Event #3
Water theme: the Yeti race!

The Yeti race was started about 11 years ago-probably by some crazy yahoo who wanted to run with mukluks on, or something of the sort. It has become a popular event for the fiercely competitive and a few folks ready to tackle something new and a bit foolish. Sound like someone you know? The event is divided into the Sport-5 km and the Enduro 10km.

This challenge was provided by Mandy-a runner-say no more. Thanks Mandy! I don't run; I've never been in an organised event like this so why not give it a go? Simon joined me in this endeavour.

Mount Washington has gotten quite a bit of new snow in the past few weeks, and on Saturday the 28th of January it was minus 8 Celsius and blowing; but the 120 competitors were all ready for it. Even the Yeti man was in good spirits.

We chose a strategic spot to start the race-at the back of the pack- and ran for about 2 minutes out of the gates. We kept up with the non-runner's pack for most of the way. The terrain was hilly from the start. About half way, we met THE HILL. It was not too steep but it seemed to never end! Simon and I were behind a girl dressed as Elvis for the long hill. Simon passed her half way and I tried to follow but my legs felt like lead and I was sucked back behind the Elvis girl and stayed there for the rest of the race.

The track was just wide enough for our snow shoes and in some spots it was knee deep. I tried to jog on the flat spots but could not manage more than a few minutes at a time. The real athletes lapped us-twice! OK so they were very slender, obviously fit, wore runners (no socks) and very small snow shoes. Simon and I were dressed for an outback trek with our heavy boots, day packs. I even had my full first aid kit and extra clothes in my pack. Note to self, if we ever do this again-rent small snow shoes and don't Carry extra gear. It's only 5km!

 So winning time for the 10km was 38 minutes. Simon came in the top 100 (he was 99) at 61 minutes for the 5km. I was 109th with 64 minutes. I think I left part of a lung there on the track...

Events #1 and #2

#1-Water theme: Polar bear swim!


Jan 1st, perfect time to start my 50 new experiences. People that know me can tell you that I have been in some cold water, but I have never done a polar bear swim.

I recruited my friends, Holly and Jack, and into Buckley Bay we went. The water was shallow and it took a while for the water level to be deep enough for the dunk. The day was misty and cool, and the water pretty $&#^?/**! cold.

Jack is a very brave dude and never walks away from a challenge; he did a full body and head dunk! Luckily, our rented "villa" was on the beach so a hot shower awaited us as soon as we were out.


#2-Edible theme: Raw oysters!

Yes, I know. I'm a foodie and I like oysters-cooked or smoked-but I have never eaten them raw. It goes back to my childhood...

My Dad would bring these giant things home from La Pointe (fish market in Ottawa) and SLURP them! Such noise! I could never bring myself to try them-too revolting.

But I'm a grown woman. I have hiked the GR20 in Corsica, I can face a few oysters.

On Friday January 6th, with my friends, Celeste and Brian, I ate some oysters. The first with tabasco, the second with lemon, and the third with horse radish. Lemon was best. It tasted like the ocean, salty and delicate. I'll eat them again-but I still prefer chocolate.

Welcome to my Blogg

Welcome to my Blogg!
On December 31st, 2011, my friends and I were celebrating the eve of the New Year and my 49th birthday. I was enquiring about New Year's resolutions. It has been my habit to try something new every year. What could I attempt this coming year?

How to best commemorate my half century? Why not try 50 new things? The challenge was set. Since then, I've been thinking about my year. Being a list maker, I started by using my skills to create a plan.

1. Create a list of categories: social, musical, political, intellectual, spiritual, romantic, physical, environmental and edible (rhymes with the others), earth, wind, and water
2. Set dates for seasonal events and guided activities
3. Find as many free, or low cost options
4. Research local events and attractions
5. Book early to avoid becoming a big chicken!
6. Enlist friends to join in the fun and/or to support my endeavours

DONE!

I have 50 new experiences on my list and my calendar is roughed in. Please join me this year and see how I do. I'll report regularly and put up some photo's; and together we can have a good laugh (I hope!).

Here we go!

Julie C