Out with the Old and in with the NEW

My Family

First off, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the festivities over the past week, and I have put on the few extra pounds my coach had recommended that I do.  I made many yummy desserts.  

All the nieces and nephews.

My brother Randy, me, sister Terri, and brother Johnny...
and dessert.

For those of you who have been following my blog, I apologize for the extended absence. It has been a struggle for me fitting in all the things I need to do with work and family now that my training has increased significantly.  Sometimes something has to take a back seat until schedules can be organized, tested, and tried, to find the right fit.   I think I may have found that now.  

This year has been an interesting, challenging, and great one for both sport and family.  It's the struggles that either break us or make us so I'm using last year as a jumping off point to make 2015 even better than 2014. 

In 2014 my goal was to win a medal at FINA Master's World Championships.  It began as a struggle to get to the pool 3-4 times per week, even with a set practice time. It was a sacrifice for me and my family.  A new balance in time management, proper nutrition, and rest allowed me to maintain home, work, and personal health commitments.   I learnt how to manage my time to fit in those 4 practice per week, get my 3 kids to their activities and still do well in my career. The goal of medalling was realized at World's and I brought home 3 silver and 2 bronze.

Silver medal in 400 IM 2014 Fina
Master's World Championships

After completing the Barrelman Triathlon, my second triathlon and first 70.3 distance, at the end of September 2014, I have become excited to see what I can do in Triathlon competition. Unexpectedly qualifying for ITU World Long Course Championships had a lot to do with that. This has caused me to re-evaluate my time and scheduling. I ask myself constantly, what am I able to truly handle while still maintaining my life commitments and overall health, as well as compete to as close to my best ability as possible.  Hence why I've been MIA for the last 2 months.

Barrelman Finish, Fastest Female Swim,
4th woman overall, 2nd in age group.

Some of my trihart training partners
and coach Lee.

I've found an amazing Triathlon Coach, Lee Hart, who was my swim coach last year, he helped me to win those 3 silver and 2 bronze  at World's.  He has created a workout program that fits in with adults that work and/or have kids.  With his help and additional support from my amazing training partners and family, I've been able to get in the workouts and see significant improvements in my run and cycling.  What about swimming you ask? 

Me 100m Freestyle, World's. Bronze. 

 Funny thing is, I'm still swimming four times per week! Although I have put Medley Swimming on the back burner for this season, my freestyle is improving immensely.  I'm swimming faster freestyle this season so far than I did last year in workouts.  I'm excited to see how it will transfer  to a few races in the pool and to triathlon competition in the lake.

The 2015 race schedule has been set yet is flexible, based on my results, to which events will follow throughout the season.  First up the Burlington Splash swim meet, then the Grimsby Half Marathon,  next is the Around the Bay 30km, then Ironman 70.3 in Raleigh, NC.  My results at Raleigh, NC will shape the remainder of my season.  I am hoping to win one of the coveted spots to Ironman 70.3 World Championships.  If I can stay focused, rested, and fed properly I should be able to keep up the current training schedule and still manage work and family commitments.  

I'm looking forward to seeing my old friends at the pool and making new ones at the running and triathlon events.  I will share my struggles and success in hopes that it will help others to stay motivated to go after their goals, regardless of what they are.

Learn from the old and take that information forward into 2015.  Use it to get yourself closer to your goals.

Toronto Island Lake swim winner 2013, 2014, and fastest female swimmer
Barrelman Triathlon, 2014.

TIME, TIME, TIME!!!

Me participating in my "fun".

It's that TIME of year once again......TIME to run around like chickens with our heads cut off making lunches, getting kids to school ( hate when they "miss the bus"),  getting to work, making dinner, and then rushing the kids off to all their new activities!  When on this earth do we find TIME for the things we like to do?  When do we fit in our fun?

My 8 year old running Cross

Don't get the wrong idea, I love the things my girls have chosen to do .  I am very proud and sometimes even get a little teary eyed when I watch them at an event.  When my 8 year old

Canada's Future Short Track
Olympic Speed Skater

finished her first cross country race, that she worried she may not,  the tears welled right up and I couldn't help jumping up and down with excitement. Lucky for her she isn't totally embarrassed, yet, at my antics. My 6 year old said, this past Sunday after speed skating, she wants

to go to the Olympics.

Future Musician, actor, designer- who
knows

And my 14 year old was the only grade 9 student that made the Theatre Troupe in her High School. I am very thankful that my children have these

amazing opportunities.

Occasionally, I have a mini adult temper tantrum. Yes, there is such a thing, and we've all had at least one. When do I get to do what I want  if I spend all my time doing things for everyone else! That unfortunately, sometimes, runs through my mind.  I realize at this stage in life my kids are  priority but that doesn't mean I should let my goals sit on a shelf until I retire.  Who knows if I will get to retirement age, yes that is morbid, but unlike food, no one knows their expiration date.

Me and Natalie Hart before
swim practice 8:30 pm!

It's important to have interests and goals that are not directly attached to our children. Eventually they will grow up and no longer be our main focus, if we have forgone all of our other interests and goals, what do we do then?  Since my goals and activities are  important to me, and help maintain my physical and mental health, I'm at the drawing board making up the schedule for the household. I don't think there are many moments in my week that are not scheduled. Currently, I've worked it so there are at least 2 nights during the week that the kids don't have any commitments, other than homework. And my coach is working with me to fit my practices around the kids' schedules.  That means some early morning runs, 5:15am, and some late night swims, 8:00-9:30 pm. It means fitting in strength training or short runs at lunch time if necessary, and finding ways to make up strength and core exercise routines I can do at home, with the current equipment I have, when I can't make it to the gym or pool. It means splitting up workouts in the day because I am unable to do it all at once right now. And understanding that I will not be able to fit in everything that I want to do, however, with good scheduling I can fit in a lot!

Fewer workouts and fewer events with friends will happen, ultimately the kids' stuff will take priority more often than not. But the funny thing about TIME, is you can find it when there is something you really want it for. After watching this year's Ironman World Championships in Kona, my goal is to be there in 2 years, and have the fastest swim of the event, even if I am not a Pro, like my former TCU teammate and suite mate, Amanda Stevens.

Dr. Amanda Stevens-Sadler. First out of
water 2014 Ironman World Championships
N2O photo

It won't be easy, and my time will have to be managed closely to be able to be there for my family, maintain my career, and rock out some good training. I am finding like minded individuals to help make training more fun and social (cause the social is very important for me).  

As I've said before, this will not be easy.  It is a struggle each day for me to fit in time for my pursuits around taking kids to swimming, skating, sewing, etc., and there will be times when I fail either at home or on the journey to my personal goals. So I will keep on adjusting the schedule and perhaps tweaking the goals where necessary, and working with my family for continued support.

My Family

For those of you like me, trying to juggle family, work, business, etc, etc, etc...it is possible to find TIME for the things that you enjoy.  It may not be as much time as you'd ideally like, but time none the less.

Let me ask you,  Is there something you'd like to do? How important is it for you to accomplish that goal? Now find ways in your life schedule to fit it in.  Start with 20 minutes a day.  Split it up if you have to.  But make the time for you for what's important in your life and then share it with others. Don't be like I've been up til now and try to do it all on your own, ask for help from your family. Remember, time in not unlimited. 

The Barrelman 70.3 - Loved IT!!!!

Fastest Swim Winners- Left to Right- Me, Richard Pady, Angela Quick, Lee Hart

Yes, that's me all decked out in triathlon gear!  Although it may not look that way in this picture, I had just finished the Barrelman 70.3 (half-ironman distance) and felt like I needed to desperately lay down.  Currently my legs are screaming at me saying ' Sheila, you are crazy for what you put me through', but my mind is saying 'Woohoo, I did it and with only 5 weeks of true Tri training'.  See the guy on the end, Lee Hart, he's my coach.  Thanks to his training and advice I didn't only finish the distance, I came second in my age group and 4th woman overall, claiming a qualifying spot for the 2015 ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in Sweden.

THE SWIM-For the three days before the event I felt pretty ill, nerves, what had I signed myself up for?  Lee expressed no doubt that I would finish but I don't think either of us thought that it would be pretty. It looked like it was going to be a rainy, stormy day, which for the swim and run not a big issue, but for the bike, a little nerve racking.  We had a group of us from Tri-Hart at the event, which helped keep my chatty self distracted and calm my nerves some.  Also, luckily for me, my coach, Lee Hart, was in the same swim wave.  We started in the fourth wave at the Welland Canal, Lee took off like a shot, and I played the game of catch up.  Within a few hundred metres we were swimming side by side and chasing down the previous waves like we were killer whales mowing down a herd of seals.  It was fun and motivating to have him there and the nerves disappeared.  Fifteen meters from the finish line my left calf started to cramp up- crap- I flexed my foot a few times and managed to work it out by the time I hit the exit.  Lee had the fastest 2k at 25.00 and I had the second fastest swim, 25.03, of the day.  After that Lee was gone like a shot, he ended up 2nd in his age group and 7th fastest man overall.

Barrelman Winnings

My goals coming into the Barrelman were:

 1. Win the Swim- there was a prize involved

 2. Cross the finish line- so I could claim my swim prize

THE BIKE-So I took my time through transition 1, had a drink and a Shot Block (as I was just cramping in the water), ran past the line and popped on my bike.  Let me just say, the first 40km of the 92km ride were brutal! Not just for me, an inexperienced rider, but for the Pros and Elites too.  The wind was incredible.  I fought to stay on my bike for the first third of the ride.  There were riders that were blown right off the road!  It was daunting and I was wondering if the wind would ever end.  After the course changed direction and the speedometer on my bike went form 20km/hr to 38km/hr and even, for a brief moment, hit a max speed of 49km/hr (that's good for me), things started looking up.  The sun had come out, the ride no longer felt arduous, and unlike several unlucky riders, my tires stayed firm. When the 85km marker appeared I was so excited!  Only 7km to go!! Then the head wind hit; it was the longest 7km bike ride I have ever been on.  Finally, the cones into transition 2 appeared so I took off my shoes and pedalled to the line in Niagara Falls.  My bike average was 32.1 km, that was 2km/hr faster than the sprint at Guelph and a great improvement. The volunteers led me to my bike area where I found the bag with my running gear.  Put on my shoes, stuck my nutrition in the pocket of my tri-suit and jogged onto the run course.

Women's Barrelman 2014 results 

THE RUN-As I ran through King's Bridge Park and onto the road a few people said " great job, you are running a great pace".  I certainly didn't feel that way as in my head I heard Lee saying " hold your pace, don't go faster, hold your pace, you want to make it to the finish."  So I looked at my watch, hmmm, 4:30/km, I knew I wasn't holding that for another 19km so I backed it off.  The run course ran by Niagara Falls twice, which was really cool.  It also had us run up a pretty big hill, twice. And I don't know if it was because I was so hurting from the bike or if it really was this way, but most of the run course felt as though it was on an incline.  The story when I'm 80 will be, " In my first half-ironman the run course was uphill the whole way!" Through the first loop of the course I looked at the finish clock as I ran by; if I hustled I may be able to break the 5 hour mark!  But again that voice said--no--you still have 11km to go.  So I held my pace and went up that big hill again.  As the 17 km mark came into view,  my body was saying to my brain" I don't know how much more I have for you" and my brain said to my body " you are doing so well, we are almost there".  Yes, after a 2k swim, 92km on the bike (with insane winds), and 17km running I was giving myself encouragement.  My breathing was starting to labour, and I could feel my body starting to weaken so I counted down by 1/2kms until I saw the 20km marker and knew I was going to make it.  I passed the line at 5 hours and 3 min.   I accomplished my goals!

Tri-Hart Competitors at Barrelman

I am thankful to my teammates, Natalie and Mandy, who took care of me afterwards, as I felt like I wanted to cry and pass out (my body was so weak).  After a while I recovered, as you can see I made it to the podium.  I loved it!!  I loved the race, the sense of accomplishment, my teammates, watching others cross the line beating their personal bests! It was an incredible experience to be a part of.   I would recommend going to a triathlon event just to take encouragement from all those people who triumph across the finish line, regardless of the pain, the weather, or their injuries.  

A true competitor keeps going regardless of the conditions.                                                               

Triathlon Number 1 -- Complete

Guelph Lake II-  Me on the bike

Well, I did it!  Completed my first triathlon last weekend.  As I was getting ready for FINA Masters World Championships, the only triathlon that I was willing to try was the Guelph Lake II Sprint at the end of this triathlon season.  It consisted of a 750m swim, which is much too short, a 30km bike, and a 7k run.  

With swimming being my main focus for most of this year, I had let my running slide, in fact, my husband let it slip out to my coach that I really hadn't been running on a regular basis since Christmas.  I had dropped the cycling 4 weeks out of Worlds, and before that, I had only gone for a handful of, once weekly, long bike rides.  I figured my cardio fitness and my swim training would pull me through.  Guelph would be an opportunity for me to see if I liked doing triathlon and give me an idea of what it's like to race one.

Gallacher, Me, Robin

My coach, Lee Hart of Tri-Hart, provided me with an overview of what to expect.  Gallacher Patterson, my teammate, helped me to set up my transition area and both he and my other teammate, Robin Whiffing, helped to get me warmed up properly for the race.  I had also switched my wave start.  Originally I was to be in the 5th of 7 waves, however, my swim is very strong and my bike not so much.  I moved to the first wave with the young competitors and the elites.  This would give me some well needed space to get on my bike without worrying about lots of people around me.  So I put on my wetsuit and headed down to the lake.

The mass start was a little scary.  I thought I would come out with a black eye from some guy kicking my face, but I managed to stay bruise free and settled in behind a young Waterloo Swimmer who kindly pulled me easily to the finish.  First woman out, second out overall....I learnt it is easier to let someone else do all the work.  Wet suit came off and I ran my bike out of transition and across the line.  I couldn't believe it! I was first out of transition 1.  It was short lived as Gallacher quickly came up and passed me just beyond the line.  

Got the shoes off.

Lee had given me something to work on for the bike.  I had just figured out this skill a couple days before and am still not that good at it.  The goal was to put on my cycling shoes, and take them off again while still riding the bike!  I know, many of you triathletes are excellent at that, but for someone who just became comfortable with grabbing her water bottle while riding, this is a scary endeavour.  Although I dropped my speed down to a crawl, I managed to get my shoes both on and off and stay on the bike.  Another small win for the day.

With the bike complete I ran to transition, put on my new running flats, took a drink, had a shot block, and hit the trail.  I was surprised that the run didn't hurt more.  I was trying to slow down in the first 2km, as I thought I should only be running at a 4:30 km/hr pace and I was running at 4:22, thinking I may not have enough for the finish.  I was wrong. I ended up running a 4:07 km/hr average over the 7k (as my competitive nature took over my rational thought) which boosted my confidence and giving me the 3rd fastest run for women. I placed 3rd in my age category, and 8th fastest woman overall.  Now if I could just get a little faster on the bike......

Finished my first Tri

3rd place finish 40-44 age category

All in all it was an amazing experience.  I learned a great deal and realized I have a lot more to figure out.  I am just a baby in this sport.  

I would highly recommend trying new things, branching outside of your comfort zone. I have seen many  swimmer friends also dabbling in this sport over this summer.  Check out my friend Mike at swim-diesel.

In just under two weeks I have another challenge scheduled on my calendar.  It is an ambitious undertaking, in such a short time, but an experience that will ready me for next triathlon season.  Shhh...it's a 70.3.  The goal is to finish as I will only have 5 weeks of tri training under my belt...yes...crazy.

Don't worry though; I am not leaving the pool...just shifting focus for a bit.  

WORLDS, Part 2-- The Experience

My Family in Montreal

FINA Masters World Championships provided more than just an amazing competition, it gave me the opportunity to meet new people, enjoy time with my friends, and go on a week long trip with my family.  The food and accommodations were stellar.

The week started when my family picked me up for the 7 hour drive to Montreal. We met at a spot along the QEW Toronto, as they came from London and I live in Niagara.  It felt like the old days; like I was 12 years old.  My brother, Johnny, and I rode in the back of the car while my Dad and his fiance sat in the front.  It was just like old times, kids in the back telling the parents up front to turn off the GPS cause your going the wrong way anyway,  and you know, you can drive faster. Then my Dad retorting" if you don't be quiet I'll pull this car over and you can walk."  We hit several rest stops along the way, but we finally made it to registration at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

Johnny, Terri, and Me
Registration

With my nieces Kendra and Kayla
Enjoying a fresh Montreal Bagel

Now these are fresh Bagels!

We went from registration to the apartment we had rented in The Plateau near Mont Royal.  I will never stay in a hotel again while on vacation in Montreal.  It was a great experience living in the area, easily enjoying the many local restaurants, bagel shops, bakeries, and breweries. We lived in the neighbourhood with the locals, watched a movie being filmed down the street, and helped my Dad use public transit for the first time. By the end of the week, Dad and Pat were pros at using the bus and riding the metro, and I learned where I get my ability to strike up a conversation with complete strangers....Dad.

Johnny, Dad, Pat, Me, Kendra
at the Metro 

Photo bombed!!

We enjoyed a great night out on Rue St. Laurent, dinner and a bit of shopping (I bought a dress that I saw in one of the shop windows).  We were photo bombed, and also saw some amazing metal sculptures in an army surplus store.

Me and Metal Captain Jack

At the pool I watched many old and new friends perform amazing times, shared in the excitement of their swims and built stronger friendships with some.  Special mention goes to Sarah Armstrong, whom I compete with all year, who kicked some butt and did best times in all her events, beating her short course times and coming home with a top 10 medal in the 200m breast!  Also to Andrew Cole, who in a few short weeks took almost 14 seconds off his time in the 100m breaststroke.  My sister, Terri MacDougall, reached her goal and came home with 3 top 10 finishes, and my brother, Johnny  Hewerdine, who put in some great times to move himself up the rankings and finished top 20 in his 100m butterfly.

Greg Streppel, Me, Mike West
Between us we brought home 12  silver and bronze medals.

Before Worlds I was worried about some of my competitors.  I was intimidated by their successes.  While at the meet I discovered that they were all wonderful, amazing women, with normal lives just like me.  I met Wenke Seider and her family on the metro.  She was friendly and offered great advice on training and workout tips.  Claudia Poll brought her daughter along to watch her swim, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending some time with Lisa Blackburn.  I wish Nicola Latty lived closer to me as I'd like to spend more time with her, she is very funny.  My new Facebook friend Sarah Fisher and I met in person right before the 100m butterfly.  She has an amazing story and has accomplished so much in her life, I find her to be an inspiration.

So that's it.  The event is done.  Now what?  

For me, I will continue in Masters Swimming, you may even see me racing at Worlds when I'm 79, however I'm also taking on a new endeavour for the coming year.  I've always wanted to race in a few triathlons; the first one is August 30...

WORLDS, Part 1--My RACE EXPERIENCE

This past week provided me with life experiences that I will forever be grateful for.  I swam to the best of my current ability and successfully walked away with 3 silver medals, 2 bronze medals, and 4 Canadian Records from the 15th FINA World Masters Championships. 

 I watched some incredible swims from all different age categories and met  swimming legends, Olympic competitors,  World and Olympic Medallists, and amazing people from many different countries.   I reunited with old friends, made new ones, and shared this experience with my current friends and family.

 Writing this blog has been a difficult task.  There were so many facets to the week in Montreal that I would like to cover but wasn't sure how to begin.  The people, the city, the racing, the many lessons learned, where do I start?  So I will do a short series on Montreal and start with  a review of my racing.

Before going to Worlds, I felt like I was going to have a panic attack.  My anxiety over whom I would be competing against was becoming a bit overwhelming.  I managed to keep it in check and followed the advice, for the most part, of my coaches. The advice being, "don't worry about what the others are doing in their lane and just swim your own race."  Often easier said than done.

Day One- The 100m Freestyle was a great way to start the meet, no pressure on myself to win a medal in that event.  It was purely to get the jitters out!  Erika Braun and Claudia Poll finished 1,2 and I squeaked in a surprise 3rd! I had reached my goal on day ONE.  I would be coming home with a top 3 finish. However reaching the goal on day one just pushed me to make new goals! Now I wanted to come home with more medals!  

400m IM World Champion Lisa Blackburn Bermuda,
Silver Sheila Treleaven, CAN
Bronze Valeria Vergani, Italy

Day Two - The 400 IM.  The first time I had swum that event, Long Course, in the past 16 years.  I was very nervous...and it was very painful.  Bermuda, and former Canadian swimmer, Lisa Blackburn won and I pulled in for silver.  Now that I had raced all of the women I'd been so nervous about competing against, before Worlds, I felt much better about where I could place in my next 3 races.  Perhaps a gold would be in the cards.

Day Three -The 200m IM brought a bronze, with only 0.5 seconds separating Champion Lisa Blackburn, silver medallist, Claudia Poll, and myself.  Two hours later a silver medal, behind Champion Erika Braun in the 100m Butterfly,  0.5 seconds separating the touch. Check out my races from Worlds.  Women's 40-44 100m Butterfly  Women's 40-44 100m Freestyle

200m Butterfly World Champion Nicola Latty, GBR
Silver Sheila Treleaven, CAN
Bronze Carmelle Guidi, CAN

Day 5- The last day of my swimming. The 200m Butterfly was on the schedule. This was also my last chance for a Gold.   The first 100 metres was perfect, long, easy, good pace, leading by 2 seconds. What else could a girl ask for?  The 3rd 50 metres, I tried to pick up my speed, which was an error on my part, I tightened up.  When I hit the wall to start the last 50 metres and saw Great Britain's Nicola Latty not far behind, I knew I was done.  I had watched her race throughout the week and knew she could finish very well!  My shoulder's tightened up and I was just working to make it to the end.  Nicola won with an amazing last 50 metres, I was second, and fellow Canadian Carmelle Guidi came in  for a  strong bronze.

I did NOT get a Gold.  I DID reach and surpass my original goals set for this competition.  I am very proud of my results.  I could not have raced a more competitive and accomplished group of women anywhere else, and I wouldn't trade this experience for any other.  

Next Up- My People Experience.

PANIC ATTACK - MASTERS WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Siblings,
Terri MacDougall, Johnny Hewerdine, Sheila Treleaven
All will be competing in Masters World Swimming Championships
Montreal, 2014

Well, here we go!  Two weeks today our swimming convoy, of my sister Terri, her family, Johnny, me, and our Dad and Pat,  pack up and drive to Montreal for the 15th FINA Masters World Championships. 

Wow,  hard to believe I just said that.  Where did the time go?  I actually feel like I've just started getting into a "training for swimming" groove, now that the kids are not in school and many of their activities have been put on hold for the summer.  But, it's actually time to taper!!!!  I guess with saying that I am as ready as I will be for this event and what happens, happens.

Yeah Right.

Some of you will already know this, as I posted them on my Facebook page, the Psych sheets are now available for World Championships.  As  I was scrolling through them, I nearly had an anxiety attack when I saw the rankings! I'm not kidding.  I entered my times expecting to be Top 5-10 in the international pool of athletes.  To my surprise, I'm ranked a little higher than my expectations.  Immediatey, I panicked and began to add pressure on myself hoping that I could live up to the rankings in the program.  Past memories of swimming, and the associated pressures, flooded my brain and I felt a little ill.  Looking at the women surrounding me in my events, I was overwhelmed with their accomplishments.  Erika Braun, went to US Olympic Trials in 2012, Claudia Poll won Gold in the 1996 Olympics and 2 Silvers in 2000, Lisa Blackburn has swum for both the Canadian and Bermuda National Team, and as recently as 2013 competed on the International Stage and not for Masters swimming.  This is just the tip of the iceberg, the talent runs deep.  My next thought was how can I possibly hold my position with this group in my races.  I took 13 years off, I just started practicing on a regular basis after 2013 Ontario Provincials, and even that was only 3 -4 hours a week.  See- Panic, anxiety, stress, the fun was disappearing.  

It was so aptly pointed out to me, by a good friend, that my main objective is to have fun, not necessarily to win; although that would be an excellent perk.   I was reminded that I have trained hard for the time I am able to commit, on top of a full time career, 3 active girls, a busy husband, helping to run a small real estate portfolio, and taking care of my own home and family.  Regardless of where I place at these World Championships, I have already accomplished a lot, and have shown other people like me, and my kids, that it IS possible to pursue a goal and reach it no matter what age, background, and the current life challenges that are knocking at the door. 

So, I am going to head off to Worlds to see many of my new, and old friends compete along side me.  I am also going to ask for autographs and get pictures with the many Olympians that are swimming at the meet.  This is going to be an amazing experience, and a fun family trip. I can't remember the last time I went on a family vacation with my brother, sister, and Dad.  

I have posted my ranking for you to see why I felt a little panicked!  

For all of you going to World Championships in 2 weeks, I wish you the best of luck.  Go out, swim hard, and have fun!  See you soon!

Be Present - Turn Lemons into Lemonade

Terri, Sheila, and Johnny 1985

What is it about the past, that we just can't seem to leave behind?  Is it our previous accomplishments, our youthful glow and energy, or the mistakes we made during our hormonal Jekyll and Hyde stage, that keeps us thinking backward instead of being in the present?  I don't know if it's because I'm back in the pool or if it's because my 40th birthday is fast approaching; I have been looking in the past a lot lately.  I don't think that I'm the only one either.  Throw Back Thursday has become quite popular, this recent Father's Day brought Facebook alive with many pictures of friends, with their Dads, from when they were kids, and I do believe there seems to be an 80's clothing (unfortunate ) revival.     I actually saw a pair of Jelly sandals for sale at the mall last week, $40!!!

Terri and Sheila - Present 

For me, I have been looking back and wishing I had the conditioning and youthfulness of my younger years with the knowledge and wisdom I have now.  What did Oscar Wilde say? " Youth is wasted on the young".  For myself I have to agree.  

From where I stand now, I can see some of the errors of my youth; the mistakes I made, the wrong paths chosen.  It sometimes haunts me to think that had I not lost my mind as a teenager  perhaps reaching the goal of Olympian would have been realised, amongst other things.  Currently, I have the desire and knowledge and the stability of mind (hormones or not) to go for it!  To train 8 times a week and see where it would lead me. The only thing is,  I have 3 amazing kids, a great career, and a life to live, in the present. Of course I can't forget to add that I am no longer a spring chicken, so 8 times a week is not an option for me, as it is not for most us, at this point in time.

Sheila- Gold Medal Walkers Invitation
I've grown since then

It is a constant ongoing struggle for me to stay in the present; to refrain from dwelling in the past and worrying about the future.  This struggle can sometimes take away my focus on what's most important- what's happening today.  There are a few simple things I am practicing to try to keep me present:

1. Turning Lemons into Lemonade--working on finding the positive in a less than ideal situation each day and remembering to think of all the things I'm thankful for.

2.  Experience what I am doing-- seriously.  An example is:  how often when you are swimming laps in the pool does your mind

Dad and Mom 1987

wander to other things, work, kids, bills, how maybe you weren't the best daughter to your mom.  I am working on putting all these things aside and focusing on the activity at hand....my stroke technique and the teammates around me.  It makes for a much more enjoyable experience.  At least it has been working for me.

3. If I can't change it, DON'T-  Sometimes things happen that we can do nothing about.  Traffic is crazy and we are going to be very late for an appointment.  Should we get upset, frustrated and angry? Or simply call ahead and let them know we will be late, turn up the tunes in the car and make the best of the situation we are in.  It isn't easy, but letting the tension go can make a world of difference in how the rest of our current day unfolds.

The Present- Off to Grade 8 Grad!

Regardless of the new habits I am working to instill, I often think back to the days of old.  Some memories are remembered fondly, others I wish I could go back and change. I have scattered a few pics throughout this blog of past and present to share. As I sit here, in the present, I am thankful that my life has unfolded the way it has.  I sometimes ask myself  the following questions: If I was able to change anything that  has happened so far in my life, would I still have my 3 girls, would I be living where I am now, meeting the wonderful friends and acquaintances that I am meeting every day?  I don't know what the answers are, and I will continue to touch on the past, but I won't dwell there anymore. I will strive to focus my attention on the present and enjoy each day and experience as it comes.

The Present-Too Cool Avery
Avery wanted to be on the internet,
So here she is!

Back to the Reality

Canadian Masters Swimming Championships 2014
Terri MacDougall, Sheila Treleaven, Sara Little

Canadian Masters Swimming Championships  ended a week ago.  It was held in Windsor, Ontario at the new pool that's been built for the 2016 World Swimming Championships.  Beautiful Pool!!!  What also made this pool fantastic, for the Master Swimmer, or a few of us anyway, was across the hall is a great water park!  This really helped with providing a little balance.  My sister, Terri, and I went up on Friday morning, had a great dinner at the Casino then a good sleep.  The next day our families came to watch the competition.  My husband, girls and I played in the water park during the meet then I went back across the hall to swim my races.  This allowed for me to still swim and not be away from the family for 4 days.  It also kept the kids busy, because watching a swim meet, when you aren't competing, can at times be like watching paint dry.

Competing at Nationals I feel as though I am a teenager again.  Running behind the block to swim, chatting with friends in the bleachers, looking forward to seeing those I only see at the meets, and striving to improve my times.

Coming home brings back the reality of my responsibilities and the continual struggle of balancing it all.  Sometimes it can be hard transitioning from breaking records to making lunches and rounding up clients.  Actually, the biggest struggle for me is squeezing in the time for me.

As it is currently, to add in sports to my schedule I am searching out pool times from city to city, as I travel for work, squeezing in a 12:05- 12:55pm swim when possible or going late in the evening, or missing altogether.  My family is supportive on Sunday mornings, which allows me to go for a swim at the YMCA and then go out with the group to learn how to "comfortably" manage a triathlon bike.
So how do I keep it together (most of the time)?

Here are a few more of the tricks I am using to keep it all in check:

• Lists!!! Have an ongoing list.  Check off each task when competed then move to the next.This is the number one trick that keeps me sane.  Without it, it feels as though I've always forgotten something
• Schedule in advance when possible. Use one calendar for everything. School, work, activities, workouts, competitions, etc. That way you are aware of where everything fits in and avoid overlap.
• Keep workout gear in the car at all times for that unexpected opportunity to hit the gym
• Delegate chores to the kids
• Prepare meals on the weekend for the week, or have food out and ready in the morning for easy preparation of dinner that night.
• Eat Well!!!   Don't leave home without bringing healthy, energy packed snacks,  regardless of what is on the agenda for the day.  A well fed body will keep you strong for workouts and your mind sharp for your other daily responsibilities.

My system isn't perfect, as I still struggle to find balance. I know part of the struggle is that I would like to spend more time in the pool or on the bike.  But the question I have to ask myself is "what will I be sacrificing to do that?"  If I take an extra hour to swim this week, what effect will that have on my kids, or my job performance.  Part of my struggle is learning to be content with my results based on the amount of time and effort I am able put in.  

Canadian Masters Swimming Record

Women's 40-44 100m Butterfly

May 16, 2014

BUSY LIFE until THE BODY SAYS "NO MORE"!!

Behind the block.
Ontario Masters Provincials 2014

Sometimes the body sends some pretty strong messages, when it's finally had enough.  It starts with a yawn and tired eyes, maybe dozing at the desk; eventually you end up with a muscle spasm in your left eye and 2 weeks of illness that doesn't seem to want to go away! At least that's the message my body just sent to me.  Instead of listening to common sense and slowing my pace, by temporarily cutting something out of my life, I waited for my body to knock me down.  The headache and muscle spasm in my left eye, at the Around the Bay, wasn't enough of a warning.  Instead I waited for the  chest infection that had me gasping for breath anytime I put effort into anything, and begging for sleep, since I spent most of my nights coughing.  My husband was also begging for a good night's rest as the chronic cough was driving him nuts.

As of late, the pace I've been keeping has been a bit, shall I say, over-the-top.  One of my down falls is that I have a difficult time saying no.  Therefore I pile on more and more until I find myself lying in bed, sick as a dog, realizing all the hard work I've just put in, in the pool, over the last however many months, has just been flushed down the toilet.

I'm not saying that the majority of the activities that happened over the last month haven't been worth it, but there are a couple of things that truly weigh on my heart and mind that take the biggest toll on my energy and sometimes sap my motivation to move forward. I will not be sharing that today. Currently I am at this spot, and yet I know I need to continue to push myself forward to the next workout, the next event, the next challenge or I will regret my temporary lapse in motivation when what ails me is over.  Hence, I went for a long run this morning and tomorrow there will be a swim and a bike ride.  I do feel better during a workout, it helps balance the stress of the day.

SO....I wanted to share a few of the things I've done over the last month that led to the twitchy eye and chest infection.....most of these are cool...the taxes not so much.

1.  Ontario Masters Provincials!!, in Windsor, ON. Two new Canadian Records for my age Group in 200m and 400m Individual Medley.  I only swam Friday and Saturday, as on Sunday......

200m IM

400m IM

       

2.  I ran in the 3 person Relay in the Around the Bay 30K road race, Hamilton, ON. I woke up to snow that morning (March 30, 2014), I don't run outside in cold weather. However, our team of Mariah, Alex, and myself placed 5th of 75 women's teams despite the cold start to the day.

Early Morning Snow March 30, 2014

Natalie, Sheila, Mariah, Alex

3.  Moving Day! 1 week after Provincials and Around the Bay.  Chris, Greg, and Kevin, from Taylor Movers in Burlington, were amazing and quick at moving our belongings from one home to another. Unfortunately I have to find a place for everything, and unpack all those belongings.  Luckily for me a few good friends helped with the move. April, Hanna, and Jim.

Chris, Greg, Kevin from Taylor Movers

4.  Finally got out on the street for the first time with the road bike, clipped in. Of course, as I am not known for my amazing agility and balance, I fell and got my first biking wound. (Yes, I know, there is hair on my leg. I grew up not allowed to shave my legs until a major swimming event, the habit of infrequent shaving still is hanging around)

5.  Sprained my hand. How you may wonder?  I hit it on the lane rope!

Between knuckle 1 and 2 still is swollen and hurts.

6.  Work has been really busy.  I am thankful for my partners that help to make each day productive and fun.

Evening work events..just waiting for the customers to arrive.

7. Easter!!! Making sure the day is just right for the family and kids takes some effort as most of you know.

8.  Tax time is here again and I spent most of the Easter Weekend finishing them up to send off to the accountant.  I also cooked a full on Easter dinner including 4 pies.  

Now that I have almost completely kicked this cough...almost.  I am going to move forward with a schedule that includes some semblance of balance.  Trying to compete, move, work, and manage the daily family trials and tribulations all at once can be a little overwhelming. Did I mention that I also run a small real estate portfolio on the side.  The importance of planning and scheduling in some down time, is important.  Also, making sure that we don't stop doing the things we love, that bring us relief from daily pressures, is a priority.  I know this sickness really threw me back a few steps in the pool, however in the long term I also know that swimming will keep me healthy and strong for many years to come.  So I will push forward even when I don't feel like it.  I hope you do too.