Monday, June 22, 2009

And so it starts....

It is 1:11 AM on Monday morning, and I am putting the final touches on my preparation to leave on the next step of my journey.

I think that this is the pilgrimage that I aimed to start a little over two years ago. My friend Jason and I sat in a hot tub in Kananaskis, staring out at the mountains. I don't remember all of what was discussed, but we discussed the journey that I am about to embark on in rough terms.

That day has come.

I have filled my two bags with books that I will read, learn and grow from each day over the next 49 days... it was a challenge to fit everything that I wanted into my two bags, but I am happy to report that it is done!!

The clothing and technology represent the smallest of the lot, and the material to be absorbed represents the majority. This will be interesting.

I will be checking in three days a week to fill any of you who are interested in... on my learnings and experience as I progress through this adventure.

Before I sign off for this, my first post, I would like to thank everyone who helped make this journey possible. THANK YOU my friends... your efforts have not gone unnoticed, if even unmentioned. I love you all!!

Hugs everyone, and good night... I will continue on with my preparations, as I am almost finished!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

First ride of the year...

I finally got off my arse and onto my bike, because I really did NOT feel like sitting on a trainer this year. It was harder than it should have been, but I haven't lost it all... if the weather keeps up, I will be back in business inside of four weeks.

And for the sake of saying so (because I know someone will ask) if the weather changes, I will sit on the trainer.

After all... there are only 97 days left until Blackfoot. Right Todd??

:))

It was good to great - I rushed back a bit because some of my bits (especially my toes and fingers) were getting uncomfortably cold, but I will dress better next time :))

Ok, back tomorrow.

Over and out my crazy friends.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Just go and do it for godssakes!

"What we think or what we know or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do." John Ruskin

So, it seems that when Nike is saying "Just Do It" they are bang on.

Don't think about it, don't talk about it, don't even wonder about it, just frigging get out and do it.

Today was a good day, felt on track, and am on track. Got my brief workout in this morning, part of basecamp training... getting ready for the real deal, which is coming, just don't want to subject my body to too much shock too early on... though I did eat 18 egg whites today, which might have been a shock... but it's hard to say.

I like shocking my body a bit ;)

Hope you are all out there and awesome... yes, that's right :))

Over and out!

Monday, January 05, 2009

145 days and counting...

Well. Today was the first day of 90 days of life transformation.

How does that feel? Hmmm... seems yesterday I needed to do some binging and some purging, got that through with, so today I felt like a well used heel. Well, I can only imagine what a well used heel looks like... but I felt worse than a worn boot.

Yeah.

Good start.

Anyways, kept it real today, and I feel good going to bed, but was far too sore to consider running today. My first 5KM barefoot run was a bit rough on my calves, but it's no biggie. They will feel much better tomorrow. I am very confident in this. Nearly 100% confident.

Tomorrow will be better.

Much better.

Hasta luego....

Saturday, January 03, 2009

147 Days to go...

The countdown is on, 147 days to Blackfoot, 10km in the bank... doesn't sound exciting, but it's a start. The goal is to work daily mileage up, gradually... to the point that I can do 100 miles in a week... or more.

So there we have it.

On to Sunday :)

Had I not been subject to darkness, I could not have seen the light.

I found that quote up on adbusters today, and I thought it awesome.

How true is that.

In hearing some people reflecting on 2008 and putting out hope or despair for 2009, I couldn't help but think - "what is good and what is bad really?"

Everything is relative - without having experienced something better, then there's nothing worse that whatever the best has been.

Hmmm... got me to thinking anyways. Those seemingly "dark moments" in our past have given us a reference point for the "beset times of our lives" so we have to be thankful for both - because it can sometimes be hard to be grateful for what we've got if we haven't a clue what the least that we could have looks like (so to speak).

So if you disagree, and really dislike the "dark moments" then perhaps it's a time to reflect on life and find whatever you have got, and really be grateful for what you have, because without even experiencing the worst, you know it's out there (just read the news :)

Got that - instead of fearing the worst, be grateful for what you've got, which may not be the best, but it's pretty darned good compared to the worst :))

Ok, down from my box :))

I'm in Canmore (well, just outside of Canmore really) and it's cold. Really cold. I didn't pack for the weather, and as such, wasn't able to make it outdoors for a run yesterday... so I am holding out until I get home, where it's even colder, to run on my treadmill. I plan to head home around noon today :))

The good news is, it is a bright and sunshiney day :))

I hope everyone is off to a fantastic start in 2009 - keep me posted on life!!

Over and out.

Thursday, January 01, 2009

4.45 down 155.55 to go...

To some it might seem formidable, but it really shouldn't be. In the first 30 days, it's my goal to roll through only 100 miles, or 160 kilometers.

Once that's done the number will double.

So, I started my run at about 11:58 and wrapped it up at about 25 minutes past 12... once again, I ran into the new year, and it felt "good" - not nearly enough running lately, so it was harder than it should have been, and the dry air on the lungs is always great... but it's a start, and I'm only one hour into the new year.

Yeeha!

Ok, so I this blog reads like a who's who of where the heck is Matt... but I assure you, I am back on here, and daily. Even if it's just to fill you in on my 5km run of the day. I promise it will get more exciting - it's gotta get more exciting, because I have a lot planned.

Oh yeah, Blackfoot is in 149 days and counting. My watch is here to remind me.

50 miles in 149 days... no problemo.

Ok, enough for that for now... much more to follow. January 31 is a big day, mark it on your calendar and call me to find out what, if anything, happened on that day :)

Finally, before I forget, HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone, even if I didn't get a chance to talk to you in 2008 - thanks for being a part of my life. I am grateful for everyone's contribution in 2008, you all helped me to get me where I am, and I am eternally grateful.

THANKS A MILLION - and here's to the best year yet, 2009!!

Peace out my friends!