Team Diabetes: The Road to Athens

2009-12-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

Team Diabetes Race Report. On Nov 8 '09 I failed to finish the Athens Classic Marathon. The day began very early at 4am. Our team headed to the Olympic Stadium at 5am to get on the buses to transfer us to the start line. Unfortunately it was 15C and pouring buckets. Everyone was soaked by the time we got onto the buses. A chilly 45 minutes later we were standing in garbage bags shivering at the start line. A two hour wait later we were off. I think the wet and cold really contributed to the end result. I knew within the first few kilometers that I was going to have trouble. The aches and pains I usually feel after 20km were beginning really early. I think my legs had cramped up. The woman that I was running left me behind and I was on my own fairly early. The pack kept thinning out until I couldn't see anyone else competing in front or behind me. I also learnt early on that the race closed at a six-hour-pace not at six hours. This meant that there were no course markers, water, powerade, bananas, gels, medics, etc. for most of the race. I had counted on the electrolyte replacements so this lead to me feeling really sick later on. At one point I was hit from behind by a bicyclist. Around that time I was feeling uncomfortable with my situation. I stopped, sat down and waited for the next people to come by. Luckily they spoke english. I power-walked with a father-daughter team until the race officials aggressively suggested we get into their van. After a drive to the finish line I walked back to the hotel quite emotionally upset.

2009-10-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you John & Karen Miner for your donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association!

2009-10-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you Grant Dussiaume and Nicole Groulx for your donation!

2009-10-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you Norm & Angela Bradley for your generous donation to my Team Diabetes campaign. I really appreciate the continued support!

2009-10-06T10:52:00.001-07:00

Thank you Bob & Carole Bellmore for your continued support of the Canadian Diabetes Association! I look forward to seeing you at next year's reunion.

2009-10-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Run for the Cure. This morning I met up with the ladies from Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) Sudbury to participant in the 5km Run for the Cure for Breast Cancer. I haven't run in this event since high school and since I now have some training experience I could look on the whole experience with new eyes. It was lovely to enter into a race and there be no timing chips. Everyone was there for the charity, to dress in pink or just to get a fun run in. The atmosphere was lovely. They even had a stage set up and got people to dance to 'warm-up.' The kids especially enjoyed this. Actually as expected this event was very family friendly. Lots of kids, strollers and many dogs. My favourite costume was the man dressed up as a pig

Because I completed my longest-run-ever yesterday I was feeling pretty sore this morning. Last night I was even wearing toe-seperators, the kind you use to paint your toenails, in order to keep my toes/blisters apart. So running so soon after meant I now have blisters on top of blisters - yum. And I'm now walking a little slower after the 5k than beforehand. I have no idea how anyone could participate in the Goofy Challange at Disneyworld (run a full marathon on sat and a half-marathon on sunday)!!

On a personal note, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer this year and as such I dedicated my run to her.

2009-10-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Longest Run Yet. Yesterday I set out on a four hour journey to complete my second highest training long run yet - 29km (18miles). I woke up to cold pouring rain and so I procrastinated until 4pm until it stopped (luckily for me it didn't rain the whole time I was out!). I started out strong. I felt better than I did during my two runs earlier this week. I met Dave 1:30 in to swap for more water/gatorade and a granola bar and some tylenol. I then completed another suburban loop. I didn't feel as strong and I started to double my walking breaks. A mile or two past the half-marathon point (21.1km or 13miles) I starting calling around during my walk breaks to hear someone other than my own thoughts for a change. I was starting to feel it and I needed a little "go Taylor go" encouragement. Luckily I got a hold of my dad which also had the extra benefit of arranging to the use of his hot tub later that evening. I met up with Dave once more for some more liquid/granola and head out to finish the last three miles. I basically grunted the whole way through the last 3 miles - I had no shame. I once had a conversation with my marathon-running uncle about the sport and his best advice was to "just keep going." At the time I thought "well obviously - that helps" but during those last three I repeated my new mantra many times. As much as I was grunting, cold, and exhausted I think I could have pushed out another 13km out of sheer determination and stubbornness in order to complete a marathon. I was very happy and proud to complete the 29km run. I had a big bowl of pasta to celebrate.

I have one more monsterous training run left before the big 42.2km race. The most I will ever run before I reach Athens is 32km or 20miles. You are, in theory, supposed to have the rest in you somewhere.

2009-10-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sherry & Mark Dupuis for you generous donation! I look forward to seeing you at next year's reunion.

2009-10-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you Randy & Angie Kitts for your generous donation today! And thanks Randy for the running advice!

2009-10-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sue & Bruce Cardinal for your generous donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association!

2009-10-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

Thank You Donors, Bidders, and Sponsors! The Team Diabete Online Charity Auction was a great success, bringing in more than $1,900 in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association. Generous donations from the following businesses, artists and individuals were integral in making my first online auction a success. I would like to thank them for their contributions and everyone who attended the auction for their support and generosity.

Kao Brands
Molly Maid Sudbury
La Scandinave Blue Mountain
La Scandinave Mont-Tremblant
Black Knight
Dowling IDA
David Chirko
CAA Northeastern Ontario
The Princess of Pottery
OM Yoga Space
Doolys Sudbury
Cottage Country Crafts
Mike Shantz
Angie Nussey
Olson Foods
Kitchen Bits
Melanie Hayes
CareLink Advantage
Julie Berthelot
Curves
Pink Pearl Images
Cara Doxsee
Evan's Home Building Center
Cathee Shantz
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show
Sudbury Rocks Marathon
Rusty Cellars
Pixatron
Laurentian University
Just Soccer
Vineland Estates Winery

Thank you to my Sponsor RealDecoy, and the many donors and bidders for your support!

2009-10-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you Grandpa Dave Shantz for you generous donation. You have been very supportive throughout my entire Team Diabetes experience. Many Thanks!

2009-09-30T12:11:00.001-07:00

Thank you Marcia & John Jessop for your donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association!

2009-09-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Inspiration. I was surfing the web this afternoon and I came across this photo and just had to share it. It reads:

$1000 - Shoes, clothing, electronics and incidentals
$7500 - Hours training and fundraising converted to salary
$6100 - Funds raised for Team Diabetes to participate in the Barcelona 2008 Marathon

Running my first 42Km marathon on my 42nd birthday in honour of my diabetic wife Tammy . . . priceless!!

2009-09-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

A big thanks goes out to Mary & Jim Volk for their generous donation!

You too can donate online. Click here to find out how.

2009-09-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

There are one day left to bid on an item at the Team Diabetes Online Charity Auction! Bid on gift certificates, spa passes and sports equipment starting at or under 50% retail value!!

Go to http://www.realauction.ca/teamdiabetes-sudbury to bid now!

2009-09-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

Ottawa Army Run 2009. On Sunday I took part in the Army Run in Ottawa. It started off with a bang - literally - they shot off a cannon to start the race. It was a beautiful course that started downtown and ran along the Ottawa canal all the way to the experimental farm, around Dow's Lake and then onto Queen Elizabeth Drive back downtown. Dave followed me the whole way cheering me on every 5kms or so. It meant a lot to have someone on the course with me since I was running alone.

I started out pretty strong setting a new personal best for the 10km with a time of 73'49". The second half of the run slowed down as I was having a lot of pain in my lower back. My new orthotics have been great for my feet, no pain there, but they are a killer on my lower back. I think I need to make an appointment to check them out. I came across the finish line at 2:47:22 coming in 317/334 in my age/gender group (yay not last!).

After the race Jen, Melanie, Jim and I went to Le Nordik to soak in the nordic baths. Jen asked about massage cancellations and luckily there was an opening so I had a 60min swedish massage to aid in recovery. Thanks Jen! I love massages! We stayed at the spa for almost 4 hours - I love that place - especially the hot tubs.

Check out happy Taylor in the hot tub with the sunglass burn:

2009-09-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to Jessica Bennett-Heywood for her donation! Very much appreciated! Jessica is raising money for cancer research through the CIBC Run for the cure on October 4th. You can sponsor her here!

2009-09-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

The online charity auction for my Team Diabetes Campaign is now live! You can check out the items for bid at http://www.realauction.ca/teamdiabetes-sudbury.

Highlights include:
- CAA Plus Membership
- John Frieda Gift Baskets
- Le Scandinave Spa Passes
- VIP Wine Tour and Tasting at Vineland Estates Winery
- Couple Portrait session in Toronto with Pink Pearl Images
- Molly Maid Gift Certificate

2009-09-11T06:05:00.001-07:00

Teammates. On the way back from the wedding David and I stopped to meet fellow Team D participant Marilyn at Cottage Country Crafts in Collingwood. Marilyn is also running the marathon in Athens and she generously donated some books to my online auction.

Her entire store had signs about Team Diabetes. Art hung on the wall with the proceeds being donated to CDA. Various craft supplies and toys has CDA signs on them. And there was a pledge form at the cash in case you felt inclined to donate. Check out the opening/closing times sign. If you can't read it, it says "It's Team Diabetes long marathon training time again! We will be closed Sundays for training until after the marathon in Athens, Greece in November." Fantastic! If you never heard about Team Diabetes before you entered Cottage Country Crafts you sure did afterwards.

Check out Marilyn's 'trophies' of her previous Team Diabetes races that are displayed above the cash. She's been to Rome, Rio and Dublin and she's already signed up for the London marathon next year! I really like meeting other Team D members - it makes me feel more like I'm on a team and gives me renewed spirit in my fundraising/training initiatives!

Cottage Country Crafts
69 Hurontario Street

Collingwood, ON
L9Y 2L7
(705) 446-0877

2009-09-11T05:53:00.001-07:00

Big News. I got married at the end of August at Vineland Estates Winery (Niagara area). We had 49 people join us for our little celebration. We even had a mario brothers themed cake! Originally I had this nieve idea that I could run the 14km chocolate race in st catherines the next day. Eventually I decided it might be nice to visit with friends and family and get a bit more sleep.

2009-08-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Milestones abound. You know it's kind of great being a 'newish' runner or at least a sucky one. Improvements happen all the time! When I was a kid I always got the "Most Improved Player" award just because I sucked so much to start off with. Since I've recently become more comfortable running a slowish pace for longer periods I've recently started to challange myself other ways: running faster, or longer. Today I beat my record and ran continuously for 40 minutes straight plus I beat my 5k personal best record which was previously 36'05"!

2009-08-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

New Milestone. Yesterday I had a good run. I did my 5 minute walk warm-up and then started into an easy jog on the account of my leg injury. And this something surprising happened...I didn't feel like stopping. So I jogged 35 minutes straight! And I could have gone longer but my scheduled run was up. I felt good, I was able to ignore pretty much everything and think about something other than running and the moment (don't worry I still kept an eye out for cars and bears and such...). Hopefully I have more runs like this one in the future. More good news, my thigh doesn't have pain which is great since my long run is scheduled today.

2009-08-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Bad News. The pain my right thigh has returned. I'm becoming sufficiently annoyed that this occurs after the short weekday runs and not the long weekend runs. I figured that after feeling fine after the 19.4km earlier this week that I was in the clear. Apparently not. I had a run scheduled for today however I am going to take it easy. If I don't feel better by Friday I think I'm going to try out water running as much as that makes me sad.

2009-08-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

My Fastest Runs

Before Today's Run:

After Today's Run:Check it out! I left today with the mission to run fast instead of my usual mantra, "just survive." As you can see I destroyed my 1 mile and 5km personal best times. I have a goal of completing a sub-30min 5km run at some point and have decided that after the marathon training is over that is what I will concentrate on. This is just a step to completing that goal.

2009-08-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ewww. So after being pathetically weak and nauseous after my 19.4km run Sunday I decided that I could not longer delay the inevitable. I would need a supplement other than just water. I need gels. Ewww. I think of gels kind of like hair gel that happens to have a hint of strawberry or chocolate. Okay so the taste is usually not great but it's the texture that gets me. Yuck. So I went to my friendly Running Room and got some answers on what the salesman though was the least offensive. On a positive note I picked up some "Sport beans" which are jelly beans instead of gel!!! Lots of people don't like them because they think it's not good to walk during a run because that would make them less of a runner. I can imagine trying to pop in a bag of jelly beans while running could prove to be difficult. But for me (I walk through every water station) walking and eating jelly beans sounds like a nice break and a hell of a lot better than gel. Alas the beans are a bit bulky so I bought a selection of gel to try out. I'll give you my first review this weekend. Here's to low expectations....

2009-08-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I received a donation from my friend and colleague. He is currently training and fundraising for The weekend to end breast cancer which is a 60km walk Sept 11-13. He has reached his $2000 goal but is still accepting donations. Check out www.endcancer.ca/goto/MichaelSchumaker if you're interested in finding out more.

2009-08-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

New Orthotics! My new orthotic inserts came in yesterday. It will take a while to get used to them. The schedule is to wear them one hour the first day and then add an hour a day until I can wear them all the time without pain.

2009-08-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Injured. After some internet self-diagnosis which left me subsequently paranoid, I went to the sports injury clinic to find out if the nagging pain in my thigh was going to be a big problem. If you drew a line down the centre of my thigh and then moved the line 2 inches from center towards the left, I had a 5" x 0.5" area of pain. The sports injury clinic determined that I had full range of motion so it was mostly likely just a muscle strain. This diagnosis made me happy but simultaneously embarassed. So I am taking the week off of running to let this injury heal. I'll start with an easy run on Tuesday.

2009-07-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Le Scandinave Spa: Blue Mountain. One of my favourite places on Earth has donated passes to their scandinavian baths to the Team Diabetes auction! The Scandinavian Baths are renowned for their ability to cleanse the skin and provide a sense of well-being. You can try the Finnish Sauna, Norwegian Steam Bath, Thermal & Nordic Waterfalls, as well as Hot Baths & Cold Plunges. Coming up for bid September 1st 2009.

2009-07-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

I am in the midst of preparing an online charity auction for Team Diabetes that will run for the month of September. Momentum for item donation picked up today as I recieved three more items. The nicest conversation I had was with Russ at Rusty Cellars which is a make your own wine establishment. Russ has generously donated one of his Showcase Collection.

Keep your eyes open for more info on the auction. Hopefully there will be some great deals!

2009-07-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to the foot doctor to see about orthotics. The running stores always tell me that one foot pronates more than the other (sometimes they ask me if I've broken my ankle before!). I believe that this imbalance explains why my sore ankle changes sides with different shoes (different levels of support).

So it turns out the running store people are not full of it and all they said was true. Apparently I have excessive overpronation. This means that my foot rolls inward too much, the foot and ankle have problems stabilizing the body, and shock isn't absorbed as efficiently.

So I have ordered some orthotics and they should be in in a couple of weeks. I'm excited to try them out but a little worried that its going to hurt and take a while to adjust.

2009-07-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks Google! Here are some things I found on Running and Nausea:

Nausea during or after a run can happen for a few different reasons. If you ate less than an hour before your run, that's too close to your workout. It's OK to eat a light snack about 90 minutes before your run. If you eat something that takes longer to digest, like fatty or fried foods, you should give yourself at least two hours. So this accounts for Run #2. But dinner was so good!! Maybe too good so I may have eaten a little too much here...

You might also feel nauseous during or after a run because you're dehydrated. Nausea is an early symptom of dehydration . To avoid dehydration, the general rule of thumb is that you should take in 6 to 8 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes during your runs. During longer workouts (90 mins +), some of your fluid intake should include a sports drink to replace lost sodium and other minerals. And don't forget to rehydrate with water or a sports drink after your run. I Run with a fuel belt which is more or less a glorified fanny-pack with water bottles attached. I have two 8oz water bottles on mine which I downed during today's ~2 hour run. So technically I should have had 36-48 ounces of fluid and I only had 16. That seems like an awful lot of water....what do you drink during your runs?

Another possible cause of nausea during or after running is that you simply ran too hard and overexerted yourself. One way to avoid this problem is to make sure you are warmed-up before starting an intense run and to run at a pace that you're ready for. So this might be it, but I don't think so. While training for the half-marathon last year I did many 10km+ runs and felt fine. I am a lot more prepared and in better shape than during last year's training. Plus I have had other runs under similar conditions this year and felt fine.

Conclusion: I will try to hydrate better before and during next week's long run.

2009-07-13T18:08:00.001-07:00

14.5km Long Run. Today I finished another 'longest training run to date' with a scenic tour of the south end of Sudbury. Check out the loop-de-loops. The run felt pretty good. My lungs were doing good for the most part. My legs started to feel heavy towards the end. And I got nauseous once again but this time it only happened once the run was over. I really have to get this nauseous thing under control. The first time I thought it was because I was just really really hungry. The second time I thought it was because I had a huge dinner the hour before and it wasn't agreeing with me. This time though I was hungry (I finished at 5pm) so maybe I should look into some gels or schedule my long runs so that they don't end at dinnertime. Suggestions?

2009-07-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

100 Kilometers Total. Check it out! I have reached a total training distance of 100km! It's kind of insane when you think that some people run further this distance in a single race (ultra-marathons).

I'm happy to report that today's run was back to normal. Which is great considering that my legs are a little tight from yesterday's horribleness. I did a 15min run section at my regular pace, a walk break followed by another 12min run section and a walk break.

2009-07-01T14:53:00.001-07:00

Worst-Run-Ever. Last night I set out on my longest training run this year - 13km. It occurred to me that my long runs were about to be true long runs from here on out. I will be running minimum 10km weekend runs from now until the marathon. This made me a little sad because basically long runs really screw up your weekend, which is one of the reasons I was doing my long run on Tuesday since I was out of town Fri-Sun. Mentally I wasn't in the best of places. I was running this run because I had to. I've been slacking lately and I found a new resolve lately to keep at the running/dieting so this meant I really did need to run no matter how much I just wasn't in the mood. All of this thinking may have contributed to the worst-run-of-my-life. I have no idea why but I just couldn't run for more than 5mins at a time even from the beginning. I have been running 10-15min run stretches lately with walking breaks in between. In fact last Friday I increased my pace while maintaining my normal run/walk ratio. So it was odd when I had to scale back the speed 0.2mph and struggled to make 5min stretches. I have never watched the clock on the treadmill so much in my life! I would say that I walked half, perhaps more than half of this training run. Towards the end I began to feel nauseous. I stopped and ate an apple because I thought it would boost my sugar or something. Basically I thought eating would help. I didn't. I finished up my 13km and lay on the floor for a bit. I had to take a break showering because I felt too nauseous. I also had to take a break after toweling and changing. I felt worse than I did after the Rio Half Marathon! But I finished it - it is done. I am in 'recovery week' so it will be 2 weeks before my 14.5km run. Hopefully that one will go better.

2009-05-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

I ran 20 minutes straight - and look I have proof!! Look at the big plateau after my 5min warm-up walk. Yes, that my friend is me running at 4.7mph for 20mins solid. I rock. Now if you would only ignore the last half of the run, where the 20mins of running obviously made me tired and I couldnt keep a consistant pace to save myself, it would be all good. Please give me that luxury and focus on that beautiful plateau!So Nike+, after its terrible beginnings (trying to set it up and get the sensor to recognise the Ipod was a challange) I have really grown attached to the sensor in my shoe and my trainer letting me know periodically how much time I have left. To top it all off after I finished my run Friday, the nice man who counts down the time/distance left to my goal sums up the run stat's as usual and then who should I hear - Tiger Woods.

"Hi, this is Tiger Woods. Congratulations, you have just run your fastest mile"

I have heard about the infamous celebrity quotes but until Friday I haven't recieved any of my own. Okay so it's a little cheesy - but let's face it I'll take whatever support and motivation I can get!

2009-05-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

Training program begins. I plan to follow "Marathon and Half Marathon: The complete 26-week training program (The beginner's guide)" to train for the Athen's Classic Marathon. I used this program for the half marathon in Rio and found it quite effective. The program consists of three weekly runs; two timed weekday runs and one long distance run on the weekend. Each week is classified as moderate, building or recovery. I enjoy the fact that after the building week you can look forward to an easier week following. I think that for me this is the best course of action compared to steady moderate weeks. The long runs begin with 5km the first week and "gradually" increases with a 10km run on week 6, a 21km run on week 15 and then the peak mileage of 32km on week 23. I interpret the peak mileage being dramatically under the overall distance is that you should have the last 10km in shear determination left over.

Until now I have been in "pre-training" trying to get re-accustomed to exercise. In theory I was hoping to do three runs a week during pre-training but as the record shows that didn't always happen. I am writing today to ask that you hold me accountable to my training program, no excuses.

2009-05-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Sudbury Rocks Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes. On Sunday May 3, 2009 I ran the 5k race at the Sudbury Rocks Marathon! I posted a chip time of 42:04 and came in 45/64 of women in my age range (20-29). 332/520 overall. Yay for being not last! And not completely terrible considering I had only 4 training runs before the race. Procrastination in my name! What was extra special is that I started the race with my friend Ching. She, however, is not into the endurance running and therefore took off like the wind finishing under 30minutes! (Which by the way is my 5km time goal - so jealous). I was doing okay for much of the run. The last kilometer I had a side stitch on my left side and ran with my fingers pressed into my side. "I can't walk now, the finish is just around the corner...sort of." Ching and Dave were waiting for me at the finish! I have another metal to add to my collection! Go figure that I would start having a collection of running metals and bibs.

2009-04-13T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Body, meet exercise. You've met right? Oh exercise and I have met. We have an on again and off again relationship. And as of today (it's official) we are on the 'on again' cycle. There's nothing like a looming marathon to get your ass moving. LOL ah it's going to be terrible.

I bought a treadmill two weeks ago. I put it together about a week and a half ago. I went to use it and Dave noticed that the floor vibrated with my foot strikes. He was in a completely different room and I was only doing fast walking speed on the treadmill. I have tried to get a hold of our downstairs neighbour repeatedly to see if this is going to be an issue. It's a good thing and a bad thing I suppose. Good thing, our neighbour is never home - bad thing, I have stalled beginning my exercise program. So today I slipped a note under the door of our neighbour and used the treadmill.

The plan for the next few weeks is to reintroduce my body to exercise. 5minutes walking, 5 minutes running. I starting the run section at 5.0mph and I felt great! I was thinking "this is great maybe I haven't completely lost my endurance!" Unfortunately on my second running section I started at 5mph and then got tired and then changed it to 4.8...4.7...4.6...4.5mph and suffered for the last minute. lol nope endurance completely gone. I did the third and final running section at 4.5mph. So today I did a total of 2miles. Hopefully my body and exercise don't have a falling out too soon. Only time will tell...

2009-01-27T10:53:00.000-08:00

Curling. Okay so I haven't even began running yet. But now I have an excuse - I'm injured!
On Saturday night I went with Dave and Robyn to her work curling tournament. I curled once in grade 12 with my gym class but that's about it. On my very first practice throw I was just about to let the rock go and I hear 'rrriiiippp.' Yes I ripped my jeans. Oh dear! On the very second throw I fall to the right and smash my knee into the ice. Ouch! I had a half inch egg on my knee for the rest of the evening. The picture just doesn't give it justice at all as I took it on monday night when most of the swelling went down.
The remainer of the night went without much incident - I continuously ripped the hole in my jeans wider and wider lol and I was probably one of the least graceful curlers as I would just flop over after a throw to avoid ice-knee contact. All and all it was a lot of fun! And sadly enough it is Tuesday and my muscles are still sore - apparently they previously knew nothing about sweeping.

2008-12-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

I'm Back! Since I created my website at http://www.taylorshantz.com to advertise all my fundraising propaganda I haven't been posting to this blog. But I feel that this has been to my disadvantage as I didn't get to connect with other Team Diabetes members as well as other runners quite as effectively. On the reaction to a comment today on my last entry on July 09, 2007 I thought I might update my progress and start to blog again. I hope this will bring new connections with others and be a dedicated place to describe my challanges along the way, oh and there will be challanges.

Big Update. Since my last entry I successfully trained and ran the Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon on June 29 2008. It was quite an experience. I found out a few new helpful tips about running that day. First, training on flat treadmills doesn't help in the slightest when you are faced with hills. Second, training at room temperature is great; running a race in the high 20s is not so great. Finally, there were not enough water stations, be prepared and bring water with you. LOL if you haven't guessed I got heat stroke and dehydrated and hurled 30 minutes after crossing the finish line. I didn't do everything wrong. I had my Ipod with me. Before I left for Brazil I got friends and family to record me voice messages which I intermixed with my music. This was a great idea and I will definatlely do this again for Athens and expand the number of people.

2007-07-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Jog #10. Yesterday I held out on the road with a renewed sense of motivation. The last few weeks have been certainly interesting and for various reasons running hasn't hit the top of the priority list. A bad day to have this renewed motivation due to the weather - but what the hell. Before I came to sudbury I went on the google pedometer and mapped out a bunch of routes from my house to see the kms. I selected a familar area and set out. It's weird not to be jogging along the canal. I never realized how flat that path is hah.

Tonight I'm going to go check out the local Judo club to see if they'll jive with my personal philosophies regarding the art. I started martial arts in jiu jitsu but judo seems close enough. There is a brazilian jiu jitsu place in the city but they're a bit far from home.

2007-06-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

Moving. Done and done! Oh thank goodness it's over! The morning after convocation reality was back and the task of moving all my personal possessions from Ottawa to Sudbury (about a 6 hour drive) began. A gigantic thank you goes out to all friends who came out to help in the afternoon heat. Thank you to my mum and dad for carrying boxes when they really shouldn't have (and loading up their respective vechiles to the max). Thank you to Charles, his father George, Danny, Aaron and finally Jason and his brother. Couldn't have do it without you. We managed to fill the 17' U-haul truck, a suv and a toyota corolla - just barely. Thanks to my cousin Kierstan who helped make the u-haul experience less painful than last time - not to mention the "dubblestyne discount." The newer truck with a/c was lovely! The $104 gas fill-up in Mattawa (about 2/3 the way there) sucked though.
It's been almost two weeks since everything got dropped off for me to take care of. Unpacking may just be as horrible as packing but it's almost near its completition. Next goal is to find a roommate (who isn't crazy) to fill the second bedroom.

2007-06-27T23:47:00.001-07:00

On June 14th I walked across the stage at Carleton University and received my Bachelor of Engineering! Sure it's a lot of fuss but I think I deserve some moment for fame for the last five sometimes good sometimes brutal years. My mum, dad, Fiona and Charles came out and cheered me on for my triumphant walk (which apparently was a bit on the fast side). Mostly I was thinking something on the lines of "smile....walk....don't trip....shake hands....smile....don't trip....walk more..." After the ceremony I got a great congrats from one of my profs. Then the picture taking began. Too bad my friends and I couldn't be more organized and set a time to take a group photo. Instead I would move about 10ft, see someone, chat it up a bit and then the picture. To wrap up the day - my gang was joined by Charles' parents and my cousin Kiersten at the Greek Souvlaki House for a literal mound of food.

2007-06-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

Crazy week.

Today I accomplished mission impossible - I found a dress for graduation. Charles picked up his graduation gown today and its open in the front in the middle about 2-3 inches so it does actually matter what I wear.

Tuesday morning Charles will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science!! Which means I'll basically get a sneak-peak at how my grad is going to go.

Wednesday my parents are coming up from Sudbury. I'm meeting up with a friend before they get into town. It's also my last full day to finish packing and cleaning the apartment. Most of everything is finished. It's just the millions of little things left.

Thursday is my graduation!! I'll receive my Bachelor's of Engineering! Very nice expensive piece of paper. It will also be nice to see all of my school friends together before everyone goes their separate ways.

Friday is moving day. Assuming U-Haul comes through with the truck they promised I hope that everything goes smoothly.

Saturday is moving day part two. Unloading the truck in Sudbury. We figured loading the truck, driving 6 hours and unloading in one day would be too much.

2007-06-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

Jog #7. Yesterday I changed it up and went for a jog around the block at my boyfriend Charles' parents' house. It was one of those days where I didn't feel much motivated to go out and was plagued by side stiches for the last half for the distance. I hope tomorrow will be better.

2007-06-08T12:33:00.001-07:00

Woah. Got ready for a run today and turned around and went back into the comfort of my air conditioned apartment. Check out the stats:

Ottawa ON
Temperature: 30C
Feels Like: 38C
Wind: 19km/h
Wind gusts: 33km/h
Relative Humidity: 55%

I'll jog in the rain, in the cold, even in the wind. Feels like 38C with a Severe Thunderstorm watch later on today. Screw that.

2007-06-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Money in the Mail. Today I recieved a cheque for $63.07 for recycling ink and laser cartridges with Funding Factory. I will continue to with this type of program through a Canadian Company called Think Recycle.

2007-06-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Jog #6. It was great weather for a jog today. Other people must of felt the same because the canal trail was packed today. Including the two large groups I must have seen about 40 joggers. Plus the people walking, roller-blading and biking it was quite an event.

I felt stronger today; my lungs and legs didn't give up on me as fast as the previous times. After the madness of graduation and moving is over I will begin to increase the distance and time of my jogs. Until then I think I will stick to short jogs, walking and stairs.

2007-06-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

2007-06-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

Jog #5. I jogged to the halfway point, 1.5km, without stopping today. Progressing. After I was done jogging I attempted the stairs and did all 25 flights. I rock. Endurance here I come.

Today was my 'day-off' from packing. I'm so incredibly sick of packing. It's taking longer because I've been organizing at the same time. I have been feeling a bit materialistic with all this packing - I really have way too many things. The u-haul truck is booked and I've arranged people to help with the move. Less than 2 weeks...

2007-06-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

Week 2. The plan is to stay with small distances until I feel like my endurance is kicking in and I can jog much more than walking and having it not be to mentally painful. So in good fashion I did the usual jog from one lock to another along the Ottawa canal yesterday. A very humid day, it wasn't very busy - the way I like it but wow humid. I cooled down in the lobby of my apartment building on my return and then decided something silly - "I should walk upstairs." So I did 15 flights of stairs and then took the elevator up to my floor - the 25th. It was definitely a good workout. Now I feel determined to do all 25 flights before I move (in 2 weeks).

2007-05-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

Jog #3. I seem to be progressing better than I thought. This is definitely better than the first time around. I'm no speed demon that's for sure but I'm moving faster than sitting on the couch so that's something.

I found this great quote on the web today:

Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

2007-05-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

Day Two. I kicked it into gear again and did a short jog today. I plan to take it easy for the first 2-3 weeks to build up some endurance and get into the routine. I read somewhere it takes 3 weeks to develop a habit - so that's the goal.

2007-05-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Out of hibernation. On Wednesday I gathered up my courage and set out my first jog in a very very long time. Okay, I admit - my first jog since well the 10km race in Iceland last August! I pretty much figured that I lost everything I gained last summer training and that I would be starting at square one. My expectations were low, very low - I remember only being able to jog only a small amount before having to stop completely out of breath. I remember the nauseous feeling associated with breathing too hard. I remember the sore muscles that follow. Yes I wasn't feeling too optimistic. Surprisingly it was okay - all things considered. I could jog much further without stopping than the first day of training and I didn't really get the feeling like my lungs may explode. I'm still a complete beginner but I'm glad that at least I retained something from last year whatever it was. Now I must summon the courage to go out again and make a lifestyle change. Oh dear.

2007-05-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

Plans for the future. I've been accepted for a Masters in Physics at Laurentian University for the fall. I think that this is a good step for me. The research directions of the university is in line with my own personal interests. In addition the major experiments are on site in the SNOLAB. I believe I will receive excellent experience from both the theoretical and experimental components. This means that I will be moving to Sudbury for at least 2 years. I will be moving after my convocation on June 15th. I have met with all of the Particle Physics professors at Laurentian during a recent visit to Sudbury. It left me feeling very optimistic: each professor was very easy going, each seemed passionate about their research, and I didn't get a sense of the politics and ego that can sometimes be associated in an academic environment.
So that nagging question I've been getting for the last year "what are you going to do after you graduate?" has been answered - more school.

2007-04-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

Exam season is over! It started out with a bang - I handed in my 140 page final report for my 4th year project. I think all the not sleeping or eating thing got to me because wow did I ever get sick. At least it didn't start before the project deadline. They actually isolated me during the exams because all the coughing and such was bothering the other students. I had a proctor periodically check in on me instead of sit with me because no one would volunteer - being afraid of catching the 'plague.' I was determined not to deffer my exams since doing so would push back my convocation which would a) suck and b) make life complicated.

Today I finished my last exam of the semester. And if all goes well - I have finished the last exam at Carleton FOREVER! You think I would be jumping for joy but I don't think it's set in yet. When I get my grades and that very deserved piece of paper that say "you have met all the requirements and you can graduate" or something of the sort - then it will hit me. Done. Done done done.

2007-04-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

Officially worst Easter ever! Originally my 4th year project (a.k.a honours thesis) was due on Good Friday until the deptartment figured out it was indeed Good Friday and the school was closed. Ha! So the duedate got pushed back until Easter Monday. Holiday-wise I'm not sure it's that much better, however the school was back open. These extra three days is perhaps the only good thing to happen over the duration of the project and well it was needed. So I spent all weekend (and the last 2 weeks...) working on my project.

Easter Sunday I joined a nice meal of 'Greek on Wheels' because I thought I deserved something more than just cereal. I worked on my project until it was finished at 6:12am!! Charles was a big help, went over the code with me and provided the much needed emotional support. Felt like throwing my laptop off the balconey once or twice.

Monday morning, I scurried around trying to figure out how to print two copies and get them bound. The 24hour staples, who I called several times over the night eventually picked up and quoted 3pm as the time to pick up....humm the project was due at noon. I finally ended up at graphic services at school who didn't have a huge line as I expected (I went there when they opened, the huge line developed while I was waiting, and I was in the front, excellent) and I got it done and handed in by 9:45am. Wahoo! Officially done my project.

Easter Monday afternoon was the silver lining. I spent the afternoon with some extended family that was in town. I have another cousin in town and I never knew it until Sunday. The marvels of facebook I tell you! Yay Kierstan!

2007-03-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Iron Ring

Last night I got to be part of a ceremony called "The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer" where I received my iron ring. This happens several times a year across Canada to obligate new engineers into the profession.

The ring symbolizes "the pride which engineers have in their profession, while simultaneously reminding them of their humility. The ring serves as a reminder to the engineer and others of the engineer's obligation to live by a high standard of professional conduct." - www.ironring.ca

....countdown to graduation....

last exam: April 25

convocation: June 14

2007-03-08T21:55:00.000-08:00

STAND UP FOR CHARITY - an evening of laughter in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Thursday March 8th '07, I co-hosted a fundraiser at a local comedy club, Absolute Comedy, for my Team Diabetes Campaign. We pre-sold close to 50 tickets for this event. Most of which was last minute. As expected, no one under 30 can plan anymore than 2 days in advance. The club was packed with other members of the public, I'm guessing 150 in total. The 50-50 tickets sold well and I even got rid of some diabetes wristbands. I was happy that everyone I approached to talk about diabetes and the 50-50 tickets was very receptive.

Altogether, we raised $427.92!!!

But we also raised awareness about the CDA with the use of brochures, posters and cards.

A very enjoyable evening. My second fundraiser at Absolute Comedy and I would do it again.

2007-02-26T17:39:00.000-08:00

Taylor, where are you? Good question. I suppose it's time for an update. I've taken quite a hiatus from blogland and maybe it's time for my triumphant return. I took a bit of a break from fundraising and training as school started to get serious. My last year as an undergrad has definitely been the worst. I am definitely counting down the days until it is all over. God I hope I pass everything and graduate!! Updates might be a bit slow until after April 25th (my last exam) but I hope to not be so distant.

update: Most exciting - a new website! Check out http://www.taylorshantz.com/

update: My boyfriend Charles has decided to join with me in the fight against diabetes. Together we hope to raise more than $12200! Oh dear.

update: Fundraising event scheduled for March 8th 2007 at 8pm at Absolute Comedy, check out www.taylorshantz.com for more info.

2006-11-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

News from Dublin! I recieved word from the Ottawa CDA office about my fellow participants running the Dublin marathon on Oct. 30th. Here are some of the highlights;

Team Diabetes Canada was well-represented at this year's Dublin Marathon by 82 participants of whom more than a quarter were TD Alumni. The race kicked off with some sunshine and strong winds, but thankfully none of the rain that Dublin is famous for. Over 40 friends and family members were on hand to lend their support.

For the third year in a row, the Dublin Marathon had over 10,000 participants and Team Diabetes was again one of the largest foreign contingents at this year's race. Tammy Hackett of Halifax, NS finished first amongst the Team Diabetes women and was 16th overall in her category. Team Diabetes' own 'Marathon Man' Greg Andreas of Cranbook, BC completed his 100th Marathon in under 4 hours; Team Trainer Lise Edwards of Sudbury, ON also illustrated her staying power by logging over 26.2 miles to ensure that each Team Diabetes participant was well-supported and encouraged on the course.

The trip to Ireland and the successful completion of the race are a fitting end to the months of dedicated fundraising and training by these participants. In total, the Dublin team has raised more than $450,000 for diabetes research, education, service and advocacy. In addition, they have demonstrated a commitment to changing their lifestyles and themselves for the better while raising awareness about diabetes prevention and management.

Well Done Team!

2006-10-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

It feels like in the last month or two I've been talking to a lot of new people about my experience with the Team Diabetes program. So I thought it might be nice to give a little re-cap for the newbies on the blog and give some thoughts for the future.

Re-cap. In June 2005 my roommate came home and told me about this program that she heard about from a friend. Her mum has diabetes and she had just finished the Ottawa half-marathon. This is right up her alley, well maybe except for the fundraising. It was Team Diabetes.

The Canadian Diabetes Association has set up a program that "allows participants to take an expense-paid trip to a fabulous destination and raise money for a worthy cause." I mulled over the decision to join or not to join (that is the question?) for about a month. I had been one of those kids that was the number one fundraiser - door-to-door selling $500 of saran wrap or oranges etc. So the project felt like a challenge and I felt up to it. I met with a Team Diabetes representative a month later and committed to raising $6000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association, setting my eyes on a 10 km run in Reykjavik Iceland in August 2006!

Through ups and downs I raised the coin to qualify to be a part of the Iceland adventure. Over the year I held three events and sent out numerous letters and emails soliciting donations. I definitely learnt a lot throughout the process. Although there are the work related skills including letter-writing, media contacts, business networking and so on, I felt that the number one thing I learnt was the ability to talk to strangers. I have the double trouble in that I'm shy and I have a quiet voice. I don't even like to call for takeout, I'd rather someone else do that. So the fact that I learnt to talk to random people and business owners and comfortably ask for something is a big step!

So with my new skills in tow, I joined approximately 200 other athletes from various parts of Canada to participate in a 10 km run in Reykjavik Iceland. In total Team Diabetes participants in Reykjavik this year raised over one million dollars for research and advocacy! I found the whole experience very moving; many people I talked to told me about how diabetes had affected their lives or the lives of loved ones, I watched participants run/walk their first marathon - many starting at the charity start so as to make the 8 hour time cut-off and finally felt inspired by the many Icelandic locals cheering us on and yelling "go Canada!" from the sidelines. Almost makes you want to do this again...

Future. So with this accomplishment under my belt I have decided to continue to support the Canadian Diabetes Association by remaining apart of the Team Diabetes program. With the inspiration from some of the Team diabetes participants, I've challenged myself to participate in the FULL marathon event in Rome, Italy in 2008!
Furthermore, I hope that my experience will inspire others to get involved in their community or to do something new and challenging or travel to fabulous places.

2006-10-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

Back to the training…most likely. After a nice long break from anything that involved exercise I think that it’s time to jump back into the running shoes. Since the race back in August I also put my diet on hold. Eating while travelling, Rosh Hashanah, and Thanksgiving? Oh and a few bags of my absolute favourite ruffles BBQ chips. Luckily I’ve stayed at the same weight all this time. I find this comforting that when I do finishing counting all the points that I won’t gain all the weight back like many do, well as long as I make healthy choices.

Just to keep me honest – this is my progress so far is;

Jun 07th 2006 - 185 lbs
Aug 16th 2006 - 170 lbs
Oct 16th 2006 - 168 lbs

I don’t exactly have a number goal in mind when it goes to this diet, which is probably a good thing. Basically I just would like to fit into my clothes comfortably again. From what I remember this will most likely happen in another 10 lbs? But I don’t really have the foggiest idea.
So I will dust off my sneakers and see what 2 months with no training will do to my running endurance. Hah. Back at square one? I’ll let you know. Oh dear.

2006-10-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

Vote for me! Today I entered the Gap Adventures photo contest. Gap Adventures is a travel company specializing small group adventures. I became interested in this company while researching tour operators in Africa for a hopefully future Kilimanjaro climb. Although it's rather doubtful that i'll be the big winner, go and show your support and check out some amazing photos from around the globe. Just enter my name "Taylor Shantz" and you'll find my pics. Cheers!

http://www.gapadventures.com/contests/photo_contest

2006-10-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

Donation in the Mail! A big thanks goes out to B. Badalato on breaking the donation drought! Way to go! Your support is greatly appreciated.

2006-10-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

Gobble gobble. What a great Thanksgiving weekend! On Sunday Charles and I hosted a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving meal (turkey, potatoes, cranberries, pumpkin pie, etc.) for his family. I was very excited last Wednesday when we got the turkey. My first turkey – at least I thought it was exciting. I thought it was funny that if I told anyone about my excitement for my first turkey the response was varied between genders;

Male response – so?
Female response – oh that is exciting, I remember my first turkey! Take pictures!

Okay and I keep talking about MY first turkey but in reality I completely refused to touch the turkey. I’m a vegetarian. And so really it was mostly Charles’ first turkey. The turkey came out perfect, or so I’m told. No crazy first-time horror story about leaving the plastic bag in the turkey and baking it or anything. Although I’m not a huge fan of “tofurkey,” I still had a great dinner with all the veggies. Way too many leftovers.

On Monday Charles’ parents had the opportunity to host Thanksgiving Dinner Part II – Slovak style. Ummm-handmade perogies with potatoes and sheep cheese, dumplings (veg and meat variety), goose, beef soup with matzo balls, berries, meat, meat and more meat.

Both nights we stuffed ourselves silly. I’ll have to wait until the leftovers run out before I start counting Weight Watchers points again. I love Thanksgiving!

2006-09-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Surfing the Net. On occasion I like to read travel journals and I came across a great one by Matt Harding. He has traveled to many of the places that I wish to go and has some great stories and pictures. I highly recommend that you check out his 'dancing' video. Yes you read that correctly - dancing video. A travel buddy gave Matt the idea of dancing everywhere he went and recording it on his camera. It's well put together.

Check it out. http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/

2006-09-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

I sent off a box of printer cartridges today to Funding Factory. About 25 cartridges in all. My dad's company has sent in another box as well. All together we expect over a hundred dollars in total when these boxes are counted. All from empty printer cartridges!

Would your company be interested in supporting my Team Diabetes campaign? The funding factory program features free collection boxes and shipping, online accounting, and a business component that enables companies and individuals to collect cartridges and cell phones in support of our efforts.

Benefits to your company:
- Environmentally friendly disposal of printer cartridges and cell phones
- Community recognition for recycling efforts
- Continual support to Team Diabetes without extra cash donations
- Enables employees to dispose of cartridges and cell phones from personal use

Please visit www.FundingFactory.com for more information about supporting my Team Diabetes campaign through FundingFactory’s Business Support program. If you choose to register, please identify ID number 50948 as the beneficiary organization. That’s us!
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Taylor Shantz at tshantz@hotmail.com.

2006-09-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

Pictures on the Net. You can check out all of the Iceland Pictures on my dad's website at

http://mikeshantz.com/Iceland.htm

My dad was a great spectator and took loads of pictures on race day and we took lots of pictures sightseeing along the southern coast.

2006-09-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Words of Encouragement. Last week my dad sent out an email to friends and family and a bunch of his work contacts about our trip to Iceland and the Team Diabetes cause. Here are some of the responses;

Sounds like you are pretty proud of her. From what I know of her, you deserve to be. She seems like a great girl.

Let me know where to send a cheque

So glad to hear you and your daughter are so supportive of the cause. It's a condition close to our family as well (hubby) and there are very few people I know that do not have a close family member or friend not affected by diabetes.

2006-09-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Road to Rome?!? What? Okay so I just just posted that I was going to Rio 2008 - but things change. I was trying to register in a destination that farthest away possible from now. I think I deserve a break from fundraising for a while (it's like a part-time job!). But National is not sure whether or not they will be traveling to Rio in 2008 and will figure this out after recruitment for 2007. So Rome 2008 was the farthest into the future they would allow me to register for. So I guess I'm going to Rome!! Not a bad second choice I'd say. But just beware that I get some wiggle room if they do decide to go to Rio in 2008 (or somewhere else entirely) I can switch. Excellent.

Another catch. The Rome race has two categories; Full marathon and 4K. Ouch. So inspired by Waleah and Mike's triumphant 42.2km race in Reykjavik I've decided to attempt the full. Oh dear. Thank goodness there's an eight hour time limit and not less. I might just use all of it....

2006-09-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

From Reykjavik to Rio de Janeiro. This past August I joined many other athletes from various parts of Canada to participate in a 10km run in Reykjavik Iceland for a reason much more important than the personal challenge completing this event represents. As members of the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Team Diabetes Canada, we participated to assist the Association in their efforts to help people with diabetes make a change for the better by raising a minimum of $6000. In total Team Diabetes participants in Reykjavik this year raised over one million dollars for research and advocacy!

With this accomplishment under my belt I have decided to continue to support the Canadian Diabetes Association by remaining apart of the Team Diabetes program. I hope to participate in the half marathon event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2008.

2006-09-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Back in Canada.

On Wednesday I woke up in Dublin at 4:30am and began my journey home. Eighteen hours later I was back at home in Ottawa. Very exhausted. The next day Charles, Tanya and I made the 6 hour drive up to Sudbury to visit my parents. I’ll be happy to relax here for about a week before school starts!

I had a fantastic trip and wish that I could have extended it more! I met a lot of people who had been traveling and working in Europe for months and I felt a pang of jealousy. I’m very happy what I accomplished in the two short weeks that I had in Europe. I think the highlights of the entire experience were;

- Supportive spectators during the 10km race; especially the guy with the accordion!
- The Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón) in Iceland
- Hiking to the summit of Slieve Donard (2786 ft) in Northern Ireland

2006-08-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hiking in the Mourne Mountains.

What have I signed up for? The group I was with for the day hike to glendalough was your average tourist group. A couple Americans, a bunch of swedens, some brits and me, the Canadian. Everyone was going at a normal pace. Very relaxed, enjoying the scenery and such. The Mourne mountain clan consisted of mainly locals from in and around Dublin and 5 people from France living and working in Dublin. These people signed up not for the travelling and scenery – but for the hiking. Wow - were these people hardcore. If there is hiking equipment, these people had it. Although I was questioning the logic of carrying metal hiking poles to the highest summit in Northern Ireland in a rainstorm – but maybe that’s just me. Luckily one woman was just as slow as I was and we kept pace pretty well until it came to the summiting a mountain part. I was a little slower at this part. Although I wasn’t feeling at all pressured to kept up with the insanely fit pack, I was minorly annoyed that anytime I caught up it was time to go again – that’s nice they got a break…..

The mountains were breathtaking and I enjoying the scenery very much. Over two days our group summitted 3 or 4 different mountains in the region. My feet will never be the same.

2006-08-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

Disaster is Dublin.

I arrived in Dublin on Aug 24th at about midnight. Gatwick was a disaster. Security was reasonable but I had to wait, and wait for the screen to tell me which gate I was supposed to go to in order to board my plane. It didn’t do so until 10mins before departure along with the other two planes going to Dublin as well. This caused a mad dash for the gates which basically caused gridlock in the hallway to gates 6-10. Everyone was pushy because they thought they were going to miss their plane…..until finally someone explained that we were all going to the same place and no one is going to miss their planes. We stayed in the gridlock another 30-40mins and finally boarded the plane. Like herding sheep but badly.

In the morning I left my hostel to meet up with my tour group. I didn’t have to go far and go directions from the front desk (left, right, left and so on) except I went out the wrong side of the building and was therefore hopelessly lost in no time. And then it started to rain. And then it started to pour. Great. I asked some people for directions. Occasionally people contradicted each other sending me more off course than I was to begin with. I want to take a taxi but time and time they were all full. At least 30 of them. I was very, very frustrated and wet. I was lost in the rain a total of an hour and subsequently missed the tour. &*#$!!!!. Not a happy Taylor. Luckily they had a day hike leaving in 15mins and I could go on that but I had to arrange my meals and accommodation. I called three hostels which were full and then they called an additional 10 and finally found me a place to stay. Relief. I was to meet up with my own tour in the morning to go hiking in the Mourne Mountains. I sadly missed going to the giant’s causeway (something that I was very excited about). But it will give me reason to come back someday.

Feeling better – and hiking in Glendalough.

The day hike south of Dublin was very nice; although it did require climbing approximately 1000 steps up a mountain! It rained the entire time but I had rain gear and wasn’t bothered. The only thing is that we missed out on the view because of the mist. I assumed it was very pretty. Imagination goes a long way.

2006-08-29T05:27:00.000-07:00

Sightseeing in London

| View | Add Favorite

2006-08-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hello from London!

I have successfully made it here in one piece. The plane was delayed out of reykjavik an hour, but dad's plane was supposed to leave an hour after mine so I had company.
I took the underground instead of the heathrowexpress + underground and it took about the same time, wasn't scary at all and I didn't get lost. Yay me. Saved 15gbp doing this. I had a lovely chat with a vegetarian comedian on the tube, he was coming back from spain from visiting his sister.

I'm not too sure what my plans are for tomorrow. I will attempt to figure out the alarm clock on my phone.... I would like to do some laundry *very important* and then wander the city. Its raining right now and as much as the changing of the guard and whatever else is around may be cool, I'm not sure how much touring I want to do in a downpour lugging around my bag.
Wish me luck not getting too lost tomorrow.

Very excited for Ireland

2006-08-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

SouthEast Iceland Part 2

Yesterday was a slow day by our travel standards. Up until now we've been cramming everything in the little time that we have here in this gorgeous country. We started the day by exploring the cliffs by the ocean just outside of Vik. We have been on a search for the supposed 10million Puffins that nest along the south coast. Until this day I hadn't seen a single one. The lonely planet book said that they nest until the middle of August and then leave, almost over night. Apparently they knew the canadians were coming to town. On this day we found some! They are very cute. I thought they would be more penquin size but they're smaller. Dad was looking to eat one while I just wanted to keep one. (Puffin is a very popular dish)

Down the road aways on the way back to Reykjavik we stopped at a glacier. Disappointed not being able to touch the first one we were determined to get on this one. I went around the front and dad the side. Dad succeeded and roamed around the outer edge; he found out quickly that the dirty black ice is still slippery! My mission around the front gave me some great views but alas there was a river all the way around the front. I gave up.

We made it back to the capital and went on yet another mission: To find a restaurant that had both vegetarian options and something weird for dad to eat (whale, puffin, ram's testicles etc.). After checking out menus for a while, I had a bowl of pasta at a local pub and dad had whale shish-kabobs at a lobster shack. Not satisfied with the whale, we went and found "putrified shark" at a grocery store. From my undertanding putrified shark is made when they bury shark meat in some sand and leave it there for 6 months. Yum. Rotten Shark. Guess how it tasted - rotten. LOL I had to move away when dad opened the bag it was so bad. Two bites and that was the end of it. Gross.

2006-08-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

SouthEast Iceland

Yesterday our first stop was at a black sand beach near Vik and a helpful dog guided us to all the good places. He followed our car from a farm about a half km away. He would run a bit and then wait for us to catch up. When we climbed some boulders he showed us where all the good rocks were.
He was my buddy. The rock formations at the beach were very cool. Like columns in the rock. I'm looking forward to seeing how they compare to the Giant's Causeway columns in Ireland. It was wonderful to be on a black sand beach but I was still hoping for a palm tree. How touristy of me.

Farther down the road at Vik we picked up some hitchhikers from France. Then we drove for hours through a flat boring lava flow. Kind of like driving to Timmins but with no trees. The lava fields were cool for the first ten minutes. When we finally arrived at Skaftafell National Park I was a bit underwhelmed. I've been to the columbia icefields in Banff and therefore I've been spoiled with magnificent glaciers before. We made a 5 km hike up the the tongue of a glacier but was unable to cross the river to go up and touch it. Bummer. There were tours available for glacier walks but we decided to take a pass. 3-5 hours seems a bit much to be walking on a glacier.

The four of us continued east until we reached the glacier lagoon. Oh-my-God. I've seen the postcards of this place but it doesn't do it justice. Postcards you figure are from some photographer who stayed at the same spot forever to get the perfect shot in gorgeous weather with the right light. Well in this place - it is always the right shot. The pictures just don't do it justice. It was amazing. Probably the highlight of my entire trip. We spent some time walking around the lagoon, stopping for lunch and taking a boat tour. Then we travelled the 2 boring hours back through the lava field desert back to Vik.

2006-08-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

SouthWest Iceland Part 1

Team Diabetes arranged for my trip until the 20th but as many others Dad and I decided to extend our trip and travel independently. We rented a car with the plans of driving east.
Our first stop was þingiviller Nathional Park. This spot in a UNESCO world heritage site and I´m told very pretty. Today was just not the day to see it. Most of the park is only accessible by hiking trails and the combination of a 10km race on a sore ankel, hours of walking the streets and hours of dancing meant I was moving a little slower than normal today. lol So basically we drove past the national park...ooo ahhh how pretty and continued driving. We continued on the "golden circle" to the big two tourist attractions - Geysir and Gullfoss. Although major tourist traps, both were worth the drive.

Strokkur is one of the most famous and predictable geysers in Iceland. It erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes at a height of 10-30m. Geysir, from which all Geysers are named only erupts only after a major earthquake at a height of approx. 60-75m.

Gullfoss waterfalls. Very cool

From here we headed south and stayed at a farmhouse in Skögar. Unlike some "farmhouse holidays" in Iceland we were actually on a farm. The woman that ran the place was very sweet. We had a homecooked meal with from scratch cream asperagus soup, fresh from the garden potatoes (which she was very proud of) and dad had the fish. It took a little explaining what a vegetarian was before she understood. They don´t get many of those out this way.

2006-08-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Reykjavik Culture Night. The 'culture' in Reykjavik Culture night may not have been the right word. Perhaps the most appropiate title for this evening is Reykjavik Drunkfest. LOL What a party! But more about that later....

After the race, cultural night set up and was under way. Dad and I walked around the streets in search of this culture. There were stores with open-house style set up with arists, a lot of gallery openings, plays around the city (at least according to the newspaper), and bands. We watched some belly dancers and a youth hiphop/breakdancing group for a while. Mostly thought the biggest attraction was the streets fulled to the brim with people.

For dinner Team Diabetes held a victory party at a very nice revolving restaurant with a glass dome ceiling perched high on a hill over looking Reykjavik downtown center. The dinner was excellent, the company at our table warm and caring and the 'why I did this' speeches moving. The victory party ended with the cultural night fireworks. I definately think we had the best view in the city!

At this point the night really begun. The way back from dinner we had to get off the bus extremely early because all the roads were blocked. With all the people around I managed to lose dad on the way back to the hotel. I found Hilary (one of the CDA staff) to go out with for the night. She was planning to go out with a group of people so I decided to go along. Not surprisingly it took about 5 minutes to lose this group in the crowd. Hilary, very determined to find this group, looked high and low. We barely saw any Canadians on the streets. I was just happy to walk around and people watch. And people watch I did. The party was not only in the bars, it was on the street, literally. Almost everyone on the street has a beer in their hand, and when they were done with it, threw the bottle. Oh dear! It was only 10:30pm and most people looked like they had had enough. An hour and a half we walked around searching, checking bars and whatnot. At this point hilary gave up and went to bed. I found another group at the hotel and ventured out with them.

Surprisingly in this madness I found Dad again walking around, just long enough to say goodnight. The group and I headed to a club. Two of the girls miracuously convinced the bouncer to let all ten of us in the club in front of the very long line. Impressive. This was the place to be apparently and about 15 more Canadians were already there.
The place was hopping and I ended dancing there until 4am. At this point the group was down to 5 - the "survivors." We went out to the streets again in search of another bar. We went to two before calling it a night a 5:30am. What a night.

Littering in the streets in the morning, doesn't have as much of an effect since you can't see the broken glass everywhere or hear the crunch beneath your feet. I slept in but dad said they had an army of cleaners out in the morning and the city was spotless by 10am. A miracle!

More pictures of the late night madness to come.....

2006-08-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

Race Day. Saturday Aug. 19th was race day. My first 10Km race; my first real race period. I slept terrible the night before and woke up feeling a bit negative. I found out that the half-marathon race started only 20 minutes after the 10Km. The half is the most popular race consisting of thousands of people. Basically this meant that a gazillion fast people were going to pass me, yay? I have anxiety in general, and this was not helping. I was worried how my knee was going to hold up due to my injury and how my lungs were going to hold up due to my lack of jogging.

Reykjavik Marathon start line. A record number of runners took part as 10192 runners took to the streets of Reykjavík.

When we arrived at the start line the atmosphere was quite good. There was a lot of energy in the air. People excited, people scared. Loud icelandic music playing in the background. The first race to start was the ´charity start;´ this was just for Team Diabetes participants who thought they were going to take more than 5 hours in any race. There were about 20 people in all, mostly walkers and I felt very proud of them for the long journey they were about to take. Walking a marathon - what an accomplishment! I felt teary eyed when the gun went and off they went. It was to be another two hours until my race began.

At 9:40am, 2200 people and I crowd behind the start line. I position myself in the back; don´t want to be swept up in the madness. The countdown,in icelandic, the gun and we´re off. Less dramatic than I figured. I didn´t actually cross the start line for another 3 minutes. lol Although I hear that in actual major races it can take up to 30 minutes! I start the run out good. I walk along with a fellow Team Diabetes walker (in backless shoes nonetheless) until the pack thins out a bit and then I start to run. I catch up to another Team D (we´re quite easy to spot in our colourful singlets) and we keep at the same pace together. I´m moved by the spectators. The beginning of the race is through a residential area and there are locals infront of their houses cheering us on. I especially loved the group of about 15 or so with pots and pans and the nice man playing the acordian on his balconey! The whole "glamour" of racing is not what would ever bring me back to race again. It is these spectators and the energy in the air.

It is at about the 2Km mark when it happens; my ankle is starting to hurt. Oh no. I continue on for about another 3Km like this until ´mind over matter´is just not worth it anymore and I decide to walk the rest, or rather limp the rest. Well that sucks, I was actually making decent time. My team D buddy continued on without me, for well obvious reasons. It´s about this time when the hoards of half-marathon participants stream past me. Quite overwhelming considering we were on a trail that was maybe 4 people wide. I decided to ignore them, keep an eye out for some Canadians to cheer on and admire the scenery. (This part of the race took me along the coast around a peninsula - very pretty) When I reach the 9Km mark I decide the hell with it and very slowly jog the last Km to the finish. I come in at 1hour 29mins. and get my medal (not real gold sadly). The race is over. I felt kind of sad in a way. My Team Diabetes experience was almost over. At the same time I was happy the race was over and I was happy for all the people I met who accomplished their goals.

Taylor coming into the finish line. Yay me!

Patty, Jaime and me at the finish line with our medals

As I look back now, as much as don´t enjoy this sport, I would like to give it another shot. I had a goal of running a 10Km race to completion and I did that. Now I want to run a 10Km race and actually run the whole thing (on a 10/1 run/walk ratio anyways). Maybe I will learn to actually like running, although apparently that will take even more than running a 10km race in Iceland to do it. LOL

2006-08-18T10:43:00.002-07:00

Blue Lagoon. Today Dad and I slept in late waking with a mad dash to get to the bus on time to go to the Blue lagoon. Bus left at 11am, we woke up at ten to eleven. Doh. I guess the combination of jet lag and staying awake for 35 hours will do that to you (we went to sleep at 8pm the night before!). When we made it to our destination, Team Diabetes had set up a brunch for everyone and made a few speeches. It was the first time that I got to see everyone from Team Diabetes (about 200 of us) who had fundraised from all over Canada. It very nice to see all the people and I bonded with a few over tales of training mishaps and fundraising successes and disasters.

After brunch we all headed out into the lagoon. It was a cool place I admit. Nothing like the Banff hot springs in Canada, which are basically a pool full of sulphur smelling hot water. These hot springs were smack dab in the middle of a very large lava field. Volcanic rocks covered all sides of the pool and the bottom was filled with mud. There was also some mud set aside to cover your skin if you're into that sort of thing; and yes of course I did!

This is me in the lava field outside the Blue Lagoon center

A section of the Blue Lagoon

Dad and I wading in the water

2006-08-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Leaving for Iceland Today!

It’s kind of surreal actually. It doesn’t feel like I’m about to embark on a 2 week adventure to Europe. I didn’t wake up with any Christmas morning type excitement. Everyone I talk to asks me if I’m excited with amazement and wonder in their eyes, and all I can manage umm yeah sure. Don’t get me wrong – I AM excited. And as I’ve explained to the 101 million people who have asked me about my excitement level. I will be excited, a la Christmas morning, when I’m on my third plane, Icelandair, in the air on the way to Iceland; even more excited when I actually land in Iceland. Right now it just seems so far away; and by all rights it is. I leave for public transit to get to the Ottawa airport at 2:30pm and I won’t get to Iceland until 3pm tomorrow Iceland time (or 11am tomorrow Ottawa time). That’s a little under 24 hours for transportation! Thank god they’re letting me bring a book! Although regrettably I can’t for the life of me find my mp3 player. Things could be worse; I have a friend who is at the Montreal airport right now delayed more than a day trying to get to London. Sleeping in the terminal sucks. Matt, my sympathies are with you.

2006-08-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

New flight plan. Due to new regulations concerning Air Canada and Heathrow connection times, Team Diabetes had to redchedule my flight to Iceland (via London) as previously I had a 2.5 hour layover where I now need 4 hours. So instead of leaving at 10:30pm tomorrow, I now leave at 6pm - which means that I have to be there at 3:30pm! I also have the pleasure of stopping in Montreal on the way. I guess I should get packing!

2006-08-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

Online Donation! A big thanks to M. Leibowitz for his generous donation!

2006-08-12T00:09:00.000-07:00

Travel Plans.

Countdown to Iceland. In less than a week on August 16th I’ll be getting on a plane on my way to ICELAND!! Transport, airport layover and time change combined I don’t actually get to Reykjavik until 3pm the next day; but it’s worth it!

Team Diabetes has a nice little itinerary for us for the first three days including a dip in the blue lagoon, a pre and post race dinner, and of course the big race! My dad and I extended our travels for a few more days with the cost and itinerary on us. We hope to rent a car and then well drive East. I hope to hit up Geysir, Gullfoss, Mt. Helka, Heimaey Island, Skogar, Skaftafell and/or Jokulsarlon. Quite ambitious I think but at least some maybe I’ll get to see. Originally my dad called up National car rental and they quoted $800cad for four days!! LOL oh Iceland why must you be so expensive? I’ve since found something in the $400cad range but still. We will see. It stills seems less expensive than the overpriced tours. I hate big bus tours; it feels like cattle-herding.

At the end of the 6 days in Iceland my dad and I will part ways and I will head to London. I have only one day in London planned. Originally I was going to stay in England for a full 7 days but I kept asking myself exactly what I was going to do. I’m more into eco-tourism than I am into old buildings. I’d take a waterfall over an old church any day. Long extensive obsessed search on goggle and new plan – Ireland! After this search I started to wonder how people traveled in the “old days.” Lol Thank you Google!

Ireland. I’m to land in Dublin on the 24th of August. I have a 3 day hike in the Mourne mountains booked (I got the last spot!) with Dirty Boots Treks. I hope to spend one day after that around Dublin being a tourist, looking at a castle or whatever and the 7 storey Guinness storehouse etc. etc. Maybe a daytrip somewhere the day afterwards, either another hike or a cattle-herding bus tour. And then I’m on a flight back to London, a frantic transport between Gatwick and Heathrow airports and a flight back to Canada on the 30th. Excellent!

2006-08-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Heathrow Airport. As you've probably heard British police arrested 21 people who were plotting to carry liquid explosives on to as many as 10 jetliners at the Heathrow airport travelling to the US.

Security was raised to its highest level in Britain and carry-on luggage on all trans-Atlantic flights was banned. Passengers were only permitted to take aboard essential items, such as passports and wallets, and only then in a transparent plastic bag.

Next week I will fly through Heathrow on my way to Iceland as well as a stopover in London and flights to Ireland via Gatwick. The events of the day have gotten me a tad concerned as for my flight home I land at Gatwick at 9:30am and my flight leaves Heathrow at 2:35pm. I thought before this was enough time (Gatwick-Heathrow is about a 60min bus ride), but now I'm slightly concerned. I travelled through the US a month after 9/11 and it was madness.

A glimmer of hope. "Air Canada said there were no scheduled disruptions of its flights leaving Britain for Canada on Thursday." Hopefully that will remain into next week.

2006-08-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received my Team Diabetes package! I had been stressing about receiving my plane tickets. Canadian Diabetes Association doesn’t send out tickets until you finish fundraising or put a deposit on the remaining amount (At the time it was $337.43). So I did that a bit late in typical Taylor fashion. As I’m getting on a plane in exactly a week not having plane tickets in my hand was a bit tense. Receiving the package in the mail was a little disappointing I admit – after all that they were electronic tickets. Bah! I also received a big yellow poncho, some luggage tags, and an itinerary….ooOOoo….

2006-08-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

Pictures. A while back Charles and I went camping in quebec for the weekend. Although we weren't really "one with nature" in the truest sense, (you could hear the soothing sounds of the highway from our tent), we did have a blast at the waterpark and the aerial park! It was a beautiful weekend and the waterpark was packed! Two different slides we ended up in an hour + line up! But each was worth it, especially the Colorado River slide! It's set up to mimic whitewater rafting with waves, drops etc. Unfortunately we dont have any pictures from that slide (too busy holding on for dear life). But we clicked a few pics on the "easy slides."

The next day Charles and I went to the aerial park. It's a short ride up a chair-lift to the top of a ski hill where there are four zones. The aerial park is basically a bunch of platforms high in the trees with a bunch of "activities" between them ranging from rope bridges to surfing snowboard to a number of ziplines. All of this finishing off with a 1000ft zipline down the ski hill to the bottom!!! Okay so I chickened out for that one but Charles gave it a whirl and said it was fun. bah. I was nervous on the 100ft ziplines. I highly recommend checking out an aerial park at some point!

2006-07-31T12:38:00.000-07:00

Through this process I've found quite the network of Team Diabetes participants with websites. I found out two more interesting sites today that you might be interested in;

KENDRA & JOHNSON: Honolulu Marathon 2006

Ms. KOU: Dublin Marathon 2006

SYLVIE: Honolulu 2006

2006-07-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to D. Bain for his donation! Very much appreciated!

2006-07-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Falling apart. On Tuesday I twisted my knee in jitsu class. Although it felt okay at the time, since then it’s being causing me problems. Stairs are a bitch for instance, but walking is fine. I attempted a jitsu class last night and found myself sitting out a lot as my knee was starting to burn. I ended the class half limping, and hoping that by Monday or Tuesday it will be healed and I can return 100% to jitsu again. I didn’t enjoy my jitsu class last night. It was one of those nights where you feel you’ll have to drag yourself back. Not a recreation, but a chore. In addition to my knee twisting, on Wednesday I manage to drop a 2lb weight on the exact part of my knee that hurts. %*&^!! Thankfully it was only a 2lber and it was at the end of my workout. I now have a very nice bruise to go with the pain. Finally, that same day while cleaning I managed to walk into my bed corner. Yes, I walked into a stationary object. Bruise about 2inches in diameter just above my ankle, same leg as my knee. I am such a klutz!

This weekend Charles and I are going “camping.” Camping in the sense that we are going to sleep in a tent and make smores by a bonfire but that’s really the extent of it. I’m very excited about the smores (2pts under weight watchers)! Tomorrow we’re going to the Mont Saint Sauveur Waterpark. I’m also very excited about this. I was there a few years back and had a blast! Since then they’ve added a bunch of stuff including a surfing generator. The slides are great, a quarter of which you need to wear a helmet on. I’m worried about the amount of stairs and such that I’ll have to endure waterpark day on the account of my knee. If I’m feeling okay on the Sunday we hope to hit the aerial park. I hope the weather holds up. It will be nice to have a weekend away J

2006-07-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

A big thanks out to Pager Plus for your generous donation!

2006-07-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

Three Weeks until I get on a plane to go to Iceland!

2006-07-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I decided to take advantage of the free “stair-master” in my building, by this I mean I live on the 25th floor. Walking up 50 flights of stairs was harder that I thought it would be! I had to take a breather twice. I hope to do the stairs a bunch more times in hopes that I can do all 50 flights a) without stopping and b) with a greater speed.

Last night at my jitsu class while I was being thrown by Tai-O-Toshi my foot got caught hooked around my partner’s leg and I ended up twisting my right knee. Ouch. I took a few minutes rest and it felt better so I continued on with the rest of the class without a second thought. I had planned a run today but I woke up with my knee in pain. It hurts a bit to walk so I will be pushing any runs back until its better. In the meantime I guess I will go back to swimming.

2006-07-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful overcast 22C today with periods of rain in Ottawa today; perfect jogging weather, well in my opinion. Tomorrow is supposed to feel like 39C with thunderstorms. Sigh. Went for my first jog in the last two weeks. LOL I did the canal route and jogged around Dow’s lake. I was feeling strong the beginning half (not stopping once!) but was much slower the second half

Advice? Jogging and water. When I’m out for a jog my mouth gets dry and I get really thirsty. But when I stop for water, even if I don’t gulp it down, I’m plagued with stomach cramps for the next 10 minutes. So what’s the answer for the balance between jogging and water?

2006-07-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Fun in the Sun

Not one for 7am jogs to beat the heat I’ve switched up my workouts swimming lengths instead of jogging. For the last week in Ottawa, with humidity the temperature has been at least 30C (minimum)! Peak days at 45C --> Smog and heat warnings galore. Although it’s a bit tedious, I find swimming lengths quite enjoyable. It gives me an undistracted time to think. There’s not much distraction at the bottom of the pool. I think I’ll continue with swimming lengths once the heat subsides to pair with my jitsu class (if I have time!).

Yesterday Charles and I spent the day at Mont Cascades Water Park! We definitely got a workout walking up the hills to get to the slides; oh and carrying those heavy tubes! Favorite slide of the day unquestionably goes to “Black Magic.” At the end of the slide it felt like we were going to flip off the tube; and that’s not paranoia speaking, we saw more than a few people bail. Ouch. Sad to say we skipped the sunscreen and now I have a red reminder of the day. My shoulders and back are still red and sore so I’m skipping any conceivable jog/swim or any unnecessary movement until it heals. Oh aloe vera my tried and tested friend.