Strength Training Group

Last week Jason introduced a few new exercises and mentioned that it will compliment cycling, running and swimming.  It was pretty tough but we got through it, I notice that I had more strength in my hips/hamstrings/glutes.  An actual surge of energy and strength hit me right at the base of the hill, when I was commuting to work last week, I had no idea where it came from.  I felt more stable, stronger and sustained strength that I havent experienced before.  I was rock solid in my seat sprinting uphill with sustained energy.  I’m going to try to ride more out of the saddle to get that range of motion.  Jason has some really great tips.  Even to remind me to smile when I have to jog accross the field.  I tend to get a bit too serious.

Jogging with Hanna

We were all discussing after doing these workouts weekly that we feel stronger and notice a change, even Jason said that we look stronger.  It’s so amazing to see this type of progress.  Also to feel stronger is so incredible.   Look at Alex go!  He’s getting stronger every week!   He’s going to rock the Ride to Conquer Cancer this year, can’t wait to hear how he does.

another jog in between pushups

I quickly checked outside and everyone was ready to go.  I did have a moment of thought where I could back out, settle into my chair and close my eyes for a moment however that’s not an option.  I just know how much better I will feel after I get some exercise and it’s so much fun hanging out with this crew I just couldn’t back out.

 I said that they should start and I’ll change quick and catch up to the pack.  I didn’t think that I would be that long, however….I had to SPRINT a couple KM to get to the pack. 

I kept wondering where they were at and if they took a different route because I was literally sprinting in Zone 3 HR solid and could not find anyone for 20 minutes.  I was also in full compression head to toe so I wasn’t lollygagging.

FAST!  That group is quick.  I caught up with them 1/2 way through the run. 

Of course we have Torsten at the front with a trail of fire behind him.

he's a blur!

Hanna and Bonnie looking strong

strong ladies!

Super Mary with a steady pace that made me gasp today.   She’s a machine!  She’s so amazingly bright my eyes had to shut for this picture.

Super Mary!

http://brandonsmarathon.com/2010/03/ironbrandons-podcast-episode-82/

I have so much fun talking with Brandon, he’s got amazing information and we share the same appreciation for SUGOI compression. 

Gotta have it!

I was having a pretty hard two weeks, was quite challenged.  Not just because our family car decided to completely fall apart all in one day after we put several hundred dollars into it but we were struggling with schedule already, some family matters also came up with some very strenuous situations.  We also had two deaths in the family during those two weeks. 

I was pushing through as I usually do.  My grandmother has a great motto, “When you want something done you do it and get it done” which is simple and to the point.  If we needed to get through what is going on and still get everything done you just push forward.  Not having a car with such a tight schedule was so hard for us.  I was standing on an overcrowded bus one day coming home from an exhausting day at work, people were banging into me, some people were really sick, yelling (you know the bus in East Vancouver) and I was running an hour late because the bus isn’t as fast as driving.  I just broke down.  We were struggling financially with all the car repairs done previously, schedule was behind, we were exhausted and don’t live in an area where everything is accessible or have additional help to lean on.  I had looked at a couple cars from various dealerships and kept finding that I was being ripped off and treated really horribly.  We were also dealing with losing two family members it was a hard time.  I also had my old broken down car towed 20km to a repair shop when it stopped running and long story short when we arrived at the repair shop the rear of the car had smoke and flames coming out of it.  I know that there are a lot of other people with more severe problems than this but wanted to share my story just to explain the kindness from strangers that I experienced.

I was at my wits end.

I tried one more dealership, saw a car I was interested in, walked in and immediately had my back up ready to be treated horribly.  Jim came up to me, very friendly, very knowledgeable and I thought to myself, “yep it’s a trick” he took me for a test drive, told me all about the car, we talked about family (definitely a trick, must be extra sneaky because he’s so nice) and took me back to his desk to look over numbers, paperwork and deposit amounts.  I explained what was reasonable for my budget, he mentioned what was required.  I started to get tense thinking that I would have to walk out and this was the bottom line.  Jim then said, “let’s work through this so it works for you and your family” and I eased up a bit. 

He then showed me several options and let me choose what I needed.  We then went to the credit department where not only was I treated very respectfully but Dave really searched high and low for an unbelievable rate, he really went above and beyond what was expected. 

I was also greeted by Steve who kept the kindness coming.  Gave me an amazing deal on the car and extras.  They also contacted the other dealership that I went to and got my deposit back to me.  This level of service was more than I expected, they were fair, compassionate and it wasn’t about making the deal.  It was about me walking out of there with a different look.  Not with my head down and looking defeated but happy and leaving with something that would help my life so much.  They were so approachable, kind, real genuine people.  I wasn’t pushed aside because my sale wasn’t a real money maker, I was treated with as much respect as someone coming in to buy a top of the line car because they treat every customer with this level of respect and honesty.  They were also so much fun!

Here’s a video of my smile, because they really did put a smile on my face. 

I did get an amazing car but I also made some new friends.  I’m sure I’ll see them all when I’m out at my race at UBC this May!  They really are a riot to hang out with, I was busting a gut laughing.  Such great people with great sense of humor.  I can’t wait to see them again.

Super troopers!

 We have a very dedicated group.  There was some talk about the weather but everyone mentioned they were ready to run.  Torsten had the best comment   “There is no such thing as bad weather – there is just wrong clothing!!”

Torsten running fast

Here’s Torsten at the front with the fast pack!  He’s rocking it!   We also had Erica join the group which was incredible.  She’s such an inspiration.

We did our usual route down 7th to the seawall.  Saw some other runners, coast guard monitoring the waters near the Olympic village and a lot of smiling faces.

Vancouver

I think the trooper of the day award goes to Ron who came out running after being out of sport for a while.  He kept up with the medium paced group with great effort!  A side stitch happened 1/2 way through but he took care of himself and was still positive and we had a great time on the way back.  He’s got some amazing stories. 

I get really charged with this running group, always learning something new, such a positive atmosphere and our VP of Sales came out Scott!  He’s a fast runner and brought a lot of high energy to the group which was amazing.  Super excited to see him out there. 

1/2 way done

If anyone would like to join us meet out front of SUGOI at 144 East 7th Ave at noon every Wednesday rain or shine.  We would be happy to run or walk with you!

See you next Wednesday!

Running for the bus actually yelling “hold the bus!” I was late. The drive rwho saited said, “the squeaky wheel gets attention eh?” and laughed. I said that I was extra squeaky today. Half of my face is covered in red maple leaf temporary tattoos.

I’m pretty excited for this whole experience. I haven’t been to Whistler in 9-10 years as well. The last time I was away from my family was in December in Vegas. Now I’m on my way to Whistler for the day not just to see the amazing mountains but also to see an Olympic Event!   I’m on a quest to experience Olympic Spirit!

Waiting for the next bus that will take us to Whistler me and two from SUGOI ate, got a picture with Quatchi and waited for our third, and waited, and waited. And our bus was almost ready to board, and he’s not here. I called, went to voicemail, I called again, voicemail. We thought he didn’t get the info so I asked reception to check his desk. The ticket is gone so he must have it. But where is he?

We started to get in line to board the bus. I pulled out my envelope that had my Olympic ticket and 3 itineraries, no bus ticket……………….no bus ticket………………NO BUS TICKET! Our third has no itinerary and an extra bus ticket. How did that happen? Must have mixed up the papers. What do I do? I ran to the lineup attendant “where do I buy a bus ticket?” He pointed West, up the stairs I charge. Meet the purchase table and plead my story but end up buying a bus ticket and run back to the lineup. Our 3^rd is not there and the bus is boarding. Now I have my ticket but no 3^rd in our group. We start to board and I hear THERE HE IS! With two bus tickets in hand and a smile. I hold my head in my hands.

Our SUGOI 4 is en route to Whistler to find our Olympic spirit.

SUGOI 4

Arriving, not in the villarge but an obscure outskirt of the town we were led off the bus, down a rough gravel path to metal detectors and bag check ins. No fluids, everything out of your pockets. Just like the airport.

Once out of security you are led on a rough gravel rocky, muddy path one kilometer winding, uphill, downhill. You could hear drums and singing around each corner thinking you were closet to the event but don’t be fooled it was speakers in the trees.

One kilometer down you see the tops of flags, people, more flags and Quatchi.

at the event

The track was prepped, the fans were riled and the sun was shining down on everyone.

look at those two!

The race was amazing but one minute before start was my favorite.

ready to start

It was so suspenseful, you could hear a pin drop. 60 seconds of silence, racers posed, tocking of the clock and HORN! Off they go. 3.8km in 9 minutes first lap. More laps passed, transition of skiis. Norway in front. Fans going wild including one cowbell that was the size of my head. I’m sure you could hear it echo through the valley. Last lap.

No one seated in the stands. Flags waving, everyone on their feet, round the last corner and it’s Norway 1^st place.

1st place last corner!

I was tossing back and forth wondering if it was spirit or pride that fueled these cheers and it’s both.

Showing pride for your country, your home town and sharing your spirit for others to enjoy and be inspired.

That brings everyone closer together.

Go Canada!

When things don’t go our way or to plan it’s easy to bail out on a workout.  I learned today that when things don’t go to plan you should still make the most of it.  That’s what Hanna, Alex, Andrea and myself did today. 

group support!

We took on the park, did our workout, supported one another and had a great time.  The sun was shining and we had smiles on our faces.   There was a moment where we could have turned around and walked to our favorite pizza place but we stayed focused and made up our own workout routine.  We were laughing, sweating and had a great time.  We also feel like we had accomplished what we set out for.  That is the greatest feeling and that’s what keeps me moving forward.

START

AND HERE WE GO!

getting ready

Wednesdays at noon we start at SUGOI.  Run down 7th to Heather and down to the seawall and back.  We have a pretty amazing group!  Your choice if you would like to come on out for an hour or a half hour.

there's Maggie!

Such a great day and a great turnout.  We had a fast running group up front, middle pace group and a walking pace.  Everyone had a great time.  It’s a great chance for everyone to unwind, get some exercise, clear the mind and bond with one another.  I know that it helps me in the day, plus I have so much fun hanging out with everyone. 

watch out for the fast pack!

If anyone would like to join you are more than welcome!   Every Wednesday out front of SUGOI at noon.

The more the merrier, let’s all BE INCREDIBLE! 

SUGOI STRONG!

I’d like to hear stories on how you have inspired others.

I’m doing the best I can to be a positive role model for my daughter, living each day to be proud of myself.  Trying to make every effort one to better the world and everything in it.  I do feel that I need more creative down time.  I’m still working on that balance but I’m making an effort daily on how I can help others and hopefully be inspirational to someone.  Even something that may seem trivial, one action can make an impact on someones life or help inspire them to do something great.

What have you done, something that made you feel as if you had inspired someone, did something to help someone else out through a challenge or life lesson.  Tell me your story.  The more we share together the more we can inspire and learn.

I had an opportunity to meet someone pretty amazing right in our SUGOI neighborhood.  I heard that the Olympic torch was featured at the Mt.Pleasant newly set up recreation center and went over there to check it out.  I saw a man standing with the torch offering free pictures, answering questions about the torch and showing the burn marks on the metal from where the flame was.  He was in full gear head to toe showing Canadian spirit but is working for a much greater cause.

Pat Brand is raising funds for his Ride to Conquer Cancer journey.  He talked about how cancer has affected his family and a realization of how many people are affected all over the world.  There isn’t a family that doesn’t have stories of lives taken and have struggled from this disease.  Mine included.

Pat Brand