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And life goes on . . .
My summer stint in the Okanagan has finally ended and as I make my way “back east” I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend in Kelowna. I cannot even express how quickly the last few months have flown by. It is downright scary!
Though the dry heat was a new experience for me, I was able to gradually increase my running volume throughout my stay. Coming here I was running a measly 30-something km a week and I am now at 110. Of course I still have a long way to go, and I am still having some tenderness in my right heel, but other than that I have felt a noticeable improvement in my workouts the last few weeks. Progression is a satisfying feeling -- especially with several races lined up this month. I am using these races as workouts, no tapering, just training through and having fun racing again.
Besides running and getting a peek at what the life of a professional athlete feels like, I was able to expand my horizons in a variety of other ways. I tried hot yoga for the first time and got slightly addicted to it for about a month and half. I was going 5-6 days a week but eventually dropped this activity as my running volume built up. It was a great supplement in the lower volume days and I felt my overall body strength was improved by these classes. I also came to the realization that I do in fact sweat -- who knew?
I feel it is impossible to describe my entire two month experience in this post so here is the cliff notes version:
- Reunions and new faces galore: Lancer friends, Mizuno friends, running friends, completely new friends -- many laughs, BBQs and memories made.
- Sister reunion: this deserves a separate bullet since I had not seen this little chica since February. Thanks for stopping by Kimba:)
- Working at Fresh Air Experience a handful of times: wow, I know nothing about bikes! (now I know “close to nothing”)
- Standup paddle boarding: not chosen for the “workout” per se, but for the lazy floating on the board in the sun on the lake -- my workout came from having to carry the behemoth board to this said lake for what felt like miles (and I have the bruised hips to prove it!)
- Local produce: yes, I sure got my fair share of cherries, peaches, blueberries, and then some more cherries -- literally “the best in the West.”
- Family gourmet meals: Nikki and Nate sure know how to whip up some yummy dinners. From Chinese hot pot, to homemade naan, garlic scape stir fries, summer roll Thursdays; it was a culinary experience from day one. Also, I will promptly begin sprouting upon my return home. Thank you family!
It’s a bittersweet feeling. I look forward to seeing those loved ones I left behind the last couple months but Kelowna will always be a special place for me. I will be back. Thank you Kelowna, it’s been swell:)