Training away from home: Drumheller, AB

As mentioned in my previous post, my family was recently on holidays in Drumheller, Alberta.   This town, located in an amazingly picturesque valley is famous as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World" as well as for it's rich mining heritage.   The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, the biggest dinosaur in the world and the Atlas Coal Mine museum are just some of the attractions available to visitors,

One of the THREE T-Rex skeletons on display at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology

When I arrived in Drumheller, I was worried that I would not be able to find a suitable place to train.   I am leery about walking on the shoulders of unfamiliar highways, and greatly dislike the stopping and starting required to train on city streets.   Lucky for me (and all other runners/walkers), my fears were unjustified.   Not only does Drumheller have over 18km of walking paths in and around the Red Deer River, these paths are paved and well marked!

Fortunately, this trail passed right by the entrance to the campsite we were staying in.   I had decided the previous evening that I would head west on the trail, away from the center of town.

I knew almost immediately that I had made a good decision.   After crossing a small bridge and walking past a motel, I was surrounded by beautiful scenery.  The sun was rising, bathing the hills across the valley in a luminous pink glow.

What can I say - I was walking fast!

 

After passing the town hospital on my left, I was treated to the yard of the Homestead Antique Museum.   Though I had hit my stride, I was still able to enjoy the antique tractors and farm equipment, as well as the old wooden ferry from the nearby ferry crossing.

The old Bleriot Ferry

Past the museum was Funland Amusement Park (bumper boats and mini golf) and a few houses (the path is shared with a driveway for about 150m at this point).   Once past the houses there was a nice green space where the path came to a T-intersection.   If I had turned, the path would have taken me towards the river, but I continued straight, knowing there was a dead end ahead, but also knowing that I was nearing the half-way of my walk.

Right next to the path, I came across Fossil World - a huge dinosaur discovery center, complete with large and realistic statues outside.

Stanley the Stegosaurus at Fossil World

After Fossil World, the path took me back through a residential neighbourhood, where I found a wonderful representation of Dieno the dinosaur from the Flintstones!   Many neighbourhoods in Drumheller have creatively painted dino statues, but this one was one of my favourites.

Dieno!

It was at this point in my walk that I realised that I had some company!   Four white-tailed deer had decided to go for a morning walk as well.   I managed to follow them for about a quarter of a mile before they ran away - but they were good companions while they lasted.

After about two blocks on residential streets, it was time to turn around and head back.   The scenery was no less novel on the way back, and before I knew it I was back at the trailer.

The beauty and condition of Drumheller's trail system made me wish that we were staying longer, as I wanted to explore the rest of the town's walking paths.    If you ever get a chance to visit Drumheller, know that you will not only be able to train, but will LOVE doing it!

Some links to check out:

Drumheller pedestrian trails
Town of Drumheller
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology
Atlas Coal Mine Museum

Highs and Lows

"Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement."
- C. S. Lewis

I tell people that having a race to train for is the only thing that keeps me from defaulting to the lazy person that I really want to be, but sometimes, even that isn't enough.   These last two weeks have been pretty tough for me in terms of training.

Some of the things that did not go so well...

• Having to head home ten minutes into my last Thursday's walk, as I was having stomach problems, and then never getting around to going back out
• Skipping my Saturday walk last week because I was too tired
• Shortening my planned 6-mile walk last Sunday because my fingers were swelling (they were, but not bad enough to stop
• Skipping my Tuesday walk because I had no where to walk (we were at a campground next to a MAJOR highway).

Despite all of the setbacks, I managed to complete two virtual 5K races this week!

Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast 5K - benefitting Give Kids the World



I signed up for this race on a whim, and thoroughly enjoyed it.   For my first 5K walk, I was fairly happy with my time, LOVE the charity and thoroughly enjoyed the frozen yogurt sundae I had when I was done.   Medals are shipping this week, so I can't wait to hang this one on my wall!

Princess Challenge II - Ariel 5K - benefitting St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital



I signed up for this one on Wednesday night, as I needed something to motivate me for my morning training walk, after having a whole week of missed/shortened training.   It turns out that the Ariel-inspired medal was fitting as it rained for the entirety of my walk!   I was very happy with my time, and proud that I got out and trained.

In addition to my virtual races, I ended my week with a beautiful walk through the badlands of Drumheller, AB and a nine-mile walk today, averaging 13:56 minutes/mile.

With less than a month before my half-marathon walk in the Queen City Marathon, I can't afford to miss any more training days, but I am back to being confident in my ability to finish my training plan strong!     This week, it was a virtual race that got me back on track - what helps you get through the lows?

Weekly Stats (Week ending August 4th)Total Mileage: 5.0 miles
Weight:  200.0 (+1)

Weekly Stats (Week ending August 11th)Total Mileage: 17.9 miles
Longest: 9.0 miles (13:56 minute/mile)
Weight:  201.2 (+1.2)

On Strength and Willpower (with bunnies!)

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."
- Mahatma Gandhi

I certainly feel strong right now!  Today's walk was TOUGH from beginning to end.   I almost managed to convince myself not to go through with my training at all.   I had a whole list of excuses ready - it was too early (6:00 am), my legs were too sore, it looked like it might rain, it was too windy and I just didn't want to go out.   It took a tremendous amount of willpower to get dressed and get outside.   I started out my walk with the determination that I was going to finish my eight miles, no matter the pace.

About a mile into the walk, still feeling stiff and sore, I saw some adorable jackrabbits in the field.   Every time I would get a little close, they would hop away.   I probably "chased" them for half a mile.

Seeing the bunnies put a bit of extra spring into my step, but with the wind at my face, I just couldn't seem to improve my pace.   It wasn't until I made it to mile four and could turn away from the wind that I was able to pick up the pace.    From that point to the end of the walk, my pace improved every five-minute interval from 14:47 to 14:29.   Although I wish that I could have maintained a bit better time, I am proud that I was able to finish strong.

Although I was sore and tired, I still managed to go for about a two-mile walk with my family later in the day.    My next half-marathon is in 41 days, and although I may not be the most fit or athletic person, there is a power in willpower and at this rate, I will finish strong!

Weekly Stats
Total Mileage: 18.6 miles
Longest: 8.0 miles (14:29 minute/mile)
Weight:  199.0 (-0)

Welcome!

Writing the first post in a blog is tough.   Chances are, no one will ever read it, but if they do, you want it to be something impressive, something memorable, something good.     I doubt that I will be able to capture any of these qualities, but here goes ...

Welcome! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Megan and I am a 28-year old Disney nut from Saskatchewan, Canada. I am married to an equally nutty DH and have a wonderful 2-ear old daughter. I am also an EXTREMELY busy person – I work two jobs (I teach high school in the mornings and run a home business) while taking a full-time Master’s degree in History. I love what I do!

My weight loss/fitness journey has been a long and tough road. In 2008, after being told that I had high cholesterol, I decided to join Weight Watchers. From January 2008 to June 2009, I lost over fifty pounds! During this time, I also trained for a half-marathon (in the walking division), which I finished in a time of 2:54.

In December of 2009, I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter. I tried to eat well, but some health issues forced me to almost zero mobility for the last four months of my pregnancy. As much as I love my daughter, I struggled with some of the adjustments of being a mom, and soon I was past my pregnancy weight. I was also diagnosed with a gluten allergy, giving me another challenge in my quest to eat healthy.

After feeling hopeless for WAY too long, in December I decided that I was going to begin a lifestyle change. I rejoined Weight Watchers and started eating better. I had read a lot about runDisney races, but didn’t think I would ever be able to afford one. When checking out flight prices for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend (on a whim) in March, I found an amazing deal, talked it over with my husband and booked them the next day.

So here I am, registered to WALK a local half-marathon in September and chomping at the bit to register to RUN the Tinker Bell half next January.

I’ve started this blog in order to document my weight loss and fitness journey, as well as keeping me accountable. I am hoping to share the ups and downs of my journey, and hopefully inspire others to make the leap as well. I will also throw in some paleo/gluten-free recipes that I love.   Now, here is a terrifying thing for me - the "before" picture.

Here I am, today (25/07/2013) at 199lbs (down from 217)

If you've made it this far - I commend you!   Welcome to my crazy journey!

- Megan