Three days, two runs.

Sore calf muscles. Ripped up feet from some crazy blisters.

This is okay. I can ignore this kind of discomfort for the rewards these runs have provided.

I discovered a fun trail system in Piopolis, Quebec – bridges, gravel trails, gnarly singletrack, climbing, twisting, descending, shoe-sucking muck, green stuff, moss, smiles with some huffing and puffing.

On Thursday I discovered this tail system at the tail-end of my run and resolved to return today. What a great choice. My calf muscles had tightened up into angry balls of hatred overnight but with some massaging, coaxing and the determination to block out the discomfort of muscle tightness, I set out on a trail run.

So much fun. I felt like I could run forever. I quickly discovered the wet slippery bridges require caution and when you think you’re being cautious – be a little bit more cautious. When my watch beeped signalling that it was time to turn around, I ignored it for a bit and kept on going. Just up this climb and down the other side, I told myself – I wonder where it goes?

I have no idea how far I ran or at what pace. There were moments when I opened things up and other times when I slowed to prevent slipping and spilling. All in all so much fun.

When I exited the woods it was pouring rain – the perfect way to wash the muck off my legs.

I’m definitely looking forward to my next run (maybe tomorrow)…

(The two running conundrums I must solve though are: extremely tight calf muscles (guessing this is because I’m a sporadic runner and I’m also wondering if my close-to-minimal shoes are the culprit) and crazy blisters on the bottom of big toes – after only 15 minutes of running I can feel the heat and irritation (I’ve tried all manner of socks with and without moleskin and other blister preventive measures – these are big ugly blisters that often fill with blood – yes gross and not pleasant). These two annoyances need to be solved so I can run more often and more enjoyably – I can suck up the blister pain but I don’t think this is something I should have to do and as for the calf muscles they should come around – but maybe I need to change my shoes….)

Today was a good day. A very good day. I felt the best today that I have all week. (This is not to say that I’m “better” – just that I didn’t feel completely drained and defeated.)

I rode my Opus Fhast 29er out at South March Highlands (aka Kanata Lakes) after work. It was awesome. I’m finally clicking with my new bike. I rode over, around and through things that previously had me stumbling, fumbling and mumbling. (I’m sure my sweet new Opus cycling kit helped me out. Looking good is half the battle!)

I felt like I could ride forever today. I wasn’t super fast. But I pedaled and smiled. I remembered to look ahead down the trail and anticipate the terrain. I discovered some new-to-me trails. I rescued a turtle.

Most of all, I listened to my body. I didn’t push it. I just rode for fun and sheer enjoyment.

(Big thanks to Dave for the sweet Opus cycling kit. The black and green looks super sharp and the kit is very comfortable.)

I’ve had a week or so to let the reality set in. I’m sick and there is not much I can do about it. It is my reality right now. I hate it. But it can be and has been worse. I’ve tried the “resting” thing… I’m not very good at it, nor do I think it really helps me. For me an idle body is a very active mind that churns away thinking of all things I’m not doing and can’t do.

Well, I’m done with this. Don’t worry, I’m not about to go out and run for three hours (though I’d like to) or do a five hour epic on the bike (though I’d like to). No, instead I’m going to move and get out when I can and want. On Saturday I went for nice easy 63 km – it felt great to be out pedaling. I didn’t worry about my wattage, speed, pace, etc. I just pedaled. I listened to podcasts, drank water and let it all go. Definitely the type of medicine and therapy I need right now.

Today I didn’t do much, an easy yoga routine at home and then I spent the afternoon hanging out with friends and cheering on Marc and his team at the Preston St. bike race. I have to tell you that those four hours of being outside talking to people, cheering on the big and little kids and just being and doing were so very awesome. So much better for my progress than any drug, rest, or diet modification. Just seeing and being around people who are happy, uplifting and seizing the day, makes a big impact on my mental and physical self.

This is the perspective that I needed. Yes, I’m sick. Yes, it sucks. Yes, I hate it. But you know what, I can handle it. And thanks to all of you for the supportive words, the hugs, the patience when I’ve been less than fun to be around and for being understanding.

Thanks for the inspiration – and for reminding me that this will be okay.

There, I did it. I’m telling you how I really feel right now. No sugar coating. No optimism. No positivity. The truth – this sucks and I hate it.

I’m sitting here on Saturday morning listening to CBC radio. Marc is off at the time trial at the Mississippi Mills stage race. My good friends are on their way to Kingston, riding the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour.

And here I sit. Missing out. Couldn’t go to the TT because of this damn ulcerative colitis. Couldn’t participate in RLCT this year again because of this damn ulcerative colitis.

It is so hard to remain positive and optimistic.

My new medicine (the hated prednisone) is giving me insomnia – I can’t sleep and the sleep I do get is loudly interrupted by my growling guts. I feel lethargic and wiped out. The antibiotics are making feel gross as well – tastes like I’m sucking on tinfoil all day.

I know, it could be worse. Blah blah blah. I don’t really care about how much worse it could be. It is the summer and I’m trapped by this body that has once again betrayed me.

Angry. Frustrated. Forlorn. Lost. Confused. Sad. This about sums up my emotions right now.

This is a big weekend for cyclists in the Ottawa and surrounding area.

For racers, tourists, new cyclists and those curious about cycling – it is the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour. This is a fantastic event that sees cyclists riding from Ottawa to Kingston – following a range of routes that vary in distance from 100 km to the 220 km. Riders are treated to excellent care and support from Ottawa Bicycle Club members, local cycling and sporting goods store employees/owners and a range of volunteers. Bags are transported, sag wagons are provided, on-road support is provided and the police are out making sure everyone is safe and riding properly. For those staying at Queen’s University in Kingston, there is all the chocolate milk you can drink (though those glasses are pretty darn small!), lots of tasty food, good accommodations and a great venue to unwind and relax after a long day in the saddle.

I’ve only done Rideau Lakes once – and it was one of the most fun times I’ve ever had on a bike. I remember remarking to one of the folks in my riding group who is a former racer, that it was the first time I’d “lined up” for an event on my bike that wasn’t a race. It was a completely new experience, and one that I wish I was doing again. Since that first RLCT experience (the famous year when it poured with rain and the wind howled all the way home on Sunday), I’ve registered but haven’t been able to do the event – always thanks to youknowwhat.

Here’s to a safe, fun, friendly and enjoyable ride to Kingston tomorrow. Do me a favour and in Westport be sure to stop at the general store/gas station and have can of Cream Soda (so good during a long ride) and eat a Fudgesicle and a mint Aero bar for me – that sugar will get you over that last hump. And besides – you deserve it. Congrats for such a huge accomplishment.

The other big event going on this weekend is the Mississippi Mills Stage race. This is the second year for this event, organized by Ride With Rendall. The racing kicked off today with first stage and it looks like it will be  a great weekend of racing and post-race story telling. It is very nice to see a local club stepping up and organizing such a huge event. It is a massive undertaking to organize a four-stage stage race along with separate races for those not racing with an elite men’s, M1 or U19 men license.

All the best to those folks who are out racing in the cold wet conditions this weekend. Remember to thank your team car drivers, your team managers, your feed zone people, and most of all the organizers who have worked hard to give you this racing opportunity.

If you’re sticking close to Ottawa this weekend, check out the Nepean BMX Facebook page for updates on the racing at the track on Saturday. Things could change depending on the weather conditions. It is so great to have this new race track in Nepean/Barrhaven – and most of all it is a real treat to see kids of all ages zipping around with big grins on their faces.