Elements of Erin 337

Today there was snow in the forecast for Vancouver.  Alternate plans were made to accomodate my training but the snow never came.  So after a 1.5 hour indoor spin class at Speed Theory, and after coffee and breakfast with friends, I headed outside on my bike. Armed with hand warmers, a water bottle I hoped wouldn't freeze and my favourite Pearl Izumi thermal bike wear and my SAA thermal jacket I rode from Richmond out towared UBC.  I stopped just before UBC for some fun hill repeats, then rode home.   Even though the temperature was just above zero, it was sunny and glorious.  Not bad for a training day in February. Happy Training!

Welcome to 2014!  Ok, it is a bit late but better late than never? 2013 ended pretty uneventfully for me.  After having a terrible run at the Fall Classic Half Marathon, I made an appointment with my Dr. to see why I was struggling so much.  Blood tests revealed I was completely normal.  Ugh!  My iron levels were a little low but not enough to explain why my running was suffering so much.  After another visit to the Dr and some more questions and test, I was put on an inhaler.  Seems that when you can't get enough oxygen into your system because your lungs are tight, you don't perform very well when running.  Well, let me tell you, this inhaler has made a world of difference.   Christmas and New Years came and went very quietly.  Most of December saw me working out regularly but not at the same intensity and volume as in the summer.  I also took time out to eat and drink pretty much whatever I wanted.   Although I no longer make New Year's resolutions, I did get right