A classic[s] triathlon
Who knew that the University of Toronto's Centre for Medieval Studies had such a great reputation? Margaret certainly didn't, until she came up with the harebrained notion that she wanted to learn Latin. Toronto turns out to be one of the best places to do this (apart from Regi the Monk's class at the Vatican).
Ergo, Margaret has spent the summer taking an intensive course at the CMS--one that has not only put her through her linguistic paces, but has also involved a triathlon of sorts: after a morning of rapidly finishing as much homework as possible, she sprints out of the shower, down the apartment stairs (the elevator's under repair), leaps onto her bike and flies down Avenue Rd. and then--ever mindful of the importance of smooth transitions--locks up her bike as quickly as possible, dashes upstairs to class, and starts conjugating Cicero!
(July 15, 2007)
Back on familiar turf
When she's not studying (!), Margaret can be found running through Toronto's splendid ravines, or scouring the city for affordable neighbourhoods. (Laneway housing, anyone?) So far this winter has certainly been warm enough for cycling, and an impressive number of commuters are out pedalling in their MEC jackets, but more often than not Margaret has been walking (or running, depending on when class starts) to and from campus.
(Jan. 6, 2007)
"Change is good"
Publisher Stephen Fleck muses on the benefits of departing from the routine in the Feb. 2006 issue of OAT's Transitions magazine:
"If change is good, then let's make this year one of change... Change up your training routine... or maybe, take the year off completely and volunteer at races and/or for other causes... I guarantee you that when you do come back to triathlon [duathlon!], and you will, you will come back with a fresh and invigorated attitude and you will extend your years in the sport significantly." (Publisher's Note)
This message is particularly relevant for Margaret this year, as she is anticipating some significant changes: in the next few months she will be leaving her rare book job to go to graduate school, moving from NYC back to Toronto, and in between those stages, spending 6 weeks in southern Africa. All exciting plans, but unfortunately not that conducive to training or racing. So it is with equal parts regret and eagerness that she will be sitting out Canadian Nationals this coming weekend, and heading to Swaziland instead of Newfoundland in July.
Best of luck to everyone competing this season, and many, many thanks to all her friends and training partners in NYC and beyond. (As always, please keep checking in on this site; hopefully Margaret will be able to post the occasional travel update.)
(May 16, 2006)
