Trying New Things

I have been trying some new things other then running, first on my list was swimming. Now my ability to swim is lacking, wait I take that back I have a mean dog paddle. I could not hold my breath under water without plugging my nose, never mind blowing out my nose.
I grabbed a hold of that flutter board and away I went, at  first I would just go back and forth with the flutter board. On Fridays is when a group of friends head to the pool, so I thought that I would go Mondays and Wednesdays to do some secret practicing on my own. There is nothing like drowning in the pool on my own.

I got myself a pair of goggles and started to put my face in the water and using my arms, at the same time having one hand on the flutter board at all times (Thank you You Tube Learn to Swim videos).
The funniest thing that I just found out tonight that explains why it was so awkward, there is this foam floating device that I tried thinking this is what everyone uses so they don't have to kick their feet, what I should have done was asked someone how to use them. I proceeded to put my feet through them and then when it wasn't working I tried to get my feet out, one foot got stuck and wouldn't stop floating to the top, I started to panic, thankfully my foot slid out then. I find out that this tool is suppose to just go between your legs, whoopsy.
I will keep at it perhaps there may be a triathlon in the far future.

I also started doing yoga, I am the most inflexible person ever. I have calves that literally attach to my feet 

( yes cankles ). Everything was going okay until we had to do the shoulder stand, gravity was not on my side. 

This is not a picture of me, this is what the shoulder stand is suppose to look like. Now just picture boobs and love handles sliding south and putting pressure on my airway, as the instructor is saying "Just simply relax", I'm really not sure that is possible when your on the verge of asphyxiation by extra bits.
I will continue with the yoga but take baby steps when it comes to the shoulder stand.
I encourage everyone to try something new, it is challenging.

Wow Warm

Wow, has the weather ever been amazing, it's great for all you out there that are training for the Fire Fighters 10 Mile Road Race here in Thunder Bay.  I on the other hand have confirmed my decision that it was a great idea for me to not train again after training for my Marathon.
The weather has been outrageously HOTT for me, I know be quiet, quite complaining, winter is over but for some like me that is not good running weather.
I knew as soon as I ran for 1 mile that it was HOTT out, I took a pic of myself before I left, thrilled that I was in my tank and skirt.

I left my house at 4:30pm and it was the prime time for the hottest temperature of the day,       + 17 Celsius, yes I said 17 in March.

I ran for 2 miles and felt like I was melting into the sidewalk. 

The sun was blazing and I was feeling it, I do not handle the heat and I know it is never good to go out in the late afternoon when the sun is at it`s peak (but I also tried new things on race day, so what do I know).

As a result this is what I looked like when I finally returned home, I`m sure cars going by were concerned I that I was not going to make it.

My face is always so red it is purple when I have ran in the heat. I always quickly recover once I am finished running, but while I am in it I sweat for every mile. 

Happy Running, for those that love the heat, I`m happy for you.

First Long Distance

The weather outside is gorgeous, it is + 2 and the sun is blazing, it feels like +10.
This was my first long run since the Marathon and it was great. The route through the college is so nice, in the trees and on the dirt roads, away from traffic.
I'm not saying that this run was easy but the company was great and the sun was shining what more could you ask for.
Since the Marathon I had decided to cut back the running to 2 days a week, only doing 3 miles, but I needed a long run. 6 miles was perfect.

Warmer Days

I took advantage of the warm days we have been having and headed out for a relaxing run to the cemetery and back. I always take my camera now and I take pictures of the trees and myself and also the interesting headstones I come across.

I came across this headstone on my way out of the cemetery, 

Post Marathon Tattoo

I had seen last years medal for the Myrtle Beach Marathon and thought if I am so lucky to finish the Marathon I would get that medal tattooed to my calf. I had so much emotion attached to this Marathon (remembering my last one) that what would be more appropriate.
A girl I work with has an amazing tattoo on her back which she had put on by her brother who has a tattoo shop called Ink Alley. I made an appointment with a guy named Jared the day after I got back from Myrtle Beach. This past Thursday I got the tattoo put on and it looks amazing. The only part that couldn't fit was the XV Annual but that is okay, I was happy it said "Finisher 2012".
Here's the medal and the tattoo:

I took this picture of my new tattoo as soon as I got home, my calf was swollen and red, but you can tell that the tattoo is going to look amazing once it heals.