How Have You Been Doing?
I truly want to ask… how have you been doing? I know quarantine has not been easy for most of us, but we are getting through this together and it shows. I have loved the check ins with friends, phone calls and spontaneous messages I have been receiving lately. Therefore I ask again… how have you been doing?
How have I been doing you ask? I recently re-read my last blog post, and thought a follow up was necessary since a lot has changed since two months ago. I am no longer injured (thank god), have profoundly improved my skills in the kitchen, and even completed an adult-colouring book! In case you’re wondering what else I’ve been up to, I suggest you keep reading…
Workouts. I have been loving the extra time quarantine has provided me to workout. During my off-season earlier this year I pushed myself really hard. Like REALLY hard. I pushed myself so hard that I just kept injuring myself. Over and over again. I kept having this vision, this dream to become a paddling champion, and by putting my body through excruciating pain was how I was going to achieve this dream. However I have learned something incredible from this down time that we all have been sharing… just how damn well important it is to take care of your body and to take care of it well. When the lockdown began, I learned from Paddle Monster’s own Larry Cain that now is the time to maintain your health status, and NOT to push yourself. By forcing myself to take a step back, and to exercise to maintain my strength, my body actually healed. Not only has my body been healing, it’s been feeling healthier and stronger than ever before. My core strength for paddling has improved immensely, my endurance session timings have bettered dramatically, and all injury free! Lesson learned… there are smarter ways to train to become a champion. My dreams are still very real and achievable, and I am so appreciative that I have discovered a better and safer way to achieve my goals.
Eight point planks taught by Accel Australia
The new routine I have been able to accomplish over the past two months includes two workouts a day, as well as taking time to stretch properly. Here are some of the resources I have been using that have helped my body feel incredible…
Paddling. After stepping on my paddle board for the first time in five weeks it felt like I could breathe again. Everyone during this pandemic has had to give up or has lost something that they love at one point, whether that be time with friends, family or a job. For me that was paddling. I put aside my passion for five long weeks because I knew others were giving up things that were way more important than my sport. It didn’t seem fair and just for me to be paddling while others were struggling (and some still are) to make money, and put food on the table. This time off gave me time to reflect, write, and examine my life and what matters most. What matters the most to me you ask? The people who fill my life. As important as paddling is to me and my identity, it is not the sole definition of who I am. I am who I am because of the people who surround me, support me and lift me up each and every single day. Therefore a shoutout to my incredible friends and family for all you have done for me is needed. These people were also the ones who said it was time for me to get back out on the water again…
My view of Lake Erie / Sponsors: Starboard SUP North America, Black Project SUP and Beast Shakes
Therefore this past week was the first week I have returned to the sport I cherish so much. It has brought my confidence, and mental health back to a happier place and I cannot express truly just how grateful I am for this. During my last paddle out on Lake Erie, I sat on my paddle board for five minutes and just stared out at the horizon. I soaked up every ray of the sun, filled my lungs with the fresh air and looked out at the vast amount of water around me. To be where I was in that moment was one of the most gratifying experiences I have had in a long time. If this pandemic has taught me anything else, it is that I will never take paddling for granted ever again. No matter how hard a training session may be, I will never wish to come off the water ever again.
Kitchen and FOOD!!! If you know me, you know how much I LOVE food! I joke with my friends often (but not really) about the reason why I paddle so much, is so that I can eat so much. Having more time off has meant that I get to cook dinner most nights, and experiment with new recipes. My favourites come from a book called ‘Yum and Yummer’ by Greta Podleski. They are easy recipes with simple ingredients and they don’t take a lot of time to make. I highly encourage you to take your skills to the kitchen if you are looking for something to do and have some free time!
Making my dad’s beef and broccoli recipe. Its packed with lots of veggies and it’s super yummy!
Downtime. This is a funny one to write about. My down time comes and goes in waves. When I’m working on my thesis project my head is completely in the books and has my 100% focus. There isn’t much downtime when my thesis is a priority. However when I’m not working out, paddling, cooking or working on my masters project, I make sure to take the time to totally chill out. I take my dog for walks around my neighbourhood, catch up with my friends on the phone, ride my ripstick (LOL yes I have one), colour, and watch some TV.
Luna and I just forgetting about the world…
Now that I have filled you in on what’s been keeping me busy (and sane), I’d like to return to my first question… how have you been doing? If you’ve read this far I would genuinely love to know how you have been during this uneasy time. Whether you’d like to share a new recipe with me, want to talk about paddling, or just say hi, I’d love to hear from you! Stay happy, stay safe, stay healthy everyone! I’m sure we’ll talk soon…
xoxo - Maddi :)