running mates

Ironic really that I should be posting about running right after posting about s-l-o-w-i-n-g down but I guess that's life- fast and slow thrown in the blender and wizzed around. This morning on my run, though not the first time I've enjoyed a d&m or debrief with a friend while running, was a good one. I've spoken about the phenomenal ease with which you can share stories, catch up, vent or muse while running before- it's easy even to share personal, emotional stories- issues which may be difficult to talk about with even your closest friends are opened up and fair fodder for discussion whilst running.
I'm not sure what it is about setting off on a run that brings down barriers- exhaustion? The sharing of a mutual bond, forged in challenging kilometres? I first saw this running/d&m phenomenon articulated by Kirsten Armstrong on her blog. This evening I read about it again in the latest issue of runners world magazine.
Of course I don't always feel like running and delving to the depths of my emotions at the same time- some times the best running partner is simply my smiling red dog (see above!). I'm so grateful though that some of my very best friends are ones I can share kilometres with. This isn't a coincidence- I've also noticed that people I start running with become friends a lot quicker than the relationship would develop if we were non runners... The sharing of life stories and opening up that occurs whilst distracted by the pain of a run (and the distraction from pain through talking about these same stories!) I'm sure is responsible. On a day that's dedicated to checking in with mates- and strangers- to see if they 'r ok?' this post is dedicated to my running mates. The ones who I run with here and now in Brisbane. The ones who I have run with, who might not be geographically here but who i often carry in my thoughts as I run... thankyou all for inspiring me, for motivating me and for keeping me ok. L. X

s-l-o-w it down!

This weekend was close to perfect! Hervey Bay. Blue sky. Green Sea. Life slowed down. Runs along the foreshore, rides arund the bay. Many lazy coffees at Enzo's- a cafe right on the beach. Weekend papers. Getting into some books that have been on my list for a while. Picnics. A pace of life slower than the usual at this seaside-come-country town to our North. The sea air, depth of colour of the water, wind in my hair and salt on my skin made me feel summer, even though it is still only spring and still a weenie bit too cold for ocean swimming just yet (soon though: straddie tri countdown t-minus 1 month!). It makes me want to plot and plan more trips, bike rides, beach adventures, camping trips for our long hot summer... bring on the bliss, I can feel it's going to be a good one!

canada trip... the food...

'fiddleheads' @ granville island mkt

I have been saving up for this post... I guess the time is now as I seem to be salivating as I write... so here are a few snapshots of some of the delicious food I had while I was away... And while I was, yes, suprised at the size of servings in Canada and the US, I was also suprised- and delighted- at the quality of food and coffee I was able to find if I did my research and knew where to sniff and which laneways to turn down to find things that were a bit off the beaten track... yum yum... enjoy this wee foodie journey...

coffee + croissant @ ezra's pound

japanese sangria @ guu izakaya toronto

that half almond croissant

coffee + herbs @ olive + gourmande, mtl

cheese toastie + coffee from le lapin presse montreal

famous st viateur bagel!

salmon @ fish + farm, san fran

local cherry cheesecake verrine! fish + farm

blue bottle coffee- siphoned straight to my cup!

boulette's larder, the ferry bldg san fran

Tall timbers

Some days the world does not seem to make sense. Instead of following day and night, night and day, it's as though life... the world... gets put through the wash. Everything comes out the other side upside down, inside out and wrung out. It has been a crazy week in Brisbane. One of the best remedies, handed down to me by my own mamma-nature, is to look at the beauty that still exists around you- look to nature to soothe and nurture and then, when the time comes, to reinvigorate and inspire. L.x

PS. I don't write this blog for anyone but myself, as an outlet, an inlet. If however you happen to be passing and need a hand or know someone who needs a hand, please know there is alwasy someone to hear your story, to care, to help. Here are a few:

lifeline

suicidepreventionaust

ruokday

Last day of winter!

I know I have been super lucky in that I have had a months holiday during the Aussie winter this year but even so I still feel ready for a change of season. I love that each season brings a change in the air and the weather. In the sky and daylight hours... The days are lengthening again and the pic below is the evening sky over brisbane on the last day of winter...
I'm also get quite excited about the possibilities of what lies ahead- it's as though each season is a mini "new year"- an opportunity to start fresh and consider goals and commitments for the coming months... In fact the more I think about it the more I like the idea if breaking the year up according to the seasons. Today I cleaned my desk, organized my work and even built some new shelves so I can manage my storage! How is that for a spring clean?!
Things I'm looking forward to this season: maintaining my self imposed clear desk policy; continuing to build on my training programme, especially getting into the pool more as the weather heats up; plotting and planning hiking and camping trips for the spring and summer... Hooray!
Good bye winter. It's been lovely to see you for a little while but it's definitely time we parted ways for another year! L.