Elements of Erin 337

Grouse Snow Shoe Grind a Week Later

2012-01-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Much better weather this weekend for the Snow Shoe Grind. Climbed to the top and a did a quick loop around the lower lake made for a great morning.

Temperature was posted as -8C but it felt much warmer than last week without the pouring rain and wind.

Stopped to take a photos of the Eye of the Wind. Couldn't even see it last week in the rain and clouds

Others on the trail this week.

Sunny!

At the top of the Snow Show Grind

Completely frozen waterfall that was running last week.

First Grouse Mountain Snow Shoe of 2012

2012-01-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

Once again this year, my son is taking ski lessons each Sunday morning in January. Although this makes for an early start for both of us, it is a great opportunity to get up and out on the mountain first. This past Sunday was our first time up at Grouse Mountain this year.

The weather was less than ideal. Raining at the top of the Skyride and 0C do not make for great conditions. As I started to climb the Snow Shoe Grind, the weather did improve but visibility never really became and clearer.

At the bottom of the Snow Shoe Grind (SSG). The great thing about an early start and poor weather...it makes for a very quiet trail.

Looking behind

Looking ahead

I am LOVING my new MSR Snow Shoes. They are perfect for the Snow Shoe Grind and the local packed and groomed trails.

Icy directional signage

This waterfall was flowing pretty good in the warm weather

Best Race Party Favour

2012-01-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

In November 2011, I participated in a 5km swim relay with the Hyde Creek Masters Swim Team . The event could be completed solo or in a team. I opted for being on a 5 person team with each of us swimming 1km.

By far, this event was the smallest, most community oriented and fun event I entered in 2011. Instead of the usual swim cap or t-shirt in our race package, we received a great travel mug. But not just any travel mug. It is wonderful porcelain mug with a rubber top. Nice to see that the Hyde Creek Masters are also LMFOA fans.

January Book of 2012 - The Golden Spruce

2012-01-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

Most of my life I have been an avid reader. The only exception was right after I graduated from University in 1993. I think my brain was done with reading and needed a break. In 1995, my husband gave me a copy of the English Patient and I was hooked on reading again. That book and the movie, released in 1996, are still my favourite book and movie.

For a couple of years now, I have subscribed to Audible and really enjoyed listening to a book or two each month. I started by listening to business books that I found necessary but not that interesting to read. Then I took a chance and downloaded The Kite Runner instead of reading it. I was hooked! A good story with a good narrator can engross me for hours. My most recent listen was Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. I would never have been able to read this book from cover to cover so listening to it was fantastic.

Still, nothing can really replace a good paperback read. Kindle, Kobo and iPad can not recreate the feel and smell of a 'real' book.

A couple of weeks before Christmas, I was introduced to Ben Davidson by a friend. Ben was in town visiting family and the three of went for a run in Richmond. As we ran we chatted about Haida Gwaii and what it is like to live there. It is a place I have always wanted to visit (and will go someday). I mentioned that my Dad enjoyed reading The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant but I had not yet picked it up. So this will be my first Book of the Month for 2012.

Let me know if you have read it and what you thought. Book report to come at the end of January.

Happy Training, Happy Life.

Clearing the Cobwebs for 2012

2011-12-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed (or not) that my blog has become a very neglected place.

Like many of us, I have found Twitter and Facebook an easier and quicker way to throw my thought out into the world. I was surprised to look at my blog and realize I had not provided an Ironman Canada race report or a report of anything after that.

July and August this year were very self reflective. Resulting in me leaving my job in search of a larger sense of purpose. Basically, I asked myself 'why' a few too many times, couldn't come up with the answer and turned the page on the end of that chapter. Of course turning 40 might have something to do with this also.

My plans for 2012 are pretty simple and a straight forward. No crazy Ironman training or marathon training, just keep fit and have fun.

This year is my 'son's year'. We gave him the opportunity to choose our next vacation destination. After narrowing it down to Fiji or Spain, we are going to Spain in March. Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. This will be a first for all of us.

Thought I would get a jump on the new year and my resolutions early. Hopefully this trend will continue in 2012.

12 New Year Resolutions for 2012 (AKA To Do List)

1. Race at least once a month
2. Start strength training and remain consistent
3. Take care of my Supraspinatus Tendonitis
4. Perfect my Half Marathon and run a 1:50 by the end of 2012
5. Swim, bike and run at least once every week
6. Stretch after all activities
7. Do at least two mass cycling events
8. Make in person connections with friends at least once every three months
9. Twitter and Facebook less, Blog more
10. Race in California and Nevada at least once each
11. Read one book a month
12. Have a family dinner and game night twice a month

Happy Training, Happy Life!

LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It

2011-09-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera

2011-08-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks

2011-08-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over (2010 Version)

2011-08-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

Simon Sinek video - It is all about the PEOPLE

2011-08-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

Jessie J - Price Tag ft. B.o.B.

2011-08-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Tour de Whatcom

2011-07-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I rode 105 miles (169kms) in the Tour de Whatcom. This is a very popular and well organized event. The route was hilly for the first half then mostly flat through farmland for the second half. The route had 5 rest stops fully stocked with water, fruit, candy, and amazing volunteers.

Showered in Sun

Donkey Crossing

2011-07-28T11:27:00.001-07:00

P6074957, a photo by erinlesleylee on Flickr.

Look out, they are everywhere.

Five For Fighting - Superman (It's Not Easy)

2011-07-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Desert Half Ironman, Osoyoos BC

2011-07-20T18:39:00.001-07:00

Riding Back to Osoyoos from Cawston, a photo by erinlesleylee on Flickr.

On July 10th, 2011 I raced the Desert Half Ironman in Osoyoos, BC. My family was not able to make the trip with me so I did a solo weekend in Osoyoos. Special thanks to the SAA members who cooked me a fantastic pre-race dinner and Barb (@Kelownagurl) and her family for adopting me on race day. Thanks to both groups, I have some photos of myself on race day.

In general, this is a very hilly course on the bike and a relatively flat run. The weather was perfect given that Osoyoos can be 40C at this time of year.

Final time: 6:42:34 (the women started 7minutes after the men)

Seeking Inspiration in Why?

2011-07-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about the 'why' of things lately.

I feel like I have lost a bit of motivation in all aspects of my life. Why am I spending so much of my time training for Ironman again? I already did it once. What will doing it faster prove? Why does it matter?

"We follow those who lead, not for them but for ourselves."

I am not trying to sell a product or start a movement, but I do feel I have a message. Doing it all is possible, but you just need to know why you are doing it get people to get on the train with you.

Whitecaps FC Soccer Match

2011-07-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight I enjoyed my first Whitecaps FC game with my son. We have season tickets but this is the first game I have attended. Pretty spectacular start to the match with banners fireworks!

The sun was shining and it was actually warm, unlike Saturday's game that was postponed due to rain.

The only disappointment was the game ending 2 - 1 for Manchester City. :-(

Soccer has the most interesting people watching by far. Such a great diverse group of ethnicity, ages and people.

Steveston Outdoor Pool

2011-07-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

So I am pretty lucky to have this great community outdoor pool right across the street from my house.

From the May 24th long weekend until the end of August, this 25m pool is open.

Admission is just under $5 for adults.

Although it is not as big and fancy as Kits Pool, there is certainly something to be said for walking across the street to swim. No battling for a swim lane and no worries about parking.

2000m = 35 mins

Easy :-)

2011-07-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

One of those days.

Our plans to do The Grouse Grind and the Whitecaps FC game were rained out. Opted to stay in and watch a moving on NetFlix then go for a great dinner at Gudrun.

Not a bad day.

Hawaii 70.3 Ironman

2011-07-16T16:51:00.001-07:00

RT0029_22258, a photo by erinlesleylee on Flickr.

So back on May 31st I turned the BIG 40 and my amazing family surprised me with a fabulous trip to Kona, Hawaii. But not just to sit on the beach and relax, no that would be too easy. I learned that, not only were we going to Hawaii, but also that I would be racing the Hawaii 70.3 Sweet! Needless to say, Hawaii is pretty hot compared to Vancouver, BC. The swim was a magical non wetsuit swim, the bike was windy and hilly like you hear about and the run was hot and humid. All in all, an wonderful trip and an awesome surprise.

Journey to Mordor (AKA Lee Family Spring Break)

2011-04-07T06:45:00.001-07:00

P3214470, a photo by erinlesleylee on Flickr.

When I planned our family adventure to the Grand Canyon for Spring Break, I NEVER thought the weather would be like this. I thought it might be cool at the rim of the canyon and hot at the bottom.

Check out all our adventure photos here.

Ironman - Till I Collapse

2011-03-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

2011 Races and Training Camp Schedule

2011-02-27T17:18:00.000-08:00

Since I am on a roll with my blog posts, I thought I would provide an update of races I am doing in 2011.

Will I see anyone else there? Let me know so we can meet up.

I am pretty excited about this year since I am moving up an age group and feel like I am right on track with my training.

February - Pacific Roadrunners First Half (I know this has already past)

March - Family trip to the Grand Canyon (not really a race or training camp but still very cool)

April - Delta Triathlon and Easter Base Camp

May - Vancouver Half Marathon and May Long weekend training with Finish Line Coaching

June - Oliver Half Ironman

July - VOWSA Canada Day Swim 4km and Desert Half Ironman

August - Ironman Canada

September to November - TBD

December - Las Vegas Rock N Roll Half Marathon (maybe Marathon)

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

2011-02-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

Anyone out there done this drive? Any recommendation on places to stop and things to see?

Hi, Remember Me?

2011-02-23T19:15:00.000-08:00

Wow, has it really been August since I updated my blog? Looks like it!

What have I been doing since August?

Well, I volunteered at Ironman Canada and signed up for IMC2011
Ran a PR 1/2 Marathon at the North Shore Half Marathon of 1:51:29
Ran a PR Marathon at the Rock N Roll Las Vegas Marathon of 4:16:35
Hired a new coach - Calvin Gehlen of Finish Line Coaching
Ran the Pacific Road Runners First Half Marathon (not a PR but a good early season run)

My training is right on track and going really well. Knock on wood, I am fitting it all in.

This past weekend, I was on the Run Tri Chat podcast by Kelownagurl (Barb) chatting about my training this time around. Click here to listen to the audio.