R and I went to my friend Dori's house for dinner and we had an amazing Spanish stew and played Wii with her kids and father. Her son's feet must've hurt because he was kicking our a**, but we all had a wonderful time.
Checked into the Golden Globe results because there was no show, only live announcements. Atonement seemed to clean up (whatever) and I was particularly happy for David Duchovny and Jeremy Piven, both of whom are outstanding in their roles that are SO L.A. Longford (a British HBO mini-series) also had several wins (Jim Broadbent and Samantha Morton) and the website trailer makes it look rather interesting.
Also checked out the Australian Open on TV before bedtime. Lovely to see the women players. Maybe someday we'll plan a trip to OZ in January and take advantage of the warm weather to attend the tennis. Plus, it's 11:00pm here and it's 3:00pm the next day there - how cool is that?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Awards and more...
Here's a shot of Rich with our friend's Emmy - Congratulations Frank! An amazing achievement.
Speaking of achievements, the Golden Globe champagne dinner and awards ceremony is cancelled on Sunday so they're just going to announce the winners in a telecast. The recent People's Choice Awards took a similar approach and did not hold my interest (even though Queen Latifah made a valiant effort as host - of nobody)
I wonder how long the writers' strike will continue - and what movie prospects we might have for the next TIFF.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
For The Bible Tells Me So
Fans of haikugirl: profuse apologies for the massive delay in updating my blog. SO SORRY!! Please scroll down to see a few new posts and photos - Happy New Year and ENJOY!
Wednesday night my dear friend Keith joined me for the sold out screening of For The Bible Tells Me So at the old-timey Bloor Cinema, part of my Doc Soup series from hot docs. It focuses on 5 families who handle the realization that one of their children is gay and includes interviews with former presidential candidate Richard Gephart and the first openly gay Anglican bishop Gene Robinson. Very powerful and interesting film that premiered at Sundance and is shortlisted for an Academy Award. Keith and I were quite emotional by the end and so was Producer/Director Daniel Karslake who shared wonderful stories about the making of the film, including his trip to Toronto to film Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
After Q&A, we headed to the charming Toba Restaurant for a delicious angus beef risotto and delightful Australian shiraz/viognier Innocent Bystander which is anything but!
Here's to more movies and wine in 2008!
Wednesday night my dear friend Keith joined me for the sold out screening of For The Bible Tells Me So at the old-timey Bloor Cinema, part of my Doc Soup series from hot docs. It focuses on 5 families who handle the realization that one of their children is gay and includes interviews with former presidential candidate Richard Gephart and the first openly gay Anglican bishop Gene Robinson. Very powerful and interesting film that premiered at Sundance and is shortlisted for an Academy Award. Keith and I were quite emotional by the end and so was Producer/Director Daniel Karslake who shared wonderful stories about the making of the film, including his trip to Toronto to film Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
After Q&A, we headed to the charming Toba Restaurant for a delicious angus beef risotto and delightful Australian shiraz/viognier Innocent Bystander which is anything but!
Here's to more movies and wine in 2008!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
haikugirls' 2007 Movie Picks
My top movie list for 2007 has some notable exceptions. Since I opted out of violence and gore you won't see the big award contenders American Gangster, Eastern Promises, No Country for Old Men and Sweeney Todd on my list. I will see them eventually, but only when I'm ready to plug my ears and cover my eyes for long periods in my basement screening room.
2007
not the best year for movies
my list of top picks:
1 My favourite movie of 2007 was Marathon Women by me and Tamara (natch) but because it's not a feature I guess I might have to provide another pick... so:
1 In Bloom - my highlight of TIFF and the best entry in this year's Evan Rachel Wood filmfest (as opposed to the Don Cheadle filmfest in 2005) Haven't seen this haunting film get distribution yet (maybe because of the sensitive subject matter) but Gus Van Sant's Elephant made it to screens so we'll have to see.
2 In the Shadow of the Moon - interviews with the handful of men who've walked on or orbited the moon. with interesting behind-the-scenes stories of the space program and the personalities behind it (Neil Armstrong declined to appear) This film was beautiful and poetic way to begin the Hot Docs 2007 festival along with the opening night invitation-only GALA party at the Design Exchange (DX). I actually felt like a real director and schmoozer
3 Bourne Ultimatum - non-stop action + awesome locations + hot leading man = perfect recipe for a summer blockbuster. This was right around the time I recognized that Matt Damon is a highly bankable box office star which was exactly a week before the rest of Hollywood recognized it and crowned him with that honour.
4 Elizabeth: The Golden Age - Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, sweeping historial drama, girlpower movie, what more can I say?
5 Enchanted - another princess movie! Amy Adams RULES and this was totally charming! (Just saw her again in Junebug and in a recent GAP ad)
6 Charlie Wilson's War - Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman are all great in this true story about the covert war in Afghanistan. Funny, timely and with a great script by Aaron Sorkin. One of these people will get an award, mark my words.
7 Chacun son Cinema - 33 iconic directors pay hommage to the Cannes filmfest - my perfect ending to this year's TIFF
8 Superbad - Superbad was supergood. Saw it right before all the seriousness of TIFF. The anti-blockbuster blockbuster.
9 Music and Lyrics - okay I think this came out on Valentine's Day in 2007 but I didn't see it till Christmas on the Movie Network and it was totally charming! I am a sucker for both Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore and the POP Goes My Heart video is absolutely HILARIOUS (both at the opening but moreso over the closing credits when they add pop-up videos - GENIUS!)
10 Across the Universe - loved the talented cast of young actors and the reinvention of so many great Beatles songs (missed it at TIFF but caught it at Varsity)
Honorable Mentions:
-Lars and the Real Girl - definitely fun. Delightful to see with the stars at the fest.
-The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - haven't seen this much talking in a western since Unforgiven but I have to include this because it was shot in Winnipeg and my brother was an extra. I think Brad gave a great understated performance that was overlooked by the Golden Globes. Casey Affleck also does very well. It's long but held my interest. Worth seeing on a snowy afternoon if you've got 3 hours to spare.
WORST Movies of 2007
1 The Host (should be renamed The Worst). I know I should have had this on last year's list (cause it was at TIFF 2006) but I think it was only in theatres in summer 2007 and I only saw it on DVD this Christmas. Don't understand what all the tremendous hype was about. I couldn't stay awake until the end so I don't even know what happens. Too bad I actually bought the DVD.
2 Married Life - painful at this year's fest - the director was needlessly fawned over - lame
3 Atonement - BOHRING, BOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHRING, and Annoying, and then when Vanessa Redgrave shows up at the end INFURIATING with a capital IN. When people told me, "it's like The English Patient" I should have remembered that I was like Elaine in Seinfeld watching The English Patient (i.e. drove me crazy, squirmed and huffed and rolled my eyes a lot, kind of like my reaction to Lord of the Rings)
4 Oceans Thirteen - a sequel gone bad. I'm one of the few who likes Oceans Twelve more than Oceans Eleven but the third one was just lame. Maybe they stole part of the script from The Host?
5 National Treasure Book of Secrets - the first is compulsively watchable; the sequel has no soul. I was really looking forward to this but was disappointed. Awesome locations + contrived, predictable plot = missed opportunity
2007
not the best year for movies
my list of top picks:
1 My favourite movie of 2007 was Marathon Women by me and Tamara (natch) but because it's not a feature I guess I might have to provide another pick... so:
1 In Bloom - my highlight of TIFF and the best entry in this year's Evan Rachel Wood filmfest (as opposed to the Don Cheadle filmfest in 2005) Haven't seen this haunting film get distribution yet (maybe because of the sensitive subject matter) but Gus Van Sant's Elephant made it to screens so we'll have to see.
2 In the Shadow of the Moon - interviews with the handful of men who've walked on or orbited the moon. with interesting behind-the-scenes stories of the space program and the personalities behind it (Neil Armstrong declined to appear) This film was beautiful and poetic way to begin the Hot Docs 2007 festival along with the opening night invitation-only GALA party at the Design Exchange (DX). I actually felt like a real director and schmoozer
3 Bourne Ultimatum - non-stop action + awesome locations + hot leading man = perfect recipe for a summer blockbuster. This was right around the time I recognized that Matt Damon is a highly bankable box office star which was exactly a week before the rest of Hollywood recognized it and crowned him with that honour.
4 Elizabeth: The Golden Age - Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, sweeping historial drama, girlpower movie, what more can I say?
5 Enchanted - another princess movie! Amy Adams RULES and this was totally charming! (Just saw her again in Junebug and in a recent GAP ad)
6 Charlie Wilson's War - Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman are all great in this true story about the covert war in Afghanistan. Funny, timely and with a great script by Aaron Sorkin. One of these people will get an award, mark my words.
7 Chacun son Cinema - 33 iconic directors pay hommage to the Cannes filmfest - my perfect ending to this year's TIFF
8 Superbad - Superbad was supergood. Saw it right before all the seriousness of TIFF. The anti-blockbuster blockbuster.
9 Music and Lyrics - okay I think this came out on Valentine's Day in 2007 but I didn't see it till Christmas on the Movie Network and it was totally charming! I am a sucker for both Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore and the POP Goes My Heart video is absolutely HILARIOUS (both at the opening but moreso over the closing credits when they add pop-up videos - GENIUS!)
10 Across the Universe - loved the talented cast of young actors and the reinvention of so many great Beatles songs (missed it at TIFF but caught it at Varsity)
Honorable Mentions:
-Lars and the Real Girl - definitely fun. Delightful to see with the stars at the fest.
-The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - haven't seen this much talking in a western since Unforgiven but I have to include this because it was shot in Winnipeg and my brother was an extra. I think Brad gave a great understated performance that was overlooked by the Golden Globes. Casey Affleck also does very well. It's long but held my interest. Worth seeing on a snowy afternoon if you've got 3 hours to spare.
WORST Movies of 2007
1 The Host (should be renamed The Worst). I know I should have had this on last year's list (cause it was at TIFF 2006) but I think it was only in theatres in summer 2007 and I only saw it on DVD this Christmas. Don't understand what all the tremendous hype was about. I couldn't stay awake until the end so I don't even know what happens. Too bad I actually bought the DVD.
2 Married Life - painful at this year's fest - the director was needlessly fawned over - lame
3 Atonement - BOHRING, BOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHRING, and Annoying, and then when Vanessa Redgrave shows up at the end INFURIATING with a capital IN. When people told me, "it's like The English Patient" I should have remembered that I was like Elaine in Seinfeld watching The English Patient (i.e. drove me crazy, squirmed and huffed and rolled my eyes a lot, kind of like my reaction to Lord of the Rings)
4 Oceans Thirteen - a sequel gone bad. I'm one of the few who likes Oceans Twelve more than Oceans Eleven but the third one was just lame. Maybe they stole part of the script from The Host?
5 National Treasure Book of Secrets - the first is compulsively watchable; the sequel has no soul. I was really looking forward to this but was disappointed. Awesome locations + contrived, predictable plot = missed opportunity
Monday, January 07, 2008
Runner Girl
Since the marathon I've only been running 5K every weekend. On Sunday, December 30th at 9:30am I ran the Running Room Toronto Resolution Run in the Distillery District and did my best time ever for 5K! (37 minutes) Participants got a free nylon jacket for registering but I prefer the pink Nike one I found at Winners so that's what I wore.
Back at Pilates in the new year (just a 3 minute walk from home at Pegasus Studios) and I felt a twinge in my knee :-( I think I'm developing an IT band injury because I haven't been stretching properly post-run. Must keep stretching and icing because I definitely want to keep running!!
haikugirl made trax!
speeding through Distillery
in new running gear
Back at Pilates in the new year (just a 3 minute walk from home at Pegasus Studios) and I felt a twinge in my knee :-( I think I'm developing an IT band injury because I haven't been stretching properly post-run. Must keep stretching and icing because I definitely want to keep running!!
haikugirl made trax!
speeding through Distillery
in new running gear
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Noel 2007
Our Christmas 2007 was nice and quiet. I worked half the day on Dec 24th then headed home to get ready for dinner. Slipped out to the family mass down the street at St. Brigid's at 5:00pm then back to serve my delicious Leek and Potato soup with Black Truffles and Truffle Oil.
Our Christmas tree was lovely. We got it late (Dec 18) but it was the perfect shape and so soft to touch and hang decorations. We traditionally go to the man at the corner store nearby so he gave us a deal as returning customers ($60). Not as great a deal as at IKEA (free because the $20 you spend for the tree is really a $20 credit in store) but better than the $100 my Uncle Wes said fresh trees cost in California.
On Christmas Day we slept in, opened presents then had a visit from Mary. After a late lunch (mussels with frites - both excellent), we enjoyed Chicken Val d'Ostana for dinner. Later on Dori and her family stopped by and brought their Wii game. Lots of fun to play and watch. They even created a custom Wii persona for me.
Afterward we watched one of my Christmas presents: the animated movie Ratatouille - a rat who runs away and becomes a chef in Paris. Loved it!
Which reminds me, I need to post my Top Movies of the Year.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
CTV Christmas Party
Now that Rich works for CTV, this is the first year he could bring a spouse to his Christmas party. I was excited to go on a wintery Thursday December 13th and the party was amazing!!
The theme was Zhivago - A Celebration of Life. Outside there were horse-drawn sleighs and inside there were four themed rooms, each with tons of different food and drinks. When we walked in they handed us a Black Russion (vodka and kahlua) and then we happened to stand just outside the prep room so servers would walk by us every minute, each with a different new plate of delectable hors d'oeuvres: tuna tartare, roast duck on cranberry toast, caviar in phyllo cones, chicken, beef, mushroom bites - all delish.
Next, there was a candy room where the chandeliers were made of lollipops and you could fill gift bags with candy to take home (my favourite were the pop-eye cigarettes). Then we moved into the largest room where there were hundreds of people and several food stations. There was live Russian entertainment onstage and with my new Sony 10x Optical Zoom camera (my fantastic advance Christmas present from my wonderful husband) I could get a clear picture of the performers from 30 feet away!
We even saw the CEO of CTV Ivan Fecan. All the food was delish: coriander tuna on potatoe fennel mash with red pepper relish; creamy beef stroganoff; salmon filet with veggies and caviar! We couldn't even get around to it all. Finally we retired to the quieter Russian Tea Room where we hung out on pillow-covered banquettes and enjoyed the end of our evening together with all our friends.
Truly a memorable and impressive affair. Thanks for inviting me Rich!
Zhivago party
Black Russians and seared tuna
Thank you CTV!
The theme was Zhivago - A Celebration of Life. Outside there were horse-drawn sleighs and inside there were four themed rooms, each with tons of different food and drinks. When we walked in they handed us a Black Russion (vodka and kahlua) and then we happened to stand just outside the prep room so servers would walk by us every minute, each with a different new plate of delectable hors d'oeuvres: tuna tartare, roast duck on cranberry toast, caviar in phyllo cones, chicken, beef, mushroom bites - all delish.
Next, there was a candy room where the chandeliers were made of lollipops and you could fill gift bags with candy to take home (my favourite were the pop-eye cigarettes). Then we moved into the largest room where there were hundreds of people and several food stations. There was live Russian entertainment onstage and with my new Sony 10x Optical Zoom camera (my fantastic advance Christmas present from my wonderful husband) I could get a clear picture of the performers from 30 feet away!
We even saw the CEO of CTV Ivan Fecan. All the food was delish: coriander tuna on potatoe fennel mash with red pepper relish; creamy beef stroganoff; salmon filet with veggies and caviar! We couldn't even get around to it all. Finally we retired to the quieter Russian Tea Room where we hung out on pillow-covered banquettes and enjoyed the end of our evening together with all our friends.
Truly a memorable and impressive affair. Thanks for inviting me Rich!
Zhivago party
Black Russians and seared tuna
Thank you CTV!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Enchanted
Last night November ended on a total high when we went to see Enchanted. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS MOVIE - GO SEE IT!!!! It starts with a few minutes of old-timey animation a la Bambi and Snow White, but be patient. Embrace the hokiness and revel in the singing because suddenly it transitions to live action in modern-day New York and it is 100% charming, irresistible and fun - a real post-feminist fairytale. Mothers take your daughters (age 5 and up because it gets scary later) and sing along. Amy Adams is the ultimate princess Giselle whose naivete and goodness are irrepressible and infectious. You too will be cheering for true love's kiss! Definitely one of my top 10 movies of 2007. And I'm saving another spot for Jerry Bruckheimer's National Treasure Book of Secrets. Who cares if its another Disney holiday money grab? I can't wait!!!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
One of a Kind Show
There's lots to sample and buy at the One of a Kind Show and Sale this year. After taking the LRT from Union Station and getting off at Spadina, the connecting TTC shuttle bus takes you right to the front door. And the lights and chandelier at the Princes' Gate are gorgeous. Saw my friend Kelly, co-founder with Joelle of KanvasInk which creates paper and online designs and also ran into Janet who was sourcing artisans for her company orangefish. Bought a few gifts but mostly I bought specialty food items, including dips and cakes. Christmas is coming - Mmmmmmm... See you in December!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Marathon Recovery
People have been asking about my post-marathon recovery. This video from the London Marathon shows better than I can describe how people look and feel after running a marathon. SCROLL DOWN to see it (the music & video will automatically play)
Normally my recovery is pretty fast, because of the Gu gels I take on long runs and the process I follow afterward. We didn't have time for that after Washington because we were heading to our Celebration Dinner. And flying home on Monday, those bozos at Air Canada made us walk down stairs into a shed to disembark from the plane (hadn't they seen this video?)
After 2 days of general stiffness and walking funny, I finally did this:
Step 1: Draw a shallow ice cold bath and extend your legs in it for at least 5 minutes (wear a T-shirt on top to stay warm in the tub)
Step 2: Draw a full hot bath with Epsom salts and sit in it for at least 10 minutes (drink water to hydrate and stay in longer if you have time)
Step 3: Finish with the hottest possible shower with highest possible water pressure and be grateful that God created hot showers.
Then you're ready to face the day! This worked all summer after my Saturday long runs before heading out to weddings, parties, anything. And the morning of my return to work I was walking normally again, right into the lovely surprise reception my manager threw for me at the office. So SWEET! Her daughter even drew me a Congratulations! banner for my cubicle.
I also heard warnings about the post-marathon blues. I wasn't blue - I was just annoyed. With everything. The lineup at Starbucks, missing the subway, fumbling for my keys or the phone, the phone ringing in general, the lack of quality movie releases out there - whatever! I think most of the lingering effects from this have passed. I am also told that irritability is a symptom of dehydration. My frantic schedule at work and the prospect that Christmas is only 31 days away gives me other things to focus on.
Normally my recovery is pretty fast, because of the Gu gels I take on long runs and the process I follow afterward. We didn't have time for that after Washington because we were heading to our Celebration Dinner. And flying home on Monday, those bozos at Air Canada made us walk down stairs into a shed to disembark from the plane (hadn't they seen this video?)
After 2 days of general stiffness and walking funny, I finally did this:
Step 1: Draw a shallow ice cold bath and extend your legs in it for at least 5 minutes (wear a T-shirt on top to stay warm in the tub)
Step 2: Draw a full hot bath with Epsom salts and sit in it for at least 10 minutes (drink water to hydrate and stay in longer if you have time)
Step 3: Finish with the hottest possible shower with highest possible water pressure and be grateful that God created hot showers.
Then you're ready to face the day! This worked all summer after my Saturday long runs before heading out to weddings, parties, anything. And the morning of my return to work I was walking normally again, right into the lovely surprise reception my manager threw for me at the office. So SWEET! Her daughter even drew me a Congratulations! banner for my cubicle.
I also heard warnings about the post-marathon blues. I wasn't blue - I was just annoyed. With everything. The lineup at Starbucks, missing the subway, fumbling for my keys or the phone, the phone ringing in general, the lack of quality movie releases out there - whatever! I think most of the lingering effects from this have passed. I am also told that irritability is a symptom of dehydration. My frantic schedule at work and the prospect that Christmas is only 31 days away gives me other things to focus on.
Monday, November 19, 2007
One Minute Film Festival
I was hoping to go to this on Thursday but I now have other plans. The One Minute Film & Video Festival (www.minutefilmfest.com) started as a dare between lapsed filmmakers and is now an international event that has been happening since 2003. You can view the top 60-second films this Thursday November 22 at the Bloor Theatre. Maybe I can submit a film to next year's competition? The theme of secrets looks very interesting and some of the filmmaker bios are pretty funny.
Congratulations Frances!
Our JeansMarines running friend Frances posted an awesome finishing time of 4:23:42 at the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 18th. There were 15,000 runners (many of whom registered after Chicago was cancelled mid-race) and it looks like a great day was had by all. Way to go Frances - you ROCK!
Friday, November 02, 2007
DOC SOUP - C'mon, step it up!
I signed up for Doc Soup, a monthly screening series through hotdocs. Our first film was No End In Sight a haunting doc about the Iraq War told through the stories of top government officials. Disturbing how their recommendations were continually overlooked by the administration.
My second film next Wednesday is Manda Bala (Send a Bullet)
I just wish they would stop showing films about war. At hotdocs in April, they already screened some documentary films in competition at Sundance 2007. I love hotdocs Director Sean Farnell and hope he will come back from Doc Leipzig or somewhere else far away with some fresh new screening titles because I won't be able to take war, war, war all season long...
If someone wants to see Manda Bala, add a comment and let me know.
My second film next Wednesday is Manda Bala (Send a Bullet)
I just wish they would stop showing films about war. At hotdocs in April, they already screened some documentary films in competition at Sundance 2007. I love hotdocs Director Sean Farnell and hope he will come back from Doc Leipzig or somewhere else far away with some fresh new screening titles because I won't be able to take war, war, war all season long...
If someone wants to see Manda Bala, add a comment and let me know.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
WE DID IT IN WASHINGTON!
Running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC on Sunday was an AWESOME experience! We had a perfect day to accomplish a mighty goal and we are both so proud!! THANK YOU to everyone for all your support before, during and after the race. We flew home on Monday with our shiny new medals and returned to work Tuesday.
Richard was a SUPAHSTAH and did the 26.2 miles in an impressive 4:45:11 (faster than Al Gore when he ran it a few years ago but slower than Oprah.) I was over 2 hours slower than Richard clocking a time of 6:48:37 but as everyone I tell says: WHO CARES, YOU FINISHED. Check MM's Finish Results here. Lynn and Hardish were just behind me. Congrats to all the JeansMarines who made it to the end!
The day was filled with many beautiful memories...
Finding my running partner Hardish at the start line amidst 20,000 people... Running up and down the hilly terrain in Virginia for the first hour before going through the trees of Rock Creek Park and crossing Key Bridge over to the mansions of Georgetown... The energetic high school bands that kept us entertained along the way... Digging in to get to the bridge at mile 19 before it closed... Seeing Hardish's sister Baily and my dear filmfest friends Les Boys: Shawn, Joe & Chris along the route, along with THOUSANDS of supporters with their cowbells and banners... Seeing the funny slogans on the posters: Your feet hurt cuz you're KICKING A** and Pain is temporary - Pride is FOREVER! We even composed a few haiku enroute (will post once I remember them all!)... Seeing people running for fallen comrades or children, many with photos on the backs of their shirts... Running past family homes and then all the glorious buildings and monuments on the Mall (AND stopping to take photos along the way (Rich can't believe I was doing that even with the threat of the bridge)... Getting through the last 6 miles slowly because a) we were bored and b) we knew the medal was within our grasp... Sprinting to the finish because I heard a marine say: "Go and get it" and I DID!... Wearing my medal with pride on the plane ride home and every day to work because I know how many months it took to earn it... Smiling and nearly crying when my manager organized a SURPRISE welcome back reception for me at the office, complete with balloons and a banner across my cubicle illustrated by her daughter --Thanks Jenny and everybody on the L&D team, it was SO NICE of you - I was truly touched!!!
The online race tracking features are truly amazing. Sorry for the hundreds of emails the system sent you if you signed up for tracking (it should only have been 7 with updates for mile 5, 10, half (13.1), 15, 18, 22, and the Finish. You can still see me move through the course (press Play on this Map Track link and watch my dot move along with the elevation). Both our families were able to follow us along the route as if they were there and see where we were when the winners crossed the finish line. Rich's mom sent us printouts at various stages - thanks! - a lovely souvenir for the scrapbook... PLUS the continuous text messages let my local friends know exactly where I'd be on the route so they could be there to cheer me on. My emails will stay in my gmail account for posterity as well as the link to my finisher's website.
Can't believe it's all over... a bit anti-climactic, really. I'm looking for things to do on Tuesdays and Thursdays now. Before the race I never thought I'd run another marathon but now I think I might, not sure how soon. Next year I'm already planning the Big Sur Half Marathon in November 2008 so Wes and Marcella reserve your guestroom now! So maybe this time next year you'll be reading about our exploits on the west coast?
Check back later this week for more post-race posts and official race photos from haikugirl...
Congratulations!
Richard ran the marathon
faster than Al Gore
(this link connects you to videos of the finish line from the Washington Post - find the 4:45 block and look for Richard in a white shirt and cap, raising his hands as he crosses the finish)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
THANK YOU for your support!
The calls and emails are pouring in and I feel like Bartles & James (those old guys from the wine cooler ads in the late 80s): "We thank you for your support!"
THANK YOU, thank you to our wonderful family and friends for all your warm wishes and cheers - we can't believe that race weekend is actually upon us. After 39 weeks of training (nearly 9 months for me - over a year for Rich) we're flying south to run our butts off at the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 28th. Rich (a.k.a. "the star") expects to complete the 42K (26.2 miles) in under 5 hours. MMP (a.k.a. "haikugirl", a.k.a. "the tortoise") plans to cross the finish line in about 6 and a half hours. That's right, almost a workday of running with lunch and bathroom breaks slotted in. Sounds ridiculous to some of you (especially those who've done a marathon in under 4 hours - Keith & Riz you are SUPAHSTARS!) but that's my pace and I'm sticking to it. Then hopefully I will make the bridge and get my medal and a hug from a marine (see photo below!!). Mostly because I said I would and won't take no for an answer from anyone at this point. (You should have seen me run after the bus yesterday - he finally opened his door and let me on: VICTORY!)
BIG HUGS to all the JeansMarines who are heading down to DC to run or walk this race. Apparently there will be over 50 of us. I want to send SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENT to my running partner Hardish and our running inspiration Mary H who are nursing injuries and fighting on, determined to race: YOU GO GIRLS! Remember the marine motto: Semper Fidelis (always faithful) and the unnoficial one: no one gets left behind. (Did you know there are no female marines - only marines? ;-)
Want to feel part of the marathon action? Sign up for remote runner tracking and receive live split times and finish results via pager, text message or email. Or, you can check our bib numbers after the race on the RESULTS page of the Marine Corps Marathon website marinemarathon.com. My bib number is: 30410, Richard's is 30409.
You can also send an e-greeting card from the Marine Corps Marathon to encourage a runner or congratulate a finisher. Use my gmail address at haikugirl.com) - see post below for samples.
LOVE TO ALL - TALK SOON - haikugirl
P.S. I posted some marathon haiku on the MCM discussion board. Check it out!
haiku on the road
takes us to the finish line
one step at a time
THANK YOU, thank you to our wonderful family and friends for all your warm wishes and cheers - we can't believe that race weekend is actually upon us. After 39 weeks of training (nearly 9 months for me - over a year for Rich) we're flying south to run our butts off at the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 28th. Rich (a.k.a. "the star") expects to complete the 42K (26.2 miles) in under 5 hours. MMP (a.k.a. "haikugirl", a.k.a. "the tortoise") plans to cross the finish line in about 6 and a half hours. That's right, almost a workday of running with lunch and bathroom breaks slotted in. Sounds ridiculous to some of you (especially those who've done a marathon in under 4 hours - Keith & Riz you are SUPAHSTARS!) but that's my pace and I'm sticking to it. Then hopefully I will make the bridge and get my medal and a hug from a marine (see photo below!!). Mostly because I said I would and won't take no for an answer from anyone at this point. (You should have seen me run after the bus yesterday - he finally opened his door and let me on: VICTORY!)
BIG HUGS to all the JeansMarines who are heading down to DC to run or walk this race. Apparently there will be over 50 of us. I want to send SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENT to my running partner Hardish and our running inspiration Mary H who are nursing injuries and fighting on, determined to race: YOU GO GIRLS! Remember the marine motto: Semper Fidelis (always faithful) and the unnoficial one: no one gets left behind. (Did you know there are no female marines - only marines? ;-)
Want to feel part of the marathon action? Sign up for remote runner tracking and receive live split times and finish results via pager, text message or email. Or, you can check our bib numbers after the race on the RESULTS page of the Marine Corps Marathon website marinemarathon.com. My bib number is: 30410, Richard's is 30409.
You can also send an e-greeting card from the Marine Corps Marathon to encourage a runner or congratulate a finisher. Use my gmail address at haikugirl.com) - see post below for samples.
LOVE TO ALL - TALK SOON - haikugirl
P.S. I posted some marathon haiku on the MCM discussion board. Check it out!
haiku on the road
takes us to the finish line
one step at a time
MCM Greetings
You can send runners Congratulations/Encouragement E-Cards from
the 2007 MARINE CORPS MARATHON !!!
Here are two AWESOME graphics (and awesome haiku):
haikugirl: it's time
weeks of training culminate
in a strong finish
visualize the prize:
you will get your MEDAL and
HUG from a MARINE!
the 2007 MARINE CORPS MARATHON !!!
Here are two AWESOME graphics (and awesome haiku):
haikugirl: it's time
weeks of training culminate
in a strong finish
visualize the prize:
you will get your MEDAL and
HUG from a MARINE!
Friday, October 19, 2007
YouTube: Project Direct
You Tube has a filmmaking project and I have a new mission in life:
Direct a unique 2-7 minute film which includes these 3 elements:
1. A character facing a situation above his/her maturity level.
2. The line of dialogue:
"I demand an explanation for these shenanigans. What do you have to say?"
3. The passing of a photograph.
Watch the video with Jason Reitman for more info.
Submissions are due November 9th. (Just in time for my trip to Winnipeg!)
"If you win, you're going to a major international film festival where you'll attend surprise industry events, meet with executives from Fox Searchlight Pictures, and show your film at a private event. You'll also see your winning short broadcast on the home page of YouTube in countries all over the world, and you'll win a $5000 debit card." (YAY debit!)
Visit Project: Direct on YouTube for details.
Direct a unique 2-7 minute film which includes these 3 elements:
1. A character facing a situation above his/her maturity level.
2. The line of dialogue:
"I demand an explanation for these shenanigans. What do you have to say?"
3. The passing of a photograph.
Watch the video with Jason Reitman for more info.
Submissions are due November 9th. (Just in time for my trip to Winnipeg!)
"If you win, you're going to a major international film festival where you'll attend surprise industry events, meet with executives from Fox Searchlight Pictures, and show your film at a private event. You'll also see your winning short broadcast on the home page of YouTube in countries all over the world, and you'll win a $5000 debit card." (YAY debit!)
Visit Project: Direct on YouTube for details.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
2500 years of herioc running....
So good old Pheidippides ran the distance from Marathon, Greece to Athens back in 490 BC then collapsed and died from exhaustion after announcing the Greeks' victory over the Persians (conflicting stories about exactly what he said: "Niki" (victory) or "Rejoice we conquer"). The modern marathon is even longer than he had to go (he did 40K, the modern distance is 42K or 26.2 miles)
Here are more links with marathon stories and marathon history
FYI: The route for this weekend's Chicago Marathon was closed at the halfway point due to the heat - I hope the weather is kind to us on October 28 in DC. One of our JeansMarines completed the full marathon in 5:12 despite the heat - way to go Frances (bib 21471)! At 56 you beat my former classmate Dan from Calgary, who did 5:40 at age 43 (bib 22077). Check the website to search for their race results.
Here are more links with marathon stories and marathon history
FYI: The route for this weekend's Chicago Marathon was closed at the halfway point due to the heat - I hope the weather is kind to us on October 28 in DC. One of our JeansMarines completed the full marathon in 5:12 despite the heat - way to go Frances (bib 21471)! At 56 you beat my former classmate Dan from Calgary, who did 5:40 at age 43 (bib 22077). Check the website to search for their race results.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
How to annoy runners...
Yes runners can be annoyed. Now that I am a runner (or as Frances likes to say "a long distance athlete") I thought I'd share this comic. Especially since my friend Ted Fisher commented on a previous post "if bears wearing track shoes were chasing me" he could maybe make it 3 miles. Ted they're stealing ideas from your head (or my blog).
Before Hardish and I feel too smug, we have our last big training run this Saturday. 35 kilometres - over 21 miles. It's the farthest we've ever run. It should take us about 5 and a half hours. Hard to imagine doing any activity for that long. Pray it's a good weather day...
Monday, October 01, 2007
WE DID IT IN TORONTO!
It was a great feeling to finish the half marathon (21K) on Sunday. Richard did it in 2:16:22 (chip time) and Hardish and I held hands and crossed the finish line together at 3:08:59. Check it all out at SportStats.ca or scroll through the half marathon results and find our names (at 3810 for Rich and 5139th place for me out of 5364). I was actually 435 out of 461 for my age group which means 25 more people my age finished behind me. So there.
The winner John Kelai of Kenya ran the fastest marathon ever on Canadian soil: 2:09:30 WOW! The full marathon in less time than we did the half. We watched the elite runners pass by us on their way home (we were still heading out) and it was nice to share the course with them even for a few seconds...
Richard and I are wearing our finishers medals at work today. Thanks to Pavlina for her photos!!!
Now focus shifts to our full marathon (42K) in DC less than a month away. Just found out they changed the course for 2007 so the first half is very hilly. We will do some hill training here, and then WE WILL DO IT IN WASHINGTON!!
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