All Things "R"

1.  Relaxed
Don't know what it was, but for some reason this year's trip to Maui was really awesome.  Feeling so relaxed!  It was the perfect trip...we did some exploring on Kauai for something new, but then returned back to Maui.   This was our seventh trip back to valley isle, so needless to say we know the island really, really well...it really is like going to our second home.

2.  Ryder
Booyah!  Can we give a little cheer for my hometown boy Ryder Hesjedal, who won the Giro d'Italia today?!  We've been keeping an eye out on his progress and when I was out on my long run today, Hubs texted to say Ryder had won the whole thing.  I'm really hoping that they have some kind of hometown parade or at the very least a celebration for him as this is kind of like the Stanley Cup of the cycling world.  I always find it amazing how hard the human body can be pushed...like these guys are riding for weeks at a time, all out.  So amazing.

3.  Racing
Eeek!  First race of the season coming up next week...the Victoria Goddess Run is on deck!  I won't really be "racing" this run but more using it as a training run for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half at the end of June, so I have no expectations as far as time...there is no way I'm posting a PB on this race so I'm going out to have some fun, eat some chocolate and get my medal/jewellery from some hot firemen.  I haven't been pushing my speed as I've been trying to make sure I keep proper form we learned at the Mindful Strides clinics, so have been running slower than usual...and as you all know, you need to run fast to run fast!  I'm really hoping we can continue on with the advanced level of the Mindful Strides clinics (we couldn't take the advanced level as we'd miss too many with our vacation).  A little investment in time and training now could have huge benefits later on in reduced injuries and better times, so I'm thinking about potentially doing a few one on one's with Marilyn (with Hubs, of course!) to get more feedback and help on our form/training along with the advanced class.  So many things, so little time!

4.  Return to Running
I'm feeling the excitement of running again!  My hope for the Scotiabank is to run it in under 2 hours, and then use it as a starting point for training for the Goodlife Half...my goal for this year was to run a 1:50 half, so I've gots a lot of work to do to get there.  Having a few halfs under my belt as a base will go a long way...just need to add some hills, speedwork and more yoga to get things all stretched out and I think I'll be good to go.  I'm not doing too bad for injury so far (knock on wood)...the foot is feeling a little tender but not bad, my twinge-y knee has been pretty good and my shoulder has been a bit sore but under control.  Darn aging body.

5.  Recommendations 
Any peeps from the Chicago area?  I'm heading there in a few weeks for a conference and will be staying at the Fairmont Millenium Park...so was looking for some recommendations on where to run!  I'm doing a run organized by the conference that takes us along the river, but if there were any other cool places to run (that are safe, as I'll be running on my own!), recommendations are appreciated!

6.  Recipes
Just wanted to talk a bit about a great cookbook I picked up the other day:

I had heard about this book through a local cooking store, and had to pick it up.  Basically it's recipes that taste good while being good for you.  The authors' premise is that flavour and nutritional value aren't mutually exclusive, and the recipes are split between those that you can eat anytime (25% carbohydrates or lower) or those that you can have if you've worked out as they have a higher carbohydrate count.  All the recipes contain lean, complete protein, are in low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, focus on healthy fats and include fresh, natural, additive free ingredients where possible.  Sold!  I've been looking for a cookbook like this forever, so look forward to testing out recipes from this cookbook.  For those of you interested, you can order this cookbook here.