Sunday, July 23, 2006 by Michelle
Saturday. A lovely day to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. We went to Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver and found a big shady tree to sit under and enjoy a picnic and some summer reading. I put some sun block on Chris' back for him and warned him to be careful because he's such a pasty white guy. I rarely burn because I have somewhat less pasty skin than he does and I usually stay in the shade. Usually is the key word here folks.
The water was pretty chilly and refreshing, and the shade a little on the cool side, so of course I spent a bit of time in the sun to warm up. Reading. Losing track of time. Twice I went for a cool dip and twice I warmed up in the lovely sunshine. Without sunblock on. Really, really dumb.
I had a shower when I got home and felt my shoulders were a bit prickly. I looked at my back in the mirror and WOWZA! I look like a person with red skin wearing a white bathing suit. My back is ridiculously burnt and I'm feeling pretty stupid. Aloe vera gel and I are friends right now. Bras on the other hand are not. So much for my Sunday run.
Chris is burnt wherever he didn't have sunblock on because he was in the sun a lot. And there are some lovely hand marks on his arms where I had put some sunblock for him when I was doing his back, with the understanding he was going to finish. He didn't finish. Haha.
Sigh; what a couple of dumb monkeys.
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Monday, July 10, 2006 by Michelle
Chris and I watched a rather scathing indictment on religion recently; Richard Dawkins, a well-known British scientist, speaks about how religion harms society. I warn my Christian friends that they may find the video challenging and possibly upsetting, but Mr. Dawkins really affirmed for me some of what I've been feeling since leaving Christianity in 2004 (and for a long time before leaving too, really).
Part I http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6193866746249268230
Part II http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8239331458224461127&q=root+of+all+evil
I'm not sure what I believe any more; I tend to swing between agnosticism and athiesm. My life has certainly had less guilt and self-reproach since I left religion.
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Sunday, July 2, 2006 by Michelle
Hyak Wilderness Adventures provided a fabulous river rafting adventure this weekend (July 1st) with our intrepid guide, Anja. I haven't been on the Chilliwack River in nearly 15 years, and I had forgotten just how beautiful the scenery is there. Besides some delicious rapids, the setting is downright stunning. I think I'll be running the Thompson River again this summer (I've been about 10 or so times over these past 15 years); one trip this summer just won't be enough! Bring on "The Frog" and "The Jaws of Death"!!
Photo by Siwik Productions
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Thursday, June 29, 2006 by Michelle
Inspiration (In`spi*ra"tion), n.
1: arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
2: arousing to a particular emotion or action [syn: stirring]
So when one of us steps out and actually does what we all know we "should"/could do and stays committed, it stirs others on to do those things too. Out of the ruts and excuses we get.
When I started working out last year, I was inspired by my mom; she was walking a lot, had lost 10 lbs and looked healthier than I had seen her in a long time. I thought "If my mom can do it why can't I?" Now it seems my road to fitness has inspired a number of friends, co-workers and relatives; if that isn't responsibility I don't know what is! It seems my new found enthusiasm for physical activity has helped people I care about in ways I never would have imagined. A year ago, you would never have convinced me I'd be doing everything I am right now, let alone enjoying it. For me, it has been the act of adding one thing at a time, getting used to that, then adding more. Incrementally. Others dive in, often returning to something they loved "back when they were fit." However it's done, the point is to do it!
What keeps me going? A big part is the way I feel physically and emotionally. I can do this; this isn't impossible for me; exercise is actually enjoyable - no one would have ever convinced me of that before. These things give me tremendous self-motivation. I'm also encouraged by my trainer Warren. And by how people are inspired by what I'm doing. Of course, Chris too (even if he is bewildered). Also, as many of you know, I'm a voracious reader. So off to the library I went and recently read Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running by Dagny Scott, which has helped me with my running (besides hounding Warren for tips/pointers); and Body for Life for Women by Pamela Peeke so I can incorporate strength training at home (this has been only marginal so far, but in time...). These books have helped me; let me know if there are books that have helped you too.
Finally, don't listen to the naysayers. You know them, the people who; tell us to do it all one particular way or why bother, get all anxious we're gonna injure ourselves, focus on the stuff that holds us back, or dredge up excuses we've had ourselves that have prevented us from getting started. Avoid them like they have the plague, or just be honest and tell them if feels like they're trying to sabotage your efforts. Then get into your running shoes and go.
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