Thursday, January 04, 2007

Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen
#18 - 13 of Caylynn's Favourite Hobbies

  1. Running - it will come as no surprise to any regular visitor that running is one of my favourite hobbies. I usually run between 3 and 5 times a week, and I'm currently training for a spring marathon (the Vienna Marathon) so my long runs are increasing - last week my long run was 14 miles, and the next several will be 16, 18, 20 and 20 miles. I've run numerous races, including several 10Ks (6.2 miles), three half-marathons (13.1 miles or 21.1 km), one 20K, and one marathon (26.2 miles or 42.2 km). I'm very slow, but I can run forever. After fracturing my L2 vertebra falling off a horse while jumping back in 1993, I'm just happy to be able to run at all!

  2. Horseback riding - Yep, even though I fractured a vertebra while riding, I still love it! There's nothing like the connection between a horse and a rider when it works. I ride English-style, and in the past I've mostly ridden hunter seat. Since my riding accident I have jumped again (mostly for psychological reasons, to prove to myself that I wasn't afraid) but I currently take dressage lessons.

  3. Teaching Group Fitness - Many of you will know group fitness as "aerobics" but those of us in the industry don't use that term anymore, since group fitness classes encompass so much more than traditional aerobics. When we were living in Canada, I was teaching between 4 and 6 group fitness classes a week. Here in Munich, I only teach once a week. I love it! I'm a certified group fitness instructor with CanFitPro, and I also have a Resist-A-Ball Level I certification. My favourite classes to teach are Step and Stability Ball. I can also teach High-Low (traditional floor aerobics), Body Sculpting/Muscle Conditioning (strength training/weights in a group setting), and any combination of the previous classes. The class I currently teach is Step and Tone - step choreography alternating with muscle conditioning.

  4. Taking Group Fitness Classes - I also enjoy taking classes from other instructors, especially formats that I don't teach, such as Pilates, or Advanced Step. (I teach basic to intermediate step.)

  5. Strength Training - I love lifting weights. I love the way it makes me feel and the way it makes me look. I like being strong! I lift heavy weights, because that is the most effective way to develop strength, and most women won't bulk up, even when lifting very heavy weights. I only know a few women who , due to their genetics, actually develop large, bulky muscles when lifting heavy. For most women, lifting heavy will just help them develop strength, acquire sculpted muscles, and burn fat. By the way, most women, unless they are genetically blessed, cannot develop "six pack" abs unless they get their body fat down to an extremely unhealthy level.

  6. Reading - I'm a voracious reader. I read every night before bed - it's my way of relaxing and unwinding at the end of the day. I read mostly fantasy and historical fiction. I also enjoy reading non-fiction (history, science, running, horseback riding, etc.) but now that I'm a student again (working towards a Masters degree in Physiotherapy) I don't read as much non-fiction. I get enough of it in my studies! Some of my favourite authors are L.E. Modesitt Jr., Katherine Kurtz, Kate Elliott, R.A. Salvatore, George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan, J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Diana Gabaldon, Lindsey Davis, Dick Francis, and many others, too numerous to mention.

  7. Comic Books - My husband is a long-time comic book collector and reader, and he introduced me to the hobby. I now enjoy reading comic books almost as much as I enjoy reading regular books. My favourite comic book creators include George Pérez, Gail Simone, Brian K. Vaughn, Greg Land, Greg Rucka, Brian Michael Bendis. Titles that I'm enjoying at the moment include Birds of Prey, 52, Civil War, Ex Machina, Fables, Jack of Fables, Knights of the Dinner Table, Queen and Country, Rex Mundi, Runaways, Artesia, Ultimate Spiderman, Y: The Last Man, Age of Bronze. Favourite past runs include George Pérez' re-launch of Wonder Woman, Marv Wolfman and George Pérez' New Teen Titans, and CrossGen's Sojourn.

  8. Watching TV - Yes, I also enjoy watching TV. I mostly enjoy watching shows on Discovery, National Geographic and History channels, although my husband and I also enjoyed watching regular T.V. My all-time favourite TV show is M*A*S*H. The best show ever made, in my opinion. Shows that we currently watch include Mythbusters, Stargate SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, Smallville, Battlestar Gallactica (the new one) and the various Law & Orders.

  9. Computer Games - I enjoy playing role-playing games(RPGs) such as Neverwinter Nights (1 & 2), Knights of the Old Republic (1 & 2), Oblivion, Baldur's Gate (1 & 2) and similar RPGs. I also enjoy turn-based Strategy Games such as Civilization III & IV, and City-Building Games such as Caesar IV.

  10. Playing with our Sphynx Kitten, Dragonheart - Drake LOVES playing with wand toys, so we obviously need to play with him. He especially enjoys chasing anything that has feathers on the end. Of course, doing anything with Dragonheart is fun.

  11. Blogging - It goes without saying, but blogging has become one of my favourite hobbies very quickly! I started a family blog first to keep in touch with our friends and family back home in Canada, then I started a blog to record my training runs, and now it has expanded from there. But I've met a lot of wonderful, friendly people through blogging, so I'm glad I started!

  12. Writing - Unlike many bloggers out there, I'm not a writer, and I don't have any desire to write short stories or novels, or to ever be published, but I do participate in an interactive fiction/role-playing group called alt.starfleet.rpg. I currently have two characters that I write, a Chief Medical Officer, LCDR StarSong to-Ennien, MD, PhD; and an Operations Officer, LT Catharina Ledoux. It's a lot of fun, and I really enjoy writing with a diverse group of people to create our own adventures in the Star Trek universe.

  13. Doing anything with my husband - We enjoy spending time together. Whether we're running, lifting weights, watching TV, or just doing ordinary, everyday things such as grocery shopping, we just enjoy being together. We are truly best friends and have a great time together, no matter what we're doing.



The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

52 comments:

Laura said...

i'm 1st whoo-hoo!
i see some active and sedentery faves of mine here. great list.
my tt is up.

Samantha said...

6,11 and 13 are my favorites :) Happy T13!!

Raggedy said...

Great list!
I enjoyed reading your post.
Munich is so very far away.
Have a wonderful Thursday!
My TT is posted

Anonymous said...

Great list! And I smiled at your number 13 -- my hubby and I are the same way, I couldn't imagine a better friend. :)

And Dragonheart is beautiful! I'm a cat lover, too.

Happy TT!

Anonymous said...

Can you come help me out with those exercise ones? I used to be so much better and enjoying them.

Happy TT!

Tink said...

I can't exercise as much as I'd like, but I'm trying the best I can because I love it!
About reading: do you know LibraryThing? I blogged about it yesterday and I love it!
Thanks for visiting my TT.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a healthy and enjoyable list. Enjoy all your moments in the new year and best of luck with that marathon.

Nathalie said...

You're soooo active! I wish I was like that sometimes - I am probably as lazy as people can get :)
Have a great Thursday and thanks for dropping by!

Sonny said...

I wish I were half as active as you! That would help a lot loosing my weight... :(
(one of my resolutions for this year)

Great List!
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs and Happy TT from Germany,
Sonny
Happy New Year to all of you

P.S:My TT is up too! Please visit Sweet like Kitty

Anonymous said...

You're so active! I'm a slug compared to you, lol! Excellent list :)

Melissa said...

You have a lot of great, healthy hobbies! Good job!

Julie in Texas said...

Wow! You are a woman of many interests. I agree, I think MASH is one of the best shows ever on TV. My husband and I typically watch at least one episode (a channel here has two hours worth of MASH every night) an evening before bed.

Have a great day!

Jodi said...

Great list! I have similar hobbies. My TT is up, come on over.

Have a great Thursday!

Anonymous said...

Great hobbies you have! :) Thanks for stopping by...

Anonymous said...

Great list!

Anonymous said...

Okay, you're my inspiration. I wish I had half your energy!!

I love RPG games. Especially the kind you mention in #12. I used to role play a vixen named Salena and I had so much fun with her! I really think that experience taught me to master the art of dialogue. I'm sure I could write a play based off that experience alone.

It's so refreshing to hear someone say something positive about their spouse. I think that's so cool that you like to hang out with him. I feel the same about my hubby.

As always, thanks for stopping by, Caylynn. Have an excellent day!

Carmen said...

i'm an avid reader too - so much, that I run out of things to get from the library!

Unknown said...

I feel very lazy right now. When I was home on mat leave I exercised every day and loved it. Now that I'm back at the office, between work, my family, and my writing I don't seem to have time for anything else. But now I think I may dig out my weights. :)

Thanks for posting this and getting me motivated! And thanks for stopping by my site. :)

Joely Sue Burkhart said...

I love to read, but not as much since I committed to writing. I'm working on the non-sedentary items!! Happy TT!

Unknown said...

Great list of hobbies, Caylynn. I used to love to run, I would love to start back up. Also MASH, my husband and I love to watch it together. It doesn't matter that we've seen them all, both of us still have a good laugh everyime we watch it.
Happy TT!

Angela/SciFiChick said...

#6-9 for me too!
I'm only a couple years in to reading comics, but I'm getting caught up pretty fast. ;)

Unknown said...

Wow! You must be in awesome shape, I can't even run across the street. LOL! OK no I'm not that bad. I love to read too. My book count for 2006 was 57, this year I'm going for 75!

Amanda said...

What a great list! I would be hardpressed to come up with 13 things that are hobbies now... I used to jog, I used to lifet weights and I used to read... Now, I cook, clean and look after three kids... it pretty much swallows my whole day.

Chickadee said...

I enjoy writing and I'm intrigued about the writing group. I'm a D&D gamer and I write the game from my character's perspective.

I'm also a HUGE Stargate Fan and I read a lot of fantasy too. R.A. Salvatore included!

My 13 is up.

Anonymous said...

I figured running would be #1 on your list. :D I'd have to say reading and blogging would be first on mine, but I do need to incorporate more exercise.

Jane said...

We share a couple of hobbies: reading, blogging and doing things with hubby!
My T13 is up.

el-e-e said...

I thought I was the only blogger who likes writing but doesn't have novel aspirations. :) Glad I'm not.

Happy TT and thanks for visiting mine.

Rene said...

I love computer games myself although I really have to limit myself these days with the writing.

I took horseback riding lessons when I was a kid (hunt seat) and now my seven year old daughter is taking them. She loves it and she looks so good on horseback. She seems to be a natural.

Wish I loved exercise like you do.

Darla said...

I'm with you on 5, 6, 11, & 13. And yeah, I'm one of that small minority of women who build muscle very easily, so I don't lift weights as much as I'd like.

Leah said...

From your list, it just shows that you are a very active person. I wish I can be like that more. I want to take up running and be more active in exercising as well.
I like to read too. Good luck in your studies and have fun with your horse and be careful at all times.

Michelle Wiebe said...

You have a great mix of social/ not social and active/ not so active activities!

Great well rounded person you are. :x

-Michelle (mw-artco)

Annie said...

Awesome hobbies!! And I agree with Michelle, so well rounded!

Happy TT!

Amy Ruttan said...

Awesome hobbies! I LOVE strength training. I just started it this past fall with a personal trainer and now I can't live without it.

I want to try Budokon next, it's like jujitsu, tae kwan do and kick boxing. I also think I would like to try to climb a mountain.

Happy TT

Laurence said...

Thanks for visiting me !!!

Your list is so lovely (especially your #13). I would like so much your #4. :-)

P.S. Votre chat est trop mignon mais quelqu'un vous a déjà dit qu'il n'avait pas de poil ? :-D
P.P.S. J'aimerais beaucoup le caresser... Il doit être très doux !!!

Anonymous said...

#6 and 11 are my favorites on your list. I've always wanted to learn horseback riding but have never had the opportunity. Happy New Year!

Lazy Daisy said...

Wow, I'm impressed. Good luck with your marathons. I'll cheer you on from the recliner. You go girl...You are my hero.

Sunflower said...

That is the greatest list I read today!
I love sports a lot too.
We share a lot in common:-)

Thanks for stopping by my Sunflower blog and supporting me!
Welcome back anytime.

I will Exercise for Comments!
Sunflower

Dolores said...

What a great balance of mind, body and spirit nourishing activities. Thanks for sharing -- and for visiting my first TT.

JAM said...

Keep up the fitness stuff, you'll outlive the rest of us. Great list, and a much more balanced activity list than my life would generate.

Anonymous said...

ok, I need you to come live in my body for about a year to get me in shap.
Love the idea of doing things with hubby.

Mike said...

A great list. I like rpg games now that Skittles has introduced me to them. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

Good heavens i feel very lazy now! When on earth do you find the time for all that, to say nothing of the energy.

Scribbit said...

I love pilates and yoga, something about keeping flexible makes me feel younger.

Mary said...

Great list! Blogging is addictive, isn't it? Man, if I were half as active as you.... I could eat a lot of chocolate!

I think my diet regimen still needs work, LOL! Happy TT, and thanks for viviting mine. :O)

Anonymous said...

Wow, you've got quite the busy life. All of a sudden I feel like a boring bump on a log *whaaaaa*

Writing interactive characters in groups is really satisfying. All the best this week.

Anonymous said...

Wow! You are an active, take-life-by-the horns gal, aren't you? Nice list.

Geekwif said...

Great list! I wish #1-5 were favorite activities of mine! I enjoy 6,9,10,and 11 too much, and my backside certainly shows it! ;)

Good for you that you can enjoy them all.

Anthony said...

Wow, that's an impresive list...

I'm working on getting in shape this year...

Anthony
Journey Through Divorce

Anonymous said...

Great list! Not sure I could ever consider running and exercise as hobbies ... those are things I am suppose to do ... have to do ... not get to's.

have fun
pam

Tizzie said...

I suddenly feel like I should be joining the gym!!!

Great list, nice to see that I'm not the only one who likes GRRM....NONE of my friends have heard of him, other than when I am raving about his books!

Thanks for popping by.

Happy TT!

Unknown said...

Great list. I haven't seriously exercised in years but I like some of the same authors.
Thanks for visiting my site and I'll be back.

Teena in Toronto said...

And where do you find the time??!! :)

Mine's up too :)