Sorry I've been off the grid...

Soo...since May I've been off the grid with everything. I haven't been cycling much at all (I've gone out three times since returning from the Penticton trip), and I've basically just been trying to keep myself out of the ground. I've recently reached out for help and am now on the 'road to recovery'.  I may start to talk about mental health topics, including self help resources, my personal experiences mixed in with other information. All I ask is a place free of judgment, for myself and others who may feel the same way I do. And one thing I'd like to tell those of you suffering or going through a hard time, is that no matter how hard it is, giving up is NEVER an option.

Penticton ~ Day 2

I arrived in Penticton, B.C. two days ago. I did a 30km steady climb yesterday.

Today was a long, hard, steep climb. 

The first bit was straight and quick, little hills. We turned on to Green Ave. and rode up a 13% grade incline for a few blocks.  

We then went downhill, turned on to Hospital Climb (6-8% grade) and went up 2km then turned around. 

Then went downhill all the way back home. We went through downtown Penticton, and cruised along at 30km/h back to our hotel. 

Penticton In Less Than A Week!

Cycling in Penticton, B.C. during Easter (Spring) Break!
Leaving April 2nd, and returning April 12, I'll be flying back.

I'll probably bike five-six times (personal and  weather depending).

Goal is to bike more than 50km (all my rides last year were 50km or less), and I should be stronger this year, so goal is for longer rides.  

The rides will be just my Papa and I, so that'll be nice to have some quality time together on our bikes.

First Day at "Work"

I'm taking a class called Carrer & Work Exploration and I've done my in-class portion. I'm now doing my work experience portion, which is 60 hours. I'm going to a Health Clinic for therapy and mental health. There will be professors there taking our questions and giving information about what I want to do in my future. This clinic is on March 11, and goes all day. The amount of time I am gone for this will be taken off of my required 60 work hours. The event will last about 7 hours, so I can take 7 hours off of working at my work placement.  My first day went good. Days 4 & 5 I will be doing prep work for my employer (gr 1 teacher), and every other day will be reading and math, or art. 

Cycling - Spin Class

5 more weeks until spring! 

My average cadence was 88 tonight, which is great for an average.

Intervals with 6 minutes of Zone 5, 15 seconds on, 15 seconds off (Zone1). 

Then again, but for 5 minutes.

Will be cycling in Penticton, BC for my whole Easter break! That's coming up fast, only a month and a half until we leave. I fly back, to cut time and give us more time on the bike.

Cycling - Spin Class

Nailed my goal right on the spot! 

85 cadence AND I felt great after! 

This included the low cadence I had while taking a break, as well as the high cadence I kept for the intervals.

This is why I love cyclocross, it tires me out then I get hyper/good mood after!  

Definately worth it.

New Rule At School

I use my phone for music when I'm in class, I really only have two people to text and they don't text me a lot.  I listen to the music during individual work time, not when the teachers are giving us instructions.  Music keeps me calm and keeps my mental processes at bay, it keeps my internal thoughts at a minimum, and helps me to focus.
That is the reason I use my phone in class.  I don't fool around, I don't talk at all, I don't even have that opportunity.  I am in school for a purpose and I am here to learn and get good grades so I can have a successful future.  I want good grades, I want to try, and I want to be at school.
But teachers, and the school board, need to realise that this is society right now.  Music helps so many people and taking it away isn't fair to the students who really do try, get good grades (or try/want to get good grades) .  Sure, there are students who fool around, slack off, and truly don't want to be there; but it will hit them one day.  And they will be sorry and they will want to get somewhere.  They will find that one thing that makes them want to be alive, whether they are fifteen, or twenty-six.