March 12, 2008

ON THE RUN IN WHISTLER

RENEGADE photo-tour: Another shot of my home town, Whistler — the place Jessica and Luke take a short and risky detour while on the run from the Triad. Above is the path I ran myself today. And below is the Upper Village shot earlier in the season. There really was a photo shop in the same spot the book describes (in the Upper Village), but it has since moved. It was to the right of those orange pylons in the photo. And behind the white cloud in the backdrop hides the Whistler Mountain ski hills.

My Path today: The Rainbow trail above, until it got too smooshy and my toes too wet and frostbitten. 40 mins run/walk.

My Music: You Can Get If You Really Want It - Desmond Dekker.

March 11, 2008

REACHING A TURNING POINT

RENEGADE photo-tour: This is Whistler Village, where Luke and Jessica go to develop the film the Triad is prepared to kill for. It’s a side trip Luke never intended taking, and it marks a key turning point in the HEART OF A RENEGADE.

It’s also my home

***

As an aside, I’ve been inspired by  Cole to lace up the old running shoes again, and aim for another marathon in the Fall. And I couldn’t feel happier for the decision. I met Cole through my books, my blog, her blog, and the blogs of others, and have come to consider her my friend (Hope you don’t object, Nicole!). And recently I have been infected by the energy and way she has tackled some things in life, and once again am reminded how setting — and achieving – physical goals can help everything else — including writing — fit into place.

It gives you control, it gives you power, it makes you feel strong, and everything else seems to hum back into harmony. I know, it sounds sappy. But believe me, it works. And I sure missed not having the bookend of a Fall marathon last year.
I felt lost.

I meandered into winter, not as sharply focused. I worked hard. I got my books done. But something was missing. Some verve. Some spring in my step.

But I’m back! I didn’t train last year because of a problem knee — but if it plays up again, I will walk that marathon. With poles  if I can. And as fast as I can :). Already my days have fresh focus. And there’s that feeling of laughter in my step. Thanks, Cole. And happy running ……

My Path: 40 minutes run/walk. Round Whistler Golf Course. Cold with flecks of snow. Air heavy and beautiful.

November 17, 2007

IT’S COMING …

But the alpine has tons. And the Mountains did officially open for the season today. May it be a good one!

October 8, 2007

GOALS — AND WRITING

Almost to this day last year  I ran a marathon – in Victoria, BC (as I have done the last two years). But last year, I also ran another one, in Honolulu, in December.

I loved the way those marathon goals structured my life last year. They kept the writer balanced with the wannabe athlete in me.  In fact, they kept a lot of things focused in me.  

But his year, because my knees were shot – I did not have those same  physical goals. And I did not have my October marathon bookend.  I felt the loss come Thanksgiving weekend. I felt something was missing.  

I have, however,  written three books  since this same day last October – but somehow I do not feel that same sense of total accomplishment.  Something is lacking.  I have gone soft, and I don’t like it.

It reminds me of the need for us to balance our lives as writers. It reminds me of the importance of having  goals outside of the books. And with that in mind … I am setting some new ones …

 Stay tuned …  Because they should be fun