Be Present - Turn Lemons into Lemonade

Terri, Sheila, and Johnny 1985

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

Terri and Sheila - Present 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dad and Mom 1987

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

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

The Present- Off to Grade 8 Grad!

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

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

Back to the Reality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadian Masters Swimming Record

Women's 40-44 100m Butterfly

May 16, 2014

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

Behind the block.
Ontario Masters Provincials 2014

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

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

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

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

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

200m IM

400m IM

       

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

Early Morning Snow March 30, 2014

Natalie, Sheila, Mariah, Alex

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

Chris, Greg, Kevin from Taylor Movers

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

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

Between knuckle 1 and 2 still is swollen and hurts.

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

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

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

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

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