Wednesday 4 April 2012

Should we have paid for that?

Well, what an interesting night we had. Our usual group of ground-pounders were out and about enjoying a wonderful spring evening (plus 16C!), even warm enough for Ken from India...but that is not the story. Nope, it was the shock our twenty or so peeps had when we got to the Stampede grounds. Now I know uthe Stampede is a mere 95 days away but two amorous individuals were 'having at it' next to the river! Yep, a little bit of pre-Stampede lovin' for our trotters to wonder "Was this Lauren's training tip for tonight?" Thankfully Sara did NOT have her phone camera in working order...

We have enjoyed some returning veterans to the group with the addition of sun and clear paths for our training. Good to see Blaine back on track after a few months away. for the rest of you we hope to have you join Jen, Carroll, and the rest of the crew Saturday at the Glenmore Landing McDonald's for a reservoir romp. No, not the same romp as above. This will be the last 9 am meeting before we slide back to 8 am on April 14. I will not be there this Saturday so don't wait for me. I will be feeding two kids copious amounts of chocolate to ensure their dentist is kept in business and their parents keep a furrowed brow...
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A shout out to our successful Hervis Half Prague peeps who completed their goal last weekend. I do know that Janelle and Afton crossed the line in the neighbourhood of 2:15. Well done. Still waiting for pictures and a report from them but I am sure we will hear something soon. We will right girls???

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Jen sent this article that sort of explains a bit of our habits for trotting the trails. Perhaps this the same high we get when we are on our first couple of dates with a new partner? May that feeling of euphoria stick with us longer than the first month...thanks Jen.

http://gizmodo.com/5896725/runners-highs-evolved-to-make-us-better-hunter-gatherers

Runners’ Highs Evolved to Make Us Better Hunter Gatherers

You've all been there: tired and exhausted, you drag your ass out for a run, but a few miles in—BOOM—your pain fades and you're suddenly euphoric. You've got a runner's high—and new research reveals that it's an evolutionary trait that fine-tuned us to be the ultimate hunter-gatherers.
The research, conducted by the University of Arizona and the University of Texas, shows that evolution has hard-wired us to perk up during endurance exercise. To do that, the body dumps neurotransmitters, called endocannabinoids, into our brain. Those compounds activate cannabinoid receptors—the same ones that are stimulated by cocaine—to provide that euphoric feeling during and after exercise.
The researchers tested out the theory that it's an evolved trait by studying the concentration of endocannabinoids in the blood of different animals exercising on treadmills for thirty minutes. In humans and dogs—animals which evolved for endurance exercise—the levels of the neurotransmitter rocketed. In animals that evolved to be sedentary—such as ferrets—there was no such increase. The results appaear in the Journal of Experimental Biology.
The researchers point out that an ability to run long distances would have made us better hunter-gathers capable of getting more food—so natural selection would have ensured that those who experienced runners' highs all those years ago won out. These days, you're probably best off enjoying the feeling while it lasts. The day after is when the pain really starts. [Journal of Experimental Biology]
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One of our buddies and original 'Uncoachable' Gerardo Carsolio is a wonderful artist who works primarily with wood. He is part of an art show listed below. I am always a fan of unique art pieces and might have to convice Joy to make the trip to Cochrane. At worst we can always stop and say hello to MacKay's (ice cream of course!)

Happy Spring Everybody!

I want to send out some information about an interesting art show I am participating in on April 13th and 14th called "Spring is in the Air".

The show is a fundraiser for the Cochrane Humane Society and the Bridges 2 Malawi Project.

The event is being held at the Cochrane Ranchehouse and features 25 artists that are some of the finest in Western Canada. 

Many of the participating artists I have met through the Stampede art show and I am excited to see their work in a new venue.

Please check out the attachment for the show, on Friday night there is a dinner and silent auction to try and raise money for the charities and there is also the option to come and see the art after the dinner and have coffee and desserts. There are also some events planned for Saturday including Children Paint With An Artist. All of the information is included in the invitation.

For your information all of the artists will be seated at separate tables for the dinner and if you are interested you can book a spot at my table to chat with me during dinner. Please let me know if you are interested in coming to the dinner and we can make sure that you are seated at my table!

I hope to see you at this new and exciting event!



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