEDOM you get from that is like
flying! Sweat pours off of you and you couldn’t be happier with the brief
relief from the heat it gives you as the wind whips by you! Mountain running
isn’t for the faint hearted. As one of our 2013 National Mountain Running Team
members, Kris Swanson, said, he has “a battle wound from each and every race.”<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqly_xKddC2erXi7rNgivmQDZghvtfx0b4whUJtD2Q86uQZeE4_hVrleGUspcy2X_Z-Fs19xUlRz38c0GFR_GfABN6k9vsaBsfwjgRXv08l10cuPMLaS5WezSDtNDX0Yd0IMAoyHMWqxVJ/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqly_xKddC2erXi7rNgivmQDZghvtfx0b4whUJtD2Q86uQZeE4_hVrleGUspcy2X_Z-Fs19xUlRz38c0GFR_GfABN6k9vsaBsfwjgRXv08l10cuPMLaS5WezSDtNDX0Yd0IMAoyHMWqxVJ/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="254"></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
wounds started the day before my big race, as you’ve seen in my pre-race post..
The crash that gauged my shin out nicely (even with compression socks on) the
scrapes on my knee and the start of the bruising and swelling. Let’s just say
it’s gotten even more beautiful after racing on it on June 1<sup>st</sup>, but
the body is an amazing thing! I had hoped the adrenaline and our bodies ability
to adapt to pain would make my race pain free and sure enough.. IT DID! Yeeeee!
Go body go! It’s incredible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxx7X3jMI7C67PbFoJTRW8_ScBBLY3vak36TI_tTUd32j4NRooHl0SwS6vFls-XXcMk0J_xSUVZ78LLLGji1YaiX3qjB9hzD1qnFlLc-OwvEeD8lccpB9VHTF6edIJWFxPL3RFUjsiJQG/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxx7X3jMI7C67PbFoJTRW8_ScBBLY3vak36TI_tTUd32j4NRooHl0SwS6vFls-XXcMk0J_xSUVZ78LLLGji1YaiX3qjB9hzD1qnFlLc-OwvEeD8lccpB9VHTF6edIJWFxPL3RFUjsiJQG/s320/IMG_1463.JPG" width="192"></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
couldn’t sleep in the morning as I was so excited for the race. I think I woke
up first at 4:45am and then every 20 minutes on until I gave up and decided 7
was acceptable for a 10am race. Fueled up with my shake of greens, vitamins,
minerals and protein and got my carb fix of delicious multigrain bread with..
dare I admit.. a chocolate, hazelnut and caramel spread!! Talk about energy in
a jar!! YUUUUM then put on the racing garments and did some rolling. Warming up
at the site around 9:30am I ran into Mirabelle, Sean, Pat Boily and Penny and
we got all ready to roll! The excitement was huge with the big inflated start
line, helicopter and hundreds of people as the X-Trail 11.8km race was
happening at the same time as ours. There was about 400 people in our distance,
divided into three waves. We only had a small portion as the elites in the
Canadian Mountain Running Championships and all jumped up to the front to kick
off the race. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
announcing the race was about to start Mirabelle, Pat and me headed to the
start line and ran into David le Porho (who was part of the National team with
me last year) Many good lucks and nervous jumps and then it was time! On the
count down from 10 (en francias), we were off and RUNNING! Holy smokes was it a
quick start! But we had been warned the night before that it was crucial to
pick your place first as passing on the single track is extremely difficult and
dangerous. Often runners just get stuck behind others. So I started off high
tailing it. Blah! Exhuasting! The race began on a gravel road with a downhill
slope which was nice for carrying speed, but it sure made it hard when we hit
the start of the uphill. Luckily it started off more gradual and I saw that
“wascally wrock” that destroyed me the previous day.. I gave it a gr and ran
around it (not this time buddy!) The climb started in earnest after and it was
grueling. Some people were running, most power hiking as it was just too
ineffective to try to run the incline. I was passed by a number of people, but
kept my head up and kept plowing. I know that uphill is always a grind for me
and knew we had downhill this year to make up some time. I ran wherever I could
find a breath and hiked those brutal portions inbetween. Sure enough, I started
passing those people who had passed me earlier on the hill as they burnt out.
There was a tough mix of terrain on this climb with loose rocks at the start,
some wooden stairs, and varying levels of incline. At the top I could really
feel that I had done a douzy, my legs were tired and feelin a bit sloppy as I
had a couple missteps, but the flats and downhills gave my muscles the chance
to recoup and then it was time to fly! I knew the worse was over and all I kept
thinking was that this was it! This was the race! I had to give it my all.
There was no other option. I two footed jumped down some drops to cut time,
clung and swung around trees to keep stabilized, splashed through mud puddles,
leap like a billy goat from rock to rock or plank to plank and played back and
forth with some fellow runners, but had a steady stream of passing them in the
last half. It was mostly men as I had passed the two girls that were
immediately infront of me on the climb. However, I did catch two more after
some fast feet after the climb. I knew then that there couldn’t be that many
girls left infront of me. It’s always a challenge trying to decided whether its
more effective to coast of someone else’s pace, follow their steps and avoid
their missteps or to make the pass and take the risk of finding your own speed
and step. This race wasn’t one to hang back though, I had to dive in head
first. By the time we finally reached the water station.. I couldn’t believe
it. It seemed like it was about 10km into the 11.8km race!! I had decided not
to bring my handheld and was happy with my choice as I definitely needed both
hands to run that race and stay on my feet, but it was sure hard running that
hard in the crazy heat without water. People were getting heat stroke and
exhaustion by the end of the race. But we did it! The last bit of the race both
flew and dragged by! It was almost all downhill or flat with some climbs here
and there, but wow technical!! I can’t believe I didn’t fall! Hahahah! I passed
Eric, our junior male from Nationals last year on the last few km and was told
that there was 2 women ahead of me by some of the volunteers so I knew that I
had to at least hold my position if I wanted to make the National Team. I
burned it out and really had to push myself up the last gravel road hill to the
finish line.. running that hill was the absolute last thing I wanted to do. I
remember looking up at it and just wanting to walk it SO badly. But NAY! What
goes down must go up? Maybe it’s the other way around, but that didn’t apply in
this case so I opted to believe my statement. Hahah! Well more like I knew the
finish was right there! I could hear the crowd and knew the route from when I
surveyed backwards the day before. After making it up the hill it was a grassy
finish into the Red Bull arch and I ran like I was the Gingerbread Man! I found
that little bit left in me and gave her coming through as fast as I could. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRSxglBaC_JT5BVwJ8h7LhF39pYkZCYkg3FhjN7AQTSK578vLmjlPCGFBcUW6GbIi5icpcWpyqX5E28FcJyTKVoylnA43QcPsAyVbOv3fWV4jllRQefqPEOEB_Lqrd8uzILZnTn8xZwsr/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRSxglBaC_JT5BVwJ8h7LhF39pYkZCYkg3FhjN7AQTSK578vLmjlPCGFBcUW6GbIi5icpcWpyqX5E28FcJyTKVoylnA43QcPsAyVbOv3fWV4jllRQefqPEOEB_Lqrd8uzILZnTn8xZwsr/s320/IMG_1496.JPG" width="240"></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
WOOOOOOW!!! Hearing them announce that I was the third woman
and instantly getting a medal around my neck, water, gaterade and orange slices
rocked, but the best part was seeing the friendly faces! Pat had finished just
before me (to whom I have to give crazy kudos to!! He ran with a broken hand
and claimed several battle wounds rolling down before he’d just back up and keep
running) and Sarah came right up to me and introduced herself and was full of
congrats! Sooooo nice! I was slightly overheated and overworked so I downed
about 5 cups of gaterade and chatted for a few mins before running to the
bathroom to have a cold shower in the sink to bring my temp down. Toooooo hawt
out there! But it was incredible!! Was it ever a rewarding run and course! It
was so challenging that to beat it truly gave you the freedom of flying. And in
case you are wondering.. I had mentioned in my interview with the Canadian
Mountain Running Association that sometimes I run like an airplane when I am
going down hill and no one is watching.. I snuck one in there!
Hahahahahhahah!!! I HAD TO! I waited til I coun’t hear any breathing behind me
or footfalls and let those arms fly out to the side..
NEEEEEEEEEEEEOOOORRRRRMMMM! Hahahha Oh man. Don’t worry, it was only a few
seconds then it was back to game face. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0-VBSpaJLwCi6vatpFASiBywki6O1He3KShk097yDSLXEMkU8JMSbwnsa2Qo7ycS7JJndI-U12IzbupPY3y4ru3syTh265D_yHG7zK-Epo2wGGPuzRSqYKbtW49JUfI6z-LlV-TFih16/s1600/IMG_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0-VBSpaJLwCi6vatpFASiBywki6O1He3KShk097yDSLXEMkU8JMSbwnsa2Qo7ycS7JJndI-U12IzbupPY3y4ru3syTh265D_yHG7zK-Epo2wGGPuzRSqYKbtW49JUfI6z-LlV-TFih16/s320/IMG_1516.JPG" width="320"></a>The National team looks like its going to be super strong
and amazing this year! It’s super funny with us ladies because we all look
identical. According to Tiffaney, she said that she “never knew what a runners
build was, but now she does and we all have it.” All small, lean blondes! The
talented Meggan Franks took first and Sarah Bergeron-Larouche took second and me 3rd! On the men’s side, David
le Porho took 1<sup>st</sup> this year, Jeff Gooselin 2nd, with Kris Swanson coming 3<sup>rd</sup>
(running on a pulled hamstring that he couldn’t walk on a day before), Calum Neff 4th and Alister Gardner 5th. Introducing the 2013 team Canada! :) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1gHugBliO3PtZy1PrC5Arcw4mOfk_BdWjNHaLx5pNF1mHpOS1YS7PNgKSfkznCO6B5gQRdF0Xr_4aahEPYv9l585PIDSEdHlgknZ-CtbkGlc7XJ3C_LvsGmaIh7h5ISNmf6AIltmGvKn/s1600/IMG_1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1gHugBliO3PtZy1PrC5Arcw4mOfk_BdWjNHaLx5pNF1mHpOS1YS7PNgKSfkznCO6B5gQRdF0Xr_4aahEPYv9l585PIDSEdHlgknZ-CtbkGlc7XJ3C_LvsGmaIh7h5ISNmf6AIltmGvKn/s200/IMG_1565.JPG" width="200"></a>Post race: Did a nice cool down with the ladies and got to
learn a bit more about both Sarah and Meggan! They are both such amazing girls
and I can’t wait to spend more time with them! A bunch of us including Kris,
Adrian Lambert, Pat, Penny, David, Sarah and a bunch others reveled in the day
post race with the great meal, awards and general feeling of cloud 9, minus all
the ice packs and gauze! Hahahah It was so much fun and they brought over
bottles of champagne, which the boys popped! There’s something so amazing about
the quality of the mountain and train running communities! Everyone is just
maybe of a different breed or maybe just amazing, but everyone is so friendly
and just genuine! It’s the most uplifting experience to be around so many
like-minded people! We might all be crazy, reveling in the burn and pain but I
like to think it’s just different! I can’t wait to be with everyone again in
POLAND for the World Mountain Running Championships in September.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBk_Q9yy95oNDFO3TSPdr71zMeW2ds8wXe0_LEiT0kvTt_QEy3yDZK2SS9NZZJkwc6hAjVK-ykcFLD5mWv_bX7Iun0Edv4dIKc2hJg6qO6wgD5G0oYVdCdiFRyHKpwmPCZdWOR-U65dYYR/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBk_Q9yy95oNDFO3TSPdr71zMeW2ds8wXe0_LEiT0kvTt_QEy3yDZK2SS9NZZJkwc6hAjVK-ykcFLD5mWv_bX7Iun0Edv4dIKc2hJg6qO6wgD5G0oYVdCdiFRyHKpwmPCZdWOR-U65dYYR/s200/IMG_1641.JPG" width="200"></a><br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eey3ovcH8oOL2fpyq-BkgRKRDeD5ueihdNBMY3VAibO-PPTTVwomu_AhdAavQSS3Tmh9LmZhzeXkzovaQjya9CrpBA9K3gNECYBCS8hSRD2mqrnQUJBnwDXcBVMhXNROAwRnDEgtk7jQ/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eey3ovcH8oOL2fpyq-BkgRKRDeD5ueihdNBMY3VAibO-PPTTVwomu_AhdAavQSS3Tmh9LmZhzeXkzovaQjya9CrpBA9K3gNECYBCS8hSRD2mqrnQUJBnwDXcBVMhXNROAwRnDEgtk7jQ/s200/IMG_1647.JPG" width="200"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
And now, you’ve found me on the plane home after sharing a
great evening with Pat and Penny (two of the most wonderful people), waking up
early for a 10km run through Sutton then packing up and heading up to Brome
Lake and Knowlton for some nice trail walking, exploring and lake front picnic.
After that, I drove into Montreal and spent the afternoon exploring Old
Montreal! Wow!! Talk about a beautiful place! I’m so happy I went and checked
it out!! It is SO European and interesting. I treated myself to a frozen yogurt
and enjoyed the afternoon at a leisurely pace before heading to the airport.
Anyways, just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your support (I’m
absolutely blown away by it all! It’s the fuel that drives me. Love and
happiness is what makes the world go around (corny as it may sound, but it’s
true).<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<!--EndFragment--><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRNvVKDZYdigdiWQ5p1GPV4g81THuKRNzcRoCRmoAbU_AemNnoGifwvmbZOisdpL_7FAQLG2sq5NGXJ7EUdd4wW1XW0DszUItzBngg0WwinPljYNKkTDqsN-mQBfc85xNPsOehyphenhyphenrJzc2M/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRNvVKDZYdigdiWQ5p1GPV4g81THuKRNzcRoCRmoAbU_AemNnoGifwvmbZOisdpL_7FAQLG2sq5NGXJ7EUdd4wW1XW0DszUItzBngg0WwinPljYNKkTDqsN-mQBfc85xNPsOehyphenhyphenrJzc2M/s200/IMG_1676.JPG" width="150"></a></div>
<br>
Talk soon and keep those smiles on! Xo</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> </o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Shanny</span></div>
<br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><br></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxbQABKGMXU-HskIvnpCoszoSvuQANjV8DO7hCSrnea9WA-yVNwDSZ2OjawFE40O59vzKmTiqOESUZyU7d0roI3xvlK92af2zrr808uc4oGAXxpDVuh1f4JuSfpJBne6HkZ8ryPF1HWaX/s1600/IMG_1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxbQABKGMXU-HskIvnpCoszoSvuQANjV8DO7hCSrnea9WA-yVNwDSZ2OjawFE40O59vzKmTiqOESUZyU7d0roI3xvlK92af2zrr808uc4oGAXxpDVuh1f4JuSfpJBne6HkZ8ryPF1HWaX/s400/IMG_1672.JPG" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<!--EndFragment-->
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-31246307471268197202013-05-31T16:58:00.001-07:002022-02-10T20:13:53.032-08:00Salut, Sutton!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yNgfrpEGEwxGuPliSrUcM09CAPK835Nu_dRqdVsqIshcB26CUxbjx_vuktdVTVQcpGAtgPbNU3U_C3NMHoj5ILL_SojJjpjYuXTzl7ir-8mL2yGA4yTC8EvWzQbZWNAmKyBeIpHpQ4s9/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yNgfrpEGEwxGuPliSrUcM09CAPK835Nu_dRqdVsqIshcB26CUxbjx_vuktdVTVQcpGAtgPbNU3U_C3NMHoj5ILL_SojJjpjYuXTzl7ir-8mL2yGA4yTC8EvWzQbZWNAmKyBeIpHpQ4s9/s200/IMG_1399.JPG" width="200" /></a>Well folks, I believe there comes to be a time in every blogger's life... or anyone's life in general.. where the question arises: should I save face or should I spill the deets.. The thought did cross my mind to keep my cool facade in place, but I think I've already lost that, so it's your lucky day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
My hardcore cool face ;)</div>
<br />
The trip over here was eaaaaasy peasy! Kidding! Hahahah Oh man, I must have a rabbit foot somewhere cuz I've been able to come away unscathed for the most part from all my adventures this trip thus far (Knock on wood). Getting to the airport= transit- nooo problem. Finding your gate and getting your seat= noooo problem. Putting your bag in the overhead compartment to realize you've left your laptop in the terminal= Problem!!!! Squeezing through people trying to get off a boarding plane is neither easy or a good idea, running frantically trying to find security whom the laptop has apparently been returned to, getting lost and having to go through security all over again when your plane is leaving in 9 minutes with no lap top, a bag on board, and waiting for your purse to get scanned while you count the minutes on your watch til take off.. AHHHHH! But I GOT IT!!! They had it at the info desk INSIDE of the gates area. Luckily I ran back and fell back into my seat just as they announced the last person had boarded (me, again). PHEWWWWF! Thank goodness!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPAB8obqbnPDc3ViHMDuNzbu91-3AjwRCqQmXX0165O4LPDn9_yq2LfiCN4Yevqd4vfl5KB181EqgbHBUXnOUo9B4apbfSW6smOtv5avjEGLPxgAL5ZBvkigJUqXG9KSdInE3vd3LkHh3/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPAB8obqbnPDc3ViHMDuNzbu91-3AjwRCqQmXX0165O4LPDn9_yq2LfiCN4Yevqd4vfl5KB181EqgbHBUXnOUo9B4apbfSW6smOtv5avjEGLPxgAL5ZBvkigJUqXG9KSdInE3vd3LkHh3/s320/IMG_1365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Flight was no problem, brought a handy sandwich and granola bars, yum! Rental car- upgrade to brand new Sentra! Heyooooo! Got lost 3 times trying to find the grocery store, then hit a pot hole and worried that I'd get a flat- no flat! Weoooo! Bought healthy ingredients for the weekend and hit the road for the long 120km or so drive to Sutton. Soaring away down the road to a wicked radio station (the music in Quebec rocks! Dance music channels! Who would have thunk it!) Anyways, its about 11pm here. Driving along and Highway section closed and google maps doesnt know it- slight problem.. getting stuck in stop and go traffic for 10km TWICE cuz I got lost 3 times trying to follow the directions from google, finally learnt my lesson and just followed other cars and a sign here and there. Wooooo!!! Rest of the drive was nice and easy :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVZ-geldzKXERYeVN7p0Ocs2y2gxJnrSziTSXxFSTN7Xt-DZITLU-vwWekGksvJ-B_iHtJsxTkzI3A7YZhumgjU6R-gho4BVuvdIiJ5Y8e0v9Vk5U9xuYFvah5zANtmAiHzja8PNw2T5W/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVZ-geldzKXERYeVN7p0Ocs2y2gxJnrSziTSXxFSTN7Xt-DZITLU-vwWekGksvJ-B_iHtJsxTkzI3A7YZhumgjU6R-gho4BVuvdIiJ5Y8e0v9Vk5U9xuYFvah5zANtmAiHzja8PNw2T5W/s320/IMG_1359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Suite is gorgeous and had no problems getting in cuz they left a key for me. Went for a nice jog on the road, had to do loops of the only sections lit by street lights, so I felt a little crazy running back and forth but.. hey if you can't see your shadow, you shouldn't be running there I don't think! :P<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOW4b6MqlcE3-_oErzq0yCK7hBWnRUZEmOY6zLMKUuW3JG33-196q7zUJSsb_Ik3MeryLiNjj9JKVvVNM4h4_SX3iCitXhoCgGIuE2bbcSXYia02Zesnr9I7qgXLYsjMOJtJMsR2gVjXXE/s1600/IMG_1389.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOW4b6MqlcE3-_oErzq0yCK7hBWnRUZEmOY6zLMKUuW3JG33-196q7zUJSsb_Ik3MeryLiNjj9JKVvVNM4h4_SX3iCitXhoCgGIuE2bbcSXYia02Zesnr9I7qgXLYsjMOJtJMsR2gVjXXE/s320/IMG_1389.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLqTB5S4mhNgG2Nk4VfDshy0wka46fRmnpGfnwfcwjEY6cVEHHf_zoLgiFrlKlILQzdH-AwR9Djg1rmhiFHSrwutY1h7mNcn0UTEee8G63gtSAe8sdQrBNz239H3WYkq4-1KLDKE6kVZM/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLqTB5S4mhNgG2Nk4VfDshy0wka46fRmnpGfnwfcwjEY6cVEHHf_zoLgiFrlKlILQzdH-AwR9Djg1rmhiFHSrwutY1h7mNcn0UTEee8G63gtSAe8sdQrBNz239H3WYkq4-1KLDKE6kVZM/s320/IMG_1406.JPG" width="240" /></a>The trail course seems pretty easy to find and a direct route there as my suite is just further down the same road to Mont Sutton. The course is wonderfully marked with pink ribbon! Yay! I love pink! Spent a beautiful 2 1/2 hours hiking it in the morning and was impressed with the gooooooooorgeous scenery and exciting trail! It's by far the most technical course I have ever seen! Wow! I bumped into Mirabelle and Sean on the course (two amazing people who have also made the trek from Vancouver! Mirabelle is an incredible runner and was on the national team with me last year! Sean is so nice and offered to hike more of the course with me later, but I decided just to do it all in the morning so it wouldn't be too hot and I could relax later. Mirabelle clued me into the fact that I was doing the course backwards.. LOL! Oops!! But it's a fortunate error! That's the best way to preview a course sometimes and works some different muscles. I took a ton of pictures and ran some easy sections. I just couldn't believe the wide mix of tough terrain! Deep mud that your shoes get lost in, roots, rocks, dirt trail, dusty gravel road, grassy mountain side, wood bridges and ladders, river crossings, loose rocks, and I got up close and personal with wet slimy rocks. If you leave blood on the course before the race that means that it's yours right?? Ouchies! My foot slipped and crashed me down into the rock smashing my knee and splitting my shin open. A few tentative steps let me know that it wasn't broken! Heyo! hahahahah Win! The damage seems to be contained to the split open shin.. its a very deep gash.. I got to play some surgery on myself, but luckily it stayed clean and not filled with dirt.. two small scrapes on my knee and some bad bruising and swelling on the side of my knee. It's pretty darn tender, but not as bad as the balloons on my leg I got from missing a box jump about two months ago so that's good news!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM-5feGSN2uoWaykgkH3vEhEZSkA_X8e-VFsA6EaR4FzRX6D2KH2QhP-LmYEZyXwFTS5Rx-RB8GvHUjf19wZ8EB4I_nVXDcLZ1qEm2myDWL6VFK9dK4kXBbiYngDjr7KNP4rNh63StKPe/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM-5feGSN2uoWaykgkH3vEhEZSkA_X8e-VFsA6EaR4FzRX6D2KH2QhP-LmYEZyXwFTS5Rx-RB8GvHUjf19wZ8EB4I_nVXDcLZ1qEm2myDWL6VFK9dK4kXBbiYngDjr7KNP4rNh63StKPe/s320/IMG_1428.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHRLqQ8qqkRj9pUjtbA_Qh0MrjxcrmxfLTd6Xm4tP-T3sowU5AQAtlSDcFK6UrLMGjlQzHEOpgrpCBEVQQOa-qKeVVzF2s3P9Bm8Ck5nqCzr7otuCgWlJY1XCy_MDTPSNIMxRWYbCyIH2/s1600/IMG_1434.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHRLqQ8qqkRj9pUjtbA_Qh0MrjxcrmxfLTd6Xm4tP-T3sowU5AQAtlSDcFK6UrLMGjlQzHEOpgrpCBEVQQOa-qKeVVzF2s3P9Bm8Ck5nqCzr7otuCgWlJY1XCy_MDTPSNIMxRWYbCyIH2/s200/IMG_1434.JPG" width="200" /></a>The rest of the day has been wonderful, too! Made some delicious meals, explored the quaint town of Sutton (it's beautiful here!) There is a cute little main strip of different shops and tons of cafes and restaurants. Chatted to a bunch of really friendly people, bought a new cute dress and visited some art galleries. I'm just off to the meeting for the elite Canadian Mountain Running Championship runners at the base of the mountain! Should be interesting to learn some more about the course.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAjGYEow2nNcQ0S2Ji2FGsB1hKLHUtbQam1QLXVeKZ1lAuo4ESqzhOOJ13gzfRNtDMXXdYg7DoApRLi5IMDsjCPlC5ZwVegj3PM1bI7cEk2pAC1OW-mWou2PPRcbf5ejkbxRw0gOc8Di1/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAjGYEow2nNcQ0S2Ji2FGsB1hKLHUtbQam1QLXVeKZ1lAuo4ESqzhOOJ13gzfRNtDMXXdYg7DoApRLi5IMDsjCPlC5ZwVegj3PM1bI7cEk2pAC1OW-mWou2PPRcbf5ejkbxRw0gOc8Di1/s200/IMG_1450.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The question now is.. what sort of animal should I run like tomorrow? A cheetah? A wild horse (for Carrie), a fluffy bunny (for Lauren), a chamoix (for my hiking buddies from Europe), or a giraffe?! I now know that giraffes can run up to 60km/hr! Isn't that the most absurd thing you've ever heard?! How do their necks not flap behind them!? Hahahah! New goal has to be to see a giraffe running that fast, and maybe race him!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHbSHPGFSTqXEWlk72sAl7wIbf1QN5RjMi2mc_kKh1YxR8V98TPDUjecpbwi43VrWYchOw8SOuxHlu4q0U9CFa21OJbzjSWXwU74jUDElLLHxfpCkhM5DD_QUc8eilIKk8DWmLOF2kOem/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHbSHPGFSTqXEWlk72sAl7wIbf1QN5RjMi2mc_kKh1YxR8V98TPDUjecpbwi43VrWYchOw8SOuxHlu4q0U9CFa21OJbzjSWXwU74jUDElLLHxfpCkhM5DD_QUc8eilIKk8DWmLOF2kOem/s400/IMG_1436.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Big thanks to everyone for all the love and support and good luck wishes! (I'll try not to fall again! Hahahah!) Looking forward to an exciting experience and the sweet fresh mountain air! There's nothing like that delicious aroma!<br />
<br />
Bonsoir! Love you always,<br />
<br />
ShannyShannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-3328276816206945112013-05-30T11:26:00.003-07:002022-02-10T20:05:53.853-08:00En Route to the National Mountain Running Championships in Quebec!Hey all!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYquRLo4hxhE_Ig9_HO8DP6-V1XalHWupS2buIkEooJsO-HphoH2bGc16R1VmnzcH1nqjxOIKfyK4haZQ6tMcIMgL6AV-U9IFC_bGRh6hM1oXDzB3oWzQyCoeGQXLsc8pVyfAj0ZszDdWk/s1600/IMG_1347.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYquRLo4hxhE_Ig9_HO8DP6-V1XalHWupS2buIkEooJsO-HphoH2bGc16R1VmnzcH1nqjxOIKfyK4haZQ6tMcIMgL6AV-U9IFC_bGRh6hM1oXDzB3oWzQyCoeGQXLsc8pVyfAj0ZszDdWk/s320/IMG_1347.PNG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDYz6n0DV0HbAFuQGk5RYh3icbjW4rmQ-AgNVexWR3EHf7B42pJE5MvdSbUNm0DA5as25Y3eiWyygOiPthzVDApnchZEPAtybtP0FyaPJsszk_dnzOXzNZwg4LJh39nj-Z4yQCTORrKvZ/s1600/IMG_1340.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDYz6n0DV0HbAFuQGk5RYh3icbjW4rmQ-AgNVexWR3EHf7B42pJE5MvdSbUNm0DA5as25Y3eiWyygOiPthzVDApnchZEPAtybtP0FyaPJsszk_dnzOXzNZwg4LJh39nj-Z4yQCTORrKvZ/s320/IMG_1340.PNG" width="213" /></a>I can't believe it!!! It's actually time! After a final weekend of intense mountain running.. I tackled running up and down 3 mountains in record time on Sunday!! I'm here at YVR and waiting to board my plane. This last month has just flown by so quickly! It's been full of hard training, amazing runs, tons of support and a few great races! This weekend will sure be a fabulous challenge! I'm sure the east hosts a bunch of incredible trail racers that I have never met yet so I am very excited and a lil nervous for the race! All i know is that I'm going to run hard, run fast, try my best and enjoy every minute! (even the burning quads and dripping sweat!) Looks like the forecast is for thunder showers so maybe dodging some lightening will give me a extra skip in my step! Or if I'm not fast enough to avoid it.. the lightening should give me an extra jolt of speed! Hahahaha! Zaaap! Apparently, it's supposed to be VERY hot and humid.. temperatures around 30 degrees but are supposed to feel like 37!!! Eeeep! Never tried to run in something like that before!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyways, just wanted to give a quick check in before my flight to update you all! The National Championships are 11.8km and should be a wild ride! They take place at Mont Sutton and start at 10:00am!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2jDo9aNcu5Vm37zgt5isnxR-MgxLAEPqY17QiU1Af9v-UkyPsQ2UCg9CN_CWxybW-zeXZ_RP6B3AVQsTazG6IwM2hxq5i5xoB2fvWqB2C0PHfJt1xhABm_JtQ9a0c-Gitf_EtvowC4UU/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2jDo9aNcu5Vm37zgt5isnxR-MgxLAEPqY17QiU1Af9v-UkyPsQ2UCg9CN_CWxybW-zeXZ_RP6B3AVQsTazG6IwM2hxq5i5xoB2fvWqB2C0PHfJt1xhABm_JtQ9a0c-Gitf_EtvowC4UU/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a link to Breathe Magazine who is providing coverage of the event:<br />
<a href="http://www.breathemag.ca/flashblog">www.breathemag.ca/flashblog</a><br />
<br />
Here's the link to the races website for more info on the race:<br />
http://xtrailasics.com/Mont_Sutton_Event.html<br />
<br />
Thanks so much to everyone for all of your love and support, it means the world to me! I will run extra hard for you all!! Talk to you soon!!<br />
<br />
ShannyShannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-21527908986259234072013-05-12T10:34:00.001-07:002013-05-29T11:10:05.643-07:005 Peaks Golden EarsWooohoooo!!!! It's 5 Peaks season again!! 5 Peaks trail running series hosted the first trail race I ever ran last year and introduced me to this amazing running experience!!! Fun, fast races! Well organized! Cool swag and most importantly tons of amazing people!! This and the beautiful courses in the forest!!! What could be better?! A whole new season to boot!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM1F75yWGykrosFHC_sogy6vkF6jWFIhRg_avLWMdZejHjwZTbR32gKgg691xu-wh9QJae8adCXRnGoG0ygc5583b10LcgkehXVVW-59BZNF8DLCubMP8UwyUTwGup2CyvRzaq1Inz9WU/s1600/5+Peaks+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM1F75yWGykrosFHC_sogy6vkF6jWFIhRg_avLWMdZejHjwZTbR32gKgg691xu-wh9QJae8adCXRnGoG0ygc5583b10LcgkehXVVW-59BZNF8DLCubMP8UwyUTwGup2CyvRzaq1Inz9WU/s400/5+Peaks+1.jpg" width="265" yya="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo courtesy of Rob Shaer</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Golden Ears took place on May 11th, just the weekend after my first BMO half marathon(hello roads!). I was beyond excited to get to race it as I had heard from other runners that I missed out not doing it last year! And sure enough, it was incredible!! On the way there it really hit me how much I love trail racing!! I felt more and more excitement building in me as I drove through the park and then literally squealed and clapped like a kid on Christmas as I saw the first "5 Peaks race in progress sign!!" O-M-G (as the kids these days would say :p) after registering I headed down to the lake and was blown away by the beautiful scenery!! It was hard to stop taking pictures long enough to warm up!!! Somehow I managed though and ran into Nicola Gildersleeve at the MEC tent! So nice to see such a lovely girl before the race!! As Chris Colpitts lined us up to start I came up next to Mike Murphy and knew it was going to be a fast race!! I was lucky enough to enter a few of the Peninsula Runners races with him earlier this year and amazing with his speed!! The count down started and we were flying through the Solomon arch faster than I knew!!</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
The course was really great!! A very interesting mix of some single track technical trail with steep uphills and downhills to run willy nilly down! There was also wide gravel road! A well marked route and amazing volunteers made it easy to navigate!</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Some of my favourite quotes from the volunteers as I ran by them:</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-"You're the first person smiling to pass by!!"</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
-"You're waaaay too chipper!!"</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Lol! Okay maybe I run with a giant smile on my face but I can't help it!! I just love love love the amazing feeling running gives me! I feel like I'm at one with the world and everything is how it should be. </div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ke3GyJbV-uMFOw19F5ZsKtfWIhHd9I4lSc_1Pajn0rDPLJDrV5TnmmzlEeCXkHgoWA_FQYa6uzKrTrjvzY8mu-7NgEUcU4eQow4bwf101ZDD65kmavH-vYeKNEGWSVInGd602POcZFNA/s1600/5+peaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ke3GyJbV-uMFOw19F5ZsKtfWIhHd9I4lSc_1Pajn0rDPLJDrV5TnmmzlEeCXkHgoWA_FQYa6uzKrTrjvzY8mu-7NgEUcU4eQow4bwf101ZDD65kmavH-vYeKNEGWSVInGd602POcZFNA/s400/5+peaks.jpg" width="265" yya="true" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo courtesy of Rob Shaer</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Anyways on with the race! A brutal climb in the middle of it left a few of us power hiking... I met up with Karl Woll, who had also just raced the last weekend at the BMO.. But he killed the full marathon! Wow! Talk about amazing! Racing so well just a few 6 days after a full marathon! Anyways, we struggled up the hill with burning legs and bingo! There was a photographer mid climb so I made sure to let him know I'd start running when I got into range and asked if he could put a caption under my picture that said, "She ran the whole way!" Let me know if its there or not! Lol! The race was fast and challenging! I could feel some weakness from the half marathon still but overall not bad!!! I got to get a lil mud on the new Pure Grits who made their debut appearance and rock my hot pink compression socks!! Weeee colours!! I was able to "finish strong" (words of encouragement from my fellow racer, Karl. And pulled in a time of 1:07:57 ranking me 1st in my age category, 2nd female and 11th overall!! Wow!!! Amazing!! </div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
The new medals look great and I won a sweet neon green running backpack from MEC!! I also got to connect with Rob Shaer, the amazing photographer of the series!! He takes incredible pictures and I can't wait to see them all! He truly captures the esscense of the race! The Sneak Peek of the photos from the race are on the 5 Peaks trail running Facebook site!! There's some amazing shots plus two of me!! Eeeep!!! So cool!! </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzCrWh6EilFoDR5EXyFNLJ2BbV92e_VIzoodPkrpLXb3z9rD0GRcaIB-z8zP_HrN-WrkGgS4ibX-mk7ZKJzkgABdiIGw40gjj2NJb0FIdERDg9H4sGRrCweQ8ctay5XMxxzqw6NpvJGEz/s1600/5+peaks+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzCrWh6EilFoDR5EXyFNLJ2BbV92e_VIzoodPkrpLXb3z9rD0GRcaIB-z8zP_HrN-WrkGgS4ibX-mk7ZKJzkgABdiIGw40gjj2NJb0FIdERDg9H4sGRrCweQ8ctay5XMxxzqw6NpvJGEz/s400/5+peaks+3.jpg" width="400" yya="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo Courtesy of Rob Shaer</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Alas my allotted time on the elliptical has run out and I'm dripping in sweat so I think it's time for me to say toodles!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love and hugs to you all! Keep those smiles on and thanks for everything!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Shanny</div>
</div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-78385472568615673462013-05-09T06:45:00.002-07:002022-02-10T20:04:52.844-08:00My First Road RaceWell folks... I did it! I gave the mud on my trail runners a chance to dry and tied some speedy pink slippers on my toes! My new Brooks Pure Flows! They are more pink than bubblegum and absolutely amazing! They are like hugs for your feet! What could be better, one might ask?! Your feet getting pink hugs as they race!! Introducing... The one.. My first.. The big BMO half marathon!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf94zHUaioOcSow7_BCEG_lSc1Mvyvj4dEPSo_wga8bVwQrPUxGU2oecayPQlZ9nFSDh68T8x6NWp1SneR5gQr0XSKXIoZ9km3IqFwMbFGcFVkCSy8jnP4soW9NdZr1SGODYS-yIWgi4F/s1600/bmo24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf94zHUaioOcSow7_BCEG_lSc1Mvyvj4dEPSo_wga8bVwQrPUxGU2oecayPQlZ9nFSDh68T8x6NWp1SneR5gQr0XSKXIoZ9km3IqFwMbFGcFVkCSy8jnP4soW9NdZr1SGODYS-yIWgi4F/s320/bmo24.jpg" width="212" yya="true" /></a></div>
<br />
After much consideration and deliberation I decided to run it! With two of the most awesome people participating too, it only made a bigger cause for it! Kathryn rocked the fluorescent ninja look and brought on the full marathon and I destroyed the half marathon. <br />
Right from the day before at the expo, it was an incredible experience! From picking out the perfect outfits to eating every type of energy bar, to posing for Oikos yogurt pictures the expo was full of fun times and totally got me pumped up even more.. Yes you heard me right.. Even more excited than when I was running around in circles in North Shore Athletics after I signed up! Prepping for the race involves tons of hydration, stretching and lest we forget, pasta!! I took on the challenge at Anton's the night before and put some serious dents in those pasta mountains!! Talk about fuel!! Yum!! <br />
<br />
Waking up the next morning with one of the best power shakes and a nice decongestant to scare away my stuffy nose it was game time!! I arrived to see herds upon herds of people!!! And I thought the PNE was busy!!! Wow!!! The line up for the potties was massive but all super organized!! Lol imagine that! Awesome! <br />
<br />
After a nice relaxed warm up, we headed into the masses to get ready for the gun!! It was amazing to be a part of something with that many people there! Pretty scary though as I'm not one for crowds but sine the atmosphere was so positive and I was with such good company I was already on cloud 9! The race was absolutely beautiful!!! The energy the crowds had... I couldn't believe it!! I've never experienced anything like that before!! Just thousands of people cheering us runners on!!! Random strangers.. All sending their low and support and energy!! It was one of the greatest feelings!! I could have flown with all those positive vibes in the air if I had some fairy dust!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVK7LbjC-kOzJzPkuaoq8pp6CDxgXe0pZA8ImSVqNK9JcsOvXRystNjdgeRu8YAaiszifPRPjj3EmLRJst9bt-52oYehQFp3_0OBe-jqr62JDo7yZxgTG9NWk3OvR8yydJSHYDxqCRhoy/s1600/bmo_19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVK7LbjC-kOzJzPkuaoq8pp6CDxgXe0pZA8ImSVqNK9JcsOvXRystNjdgeRu8YAaiszifPRPjj3EmLRJst9bt-52oYehQFp3_0OBe-jqr62JDo7yZxgTG9NWk3OvR8yydJSHYDxqCRhoy/s320/bmo_19.jpg" width="212" yya="true" /></a></div>
<br />
The run felt incredible! Water was everywhere you needed it, and having such an amazing running companion made it from great to fabulous!! The amazing sunshine plus stunning scenery were breath taking!! I couldn't stop gazing around!! Kathryn and I had made a promise to each other to take funny pics for the cameras so hunting out photographers and prancing and pulling ridiculous stunts happened without a doubt! I think I was cheerin as much as the crowds at some point! Lol! Love a good cowbell!! Anyways I ran fast and ran hard and passed passed passed!! Zoom zoom zoom!! Maybe Tinkerbell did help me out because I flew! It was one of my favourite runs I've done and completed with a time of 1:30:13.. A chip time that placed me third in my age an sex category!!! Wow!!! Crazy!!! Unfortunately it goes by gun time so I'm 5th in my category in the official results, but heck it wasn't about winning. It was just for the fun experience and all the laughs that went along the way with it!! I can't wait to try another one! Talk about a victory!!! <br />
<br />
Next up: National Mountain Running Championships in Quebec!! June 1st!! Wow! So soon!!<br />
<br />
Congratulations to everyone who participated and massive thank yous to Kathryn for fixing my muscles all the time and support and Sourosh for fixing my ankles!! All that running has been compressing them! Yikes! All is good though!! With all the amazing people, friends and family behind me, I couldn't be more grateful or more ready to take on all the adventures life has to offer me. Starting now.. Time to climb off the bike as I'm making a pool of sweat in the gym as crank out a strength workout! <br />
<br />
Much love to you all and will post again soon (ps. Still gotta write my recap of my April 7th race!!)<br />
<br />
Hugs and kisses,<br />
Shanny <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-13558751108510869672013-04-05T22:18:00.001-07:002013-04-05T22:18:05.050-07:00Woof!I gots me a running buddy!! Introducing the fast and furious, well okay more smiley, Rudy!! My lovely neighbours have been letting me run with their doggie and wow it's awesome! I've always wanted a running buddy!! Any tips on good running breeds for when I can get my own one day? Rudy is a Vizsla and seems to be incredible! Here's a picture from one of our latest adventures! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2sdmYZvOVGwwBLQjcdnz2SiaBkbgwGO6tJ_UFiahPKA9X_3bfpTPzvpVGfy2WJ63UcsMiFP4JOnB_TVlNybTlzN5vD3tRBGKY-NDrNy4ViEQVyS85QE83okdUTOZuClJ9fXvHMrIYeOf/s640/blogger-image--360039173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2sdmYZvOVGwwBLQjcdnz2SiaBkbgwGO6tJ_UFiahPKA9X_3bfpTPzvpVGfy2WJ63UcsMiFP4JOnB_TVlNybTlzN5vD3tRBGKY-NDrNy4ViEQVyS85QE83okdUTOZuClJ9fXvHMrIYeOf/s640/blogger-image--360039173.jpg" /></a></div>Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-1039634312331150012013-04-03T22:01:00.000-07:002013-04-03T22:01:05.294-07:00Spirit Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the trail again.. just can't wait to be on the trail again! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh wait, I was! Hahah! I've been running the West Vancouver seawall quite a bit these last few weeks (I love the feeling of serenity you get from being close to water) and have been drooling over it, but there was only one problem.. Too short! I wasn't ready for my run to be over by the time I had finished the route. So I started repeating sections before doubling back, which is fine and dandy but people start to wonder if you are crazy when you keep running back and forth past them.. or at least that's the impression I got from a few confused faces. Maybe they were just jealous? ;) Kidding! Ha! Anyways, I thought I'd try a new way to extend the run without sending off the kookoo alarms. Drumroll, please...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....balalallalallalallalalalallaaaaaaaaa....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE-1BlvItxzpFIqQP2CHzy7pQp4VXdODMmXbrWxb1Mr7rDQIX-C879b21g1lZcW6RBqnlNcE0HNqPwy8bi1SKKojFppiQJvJE3kGtnVGEPDXBXv_ROjmKdItYBZIvzV7wPlUQQ3RmWrBD/s1600/IMG_0660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE-1BlvItxzpFIqQP2CHzy7pQp4VXdODMmXbrWxb1Mr7rDQIX-C879b21g1lZcW6RBqnlNcE0HNqPwy8bi1SKKojFppiQJvJE3kGtnVGEPDXBXv_ROjmKdItYBZIvzV7wPlUQQ3RmWrBD/s320/IMG_0660.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Introducing the amazing North Shore Spirit Trail!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This trail connects North Vancouver to West Vancouver almost all along the waterfront! There are some sections that meander through parks and across some streets, but you also connect right over to the Ambleside dog park and eventually seawall! B-e-a-utiful! I highly recommend this route if you are looking for a flat easy run with some fresh sea air! Just keep your eyes out for cyclists and let your spirit (and shoes) run wild! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyw8Th9yXpSarTs0dDqdsHYCMFDWLogf05YLmBSd5OGYJ-_mhPxElvzPF0r4oJ9cL-p3zVhGbPJqXZ6eajNldhjhJ3OG4zx2VFyKwdCysYtmTgmd8_xWnVeTqLvXlDIMXWsbJTE1xON2q/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyw8Th9yXpSarTs0dDqdsHYCMFDWLogf05YLmBSd5OGYJ-_mhPxElvzPF0r4oJ9cL-p3zVhGbPJqXZ6eajNldhjhJ3OG4zx2VFyKwdCysYtmTgmd8_xWnVeTqLvXlDIMXWsbJTE1xON2q/s320/IMG_0644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't worry about seagulls checkin you out either.. they are like your fan base and paparazzi without the cameras. (Sunrise is a few cups of coffee too early for photos) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The return trip is around 17-18km, so a nice amount especially with a handheld (you can fill up at several spots on the West Vancouver seawall)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4sDYZhPTIriBYX3XXDvn_KgJFsyTVDDr3RbGZTSHbrQvEjIGyo2TA28phR-rPuxVwZb5ZYZX4nqowVj72tfLU_nfXGjcx5HLjOeje_GloHFzYTLEoIhPuIwhis9LDTzQ2T_i6oPKOP8q/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4sDYZhPTIriBYX3XXDvn_KgJFsyTVDDr3RbGZTSHbrQvEjIGyo2TA28phR-rPuxVwZb5ZYZX4nqowVj72tfLU_nfXGjcx5HLjOeje_GloHFzYTLEoIhPuIwhis9LDTzQ2T_i6oPKOP8q/s320/IMG_0643.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, if you are lucky some massive waves will come crashing in and cool your hardworking body down a bit! Ahhh refreshing! (Just close your mouth.. or maybe this can be the new way to get your electrolytes?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
Big smiles and love always :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
Shanny</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-15630543020533213432013-03-27T21:03:00.000-07:002013-03-27T21:07:54.907-07:00National Mountain Running Championships 2013- I Smell You!Hey.. I smell something.. something like stinky running shoes mixed with trees.. and what's that?? Do I hear French?! It must be the 2013 National Mountain Running Championships approaching! This year they are taking place on Mont Sutton in Quebec and good news, folks, I've registered! Bought flight tickets yesterday, rented a car and booked my lodgings this afternoon! It's really happening now!! Time to dust off the old French 12 textbooks.. they gotta be around here somewhere? I guess the chances of that are pretty slim.. I'm a bit of a neat freak and don't tend to keep those things that would one day be awesome.. like all my French class notes.. blast! Hahahaha! C'est dommage! I will have to use the trusty iPhone or something.. there's gotta be an ap for that! Anyways, I'm very excited! I've been getting back into running tons the last few weeks after taking some time to do more cross-training to rest some aches and pains. It feels so great to be back up and free! There's nothing like the feeling of it! I ran the beautiful Baden Powell from Lynn Canyon to Quarry Rock and back on Monday and, gosh, it was just the BEST! Muscles burning, smiles from ear to ear and muddy, muddy legs! Its going to be a very intense and great competition out there in Quebec! I'm very excited to see what the mountains are like out there and see so many great runners! I will be trying my absolute best and that's all that matters to me! Can't wait for all the fun to be had and hard training to come!! Yay!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dgLKRxN3aR5kEJh87mmNH9_zAgOF6vjgB8E-pDAHgSji_gvLSkYl4oGI7yzNxK-EWYLyafOj4xWR32nqFVzUpHwE9yl-_fDyTPzGri_9jv65loJGnQj8_LPkAosFSjDZWcU7u2_xnxfy/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dgLKRxN3aR5kEJh87mmNH9_zAgOF6vjgB8E-pDAHgSji_gvLSkYl4oGI7yzNxK-EWYLyafOj4xWR32nqFVzUpHwE9yl-_fDyTPzGri_9jv65loJGnQj8_LPkAosFSjDZWcU7u2_xnxfy/s400/IMG_0653.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a picture from my sunrise run along the West Vancouver seawall last week.. Absolutely stunning. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If things go well and I am able to finish in the top 3 females, I will qualify to make the Canadian National Mountain Running Team again and this time the World Championships are in Poland in September! Fingers crossed! I would love to see Poland! I've never been there! And I've never been to Quebec so I get to see something new here in Canada too!!<br />
<br />
Here's the link to the race's website! : http://xtrailasics.com/Mont_Sutton_Event.html<br />
<br />
Anyways, just had to put up an update! I hope to try my hand at a few races before then... and definitely a lot more baking.. so keep your eyes peeled! ;)<br />
<br />
Love to you all and thanks so much for all your support!<br />
<br />
ShannyShannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-34450120218943573882013-02-04T10:27:00.002-08:002013-02-04T10:35:12.663-08:00Fraser Valley Trail Run Series- Aldergrove Mud Run<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Aldergrove Mud Run (8km)- February 3rd, 2013.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Just yesterday, I competed in the 3rd run of the series- the Aldergrove Mud Run! Somehow we lucked out again and it wasn't raining! In fact, it was actually quite toasty compared to the other runs, which were around freezing temperature. It was to the point where after joining Joshua for a warm-up run of half of the course we both debated shorts.. he decided to wear them.. I had none, so fortunately for everyone else I wore my tights and spared the full moon. Hahaha! It's not the Underwear Affair! I did, however, start off in my short sleeve Kintec shirt, instead of my longsleeve. It was wonderful warming up with Joshua Weiss and have that amazing support. We both wanted to kill this race and strategized as we were warming up. This trail was a lot more undulating and hilly that they previous ones- much more to my liking! My mom came out to support me again, which was wonderful! It means so much to have people behind you. The race started and I knew that Olivia had changed her game plan immediately to just stick with me. I wondered about how I should deal with this and decided just to run my own race and let her do what she was going to do. I had been able to burn past her the last few races by running my own race, so why change anything? Besides, that's the beauty of running. It's all about your own race and not what others are doing. We started off with a speedy pace and gradually worked into a nice fast pace. Joshua was on fire today! He set a cracking pace and I just tried to keep him in my sights for the first half of the run. It was a challenging run and I really pushed myself. It was great to not have the frozen ground though and the volunteers seemed much happier as I exchanged thank you's with them. I lost Olivia about 3km into the run and began to run with a few guys that kept a crackin' pace. The trail was really nice- I love being surrounded by trees! There were some uphills and downhills that I was able to fly down that made up some fast time. I was really running this one hard and it felt more challenging that the previous race, but I kept listening to my body and slowin it down a little when I felt too tired, then cranking it back up whenever possible. Receiving the positive encouragement from volunteers, fellow runners and dog-walkers, kept my spirits high and speed fast! They would let me know that I was the first female and, "great job!" The last two km were long, but great as I could feel my calves burning and the final sprint to the end couldn't come sooner! I finished with a time of 32:09, faster than my goal so I was super excited! I was top female and age category winner! This time I learnt my lesson and quickly joined Joshua for a cool down run of the first half of the course again- stopping right away last time without a proper cool down had left me with some TIGHT muscles the next few days. It was so wonderful learning more about him and hearing about his incredible run as he crushed his PB! After returning, I was given such a sweet surprise! Some of the runners I had been talking to before the race were wearing Canada singlets and so I was asking what they were from. The mom came up to me after the race and gave me another one of the singlets!! It was the nicest thing ever! I can't believe it!! I'm going to have to bake her and her boys up some yummy treats for the next race because that was just too generous! The running community is just full of the most wonderful people and I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of it!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So far I'm 3/3 on wins of these series, which is absolutely incredible! I never thought I would be competing like this. Heck, this time last year I didn't even know there was such thing as trail races. I have to give a giant thanks to the Kintec crew for introducing me into this world and encouraging me to try it. I am beyond thankful for all the wonderful support I have been receiving. It's so great to see all of my nutrition and training showing up in my results! Big thank you's to Ryne Melcher, Eddie Li and Kathryn Gaudet!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Next up: The last run of the Fraser Valley Trail Run Series on February 24th, 2013- the Fort-to-Fort 30km!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shanny</div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-28913661885067606742013-02-04T10:26:00.001-08:002013-02-04T10:28:59.869-08:00Fraser Valley Trail Run Series- Campbell Valley Stomp<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Campbell Valley Stomp (10km)- January 20th, 2013</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
http://runthefraservalley.com/2013/01/22/campbell-valley-stomp-5-10k-results/</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Time for race number 2 in the series! For this race, there was a 5km and a 10km option, so naturally I chose the longer one! My mom came out to support me today- it was really special as she has never seen me race before! It was so special to have her out there for me and be so interested and excited for me even though I know she had reservations about me trail running. Today was the foggiest morning and I just hoped we'd make it in time! Luck was on our side though and we made it! I started warming up and when we were headed to the start line I was greeted by a smiling Sean Baker. His family had come out to this race as well and he introduced me to his dad and brother as we came into the front. They briefed me on the course which was really nice as I had no idea what to expect, other than running the last hill as warm-up a few times. The race started and the pace was crazy as the 5km and 10km runners both took off at the same time! It was hard to know how to pace myself with this and I think a few others struggled with this question as well. Olivia was gone with the wind with the top boys right away and I just continued on with what felt right for me. I was soon joined by Sean Baker and Joshua Weiss and couldn't be happier about it. They are both such great people and I was thrilled to be able to have company. Of course that means just a lil' chatting as we discussed the upcoming Chuckanut 50km race (that they are both competing in and I am on the waitlist for). We maintained a wicked pace though and stayed pretty closely knit. Joshua and I played switchies a lot in who was leading. It was great to have someone to push you to run harder and faster. The course was quite a neat mix of terrain, mostly a flat gravel path through farm land, but very mysterious with all the fog! Then there was a steep frozen downhill section that I let fly on because.. slowing down on hills just isn't fun, I'd rather run like an airplane! The massive cracks in the dirt left some scary jumps and shouts from Sean and Joshua! Then we entered my favourite part of the race- the real trail bit, through the trees and across bridges. The moss covered trees were beautiful! I couldn't help exclaiming about it. We passed Olivia on the last hill of the loop and continued on our speedy pace as I again took off the long sleeve (Sean had been teasing me that I was going to have to take it off earlier if I wanted to set a record this time- as I almost had the race before). The rest of the race was wicked fun and our group carried on making some passes and changing up positions. Joshua put the jets on in the last km and showed what he can do as he flew down the gravel path and onward to the finish! My legs were screaming at me as Sean and I climbed the last hill. Again Sean was cheering me on and I gave it my all. Coming into the finish line I saw my mom smiling and cheering me on saying, "Go Shannon!" it almost made me cry, I finished strong and burning- ouchie tired legs and sore knee, and immediately shared a group hug with Joshua and Sean. What a wonderful race! I really felt that I had gave this one my absolute all. I could feel my body fatiguing in the last km and knew that I had done well. After some frozen bananas and more hot coffee, I was able to meet the amazing winner, Mike Murphy- who is such a nice guy, awards and doorprizes were announced! Top female and age category winner for me again! AHHHHH! So excited!!! When they posted the results later on, I discovered that I had set a course record for that trail!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Shanny</div>
Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-71888872559418622452013-02-04T09:52:00.002-08:002013-02-04T10:28:42.797-08:00Fraser Valley Trail Run Series- Resolution RunHey Folks!<br />
<br />
Sorry for the lack of updates! But the guess what!? Here's a one! Hahahah<br />
<br />
Resolution Run (8km)- January 1st, 2013<br />
<br />
http://runthefraservalley.com/2013/01/03/130/<br />
<br />
2013 has started off with a big bang for me! I woke up on January 1st with a jump in my step and the excitment of race day! I had registered for the 2013 Fraser Valley Trail Running Series the day before and it was now time to kick off the New Year.. the right way! After a long drive through tons of fog and frost, I made it to Crescent Park in White Rock for the 8km Resolution Run. It was a beautiful sunny morning, but absolutely freezing! I shared runny noses with fellow runners and ran around like a little bunny trying to warm up my muscles. I contented myself with the realization that the ocean would feel much colder! The race was fast and furious! We took off like a shot for 2 laps of the 4km loop around Crescent Park. It felt great to be running and running FAST! The course was totally frozen- as I stepped on the grass.. it didn't bend.. and it's not because I forgot to eat breakfast and didn't weigh enough! Over the first loop, I started to see the difference between the other trail races I have done and this style of race. It seems a lot more cross country and I was a little shocked about the difference in some attitudes on the course! It took me back to running when I was a kid and people wouldn't let you pass.. this wasn't the trail etiquette we learnt in the Kintec Trail Running Clinics! One of the guys wasn't letting anyone pass him and would try to cut you off when you got close to him and both me and one other great guy, Sean Baker, were trapped behind him.. meanwhile I'm thanking all the wonderful volunteers for standing out in the cold to make this run possible for us and Sean is giving us heads up on hazards on the trail such as logs. After racing into the second loop, it was game one.. I took off my longsleeve and tossed it to the side, revealing my white Kintec Shirt - que theme song! I decided it was time to rev up the engines even more and burn past this guy and the last girl infront of me. I had to play a bit of ninja and squeeze through the corners to pass him but I was cheered on by the friendly voice of Sean who had also been stuck behind that guy with me saying, "GO WHITE SHIRT!!!" It pushed me forward to get that support from someone I had never met before and pushed through the last of the race as fast as I could burning through and finishing as the top female overall and in my age category 20-39yrs! My first victory!! It felt amazing and everyone was really nice! I was able to meet my supporter on the trail, Sean, after the race and exchange congratulations on a great run. He is a great guy and was so nice to talk to! We had both ran like the wind and it was really just such a rewarding way to start off the New Year. BIG thanks to the organizers and volunteers for making the race happen, plus supplying the coffee and healthy snacks after the race! It was a fabulous experience and there are some really fast runners competing- notably the 2nd place girl, 13 year old Olivia! I was shocked to learn she was so young! She will have a great future infront on her!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiQwBzfayOw4Z5l52Cgp00rDVeczbYz4qfvciiGaSIyIF0Xj6cXbe8H80qhgom5iwfjpzYaNeHD_SxPMlLfYs2EYV-wnawiMbZv4eaNzmJDLgBli0cet-o_bteR8_M1XFYdO8ICKV5OGu/s1600/IMG_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiQwBzfayOw4Z5l52Cgp00rDVeczbYz4qfvciiGaSIyIF0Xj6cXbe8H80qhgom5iwfjpzYaNeHD_SxPMlLfYs2EYV-wnawiMbZv4eaNzmJDLgBli0cet-o_bteR8_M1XFYdO8ICKV5OGu/s320/IMG_0548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
PS. I was right, the water was much colder! I was able to join in a very special Polar Bear Swim with John Tak and his family at Ambleside Park upon coming back into the North Shore and let me tell you.. diving into that icy ocean was the BEST ice bath ever! It was so special to be invited to join them as I was just about to dive in solo! What an amazing family!<br />
<br />
ShannyShannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6403146093699491050.post-75080453431023441542012-10-13T16:59:00.003-07:002012-10-13T17:02:01.838-07:00Tarte aux Pommes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPR_grjL2xZjSvIqhOWelZcIV8oRGthhRgRPyFYntcv3SVO6JppTYRU7KmfzB7jQrVS3vYamhC3HQBi6NoEtged-e9yOHyFdfBmO2MH6MPFupNqKPtPU6g8b_ckldYysYy2Y_InBzu8-6/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: white;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: white; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Fresh apples are one of the greatest things in the world! They are crispy, juicy, nutritious and basically just a ball of joy in fruit form! As you've seen in my earlier posts.. they can be used for manythings, such as rolling out your feet! But here's a much more delicious way to prepare them.. in your very own Tarte aux Pommes! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPR_grjL2xZjSvIqhOWelZcIV8oRGthhRgRPyFYntcv3SVO6JppTYRU7KmfzB7jQrVS3vYamhC3HQBi6NoEtged-e9yOHyFdfBmO2MH6MPFupNqKPtPU6g8b_ckldYysYy2Y_InBzu8-6/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPR_grjL2xZjSvIqhOWelZcIV8oRGthhRgRPyFYntcv3SVO6JppTYRU7KmfzB7jQrVS3vYamhC3HQBi6NoEtged-e9yOHyFdfBmO2MH6MPFupNqKPtPU6g8b_ckldYysYy2Y_InBzu8-6/s320/IMG_0444.JPG" width="320" /></a>First, you must pick a bunch of apples from your tree out back and then wash, slice and dice them up! We are going to make applesauce! So the smaller they are the faster they cook! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next, toss them into a saucepan with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a little water and saute until soft.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55RspbripJb1DikPf4msYobb6FJmzXR9xkUtfVh5_pkDdUycHG1Xa8jSRJnPsAZD2n0Quk_UV2bBRqLyoXorfMt9LCXmsCAvjWJnjhFa9rXgc1IfLJquLTiQDwp1YTA_9L0mhyEyxXQ6p/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55RspbripJb1DikPf4msYobb6FJmzXR9xkUtfVh5_pkDdUycHG1Xa8jSRJnPsAZD2n0Quk_UV2bBRqLyoXorfMt9LCXmsCAvjWJnjhFa9rXgc1IfLJquLTiQDwp1YTA_9L0mhyEyxXQ6p/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once they are soft, you can mash them up to make your apple sauce. It should be very thick and not runny so it doesn't make your tarte all soggy.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvPtApjGSkqplQ-uUXNN2vMnAlQnW0MXkGHtUebHMXoxK_Og2xxM9tHhRJSN7WsQOJO_ndlAUqivAOu0micFFhTCdAHx1o5uZyXQCkEALf7BIDLZ3uNSHYmz9q6aqxGuNSHE8bIjiqIHP/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvPtApjGSkqplQ-uUXNN2vMnAlQnW0MXkGHtUebHMXoxK_Og2xxM9tHhRJSN7WsQOJO_ndlAUqivAOu0micFFhTCdAHx1o5uZyXQCkEALf7BIDLZ3uNSHYmz9q6aqxGuNSHE8bIjiqIHP/s320/IMG_0445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Next, make your pastry dough and shape it into a disk. Wrap in saran wrap then place in fridge to chill while you go to the gym and have a workout. If you don't need a paper towel to wipe the sweat, you aren't working hard enough!<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBflhKHDyKNTDBnLPwrfm6bDckEjxXqCGmPstNFt0w2Zx7RefQLdWJnQTe8LeLhmCqekTYhf9xHgdCnrqGxC3QKMke0v17bb150wKEMvJvvNKb46KJQx6pxZwpcJcvrEW1lS2-1zJXcodj/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBflhKHDyKNTDBnLPwrfm6bDckEjxXqCGmPstNFt0w2Zx7RefQLdWJnQTe8LeLhmCqekTYhf9xHgdCnrqGxC3QKMke0v17bb150wKEMvJvvNKb46KJQx6pxZwpcJcvrEW1lS2-1zJXcodj/s320/IMG_0446.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Return home and shower and preheat your oven. Now its time to roll out your dough and place into a tarte pan with a removable bottom. Bake until just barely browned.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71WLqy1DacTzgi3WzwF4QMR2L8OAzbMuO-Jm_xbbgRCDKh-bfevBSDu7rjk_hXBsAkwTYNJcBN5J0N3fwB523id7YRRxyA_vROiFRRNumlHf7velS_e-jpNOF3lbu4JES9ItetLYXX6dU/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71WLqy1DacTzgi3WzwF4QMR2L8OAzbMuO-Jm_xbbgRCDKh-bfevBSDu7rjk_hXBsAkwTYNJcBN5J0N3fwB523id7YRRxyA_vROiFRRNumlHf7velS_e-jpNOF3lbu4JES9ItetLYXX6dU/s320/IMG_0447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thinly splice a few apples and toss with melted butter, cinnamon, honey </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and then start your assembly line!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2u0udoNSDgUHPfUHuWPL3aoPNJdRkAnQDG_HdNBNEiHt690w028edsgeutDeEnvdjOo4MAnUKVsqbeobGlDl_OTYbyDCtKdKty3XKrU3o9ey0ASLcygT77ae3WrpH6q-uzZWcEZvz3Np/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2u0udoNSDgUHPfUHuWPL3aoPNJdRkAnQDG_HdNBNEiHt690w028edsgeutDeEnvdjOo4MAnUKVsqbeobGlDl_OTYbyDCtKdKty3XKrU3o9ey0ASLcygT77ae3WrpH6q-uzZWcEZvz3Np/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spread applesauce all over, top with toasted almonds, rum plumped craisins and raisins, and then place the sliced apples on top! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflTWecMEul4K26kECygeO8qWTBkh71m63V7O_35MOPtUUrQQ2UYNGuRR4VjnjBMxGUKw2rl4q6ETmqVKMVRJpcg2kpYFFhwp8JX-162DSZj6HXKBOb65J7bPwi6lh_R5YFMULbEHmZIyG/s1600/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflTWecMEul4K26kECygeO8qWTBkh71m63V7O_35MOPtUUrQQ2UYNGuRR4VjnjBMxGUKw2rl4q6ETmqVKMVRJpcg2kpYFFhwp8JX-162DSZj6HXKBOb65J7bPwi6lh_R5YFMULbEHmZIyG/s320/IMG_0449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bake in the oven until golden!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJGapm7FPbShUiL2PQ6k9MRs1QUuUMCNLWhid-Cs0wblRcAXdAuHSYO2ntT-zGlvPRn9WrJHruSgus8lMTT4cY5x_iWY-cVV_N86o0pfYP0YDCsN02B_BQk6V2aKoTcrx2uaKC1jhViFX/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJGapm7FPbShUiL2PQ6k9MRs1QUuUMCNLWhid-Cs0wblRcAXdAuHSYO2ntT-zGlvPRn9WrJHruSgus8lMTT4cY5x_iWY-cVV_N86o0pfYP0YDCsN02B_BQk6V2aKoTcrx2uaKC1jhViFX/s320/IMG_0442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<h3>
<b>Et Voila! Une Belle Tarte aux Pommes! Bon Apetit!</b></h3>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CfJafszjj8MgZHNfoRavhG-Jp4ljypXwQnousYFzgTJVo7hOyqC3HykNN5yRd-F_stJqQgHpB5fEqzVKEJ_dKYXCPx5ithchjzfP-aMSYkLwJB20iNjRjXOy-1Aa0gIVxL4sbhBCxwU-/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CfJafszjj8MgZHNfoRavhG-Jp4ljypXwQnousYFzgTJVo7hOyqC3HykNN5yRd-F_stJqQgHpB5fEqzVKEJ_dKYXCPx5ithchjzfP-aMSYkLwJB20iNjRjXOy-1Aa0gIVxL4sbhBCxwU-/s640/IMG_0450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Shannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262028044880656765noreply@blogger.com0