SQUAMISH DAYS

I think I have forgotten how to blog it's been so long! I guess 3 weeks isn't that long but when your used to blogging a few times a week, it feel like forever.

Our move up to Squamish has been both amazing (hands down best decision I ever made) but has had it's share of frustrating moments.

We love our place and location. So far, the running I have done (before it snowed) was great and made for some awesome solo exploration. Jen, my local running tour guide, has taken me on a few runs up and around Alice Lake. And of course, the mighty Cheif has called my name more than a couple of times. I actually hiked it with my aunt and uncle yesterday. My uncle had NEVER hiked it, and my aunt hadnt done it since she was 8 years old. The snow was still hanging around but the tourists weren't and we had the Cheif all to ourselves.





I know I should probably explore some new places (up high) but I am a little nervous all by my lonesome in the snow.

The only frustrating thing about our move was the lack of cleanliness on our landlords part. I hesitate to say anything bad about him because he is such a nice and genuine guy, however, our place was filthy when we came to move in. He also has a dog who left behind a colonie of fleas. I can't beleive how incredibly grossed out I get when I spot them. It must have to do with the way they jump around. The straw that broke the camels back was when we woke up at 3:30 in the morning with them in our bed. After trying a few lower key flea/bug sprays, it's looking as though we may have to fumigate. I'm getting the feeling that because I havent blogged in so long, I'm starting to overshare...yes? haha

The week of our move, Peter got in an unfortunate accident in my car (he's not at fault), which ended up being a write off. Peter managed to get away with some scrapes and bruises and the odd ache and pain in his shoulder but overall he is doing well. However, this has left me without a vehicle, which is almost a blessing in disguise because I was considering giving my best go at becoming a bike commutor. This would not only save me a lot of money, I would be able to afford a mountain bike. Even though the money I got from the write off (1990 civic) is not quite enough to buy a mountain bike, it will help towards one. I also wonder how much freedom I would be compromising by not having a car...any thoughts?

I can't beleive all the wonderful things that are available to me within a 10-20 minute drive. I went snowshoeing up in Garibaldi Park with 2 friends of mine. We were only able to make it to the first hut because they had to be back in North Van but that left me wanting to explore more. I must admit, ski touring looked like a lot more fun, especially on the way down. I am just waiting on my bindings and once those arrive, I can assemble my skis and hit the hill. I am so incredibly stoked. Last year was the first time I had skiied in 13 years but it was amazing how fast the skill came back. It also made me realize how much I missed it.

The last thing on my list this month is to pick some running goals for 2011. I find I am struggling with this right now because I really want to enjoy everything I moved to Squamish to discover. I want to climb, mountain bike, ski tour, and pretty much just take advantage of everything that is in my backyard. I fear that trying to focus too much on one thing will take away from all the others. Perhaps, this is a good year to teach myself how to still run/race while finding balance with those other activities.

Peter said it best, why vacation this year when we have everything we need right here in Squmaish. We literally could spend the entire summer climbing here and still never hit anywhere near all the routes that are available to us.

I know I sound like I am turning into a climber but running is still my go to form of euphoria. In fact, there is a rainfall warning going on right now for this area and its pissing rain here today. Nothing makes me want to get outside more than running on a rainy day. It makes you feel so alive and pretty awesome when you see everyone bundled up with the heat on driving down the streets, and here you are, braving the elements!

Alright, time for a run and then a day studying for my final exam!

See you in the trails!