Category: Self Care

How to Spend a Week in Radium, Britsh Columbia

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How to Spend a Week in Radium, Britsh Columbia

It was September 2024. Since my relationship had ended, instead of looking forward to a romantic couples trip, I was en route to yet another summer family vacation. The beginning of September is a great time to visit because while the crowds have left the sunshine has not.

 This time were heading to Radium, BC. About a 6ish hour drive from our hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. Radium is a small, quaint mountain town with lots of activities nearby. There are lots of options for nearby hiking or water activities. You are likely to spot Bighorn sheep at some point during your trip.

Here is how our week together unfolded.

Driving in the mountains was the first part of the trip’s fun. It was a sunny day, and stretching out our legs with the mountains as the backdrop was an amazing feeling.

We stopped for an easy hike at Marble Canyon. This was a short easy walk where we were able to eat our lunch outside. It was super hot and we were melting so we sat near the creek to experience a bit of the cold air coming off the water. It had an incredible translucent blue-green color.

Where to Stay

We booked a condo at the Bighorn Meadows Resort. The suite was equipped with a kitchen and a view of the golf course which was located nearby. It had a pool and two hot tubs on site which we frequently visit nightly. In the mornings we would walk ten minutes to grab groceries or coffee and pastries for the day. Once in town, the tourist center provided options for milder day hikes.

The resort contains a golf course. We aren’t into golf, but we had dinner at the clubhouse one night and the views are spectacular. Here is a picture my mom took of me next to the clubhouse.

What to Eat

Our favorite restaurant is Birchwood Restaurant. I’d describe it as an intimate restaurant, upscale but caters to casual attire. Satisfying and fresh cuisine.

After a hot day in the sun, with plenty of cold swims, we ordered Indian takeout to bring back to the resort. We highly recommend The Spice Hut.

However, the ultimate foodie stop is Smokehouse 93. I can never tasted a juicer, more tender slice of brisket and we always order extra to take home for dinner on our drive home.

Hikes

Stanely Glacier

A bit of a drive (under an hour) to get to this hike from our resort but it was well worth it. I have what I’m told by others as “too much energy” and hiking is something that seems to make me feel calm and peaceful. This hike is mild and has a few locations to stop and enjoy snacks or water if someone isn’t up for the full 10 km trek. My mother was shocked at how many wild mushrooms were growing. Picking mushrooms was something that she did as a child so the nostalgia of that brought her back to those times and she was kicking herself for not having a spare bag to collect mushrooms with. I did not remember foraging for mushrooms and am someone who might poison themselves by picking and eating the wrong ones. I know. I’m not a risk taker. I was not as excited by the plentiful of mushrooms, but if you know your stuff about picking mushrooms this is a great trail to do so.

Beach Time

About a fifteen-minute drive from Radium, you will find the town of Invermere. Invermere is a larger city with more amenities and a refreshing clean lake, Lake Windermere. I love spending time on the lake paddle boarding and swimming while taking breaks to read or nap in the sun.

Day Trip

We started our day with a short hike, the Hoodoo Trail, then planned on going to a natural hot spring and relaxing near a beautiful remote lake that was tucked deep in the mountains.

Next, we ventured to WhiteSwan Lake Park, which, FYI was after a bumpy gravel road, do not recommend it unless you have a durable vehicle! This road leads you to Lussier Creek Hot which contains a natural hot spring,

The hot springs were a nice way to relax after our morning hike and we alternated between hotter and colder pools of water.

After we finished our warm dips we drove on to stop at a lake. The lake contained a small camping stop and we parked at an empty lot and brought snacks and books to the dock where we enjoyed some more R&R. The lake had almost a neon blue color and being in such a remote area felt luxurious.

Other Activities

We usually go to the Radium Natural Hot Springs, but the timing didn’t work out for this trip. It was closed or we were too tired and opted for our resort pool and hot tub instead. It’s a nice place to soak and alternate in the swimming pool.

The is a hike nearby which we got somewhat lost on, then by following the sound of the creek found our way back.

Juniper Loop

The final day of our trip consisted of a quick hike to the ink pots followed by lunch in Banff.

2023 Winter Reading List

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Winter is the perfect time to slow down. In winter, living in Edmonton, Alberta, means less daylight, and temperatures fluctuate between 5 to -40 degrees Celsius. Although I don’t love the cold weather, a cold winter is a perfect incentive to put on fuzzy, comfortable clothes, make a giant pot of tea, and read books. Here is a list of fiction and non-fiction books I’m eager to read this season. These might be great to try if you are looking for inspiring books!

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Non-Fiction

I used to only listen to non-fiction books on audible. Still, I felt that I was distracted because I was either driving or working on chores, so I’m trying to get back into reading the physical copies to ensure the information sticks! Here are my recommendations for 2023.

The Everyday Hero- Robyn Sharma

A personal growth book by a talented and successful business coach Robin Sharma. I’m curious about what methods of balancing discipline and success Sharma has for us in the digital age. I have read one of his other books, The 5 Am Club, and while I don’t personally practice the strict routine of getting up before dawn, the book was insightful. I wonder how his perspectives have changed and or evolved since The 5 am Club was written 3 years ago. I enjoyed some of the suggestions in his previous book; however, the fictional storyline was a bit cringy. Nevertheless, I know he came from a good place; perhaps this book has matured his writing style.

How to do the Work– Dr. Nicole LePera

I used to see a psychologist regularly; however, due to the expense, I have chosen to try to learn as much from others as possible. While I enjoyed therapy, I always felt lighter; I’m interested in knowing what “work” I can accomplish independently. Often, I would have my finger on the dial to call my therapist and then stop myself and ask, “what would she ask me in the session,” and could come up with the answer on my own. Psychologist Dr. Nicole LePera writes this book, and her background may foster a unique approach to self-development I’ve never considered. LePera looks at therapy in a holistic manor; she believes that the mind has the power to change our perspectives, even though we’ve been conditioned into coping mechanisms that don’t serve us.

The Courage to be Disliked- Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitae Koga

I’ve always admired Japanese culture, their attention to detail, keeping traditions, and honoring respect for all beings. So my instant prejudice to the culture would question why two Japanese authors would write about being disliked. This contradiction makes me want to dive right in.

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience– Brene Brown

I was gifted this book for my birthday last year and only got around to reading the first two chapters, but I’m looking forward to cracking into the rest of it. I’m a huge fan of Brene; I’ve listed to several of her audiobooks and think she’s a great warrior and advocate for introducing vulnerability in a work-obsessed western culture.

Fiction

I love fiction, the psychology of the flaws that a protagonist must overcome, and their journey is just such a great escape from life’s monotony. I used to read a lot more, and lately, it’s been my biggest regret that I haven’t read more often… hmm it might be because of the giant metal block that’s always glued to my hand.

Us Against You- Fredrick Backman

This book is the sequel to Beartown. It follows a full range of young and old characters living in a small town obsessed with hockey. The characters all face interpersonal problems, and the plot twists add up delightfully as each character navigates their hopes and dreams in the baren hockey town. Both dramatic and suspenseful, this book is so engaging it’s not hard to keep the pages turning. Politics, secrets, and relationships haunt the members of the town, however, the dramatic elements in the book are so thoughtfully portrayed.

The First to Die at the End-Adam Silvera

This was a trendy YA novel on the BookTok list last year, and I wanted to see what all the hype was about. So far, I’m enjoying it; the novel is easy to read yet thoughtful at the same time. It’s nice to read about young adults, as they seem less complicated than adult characters!

Carrie Soto is Back- Taylor Jenkins Reid

This book was at the top of the 2023 Good Reads choice awards for historical fiction. Then one of my close friends raved about it, so in the cart, it goes. Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid, known for having several best sellers, I really enjoyed her other novels, Daisy Jones and the Six and the 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. So I’m eager to see if this book, whose protagonist is a 37-year-old tennis champ, will also satisfy my admiration for this author.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow- Gabrielle Zevin

Another Good Reads winner and recommendation by a friend. A book about childhood friends who learn about the power of hustle and connection sounds like a fantastic journey to read about.

Summary

Is it just me, or does everyone tend to read more in the winter? Is it the weather or all the new year resolutions? Anyway’s, reading is often better with a baked good. Try making my gluten-free banana bread.

Blueberry Protein Scones

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Baking always gives me a chance to decompress; it’s a time-out for my brain’s to-do list and instead lets me focus on the simple tasks of scooping, measuring, and mixing to the beat of chill music.

Since I love long-distance endurance training, running, biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing; therefore, I need carbs and protein to keep me going. I’m not a fan of grocery store pastries as they tend to be quite cakey or too sweet. Even good bakeries tend to overdo the sugar they use, and having a hard spike in my insulin means a crash where I’m moody and hungry. If I need the extra protein, I pair a scone with a boiled egg, and it’s an excellent base for prolonged endurance activity. I use the vanilla protein powder and the sugar substitute Monk Fruit to lower their glycemic index and make them slightly healthier. If you want the original recipe, adapted from Salley’s Baking Addiction, you can find it here.

Blueberry Protein Scones

Adapted from Salley’s Baking Addiction

Ingredients

  • 1 & ½ Cups of All Purpose Flour
  • ½ Cup of Vanilla Protein Powder
  • ½ Cup of Monk Fruit Sugar
  • ½ Teaspoon of Salt
  • 2 & ½ Teaspoons of Baking Powder
  • ½ Cup of Frozen Butter
  • ½ Cup of Cream (and a bit extra (2 tablespoons for the top, or milk)
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 & ½ Teaspoons of Vanilla
  • ½ Cup of Frozen Blueberries- (frozen is best; then they don’t get squished when mixing)
  • Brown Sugar to put on top (not required, but I like it)

Directions

  1. Mix flour, protein powder, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
  2. Take out the frozen butter and a box grater to grate it onto a cutting board.
  3. Put the butter scrapes into the flour mixture and mix, then put the bowl in the fridge to keep cold.
  4. Use a beater or whisk to combine the cream, egg, and vanilla in a smaller bowl.
  5. Bring out the large bowl and pour the wet ingredient along with the blueberries into the bowl.  Mix with a spoon, and then use your hands to squish it all into a ball. You may need more cream or flour here, depending on the texture.
  6. Once the ingredients are together, I take out a large piece of parchment paper and put the ball on a lightly floured surface. I used a rolling pin and my hand to flatten it into a disc. At this point, I usually wrap the disc in the paper with saran wrap and put it into the freezer for future use. (I typically pull the frozen disc out before a weekend road trip).
  7. But if you are making them right away, store the disc in the freezer and set the oven to 400F.
  8. When the oven is near temperature, take the disc out and cut it into triangles or slices. I usually cut into smaller pieces and make 12 scones, but if you prefer, you can make 6 larger ones.
  9. Then brush the top of the scones with cream and sprinkle with brown sugar. They take about 24 minutes in my oven, but everyone’s oven is different, so check them at 22 min and leave in longer if they are larger sections.
  10. Once they have cooled, try not to eat them all at once!
  11. Store them in an open bowl or empty plate. If you seal them in a plastic bag or container, they lose the dry flakey flavor and taste cakier (unless you prefer that texture).
Blueberry Scones

The Vancouver BMO Marathon

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Vancouver Is the Ideal Place for a Race

Vancouver Waterfront

I’m pretty impulsive, I see something on social media or hear someone rave about a new travel destination, restaurant, or activity, and I want to try it too! Once I noticed the social media post that the Vancouver Marathon was having its 50th anniversary, I could not miss it! I probably run 1-2 times a week, but I never seriously took the time to train for one. When I twisted my co-worker’s arm into signing up for the run with me, he promptly sent over a spreadsheet with a run schedule. Ooh, structure, I have never had a system before.

Our Run Schedule

Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com

Monday: Rest Day
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday: 5-10 km Runs Days
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: Long Run 10-15 km Runs
Sunday: Cross-training day (Bike, yoga, weight training, etc.)

This training schedule was adapted from this popular running site. 

This schedule was so important to me; I followed about 80% of it. Sometimes work or social events got in the way, and I skipped some of the runs. But the consistency of completing the running made me feel like a superhero. Committing to the runs even when I didn’t feel like it made me realize I could push myself. That, coupled with the runner’s high, seemed to flow into my day-to-day life. Whether it was cold, windy, or if I was sore or tired, I was still pushing myself to get the miles in. I feel like that training reflects how actual life flows; you’re not going to be the best version of yourself daily, but if you keep showing up, that consistent discipline adds up and makes you physically and mentally stronger.

Running Q&A

While I was training, I was asked these questions:

  1. Do you train with anyone?

Immediately I thought I didn’t want to run with anyone, and I didn’t want to hold anyone back; I needed to run at my own pace. There’s no point; I have my headphones, and we won’t be able to talk to each other anyways. However, the curious part of me thought, why not try it and see? So, I asked my co-worker, Michael, to join me for our weekend-long runs. Training with someone was incredible; it always seems easier to suffer from someone than alone! His pace always started faster but ended slower, while I did the opposite, picking up speed near the end of the run, squeezing the last bit of energy left. So, our running dynamic probably balanced and pushed us to be better runners. Also, Michael introduced me to the famous guided run coach from the Nike Run Club, coach Bennett. The free app allows you to choose your running time or distance and have someone chime into “coach” or pump you up during your run. I found this helpful as the encouragement from this virtual coach helped push me to run longer or distract me from running pains.

Training in Edmonton
  1. Are you on a special diet?

No, I ate more carbs (I love baking pastries) during training and drank more water, but I never tracked what I ate. Now that I’m training for yet another run and trying to assess nutrition a bit more. Whether or not fasted runs or eating certain foods before help. I find that running has leveled out my hormones, and I’m not as hungry when I’m consistently running. It’s weird; the lazier I am, the more I feel like eating, maybe because I associate snaking with watching tv, and that habit has been replaced by running! Does anyone sit down to watch a movie or show without eating a snack, or is it just me?

  1. How do you stay motivated?

Honestly, I prefer to take the path of least resistance; I think most of us are. But if someone were going to hand me a pill and say swallow this and that I will be marathon ready in 8 weeks, I wouldn’t want to take it. The most grueling part for me is always just putting on my shoes and going outside. My overactive brain says several things like I’m too tired, busy, sore, hungry, full, etc., to run; however, the reality is that my body is the one doing the work. Your brain doesn’t do the heavy lifting, and nine times out of ten, the days my mind told me I would probably have a bad run because of some narrative that kept me spiraling and procrastinating the runs till the last minute usually turned out to be the best ones. After this pattern repeated itself repeatedly, I just started going out with less trying to analyze whether I should. So shut up, brain. Do your quads burn? Is your breath panting? I didn’t think so. Running is a roller coaster ride; there are up and downs, and the ride will feel different every time you embark on it. I’m addicted to the runner’s high, but my brain often forgets this when getting started. Here is the playlist I made when I was training.

Vancouver Running Playlist

Pre-Marathon

Michael and I arrived three days before the run and didn’t do any more training and chose to eat and bike our way around the city instead. We stayed at the Sutton Place Hotel. It’s a few blocks from the train and a great central location for exploring the city. Also, running the BMO Vancouver Marathon in the spring is the perfect time to see the cherry blossoms blooming all over the city.

Vancouver Food

Here are the restaurants we went to, and I highly recommend them!

Maenam

Maenam

Kokoro Toyoko Mazesoba

Kokoro Toyoko Mazesoba


Tom’s Sushi

Tom’s Sushi


Linh Cafe

Linh Cafe

Race Day

Delayed an hour due to a mysterious package on the course, we stood cold and anxious at Elizabeth Park to get started. But once we did, what a race. The weather was cool and mild, slightly overcast with no wind, the ideal temperature for a long-distance run. The city horizon and a calm harbor came into view. We charged across the bridge with several other yellow coral runners (hoping to make it in 2:20 min). Supporters ran bells, cameras clicked, and posters of Ryan Gosling (who else would you want in your cheering squad) brought a smile to my face as I was finally in it. All the training added to that moment. While cruising through China town, a man meagerly pulled his dog through the course while smoking his joint. While the scent wafted through the air in front of me, it caused me to burst out laughing; British Columbia is known for its solid and good weed. The course blended oceanside air, lush greenery, and urban building. Other sights I remember were seniors who had met for their morning coffee and pastries at what looked like a local bakery; others stood in line for what must have been a trending breakfast spot, all while we runners clapped our feet on the pavement past them. In the race’s final leg, I felt entirely warmed up to the run; the crowd’s perfect weather, scenery, and energy made me want to pick up my pace. Soon I could see the 2:20 pace bunny and knew I would beat my un-trained Sea wheeze run. As I began to charge ahead, I knew the work I had done allowed me to be running as a better version of myself. I ended up coming in a 2:08, twelve minutes faster than my previous race!

Vancouver BMO 1/2 Marathon
Vancouver Marathon Finish Line
Vancouver BMO 21.5 Run
Vancouver BMO Run

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never trained for a race, I highly recommend it, regardless of distance or experience. The best part is the journey, the good runs, and even the horrible ones you are most proud of enduring. One time I ran through 40 km wind gusts, and I still laugh when I remember that moment. The most crucial part is that you are moving towards a goal that encourages you to be present while training to get there; enjoy the ride! Vancouver is a beautiful city, and the BMO marathon is such an incredible event; I’m so glad I passed the finish line and recommend this race to anyone looking to run an epic marathon. Vancouver is a beautiful city that is easily walkable and runnable!

The Best Vancouver Island Road Trip!

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Wild Pacific Trail

After two canceled trips to Mexico, I racked my brain for places to recharge that would be adventurous and relaxing for a family vacation with my parents. However, horror stories of stranded travelers and increased costs prompted me to consider a local trip instead. Having driven to Vancouver Island from Edmonton, I knew the distance and rise in gas prices couldn’t compete with Flair’s $100 flight to the island.

While Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, is most often sought out with direct flights or ferries and shuttles. However, I decided to take advantage of the lesser-known Comox, which offered a cheaper & less busy flight and a rental car; book one in advance; the checkout counter had a sign that said they were sold out! I spent a few days exploring Qualicum Beach, Parksville, Nanoose Bay, Coombs, Ucluelet, and Tofino. It sounds like many destinations, but these are quieter, smaller towns with most people found content on a beach with a picnic.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach

We chose the longer ocean route to get to our hotel and stopped to have lunch on the beach. My mother packed us an entire lunch of sandwiches and fruit, which I swore we would have to throw away at security, but we were able to keep to our luck! This town has a Saturday market to check out if you fly on this day, but we were eager to check in to our resort and enjoy a drink in the sun.

Qualicum Beach

Parksville

Rathtrevor Provincial Park

We stopped at a grocery store to pick up more snacks, smoked salmon, cheeses, and fruit. We then headed to Rathtrevor Provincial Park, a lovely park with a nice beach full of kites and picnic tables. We came here once for a walk and then the following day for a 5km run through the park before heading for lunch.

Rathtrevor Beach

Nanoose Bay

View from the Pacific Shores Resort

We stayed at the Pacific Shores Resort, which was great. It has an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna, which we enjoyed each night. My dad and I also borrowed ping pong paddles and played a few games to give my mother a break from us for an hour! There were the most beautiful sunsets in the evenings, and with outdoor propane firepits, it was a charming way to end the evening. Several families brought smore kits and roasted marshmallows with their kids. We snacked on the meat, cheese, and beer we bought in Parksville.

Sunset at the Pacific Shore Resort
Notch Hill Loop

Activities:

  • Rathover Park- 5km loop to run or walk
  • Nanoose Loop – 2.9Km loop that we choose to run, nice gravel trail.
  • Notch Hill Loop Trail- 5 km loop with a view of the bay and a swing!

Coombs

Coombs

A quick stop, most people come to see the goats that walk on the roof of the building; however, there is much more to discover at this stop. This pit stop was the liveliest place we found on our trip. We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at an Italian restaurant, Cuckoo. I bought some fresh doughnuts from Billy G’s doughnut shop and more snacks from the market, which was quite ample. There, were picked up heart-shaped truffle cheese, the tastiest sausages, and an apple galette. I would also recommend the cheese bread and pies if we had time and more real estate in our stomachs!

Cuckoo Restaurant
Coombs

Ucluelet

Wild Pacific Trail

We stayed at the Blackrock Resort. It is a picturesque place on the ocean, with an outdoor hot tub, and is steps away from the West Pacific trail. There is also a beach where some people had made fires and cozily eaten near- something to plan for the next time we go! We opted for a room with a kitchenette to cook breakfast in (eating out every day isn’t ideal for us); the room had high ceilings, a nice balcony to sit out and listen to the ocean on, and a large soaker tub. It is also dog friendly if you planning to bring a furry family member.

Wild Pacific Trail

Tofino

Long Beach

We went to Tofino to do a bear tour via boat. Unfortunately, the covered boat was not available, so we ended up with these bright red spacesuit-looking overalls in an open boat. We have several bears in Alberta, so the sightings weren’t too eventful. But my mother wearing the red get-up was priceless. If I went again, I would do a seaplane tour, as it would be cool to see the beaches from that unique vantage point. We stopped at Shelter for lunch, which had a lovely, heated patio with a fireplace and a great view.

Tofino Eats

The catch of the day, cooked over an open fire at the Zedd hotel was our best meal of the trip!

At the Zedd Hotel & Shelter

Activities:

  • Atelo– recommended by our guide for seaplane tours
  • Ocean Outfitters– who we chose for a Bear Tour
  • Long Beach- nice walk, lots of surfers
  • Chesterman Beach-Nice beach for walking and watching surfers
  • Wild Pacific Trail
Chasing Waterfalls
Qualicum Falls

Road Trip Pit Stops

To break up our drive, we visited Cathedral Grove and Qualicum Falls, and they were the perfect easy hiking spots! Hope you enjoyed this post and are inspired to take your own trip to the majestic Vancouver Island!

The Route:

  • Comox via Flair – pick up Enterprise rental car
  • Stop at Qualicum beach for lunch
  • Stay: 3 nights in Nanoose Bay at the Pacific Shores Resort
  • Stay: 3 nights in Ucluelet at the Black Rock Resort
  • Stay: 1 night in Courtney- Bayview Hotel– close drive back to the airport