Wednesday, August 18, 2010

2010 has been one crazy ride!

I haven't written a blog in ages and so much has gone on. I've taken on a new job, had an amazing summer of training on my bike and competing in triathlons, been hiking all around Vancouver and even completed an insane one-day 14 hour total body exhaustion hike! So here we go...

Things in life happen for a reason - I'm a strong believer in that. I called up a friend to meet for coffee, show him my photos from travelling in Asia and the next thing I know, I've been offered an interview with someone in his company for a very coveted job. I went through the ranks of those applying for and got myself a great job, I'm even thinking career! I now work at TD Waterhouse as a Developing Investment Advisor. I say 'Developing" as it's a 3-year program training new hires to become a fully accredited investment advisor. Currently I'm half way through a 90-day training program, after which I begin building my books and acquiring assets to manage. I have always taken a keen interest in business and have loved being the centre of attention in social events so this position forces me to do both - and I will. Having passed my Canadian Securities Course and compliance programs, I am currently enrolled in Hedge Fund Management and BC Life Insurance courses, furthering my knowledge and ability to do the very best for my clients.

Training for triathlons this year has been totally awesome. With a few missed opportunities to compete in a few races, I only manged two all season. I did the North Shore sprint tri, finishing with a respectable time of 1:08 then trained very hard for my race of the season in Penticton, completing it in a personal best time of 2:26 (Olympic distance). What made that race so awesome was the support crew cheering me on. At almost every turn on the run, friends were rooting me on and on the bike course I would pass people I knew wishing them luck and then leave them in my dust!! haha!

The rest of my training this summer has been without a doubt the best times of my life. There were so many people around me to have fun with and so many good vibes always in the air, how could one not love getting on the bike or running in the trails for fun...

So here we go with the creme-de-la-creme of one day events... ok, it's not an ultra marathon or an ironman, but I'm working up to one of those... My buddy Ashley and I decided last year to 'up the ante' on our triple crown challenge to something insane this go around. On August 2nd, we set out at 6am from Park Royal and rode our bikes up Mount Seymour. At the top, we were met by Ashley's girlfriend and another friend to ditch the bikes and change into hiking gear. From there we all hiked to the 3rd peak of Seymour. Making our way back to the bikes, we saddled up and headed out to Cypress. The ride up Cypress Mountain was tough and we both could feel the grind coming before us. To the top we went and again, set out on foot to the peak of Mt. Strachan. A few photos later and a couple of high fives, we needed to high tail it to Grouse before the Grind gates closed at 7:30pm! Arriving by 7pm, we had done it - all we needed to do then was climb up a little trail. Bah... the Grind never felt so long in my life! We all slogged it up there and arrived at the top. We were pooped! All in all an amazing day with some great people. Next year is part 3 - what will be set out to do...?

Now with the summer wrapping up, a new chapter in my life is beginning. On September 1-5, I am once again riding my bike with the Cyclebetes team across BC. I am raising money for the ride and have recieved some great support from family and friends. This year's ride has more meaning that last year as I have been able to see exactly how diabetics live daily rather than just reading about it before last year's ride. They truely are inspirational people and the Cyclebetes group embraces that. We finish the ride in Cadboro Bay on September 5th and have a comunity ride in North Vancouver on September 4th. We're hoping for as many people as possible to come out and join in!

I have learned so much this year about myself, through challenges, emotions, setbacks and accomplishments and want thank those around me who have shared it. As I begin my professional career I will remind myself to take a step back, a moment out of each day, just to have a deep breath and enjoy what's going on! Carpe Diem.

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