Two entries in one day!

So I asked for winter and I kind of got it. Yesterday I did a 14Km! A new distance for me! I also got to practice that winter running that I was complaining about not experiencing yet. I started out in no precipitation and I hadn't even checked the weather so I had no idea what was to come. Then it turning into freezing rain, which stung as it struck my face. Then it turned into big huge snow flakes and that was awesome plus it brushed right off. The hard part was that I was running head on into the snow so it was hard to see and occasionally cold flakes would go right in my eyes. Then the snow turned wet and I really struggled with the last km before the turnaround. It does get tiresome to deal with the constant snow in the eyes for that long. I finally reached the turn around and enjoyed the next 3Km of wet snow. Then as I approached the 4Km left to go mark, I went through about 800 metres of rain and/or very wet snow and by this point the precipitation is coming in more from the side. Great. For the last 3 km the wet snow turned back into needle-like freezing rain and was coming in at such an angle that it was hitting my face again. I struggled again with the last km or so. The path I run is marked every 200 metres and sometimes that can be a bad thing, it can be hard to count down to the end of a run when you are starting the find it difficult. When I finished, every bit of clothing that I was wearing was soaked. If the temperature was a little lower I could see this being a dangerous problem.

Not only was the distance a first, this was my first time wearing a water bottle belt and I filled it with watered down gaterade. I think I should have drank a little more because I had lots left at the end of the run. I really felt an effect from the fluid and felt it boost my energy a little. Also it was the first time I wore my heart rate monitor for a long run. That was a little weird, at times it seemed so low, like 84 beats per minute and then other times while I could easily talk (or sing) I was apparently have 200+ beats per minute. That's a little worrisome since it's over my MAX heartrate. I must investigate this further.

But overall I felt pretty thrilled by the accomplishment! I wasn't cold, my legs felt fine, I enjoyed the run! I'm a little stiff still today but I hope to keep stretching all day today and be in good shape for tomorrow's tempo run.

2006 in review

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?

Started running long distances. Ran in a 10Km race.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Well, some, not all. I am still embracing my healthier and active lifestyle but I am still working at the same company.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, actually. In fact, I don't think any of my friends are ever going to have kids.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. 2006 was the year of no vacation. Travelled to Ottawa and to the cottage for my vacations. A couple of days in Quebec... they *want* to be their own country. ;-)

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?

More confidence.

7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

September 2nd. The day that part of our home was damaged in a storm. August 16th - really nice 3rd anniversary at the Grosvenor and B&B. Most years I have more memorable dates but right now I can't think of anything else.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

A promotion (even though I want another job). Also the running a little bit. Mainly the fact that I've stuck to it and I feel so strong.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I'm still working for the same company. I have no idea what to do with the rest of my life.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

iPod Nano. I didn't buy it but I asked for one for my birthday and got it.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Hubby. He's working so hard and trying so hard.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Me sometimes. I can't think of anyone else.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Mortgage, debt.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Going to Ottawa and seeing some of the Bluesfest concerts. Spending some really really awesome time with my sister.

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?.

Crazy - Gnarls Barklay -> NOT THAT I LIKE IT but they never stopped playing it.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

a) Happier in a couple of aspects, sadder about 1 or 2 things.

b) fatter... but not by a lot and definately stronger and healthier.

c) richer but not by a lot. My life is richer overall as well.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Girls nights out.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Marijuana. Watching TV.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent it with family, both sides.

21. Did you fall in love in 2006?

You bet. I fall in love with Jay over and over again.

22. How many one-night stands?

I'm married!

23. What was your favorite TV program?

Amazing race. Ballet Girls.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't hate but I am so shocked at the level of jackassery displayed by many at the company I work for.

25. What was the best book you read?

Uggh. I did not make very profound reading choices this year. National Geographic was probably the best reading I've done.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Raconteurs

27. What did you want and get?

Can't think of anything.

28. What did you want and not get?

I'm following a theme here: new job.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

An Inconvenient Truth. For my husband: Inside Man.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Birthday #29. What did I do? Can't even remember but I think it was nice.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Immeasurably? Come on. I don't even know what life is all about right now so I guess if I could just figure that out.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?

Comfortable.

33. What kept you sane?

Jay kept me sane and at times a little insane but in a good way. Running helps too.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Al Gore.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

Elections. Stephen Harper. Gay Marriage.

36. Who did you miss?

My sister. Carrie... my other "sister".

37. Who was the best new person you met?

I can't even think of anyone I met... Rob at work I guess.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.

Life just keeps going on. We're not going to be young forever.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Please. Slow it down. There's a secret magic past world that you only notice when you're looking back at it and all I want to do it turn around.