Me, Update

Hello you all.

Its been a hot minute since I've last posted. I feel like so much has happened since that last post. Where do I begin?

I have been trying to take running more seriously, completed at least 10 different races, from half marathons to 10km to 8km.

I had hoped to complete the BMO Full Marathon this coming May 2020, however the world has been struck by the Covid-19 virus, and all I can do for the best of my own ability, along with every other athlete is to take a step back and treat it as if it were off-season (as if that ever happens).

I never thought something like this would happen to the world. It's a scary phenomenon that I can't even comprehend.

But I'm here to take my own mind off of what's going on right now. I have now signed up for a trail race upcoming in June 2020, but everything feels like it's going to be delayed/postponed for the safety of everyone.

I shouldn't be so down. We are all being told to stay indoors to prevent the further spread of the virus, in such, to #flattenthecurve. I hope that we can all persevere and come through as a society more well prepared for any more future outbreaks. I feel like these events are cyclical and natural processes of societal advance.

Wow. So this is all I can think of clearly. I feel like I've been running races to race myself really, but now it's my time as a runner to really reflect and instead just get out there to enjoy running despite the state of the world.

I hope I can set new PR's, become stronger, and get back out after all this anew, more than ever.

Till next,

Amanda
x.

Roundup

Some of which I can't stop thinking about:

Books

1. The Handmaids Tale
This story follows the retelling of a timeline of events by June or Offred in a dystopian society where a majority of females cannot bear children. The families in power get to have handmaids bear their children (ie. Of-Fred). The novel was written so many years ago, but thinking of all the events of this year, the #metoo movement, our modern society and struggles with fertility or even the affordability to have children. It makes you really wonder if Margret Atwood traveled through time and imagined these semi-realities. Just thinking about it sends a chill through my spine. (This is also a T.V. show on Hulu, its amazing mainly because of Elizabeth Moss' portrayal of June)  

*There is also a new book called The Testaments, which I cannot wait to read.

2. The Art of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

This book just makes you want to become more minimalist. It also might turn you into a neat freak/freak out about how many "double" items you have in your home/life.

I cannot though for the life of me get into the show, as its a clash of American and Japanese culture that nobody asked to watch.




Music

1.Robotaki - Anachronism
Preston, aka Robotaki is so inspiring. He reminds me to never give up my dreams. This album really puts out all the feels. Suitable music for a quiet drive / rainy day. Introspective.

(I showed up late to see him in Bellingham for Double Major, but it was worth it)






2. Tyler, The Creator - IGOR
(You wasted my time and I know that these things are not hard)

Tyler's subtle hints of shade amidst a breakup, mirrored my feelings at some point earlier this year. The timing was just right.

(I saw him last year and still obsessed, seeing him for the Igor Tour this October)






Till next, 

Amanda 
x.

Sprained Ankle Resolutions

Back in early November I sprained my left ankle. Its been bothering me as I was out for run in 10°C sunny weather. The conditions were perfect, I felt like I was running my fastest, my speed possibly having remained from when I had run the Underarmour East Side 10k (an amazing course, tempted to do it again!). I set a Personal Best having trained my heart out. Then I was distracted during this sunny November run, and I sprained my ankle upon hearing a dog barking in the distance on a wet leaf. Go figure, right?

Getting a sprained ankle has made me feel more determined to get back out there and run more.  I'm not built with crazy healing abilities so I've been couch surfing and watching Netflix. But all my laziness has accumulated to me signing up for 1 .... 4 races this year. 

To slowly ease back into running I signed up for 3 races associated with Try Events. 

 First off is the 5km walk/run option for the Chilly Chase. This seems quite straight forward as it follows the seawall from Science world all the way to Stanley Park. 

In March is the Hot Chocolate Run by Try Events which is also a run walk option but in the 10km distance. 

Then I signed up for the BMO Half Marathon yet again, for May and hope I can finally shave off the time! I will try to fully commit this year and not slack off during the final weeks. 

Then hopefully, maybe fingers crossed (I've talked about this for two years Lululemon) will I get to run the Lululemon Seawheeze in August. I've dreamed, hoped, wished and sighed at all the runners whilst I myself could not get an entry for 2 years now. And I have NEVER run it still. (Some of my friends think I'm crazy for possibly wanting to put myself through suffering). 

My list isn't over yet! I also signed up for the Historic Half also by Try events in November to round out the year. 

Here's to hoping the physio pays off! 👻👻👻