Nordic Skiing in the City

When I got back to Montreal last Sunday night after spending my Reading Break at home in Chelsea, I felt the usual sadness that comes with re-entering the city. The 25cm of gorgeous, sparkling, whiter-than-white snow that we had received over the weekend had been transformed by the city streets into a slushy, wet, grey annoyance. As I walked back to McGill from the greyhound station, getting splattered with slush from speeding drivers and already missing the ability to see the stars, I began to plan how to make the best of the situation.

Of course, I immediately thought of playing hockey, which I did earlier in the week at a new rink I had never been to before. As always, it was an amazing time and it felt great to be outside for a few hours. As the weekend approached and the temperature began to rise, I realized that outdoor hockey would no longer be an option. After dealing with the minor deprerssion that accompanied this realization, I began to consider alternative ways of spending my time and energy. Finally, it dawned on me: it was time to try something I had been meaning to do during each of the three winters I have spent in Montreal, but had never gotten around to before.

My adventure began at the Currie gym, where I rented my equipment. This in itself was a bit of a hassle because apparently you have to purchase the rental at client services before picking up the skis, boots and poles at the equipment desk. Anyways, after buying a rec activities card, returning said card, visiting client services and the equipment desk twice, and finding proper skis and boots that didn't look they were about to fall apart, I was ready to go!

On Friday, conditions were absolutely perfect. The temperature was hovering around zero degrees, the snow was gliding and my wax was working well. Although I know the trails of Mont Royal from my running excursions, it quickly became clear that when on skis or snowshoes, there are many other options just off of the main path. I found myself following reasonably well-marked trails through the woods in all parts of the park. Trail 2, located at the top of the mountain, was particularly fun. It snaked through the woods in a loop and featuring lots of exciting ups and downs. At some points along the trail I actually found myself completely alone, and almost forgot for a moment that I was in fact at the heart of a major metropolis. Since this was exactly the feeling I had hoped to find, I was more than happy with my experience. When I finished my ski and began walking home with a huge smile on my face, I wondered to myself why in the world I had not cross-country skied on the mountain before!

Although there might not be many days of winter left, I would highly recommend the Mount Royal cross-country experience. You can rent skis from the Currie gym for as little as $10, and they do function as they should, Martlet Girl guarantee! Take a study break McGill, and get outside!

See you on the trails,
-Martlet Girl

Hitting the Slopes

It's late February, the time of year when most people are fed up with the cold and are more than ready for winter to finally be over. Most students may be dreaming of a far off day when they can leave the house wearing nothing more than flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt instead of taking 20 minutes to gear up for the -20 degree windchill. Those who were lucky enough to go down south for some sand and sun during Reading Break may be having an especially hard time coping with the snow and ice currently covering most of Canada. Although I can be sympathetic towards winter-hating people, I am definitely not one of them. I love everything about winter; from the frosty winds to the snowy slopes; from the ice-covered ponds to the freshly-groomed trails. I was extremely excited by the huge dump of snow we got last week, and am very happy to hear that more is on the way!

A great winter activity that I tried during last week's break for the first time in 8 years was downhill skiing. I learned the sport at age 4, but ever since discovering the thrill of snowboarding I gradually skied less and less, eventually stopping altogether. Until last week, that is. I decided to leave my board in Montreal and borrowed a pair of my sister's skis to hit the slopes of Mont Saint Marie, a hill about 1 hour North of Ottawa. I was told by friends and family that skiing is like riding a bike in that it is impossible to forget how to do it. I decided to take their word for it, hoping that this excursuion would not lead to another concussion.

With all of the fresh snow that fell last week, conditions were perfect. It was one of those ideal days, when everyone else in the world seems to be cooped up at school or work. We had the hill almost entirely to ourselves, and were constantly up and down the mountain doing as many runs as possible. I was a little rusty at first but my body quickly remembered what to do and soon I was speeding down the slope with more confidence. My only complaint came later in the day, when we were done skiing and had started heading towards the car. The walking made me realize quite quickly that my knees were killing me! Perhaps I overdid it a bit for the first time on skis is years. Despite the pain I felt for days afterwards, I enjoyed the experience enough to get excited about the sport again, and to begin looking forward to the next day at the hill.

If you are a winter-hater, I challenge you to challenge yourself and leave the comfort of your apartment for a day of skiing or snowboarding. There are so many great hills that are just outside the city, and only a few weeks left to enjoy them. Grab a few friends and convince them that speeding down a ski hill on a winter's day is one of the great pleasures in life that should not be passed up.

See you on the slopes!
- Martlet Girl

Ps: best of luck to all of the varsity teams who are currently in play-off mode!

"Reading" Week Outdoor Activities

                Spring Break is finally here! After a hellish week of three midterms, a quiz and two essays, I am more than ready to do anything that does not involve sticking my nose in a textbook. Personally, I find that the best remedy for a school-induced coma is to get outside for some fresh air and exercise. Working out inside is great because it is convenient, there is very little risk of getting caught in a snowstorm and you don’t have to breathe through a neck warmer. However, there is something to be said for leaving the security of the gym to brave the elements and enjoy the mental and physical benefits outdoor activities can provide. Whether in a major urban center or a small town in the country, our Canadian climate and landscape offer ample opportunities to enjoy a variety of sports during the winter months.

                While in Montreal, my favorite outdoor activity to do during the winter is hockey. As I’ve discussed previously, Jeanne Meance Park is a great option for McGill students looking to fit in a quick game between classes or in the evening. For those who do not play hockey, there is an ice surface just outside of the rink which is usually reserved for skaters. The atmosphere at this skating rink is fun and inclusive, where people of all ages and ability levels can enjoy being active outdoors for an hour or two.

                Another aspect of the Montreal landscape that McGill students are fortunate to have easy access to is Mount Royal Park. Located immediately behind the Currie Gymnasium, “the mountain” is great for running, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Don’t have equipment for these winter activities? The equipment room at the gym rents snowshoes, cross-country skis, boots and poles. Check here for prices. Although I have never actually cross-country skied or snowshoed on the mountain (it’s on the to-do list!), I do use the trails for running several times per week. I love the feeling that I get while climbing the mountain, escaping from the exhaust fumes and reckless drivers to leave the city behind, even if it’s only for an hour or so. I often say that I would not be able to live in Montreal without Mount Royal as a refuge from all of the cars, noise and commotion. Even if you are a city lover and are not bothered by the chaos of urban living, I highly recommend taking out the headphones, stepping off of the treadmill and heading outside for a run, hike, ski or snowshoe excursion. You may be surprised at just how refreshed you feel when you return, both physical and mentally.

                As for me, I will be escaping the city for the next week to go back home to the Gatineau Hills. If the weather cooperates I will be having a blast cross-country skiing, playing hockey on the ponds, snowboarding, and hiking in the woods. I hope everyone has a great spring break and enjoys some much needed rest, relaxation and fresh air, wherever you happen to be!

See you next week!

Martlet Girl

Intramural Soccer: a Mid-Season Report

            During my time here at McGill I have been part of several intramural sports teams. From volleyball and basketball to floor hockey, soccer and 2v2 soccer, most teams I have been a member of have been moderately successful. We usually manage to win more often than we lose, and every so often we make it to the semi-finals or even the finals. However, one component continues to remain missing from my intramural sports experience: a McGill mug.

            For those of you who are unaware, these glass mugs are awarded each semester to the teams who win their respective intramural divisions. The winning squads also get all of the glory and honour associated with having their pictures taken and displayed prominently near the entrance of the Currie Gym complex. I’ve heard many horror stories of students who have played years of intramural sports at McGill without ever winning this coveted prize. As my undergraduate career progresses, I’m becoming more and more anxious that I too will obtain my diploma without ever having played on a championship team. That’s why this semester I stepped things up a notch in my quest for intramural glory. At the mid-way point of our regular season, my Co-Rec soccer team is undefeated. We currently sit on top of the 19-team league and if things keep going the way they are, my intramural dreams may finally be realized.

            If you happen to share my noble goal of achieving intramural glory, you may find it helpful to check out the following list of tips for maximizing your chances at a championship. For this Winter 2012 season, I have done everything on the list. I am happy to report that these tactics have been working for quite well for my soccer team so far.  

Martlet Girl’s Tips for Intramural Success

1.     Be the captain. Enough with being part of someone else’s team: if you want it done right, do it yourself! As captain you get to handpick your players and create the most skilled line-up possible.

2.     Seek out the best soccer players you do not know personally. It can be helpful to check out the scoring leaders from the previous season, and then facebook stalk them to see if you have any mutual friends. Next, invite one of the mutual friends to be on your team and ask them to bring along the best player they know. Presto, you’ve got yourself a striking machine.

3.     Bribe the best soccer players you do know. A lot of the good players that I am friends with are in high demand in the intramural leagues. So how did I convince them my team is the best? Bribery. Especially for early weekend games, it can help to invite your teammates out for a meal on you after the game. Since everyone loves free food, chances of superstar friends showing up increase exponentially.

4.     Choose an intense team name. This is important, because a great name can psych out opponents before they even hit the field. I recommend adopting the name of a professional team or inventing a name that could very easily belong to a high level soccer club. 

5.     Show up late. Never, under any circumstances, should you show up on time for an intramural game. Get there at least a couple minutes late and definitely do not warm up. This intimidates the other team and throws them off their game. Maybe they even think for a minute that they are going to win by default! They are completely shaken when your full team shows up and the game goes on as planned. Bonus tip: this tactic works better if you score in the first couple minutes of play.

            Although some of these tips may seem extreme, if you are really serious about the McGill mug then you must realize the level of commitment needed to achieve this goal. I will be sure to report back at the end of March with full results from the conclusion of the Chelsea Football Club’s season.

See you in the fieldhouse!

- Martlet Girl 

My First Carnival Hockey Game

             I discovered something very important at the Carnival week hockey game that others who are currently suffering from post-concussion syndrome might want to take note of: earplugs really do work. At first I was skeptical about going to this game because I knew that McConnell arena would be packed to the rafters with enthusiastic Management Carnival participants whose screams would surely give me a pounding headache. I was willing to try whatever I could in order to avoid missing out on the festivities, so I put in the earplugs and I’m very glad that they were so effective. I was able to enjoy the atmosphere and the game without feeling as though my brain was about to explode.

                Had I not been wearing earplugs, I’m sure that my concussion would have forced me to leave after only a few minutes. The crowd at this game was wilder than any I have seen out so far this year to support the Redmen hockey team. The stands were filled with Carnival participants, decked out in jumpsuits and screaming at the top of their lungs. Several items were thrown on the ice, gallons of beer were consumed and many creative signs were on display in the crowd. There was a frenzied vibe in the building from all of the people, and of course there was much taunting of the opposition from a few obnoxious fans. The Carleton goalie in particular was forced to endure hundreds of people jeering at him and a few very classy spectators informing him of exactly how fat his mother is. Remarkably, he still managed to pull off a shut-out in both regulation play and overtime. Talk about unshakable focus.

                The same cannot be said for many of the other players on the ice. Both McGill and Carleton seemed quite rattled by the fans, as they are not used to playing in front of such a large crowd. Neither team seemed able to keep possession of the puck for long periods of time, or to set up good scoring chances. Not much offense was created by either squad, as was apparent from the 0-0 score at the end of regulation time. This is extremely rare, especially at the University level when games commonly end with both teams scoring upwards of 4 or 5 goals. 

                The overtime period was no more exciting, with neither team generating any gasp-worthy scoring opportunities. In the shoot-out, both goalies managed to save the first two shots they were faced with. When it came time for McGill’s third shooter, the entire crowd was on its feet shouting encouragement. As the red light came on to signal that the first goal of the night had been scored, the entire building erupted into cheers. Carleton had one last shooter that could have tied the game and forced the shoot-out to continue, but McGill’s goaltender managed to pull off one final save, earning a 1-0 victory for the good guys.

                If you missed this epic game and are feeling upset about it, do not worry! There are plenty of opportunities to attend exciting athletic competitions at McGill. Click here for a list of all upcoming games.

See you in the stands!

-          Martlet Girl

Scoring with Shinny: Why Outdoor Hockey is Simply the Greatest

           There is something deeply Canadian and magical about an outdoor hockey game. Whether it is played on a beaver pond or at the local rink, shinny hockey is one of the many reasons winter is such a wonderful season. Personally, I have never had a bad experience playing outdoor hockey. It is somewhat of a miracle that even with terrible ice and random teammates, the game always ends up being an enjoyable experience.

            Last night I played in my first “real” shinny game of the winter. I had already been skating several times and had played some hockey with my friends and family, but due to the unfortunate accidents and illnesses described in the last post, there haven’t been too many good hockey days that have coincided with good health days. Last night the moon was full and the air was clear, and when my brother and sister wanted to go check out what was going on at the rink I couldn’t say no. My post-concussion syndrome symptoms have subsided considerably in the past few days and I felt well enough to at least give it a go. Don’t worry: this accident-prone-walking-disaster-magnet has learned to wear a helmet.

            The crowd at the rink last night was less random than is sometimes the case with pick-up hockey. Most of the players were around our age, and the skill level was good without being too intimidating. It’s always fun to play with my siblings because not only are they much more talented than I am (both have been playing high-level hockey for years), but they are also nice enough to pass me the puck sometimes. They make me appear better than I actually am, and for that I am extremely grateful.

            If there is one thing Montreal does well, it is outdoor hockey rinks. In a city that lives and dies with its NHL team, it comes as no surprise that a lot of emphasis is placed upon the promotion and preservation of hockey culture. This is shown through good maintenance of the city’s many outdoor rinks, which are kept in admirable condition throughout the winter. The large number and good quality of these ice surfaces encourages Montrealers to get out and enjoy their city’s athletic obsession. The closest outdoor rink to the McGill campus is located in Jeanne-Mance Park, and I would strongly recommend checking it out during your next break between classes. Whether you are a beginner or whether you have a full childhood of 6am practices under your belt, a good time is almost always guaranteed.

            If this post has not managed to convince you to sharpen the skates, tape up the stick and take to the outdoor ice, I hope you will at least consider coming out to support the McGill Redmen hockey team in their upcoming Carnival Game. You can read all about the shenanigans of last year’s “Fill the Arena” game in this post. The 2012 carnival game on January 20^th promises to be just as exciting and action-packed. Definitely an event you don’t want to miss!

            See you on the ice!

- Martlet Girl 

Life is a Game of Inches: Thoughts on the Worst Christmas Break Ever

          It has been awhile since my last post, and the reason for my absence has very little to do with laziness or a busy holiday schedule. For exactly a month now I have been out of commission due to factors outside of my control. When I say “out of commission” I mean that my days have consisted of sleeping, reading and watching episodes of trashy TV shows. Not exactly the vacation I had planned for. Back in November I was dreaming of spending my time off playing pond hockey, cross-country skiing, skating and snowboarding in the winter paradise of the Gatineau Hills. Instead, a series of unfortunate events derailed these plans and have left me hiding under blankets trying not to feel too sorry for myself.

            As a whole, 2011 has not been a lucky year for me. Before this disastrous Christmas vacation, I had already had the flu twice, developed a stomach ulcer, bruised my ribs, flipped over the handle bars of my mountain bike, developed piriformis syndrome from running, broken my nose playing soccer and gotten a concussion. It was a frustrating year filled with set backs and recovering. Then Christmas vacation came and things went from bad to worse.

            The first day of vacation I got the flu yet again (which probably had a lot to do with working in an elementary school for a month and a half). This lasted a week and a half before I finally felt normal enough to get out of bed. The next day I was in the passenger’s seat when our car got rear ended, which resulted in my head smacking back against the headrest and yet another concussion. For a few days I was once again confined to bed with the lights out and a splitting headache. I had been feeling better for about two days when, on December 30^th, I went to watch the Redmen hockey team take on Waterloo in a holiday exhibition game. Apparently 2011 was not done being hard on me because a puck came over the boards and smacked me in the head. Concussion #3 of the year was confirmed, and I have been in bed ever since.

            All of this has gotten me thinking about luck, both in sports and in life. It seems that no matter what we do, how much we practice or how talented we are, it all amounts to nothing without a bit of luck on our side. Life really is a game of inches. If I had been sitting an inch to the left, I would not have gotten a puck in the head. If my mom and I hadn’t taken an extra minute to choose what kind of coffee to order, we would have been clear of the accident.

            The theme of luck came to mind again as I was watching Canada play Russia in the World Junior Hockey Championship semi-final last night. Canada was down 6-5 with seconds remaining on the clock. They had a very good chance to score, but instead hit the goal post. The announcer summed up my thoughts quite nicely when he said: “Sometimes you get a miracle, and sometimes you hit the post.”

            In 2011, I managed to hit a lot of goal posts. I’m hoping that 2012 will be a bit kinder and that my head will stop throbbing before classes start.

Hope everyone had a great break and best wishes (and luck) for 2012!

- Martlet Girl