The End

Well, we have finally made it to the end! Two terms, dozens of essays, countless labs and a couple handfuls of exams later, another year at McGill has gone by. And in between all of these we've walked, ran, cycled and swam. We've played frisbee, gone skating, done yoga and skied. We've tried new exercises, learned new sports and challenged ourselves to be the best athletes we can be. There's an excellent reason McGill is the best school in the country and one of the top universities in the world: its students are dedicated, determined and strive for nothing less than the best. This year we've seen our fellow students succeed in social efforts, academics and sports. We are among the top students and athletes in the world and we prove ourselves time and time again.

Recovering from a severe injury this year, I rediscovered the necessity of maintaining proper fitness. I had to adapt the way I did many activities and I had to learn new exercises. Changing my lifestyle was difficult, not to mention I was unable to pursue some of my favourite sports. But life goes on, and I was gradually able to regain my strength, mobility and confidence. An active lifestyle not only helped me heal physically, but helped me manage the psychological trauma I experienced as a result of the injury. Regular exercise helped keep me calm and provided me with an outlet for stress. Beyond physical activities, McGill's Sports Medicine Clinic and my physiotherapist guided me in my recuperation and along my path to full recovery.

In September, I never thought the day would come when I could step out my front door and go for a run. Today is that day. It feels fantastic to be able to realise my goals and I have loved sharing this year with you. Thank you to all the dedicated readers and to those who may only now be discovering the blog. 

I wish you all a relaxing, enjoyable and active summer. See you next year!

- Martlet Girl

Sunshine and Fresh Air

Spring has finally sprung! After a long, snowy winter, the orientation of the Earth's axis has tilted in our favour. Walking through Jeanne Mance park, Montreal feels alive again: kids climb on the jungle gym, dogs play in the field, guys on skateboards ride through the empty wading pool, a soccer league has its first game, players littler the diamond for pick-up baseball, and there are walkers and joggers galore. Maybe it was the fresh air getting to my head, but I was on such a high and could not stop smiling as I walked through. Adrenaline was rushing through me and I hadn't even started my workout yet! The second I got home, I swapped my jeans for shorts and boots for sneakers and was out the door again.

My artistic interpretation of human photosynthesis!

Running through the park, I almost tripped over fallen branches because I couldn't stop looking around me, amazed by the energy and joy of the park-goers and in awe of the beauty of springtime. Have you ever noticed how awesome the trees look with all that green moss on their trunks and branches? What about the smell of mud? That's great stuff. I swear, I must have been tripping on photosynthesis happening in my own brain. The sun was shining, I was running, everyone around me was happy and life was good.

Exams might be looming over our heads, but it's hard to resist the beautiful weather! A little fresh air and human photosynthesis is enough to make the day feel a little brighter. You might think you can get your dose of Vitamin D by sitting in the Redpath fish bowl or running on a treadmill by the window at midday, but nothing beats a stroll through the park.

Enjoy the season!

- Martlet Girl

Your inner kid

Sometimes we all need a reminder to not take life too seriously. It's tough while finals are overwhelming and it seems like passing a class is the only way to feel like we're succeeding at life, but remembering to seek out the smaller joys of life can be the most rewarding. I've recently started teaching swimming lessons at community pool and working with so many bright, enthusiastic and smiling children has brought out my inner kid.

I teach a few groups throughout the week with the ages ranging from infants to 12 year-olds, but the group that stands out to me are the six year-olds. They're at an age where everything is awesome and they totally keen to go along with whatever silly game I create. We splash, swim, dive and jump with the help of colourful noodles, sinky toys and foam animals. Every class they're bursting with energy and excitement and are the happiest when they're swimming around. At the end of a class, I feel tired out but they're just getting started! Sure, they may not have all the worries of tests, essays and exams, and they don't have a coffee addiction or a strong dependency on late-night bowls of Cheerios, but we were like them once, and we can be like them again.

It's all about finding your inner kid. I find mine by swimming -- one of my favourite childhood joys. Try searching for yours! Maybe it's skating, going for a bike ride, roller blading, playing soccer, reenacting your TMNT days or walking your dog. No matter what it is, find it and enjoy it. Experiencing genuine happiness is important for our well-being. Health is more than physical-- it's psychological, and together the two are a winning combination.


- Martlet Girl

Couch Potato Athlete

This week was a stressful one. I just couldn't seem to escape the storm of final assignments, papers, tests, presentations and never-ending readings. A trip to the gym was not looking like a possibility. Instead of passively accepting my exercise-less week, I opted for a home workout instead.

Thursday morning, my roommate and I were studying at the kitchen table as usual when I could no longer tolerate the jitters in my legs. Too stressed to sacrifice time going to the gym, but too antsy to study, I tossed on my gym shorts and rolled out my yoga mat. Reps of jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, squats, tricep dips and wall sits made up my workout. When I came around to my 2-minute plank reps, my roommate decided to join me. Aptly labelling herself a "couch potato athlete", her attempts at a plank were half-hearted. With her textbook laid out below her, she held plank for about five seconds before exhaling in exhaustion and collapsing onto the floor. We laughed and she tried again but claimed that laughing was a better workout than planking. Twenty minutes later when I finished up my exercises, I found her still lying on the kitchen floor, this time cuddled up with a fuzzy pillow while she flipped through her textbook. I guess anyone with a 4.0 GPA doesn't really have time for a workout.

I'm trying to make these home workouts a regular occurrence and I've had some luck so far, but once finals kick into high gear, I think I'll just live on campus and use the gym. They have everything! Food, showers, exercise space, study spots and even places to sleep (*cough, cough* SSMU lounge). But if you're a normal, sane person who just doesn't have all that much time to exercise, take a walk around your neighbourhood or a quick saunter to the park and back. The sun is shining and the air is getting warmer -- perfect antidote for stress!

- Martlet Girl

I ran!!

I ran! I ran! Finally!! This week I made huge strides (literally) toward my ultimate goal: running. Sure, it was only for ten minutes on the treadmill after I finished up on the elliptical, but it's something. Next stop: Varsity Track! Okay, maybe not, but it was incredibly uplifting to feel my body comfortably fall back into such a familiar rhythm. This was the first time I've run since June of last year. I'll have to start with small increments to help my body readjust to the impact, but this was exciting news I had to share!

In other running news, McGill's Varsity Track and Field team has been enjoying some success during their indoor season. At the end of February, McGill hosted the RSEQ championships and perhaps there was a bit of home crowd luck because although the Redmen team wound up third, the Martlets won their first RSEQ title in six years! Sherbrooke had previously dominated the competition, but came second this year. Alana Battiston was named female athlete of the meet after winning two gold medals, three silver and a bronze, and setting a school record in pentathlon. She went on the the CIS national championships in Alberta and while coming in fifth, she broke her record again! How's that for #McGillPride?

Want to scratch your racing itch? There are road races that happen around Montreal throughout the warmer months. This weekend there is a 5km and a 10km race happening in LaSalle and plenty more throughout the spring, summer and fall. It's easy to sign up online: there is usually a fee, but it's totally worth it. It's a fun atmosphere and participants come from all different levels of training and ability. Who knows, maybe you'll spot me at one of the races!

Happy running!

- Martlet Girl

Ski Day

Mont St-Sauveur & Mont Avila (~1hr from Mtl)

After a week of sleeping, waking up at 8 am for my Monday class was an unwelcome reality. Not to mention waking up on Sunday only to discover I had lost an hour to Daylight Savings! That certainly got me out of bed quicker as I wasn't keen on losing any time on the ski slopes!

I was lucky to finish off my reading week with a family ski day at Mont Saint Sauveur. Much to my surprise, there was hardly anyone there! Lift lines were short and the runs weren't crowded making for a relaxed and enjoyable day. This was only the second time this winter that I've gone skiing. The first was over break and I was quite nervous about it since I was (and still am) recovering from my back injury. This time around I felt more comfortable but I was still cautious. It's reassuring to know that my aches the next day aren't the injury re-manifesting itself, but my body readjusting to different activities. Regardless, it is still inconvenient and resulted in my having to leave a class halfway through because sitting for three hours straight was difficult.

On a positive note, it was such a blast to get out of the city and hang out with my dad and brother. Although I was sore the next day, skiing was so much fun! It was definitely worth challenging my body in a new way to work toward a full recovery. As the mercury rises, plenty of ski hills are still open for the spring season! The McGill Ski and Snowboard Club has weekly outings (usually on Saturdays). For an awesome day, join this enthusiastic, snow-loving group of people to shred some pow! This weekend they're heading to Stowe, Vermont. All skill levels welcome!

See ya on the slopes!

- Martlet Girl

You are what you eat!

It's March Break. Finally!! The time of year when we get to sleep in, eat whatever and play video games all day long. I did this for the first few days but by Tuesday, a stack of pancakes coated in maple syrup everyday for breakfast was leaving me feeling a little lethargic once my afternoon workout rolled around. I tried to tell myself that there were fruits in the pancakes and that maple syrup was organic, but my body post-exercise told me otherwise. 

Anyone else see this commercial?

When people who are trying to get in shape ask me for workout ideas, I tell them the first step to a healthier lifestyle is what they put in their bodies. We were all told in elementary by the school nurse on nutrition day that "we are what we eat" followed by exaggerated pictures of donut-shaped and broccoli-shaped kids on a soccer field. Well it's true. Perhaps those pictures weren't far off after all. When I went to the gym this morning, I certainly felt much better working out after a healthy breakfast of oatmeal and orange slices than I did yesterday after waffles with a chocolate drizzle.

I know it's tempting to give into treats over the break, but don't forget your New Year's resolutions! Many of us have forgotten ours by now, but hang in there! My favourite ways to stay healthy are to have healthy potlucks with friends, pair up with a gym buddy, or try a new sport. Don't forget the Pay-As-You-Go classes at the McGill gym, either! Plenty of opportunities to keep you going all semester long.

My favourite healthy breakfast ideas to boost your day:
- Oatmeal (with berries instead of sugar to flavour)
- Scrambled eggs on toast with a side of grilled mushrooms and tomatoes (à la Chef Ramsay) >>you will never eat eggs another way again! *delicious*
- Red River hot cereal sweetened with maple syrup
- Whole grain toast with peanut butter (or almond butter) and sliced bananas (perfect for a busy morning)

Bon appétit!

- Martlet Girl

Intramural Hockey: An observation

Despite my injury this year, I've found various ways to stay involved with sports. I might not be able to do all my favourite activities, but I can still enjoy them from other sides: watching figure skating on TV, checking out the track & field events at McGill, trying out different activities, and officiating. Back home, I was a scorekeeper for a number of years at my local arena and this year I've been timekeeping McGill's intramural hockey. It's been a cool way to meet some new people and to keep in touch with a sport I grew up around. However, I've noticed some behavioural changes in the players as they get older...

When kids are 8 or 10 years old and playing houseleague hockey with their neighbourhood friends, they're just looking to have fun, skate around, and hopefully score a few times. They're excited about the game, playing with their friends and emulating their NHL idols. But as they get older, the bright eyes fade and the pure joy drains. What happened? I don't know what changes in the players' minds, but it seems like all of a sudden when kids hit a certain age (sometime in their teens), their attitude towards hockey changes. It's as if what was fun becomes war, and they have to win the war at all costs.

I've played team sports my whole life and I've even played intramural here, so I understand how one gets immersed in the game and how one becomes very passionate about one's team and one's desire to succeed. But then why all the aggression towards opposing players? Why the horrendous verbal attacks at the referees? Why the need to storm off the ice in a fury? The McGill intramural program states on their webpage that "Individuals are encouraged to participate in the spirit of fair play and good sportsmanship." I don't believe fair play is antagonizing your opponents, nor is good sportsmanship mouthing off to the officials or playing dirty. Although this behaviour is certainly not characteristic of all players, I have witnessed and experienced this enough times to identify the trend. I should also note that it's not confined to our peers, but to adults as well. I have seen profs loose it in an intramural game as often as students, and parents in the stands are no role models either. 

I know we all want to do well in our favourite sports, but let's try to be considerate of our teammates, our opponents, the officials and the good name of the sport. While sometimes we all get aggressively passionate about something we care about, we have to keep in mind that we are not the only ones on the ice, on the field or on the track. Next time you go out to play, think about those houseleague years when all you wanted to do was have a good time. With a positive attitude and enthusiastic approach, you will definitely find that you enjoy yourself more and so will everyone around you.


Now, go out there and have FUN!


- Martlet Girl

Elliptical Newbie

Overwhelmed by midterm stress? Tell me about it! This weekend was a rough one. I was so overwhelmed by essays and tests that I didn't think I was going to find time for a workout. As I was trying to garner some self-determination to finish one of my essays, I decided that the most productive form of procrastination (after cleaning and baking) was exercise.

As a not-so-consistent gym-goer, I was tossing ideas around in my head as I made my way along Parc to the Sports Complex: ...the bike? No, I do that regularly... Treadmill? Hmm, too high-impact... Elliptical? Yes! However, the last time I was on an elliptical machine I was probably around 10 years old at my friend's birthday party and I thought her mom's elliptical was a fun "game".

Moments later I'm standing on one and I admit I was slightly confused. I wasn't sure how my feet were supposed to move... up and down or forward and backward? Do I exercise my arms or just hang on for balance? I was looking around at other elliptical-users for some visual guidance, but that didn't prove much help as I discovered that there are different types of ellipticals! That's seven minutes of feeling like a newb I won't get back... But once I figured it all out, I realised that these are magic all-in-one tools that will make your heart race, thighs burn and biceps tighten. Even stretching out my tired muscles after a 45-minute session left me feeling a little sore on Sunday! But a little ache won't deter me from doing it again, nor will my lack of knowledge about exercise equipment stop me trying something else.

If ever you're unsure about the equipment or how to get started at the gym, talk to the attendants. They can provide you with some helpful tips and will certainly get you going on your workout in less time than my seven-minute blank out!
Good luck!

- Martlet Girl.

February Blues

Well, it's still winter and spring isn't coming around the corner anytime soon. This warm weather gives us false hope, but don't let the February Blues get you down! Switch up your routine, try something new and have fun. The best cure is to get outside and soak up some sun (from whatever exposed skin isn't covered by your wooly scarf).

Hiking Mont Royal

Since this week Mother Nature is being kind, toss on an extra layer and take your run outside rather than sticking to the treadmill. Another option for the adventurous folk out there, strap on your snowshoes and hike up Mont Royal. There are plenty of trails that diverge from the main road (Chemin Olmsted) leading you through a serene winter wonderland. If you don't have your own snowshoes but are interested in giving winter hiking a try, join the McGill Outdoors Club and take advantage of their cheap gear rental. They have cross-country skis and poles available as well in their extensive collection.

This weekend I went for a great snowshoe along the golf course near my house and I'm looking forward to hiking on the mountain for the rest of the winter! As a courtesy to other Mont Royal users, try to avoid stepping on the cross-country ski trails while you're out exploring. We have very easy access to the mountain from campus so bring your gear to class! Check out a map of the Parc du Mont Royal here to help you plan your excursion to Montreal's great outdoors. If you're lucky, you might see a fox!

Dress warm!

- Martlet Girl

Outdoor Rinks!

We all know Montreal is like one big skating rink in the winter when it snows, hails and pelts freezing rain. Sometimes our only defence seems like to stay inside with a hot cup of tea until they sprinkle the sidewalks with salt. However, we have other alternatives! When it's too icy to walk uphill to the gym and the streets aren't cleared to go for a run, that's when it's time to layer on the warm clothes, sling your skates over your shoulder and head for the park around the corner.


What better way to spend your weekends other than partaking in a truly Canadian sport? Despite the appeal to skate to school on some frigid mornings, check out Montreal's many outdoor (and free!) rinks. Some have chalets so you don't have to freeze your fingers as you lace up, but many are just a frozen section in the middle of a park.

Parc Lafontaine

This weekend I went skating at the rink in Parc Lafontaine (south of Rue Rachel and east of St-Denis by a few blocks) and had a blast! There were quite a few people but the section maintained as a rink is massive so there was no issue of bumping to people. I hadn't been skating in about 10 months, but for me it's like riding a bike. I was lucky enough to have my parents teach me to skate around the same time I was learning to walk so it's second nature. Toss in years of competitive figure skating and I'm practically at home when I step on the ice. Skating is one of those sports that everyone can enjoy no matter skill level or age and is perfect for group outings!

Try it this weekend! All outdoor rinks are free. If you don't have your own skates, cheap rentals are available at chalets like at Parc Lafontaine and at Beaver Lake on Mont Royal. Click here for a map of all outdoor rinks in the city!
*Note: some are specified for shinny hockey and other activities (see the coloured icons at the bottom of the page).

So grab your skates, grab your friends and go skating!

- Martlet Girl

Busy, busy, busy!

Sticking to our New Year's resolutions are tough, but surprisingly, I've had an easier time with mine this year. I admit, it helps to be bound to a twice-weekly course that I've already paid for and friends to tease me when I miss one. Monday's class was the fifth so far this semester and I know I may sound a little ahead of myself, but I already feel like I'm getting stronger! With this enthusiasm I decided to dip into the gym to do some free weights.

I knew that evenings at the gym were busy, but I had no idea how busy! Doing a scan of the main floor I noticed that only one treadmill was free, two Stairmasters were free and a handful of bikes (mostly the recumbent ones). Everything else was in use. I turned around to chance the weight machines, but it seemed like each one was occupied. "Okay, well, let's try the weights upstairs since that's what I came for anyways," I thought to myself. Not even at the top of the stairs I could tell I was out of luck. As my last hope, I went to find the mats on the other mezzanine for some stretching post-spin. Holy smokes. So. Many. People. I have never seen a gym so full! Feeling rather stunned I decided to just give in to my tired muscles and I headed home.

From my experience, the best time to go to the gym would be midday. You're almost guaranteed a machine and/or workout space and you don't feel the same pressure to keep to the time limit. Seven-thirty at night is certainly the opposite. Sure, it's conveniently after your long school day, but if you can squeeze in a workout during your lunch break, I highly suggest it! That way you not only skip the gym wait times, but also the cafeteria wait times.

Good luck!

- Martlet Girl

Carnival

Colourful Carnival fans!

Last Wednesday was a special night as the McGill Redmen faced off against UQTR (Université de Québec à Trois-Rivières). When I walked into McConnell Arena that evening, I found myself in a swarm of multicoloured jumpsuits, red t-shirts and beer. Not only was this a Red Thunder game, but Carnival participants were there to double the hype. Now, what's Carnival you ask? Well, imagine frosh in the winter. Except this one is team-based, everyone wears jumpsuits (aka "puke suits") and compete in drinking-related games to win the week-long event. Needless to say, these enthusiastic, inebriated folk made the game all the more fun.

It was hard to tell what side the fans were on just by the sight of them: when McGill scored, everyone was on their feet cheering, arms around each other and ordering another round in celebration; when UQTR scored, everyone was on their feet booing, arms around each other and ordering another round to ease their woes. Thankfully, there was more to celebrate than to cry about. The Redmen won 4-2!

If you're looking for another chance to cheer on our teams, come join the fans for some more hockey as our boys take on the Concordia Stingers on Friday at McConnell Arena. Also on this weekend: the McGill Team Challenge for our track and field stars at the fieldhouse and Martlet volleyball versus Sherbrooke on Sunday at the Love Competition Hall (in the Sports Complex).

Check out the McGill Athletics homepage for all the lastest info on our varsity teams, tickets, how to get there and more.

- Martlet Girl

Spin and Trim

Last night I tried my first ever spin class. I was expecting it to be challenging, by WOW was it tough! The class is called Spin and Trim so we cycle for about 50-55 minutes, have short stretch and then 15-20 minutes of exercises to strengthen other parts of the body before a longer stretch at the end. Once the class was over and my heart rate was back to normal, I realized how much I enjoyed it! But before I got to that blissful point... well, it wasn't easy.

I have never cycled on a spin bike before, so I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting myself into. From the looks on the faces of others in the class, I could tell I wasn't alone. Once everyone was perched on their bikes, the teacher put one some music and we were off! She was shouting out motivations left and right and as the music tempo increased, so did our speed. We went over hills, rode flats, did sprints and I thought I was going to hurl. This was way more intense then I was expecting! Sometimes she had us standing up while we worked our way up a hill (which is a lot harder than she makes it look). The toughest part for me was when we had to stand for 5 seconds, then sit back down, then stand, then sit, and so on. After that, I was sure my legs had turned to jelly. That was confirmed to me once I stepped off my bike: my legs were shaking and with each step, I swerved a bit on my way to the mats. The core exercises the teacher led us in were tough, especially for a girl who’s trying to get all those muscles back. I struggled most with the plank: I could barely hold it for 20 seconds! However, our teacher assured us all that by the end of the class we’ll be able to hold plank for 2 minutes… wish me luck!

All these difficulties aside, the challenge was exciting. Once I got over the unwelcome feeling in my stomach, it was really fun! It was cool to try something different and I’m looking forward to feeling myself get stronger. In the meantime, my bottom is sore, my legs are tired and my spirits are high. Next class is tomorrow!
 See ya then!

- Martlet Girl

My New Year's Resolutions

Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful break and brought in 2013 with a fresh set of New Year's resolutions. I sure did!

This year, I've created a set of goals that will get me back in shape now that I'm feeling a bit stronger after my injury over the summer. I divided my goals up into short-, mid-, and long-term:

• My short-term goal is to go swimming today and hit the gym on Thursday. (It may seem a little too short, but I have to start somewhere!) I'm hoping that by starting the first week of the semester on the right foot it will guide me to greater success over the course of the year.
• As for my mid-term goal, I've joined a spin class that runs twice a week throughout the term. For some extra motivation, I've registered with a few friends. I'm signed up and payed for so there's no backing out now!
• The long-term goal I have in mind is to get back to running. I'm hoping to lace up my running shoes sometime in late spring or over the summer break. This goal is the most daunting for me as I have been in and out of running over the last few years while I try to recover from various injuries and illnesses. What used to be part of my daily routine now scares me a bit... It's tough to get back into it every time and my lack of consistency doesn't help. But this time is a different story! I'm determined to find my way back.

Throughout the semester I'm also going to try a few of the drop-in classes. These Pay-As-You-Go fitness classes have something for everyone: spin, zumba, tae box and more! There's tons to choose from, so don't make any excuses!

See ya at the gym!

- Martlet Girl