Joints In Motion - Afton and Janelle's Great Adventure

Marathon Photos

2013-03-20T09:40:00.001-06:00

With our one year first half marathon anniversary coming up, I thought I had better mark this momentous occasion by posting some never before seen photos from the race! Enjoy :)

Mission Complete

2012-11-26T12:03:00.005-07:00

Thanks to support from the community, our family, and our friends, Afton and Janelle have completed their mission!

Afton Power - Janelle

2012-06-21T22:21:00.000-06:00

Back in Canada, for a month already!!What a strange limbo I live in. After getting home, which I was yearning for, I felt out of place and distant. However, thanks to Afton and some other good chums, I am back to normal (for me at least). Sorry for the long absence, but it is never too late to get back on the horse. Onto training, Afton and I have made a pact to wake up EARLY and meet at 7am for a walk/run/move our bodies outdoors for some period of time. Today was day #1. Without her, you better believe the snooze button would have continually been pressed at my house.

It may be 7am, but this city sure looks awake and full of life! Loving the Calgary sun! (the star at the centre of our solar system, not the trashy newspaper)

We also met up with our ol' running crew for the first time together since January! As usual, we started at the Tech Shop. I may have been too ambitious by biking to our starting point. My calves were killing me on only kilometre 3! This afternoon I picked up my Joints in Motion gear for Iceland, and I sent my dear Afton a wardrobe coordination text just for your viewing pleasure.

Joints in Motion FOREVER!

Onto Fundraising. Afton is officially done, but continues to support the cause. Thanks to her and her gracious neighbours, I have another 100$ raised from bottle/cans donations. If you have any bottles, I will gratefully come pick them up, with all proceeds going to support The Arthritis Society. Shoot me an email: janelle_1_2000@hotmail.com, or call 403-797-4581.

Thank you for the support so far! I am getting so close to my goal! Click here to donate

And for one last amusing note, this is a photo of my family when I was about 12 years old. It was first included in the Awkward Family Pet Photos Book, and will now grace the pages of the Awkward Family Pet Photos Calendar for 2013! You can catch me on May 18/19th, a good weekend :)

Come Together - Janelle

2012-05-19T04:23:00.001-06:00

Back to one of my favorite places! Of course, it is the people that makes the place, so I will always love London thanks to my friends Kasia and Piotr :)

Now, I know Afton has started running again back in Canada, so I laced up this week and did a little running myself! I ran through the beautiful french city of Strasbourg, through farmers fields in Melbach Germany, and now around London. My friends live very close to the famous Abbey Road, so I ran to the zebra stripes where the Beatles iconic photograph for their album cover was taken.

I made sure to walk the same stride across the street. Of course there were loads of tourists taking photos, but I left the camera at home. The Beatles did it best anyways :)

In fundraising news, I have raised 76% of my goal, so any support is greatly appreciated!! When I get back, expect a bottle drive or two ;) Any donation over 20$ gets a tax receipt from the Arthritis Society.

I get back to Canada on Monday. I can confidently say I am ready to come home. I have seen a lot in Europe, and I am so happy with every experience and lesson I've had in the last 4 months.
Here is a quick look at my last three weeks!

Biking in Strasbourg with my mom

The best view in Paris

Versailles with my dad

A door in Germany, just for you Afton!


At a German soccer match with my friend Julia and Apple Wine!

Have you ever watched this youtube video? Well at almost 34 million hits, it is pretty popular. When Julia visited me in Canada, I showed her this clip. When I came to see her in Germany, we witnessed a double rainbow in PERSON! We were both so excited! Just like Yosemitebear :) Here is our video


Double rainbow, all the way across the sky! It is so bright! What does this mean???

Home sweet home! - Afton

2012-04-15T21:05:00.007-06:00

Hey everyone, long time no write!! Well let me tell you Janelle and I had a wicked time in Europe together, I wish I was still there with her, but at the same time I am sooooo glad to be at home! I missed free public washrooms and yummy brewed coffee. I'm not sure how Janelle feels on this but I can't wait to get back out running! Perhaps another half marathon is in the works?? Maybe a full?? The last couple kilometers of our race were gruelling though. I knew I was going to make it, it really all came down to listening to my body.... can I run the last three kilometers....? So with my better judgement I gave myself permission to stop listening to the garmins now very familiar chime, I said to Janelle, "You can keep running if you like, but I need to walk a bit." As the wonderful friend she is, she replys "Hey we are in this together, if your walking so am I!" Janelle and I walked about 1.5 or 2 kilmeters before Mike, the Joints in Motion trainer came across us and coaxed us into running that last 900 or so metres, and I am so glad he did! Thanks Mike!

So as for my running regimen, I definitley need to take a week or two off I'm hoping to be back at'er by the end of the month, and I hope to see all those familiar faces. As promised in Janelles last blog post here are some race photos for your enjoyment! Sorry I expected to get more on here then two, I will try again another day, thanks everyone!!

Long time, no blog! - Janelle

2012-04-12T10:58:00.001-06:00

What a great time we had! Yes, it was almost two weeks ago now, but this is my first chance to get on the computer and spend some time putting up photos for you all to enjoy!!

First of all; Afton and I finished the Hervis Half Marathon in 2 hours and 21 minutes! 21km in 2:21...a little bit symbolic perhaps? After a bathroom break, and photo breaks, combined with the cold wind and a few sprinkles, we are both very happy with our time! Afton has all the race photos, so we'll have to wait for her to find a computer so she can share our struggles with you.

Enjoy these snapshots of our time after the race! We spent a day together in Prague, then took a very long train day to get to Krakow, Poland. Here are the highlights:

Afton's European Romance

Afton has a thing for doors

Czech Music

MAD COW

Concert Hall

Afton loved this willow

Charles Bridge

Good luck rub

Charles bridge

Doors!

Dinner with James Dean

Train to Krakow

Perogies!

Chocolate covered fruit stand! My favorite place

Krakow town centre

She found a door in the salt mines

Most breath taking view yet! A hall made of SALT!

Afton didn't believe I could eat only mushrooms for supper...I proved her wrong! (to all my mushroom hating friends :p)

Day at the WW2 concentration camp Auschwitz, Sad day, so only one picture on here...the others are too sad.

A traditional commi milk bar!

Easter in Krakow

Tour to the ghetto

Original ghetto wall

Dirty dog

Krakow Castle!

Easter baskets

Last night in Poland - cheap walmart facials!

Afton's last train ride in Europe :( I miss you already!!

SATURDAY!!! - Janelle

2012-03-28T14:05:00.001-06:00

Wow, the day we have been training for 9 months is finally apon us! I think I can speak for both of us when I say we NEVER thought we could run the whole 21km. In July, we were running only 2 minutes at a time. Now, we are running for 10 with just a minute walk in between!! I'm so proud of Afton; she quit smoking and started running! What a positive life change. I am so happy to be running with one of my long time friends.

I don't think we've ever divulged how we met, so why not now, with the race only days away. It was April 2006 when I first laid eyes on that pale white face, and those piercing eyes. Afton hadn't had much sleep. She was pretty much running an entire motel! We worked together; the 8 hours I worked were the only time she had to rest, but we always managed to laugh a lot and got very close. Once I moved away, we kept in touch. Living in the same city again has been great. What's even better? Living a 5 minute walk from eachother! Afton is one of those everlasting friends, who I am forever grateful that I reconnected with her.

This journey has been tough on both of us. Fundraising, especially in this economic climate, is very challenging. Somehow, we have both kept a smile on our faces (however mine was, at times, crazed and combined with a furrowed brow). I am sitting in France, waiting patiently until the moment I get to see my long lost running partner for the first time in tzo months!!! So to my Affie, thank you for coming on this journey with me. I know mine isn't over yet (2 thousand dollars left to raise!), but I know you will always be there for me :)

The last supper - Afton

2012-03-22T13:55:00.004-06:00

Hey there everyone!! Can you believe,
this is my last blog post before I take off, only a few more days, I
can hardly stand myself anymore. I will finally get to see Janelle
too! I really hope the weather in Prague is a bit more stable then
Calgary though, yesterday I woke up to beautiful sunshine coming
through my windows and shining bright off of the highrises downtown,
to a winter wonderland today! No surprise,I mean after all yesterday
was the first day of spring. Perhaps I should think about bringing my
winter running gear with me? I think I must have almost everything I
need ready to go, just a few last things; I have bought some currency
for Prague, and for Krakow, gotta make a couple phone calls, and
there is an item or two on the shopping list...hopefully I don't
forget to buy some sort of watch to time ourselves. A major priority
for myself when I get there as well is to find a place to book a
massage post race!! Being a massage therapist myself I was able to
play around with just how often I would go and when, and I know for
sure now that I will REALLY be needing it hopefully that evening but
I'll take the next morning as well. Training this last week has gone
well, on Sunday Jen and I ran around Eau Claire coming in after 97
min covering just under 14 kilometers, which is a bit slower then
usual but it's about getting those kilometers in right now. On
Tuesday John and I took Carol out for a 47 min run around mission
and managed to cover roughly 7.5 kilometers, and as for tonight I'm
sure a few of you know I have dubbed tonights rendezvous at Original
Joes my send off party! So yes I will be running, probably about 6-8
kilometers in 45 minutes or so and then I'll be at OJ's all stinky n
sweaty, ready for a meal and a drink! Hence why I'm blogging this
morning, smart girl... I know ;) So here's to hoping that all the
people that have helped me along my training this past 9 or 10 months
reads this blog today, or that they perhaps come across a bird in
their ear.... psst “Come to OJ's tonight” I hope to see everyone
there, wether you had veteran advice, ran beside me, maybe even
behind me, if perhaps you pushed me or you might have told me to slow
down, I appreciate every bit of it! Come share this night with me.
See you there!! Thanks everyone! Here is a picture of yesterday morning for ya.

Sweden and Denmark in photos - Janelle

2012-03-18T09:42:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone!

Sorry to be such a lazy blogger, but traveling and blogging is proving to be more difficult than I thought! I am settled in the Danish countryside at the moment with my Aunt's friend Pia. She has welcomed us into her home and is being a marvelous host! Yesterday I ran for 1.5hrs, and yes, I ran past a windmill! There is less than two weeks to the race, so it is time to start slowing down and letting our bodies get ready for the big day. March 31st! As you may know, Afton reached her fundraising goal! WOOHOO.

However, I still have a ways to go, so any donations are greatly appreciated. Click here to donate online.

I've decided the only way to really explain my last couple of weeks is to put up some photos!

I'll start with Stockholm:

Blood pudding - sooo good!!

Vasa Museum

After visiting my friends in Karlstad, where I actually got most of my heavy training done, we hit up Copenhagen, Denmark!

Copenhagen

Couchsurfing hosts!

Biking in Copenhagen

Kaley and the little mermaid....look at this stuff, isn't it neat!

Hadsten, Denmark, where I have been running :`)

Almost there...- Afton

2012-03-15T20:45:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone, this is just going to be short and sweet due to the fact that I am working off my blackberry. Just wanted to update everyone to let you all know I am offically over the hump! On Sunday Jen took me out on my longest run EVER!!! I finished my 18 kilometer run! I have shown up for tuesday and thursdays runs and plan to do so next week as well so come on out to wish me luck! hope to see everyone next week!

Swedish training - Janelle

2012-03-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

Sweden is absolutely beautiful! I have never wanted to run this much in my life! Just being outside and breathing the fresh crisp air motivates me to run run run!! In Stockholm, I was fortunate enough to stay with couchsurfers on the University grounds. The University is surrounded by forests and I had the most wonderful run. I am currently staying with my good friend in Karlstad, Sweden. This city is small and quaint, and I have seen some beautiful landscapes on my runs. Yesterday, I did a full 2 hours and 5 minutes!! 18 kilometers, my longest run yet, but my pace was a little bit slow. The race is coming up so quickly. I can't believe Afton and I have been training since July for this one day. It will be so nice to see you Affie! I haven't been experiencing homesickness yet, but I must admit I miss Russia! I never thought I would say that, but it is very true.

Sorry for the short post, but my internet connection is slow and I am about to go out for breakfast! I will post pictures when I get the chance, because this place is picture perfect ;)

Did you say lake, or ache?? - Afton

2012-03-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Faithful fans! Well I'm sure I
speak for everyone in Calgary When I say GO AWAY SNOW!!! I have had
about enough, I have decided that yes, I really have had a wonderful
winter to train except it seems as though mother nature is not keen
on my long runs being without that white fluffy stuff! Gotta say it
makes for a tough time when you have to fight the snow for every
stride. So this past Sunday my wonderful long run partner and I did a
97 minute run and it was just shy of 14 kilometers, this was a real
long tough run my legs ached basically from start to finish, this is
when I had the brilliant idea to keep with my massages every week. I
had missed maybe two weeks of massage and my legs definitely knew the
difference. I have found it to really go well the day or two after
the long runs, however I enjoy them before as well in order to loosen
up anything that may decide to tweak itself in that longer distance.
Our next long run will be an 18 kilometer killer, I hope to be in the
best shape possible, so stretching, hydrating, icing, and the foam
roller will be my best friends starting tonight! As for this evenings
run we had a nice small group of runners, and we took our route out
and around the Stampede grounds, which we haven't done since summer,
there was a few spots on the trail that seemed more like a river
rather then a pathway...perhaps thats why we don't run that way in
the winter. I love running around there, I'm not really to sure why.
We took a 45 minute run, and traveled 6.5 kilometers, it felt great,
the air was crisp and inviting. Does anyone have any pointers for
this long run coming up? If you do leave a comment, ANY extra help or
ideas on how to last longer without more fatigue would be awesome!!
Well until next week, keep yourselves dry everyone!

Airpot Fiasco - Janelle

2012-03-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Never, will I ever, cheap out on airfare again. As usual, I bought too much stuff. This isn't the first time in my travels where I have surpassed the weight limit for an airline. In the past, I have just paid for a second bag, which is usually about 50 bucks. With Air Baltic, it is 30 euros for a second bag, plus 30 euros for ever kilogram over the allowed original 20 kilograms (which was already used up on my first bag.) My bag would have cost 480 euros to fly it to Sweden. That is about 620 Canadian dollars...FOR A SECOND BAG! Are you kidding me? I wasn't about to leave it behind either, so I narrowed down the necessities. I got rid of my nice shampoo and contact solution, a couple of liquor bottles, and I layered on about 6 shirts and 4 pairs of pants to reduce the weight in my pack. However, there is a ray of light at the end of this tunnel. Throughout this whole ordeal, Jerry Only and the MISFITS are watching me! That's right, I met Jerry Only.

He knows Calgary as the home of Brett Hart "who drives his winnibago like a crazy man." Unfortunately Jerry had to be bumped to another flight, so the picture he promised me on the plane never happened... but I do have a consolation prize: a picture with a crew member! Who was the nicest guy!

I am overly tired, hence the overly happy face

As for all that extra luggage you may ask? I paid a taxi to drive it back to my host family in Saint Petersburg, who will mail it to Canada. Now, I know it won't be cheap, but it definitely won't cost 620 bucks! So long Saint Petersburg, it was a slice!

A run with John - Afton

2012-02-28T21:00:00.002-07:00

Goodevening readers!! Well crunch time is here, time to train as hard as we can wilst still resting when we can, Janelle and I have literally 32 days to our run, are we scared?? I know I am. Actually I'm feeling a bit of almost every emotion out there it seems, but I keep being told that I will be fine so I'm doing my best to keep sane! This past Sunday the 26th Jen and I took our run south, to the Glenmore Reservoir. I have never been there before it was beautiful despite the fact it was a tad nippy and the snow decided to migrate into my shoes, which made for a very challenging run. In total that day Jen and I went a whopping 16.5 kilometers in just over 2 hours.

Tonight I arrived a bit late to the Tech Shop only to get there and find everyone had already left... as I walked back outside who do I see standing at the corner... JOHN!! My long lost trainer! I haven't seen John for about 3 weeks, between my extra resting and John's previous engagements, I thought I would end up not seeing him before I left for Prague! So off we went together insearch of our group only to find them and take off our own way anyways. Tonight we ran a sweet 8 kilometers in 52 minutes, WOO that was fast! Well I'm off to domestically engineer my apartment, I'll catch ya next week, same place ;)

Don't forget to keep watching for Janelle's posts from Russia They are a whole eleven hours ahead of us so her days vary from time to time. Now I leave you with a fantastic picture Jen took of me on Sunday.

From Moscow with love - Janelle

2012-02-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind trip of the Russian capital city. I swear, I have never been to more museums or churches in my LIFE! Today I went to the Novodevichy convent, and perhaps I should have steered clear of the lord. A bird attacked me and actually grabbed my scalp. Now, I'm not saying my hair doesn't look like a bird's nest some days, but SERIOUSLY! They look so innocent...

They look so harmless...but never trust a bird.

Lesson learned - cover the nest!

Novodivichy

As you've heard, a picture if worth a thousand words, so I'm going to let my photos do the talking.

FUR!

Old communist building

Metro station

St.Basils...which is actually SAINT VASILY! English people always change everything

My bedmate for the weekend - margot

GUM - huge mall with stores WAY out of my price range!

Lovers Bridge

One of Stalin's skyscrapers

You know, in Russia, there are bears in the streets!

Church of our Saviour

A shot in the royal gardens at Pushkin near St.Petersburg

Catherine the Great's summer palace - that's a lot of mirrors!

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST!! Afton is the proud owner of an authentic Russian fur hat! The picture doesn't do it justice!!

Slow and steady wins the race - Afton

2012-02-23T21:01:00.002-07:00

Well wasn't that a slippery night of running!! EEEPP! I'm sure as most of you know we had a wonderful little blizzard with big wet snowflakes to cover our trail, so as the title suggests it went a bit slower then usual. We ran a total of 36 minutes and covered 4.8 kilometers, it was supposed to be more but as we reached the hill we were going to run a few times we quickly realized that was not going to happen today. I have to admit I was secretly jumping for joy, I have been trying to loosen up my legs enough each week just so I can get my long runs in, so if anyone out there has some magical cure or suggestion on how to relieve these shins and calves of this explosive feling send me a comment! Can you believe, in just over four weeks I will HAVE to be ready for the race no ifs ands or buts about it. Jen and I ran 14 kilometers this past Monday from the YMCA in Eau Claire Market, and we plan on heading down to the Glenmore reservoir this Sunday to do a 16 kilometer run. WOO! That will be the farthest I've gone, so wish me luck! See you all next week.

Pancake Weight - Janelle

2012-02-21T11:39:00.001-07:00

- As I mentioned before, Russia celebrates Maslenitsa, or Pankcake Week. It began yesterday, and I have already had more than my fair share of crepes covered in maple syrup (that I brought for the family) and whipped cream! Again tonight, the mom is making another pile of pancakes, which will probably only last one day. As punishment for my extreme consumption, I pushed myself to run longer than an hour today. What I found was, it was actually easy on my system. Being at sea level really does make a difference. I am worried I won't be properly prepared for the half-marathon because there are no hills in Saint Petersburg, however, I had to battle gale force winds and blowing snow which, at times, put me at a snails pace. I found a beautiful park where the famous Bronze Horseman statue is, and I run laps around it. This park runs the length of the very centre of the city, and I run past the Hermitage. Not many people can say that!

Pancakes, called Bliny (but we would call them crepes)

Me trying to be sly and taking a photo of the fur hat booth at the local outdoor mall.

St>nicholas Cathedral - crosscountry skiing anyone?

Another angle of St.Nick's

At the Artic/Anarctic Museum...Yep that's CANADA!

Bridge of kisses, lovers put locks on this bridge for good luck

Intense Russian UNO

Tsar Nicholas and his Family's resting place - including Princess Anatasia

Pop colours, courtesy of a fun feature on my camera

This is a ship, clearly, but what threw me for a loop was what was inside. On the top level, a restraurant - typical. On the bottom level, a GYM! yes treadmills, elipitcals and more. Imagine saying, Oh I'm just headed to the Flying Dutchman for my run...HAHA!

Mariinsky Concert hall right before the longest Opera ever...

And for fun, My pupil made a pancake face!

Couch Surfing - Janelle

2012-02-18T04:19:00.001-07:00

If you have never heard of couchsurfing.org you really should. In my time in Russia so far, i have met so many great people through this organization! Most cities have weekly meeting where travellers and locals can come and chat, and you can of course, surf couches as well...which I will be doing in Moscow next weekend. I am very happy to report that there is ANOTHER upside to coming to Russia in February, and that is Maslenitsa. This week-long festival marks the "end" or winter. Russians build a big hay woman and burn her to the ground to symbolize the end of winter. So I am hoping some better weather is en route. But what Maslenitsa is most commonly known for is PANCAKES! Also called pancake week! So you better believe I will have my fill of pancakes for an entire week! YEAH!!

Walking on the Neva - Hermitage in the background

I finally visited the Hermitage, After 4.5 exhausting hours, I still didnt even see the entire art collection. More than the art, however, I was impressed by the architecture of the palace itself. The ceilings were incredibly detailed and different in ever room. It costs money to take photos, so of course I cheaped out, so you'll have to google it for yourself. As a student, I got in for free :)

Spilled blood church - my favorite place in the city

This bird statue is famous, called чижик пыжик. People throw coins onto the ledge for good luck...as you can see some have not landed. So these two bums were digging out the coins from the ice.

Kazansky Cathedral

Last night I went to my pupil's choir concert. It was such a delight to watch and listen to young youngs singing Russian music. Everyone in the audience started to clap, and some of the soloists were very talented.The woman beside me kept bragging about her friend who composed some of the songs. So when my pupil finally got on stage with her group, I said in Russian - that's MY english student. I put her in her place!

I've gotten a few more donations lately, so thank you to everyone who hasn't forgotten why Afton and I are running in this crazy winter! Our race is approaching quickly - March 31st. Thankfully Afton was able to reach her goal! Congratulations my dear friend! Now, I am at 69% of my goal, so any donations are greatly appreciated. Click here to donate online!

Let the exhaustion set in - Afton

2012-02-14T20:46:00.003-07:00

Hello my friends, I must say I almost didn't make it on here to give you guys an update. I AM EXTREMELY EXHAUSTED! Due to the extra hard training I believe I most definitley deserve, and need a day off. Work has bee extra busy due to Valentines Day (P.S happy Valentines Day) and I suppose the new shoes and the 14 kilometer hill run didn't help my poor calves! I didn't think my legs would have ever been the issue over my lungs but hey, I'm alright with that I'll take muscle pain over a lack of breath anyday! How am I combating the pain you ask?? Well let me tell you, after my long run with Jen on Sunday I promtly went home and used my foam roller, after feeling my muscular tissue give in to the tubular torture devise I had a nice warm shower and stretched everything out. That evening I threw some ice on my calves and went to bed.The very next day is when I realized that it was very lucky I had booked a 90 minute massage, I sure did need it! in fact the massage therapist decided to head straight for the business end of me to work on probably 6 trigger points, who woulda thought! After my wonderful massage I retreated to the steam room and then back home where I again stretched myself and threw some ice on them. Needless to say, I am still in a bit of pain today, no worries though, I will be back out there for thursday ;) I'm going to sign out now, while I can still create a sentence that makes sense, I will update the daily mile if I'm able to head out for a run tomorrow or ther e next. Thanks for reading!!

Cheesy Tourist - Janelle

2012-02-11T20:08:00.002-07:00

The Neva

Finally, I had enough bravery to venture out in the cold with my camera! I also went for another un...but now my nose is running like a faucet - GREAT! On the plus side, I found a small park where I can run laps safely without slipping. On the bad side: I'm running LAPS! After an hour I think I was getting dizy :s Here are some photos! Enjoy.

St. Isaacs Cathedral

Oh you Bronze Horseman YOU!

I walked on the Neva...can't do THAT in the summer!

Hermitage

Peter and Paul Fortress

Cathedral of spilled blood

My home; the yard is lovely and locked ;)

Freezing in Russia - Janelle

2012-02-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

I pulled on my long underwear and bundled my body in layers to brave the minus 22 Saint Petersburg cold. Now, that may not sound too bad, but the instant I stepped outside I could feel my eyeballs starting to tighten. Any sweat that managed to get through my frozen skin hardened in moments. My mitts were icicles and my calves felt like a million mosquitoes were biting away at them. After 40 minutes, I made the executive decision to run home. On the plus side, I ran past St. Nicolas' Naval Cathedral. Of course this isn't my photo.... Running with a 33x zoom lens would be a disaster!

I will go into full tourist mode tomorrow morning and go to the hermitage... Yes I will bring my camera. I am also going to a couch surfing meeting tomorrow (Thursday) night. P.S: it is 4pm Wednesday right now. I am writing you from the future! Spooky ;)

A change in pace. - Afton

2012-02-07T22:08:00.003-07:00

Hi everybody!! Hope you are all staying warm, you too Janelle! ;) As for myself there seems to be no rest for the wicked!! I've been out 'n' ater, on Sunday Jen took me on another long run, we ran for a whole 95 minutes and came out with 13.37 kilometers under our belts, sure did feel great, although my toes were pretty sore it wasn't anything I couldn't deal with. As for this evening, I ran with John and the group from the Tech shop. The Tech shop has started a new running clinic this evening, so we went with the group to do some 5 and 1 intervals, well was that ever a change. Its amazing how hard you tend to push yourself when you know your going to be done your intervals quicker. We ran for 42 minutes and covered a sweet 6.5 kilometers and was it ever chilly with that wind! Once I got back to the store I started asking questions about my shoes to find out why I might be feeling pain in my toes after my long runs. What it all boils down to is that I most likely need new shoes, so i tried a few on, man oh man have I ever forgot how nice new running shoes feel on my feet! Needless to say I didn't buy any tonight but I will have by the begining of the next week. Anyway, I'm off to bed I'll see you all back here soon, it will either be myself or Janelle updating you all on Thursday.

Lost in London - Janelle

2012-02-04T11:11:00.002-07:00

Imagine this, but with fog/clouds everywhere

London has been marvelous so far. A balmy minus 3 degrees with crystal clear skies everyday...until the day I decide to actually get a run in. I finally experienced the gloomy weather london is so famous for.

I may have had a few whiskey's last night with a group of the friendliest polish people you will ever meet! So, once I got going this afternoon, I could feel last night's liquor oozing out of my pores. We'll call them the Whiskey Sweats. I am staying in West Hampstead, so I decided to try to find Hampstead Heath. On the way, I couldn't help but notice the rubbish all over the streets. People just put bags and bags of garbage on the curb - no bins! I knew the park I was trying to find was uphill, so I just kept running up, and up and UP! Wow, my calves are killing me. I finally found the park, and the view was amazing. I would love to share it with you, but the camera I brought is far too bulky to bring on a run. Instead, I will steal from Google images ;) After I found the park, I got lost. I ended up running/walking around for over two hours in search of my couchsurfing host's flat. On my search, an old lady with a cane and a bunch of shopping bags asked me to help her cross the street. Of course I took her across, then she asked me to walk her up the hill, which I did. I ended up waiting with her at the bus stop for 10 minutes. The entire time she was babbling to herself, and I tried to make conversation, but she just ignored my attempts. Her stronghold grip on my arm was a bit startling, but i got her on the bus! Good deed of the day, check.

I head to Russia tomorrow, but 30% of departures from Heathrow will be cancelled tomorrow! Let's cross our fingers that my flight isn't one of them.

Fast n Easy, well kind of easy anyway... - Afton

2012-02-02T22:50:00.005-07:00

Hello faithful readers, I don't have very much to report tonight, everything was pretty much routine. We took off from the Tech shop a little after 6:30 and we barreled towards one of the nearest hills, "OH NO NOT THIS AGAIN!!" I thought to myself, but after we were at the top it wasn't so bad, in fact I don't even recall any other hills this evening.... who knows there definitley could have been, I think I was day dreaming through the run, which must have been a good thing seeing as though we were only out for 43 minutes and we traveled 6.7 kilometers! I received an e mail from Janelle today, she has been having WAY too much fun to be running, let alone blogging, but she promised to update you all on Saturday, so keep your eyes pealed! I honestly don't know at this moment if I'm nervous, scared, or excited for our race day, I mean wow, only 58 more days? Am I ready? If anyone knows the answer to my question let me know... Any who, I will be back here on Tuesday. These are just a few things I am going to see in Prague.

First official run without Janelle - Afton

2012-01-31T21:14:00.003-07:00

Well tonight was the first official run without Janelle, over the past months I may have had to trudge on without her a time or two, but I always knew she would be joining me for the next run... Needless to say, it's a really strange feeling, to think, I'm not gonna run with, let alone see Janelle till the day before our half marathon in Prague!! EEKKK! Panic is slowly setting in. Back to tonight, it seems I was missing my usual group as well, it was only Sara who showed up, and I am sure glad she did, that made the run way easier to get through! So onward and up-up-upward we dashed to our finish line at the tech shop. We followed Laurens' group tonight as they took us on a hill filled evening, yet we still managed to pull through an awesome 7 kilometers in 50 minutes. I have to admit there were times I thought to myself "why exactly are we following these crazies?" Then the answer came, oh yeah... because I now have no idea as to where I am!! Just kidding, it was an awesome run, and I would do it all over again ;) Well I think it's about that time to say au revoir, I'm off to tend to my sore ankle. See you back here on Thursday. Thanks to everyone who's reading :)