Watch that ice under that snow!

I had an alright spin class tonight. Didn't do the hills nor the higher spin speed like the others, but I still got in 45 min. Felt good just to move my legs, but I could definitely feel the tension in my neck and shoulders so could only go so fast and tried to sit straight up from time to time.

I drove home afterwards, not particularly fast, not much more than 35kph because of the snow, and when I saw the yellow light, I started braking. Well, you know what? Greta, my little car who only has 4-season tires right now, refused to listen. Seems that she and the ice underneath her had some "issues". I pumped the brakes and was happy to only trespass the pedestrian zone instead of stick Greta's nose out into the oncoming traffic. Whew! I've got a new insurance company, but really, I don't feel like testing them out quite yet ...

My tri club coach, Erik, told me that he had had a really bad car accident as well years back, total write-off with the car wrapping itself around a tree. Told me he was scared of driving for months ... I guess that's sorta where I am ... wary, cautious, a little scared. What doesn't help is that Greta and I are still getting to know each other - she's still an acquaintance! Funny ... she's much harder to parallel park than my old Ford Escort wagon which was much longer, though I guess after seven years of having the same car, one gets quite familiar and comfortable.

This is my friend, Mercury. He's actually the father of one of my best friends and also a Montreal Coolrunner, like me. This past Sunday morning, he had a great run with some of the other members and gave them a "run for their money" even with his injured hamstring. This man is an incredible, well-respected runner and does well in his races, always has.

Why is his pic here? Well, he wanted to say "hi" to everyone and say he's doing alright now. Folks, it's incredible how life can change in the blink of an eye. Less than 24 hours after that great run on the mountain, he got really sick and went to the hospital, got diagnosed with an aggressive bacterial infection, and received emergency intestinal surgery.

I spoke with him tonight on the phone and he mentioned that he was still thinking of running Boston. I reminded him that he had an 8 inch incision and it would take some time to heal after the surgery. Then he said, and I could feel the smile on his face, "A man can still dream, can't he?" Well, Mercury, here's wishing you a speedy recovery, one as fast as you can run ... Everyone now, please send him some warm, positive healing vibes :-)