Meet Jessica!

So excited for tomorrow...SV and I will begin our Tour de France Challenge 2015.  Yes, you read that correctly, SV is joining me on this challenge (Love him!!) and together we are going to try to each ride 63% of the distance raced each day in the actual TdF race (13% more than I did in 2014 and 13 because that is SV's favourite #)!
This year we have a huge focus to help get our butts on our bikes and struggle through what is going to be a very hard 3 weeks.  This year we are trying to raise money for a wonderful woman and her family...because no matter how hard this challenge gets for us, it is nothing compared to the difficulty they face and conquer every single day!
Please take a few minutes to meet Jessica

Jessica Turner is 38 years old with a husband, Steve and two kidlets, ages 10 and 13.  When Jessica was pregnant with their second child, Steve was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which he battled and beat.  Life seemed to be moving forward for them once again but then Jessica became sick.  Many emergency room visits and hospital stays over a two year period led to Jessica's first diagnosis of Gastroparesis (her stomach is paralyzed) and then eventually she was further diagnosed with Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction (her small and large intestines are also paralyzed).  There is no cure to this....ever. Jessica has not been able to eat food in 6 years, receiving nutrition only from a TPN, total parenteral nutrition via IV five nights a week.  Jessica has also been diagnosed with Epilepsy and has begun having grand mal seizures due to the "wear and tear" of her body.  Jessica (and her family) has struggled with this for the past 8 years eventually forcing Jessica to resign from her job as a nurse due to the illness. With the overwhelming amount of emergency room visits, extended hospital stays and many medical expenses that are not covered by the government, hospital or any insurance, this struggle is effecting her family in a very hard and real way.

SV and I hope that you will support us as we try to help Jessica and her family...please click the donation button below, all money raised will go to Jessica, Steve and their two kids!!

Now I need to go put my legs up :)

Tour de France Challenge (I know it's long but please read it all!)

In just over two weeks I will begin the 2015 edition of my Tour de France Challenge!  I am super excited to once again challenge myself to ride a portion of the epic 3 week event, but this year I am putting a different spin on this challenge...making it count!

The majority of you reading this blog know me and know that I always love to set crazy challenges for myself.   I might not always think them through fully, but I always have a great time...Ultraman Canada 2009 is one example and my favourite event I have completed!
After many years of thinking how fun it would be to try to ride every day like the guys in the Tour de France, I gave it a go last year...it was tough and I struggled and almost bailed, however, the stubborn part of my personality won out in the end and I was able to complete my goal and was overwhelmed by the support of family and friends.   It meant the world to me to have so many people supporting my challenge just because I wanted to see if I could actually do it...I knew that I would do it again in a heart beat!

Life can throw curve balls at you, good and bad, in the past year, so many things have happened to people close to me, unexpected things that are life changers, it sucks, it's not fair, it makes my heart hurt but there is nothing I can do to change these situations...but what if I could do something.  What if by me riding my bicycle I was able to make a difference to a family...a family facing one of those unfortunate life changing situations.  What if I could do something to make a bad situation a little easier.  Hell yes!!! I can't think of anything I want to do more.

Six years ago I met a man, Eon D'ornellas, who has a passion and dedication to cycling that is inspiring.  A former Olympian and pro cyclist that has built a very impressive business around his passion.  I have had the pleasure of riding in races with him and it is amazing to watch him guide, give tips and just help make the group around him ride smarter and safer.  Over the years,  I have formed a friendship with his fun and energetic daughter Lori-Ann, who is always there with a smile and a funny story to lighten your day!  This amazing family has touched my life and many others in the cycling community and beyond.  When I learned of Eon's nieces situation, I knew that I wanted to help....Below is part of Jessica's story...please take a minute to read about what Jessica is up against:

"My wife Jessica Turner has been ill for over 7 years now...we went through the many doctor appointments, emergency room visits and hospital stays it eventually turned into long term disability. She was undiagnosed for two years then got her first diagnosis of Gastroparesis which basically means her stomach is paralyzed. She then got a further diagnosis of Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction which meant her small and large intestines were also paralyzed This turned out to be a more major and serious issue than the first diagnosis. She has not been able to eat for the past 5 years since they started treatment which is now running an IV bag at home for nutrition.... She is admitted to a downtown hospital several times per year with the longest admission so far being 3.5 months long. Her latest diagnosis last year is Epilepsy as she had a few grand mal seizures. The prognosis is not good overall and the doctors are now looking at a multi-organ transplant which will be another long haul for Jessica and our family if that comes to pass...She has a long list of medical needs as it is and not everything is covered by the government, hospitals or insurance and since she had to resign from being a nurse due to her disability we have been struggling to manage things ever since."

This year  I am dedicating my 2015 Tour de France Challenge to Jessica and her family!  I am committing myself to riding 60% of this years Tour de France (totalling 2015.08 kilometres).  I know it will be a tough 3 weeks, but in all honesty it is nothing compared to what Jessica and her family have to take on each and every day!! 
I am hoping that all of you... friends, family and friends I have yet to meet, will support me in this challenge and in turn support Jessica and her family! If you can, please make a donation to help support my challenge and her family...any little bit will make a difference!!!

Eon, Lori-Ann and Jessica 

March Mantra!

March is such a wonderful time of year...days are getting longer, the temperature is finally getting warmer and motivation levels start to rise as the snow melts away!

I have been repeating a certain mantra this month..."You get out what you put in"...these simple words have been circling through my mind as I push the pace on my runs, as I forward fold in Yoga and as I try to increase my power output on the bike.  This mantra has reminded me to focus on what I have to do in order to reach the goals that I have set for myself.  

We all set goals and many times we loose focus, readjust those goals or settle for a lesser goal...because it is easier to go through the motions, to not fully commit to the hard work, to loose momentum when the road gets rocky or maybe just go a totally different direction when you loose faith in your ability to achieve your goals.  Personally, I have done all of the above at different times in my life.  However, I have realized that I want to work towards my goals, I want to put in 100%, I don't want to hold back and I know that if I put in everything I can (sort of like depositing money in to a bank account), that I will be able to" take out" the same amount and most likely be able to take out even more (interest)!  

I know it becomes easy to think that we deserve certain things in life but, I know it is my responsibility to put as much as I can into everything that I do, whether it is my family, my spouse, my business or my athletic pursuits.  If I don't give my all to making these things the best that they can be, I can't expect them to be awesome just because I want them to be.  It takes hard work to be successful in all areas of our lives and this month I have committed to putting as much as I can into every aspect.  I am willing to give 100% to all the important things, I will work full force towards my goals!  I am excited for this mantra to help me through the rest of the month and the rest of my life...who's with me?

24 Hour Spin Challenge

UltraPossible 24 Hour Spin
 On Saturday February 7, 2015, 28 athletes from Muskoka climbed on their bikes to raise money for the Children's Foundation of Muskoka http://www.childrenofmuskoka.com.
The idea was formulated by Ashley Boone during one of our Sunday endurance spins and the idea just continued to grow and come together almost effortlessly!  With amazing support from local businesses; Oliver's Coffee, Main Street Delicatessen, Metro of Bracebridge, Zcizzorz+, Ecclestone Cycle, Gravenhurst IDA Pharmacy, The Yoga and Fitness Studio and Dornellas Bike Shop in Toronto, we were able to support all of our athletes as they challenged themselves to spin through the night!
I want to thank each and every athlete who participated in our inaugural event...the positivity and energy that filled the Studio for those 24 hours was amazing.  Honestly, you are why this event was such a success...the team spirit and hard work was inspiring!!
I am also thrilled with the amount of money we were able to raise for the Children's Foundation of Muskoka, your efforts doubled what I thought was going to be possible to fundraise!   I can't wait to see what we are able to do with the Second Annual UltraPossible 24 Hour Spin Challenge in February, 2016!!

Ready to Go!

Riding into the Night

Racing Rooster and His Chicks

Randy with the quickest transition!

Passing the time playing Heads Up!

Hard at work!

Pizza at 2am..why not!

Darren and Steve still smiling!

Chris and Marie catching some shut eye

Ashley very happy about her cookie...not so much about spinning while eating it!

Cathy recovering after her final shift!

I get knocked down...but I get up again!!

Life always finds a way to throw us curve balls...maybe it's to check to see if we are staying focused,  in the now, maybe they are meant as wake up calls or maybe they are just a way to test our inner strength, determination and resolve....whatever their true purpose, I know that it is the reaction to the situations, not the falling, that is the test, how quickly you get back up, dust yourself off and start moving towards the goal again!

Training towards my half ironman goal has shifted things in me slightly (I am excited to train, not skipping workouts, drinking more water,  sleeping more and I have more energy) I am beginning to dig deeper, pushing harder and flirting with efforts levels as I haven't in years.  I am finally running with my favourite again, something I have missed terribly.  It's great to run side by side with someone who pushes me, and rather than back off and make an excuse when he starts to pick up the pace, I push back, I dig deep, I feel my legs scream but my brain encourages me to try to match his stride and stay at his side.  I am hitting paces that I wasn't sure I would ever run again and I'm loving it!

However, life threw me a curve ball...or in this case a cracked, broken sidewalk while on vacation.  I went down pretty hard (I took a chapter out of my older sisters book and actually hit the pavement). Yes, I cried and yes, I had a few moments of worry that maybe I had re-broken my right foot but I forced myself up and started moving back towards the hotel...no use wishing I hadn't fallen...no use worrying about July.  I kept my focus on the now and taking care of what I was able to control.  I decided to not let a sprained ankle ruin my vacation.  I enjoyed a fun/scary moped ride through Playa de Carmen with a sweet little Mexican man.  I kept my ankle iced and elevated while holding down my beach chair with a drink in my hand.  We went for slow walks along the beach drinking in all the sights along the way.  I took advantage of the beautiful pool and allowed my long lost love of swimming to rekindle itself while SV headed out for his runs solo.  I refused to feel sorry for myself, it's a small injury compared to what could have happened, I have been focused on doing what I can and letting my body recover (minimizing any further injuries by pushing too hard too soon).  I'm doing all the things that I can control and not allowing myself to worry about things that I have no control over what so ever.  Truly, for the first time in my life I am 100% able to let go of that worry... maybe that is what this latest curve ball was meant to do, show me that I have truly gotten mentally stronger and I am not going to be knocked down long by anything...So bring it on!!!!

Finding my tools

Hi there!
It sure has been awhile.  I would like to say that I have had a great reason for my absence but honestly all I have for you is a bunch of excuses and none are the real reason that I haven't been keeping you up to date.  The truth is I didn't know what it was I wanted to do on this part of my journey.   I have been doing a bunch of reflecting the last few weeks, maybe it's the time  of year but I finally made a few decisions and I am happy to say that I am back!!
Since breaking my foot in 2012, I have been dealing with what has felt like endless injuries.  I didn't allow myself to plan ahead, I didn't set goals because I wasn't sure that I would be able to achieve them so rather than use my injuries to motivate myself to get better and stronger, I became comfortable with just going through the motions with no purpose.  I started looking at the training as just the balance to eating a breakfast cookie!
We all have certain "tools" in our tool box, you know those "tools" that make us who we are, the ones that help us create our path to reach our goals, the ones that make you feel strong and motivated --hard work, determination, dedication, goal setting, time management, strength in body and mind, perseverance, courage, focus, positivity, self love, etc.  I used to be great at keeping my "toolbox" tidy and uncluttered, everything in it's place and ready to use but over that last two years I have gotten careless and allowed my toolbox to become chaotic and cluttered.  I allowed self doubt, lack of focus, limited strength/injury, poor time management, poor goal setting, worry that my racing days might be over and of lack of desire, to keep me from prioritizing and found that it was becoming easier  and easier to make excuses (excuses are always easier than hard work) to not race or train.  I began feeling like I should close the lid on my toolbox rather than take the time to clean out all the useless crap and keep things tidy.  Luckily, I  talked to SV and he encouraged me to set a new challenge for myself because he knows that I will work hard towards my goals…all I have to do is take out the crap that is cluttering my toolbox!
I realized how much I miss some of my favourite "tools"…I've missed setting goals that make my butterflies take flight, I've missed working/training hard, I've missed challenging myself.  I miss the excitement of being out there on race day with the other athletes who are pushing themselves to their limits and I miss the excitement of crossing a finish line!
I have always been an athlete and I am excited to be one again…the goal has been set…I WILL complete my first Half Ironman triathlon this summer (can you believe I haven't done a half Ironman yet…two full Ironman's and Ultraman but this will be my first half!!).  I am motivated to get to the start line injury free, I am excited to race on my home course and I am pumped to be out there competing with several of my athletes.  I will do my best and I know I am going to have a blast!!!  I hope you will join me for this journey…it might not always be a smooth road but I know I have the right tools to get me through any rough patches!!!

New Challenge

I haven't done a blog post in over 6 months...how is that even possible??  Wow, time has a way of speeding by!
Things are in full swing here in Muskoka.  Triathlon season has begun and I sadly won't be doing much racing.  I have been dealing with injury for what seems like forever and although I am able to swim, bike and run...putting them together isn't going well for me.  I am doing all the steps to help the healing process and I look forward to cheering at the great local races.  However, I needed a focus... something to make me less disappointed about not racing...so I made one up myself.  I'm calling it the "Tour de France Challenge".... a test to my body and mind for the next three weeks.  The goal....to try to ride when the Tour de France bike racers ride(on the same days..not time of day...that would just be too crazy given the time zone) ...and to do 50% of their daily distance (1831.75km total).  I know it won't be easy and I know I will probably have moments of wondering why I decided to do this challenge...but those of you who know me know that I love that crazy stuff. It's my idea of fun!!
I am hoping by making this challenge public that I will stay motivated to reach my goal. I expect you all to kick me out the door (figuratively) when I don't want to go for another ride... and say "awe muffin" when I start to whine about being sore/tired. I hope that many of you will join me out on the roads during the challenge...especially any big men who would like to ride in front of me blocking all the wind!!!
I am excited to test my body and mind and hopefully all this mileage will help me in the later summer and fall for some possible racing....fingers crossed!

TdF Challenge...3 days done!

"Just a Coach"

I am a coach. Plain and simple that is what I do. I have been coaching swimming for more years than I can remember, working with triathletes and runners for 10 years and teaching Yoga for almost 9 years. (wow, seriously where has time gone?). I have had the pleasure of working with all ability levels, from very beginner to top elite athletes and every single day I am grateful to be able to do what I do. However, there was a time in my life when I let a few people make me feel that being "just a coach" was insignificant, that it wasn't a "real" job or something to be proud of. True, I will never cure cancer or solve world hunger or make the Forbes 500 list, but being a coach is a worthwhile and satisfying career. I get to go to work every day helping people. I get to watch as people get fitter, build healthier relationships with their families. I get to encourage them to make life changing goals and become role models to their friends and families. I get the joy of watching people discover that they are stronger than they think they are. I get to be the cheerleader, the ass kicker and the shoulder to lean on when they are struggling. I have helped countless people cross finish lines they never thought they would reach(Ironman/Half-Ironman, Try-a-Tri, marathons/half-marathons,5kms, etc). Anyone who has ever crossed that finish line, knows what a magical place it can be and I get to be a part of all of those magical moments. Honestly, I get goosebumps thinking of these accomplishments that I have had the honour to be involved in. Watching my athletes conquer their fears, discover new depths to their strength and determination, seeing the excitement on their faces as they do something for the first time (touching their toes, doing a handstand, reaching the top of Mt. Lemmon, run a PB, swim farther) means more to me than any benefits package that other jobs may provide. Over the years I have come to realize that while there may be people out there who think of me as "just a coach" they aren't the ones that matter...it is people that call me "their coach" that matter because they are the ones who make my job worthwhile and there is nothing on this earth that I would rather do than help people make their dreams come true!

Hi!

Hi, how have you been? Me...busy busy! Life has been in full swing since the summer and to be honest I love it. UltraPossible athletes are working hard in the "off season" and I am finding myself getting pretty excited for the 2014 season! So many things happening and events on the horizon that I am excited beyond belief. I have found myself reflecting on last season...not exactly the year that SV and I had planned on, both of us dealing with injuries and mechanical failures but overall a fun summer, just not a lot of race goals realized. So as we approach the end of 2013, I am thinking about my goals for 2014 and realizing that I really want to push and challenge myself this year!! So what should I do?? AND more importantly, what are YOU planning for 2014??

Big Steps

Labour Day weekend...unbelievable that the summer is drawing to an end...hardly feels like summer was here!  The triathlon season is almost over (here in Muskoka, anyways) and although I didn't get to do as many races as I would have liked, I think I may have figured out what was causing the issues in my quad muscle and I am excited to build my strength back up on the bike and even more excited that I am back to running and running pain free, Woo Hoo!
This month marks a big step for UltraPossible... We have found and are opening our new home for our athletes. A space to call ours!  So freaking scary and exciting all at once!  Looking forward to expanding our class schedule and being based out of one location...although we will continue our Yoga in the Park next June...can't leave our Yoga tree behind!!
I just want to take a quick second to thank everyone who made this big step possible...SV, you are the  reason all of this is happening...you're encouragement/kicks in the butt/patience/faith in me have gotten me to where I am!  XOXO
Brent...such a great partner and friend...you have helped make UltraPossible such a complete company and I love taking on this adventure with you... It's going to be busy, it's going to be challenging, but I know we will do this with smile on our faces and have a tonne of laughs along the way!
All the UltraPossible athletes, families and friends. It's been a fun ride and its about to get more interesting!  I thank you for your support, your strength and your commitment to us and our goals. I love the passion and friendship that IS this group!

4 years...Really?!

It's hard to believe how fast time can pass....4 years ago I began one of the most challenging athletic events of my life, Ultraman Canada (10km open water swim, 420km bike, 84.4km run).  As the athletes prepare to step into Skaha Lake tomorrow... I can't help but think back to all the fun and crazy times we had making our way around Penticton, Princeton and Summerland...We had laughs and tears and a few shots of tequila!   I want to thank the best crew UMC has ever seen; Peggy, Susan and Steve...you got me to every start line and finish line and made the event entertaining for me and other athletes out there...while I have no plans to do UMC again, it holds a very special place in my heart!

Day #1

Team BB car

A little "ice" bath

SV enjoying the super soaker!

Peggy, Susan and I before Day #3

The devil made run course!

Running stride for stride through 84.4km

Happy to be done!

Best Crew EVER!!

Cheers!

SV was a little sore the next day!!

Inspiration

I love my job...honestly the joy it brings to my life makes me the wealthiest woman in the world!
I have had an interesting 6 months or so.  It started with breaking my foot and has included; some random tailbone infection, my sister being in the Boston Marathon and the stress of not knowing if she and her husband were ok, getting knocked down at the start of a race,  and having lingering injury issues that have me unsure of what this race season will bring.  It can be difficult to stay focused/motivated to get out there and work hard.  This is where all my athletes come in... and how much they motivate me.  Day in and day out they push themselves to new heights they didn't know they could achieve.  They doubt themselves and worry... but in the end they push and do the hard work because I have given them the reassurance that they are capable... and that they are stronger than they think.
 Today, I was to run a half marathon, (which at the time of registering I was planning on running a sub-1:30), however over the last month I have not been running because of a lingering injury that has forced me to pay attention to it.  The worst part was I was planning on running with my sister and get her to a new PB.  I was disappointed and decided I would run 10km just so I was still able to start the race with her and I could test the leg to see if the rest and treatment was helping.  However, once I was out there something interesting happened..on an out and back section other ladies running the race (athletes that were 2 or 3km behind me) started cheering for me and telling me I looked awesome.  Now at this point I was running a pace that for me is fairly easy and was planning to stop at 10km. Then I realized that although I was having some pain, I was still running... and running fairly well.  I began thinking of my athletes... one was running in the same race as myself, and three athletes were running a marathon/half marathon in Ottawa.  I knew they would be hurting but none of these athletes would quit, not for anything...so why should I??  I used their hard work and determination to keep me going forward.  I had a huge smile on my face...I thanked every person who cheered me on...I chatted with the Firemen who were working the aid stations.... and I waved at the little girls who were cheering for me because my name was Barbi.
Was it my fastest half marathon?  Not even close...but I was able to finish something I started with my sister.  I didn't give up, just as none of my athletes would ever give up.  AND... I got some of the best news ever...my athletes ALL reached their goals today...so damn proud right now!!  Thanks for the motivation and inspiration UltraPossible athletes! You make me soar!!

Some pics of some of the greatest athletes around that make my life so full!!

P.S.  Did I mention that I love my Job??

Chin Up

Sometimes it is better to just focus on the positive and the beautiful things in life.  Don't waste time stressing about the things you can't control or change.  In the words of my big sis "Don't be afraid to take a beat"....so this is me stopping to enjoy the smell of a beautiful flower and letting go of some of the stress I have been carrying around this past week and a half!

Environment Change

...Coach brings in a 2x4 and puts it on the mat, asks the fighters to walk across it heel to toe.  They all get up walk across the 2x4 like it's no big thing.  The coach brings in 2 tall step ladders, hangs the 2x4 across them and asks who's ready to walk across the 2x4.  No one raises their hand.  The environment changed....the Act doesn't.  It's the same thing..the same 2x4....(Chael Sonnen)
This really hit home with me.  I have seen it so many times in the athletes I coach or am friends with.   What is it about race day that makes people forget the task at hand/ the goal they have trained for?  Is it the start/finish line, is it the clock, the crowds of people, the new racing outfit?
In triathlon and running the environment is always changing, every day brings a new route, a new bump in the road but in reality it is still just forward motion, one stroke, pedal or stride after another.  Where you are and who is around you shouldn't distract from the task that you are doing.  
I tell my athletes that Race day is just another day...except this time you have tonnes of other people around who will motivate you to push a little harder (you know that guy that passed you in the grey sweat pants...NO way are you going to let him beat you!!).  There will be people to hand out nutrition that you might have forgotten to pack, port a potties just in case, crowds of people cheering you on and telling you that you look strong (that NEVER happens in training) and someone is going to place a medal around your neck when you finish.  So much better than a regular training day!!
 The hard work and action that you put into every day of your life is what gets you to race day.  You CAN do this,  you do it every day in training.  The ACT is still the same!  Rather than letting the environment change of race day bring emotions of doubt/fear, embrace the actions that you have done to get there.   Keep the forward motion and enjoy every moment!

Refocus

It is easy to get frustrated when things don't go the way you want, to not have control or have a definite end point.  I've been doing my best to be patient and reminding myself that my body will be ready, but with my first half ironman 19 weeks away, the continued foot discomfort has been starting to plant doubts in my brain.  I see the numbers on the treadmill and want to push harder, to try to "keep up" with SV but I have to listen to the body and that is the source of my frustration.  My brain and my body aren't agreeing.   I've decided to trick my brain.  Time to refocus..rather than let myself get down about what I am not able to do (run fast) I am challenging myself to do things I normally wouldn't do.  I am practicing Yoga daily and letting my brain focus on the great things I can do.  All the extra Yoga is helping those sad running muscles feel better, totally win-win!!  So for the next 6 weeks I will be refocusing on the positive...can't wait to see what I can get into!

Better

I had an injury.  It's healing...but not as fast as I would like.  This past week I hit the ground running,  and it hurt.  I tried to cut myself some slack... these were the first outdoor runs I have done since October and the most mileage I have done in 14 weeks.  However, that irrational part of my brain, quickly went to the what if's, you know, the: what if I can't run pain free again, what if I am not as fast as I used to be, what if I can't run long... what if, what if, what if.

We all go through "stuff" (an injury, a loss, a break up, a bad spell...whatever it is) and the focus tends to be on getting back to where we used to be, being as good/happy as we once were but that isn't the right way to look at it.  I realized this week, that I have to be kinder to myself.  My body is doing the best it can and that is all I ever ask from myself.  I shouldn't be pushing myself to go harder or farther right now, because I am not ready and that is ok.  I am the only one who expects more, yes SV may have helped point this out to me :)  So my focus right now isn't on trying to be as strong or as fast as I "used" to be, instead I am going to focus on doing the right things and getting stronger and that is a process which has no finish line and no matter what I will be better than I once was!

Let's go for a ride!

I know many people have many opinions with regards to LA and what is front and center in the news...and that is the beauty of opinion,  we are all entitled to our own!  

I am not going to go on and on about what he should or shouldn't have done...not my place...all I know is that if  he ever wants to go for a ride, I would jump at that chance....especially if he wears his "kit" below ;)  What a perfect day, riding with SV and LA.   I would be a VERY happy lady!

Missing you

Lungs burning...Quads screaming...Ponytail dripping with sweat...Side stitches... Throbbing toe nails... Blisters...Racking up the mileage... Wanting it to be over...Wishing it would never end...Hills..Headwind...Speed sessions and Long runs...I miss it ALL!!

It has been 6 long weeks of no running and I'm itching to get my run on!  I have done the time and I want to be cleared to hit the pavement (well, Treadmill honestly, but you know what I mean!).   I am hoping this will be the week that sees me tying up laces again...I have my fingers crossed!
In hopes that I will be struggling to get my running legs back soon... here are some of my favourite running pics!

SV and I at UMC'09  (notice the iPod and Speakers taped to his hand...awesome!

Dr. Peggy and I running stride for stride @ UMC'09

Loving the crowds enthusiasm in Budapest 2010

Laguna, CA

Getting ready for some speed work with SV in Tucson, AZ

Worlds in Auckland, NZ...last run.