White Flag
Week 31: September 28 - October 5
Run: 0 km
Bike: 0 km
Swim: 0 km
The white flag is waving, the towel is in the ring, my hands are up and I'm screaming "Uncle". This is all to say - I give up! I have done nothing this week - I have not ridden a bike, I have not gone for a jog and I have yet to dip my toe in the pool. I have spent the entire week wallowing in self pity as my lungs continue to produce phlegm at an unreasonable rate. Any fantasies I had about doing the Victoria marathon has dissipated and I'm not even sure I'll be able to walk it with Mom. The idea of doing Seattle at the end of November is even starting to look impossible.
During all the training runs and interval sets of the summer, I couldn't imagine how much I would miss running. I go to bed every night hoping that my lungs will feel strong and clean when I wake up, so I can do a small tour of the Millenium trail. Every week I re-visit the calendar to check if I've got enough time before Seattle, or Las Vegas or Honolulu, or any other pre-January 1 marathon. All I want is to get back on my feet - or more precisely get my feet back into my running shoes. I've been trying to figure out what I am missing, since during every workout I can't wait to be finished. What I've discovered is it isn't the act of running that I enjoy, it's the moments after the run that I love. It's being exhausted after powering through a long run, it's feeling the muscles in my legs before I go to sleep, it's that non-stop hunger that I know is caused by my body begging for more calories. Right after a run, my muscles are warm enough to do a proper Downward Dog (my least favorite yoga stretch) and a warm shower feels like the most luxurious spa.
I want to run....who would have thought?
Sierra posted this on Oct 07, 2008 from the livingroom | | permanent link
A New Challenge
Week 30: September 22-27
Soap Opera Episodes: 14
Ben and Jerry Tubs: 1
Twilight Books: 4
As you may have guessed, the recovery from illness has not happened as quickly as I had hoped. My dreams of a long Saturday run were officially destroyed by a Friday night visit to the hospital and subsequent perscriptions. Friday night trips to the hospital are not advised, as Fridays seem to be a favorite for a plethora of injured/ill people. This has left me in a difficult position - my Doctors (and my lungs) are suggesting that a marathon in 2 weeks is not possible. In an unfortunate case of being too well prepared - I have already booked flights, hotels, and got the early bird price for the marathon entry; none of which I can realistically cancel. I also managed to convince my parents to join me in Victoria, and it's going to be difficult to place a pseudo-Sierra in my place. So I am heading to Victoria in 14 days with a new challenge ahead.
That's right, I've replaced the sub 4:15 marathon girl with something even more difficult. Joining me in this difficult task will be my Mother, the bronze medal walker in the Edmonton ING marathon. Anyone who has met my Mother or I will know that this will be one of the toughest races of our lives because we are going to try to NOT get a personal best. In fact, we are going to go above and beyond a worst time and shoot for something that will result in no sore feet, or achy lungs, or questionable joints. We will aim for the bottom of the finishers list and possibly enjoying a couple of lattes (to stay) on the way. We will keep a pace that allows for maximal gossiping and minimal heavy breathing and in the end it will do nothing for our training or racing resume You might be asking yourself why this is such a difficult thing to do. You might even say to yourself: "Sierra you are already naturally slow, why would you care about being even slower". But the truth is, I don't like to be slow. In fact, I secretly dream of being moderate...or even fast.
I'd love to tell you that my Mom was going to be there to keep the pace down, but this is the same woman who perfected the "Fake n' Sprint" - a clever move where you ski/bike/run with your family for a long race, before sprinting out the last 100 m and leaving everyone in the dust. If anyone catches on to the move, there are several variations that you can try - asking for a drink of water, then sprinting away when someone goes to hand it for you, grabbing your knee in pain and then knocking down the person who comes to help before racing to the finish - you got the point. I am keeping my guard up in the final 200 m, in fact I encourage anyone in Victoria to be at the finish line around 2:00 pm on Thanksgiving Sunday for a sprint finale that will rival the Men's Olympic Triathlon for excitement.
Although my sub 4:15 marathon girl is on hold, I haven't given up on it completely. I'm contemplating an end of November Seattle marathon as long as lungs and knees hold up. I'm determined to strike this one of the list before January 1 and I'm hoping my body will help me out. It seems like a silly thing to even consider when I can't bike to work without losing my breath. If anyone knows of good CHEAP accommodations in Seattle, please let me know!
What does someone do when they are stuck on the couch/bed for 7 days? As ashamed as I am to admit the truth, I feel like it is my responsibility as a blogger to share my experience. If it can save even one internet user from making the same mistake, it will be worth publishing the truth. I spent the bulk of the week reading the Twilight series. If you haven't read Twilight, you are probably thinking that reading anything is a good idea. The truth is that Twilight is cocaine infused words. I don't know what kind of crazy mind altering tricks they incorporated into that series, but after one chapter you can't stop. Chapter after chapter - book after book, it's impossible to curb the urge; and yet with every word you ask yourself why you are abusing your brain. Approximately 4 books and 3000 pages later, I still wonder why I wasted so many hours when there are fabulous books waiting to be read. At the same time, I just want more...more Jacob and Edward and Bella, more dazzling and forever and vampire love-making. I had to return the books to their owner this morning because I knew as long as they were in the house I wouldn't be able to keep away. Now I just search Wikipedia and IMDB for updates on the film. This cures some of the withdrawal, but I worry that going to Mac's Fireweed or Amazon will send me careening off the wagon and back into Forks, Washington.
Sierra posted this on Sep 29, 2008 from the livingroom | | permanent link
Sex and the City (of Whitehorse)
Like most Sex in the City fans, I couldn't figure out why the movie premiered in London. Everyone knows that Sex in the City should have premiered in Whitehorse. As the center of fashion and food in North America, Whitehorse is where Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda were meant to be. Unfortunately, the Yukon didn't have much success in convincing HBO, or the fabulous four, to premiere here. We couldn't let this minor setback stop us from throwing a good party. so the fabulous Barbara Coppard took the lead in hosting a movie event to be remembered.
Like any good Whitehorse party, the Sex in the City bash started with a Gucci dress and drinks in front of the woodpile.
We moved into the next logical step - a Sex in the City tailgater outside of Qwanlin Theater . To go with our cool and classy theme, the tailgate party featured Cosmopolitans and hors d'oeuvres, not to mention specially baked STC cookies.
Our evening continued with the movie screening, in a decadently decorated (thanks to Barb)theater.
After the show, we headed up to Barb's house for the after party. At this point, I had moved into Triathlon preparation mode and was no longer enjoying Cosmopolitans, but focusing my efforts on good old water and carb loading. Thankfully, Barb had prepared some of her famous cupcakes - guaranteed to get glycogen in the muscles.
In the end, it was a fabulously fun party.
Unfortunately, you can't quite tell from the picture, but that's because I was practicing my America's Next Top Model face. The is a face that I've been training for since hanging out with my sister in Aspen. Not only is my sister way cooler than me, she is also an employee of Dior (and former Gucci Girl), giving her lots of experience with the botox-aful and collagen-ated. I trust her posing pointers and think I look very chic (not to mention slightly airheaded).
Sierra posted this on Jun 04, 2008 from the livingroom | | permanent link
Happy Holidays
Tomorrow is the beginning of the New Year and the end of the holiday season. I have to admit, I feel as much anticipation and excitement at the conclusion of the holidays as I do waiting for Santa Clause to arrive. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. I love the baking, the cooking, the drinking, the visiting, the partying, the vacationing, the daytime skiis and even the $10 organic egg nog; but I also love when it all comes to an end and life gets back to normal. 
This Christmas was an exceptionally excellent holiday. Tony and I welcomed 20 people to our house for a traditional Norwegian New Year's that included everyone's favorite delicacy - lutifisk. This year's lutifisk was especially delicious because it almost didn't make it. I had ordered my fish from the Wharf, but it never made it to my table - I'm trying to be understanding about the incident - I'm sure they were just shocked that another person would actually pay for lye-soaked cod. In the end a desparate phone call to Edmonton and an insanely kind Christmas favour ended with Kristin driving 2 packages of lutifisk to the airport to be couriered aboard Air North. I'm sure my guests weren't nearly as thrilled as I was about it's safe arrival, but Christmas without lutifisk is like Easter without chocolate.
The lutifisk wasn't the only near disaster - Akvavit was nowhere to be found in the Yukon, but Tracy hooked us up with her Prairie connections and the bottle was quickly enjoyed (or at least consumed), by all our Christmas guests. In the end, despite the slight hiccups we had a fabulous dinner and an excellent "re-gift" exchange. In theory, the re-gifting worked very well, although Tony and I were stuck with some interesting items in our house that must have been "forgotten" in all the excitement.
On Christmas morning Santa Clause arrived and got everyone something special for their stocking. I'm still trying to figure out if the broom I received was a subtle hint by Mr. Clause about the state of my living room. Even Starbuck got a stocking full of treats, although his favorite present came care of Auntie Alexis and Uncle Antonio -
Yes, that's a stick wrapped in paper. Starbuck was quick to forget all of the other gifts that had been bought, and spent the rest of the morning dismantling his present. After watching the joy with which he unwrapped his present, I don't think I'll ever purchase another Made in China stuffed plaything for him. Although next year I may get him a stick, and a rock...just to keep him on edge.
Boxing Day was spent enjoying a sunset ski (aka 3:00 pm ski) out at Mt. McIntyre. A whole crew of us went up to Harvey's Hut for a fire, hot chocolate and cookies. It was a great first ski for many, and even though I've been out many times this season, there was something special about watching Alexis ram into Ben at full speed going down a hill. Between that and Alexis sprawled face first in the snow uttering "It's okay, I didn't die", makes me wonder if this could become a new holiday tradition.
The rest of the holidays was spent on skis and in hot-tubs and my calves are in an odd state of soreness and complete relaxation. After some consideration, I have established my New Year's resolutions and am writing them for the entire internet world to read and judge. I suspect my fear of not following through on a commitment will be enough to get me through them. You will note that they are all physical fitness related, this is because I gave up on resolving to be more organized, cleaner or less obnoxious. I'm only trying to do this that seem achievable:
- 1. Practice yoga at least 3 times a week and set up a yoga space in the house.
- 2. Run a marathon in 4:15 or under.
- 3. Finish an Olympic triathlon in under 3 hours.
- 4. Bike the Kluane Chilkat as a solo.
- 5. Register for an Ironman (note: this is the registration, the actual Ironman resolution will be kept for next year).
Sierra posted this on Dec 31, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link
Another Year Older
It's official, I am another year older and 1 wisdom tooth less wise. My birthday was chaotic, to say the least, as it happened to coincide with a very busy work event. While the day was salvaged by a fabulous bonfire out at Schwatka lake and a wonderful dinner of hotdogs, potato chips, brownies and box wine; I am looking forward to having a real birthday celebration this weekend.
As a special birthday treat, I went to the dentist to get my annual cleaning/check-up. Somehow, I left with one less wisdom tooth. Doctor Jacob assured me that getting the cavity filled tooth out, is better than a filling. I was a little bit too under the spell of Ativan to pay attention, let alone protest. All I know is that my teeth miss their former colleague and are crying out in pain.
Winter has definitely arrived in Whitehorse and, thanks to the time change, it is dark before I even get home from work. This is presenting some logistical problems when it comes to my running schedule, but I will try to do my runs over lunch, which should help it all out. The new winter running is also requiring equipment changes. I've totally splurged on a icebreaker wool top, which costs you your first born son, but keeps you warm while you run. I also bought some YakTrax to keep me from slipping on the ice.
All these additions to the running inventory should be enough to get me through the next 4 weeks and to the finish line of the Las Vegas marathon.
Expect the next few entries to be marathon-centric, as I work out all the final details. What can I say, the garden's dead, so there really is not much else to report about.
Sierra posted this on Nov 08, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link
Parents
Today at 2:00 pm people in Whitehorse will gather for Benji Correos' celebration of life. For those who live in Whitehorse, Benji's story has been in the papers, on the radio, and talked about in line ups of coffee shops and the aisles of Extra Foods.
On Thursday afternoon Riverdale commuters were probably silently cursing under their breathes as traffic was significantly slowed while police cars and fire trucks parked along the bridge and peered into the Yukon River. By Friday morning, most of Whitehorse had heard about the tragedy that had delayed us by a minute or two.
Benji Correos was with his family playing near the Yukon river. His 7 year old son Myles slipped and fell into a exceptionally high and fast-moving river. Benji and his wife Josie jumped into the river to save Myles, and while Josie was caught up on rocks - Benji was able to get to Myles. Benji managed to keep Myles above water long enough for some friends to grab him and bring him to shore. Tragically Benji had been under too long and fell unconcious. His body was retrieved almost a week later down river from the site.
I hope that everyone takes a few minutes today to think about Benji Correos and his amazing act of bravery. But, I also hope people take a moment to think about their own parents. I have no doubt that my parents, faced with the same circumstances, would have jumped into the river without hesitation. And while I am exceedingly grateful that this has never had to happen, I am also grateful to be so loved. I pray that someday, when I have children of my own, I will understand that kind of love and selflessness.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Correos family.
Sierra posted this on Aug 29, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link
Our New Outhouse
In true Sierra style, it took a half a year to get finished, but it's done! With 2 days until my Father arrives, we have a new fully functional guest bathroom. In the end we replaced the paint, sink, faucet and various hardware. In all, it probably cost around $600, with almost all of it going into the sink, vanity and faucet. Hopefully we can fix the door before Dad arrives...or the only thing the bathroom won't have is privacy!
Sierra posted this on Jun 12, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link
My Lost Ring
It has not been a good couple of days. On Thursday I looked down at my hand and realized I was missing my engagement ring. I have no idea when it disappeared or where. The only thing I know is that it was definitely on my hand on Tuesday at work and by Thursday at 1:00 pm, it was gone. I've been swimming on Wednesday mornings, so I figure it could have fallen off in the pool. Unfortunately, several trips back to check have yielded nothing. Today, I visited all the pawnshops in town, with the hope that someone found it and brought it in. The entire thing makes me sick to my stomach and I'm torn between curling up in a ball and sleeping until someone finds it and manically covering all of Whitehorse with a metal detector. If you have heard rumor of a found ring, or if you happened to find a ring - I'm offering a $500 reward for its safe return, no questions asked. I'm sending lots of prayers to St. Anthony and I hope that the week-end ends on a good note. I'm not sure if I do find the ring, if I'll ever wear it again. This has been just too tough on my nerves. The missing ring is the one in the middle of this picture:
UPDATE- The ring has been found! Yippee! It must have fell off while I was digging through the garden on Wednesday after work. Tony found it using the metal detector in a pile of mulch beside my perennial bed. It going in to get resized on Monday!
Sierra posted this on May 06, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link
B-I-N-G-O
It's Friday night, which means only one thing...Radio TV Bingo! I admit, for years I have cursed Radio TV Bingo for hijacking every radio station in Whitehorse. There is nothing more annoying that turning the dial to your favorite - and by favorite I mean preferred - radio station, only to hear the sound of bingo balls rustling around. Not surprisingly, rustling bingo balls sound a lot like annoying static. In any other city, you could just change the dial and enjoy actual music, but in Whitehorse every single station is dominated by bingo.
This week I was able to set my radio rage aside because I had the pleasure of participating in Radio TV Bingo. Turns out things have changed since second grade, and bingo isn't quite as easy as I remember. The first major change is the fact that instead of playing one bingo card, you are faced with 18 cards that have to be played simultaneously. As if this wasn't tough enough, there are all sorts of interesting shapes that need to be made before you actually call a bingo. Butterflies, Zs, Ys and frames have replaced the simple lines of my youth. Bingo is actually a very challenging Friday night activity, further complicated by bottles of wine.
Despite the complexity of the evening, Bingo Night was all-in-all an incredible success. We spent $100 on bingo cards and came out with a $75 liquor store bill and no winnings. Some may see this as a financial loss, but my wine-fueled mathematics come up with fairly positive results.
Sierra posted this on Apr 21, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link
Life Without a Computer...
You don't realize how much you rely on a computer until it's no longer at your disposal. This week our computer was out of commission due to a busted power cord. Now don't get me wrong - I didn't actually have to cope without a computer, I still had a computer at my disposal for the entire working day. Unfortunately for me, and fortunately for the taxpayers of Canada, my workplace network doesn't actually allow me to search all those guilty pleasure websites that I enjoy so much. So, for the past week I've lived without Facebook and amazingly enough I've discovered that you can actually have friends without a computer screen in front of you and conversations can occur over the telephone, or even in person.
So, what has happened in the past week? Unfortunately, not much. Spring has arrived in the Yukon and teh smell of thawing dog poop wafts through the, not quite warm, spring air. The trails around Whitehorse and mucky and slushy and unfit for walking, biking or running. While I wait for the trails to dry out, I've been riding to work on the road and had the pleasure to experience the incredible rudeness of Whitehorse drivers. So far this year, I've almost lost my life to drivers who are too busy gabbing on their cell phone to stay in their lane and been subjected to honking and swearing from those who don't believe that bikes should be on the road (even when they are in the bike lane). I'm trying to come up with a positive solution to cope with bad Yukon drivers, but so far I've been forced to grin and bear it and hope it improves as the summer gets closer and more bikes join me on the road.
Tomorrow night is TV Radio Bingo night at my place - I'll be sure to blog after I win the $8000.
Sierra posted this on Apr 20, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link
My Love of Obsession
I should be asleep, but instead I'm enjoying my newest obsession Facebook. For those who haven't joined the phenomena, I have to caution you, if you enjoy your free time or current hobbies, it may not be a good idea to join up. Facebook is one of those wonderful mechanisms created so that people don't have to take the time to actually phone or see each other in person. All kidding aside, it's a pretty fun way of reconnecting with people you haven't seen or spoken to since you were a little tadpole or chubby teenager. Unfortunately, between my obsession with getting all my vegetable seeds started and my obsession with Facebook other, healthier hobbies are taking a backseat. I'd expand on this topic, but lets be honest my new profile site needs updating...
Sierra posted this on Mar 23, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link
The Furniture Has Landed
Almost 6 months after the wedding, the furniture we received as a gift has finally landed in Whitehorse. Thankfully, the wait was well worth it because the new couch, daybed and chair are fantabulous. Every member of the family has carefully chosen their special piece. I get the daybed, which is the most perfect place in the world to enjoy a Bailey's and coffee and watch the sun rise. Tony likes the chair, where he gets a great view of the backyard and Starbuck's a fan of the couch. I think that the walls will need some new paint and a lamp would be really helpful. But, all good things come in time...
Elsewhere in the house, the downstairs bathroom is at a stand still that will likely continue until guests come to visit and they have no sink to wash their hands. Damn that procrastination!
Sierra posted this on Feb 08, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link
