Successful Move

Sorry for the delay in posting - but I figured since everyone is back at work today, I better get back to it as well. :)

So... I'm officially a West Coaster *yay*. I left for Calgary, last Tuesday, and have spent the better part of last week unpacking and getting my bearings around here. New Years was a lot of fun, my cousin's husband's family is from Calgary so we went over to their place and I got to meet some locals (always a good thing) and see my cousin. They also somehow talked us into going hot-tubbing at midnight in -22 degree weather. Crazy Calgarians! My hair froze, but other than that it was loads of fun.

Now I'm officially back on the job hunt - I was telling the boy last night, that I haven't been "unemployed" since like high school - and I'm one of those people that needs to be busy to be happy. I find it very hard to relax and go with the flow - so this will be an interesting test for me. I made an appointment at a local gym to get a tour and a 7 day pass for tomorrow - I figure even though I'm not making money at the moment, I can justify a gym membership because it will keep me sane/give me something to do aside from job applications all day.

The movers will most likely show up this week - and I can't WAIT for that! The boy has been living off of paper plates since he left, and I honestly don't know how he's survived this long... I'm desperate for our furniture/kitchen stuff to get here. My car should arrive next week as well - its also being shipped (the idea of driving across the Canadian Prairies in the winter freaks me out, to say the least), so I'm going to have to get snow tires put on ASAP once it arrives. I'm not a very confident winter driver - but I guess I will have to learn.

Today, I'm going to attempt meal planning for the week (gotta save money where you can), hit the grocery store nearby, and apply for a few jobs.

Thats about all that's new with me, I'll keep you posted on what happens as I try and figure out this new city.

How did you spend your New Years?

Calgary!

Sorry for the delay, I have been meaning to post this for awhile! So as some of you may know, I spent last weekend in Calgary (AKA my future place of residence). My parents kindly donated some air miles my way so I could take a first round of summer clothes (among other things) out ahead of time, and so I could see the boy for the first time in about a month. See… aren’t they awesome people?!? Love the parents.

Anywho, got up bright and early at 5 am on Friday to make sure I’d be able to catch my 7:20 flight in time. Fortunately, because I’m traveling from London – the airport is Tiiiny … so I was checked in like about 5 minutes. Flight over was good – I was on WestJet (love them… you’ll see why later). The funniest part was when we were landing and we got through the clouds all you could see was white – London has gotten maybe an inch of snow so far this year – CLEARLY Calgary was a different story. I found it amusing to look around at everyone’s shocked/concerned faces on the plane as they realized we were clearly heading into a big blizzard. Then the WestJet steward came on and was like “in case you haven’t noticed already it’s a TAD colder in Calgary than in Ontario… but that is okay – because we’re from Calgary, and we love Calgary --- *woooo*" – it was super cute and distracted everyone from looking out the window for awhile. Once we landed, the baggage arrived pretty quick and I caught a shuttle bus downtown. It was only me and a really nice Australian girl who was headed to Banff on the shuttle, so we got to talking with the driver. I think they both found it pretty awesome that my first impression of my future home is a crazy blizzard.
Way to be Calgary, way to be.
Well at least now I can say I’ve seen the worst of it, right? Dear god, I hope that’s the worst of it.

Anyways, the boy met me at the drop-off point for the shuttle and we walked a block or two to our new apartment. It’s smaller than our one in London, but its right downtown which is handy. It will be fine for the first little while. I also don’t have a job lined up out there yet – so we didn’t want to go overboard with living expenses since we’ll only have one income – at least initially. Anyways, we quickly grabbed some lunch and then he had to head back to work for the afternoon – and I toured around 17th Avenue in the blizzard (not to worry, I stopped for Starbucks and a cupcake – so it wasn’t awful). Once the boy got home from work, we went to a cute little Italian place nearby for dinner called Gnocchi’s. It was delish, and not very busy due to the weather. The MIML took me by some of the grocery stores/liquor stores on the way home. I bought some wine and he bought some beer and we headed back and watched Christmas Vacation on TV. That was it for Friday.

Saturday we got up and went for breakfast at a diner down the road… gotta say, breakfast prices = slightly unreasonable. I feel like I will be making breakfast at home from now on. I just thought it was strange because my dinner entrée the night before was around $17 and fairly reasonable, and then I got eggs benny (I splurged) at this diner and it was like $13.50 and wasn’t even that great. After breakfast, the boy took me by where his new office is and then we grabbed a coffee at Starbucks – because it was still pretty frigid outside. Then we decided to hit Chinook Mall, we took the C-Train (its like an outdoor monorail – but I suspect I’ll always call it the subway because I’m wired to think like a Torontonian). It was enjoyable and pretty speedy as well. I saw like FOUR people wearing cowboy hats in DECEMBER, which I think is just awesome (although I bet their ears were freezing). People in my neck of the woods wear cowboy hats ONLY on Halloween or to the bar, so I find it so crazy that people wear them just because out West. Love it. The mall was good, lots of stuff to see. We found the boy some winter boots and I got some stuff from Bath and Body Works (obviously). Then we went to a nearby sushi place for dinner. The boy also bought the Planet Earth DVD set when we were out so we went home afterward and watched that on his fancy new TV, it was pretty awesome (both the TV and the DVD’s).

Sunday, I had to catch my flight back at around 2:30, so I grabbed a shuttle by about noon. Didn’t give me a lot of time in the morning, so we just ate a quick breakfast at home and said our goodbyes :( So sad! Oh well – only a few more weeks. I booked my ‘official’ moving flight – I’ll be a resident of Alberta by December 29th, woo exciting!

Guess that’s about it – that was an EPIC update. I’ll try and post more regularly so they aren’t always so long. Thanks for reading – if you’ve made it this far! As you can probably tell, getting in a workout wasn't my highest priority that weekend. I'll try to get back on the wagon shortly though. Sorry I don't have any pictures to share, I realized my camera was out of battery when I arrived there - fiddlesticks. I'll be sure to take lots when I move "for real". :)

Catch-Up

Hey,

Well it’s been awhile since I blogged, I really need to get myself on some sort of schedule. Anyways, I unfortunately don’t have a whole lot to report this week. I’ve been majorly slacking with the gym. Last Wednesday, I went for a run in the cardio room in my apartment, because it was pouring rain and I didn’t want to go outside. It’s convenient for that reason, but the machines are kind of old and for some reason it’s always really hot in there… I much prefer the fancy treadmills with built in fans at the gym! I’m so spoiled. Anyways, wasn’t my best showing, largely due to the heat factor. Nike+ Stats were: 3 miles/32:43/10:53 min/mile with 330 Calories Burned. I was happy I just made it there at all.

One observation about the Nike+ though – the calories portion is always ridiculously off of what the treadmill will say. For example, that workout last week had the treadmill reading over 400 calories burned, whereas the Nike+ was only 330 – I don’t get it. Has that happened to any of you? Which one is right? I’m not a big calorie counter or anything; it just kind of irritates me.

Other than that, my only other workout last week was a quick round of the 30 Day Shred on Saturday afternoon followed by a one hour Pilates DVD. I suck – I know. I was actually home in Toronto for the weekend, and I always find it harder to stick to a routine when the scenery changes. Oh well. I’ll have to get back on the wagon this week.

My weekend was a much needed break from moving though! Friday night I had dinner and a drink at Moxie’s with my college roommate, and it was so nice to see her and catch up. On Saturday, I met some of my high-school friends downtown and we went out for drinks at a pub. It was so nice to let loose a little – haven’t had that kind of fun in awhile.

Anyways, I’ve just got to truck it through work this week (4 Day Week – woot woot), because on Friday I head to Calgary for the weekend. I’m SOO excited. I haven’t seen the boy in close to a month, and I can’t wait to see where we’re going to be living and tour around the city At least I feel like the hardest part of the break is over, phew.

That’s all my news for today, I’ll update more often, I promise. 

A Run & Vitamins

So yesterday was a rough day, had to say goodbye to the MIML early in the morning and I just hate goodbyes. So I was a bit emotionally on edge for the whole day. Its just so weird to think that he's not ever going to be back at our place in London again. Kind of sad. It also leaves me thinking about all the packing, and shipping and eating of what's left in the fridge I have to do - hopefully the latter doesn't put a damper on my healthy eating plan.

Anyways, to get my mind off things yesterday, I hit the gym right after I dropped him off. I spent 40 minutes on a seated bike, pedaling while reading the first book ('Dead Until Dark') in the Sookie Sackhouse series (AKA True Blood) series written by Charlaine Harris. I really like the book - and I've only seen the first couple episodes of True Blood, so I'm hoping it will convert me into an addict. I also did about 20 minutes of weight-training once I finished that. I was happy though because it allowed me to catch up on some of the cross-training I missed by being lazy on Saturday.

Today, I went for a tough 2.5'er before work, and I don't know why - but it was a massive struggle. I did 3 miles on the weekend, and it was easier than today for some reason. I made decent time, Nike + stats are: 2.5 miles, time: 25.59 min, pace: 10.21 min/mile, calories: 276 , but I just wasn't feeling it. Does anyone else just ever have an off day?

Anyways, I have a hair appointment scheduled for 5 today, after work. I'm really looking forward to that, because I've been feeling like my hair looks like birds nest for the last little while :P

Lastly, I've been thinking about vitamins alot lately. I say I'm practically an old man with my row of pills I take in the morning. Currently, my vitamin list consists of: B12 - prescribed by doctor, as I have naturally low levels; as well as, a calcium supplement, vitamin A&D, and an Omega 3-6 pill. So it makes me wonder what everyone else thinks on supplements? How many do you take and which ones? Do you believe supplements even make a difference? Am I'm taking too many? I'd love you know what you think.

4 Day Recap!

So its been a few days since I've blogged, I apologize for the delay - its been busy.

So Thursday was my rest day, which was nice. The day was really special though because the MIML got his MASTER'S degree. *yay!!!* so exciting. He did so awesomely too, he is an awesome public speaker - like seriously, I work in PR and I still get all jittery and put my foot in my mouth when I have to make a speech, I was really impressed. I was also really nice because I got to hang out with his parents at the campus restaurant and chat for a few hours while he defended, after which we met up with him and some of his work friends for a celebratory drink at the Grad Bar. Then after a quick dinner, we headed back to our place so the MIML could give some of his books and other keepsakes to his parents since we won't be taking them to Calgary. The poor guy, he LOVES reading, and it looked like his heart was breaking a bit as he packed all his books into boxes. So sad. I guess the plus side is now he can just buy new ones once we're out West.

Friday, I worked the whole day then met up with a friend of mine to hit the mall for a baby shower present, we had so much fun looking at all the little booties and bibs and cute baby stuff. Then I hit the gym for a quick 2 mile run, and did 20 minutes or so of weights. Stats from the Nike + were: 2.03 miles/20:30 time/10.03 min per mile/ 224 Calories. That was basically it for the night, spent most of the next few hours helping the MIML pack for Calgary.

Saturday was my bad day for the week - I had planned to go to a spin class in the morning, but I was so exhausted from packing the night before that I bailed. I was angry about it later on in the day - that'll teach me, :P I went to the baby shower in the afternoon, which was alot of fun. My friend Andrea's baby is due in early December but they think she'll go early - so it was nice to see her get all decked out with baby gifts. I think she had a great time.

This morning, I got up and headed to the gym by 9:30a.m. for my 3 miler (long run of the week) - it was tiring but I still managed to give'r for the last 2 minutes and finish strong. The Nike+ Stats were: 3.01 miles/ 31.53 time/10.34 min per mile/332 Calories. I'm hoping I can improve my time over the next few weeks. After the gym, the MIML did some last minute running around, dropping off furniture, picking up packing supplies, and giving some of his clothes to goodwill. I can't believe he leaves tomorrow - the place looks so empty without his half of our stuff... :(

Hopefully the gym/packing will keep me busy while he's away, and my parents offered me some of their air miles to fly out to Calgary at the end of November and bring the 1st round of my stuff/see our new place. So thats exciting - I love my parents for being so awesome.

Guess thats about it, I've been meaning to give some shout-out's to my favorite running/health blogs - so that will come later this week. Stay tuned.

Advanced Yoga = A Bit Scary

Hey,



So I did an evening workout tonight, which was fun - and I had an absurd amount of energy when I got home, like it was a little ridiculous, I was bopping around to my iPod for like the first 10 minutes I was home. Anywho, I did a quick 20 minute cross-train on the elliptical tonight and burned a little over 200 calories woo! Then I went to a yoga class, I've never been to the Wednesday night class - but it's listed as just a general yoga class. Problem was, I'm 98% sure it was some type of crazy advanced yoga, cuz it was nowhere near as do-able as some of the other classes I've been too. Huge challenge, on the plus side, I had a great time laughing at all my awkwardness.

Today eating has been pretty good, I had some cottage cheese and a granola bar for breakfast; and then I grabbed a veggie sub from Subway over lunch, and had the 2nd half as a late afternoon dinner before the gym. I also went to Wal-Mart over lunch and got some of those Space Bag things for when we move. I really hope they work, and don't like explode in the suitcase, has anyone ever tried them before?

Not sure if I'll get a chance to blog tomorrow, the MIML is defending his Masters thesis - so its a pretty big deal. I'm taking a half-day at work so I can go watch him present. The in-laws are coming into town to see it as well, so we'll probably do dinner/family stuff - should be good, I know he'll do awesome.

Guess thats about it for today!

P.S. I'm in love with the new BSB song "Bigger" I've probably played it like 10 times today - go download it.

The 10K

So as I mentioned in my prior post - I was gonna give some details about my road to health and fitness. Here's what I'm thinking...

I currently can run 5K fairly easily, but I'm am by no means a regular runner. I just can kind of push through the pain and bust out a 5K without THAT much effort. So... to make sure that I push myself and get into a serious running regimen, I've set my first goal at completing a 10K. I'm sure all the runners out there in the blogosphere know of Hal Higdon, and after looking through alot of training plans, his seems like the best strategy for me to fit into my life. I don't have a particular race I'm planning for at the moment, considering that Hal Higdon's plan is only 8 weeks - and by that point it'll be around Christmas and the dead of winter up here in Canada... so not a whole ton of road races to choose from. I will likely be completing my training using a combination of outdoor running, and classes/machines at the gym as the weather gets colder.

I am planning on making a few slight modifications to Hal's plan, so I'm thinking my plan will look something like this...

Monday: Stretching & Strength Training (45 minutes)
Tuesday: Run
Wednesday: Cross-Training (Yoga Class + Cardio Machine)
Thursday: Off
Friday: Short Run + 20 minutes Strength Training
Saturday: Cross-Training (Spin Class, Walking, Kickboxing etc)
Sunday: Long Run

So only some minor variations on the plan - but I think it'll work well for me.

There are only a few challenges I foresee in this plan. #1) I'm moving at the end of December - and its not just a little move - I'm moving from Ontario to Alberta - so umm, I dunno 4000+ miles. :S #2) The reason for this move, is the man in my life (MIML) got a job out West, and my job is a contract position that ends just before xmas, so the timing for this kind of change is good in that sense. Downside is, I will be without a boyfriend to motivate me for about 6 weeks (he leaves next weekend), and I'll be stuck in Ontario packing up our life ... wooo, fun! NOT!

Hopefully, this blog and my exercise plan will be a good distraction for me while he's away. I'm also hoping that if I get out West and can find a good gym quick enough, I won't miss out on any of my training plan... (Anyone know any reasonably priced gyms in Calgary? I could really use some tips!) Assuming all goes well, I am planning on running in the Calgary Marathon next May, hopefully either a strong 10K or a half-marathon if I can really push myself.

I figure that will give me lots of time to adjust to a regular running schedule, and figure out what works best for me. I'm also planning on trying to eat natural, healthy foods from this point out and I will try and document some of that to share with you as well. I'd love to know what some of the experienced runners out there thinking of this training strategy, I'm still pretty new at this so I'd love to learn more. Nonetheless, I will keep you posted on my progress this week. Wish me luck!