May 20, 2015

The Unexpected Tri

Jacob getting cozy

After spending a week cruising around in a van through British Colombia in ‘recovery’ mode, I spent a majority of the following week sitting around cuddling Jacob – my international cat friend. When staying with Meredith and Adam (Jacob’s faithful humans), one must always be ready to be outside in any weather condition. Rusty, the large fluffy pup who also resides with Jacob, requires two walks per day. This is fabulous motivation when it’s sunny and fun outside. Even if it’s snowing and clear, walking Rusty provides opportunity to let the mind wander, inhale some outside air and check out what’s occurring in the neighbourhood. This was not 100% the case over May long weekend.

Rusty and the Rescue Crew

Meredith was one of the Vancouver crew who ran the marathon earlier in the month. Needless to say, recovery was high on the list of things to discuss when we were hanging out. Adam, Mer’s husband, is currently training for a half Iron man in August which means his schedule is full of things like “run for two hours”, “swim for 4km” and “bike for 3 hours”. Each time we spoke about his training schedule I wanted to have a nap! On the Friday of the long weekend Mer and I decided that we would relieve Adam of his morning Rusty walk duties and take him to Edworthy Park along the Bow river. My left ankle is still being somewhat of a pain in the arse with the tendon and sheath being all crunchy and painful, yet I really, really, really, REALLY wanted to run. And by run, I mean shuffle at altitude with lululemon tights on (and about 3 shirts, running gloves and a beanie/toque). It was kind of a gross day out. No sun, windy and about 3 degrees. We get to Edworthy and the Calgary Swift Water Rescue crew are doing training drills IN THE WATER! Their gear must be lined with some kind of thermo-reactive insulation or just plain magic; it was freaking cold and some poor bugger was chilling in the water up to his waist playing with a ball while the guys on the bank figured out their plan. At least those who inevitably get into trouble during the rafting season will be rescued by dudes who know their stuff – in all weather conditions. Rusty loves being in the water at all times, but he also likes to sit on the snow outside in -10. The pup’s got some coat. Maybe that’s what the rescue guys should line their suits with? Rusty fur? Seems like a money maker to me (sourced ethically of course – brush Rusty and you’ve almost got a second pet just like that! Think of the creations to be made). Anyway, we *ran* around 5km, which I was super happy about! My lungs are still trying to figure out where all the O2 went….

These feet take me places!

The following morning Adam’s training schedule called for swimming. Mer and I are totally supportive of this and it becomes a team event! Yay! Swimming is no problem. Adam is also an early riser. Adam likes to train for swimming at 6am on Saturday mornings. I think it’s a testament to how much I enjoy hanging with these two that we were all up and ready to roll at 5:30am to go swimming when it was like 2 degrees and overcast outside again. Classic PJs and couch weather. And Netflix – Hannah, I’m feeling you on the GG addiction; xoxo.

We are up, in the car and swimming laps in an empty pool for about an hour or so. I must confess that I got bored after a km and started doing some deep water running instead. Carrie – you’ll be pleased to know I remained upright the whole time. Was channelling you lap after lap – it’s quite boring by yourself and eventually I opted for the hot tub after another half hour of moving slowly through water. Bliss!

Beautiful day for a swim!

It was about this time that Mer and I realised we had done 2/3 of a triathlon. Total rockstars. Marathoners one weekend, major triathletes the next. Where will the craziness end!?!?! This left the bike leg… We had to have a transition period (Saturday afternoon) due to bathroom renovations and poor weather conditions (rain, again, in Calgary!!?? Rain is not a usual phenomenon that occurs here. Usually snow or sunshine, not the really wet stuff). Sunday was a glorious day ready to for the bike leg! Aside from the occasional stationary bike, I haven’t really ridden a bike in a looooong while. I can attest that it was a smooth transition back into the saddle. Great thing that learned muscle memory and vestibular balance. We are well designed creatures! Meredith has a series of pathways that we followed. Firstly to her parent’s place for a pancake, then onto Edworthy Park (sans rescue crew) and along Memorial Drive where we sadly skipped Ice-cream due to our hands being partially frozen from the wind. As we cruised through the inner SW quadrant of Calgary, my arse started to protest about being anywhere near the bike seat. Trying to break in that feeling is never a fun task. A couple of hills (on a mountain bike) and 23km (on a mountain bike with fat tyres) later and we were home. I should mention that Mer was on a road bike and subsequently much smoother in her riding style…. I managed to keep up for the most part! Yay quads!

High-vis, thermals and smiles… All that’s required!

We completed the Tri Weekend!! Such athleticism was rewarded with Netflix, Popcorn and hot chocolates (for recovery purposes).
Now there are discussions centred around cycling from Canmore to Banff this weekend. Think I’ll need to stash a substantial amount of padding in my pants. Though I’m now a marathon runner (yay!!!) I still have minimal padding in the buttock region to create any kind of buffer between my hip bones and the seat. Maybe this tour should be renamed #hayleywalkingfunnyduetosporadicexercisetour? I did bring some yoga to the training schedule over the course of the weekend. We did handstands Monday morning before I left. I love handstands. It’s like being 7 years old again for the brief period you’re upside down. Based on this attitude, I think #recklessabandontour is much more appropriate!
Happy Wandering!
Hx