Elements of Erin 337

We returned from Spain on Monday feeling very jet lagged but very happy to have taken such a great trip.  I will post some updates, highlights and lessons learned from travelling in the next few week. For now, here is a link to our photos.  They are in date order but are not labeled with places. I will say that we traveled to Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona.  See if you can recognize any of the familiar landmarks for each city in the photos. Spain Photos - Set 1 Spain Photos - Set 2

Just over 2 weeks since my lower back decided to revolt, it is on the mend.  It has felt better everyday but yesterday it felt good enough to go for a run.  It was a slow and steady 5.5km with no real issue.  I was sure that I would feel it today but all is good.  I was very careful to ice and stretch it last night and go for ART/Chiro this morning. The plan for the next few weeks is to work on core strength and gradually increase my running pace and distance again.  I can't remember the last time I only did one workout in a 2 week period.  Yesterday morning, my inactivity got to me and I did a series of sit-ups , push-ups and squats all using various iPhone apps.  I hope do to these daily while away in Spain. Will be in Valencia for the Las Fallas Festival .  Celebrations have already started.  Below is a video from March 1st of the fireworks and fire crackers that are a highlight of the festival.  We have been told that t...

You may have noticed (or not) that my blog has become a very neglected place. Like many of us, I have found Twitter and Facebook an easier and quicker way to throw my thought out into the world.  I was surprised to look at my blog and realize I had not provided an Ironman Canada race report or a report of anything after that. July and August this year were very self reflective.   Resulting in me leaving my job in search of a larger sense of purpose.  Basically, I asked myself 'why' a few too many times, couldn't come up with the answer and turned the page on the end of that chapter.  Of course turning 40 might have something to do with this also. My plans for 2012 are pretty simple and a straight forward.  No crazy Ironman training or marathon training, just keep fit and have fun.   This year is my 'son's year'.  We gave him the opportunity to choose our next vacation destination.  After narrowing it down to Fiji or Spain, we are going...