Share Your World – 2013 Week 20

It has been a long time since I took part in Cee’s Share Your World Challenge but I couldn’t skip this week because the very first question gave me another chance to put in writing my dislike of Canadian winters.

Do you like winter, or not, and why? I detest winter in Canada and I am determined not to spend another one in this country. In the past, I returned home on a couple of occasions in the winter and only lasted a few weeks before taking off again to travel or work in some other place. Last summer, I came home with the intention of staying home for at least a year and finding a job. I survived the winter but I have decided to go abroad again in September to a warmer destination.

Are you a listener or talker? It depends on the situation. When I meet new people or I am in an unfamiliar situation I tend to listen, observe and keep my opinions to myself. At other times, usually when I am with a small group of people, I am more of a talker.

What is your favorite juice or fruit drink? Apple juice – every two months I go to the states for cross-border shopping and I always bring back 6 gallons of Mott’s apple juice. I drink two or three glasses every day  after working out. With only one gallon of juice left it is time for another shopping trip to Maine.

What do you have to be so happy about? I am happy that it is spring in my neighborhood. After spending a long, cold winter indoors I am delighted to be able to run and work outdoors. I am busy building raised gardens, a rock garden, and doing some needed landscaping around my place.

Unplanned Relay for Heart Race

Last Friday I was listening to the radio and heard about a local race taking place not far from my home in Miramichi so I decided to participate in a 10K instead of doing my scheduled long run on Saturday. Actually, what caught my attention was the $10 entrance fee which included a tech t-shirt, a subway sandwich and snacks after the race, followed by a draw for prizes. I figured even if I had to walk some during the race I would come home with a new t-shirt and a full belly.

After a week of gorgeous weather it rained on Saturday and only a few people showed up for the Relay for Heart race in Miramichi. This could be viewed both positively and negatively. On the one hand, I would have a better chance at winning a prize and on the other finishing last would be a greater possibility.

I arrived early and registered for the race at 8:30 and then went off to do some chores in town before returning for the race start at 11:00. I do not like running in the rain especially if it is accompanied by low temperatures and wind so I signed up for the 5K instead of the 10K.  Good decision because by race time the thermometer dropped to about 5 degrees.

Race – The run was on a trail that starts on the river and heads south towards Loggieville and then crosses the road and continues in the woods. The path was well maintained in comparison to the running trail in my village. I didn’t know anyone at the event but it was clear to me that the others were all buddies and were busy chatting as we started to run along the trail.

By the time we hit the 1K marker I was able to pass a few ladies who were doing the 10K and somewhere around the 2K marker the chatty 10K runners went off in another direction and the path was quiet. At this point, I could see the water boy at the 5K turnaround point, one lady slightly ahead of me and a few behind me. Although I was not thirsty I took a cup of water and stopped to drink it. (I need to learn to keep moving while drinking.) This short water stop allowed the other runner to get way ahead of me and I knew it would be impossible to catch up.

Now, it was time to maintain my pace and make sure that I would not need a walking break which would allow the other ladies in the 5K to catch up and pass me. This strategy worked and I finished the race in 31:23, a few minutes faster than the next group of runners.

I was too wet and cold to stay and wait for the 10K runners to finish so I changed into some dry clothes and waited in the hotel lobby where  the meal and draw prizes would  take place. There was lots of food and some nice prizes for all of the participants. I won a sports bag which means I won’t have to carry my running gear in a recycling bag anymore.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Change

If you ask me one of the most familiar and sought after changes in Canada is the change from winter to spring. We all know that the official start of spring on the calendar is no guarantee there won’t be one or two more weeks of nasty weather. And with snow, sleet, and ice pellets forecast for most of the country this weekend; it looks like this change has been delayed across the country. Just my luck, the year I return home it would be a one month transition from winter to spring. At this point, I am hoping there will be no spring and we will go straight to summer – this would be a welcome change. Yet, in spite of the current weather conditions, the birds and squirrels hanging out in my backyard tell me that spring is just around the corner.

 

If you would like to take part in the weekly photo challenge head over to the Daily Post.