Health

In honour of tomorrow being the first day of summer, I have compiled a list of things that I love but usually only have access to during the summer months — just in case we're not all excited enough about the impending heat.

One day I was finishing a run along the Bow River when two very attractive women in a Red Bull car pulled up and asked me if I’d like to try some of the energy drink. I’d never had it before, and I’ll shamefully admit that because it was being pushed on me by young models, I relented and said, “Yes.” Blech.

I’ve got a few rituals when I’m feeling a little blue. It might be sacking out on the couch and watching a chick flick (I’m looking at you He’s Just Not That Into You or Bridget Jones — the first Diary movie. Definitely not The Edge of Reason). Or I may call up my sister and we head out and hit Sephora and a variety of shoe stores. Sometimes it might be drowning myself in music on my iPod and a run.

When I go out on a first date with someone new, one of the inevitable questions my friends will ask is "Did he pay?" If I say yes, they usually nod approvingly. If I say no, that we split the bill, they also nod — but it's usually a little more hesitant and accompanied by pursed lips. "Hmmm..." they appear to be thinking, "that's a bad sign."

Don't talk to me. It's the countdown to race day, and I'm a ball of nerves — prickly, anxious, snappish, and guilty. Sorry, kids! Sorry, husband! What was I thinking when I signed myself up to compete in a triathlon? Someone remind me, please.