The training begins
I did my first run of the season last week. Unfortunately, I found out a day or two later that I can’t participate in the 10k run on May 24 because my cousin is getting married the same day. Priorities, man.
But I’m still going to run this summer, whether I do a race or not.
So I hit the sidewalks for about 45 minutes, alternating running and walking for two or three minutes each. I didn’t keep track of my distance, I’m hoping to just get back into a routine first.
It felt pretty good. I was a little sore the day after, but I’m not sure if it was because I’m more out of shape than I thought or my body was still complaining from snowboarding last weekend. Either way, a few stiff muscles never killed anyone.
The icy sidewalks could, though! Most of where I ran was clear enough, but there was one major road that was absolutely treacherous! I couldn’t run at all - heck, I could hardly walk slowly without slipping and sliding … and probably providing entertainment for passing drivers.
Oh well. There was no heart attacks involved and I’m hoping the weather gets warmer so my training can continue outside where it belongs.
Anyone know of any other 10k races in Ottawa this summer?
Once
I watched the movie Once last weekend. It’s a musical, but not in the traditional sense.
The two main actors are actually musicians – this was the first acting experience for both of them – and they wrote the songs the movie is built around. The end result is a very pure and real sound. Every note and every lyric is so personal, and it’s impossible to not be drawn into the story, though without the music the plot would probably seem unbearably slow.
The budget was small on purpose, the special effects essentially non-existent and the script was edited as they went along. As Glen Hansard, the lead actor/musician, said, “It feels like a movie you made in your bedroom.” But it works.
I was impressed. In fact, the music was so compelling I bought the soundtrack yesterday.
Listen here and let me know what you think.
ten kilometers
I recently signed up for a 10 kilometre run.
Am I crazy? Probably.
The MDS Nordion - it’s part of Ottawa Race Weekend, which means thousands of people are going to be running around the capital. I’ve never done anything like this before, though one of my goals in life is to run a marathon to raise money for charity. This is my starting point.
I’m hoping to begin training ASAP … as in, when the sidewalks aren’t so slippery and I can go outside without fearing for my life. I’ll be documenting my progress through this blog, so watch for video of me gasping for breath in the near future.
I’m doing the run with two other girls and we need a good team name. Any suggestions? Any tips on how to not have a heart attack?
The Sens: on their way back?
For those of you that weren’t at the game last night and didn’t have the opportunity to watch it, allow me to enlighten you.
It was phenomenal! Definitely the best game I have attended so far, probably because it’s the first game I’ve seen that the Senators have actually won.
It was fast, captivating hockey with close calls and tight teamwork. I was hoping Gerber would manage a shutout, since he’s finally been named goalie numero uno and played superbly last night. Alas, it was not to be.
Half the stands were already empty when the Bruins slipped the puck past Gerber with about four minutes left in the last period. Heatley scored his third of the night into the empty net about a minute later, and the play stopped for a while as hats were cleaned off the ice.
Spezza also had a sweet goal in the third period, making the final score 4 to 1 for the Senators. I won’t swoon, I promise.
The only improvement to the night would have been if Toronto and Montreal had lost their games, not only so I could pick on my Leafs fan friends but also so Ottawa could get closer to reclaiming first place in the Eastern Conference. The top spot now belongs to the Canadiens … who will play the Sens on Thursday.
Snow
… Ottawa received over 50 centimeters of it in about 36 hours. Crazy.
Sunday was beautiful though, after the storm had passed, and I went out to romp like a kid in the powder. Here’s some photos:
Shovelling our walk …
Snow angel!
Trying to make it to the backyard – I pretty much had to crawl because the snow was so deep.
Good times. But I’m ready for spring now.
Winter weather warning
I don’t care where you live, 50 centimetres is a lot of snow … especially when it means breaking a thirty-year record.
I like snow and all … but man. I’m going to hibernate all weekend, and maybe beyond.
I can’t wait for Hawaii.
Naturally awesome
I attended the Michael Buble concert at Scotiabank Place in January, which was phenomenal. The opening band, Naturally 7, was simply fabulous, and to truly appreciate their talent – whether or not you like the style of music – you have to see them for yourself.
This video gives you a glimpse, but it’s still not the same as seeing them live.
There are seven members (hence, the name) and they all have the unique ability of using their vocals to sound like a musical instrument. The “bass player” has an insanely deep voice, other members “play” strings and brass that sound just like a real band. When the whole group harmonizes together, it’s amazing to hear how high and low the collective range is.
During the concert each member had the chance to shine as they performed a minute or two solo. The drummer and bass player did their thing, another played flute and one member picked up a violin.
I have their CD in my car, and every time I pop it in the player I’m amazed all over again that everything I hear is done solely with their vocals.
Like I said, you have to see it to believe it.
Cheryl