Inspiring the Inspired

Some days, I wake up on the 'wrong side of the bed'. Groggy, pouty and quiet, I crave the feeling of the bed and the comfort of the cozy covers. Damp days - like we've had for the last few - make my joints ache and I feel heavy. Yesterday was one of those days - switching from night shifts/day shifts (working OT yesterday) my body was saying no when the demands of work were saying yes.... I drove through the drive through - annoyed at where my coffee money was (God forbid, I had to dig it out of my pocket and THEN figure out a place to put the remainder....yes...my car is a mess). I then cursed my lovely car for the unknown rattle/clunk that's under my feet. Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang doesn't even describe it.
I do consider myself a happy-go-lucky person but today was an exception to the rule. As I was driving to work, listening to the same CD I do everyday and thinking, "man I'm sick of this CD...." I was getting annoyed at myself for being annoyed...double annoyed = a bad start to my day. As I'm driving past the old folks home on Malpeque Rd, I see the little old man - hunched over, carefully watching the ground for unexpected obstacles, walking at a brisk pace to the edge of the parking lot and back to the building over and over. I usually see him on my way to work or my way home and he can always bring a smile to my face. Most days, I'll give him a thumbs up from the car (I'm sure he can't see me) and whisper to myself "Give 'er". This man, unknown to me, is a blessing. He can distract me from the morning annoyances and get me thinking that when I'm older I hope I'm as determined as that. When my joints ache - I'm sure not as bad as his - and when I lack determination, I think of him. So needless to say, yesterday - I bounced back and my morning problems faded away with every little shuffle of this man. I remembered to "not sweat the small stuff" and be thankful for everything I am.

To the unknown older man that walks every morning on Malpeque Rd - You're awesome, GIVE 'ER!

The Phantom Adventure

This time next week Mike will be heading home from a 36hour Adventure Race in Northern New Brunswick called "Race the Phantom". This is his first time trying something of this nature and to be honest, I'm so excited for him and stand just a little taller knowing that he's my man.
This adventure consists of the unknown. Not for the directionally challenged teams will go where normal people would not dare. Treking through water, woods and back roads (trek, bike, kayak) - who knows, the 20 teams may end up in YOUR backyard. Well, not likely unless you live in NB or Quebec. Dressed in fast drying clothing, headlamps, back packs, mosquito nets - these men and women will be prepared to be self sufficient for up to 20hours. Nuts and berrys, energy gels and water will be their nourishment for hours. Sleep - not likely. This race will command the mentally tough to dig deep and demolish the weak.
Navigation will play a key role in completing this race. As there will be time markers for 3 legs, if a team gets lost they will be disqualified and well.....lost.... I hope that Mike's team is observant on their trek and stay focused on the sun as when Mike and I were in Philidelphia we walked in circles trying to find the IHOP. Our daily dialogue consistent of a lot of "I'm sure it's down this way"...."No, wait - I'm sure it's this way.."...."I remember this..."
Needless to say, navigation is not one of our strong points.
As I have dubbed myself Mike's manager, I created a comprehensive list of things to bring to the race. The list came in handy today as we headed out to get supplies, we referred to it.....well I guess we didn't BUT it was good to know that we had it:) As his manager, I have assigned myself duties of:
- creatively going around the house and putting things in a pile that I think may come in handy in the deep woods. A mesh bag - who knows, maybe use it as a fishing net. Empty plastic containers - who knows, maybe need to carry extra 'stuff'. Some may call me MacGyver - other's may say resourceful.
- asking him minute by minute "are you excited?", "how do you feel?", "do you have all of your gear?"....
- telling everyone that he's going on an adventure race
Not to overwhelm myself with my first managerial position, I've decided that's all of my duties. Wouldn't want to discourage myself.
I will not be attending the race. I will instead be tracking his progress online (they will have GPS trackers) and cheering from the comforts of work/home. As I have not participated myself in an adventure of this kind, you may say that I am the Phantom Adventure Writer - I hope to some day try this as it looks very exciting!

Fitness Update
I am officially a runner. I have ran 9.2kms and again on Tuesday (70% humidex, 'feels like 35degrees') I ran another 9.2kms. I felt fantastic (aside from the inner thigh chaffing - ouch!) and would have been able to do more.

Official Announcement: I have decided to go for the PEI 1/2 Marathon in October. I feel like I can achieve it so, why not?
14 weeks till the big day!

Flirting with the 30's

T -31 and I'll be.......30

This is my last official month of my 20's - yay me! I love getting older (aside from the fact that I'm 1 step closer to my expiration date) I feel I get better with age...like a fine wine. As I reflect on my last 29 years (picture me sipping a red wine, eating cheese cubes and adjusting my glasses), I am proud of all of my experinces, mistakes and relationships that I've had. What an awesome 29 years it's been!

I'm glad however, to be stepping out of the 20's as the majority of this time I was unsure of myself, unsettled, trying to find 'the one' and struggling to balance the demands of work/family/friends/play. I felt pulled in all directions and didn't know bottom from up. I was unhealthy, stressed (always had joint pain and tension head aches) and anxious. Sounds like fun eh? It was.

So here's a toast my 20's as during this time I:
- quit smoking
- moved into my own apartment
- found my career
- found my husband to be
- learned how to be happy

Cheers to you 20's!

Mike and I have a camping trip to Nova Scotia planned for my 30th birthday/2 year anniversary of us dating. I am looking forward to entering my 30's kayaking, biking, hiking, roasting marshmellows, going to sleep breathing in the damp air, turning off my blackberry for 4 days (well, we'll see...) and enjoying 'nature'. To me, this is the perfect celebration and foreshadowing of my life to come - calm, natural, active, and healthy.

Fast Forward to this date in 2020.

I would like to toast my 30's as during this time I:

- got married
- had a child (ren)
- bought a house
- ran a marathon/triatholon
- travelled overseas
Who know's what the future holds? But I have a feeling it's going to be bright:)

Humidity and Me

Warning:
During days of 84+ humidity in the air, I will be irritable, low energy, occasionally whiny, erratic decision making and sticky/sweaty.

These past few days I've enjoyed good food, company, Cirque du Soleil performance, coaching, Rock Band, and QT with the man. However there's been something that's been at the back of my mind and like nails on a chalk board I've noticed it's presence and that's the HUMIDITY!
Here's the thing - I don't know when to shower these days because I only have a few 'fresh' minutes before my clothes stick to me, I have a glossy sheen on my face (who would have known I did my makeup 5mins earlier) and my hair has enough frizz in it to knock someone over. The HUMIDITY in the air to me is the presence of someone else - you're out with your man - you have HUMIDITY with you. You are having a nice relaxing get together with family/friends - you might as well introduce it as it's going to be there. You are at the beach, laying out - where you feel you can escape it - no, it's still there AND the sand now wants to join by sticking to all nooks and cranny's you have (no, you didn't go in the water - that's just my good friend HUMIDITY). Not to mention for the people out there who have breathing issues, joint problems etc, HUMIDITY, I'm sure is there to challenge you - How much can you really take?..... Tap, Tap - I'm out you got me this time HUMIDITY.

I'm sure you can imagine how the running and exercising in the humidity has been....drenched in the warm up only makes for a hard to see run (as sweat is pouring off my top brow, into my eyes). Heavy chest for extra hard breathing and moments of sunlight where the 2 combined are enough to knock you over. Oh the joys!

Last year, during the humid times - my best friend gave Mike and I the best gift of life - an AIR CONDITIONER. This is the only thing that has kept me somewhat sane during these 'tough times'. Last year, I couldn't move in my house without sweating, so - I didn't. Now, I get to meet my good 'ol friend HUMIDITY when I feel like it. Step outside - Hello HUMIDITY, nice to see you again......

Carpe Diem!

Today I woke up and after breakfast I had the idea to run from my house to my parents on Brighton Rd. Why? Don't know - just something about today made me think that I could. Maybe because it was Canada Day (probably not), Maybe because I needed the challenge (probably not), Maybe it was the barometric pressure (possibly)....Whatever it was, I thought that I would "Seize the Day" and Just Do it! Surprisingly I didn't worry about it at work today, just laughed with my coworkers and enjoyed the success of our newest dispatcher. I had a piece of cake with my lunch and thought " I may pay for this later", I was then awarded a Dilly Bar and thought - "I will definitely pay for this...." and then decided to 'ease off' the sugary snacks and get down to pre run business - an occasional stretch, 2 bottles of water and positive thinking.

I got off work, excited for the possibility of "freaking my freak" and achieving something I've only dreamt about. (Remember: the farthest I've ran is 5kms to date (without stopping) AND have only been running straight for the last week.... ). If I was to achieve this goal it would be substantially longer and something that my inner voice has always tried to convince me that I can't. I suited up in my lulu tights (for good luck), borrowed Mike's running belt (to look the part and hold my house keys) and headed out.....

I didn't leave the house with NO baggage. I had:
- no music
- no partner
- no supper and sugary snacks throughout the day
- an uncertain inner voice

BUT I had a 'feeling' that this may be my day.........

I set out for the 9.2kms and within 10 mins into the run, I was panting hard and doubting this idea. At one point (as I was approaching Winsloe soccer field) I thought "I might as well turn around" and "Why the F**K am I doing this!" - this passed as I was approaching the Bell heights subdivision and I started daydreaming.... I hit a rough spot going up the incline of North River Road but at no point did I think that I was going to stop. As I got to Queen Charlotte School I was certain that I would achieve my goal. Brighton Road was rocky only because I started getting emotional and was getting choked up and by my parents driveway I threw my hands in the air victorious wishing there was someone there at the finish line to celebrate with. Moments later my wonderful, supportive fiance pulled up anxious to hear the result - did I walk? Was I going to be upset and disappointed? Not likely!!!

I now know that I can do it and proved that the uncertain inner voice was wrong.

Ms and Mrs Gee

Hi, my name is Stephanie Gee and I'm proud to say I'm like my mother.

I dance like my mom.

I love to laugh.

I love to organize.

I am a hard worker.

I care about people and strive to make them happy.

I am passionate.

I love to watch mindless, romantic movies.

I love to be active.

As I get older I notice our similarities more and more and I'm glad.

Happy Birthday (June 30th) Mom!

Do You Believe..... In Training?

I believe that accomplishing a goal is always mind over matter.

This past week Becs and I graduated to straight running. I purposely decided not to write a post until I did 2 runs in a row and made it out ok. It's always a mind game for me. As I'm getting ready to do my straight running I'm thinking of the burn in my lungs, cramps in my legs and thinking "will I have the will power to make it through...". I should not let my mind get to me but I worry about all the unknowns and what ifs. What if it's windy and I can't make it through. What if I didn't eat enough/ate too much before I ran. What if I just don't have it. As all of these things have been running through my head this week, ironically my sister was looking for advice and I told her to not "worry about the what if's"....

Maybe I should practice what I preach.

So, of course I made it through both runs beautifully and frankly could have kept running when I stopped. I felt like a runner, looked like a runner (yes, I have short running shorts - sexy), talked like a runner (talked about 'settling in', stiches, pacing, etc) and even gave a thumbs up to another runner as I was passing them panting. I should have believed in my preparations by building myself up to straight running. I should have believed in myself and my training.

So I've had an awesome training week and accomplished some goals. So why doesn't it feel as good as I'd like.....? I've biked, swam 2x, ran 2x but none of it's worth it to me if I can't switch my mindset. You know, celebrate the small accomplishments. Relish in the fact that I'm out at 615am swimming or even running at all. Celebrate the lifestyle changes I've made and my health. Celebrate my happiness. Not wait to see if I succeed....Believe in training.