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After a long hiatus, I’ve brought up a new incarnation of charlescollins.ca. Hoping to catalog some of the interesting technology I’ve been working with; and cataloging some of the triathlons I’m training for, or racing.

Winter Running Guide: Essential Tips for Staying Warm and Safe

As the temperature drops, many runners might be tempted to take a break from their outdoor routines. However, winter running can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience with the right approach. In this post, we’ll share essential tips to help you stay warm, safe, and motivated while running in the colder months.

1. Layer Up Smartly: Dress in layers to trap body heat and allow for adjustments based on your warmth and exertion levels. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer, and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer layer.

2. Protect Your Extremities: Your hands, feet, and ears are more susceptible to cold. Wear gloves or mittens, thermal socks, and a warm hat or headband to protect these sensitive areas.

3. Choose the Right Footwear: Opt for running shoes with good traction to handle slippery surfaces. Consider waterproof shoes to keep your feet dry, or use gaiters to prevent snow from entering your shoes.

4. Be Visible: With shorter daylight hours, ensure you’re visible to others. Wear reflective gear or a headlamp to make yourself seen in low-light conditions.

5. Warm-Up Indoors: Do your warm-up routine indoors to get your body temperature up before heading out. This reduces the shock of the cold and decreases injury risk.

6. Stay Hydrated: You may not feel as thirsty in the cold, but staying hydrated is crucial. Drink water before, during, and after your run.

7. Adjust Your Pace: Winter conditions may require a slower pace or shorter strides. Focus on maintaining a consistent effort rather than hitting specific speed goals.

8. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you feel too cold, experience numbness, or have difficulty breathing, cut your run short.

Conclusion: Don’t let the cold weather put a freeze on your running routine. With these tips, you can continue to enjoy your runs and stay in shape throughout the winter. Embrace the chilly challenge and discover the unique joys of winter running!

Unlocking Productivity and Organization with Notion: A Professional’s Perspective

Introduction: In today’s fast-paced professional world, staying organized and efficient is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. That’s where Notion comes in – a versatile tool that’s revolutionizing the way we handle information and manage projects. In this blog, we’ll explore the capabilities of Notion and why it’s an invaluable asset for any professional.

Body:

1. All-in-One Workspace: Notion stands out as an all-in-one workspace. Whether you’re drafting documents, creating databases, or planning your next big project, Notion provides a unified platform to manage all these tasks seamlessly. This integration reduces the need for multiple tools, streamlining workflow and saving time.

2. Customizable Templates: One of the most striking features of Notion is its customizable templates. These templates cater to a wide range of needs, from simple to-do lists to complex project timelines. This customization allows professionals to tailor their workspaces to their specific needs, making organization more personal and effective.

3. Collaborative Features: Notion excels in collaborative capabilities. Team members can simultaneously work on documents, share feedback, and track progress. The real-time updates and comment features ensure everyone stays on the same page, fostering a collaborative environment that’s essential in any professional setting.

4. Integration with Other Tools: In our interconnected digital world, the ability to integrate with other tools is crucial. Notion offers integration with a myriad of other applications like Slack, Google Calendar, and Trello, enhancing its functionality and allowing professionals to create a more cohesive digital workspace.

5. Exceptional Organization with Databases: The database feature in Notion is a game-changer for professionals dealing with large amounts of data. Whether it’s managing client information, tracking project progress, or organizing resources, the databases are highly flexible and can be viewed in various formats like tables, kanban boards, or calendars.

6. Easy Access and Mobility: With cloud-based access, Notion ensures that your workspace is always at your fingertips, whether on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This mobility is crucial for professionals who are always on the move, providing the flexibility to work from anywhere, at any time.

Conclusion: Notion is more than just a tool; it’s a productivity partner that adapts to your professional needs. Its versatility, combined with its user-friendly interface, makes it an indispensable tool for any professional looking to boost efficiency and streamline their workflow. Embrace the power of Notion, and transform the way you work.

Back at it

Back to triathalon training after a bad cold or flu

I’m starting to ramp up my base training for my triathalon season.  Unfortunately I’ve been battling cold/flu bugs throughout the fall/winter season.  My latest illness hit me 2 weeks ago.   Since then, I’ve been able to get back at it and ramp up my base layer of training.  My trainingpeaks metrics show I’m back up to a  CTL (fitness) of 67.  This is back to my level prior to catching the flu.  I’m approaching my training  slow and steady as I know that the training season is long and I need to be patient.

After a visit to my family doctor and reading up on cold prevention, I realized that I was short on Vitamin D.  I also realized, that I haven’t been taking any of my multivitamins.  A quick visit to the pharmacy was needed to stock up.  Vitamin D is especially important this time of year, where daylight is at it’s shortest.  A friend mentioned that his doctor advised him to get liquid Vitamin D, I assume for easier absorption.  

With a balanced diet, rest and vitamins, I’m hoping these are the ingredients I need to get back on track.  

 

Flu and Cold symptoms