Transformation from passive observer to active participant

Wednesday found me running back and forth to Play it Again Sports 3 times as I bought and tried on equipment for my first EVER ringuette practice / experience. I had to trade in my skates because they were too big (who knew?), got as much of my equipment second hand as possible (there are a LOT of pieces!), and got my stick cut and taped it myself – thanks youTube! I traded my plastic face guard on the helmet for a cage style one so I would not be bothered by fogging of my face guard (not that I had ever experienced this- but since I am such a beginner, I thought I would take all the help I could get). By Wednesday night I had packed my bag – borrowed from Jac along with a few pieces of equipment ;) and was ready.

Thursday came along- and I got into the car, heading off to Beaconsfield Arena – I had never been there before- and my nerves started mounting. The What-Ifs started to get to me: what if I am the ONLY beginner? What if I can’t even skate? What if I am so bad no one wants me on their side? What if? WHAT IF??? So it was with a certain amount of terror and trepidation that I rolled into the change rooms at the arena at 630 Thursday evening.

I was careful to remember the order of putting on the equipment, tied my skates nice and tight clicked on my helmet, grabbed my new stick and wobbled out to the ice with all the other ladies. The ladies has all seemed to have done this before as they started skating around the perimeter of the ice to warm up, so I followed suit (slowly and very wobbly of course- I was clearly the least experienced skater), then the rings came out and one by one the ladies grabbed one smoothly and started warming up with them by continuing the perimeter skating while passing the ring out to the side boards and catching or “spearing” it as it came back to them. So, after studying it a few times I wobbled over to get a ring and give it a shot. It took a few tries (ok, ok, more than a few) but I started to get the hang of it. At this point I actually got a little thrill and a smile. I started to feel less “ohmygod!” and more “awesome!”

Then the instructors came out and divided us into 3 groups- beginner (I wasn’t alone!), intermediate and advanced and split the ice into 3 stations. Luckily, even though I was the least experienced, the other beginners wanted to start right at the beginning- with a few basic skating skills. I got the hang of doing “bubbles”, “C Cuts” and “backward Bubbles”. But I never really got the hang of “stopping”…. I guess it will come.

About halfway through the 50 minute session, I realized something was trickling down my face! Sweat was actually rolling down my face, you know, like in the cartoons! Whoa.. then once we got into our scrimmage (this was tiny, it was 4 on 4, across the centre of the ice and only between the blue lines). I actually had sweat drips on the end of my nose! What a work out, who knew? I was completely drenched. I tell you, I have even more respect for our little girls who sometimes play 3 or 4 games in a weekend..

Scrimmage time: the drill was to pass at least 3 times before shooting for our make-shift nets. It took our little beginner group a bit of time before we got the hang of it, but then we did! And I found myself being more aggressive in going for the ring.. and I even got 2 goals! 2 GOALS!! Imagine that? We all laughed and cheered for each other (even the other “team”) and had a lot of fun. I still can’t stop properly, but I have discovered a “go-get-‘em” side of me I never noticed before, and I felt amazing for hours afterwards. The only downside was that I was famished at 10pm after I had brushed my teeth and got into bed J

So, we will see what next Thursday evening brings, but I know that I look forward to lacing up again with the ladies and seeing if I can keep on improving at this game called ringuette. Never know, maybe Jac, James, David and I can get on the ice in the park this winter for a bit of a family game.

The road to the Spartan Warrior and beyond - 1h 52m 46s

As y’all know- last year my really late new year’s resolution (aka pouting over clothes that no longer fit- in the negative sense) led to me joining Weight Watchers and shedding almost 20 lbs. I have kept it off mostly (give or take 3 lbs) for about a year now and I still can’t believe how good it feels or that I did it. During a bad eating week, I wonder if I will wake up and boom- it’s all back. But no, I seem to have found a happy balance between portion control and wine and chocolate J

Then this year came along (rather quickly I might add) and I thought “Well, it’s all fine and dandy to lose weight, but what about some fitness? Girl, you are *seriously* lacking in the fitness department.” Again I thought of my kids, and how I wanted them to see me. How I wanted to be looked up to in a sense of living the life I am trying so hard to foster in my children. What good is it to tell my kids to be active and healthy if I wasn't able or willing to do it myself?

As I cast around for something to really challenge me, something un-Meghan like to pull me out of my comfort zone and give me a good reason to put my mind to it and get ‘er done with a sense of pride and accomplishment; I remembered something.. A race that involved mud and a bit of insanity.. Something a dear friend of mine once said she’d be into trying. I googled the Spartan Race, found that there was indeed a sprint (5k) in Montreal and I had 5 months to get into race mode. Hmm.. but how to make sure I don’t chicken out? I know! Get others to do it with me! Over the next while, the Spartaculars were born and I was now equipped with a motley crew as hell bent on accomplishing this as I was J

Now, when I say this Race was un-me, I am not kidding. I even said “ew” for the first 10-20 minutes of the race, until I hit the barbed wire section. Then it was “aw.. what the hell”..  anyway, I started to train, lightly at first.. trying to get my cardio up with dance classes, sledding, snurfing (well.. only sorta-kinda) and running. I met with a trainer who gave me weight exercises to work on and I embarked on a horribly erratic and nowhere near often enough training regime.  But I was optimistic.

Then all of a sudden; it was May. 3 weeks to go, then 2, then I was wondering; what in god’s name had I signed us up for?? Then.. It was May 25. A cold and dreary day after 2 weeks of cold and rain, and I was really starting to panic. What was I thinking? What if hypothermia sets in? What if I fall and break a bone? How the hell was I (little, not really active, me) going to pull this off? But I had my team. And that helped more than anything else, I felt more sure of myself with them, felt better when they admitted they were nervous and unsure of it all themselves.  And to be honest, I felt like if I could get through this, really do it and finish it… man, I could do anything.

Now, you’ve seen the pictures of a good handful of the challenges (thankfully there is not one of me being lifted off the ground by a cement block on a rope rather than me being able to lift it). It really was as cold and wet and difficult as it looked. But we kept at it, and for some reason almost all of the pictures have me smiling in them (the others have me looking terrified, but you know…), and I think it’s because I could not *believe* I was doing this crazy harebrained thing I had mentioned in an email over 5 months ago! I could not believe I was actually achieving my own personal challenge, and doing it with the 3 best ladies ever!  And really, what else can put a genuine smile on one’s face than that kind of accomplishment?

I have to say, the icing on the cake was when I tucked my little girl into bed that night and as she rolled over she said “mommy, it was so cool seeing you run up and down the mountain”.

And that right there, folks, is what it is all about.

A Note on Habits..

A Note on Habits..

Habits. Sigh.. It always seems like I have all the bad ones and none of the good ones.  Why is it we have to consciously try to keep good habits (eating well, exercising, going to be early- ok, well I got that one down pat), but bad habits just slink in and take hold almost before you realize it? (bad food and drink habits- I call those “yummy”, staying up late, not getting one’s rump out to exercise).

Just over a year ago, I was getting dressed and realized I would need to buy new clothes if I didn't change my eating habits. My epiphany (like so many others for sure) was “well, hell, if I need to buy new clothes because of my changing physique, then why not make it buying smaller sizes rather than yet again a bigger size?” Actually- in reality it was nowhere near that civilized. I think I threw a tantrum that would rival the most stubborn 2-year old and in tears said “I am NOT buying a size 12! Screw that!” and promptly signed up for weight watchers. So- a year later, I have managed to keep 17 lbs off for the most part (and in a size 6 pant! Whoo!)since June. All because I was forced (by logging food and drink every day) to CHANGE MY EATING HABITS. Omg.. it was really hard at first. But now I think I mostly have it all figured out. Some weeks are better than others and I still drink my wine and eat my chocolate (because let’s face it- any new eating regime that wants me to give that up is just not going to stick. No way). But I think I am mostly on a good path.

So: How do I make regular exercise a habit? That is a good habit I would like to take on- but it is such a struggle! I was not a very active kid. Well actually that is not true- like all kids, I played outside, had my beloved roller skates (the ones you buckle to your shoes!) and my aunt got me a bike when I was 10 (a 10 speed! It was red..) I lived on that bike. We all did really, all the kids in the neighbourhood did. But I did not do organized sports, ever. There really weren’t any that I know of at school (a fine arts school downtown) and coming from a single-parent family there was never money or time for such things. Only when I was in grade 9 did I discover the wonders of dance class (then I went all out in my obsessive way- taking every class I could possibly fit into budget and time. I think I spent grade 11 and 12 permanently in dance attire, with a sweater thrown over for when I attended academic classes between dance classes J). Then as an adult all activity ceased.. I never joined any sporting group because I frankly had no skills to offer, having never done that stuff, ever. And now I am too old and rickety to join any kind of serious dance class.

This all makes me realize just how important it is to instill good exercise habit in kids! Start when they are young! Then they will be active in some capacity forever. I see it in my friends who were active as kids and my in-laws.

My Spartan training has come to a grinding halt, simply because I am so damned busy being: mom, wife, employee, etc. etc. and also because I don’t have the HABIT of making my own exercise a priority (and let’s face it- I am no natural at any of it, so it is a grind for me to run, lift weights, or any of that stuff- just ask my dear friends who have seen me skate and snurf! I look a little like a fish out of water to say the least!). So as spring is springing I will once again kick my butt in gear (possibly I can race train with Jac since she is training too) and strap on my runners and hit the pavement. Sigh.. I just wish it was something I was driven to do instead of something I need to get me to do.

It doesn’t help that I feel like I start from scratch all the time- another downside to not being active my entire life. But I will get back in the saddle and do it. I wonder if I had a cheering crowd if that would help? J

I will wave to the old ladies and gentlemen that walk by me as I run J (this has happened- I hiked the Grouse Grind one year in Vancouver  with my father, and an elderly lady lapped me. I ran a race on Parc and along Pine – my first ever- and people were walking past me, but I never stopped!).

Get out and get active!

Exercise that makes sense to me.. The Mom vs. the Warrior

I went to the gym yesterday morning. And I was very happy to note that I did not die on my strength training and actually had that awesome running feeling at one point after the 5 minutes of oh-my-god-my-legs-are-going-to-explode bit at the beginning. The awesome “oh wow! What a cool feeling to be running! I FEEL LIKE A GAZELLE!” feeling lasted for a whole 4 minutes! (I honestly nearly giggled out loud).

I get the Spartan WOD (work out of the day) emails. And it’s really a bit of a joke. I can’t even do 1 burpee- never mind 30, with a 4 mile run and 100 crunches. I mean c’mon! besides the fact that I physically cannot DO that.. who the hell has *time* for that??? So..  I continue to get the emails because, hey, everyone needs a good chuckle in the morning.

That brings me to this question then:

How DO they find the time? If I had no family, no Hubby, no JOB and no house I might be able to devote the time required to do that level of training (again, a bit of suspended disbelief is in play here as I still can’t do a frickin’ burpee or a full push up..).

Clearly the above is not my case, and having highly active kids (yes.. We may do too much, but there are worse things you know!) begs the question: how do I find time to get into reasonable enough shape to a) complete the Spartan  that I have registered for in 5 months and b) not have a heart attack trying?

Well- by being a little inventive for one; and trying to commit to a certain time at the gym. I have decided that I can manage 2x per week at the gym. If I can get an extra in, that is even better. And the rest of the time? Gotta start being inventive.. Go sledding. Seriously.. real honest to goodness sledding is a work out (as long as you actually get on the sled- standing around chatting doesn’t count! J). The walk back up the hill 20 times in a row certainly counts as a work out to me. I am usually sweating and feeling it by the end of an hour on the hill.. Skating outside with the kids is another way- now that the deep freeze has passed I think I will start lacing up and getting out there with Jac and David (and bring James along too!) for some good old fashioned skating.

Other options: swimming. Not “I am off to do a billion laps” swimming. Good old free swim with the kids. IF you are playing with them, you are moving. That is better than sitting on your @$$ doing diddly… And the champion home-grown exercise in my house: the Wii.. yep. Just Dance 4 (or 3 or any one you might have) will give you a serious cardio workout in my house. We are very serious about our dancing- we get into tank tops and yoga pants,  and bare feet so you don’t  go careening into your fellow dancer (or a an innocent family member spectator). Water bottles are a must and you gotta crank the volume.

So while it may not be the Sunday version of the WOD “Long, aerobic run. 1-3 hours”, but when you are so many things to so many people (and you want to be the best you can for each of course) it is important to try to lead a healthy active life, not only to teach your kids, but so you can be around to be an active grandparent and – dare I say it? Even be a great-grandparent. But I have to do it in the way that makes sense for me. With that in mind- I will go sledding tomorrow with Beavers, I will try to get to the gym as much as I can- but I will not sacrifice my life that I love so much for exercise. I aim to incorporate exercise and a healthier lifestyle into my life, my family, and even my friends (it is contagious you know).

Be active, but do not give up your life to do so. and hey, why NOT get the family involved too? Isn't that part of what we are trying to teach, do and live? Ski, skate, sled, swim, play at the park.. go to the gym once in a whole too, if you can fit it in. But it is ok if you can't- as long as you are moving- right?

Maybe that is how I will start to see Mom the Warrior, instead of the Mom vs. the Warrior.

Inspiration in Surprising Places

So, as a parent (and I am sure you are all nodding your head as you read this), we want and strive to be an inspiration to our kids. I mean, who *doesn't* want to be looked up to? Who *doesn't* want to be able to feel like they have lived their life in a good solid way that makes their own kids into better people? Really- we all imagine that our kids will one day thank us for it all, right? RIGHT??

Ok, here is the reality in my house- while I am sure that I am very inspiring when it comes to trying to live well, be a good person, go for your goals etc. etc. and I am quite sure that all my complaining about manners at the table and no TV during the week and harping on eating fruits and veggies is teaching my kids good things (at least I really hope I am!), there is a section of our family life that has the inspiration thing backwards.

Here it is- are you ready?

When it comes to living an active lifestyle (and I mean living it, not just exercising for a day and then couch surfing for 6 months), it is my *daughter* who inspires *me*, not the other way around. Yep- my energetic, fireball (borderline hyper-active), wonderful 8 year-old Jacqueline has really inspired me to be more active.

She is involved in so many physical activities that I sometimes wonder if it is too much ( are we THOSE  parents?? Are we making our kids into those crazy over-busy kids?? These thoughts do keep me up some nights). But then a couple of nights ago, when she realized that it was back to diving for the first time in 2 weeks she was over the moon. When her ringuette team was eliminated from the finals this weekend- she was disappointed not to play on Sunday, even though she had played 3 games in 3 days already. She will happily rider her bike for hours, play soccer with any kid willing to join in, swim, climb, snurf, even shoot some hoops- and of course always try something new.

I showed her the Spartan Race on the internet, and told her I was going to do it. Then I showed her the Jr. one for kids ages 4-8 and asked if she wanted to do it- She said "ok", her only caveat was that she doesn't want mud in her undies! :) no concern about the grueling task ahead, she is full on ok with an unknown physical challenge (while I am totally terrified to be honest).

So- there you have it. I am inspired by my kid's willingness to try anything new, inspired by her unending energy and her push to be a dedicated athlete. She may not be the MVP in everything, but she is self-motivated and always happy to be out there, moving.

Maybe it's not actually "backwards", maybe sometimes it's a good thing to be inspired by our kids, it can help us to move forward especially when we are stuck in a rut. 

From Regular to Warrior!

I am a Spartan Warrior!

Ok, no- I really am not. At least not yet; but I hope to be!

Let me set the stage for you: It is Sunday morning- January 6, 2013. I am sitting at my make-shift desk in a make-shift office in a Toronto hotel meeting room. I have not been outside since Friday afternoon and I am feeling a bit ill after the rich eggs Benedict I ate this morning, and the wine from the cocktail last night.  It doesn’t help that my stomach is at total war with me since before the holidays- too much eating and drinking and not enough fruits and veggies, you know?

Anyway- so I am sitting here feeling a bit ill, missing the fresh air and I decide it is time to start doing something healthy for me.  I mean, I already started last year when, after months and months of sleeping sitting up due to indigestion, feeling like crap and just looking well- fatter and fatter, I decided to join the almighty Weight Watchers.

What a difference- in 6 months I had lost 17 lbs and was sleeping well, not taking tums every night by the handfuls. Really, that  sh*t works.

But I haven’t really upped my activity (and by upped I mean done anything active at all- in about forever). So; now what? How to get started? How to get motivated? And for goodness sakes- HOW TO FIND THE TIME???

Well- why not sign up for a Spartan Sprint in Montreal in May? Hey, my motto is: go big or go home. I don’t do anything small.  So- it starts today (well tomorrow really, since today I am holed up in a hotel “office” working…). I will take all my measurements- from my matchstick arms (sadly lacking in any muscle tone at all) to my, er.. non-matchstick thighs? And I hope to see some progress as I train for the event. Off to Zumba this week! Starting swimming lessons next week! Start some yoga at home! I will eventually be a lean, mean Spartan Racing Machine! Or at least in a bit of better shape and I will feel good for accomplishing something. Right?

So- I am not crazy, right? RIGHT?? (I have seen the pictures- they run throurgh fire. FIRE!)

I will try to keep track of my progress, training and general thoughts here. Good and bad! From flabby Mom- to Super Mom! No wait.. from flabby  Super Mom to Lean and muscley Super Mom! Or something like that.. Well, you get the idea ;)

Wish me luck! And I would certainly appreciate any words of wisdom or general encouragement.