WTL

WTL, 10 months ago (edited 10 months ago) to mastodon

There's a discussion in my family about which stove top element / burner is our preferred one. What do you all have to say, good people of #Mastodon? Thank you all for your answers and comments!

WTL, 9 months ago to running

#Running For nearly four years, I've used Merrell Moab Vent Light Trail as my primary runners; because they were the only shoe that didn't need to be broken in. After running 15,000 km or so since 2020 it's time for real shoes.

I'll be going to one of the Running Rooms (https://runningroom.com) here in Ottawa, and am looking for suggestions for something with a wide toebox, good cushioning & support, and works well on wet pavement, and doesn't break the bank.

Recommendations?

WTL, 7 months ago to Ottawa

Success today on many fronts! Eighty seconds of plank, 25 pushups, started with my and I (slowly) completed my first half-marathon around #Ottawa since the injury side-lined me. Now, if I'm honest, the last five or so kilometres were a very real struggle - that annoying little voice to just stop that many runners have heard got very loud, but I managed to push it aside. Very sore, but pleased. #Running

Six landscapes: 1) The Minto bridge, with ornamental lights that are on, with trees in the background. 2) Looking over the Ottawa River at Parliament Hill, with trees in the foreground and a cloudy sky. 3) A small creek, with trees. 4) The northernmost span of the Chief William Commanda Bridge, with some colourful grafitti and a cloudy sky. 5) Looking north along the Trillium rain line, with trees on both sides. 6) The recreational path along the Rideau Canal Western Pathway with pine trees towering over it.
Apple Map showing 22.99 KM Outdoor Run, starting in Bordleau Park, crossing the Minto Bridges, up to Sussex, over the Rideau Falls, across the MacDonald-Cartier Bridge, along the Voyageurs pathway, over the Chief William Commanda Bridge, along the Trillium Pathway to Dow’s Lake, along the Rideau Canal Western Pathway, over the Corktown bridge, along the LRT line, behind the new Lee’s OttawaU building, over the old train bridge, along the Rideau River Eastern Pathway, back over the Minto Bridges, and ending in Bordeleau park.
Apple Fitness Running Details Total Time: 2:57:27 Total Distance: 22.99 KM Average Pace: 7'43"/KM Average Cadence: 154 SPM

WTL, 8 months ago to Ottawa

Got my twenty pushups in during my warmup/stretching, then ventured out for a cool morning in #Ottawa for a 1km walk and 10KM RUN! Now, I know the path to getting back to my pervious volume is going to take time, but I'm seeing progress, so I'm pretty happy. #Running

The Ottawa River with a visible wall of fog going across the river.
Rideau River with trees on both sides, curving off to the right.
Strathcona Park’s trees along the Rideau River have started to change colours with a clear blue sky above.

WTL, 4 months ago to running

I was looking something up in my 2023 #running spreadsheet and thought I'd share some interesting bits; the average temperature of my runs last year was 3°C, and wore pants 51 days of the year (for running). Did I mention I'm a giant nerd that tracks everything? 🤣

WTL, 4 months ago to running

Friday: 150 seconds of plank, 40 pushups, followed by 11.8 km of #running (-9°C with a windchill of -13°C). Really great run. When I got to the intersection of Laurier and Portage Bridge, the traffic lights were not functioning, and the construction workers who were directing traffic stopped traffic so I could cruise through. I high-fived one of them as I went by. Stopped by Lebreton Flats for a look then kept on going on my way.

#FirstSong of the day was Waveshaper & LukHash’s Alive.

1) Lebreton Flats, covered in snow, with the Canadian War Museum in the distance on the left. 2) The Peace Tower and the Centennial flame at Parliament Hill, with two construction cranes visible. 3) Rideau Canal, iced over, covered with snow, long shadows from threes, and with the sun in the top right.
Apple Music playing Waveshaper & LukHash’s Alive

WTL, 3 months ago to running

Tuesday: 200 seconds of plank, 11 minutes of kettle bells, followed by 12.8 km of #running (-8°C with a windchill of -12°C).

Lovely run, comfortable, but too sunny. 🤣

1) Snowy scene, trees on the shore of the frozen over Rideau River 2) Sun peeking through the Alexandria Bridge 3) Small river that is used by kayakers with the Portage complex visible in the distance 4) Ice sculpture of a woman with a norther scene carved into ice. 5) Ice sculpture of a couple 6) Ice sculpture of a prancing horse

WTL, 9 months ago to running

Okay fine people who are following #Running; I've been thinking that it might be nice if on the first weekend (like this weekend) of the month we collectively keep an eye on the #Running hashtag and boost a few runners we haven't seen before (especially if they have no interactions on the post or are on an isolated server) to help build out the community.

For those of you who speak other languages, feel free to translate and repost.

What do you all think?

WTL, 9 months ago (edited 9 months ago) to running

Today's activities:
2km of warm-up #walking (21 minutes)
5km of #running (39 minutes)
24km of #cycling (69 minutes)

First run in four months. New shoes worked nicely, though I apparently need to lift my feet more. Run was slow, and I’ve clearly lost a lot of my fitness, but I can build that back. Slowly. It's good to be back to running.

WTL, 1 month ago to running

Monday: 102 seconds of plank, 15 pushups, 10.4 km of #running (-6°C with a windchill of -12°C), picked up groceries, walked home, then did two #AppleFitness workouts.

I've been really struggling with my runs lately, and I’m starting to wonder if it's the addition of the extra workouts that should me making it easier to run.

Then again, it is Monday …

Which I suppose means it's practically Friday… and therefore almost Monday again. <sighs> 🤣

1) Looking up through a group of evergreens at the light blue sky 2) Sun poking just above the horizon through some trees over the Rideau River 3) Leafless branches reaching down from the top, with blue sky 4) Trail through some trees. 5) Some odd ice formation on the edge of the Rideau River

WTL, 3 months ago to running

Friday: 138 seconds of plank, 9 minutes of kettle bells, followed by 7.36 km of #running (+ 1°C). Almost achieved a negative split (where each successive KM is faster than the previous). Really felt like I was flying along in the last KM and a half.

Another tough morning even though I slept in until nearly 8am as today we start nine days of #FilmProduction in a row. Won't be around much during. 🤷🏻

#FirstSong Realm of Dark Waves by Leaves' Eyes https://music.apple.com/ca/album/realm-of-dark-waves/1726606609?i=1726606629

1) Icy path winds through Bordeleau Park with trees scattered about. 2) The empty Rideau Locks with Parliament hill in the background and the Ottawa River in the distance. 3) The Aboriginal War Veterans memorial, with a plaque that (partially) reads: TO ABORIGINAL WAR VETERANS IN CANADA AND TO THOSE THAT HAVE FALLEN This monument is raised in sacred and everlasting honour of the contributions of all Aboriginal Canadians in war and peacekeeping operations. Many thousands of Aboriginal people saw action and endured hardship in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. They served with honour and distinction in all branches of the service and in every rank and appointment from Private to Brigadier. They fought overseas to defend the sovereignty and liberty of allied nations, in addition to supporting the cause at home. Their dedication continues in peacekeeping operations in faraway lands. Their heroic acts earned many decorations for bravery as well as the respect and enduring friendship of their comrades in arms. Hundreds from across Canada gave fully of their lives so that all Canadians might know peace and inherit freedom. We who would follow in their path are humbled by the magnitude of their sacrifice and inspired by the depths of their resolve. We owe them a debt of gratitude we cannot soon hope to repay. This monument was made possible by the National Aboriginal Veterans Association and the generous donations of the Canadian People
Apple Music playing Realm of Dark Waves by Leaves' Eyes
Apple Fitness grab of the splits from the run; starting at 7:14/km and ending with 5:29/km.

WTL, 4 months ago (edited 4 months ago) to running

Wednesday: 150 seconds of plank, 30 pushups, followed by 10.6 km of #running (+2°C and misting). Figure I'd try some pushups to see how the should was feeling.

The run was a real slog. Dense, heavy snow, with a layer of slush under it. Sidewalks are an icy mess. I got splashed by two pickup trucks, once about 1km into the run and intentionally about 1 km from home. 🤬 #autowa #Ottawa

#FirstSong was Inshouha’s Beam! - while I was running for a change, as I ran out of podcasts ~2km from home.

WTL, 11 months ago to fediverse

To my #Running and #Cycling people, I think I'm done with Strava now. As I think about all the gobs of data I've been giving them that they no doubt have been doing something with, and what I get from them (maps, “awards”, and connections to people), I've come to the realization that I don't really need Strava anymore. The community I was looking for is here, on #Mastodon, so why support them? I’ll give it a week or two and make a final decision then, but I think that ship has sailed for me.

WTL, 5 months ago to running

Friday: 130 seconds of plank, 101 pushups, followed by 22km of #running (-7°C with a windchill of -13°C, #TeamShorts by accident), and then six minutes of kettle bells, which I might increase a bit next week.

Still snowy & icy out, but most of my routes have "settled out”.

First week with two half-marathons since the break, and I'm happy with progress on the various fronts.

Grid of five landscapes: 1) Snow-covered recreational path with trees on left. 2) Chief William Commanda Bridge crossing over the snow-covered recreational path with the Ottawa river on the right. 3) Snow-covered Dow’s Lake, with recreational path on left with trees. 4) Snow-covered Rideau Canal, from the Corktown bridge, looking towards the Chateau Laurier. 5) Snow-covered recreational path with a large tree with snow on it.

WTL, 4 months ago to running

Tuesday: 150 seconds of plank, 6 minutes of kettle bells, followed by 13.3 km of #running (-11°C with a windchill of -17°C). Run felt pretty tough and my energy was down, but I suppose the messy conditions on the route didn't help either. 🤷🏻

Realized I have two possibly overlapping meetings Thursday. <sighs>

#FirstSong of the day: Clan of Xymox’s I Want You Now

1) The entrance to the Canadian Museum of History, which looks like a curvy head. 2)Snow-covered recreational path 3) The Chief William Commanda Bridge with the Ottawa River largely covered in ice. 4) Entrance to Parliament hill with the west block tower in view. 5) The Cenotaph, with the grave of the Unknown Soldier. 6) Self of white guy with glasses, ball cap, red coat, and a beard that is coated with ice.
Apple Music playing Clan of Xymox’s I Want You Now

WTL, 3 months ago to running

Friday: 170 seconds of plank (new record!), 9 minutes of kettle bells, followed by 6.5 km of #running (-1°C with a windchill of -6°C) in freezing rain.

Made it about 50 metres this morning before turning around to go home and switch to my shoes with the spikes on them. After that, it was pretty smooth, if somewhat noisy (clack, clackity, clack, clackity…) 🤣

#FirstSong of the day was from Apple Music’s “New music mix” Melancholy Blue by Inkubus Sukkubus - Melancholy Blue https://music.apple.com/ca/album/melancholy-blue-dark-bubblegum-melodrama/1724499135?i=1724499298

1) Rideau River seen from the west shore, partially iced over, with the eastern shore and threes visible. 2,3, &4) Icy snow-covered recreational paths with the Rideau River on the left, along with trees. 5) sidewalk along Sussex Drive just before King Edward 6) Selfie of white guy in wet red coat with hood, black ball, glasses and a beard.
Apple Music playing Melancholy Blue (Dark Bubblegum Melodrama) by Inkubus Sukkubus - Melancholy Blue - EP

WTL, 1 month ago to running

Thursday: 142 seconds of plank, 20 minutes of #AppleFitness HIIT, 11 minutes of runner’s yoga, followed by 10.4 km of #running (4°C, “light” rain, and a 22km/hr wind), picked up groceries, and walked home.

This is possibly my least preferred conditions to run in: cold, windy rain (although cloudless +30°C would be a close second).

Contemplating taking a week off running to give it a break and see if that helps. Cycling's easier on the knee. 🤔 Why can't this be easier?

1) Rideau Falls, seen from the west side, flowing heavily. 2) Gravel path on the east side of the Governor Generals, with a large decorative fence, with trees, and a wet road on the right. 4) Large tree on the shore of the Rideau River

WTL, 27 days ago (edited 26 days ago) to random

Have you tried peanut butter and cheese sandwiches? I’ve been eating them since I was a teenager, and got to wondering how common it is (I don't know anyone else that eats them).
Boost for reach, please.

WTL, 3 months ago to running

Tuesday: 170 seconds of plank, 10 minutes of kettle bells, followed by 11 km of #running (-6°C with a windchill of -12°C). Grey and overcast, just how I like it.

I typed too soon yesterday; plank was really hard today - barely made the goal time, but the run was great, even if it was a bit messy out. Fastest run of the year and (checks spreadsheet) since my return to running from injury.

#FirstSong of the day: Shut Your Mouth by G PAIN and Vion Konger
https://music.apple.com/ca/album/shut-your-mouth/1716858549?i=1716858638

Side by side images: 1) grey overcast morning, and a crusty, icy recreational path with trees on either side that curved off to the right. 2) Sun peeking through the trees with the Rideau River in the distance with a recreational path curving off to the left.
Apple Music playing Shut Your Mouth by G PAIN and Vion Konger

WTL, 4 months ago (edited 4 months ago) to running

Saturday: 30 minutes of snow shovelling (I record it as a HIIT workout), followed by 5.48 km of #running (-3°C with a windchill of -11°C, w/ wind gusting to 45km/hr), came home and sat in my comfy chair and drank a lot of tea.

I think I've invented a new running workout "Snow intervals”, where you run in deep snow until your heart nearly explodes, you stop, then start again. I swear, it's fun. 🤣

[edit] There’s a Swedish word: snöpulsning - hat tip to @recollir

https://youtube.com/shorts/xYXJnTw7RNo?feature=Mastodon

WTL, 5 months ago to running

Wednesday: 105 seconds of plank, 100 pushups, followed by 11km of #running (-6°C, windchill of -11°C), then six minutes of kettlebells.

I haven't seen any new activity from the Lowertown beaver lately, so I guess they’ve called it for the season.

Today’s run was the fastest since restarting and it felt great, even with the icy spots. I'm torn; I'm unsure if I should be focusing on speed or distance. - I think I'll keep gradually adding distance, and then worry about picking up the pace. 🤔

Three landscapes: 1) Rideau Falls about 45 minutes before sunrise, with lights reflecting off the water. 2) A (suspected) beaver lodge on the Rideau River 3) Snowy path through trees

WTL, 2 months ago to running

Thursday: 141 seconds of plank, 7.1 km of #running (-14°C with a windchill of -24°C, w/h gusts to 38km/hr),picked up groceries, and walked home.

Cut my run short as the 4km loop I was planning on taking largely looked like smooth ice, so I went over the Adawe crossing into Strathcona Park, and did groceries.

Pop tarts were on sale, and we're going up to Algonquin park in less than two weeks… something to look forward to.

WTL, 7 months ago to running

Friday: 82 seconds of plank; some progress, I guess, 40 Pushups, and 24km of #running around #Ottawa. Rideau Falls along the Rideau River Eastern Pathway to Hog's Back Falls, then along the Rideau Canal Eastern Pathway, over the locks, through the Arboretum, following the Rideau Canal Western Pathway to the Corktown Bridge, then zig-zagged my way through the market to home. Probably my favourite route.

Today was a bit of a struggle, run-wise, though I did keep in mind that “I’m running!”.

Seven photos in a collage: 1) The very, very dark recreational path with some light reflecting off the Rideau River and sky 2) The tiny falls near the Adawe Crossing over the Rideau River. 3) Recreational path, curving off to the left, with large colourful trees on the right and smaller trees on the right, with grass. 4) Tall yellow trees with the recreational path going off to the right. 5) Hog’s Back Falls with some colourful trees on the eastern side. 6) Gravel recreational path along the Rideau Canal 7) Looking north down the Rideau Canal from the Corktown Bridge, with colourful trees on either side, and the Chateau Laurier visible in the centre.

WTL, 1 month ago to running

Tuesday: 96 seconds of plank, 14.4 km of #running (-1°C with a windchill of -6°C), and ten minutes of #AppleFitness Yoga for runners.

I felt a bit better today, but still … heavy? I was thinking today would be a half, but opted for something shorter.

First crossing of the Chief William Commanda Bridge this year (re-opened yesterday).

I may start mixing things up tomorrow. 🤔

1) The Alexandria Bridge at sunrise, with the National Gallery (centre) and the Chateau Laurier visible (right) visible from the north shore of the Ottawa River. 2) The Chief William Commanda Bridge from the north side of the Ottawa River. 3) Peeking at the Chateau Laurier and the old Train Station through some evergreens.

WTL, 28 days ago to random

Friday: 121 seconds of plank, 11 minutes of yoga for runners, 31 minutes of Strength training, followed by 6.6 km of #running (0°C), picked up groceries, and walked home.

I tried dialingmy running back this week, and I think I have to try and take next week off completely and possibly book an appointment with my doctor to see what she thinks is going on.

#AppleFitness