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Calgary 70.3 Pre-Race Meal at my house w my wife Shirley & professional triathletes Liz Lyles & Jarod Shoemaker – So fun.

It’s Tuesday – but I’m still hoping the weekend won’t end.

A few weeks ago – somehow through facebook, I learned that the organizers of Calgary 70.3 were looking for host homes for the professional athletes.
I immediately said “Yes” … and asked for two.

Talented Mom & current record holder on Brazil Ironman Course Liz Lyles and Past World Champion and Olympian Jarrod Shoemaker were our pro athletes for the weekend!

The top 5 Professionals – Men and Women – Calgary 70.3 2016 – Liz and Jarred came 4th & 5th.

I’m shocked at what these athletes eat. They simply are flexible. Jared arrived first on Friday. We had food in the house … but he told us he would stop prior to arriving at home to get some snacks for the weekend. I was curious what ‘snacks’ were.
I was delighted to arrive home.
He had chips in the house!
… I LOVE chips.
Liz assured us … all she needed was coffee in the morning.

Well this is my race report …
Swim 28:29
I was fast. (In my standards).
Actually – the guy in front of me was fast.
I followed fast feet.
At one point, some crazy guy … actually stopped swimming and pushed me TOWARDS the finish line. He was upset at me as we rounded a buoy and were bumping against each other. Shit happens.

Bike 2:18:28
A beautiful course – it was unmemorable – other than seeing friend Jason Pohl pass me … and me thinking I was happy to beat him on the swim. I thought I could hold him … and was disappointed I could not. (25 year old punk.)

Run 1:37:41
I ran.
At the finish line, I ran into my friend Jarred Green.
He said, “It was funny … you looked like shit going out … and coming in … but you were moving.”
That is pretty much how I felt. Yes … I could move in a forward direction … but I had no spirit – and simply

Friend Dan on the left & Winner of the day – Josh Amberger in 3hours 40min – a course record! – Bryon Howard on the right. Dan will be joining Josh at World Championships in Aussie in 5 weeks. Josh didn’t seem worried about the competition.

no spring.

Results: I WON the age 50-54 group! My time was 4:28:24.
I’m 49 years old … and I’ll be 50 in November.
For all those years in elementary school from grades 1 to 6 – when I was the last picked for every team sport … Ha!  Ironman made a change in the way the age categories work … so being born late in the year is an advantage as one age groups us.  I’ll take it! 🙂

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

2016 Finish Line at Calgary Police Half Marathon – Volunteer & Friend Jeremy Woolward presenting Bryon Howard with his Finisher’s Medal

A few years ago, along with friend Greg K, we decided we would do an Ironman distance triathlon every 5 years. I think we both think of it as a bit of a health check up. 2011 was our last Ironman … so this is Ironman Year – the goal race being Ironman Arizona on Nov 20.
One of the reasons I like this 5 year Ironman plan … is every 5 years … I’m forced to get real efficient with my time, and because of all the training … I am forced to take a serious look at my health and habits. Currently, as I ramp up my training and research – I am a bit amazed at all the new supposed ‘hacks’ – at how to get fitter and faster.
For the past 6 weeks, I have experimented with a Ketogenic Diet (High Fat and Low Carbs). I began down this rabbit hole by Listening to a pod cast by Tim Ferris as he interviewed Dr. Peter Atilla & later Dom D’Augustino. Since then, I’ve listened/read other proponents of this ‘way’ … Mark Sisson and Ben Greenfield.
Proponents of training and racing in a Ketogenic State (as I understand it) – suggest that you should not need to fuel your body until after 3, 4 and even 5 hours of training/racing. Your body will burn more efficiently on fat (versus what we all mostly believe – which you must use Carbs).
Since January 1, I have run 36 hours. That is about 2.5 hours per week. At the same time, I’ve been skiing, cycling and swimming … gaining fitness. I did three very good speed workouts on the Glenmore Track the three weeks prior to this race.

Since early in March, I’ve been waking in the morning … drinking bullet coffee … and getting on with my day of a morning swim or run, then working … often having the first low carb meal at noon. (This is to practice becoming a fat burning machine.)

Sunday, April 24/16 – Calgary Police Half Marathon – Time to test the training & diet
I woke 2 hours before the 8am start, I drank a bullet coffee (adding butter and cream). I weighed in at 160.2 lbs – which is about 5 pounds off my standard ‘natural want to be weight’ of 166 pounds. I’m pleased about that. Ultimately I would like to try to get down to 155lbs for IM Arizona.
15 Minutes prior to the race start, I drank some Ketoforce (It contains 55 calories with Sodium & Potassium Beta Hydroxybutyrate … supposed to help me be a ‘fat burning beast’.)
Weeks before the race, I decided I would try to run sub 1 hour 30 min … which is a pace of 4 min 15″ per km. (I did similar pace in November.) I felt great at the start of the race, running the first 8 km’s between 3:52 and 4:07.

Somewhere between 9 and 11 km, my legs felt VERY heavy. (I wondered … do I have enough miles of running in these legs.)
1 hour into the race, against the strong proponents of this diet, I had a gel. I was told if I did this … it would be like rocket fuel and I’d fly the last 30 minutes. Nothing. (I wished there was a telephone booth near, so I could get my Superman cape out.)
In the last kilometer, I had another gel. I got passed by two runners.
I had no kick – no fight to truly race.
My average heart rate was 163, max bursting to 188. This may suggest that I was going as hard as possible … as my threshold is around 163 (from my self testing).
I ran 1 hour 30 min and 30 seconds – a pace of 4min 17″. I finished 25th overall and 6th in my age group. According to Strava, the course was a little long. See the route (my heart rate & more) on Strava by clicking here.

What did I learn:
I’m enjoying the diet
I should try the next event with a fat filled breakfast (eggs fried in coconut oil/butter & spinach)
I should run more than 2.5 hours per week

What’s Next?
Ghost of the Gravel on June 19, a dirt road race of about 150km – where I hope to defend my win from last year in the Cat 3 category.
I think I’d like to get more strict about this ketosis thing. I’d like to monitor my body a bit more to find out if I am actually in ketosis.
I want to learn more about HRV (Heart Rate Variability) Training. My understanding so far … base your workout effort on your rested heart rate when you wake up in the morning.

In 2015, RE/MAX Realtor Bryon Howard ran as Superman at The Police Half Marathon. With a lot less training, little focus, and no diet changes – his time was only 2 min slower than 2016. (The cape must have helped.)

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at www.TheHowardTeam.net.

Since Tim Ferriss came out with his book, “The 4-hour Work Week”,    I’ve been following him.

He’s a fan of Seneca and Stoicism.

I like to bike. I don’t think I love to bike … but I love what biking brings me.

I suppose my favourite thing about cycling is experiencing the weather.

I love it all … too hot, too rainy, too windy and too cold. I can pretty much dress for whatever the weather and enjoy the ride.

Next up … I enjoy the elevated heart rate. Cycling is good for the body and the brain.
I prefer to ride with others who are of similar ability … I like to race. However, I also like to ride alone. I like leaving … and I like getting back home. I especially enjoy early morning rides when the sun is rising … or later evening rides when the sun is dropping. I like riding in mid-morning, mid-afternoon – or even high noon. I like exploring new routes, seeing new things … and when traveling – experiencing new cultures from a bike saddle.

In this brief blog, I want to explain that to travel on a bike, you will be much happier and more successful if you practice being Stoic.

I have many friends and acquaintances who are triathletes.

Many of my friends are Type “A” personality … and have done or are planning to do an Ironman.

In training, they will travel to Mallorca, Maui, and/or California and travel to races in Quebec, Arizona, Germany, and “God willing”, Kona.

For this group … you have no choice … you MUST pack and transport your bike. Your family understands this.

Being Stoic during the process will help you.

I’m currently travelling at 3,800 ft on West Jet to Calgary via Toronto from the Dominican Republic.

I spent a few days in Cabarette and about 10 days in Las Galeras, the Samana Peninsula. It was my Mom’s 80 birthday celebration. My 5 brothers and sisters were there, my wife and kids, and most of my nieces and nephews. We were 22 people – and it was great.

My Mom’s 80th Birthday

However, I wasn’t going on a cycling trip.

The priorities were clearly: family, hopefully, some kite surfing with my son, perhaps some cycling … ‘God willing’.

If you fancy yourself a cycling enthusiast … a cyclist … then you may wish to bring your bike on your next travel.

Your next travel could be for work, it could be for a one-week vacation with your sweetheart, or it could be a 3-month bike touring trip.

If you plan to be successful in actually ‘getting out the door’ and bringing your bike, you should practice being Stoic.

You see, nearly everyone will try to convince you not to take your bike. Your friends and family love you.

They think that you will die.

People fear the unknown. I fear the unknown.

It is much much easier NOT to bring your bike. Your spouse will be happier. Your kids will be happier. Your Mom will be happier. They think you will live … and be safe.

However, if you are like me … you will be much happier to have your bike along … and sneak out for at least one ride. When your spouse, kids, and Mom see your smile after your ride, or from your selfie on Facebook or Instagram … they will smile too.

When you need to be Stoic:

• Announcing to your family a few weeks prior … I’m going to x and I’m taking my bike; (Actually, I suggest you say … “I’d like to take my bike”. At this point it is kind of far into the future … and they will not normally object … yet.)
• Googling bike routes near x place. If you are like me … you won’t find any … and begin to question if you should bring your bike; (While googling x place, you will learn about why it’s dangerous to bike here.)
• A week to a few days prior to departure. If you are like me … you have not organized a bike box. You need to either: find your bike box which is back far in the garage behind many things; go to a bike store and ask for a used cardboard box; buy a proper bike box, or borrow a bike box. This is the most important place to be stoic.
• The day prior to travel. You will be too busy to pack your bike. If you tell your spouse or your Mom … they will emphasize with you … and remind you about all the reasons why you should not take your bike anyway. I suggest waking up really early prior to your spouse and “Just Do It” … pack your bike while they are sleeping. When they wake, act as if it was no big deal.

It gets easier from here … but you must still practice Stoicism.

• Driving to the Airport:  Which car will we bring. Will the bike fit in?
• Checking in at the Airport:  You Made it! Now the surprises begin. Keep a straight face … don’t let the surprises bug you. Expect to pay $100 for your bike at check-in. Always say Thank You no matter what they charge you … it’s never the same. You get to travel with your bike!!!
• Security: checking your bike bag at Oversized security. You are committed at this point … and will be taking your bike. It is here that you must remain stoic to enjoy yourself. If you are traveling with your non-cycling spouse, they will be watching over you … possibly adding to the stress .. and huffing and puffing. About 80% of the time, I will have to unpack my bike for security. (Really … it’s no big deal.) Just unpack it. Note: when packing at home … don’t use a lot of tapes.
• Some tips: Don’t deflate your tires too much (80psi is fine for tires that can run 110); don’t take CO2 cartridges; bring a pump that fits in your jersey (try using it at home); you can pack a lot of stuff in the bike bag (your cycling gear, kite surfer, etc. However, be sure to keep it under 50lbs … and lighter is better.
  This morning when checking in my oversized baggage in Toronto … I had the very worst ‘duck’ like person. She was a real cow. For the first time ever, I had to take everything out of my bike bag … place it in tubs, and run it through the scanner. She was rude, spoke like a squirrel, and was really unpleasant.

A 75 km ride to El Catey Airport in the Dominican Republic. It took 18 min to back the bike & kite surfer.

• Traveling with a bike has gotten tricker in the 15 years since I started doing it. I expect it will continue to be even more unpleasant and difficult at the airport – as our ‘officers’ become more like robots and less like people. You see, we slow things down with our bikes … and their bosses are watching … and there are people lined up behind us … who get cranky as well.

Screw them- You Got Your Bike.

I need to practice being stoic.

Related & Recommended Posts:Is cycling in Dominican Republic Safe.
How to unpack your bike in 11 min -Just Do it.

Why I like to lend my bike box.

Laos Getting a Flat

I have a sister who spends 6 months of the year in Dominican Republic and 6 months of the year in Prince Edward Island. In the DR, she helps run a La Hacienda Hostel in Las Galeras, and in PEI she does much volunteer work with the PEI Food Exchange.  She’s a bit of a hippie. She’s never been on a Cruise, and claims to hate them. I don’t know if she earns any money, but guess she earns between $3,000 and $12,000 per year.

A year or two ago my Mom began requesting that we do a family trip for her 80th birthday. We have never traveled as a family. We began brain storming idea’s. Of course a family cruise was an option. Florida was an option. Perhaps Britain. However, it became evident that if the entire family would be attending, the party would happen at the end of the road on the Semana Pennisula, in Las Galeras, Dominican Republic. (A kind of Eco Village.)

The little bit of googling I did on biking in DR, only brought up two types of results:

-Options to join Mountain Bike Tours;

-Touristy type information on how cycling in the DR is extremely dangerous. (Generally you could tell the writer was some sort of travel agent who thinks cycling means riding a beach cruiser on a bike path.)

My 19 year old son, currently in a gap year, decided to go a month early to Cabarete, DR to Kite Surf. His first time in the 3rd world … he pretty much conferred with my sister, the roads are dangerous.  When I asked for more info on what made them dangerous, he responded; “There are people everywhere, manholes are missing, the houses are really close to the road, there’s loud music, there’s donkeys, horses, chickens and beeping mopads, poncho’s, cars and buses. It’s crazy! I really don’t think it is a good idea to bring your bike.”

I’ve travelled a lot. In 1986 I spent three months in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I would commandeer the rik shaw whenever I could. In Nov 2014, I left Banff on my cycle cross bike and road to Vancouver Island then flew to Bangkok and cycle toured in Thailand & Laos.  In June of 2015, I won the Cat 3 devision of a 145km Gravel Grinder, The Ghost of the Gravel.

These roads sound interesting.

You see, if there are donkeys, chickens, children and houses all along the road … then it must be at least as safe to cycle here then on many of my very familiar rides in Calgary, Alberta.  One of my standard longish rides is leaving my home in Central SW Calgary (Altadore / Marda Loop) and ride to Bragg Creek via Springbank – 90km.  I used to feel very comfortable doing this ride about 5 years ago. These days, depending on how much riding I’m doing … I mostly feel less comfortable due to the fact that so many people are beeping and buzzing on their smart phones.  However, I continue to ride this route.

What is Safe?

It felt very safe to ride in the DR to me.

Yes – I might die sometime while riding my bike.

However, there is a much greater chance I will die in my car in a car accident.

I could also get run over by a car in a parking lot at Safeway. Chinook Mall is even more scary. I think parking lots are very dangerous.

I could get the new Zika virus.

I guess the chances of me getting cancer and dying are greater then me dying on my bike.

One thing is sure; I will die.

My focus on this trip was family, kite surfing, and then cycling. Over the 14 days, I rode 700km and climbed x vertical. Every ride was spectacular. The only thing that would have made it more enjoyable is to be riding with some friends, in a peloton … where I would have been travelling faster and punching the uphills with increased vigour.

Most of the rides were coastal, with just one inland ride from Cabarette into the mountains. This was particularly spectacular. I’d like to return and do more riding in the Central Cordillera.

My jumping of spots were Puertto Platta and Semana. These are quite small towns compared to more popular tourist spots like Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. However, I would feel comfortable bringing my bike to these cities and exploring.

I guess the moral of the story is we have to phrase our questions a bit more carefully.  We cannot ask, “Is this safe?”  

Safety depends on your experience … and your ‘feeling’.

I feel like it is my right to ride a bike in my city. I feel like I should be able to commute nearly anywhere. If I had the time, and the motivation, I would ride without hesitation anywhere in Calgary. I would have to do some research on the safest route … as it would suck to land on Deerfoot Trail.

Do you feel like this?

-If you can imagine riding from Central Calgary to Springbank Airport, the 22x, and certainly Bragg Creek … then cycling in the Dominican Republic is safe for you. 

-If riding from Evergreen to Millarville along the road to Nepal is safe for you – you’d be fine in the DR.  

– If you can ride from South Rustico to Prince Edward Island National Park along the #6, then you will feel very safe riding in the DR!

-If you can ride from Downtown San Diego to Cabrillo National Monument – you’ll be fine.

-In Las Vegas … from Boulder City to Hoover Damn – then you’d be fine riding in the DR.

-Riding from Victoria, BC to Sooke … you’d be fine.

If your ride means loading your bike onto your car, and driving to do the Glenmore Reservoir loop, then cycling in the Dominican Republic would be dangerous for you.  

I love traveling in new places with my bike. I’m not particularly knowledgeable on technology … but tools like Garmin, Suunto, and Strava are making exploring on your bike easier and more fun. In the coming years, we can expect this to get even better and easier.

Go explore – take your bike.

Recommended & Related Posts:

A road ride from my bike saddle near Cabarrette, Dominican Republic

Why I like to lend my bike box

Being Stoic – some ‘how to’s’ on traveling with a bike

Getting a flat in Laos

100km into a ride in Dominican Republic

I’m currently on a West Jet Flight – Toronto to Calgary. It’s 4:57am Calgary time. Yesterday we flew from El Catey International Airport in Semana, Dominican Republic to Toronto. We arrived at 6:30pm, and had to spend the night in Toronto. Yes, I had to take my bike to the hotel with me, and check it in again this morning at 5:15am. (Yes – it was one of the worst ever experiences I’ve had travelling with my bike … yet, still so worth it.)

The first time I travelled with a bike was in 2001, for Ironman Florida. At that time, I went to my local bike store and requested a card board box that the new bikes come in. I travelled for years using a cardboard box and even just a plastic bag.

However, the airlines are getting increasingly fussy about how they will let you transport a bike. The last time I travelled with my bike in a cardboard box, I think I had to sign a waiver that they would not be responsible if something went wrong.

Then I found a friend who owned two bike boxes … and I borrowed those for years.

In 2014 my son began travelling as a cyclist with Team Alberta. I broke down and purchased 2 Evoc Bike Boxes at Speed Theory. I think they were about $450 each … not inexpensive.

While I do not LOVE to lend my bike boxes, I do like to lend them.

Why:
– Karma. I borrowed for years, and want to ‘give back’;
– I feel people SHOULD travel with their bikes. I think people should feel safe biking most any place in the world;
– When you own a good quality bike, a rental bike does not normally cut it;
– The first few times you are traveling with a bike box … you will be a bit freaked out. You will not really understand how to take your bike apart and fit it into the box. You will be a bit stressed about putting down more cash to rent a box, or buy one. I want to help you get over this initial pain.
– Often renting a bike is cumbersome and not much fun. You have to find the bike store, work within their opening hours, then deal with more line ups, waiting, and probably a crappy bike and most probably crappy customer service.
– In my experience, travelling with a bike is cheap. It’s much cheaper then renting a bike … and really worth the expense to be able to have your bike with you. Even for just one ride on your travel. (The most I’ve ever paid to transport my bike was $200 … but more often then not, it was free.)
– I personally do most of my riding early in the morning – often finishing my ride prior to a bike store opening at 9 or 10am.
– If you are traveling with your bike, we would probably get along.
– If you are travelling for a race … you have trained, put in the work, and are excitedly looking for a personal best. I LOVE hearing about your experience.

West Jet are particularly friendly

Okay … I also do have a selffish motive.
I’m in sales. I’m realtor. Actually, I’m a very good realtor. Not to brag, but I consistently rank in the top 1% of realtors in Calgary. Most years I rank in Top 100 RE/MAX Agents in Canada. Like in training for endurance sports, I’m quite disciplined in my job. Discipline = Results for my clients.

If you borrow my bike box, and if you are looking to sell or buy a house or condo, or know someone who needs to move … please interview & hire me for the job! If you have a trusted realtor in your life (or are a realtor) … you can still borrow my bike box!

The final caveat: be nice. be polite. say thank you. Hopefully I’ll be around when you are retuning the box to my home or office in Central SW … and we will each have a few moments – so you can share your bike adventure story. I Love that.

//

You might also like, “Is Cycling in the Dominican Republic Safe?”
Youtube: Cycling in Dominican Republic
Youtube: Cycling in Laos
Traveling with bike – being Stoic.
Unpacking your bike – in 10min.

It seems the older I get, the more I think in quarters. Let me explain…after every three to four months I reflect on how I did in my last quarter. Did I hit my business targets? Did I get sufficient exercise? Did I have enough exercise and fun? Is my life progressing in the direction I want it to go? Am I moving towards a designed life or am I just living day to day reacting to the circumstances around me? On a quarterly basis, these are the many thoughts that run through my head.

Recently, I ran into a friend and colleague at work, Tim Banfield, who is constantly setting out on new challenges and adventures. On many occasions he has invited me to join him on those adventures including mountain climbing, ski tours, biking and many more. After months of saying no, I finally said yes and we picked Tuesday 22 September to do head out and do something fun.

We ultimately decided to do a multi pitch climb at the Ghost area (Don Getty Wildland). While I have ridden my road bike a little bit in this area, I really had no idea where we were going. Getting there in Tim’s Grand Cherokee was almost enough of an adventure with all the twists and bumps in the road. After arriving and a short hike from the drainage area, we were at the base of our chosen route called Heidies with Hilties – a 5.10b route established in 2000 by two women by the name of Heidi. The last time I did a 5.10b was at Smith Rock in Oregon in 1991 with my brother Tommy… and it was a single pitch, so this would definitely prove to be a challenge.

Tim led the four pitches and I followed. At one point I thanked Tim for keeping the rope tight and he replied that he was giving me a ‘girlfriend belay’. With a taunt rope, I was able to successfully do the entire climb without falling. During the entire clime Tim reassured me that at no time were we ever in danger, and I acknowledged that. However, at the same time – my body was completely exhausted as we reached the top at the final pitch. We repelled down and at the base of the climb, we had a picnic snack before going on a short hike.

Completely at peace, I lied on the ground … so thankful to be in this amazing location. In retrospect, the highlight of the day was not the adrenalin pumping climb up the steep wall, but the relaxation of hanging out at the base in complete peace. At the same time, I needed the climb to enjoy the peace of just hanging out. I guess it is the ying and yang or pendulum of life – you cannot have happiness without sadness, you cannot have success without failure, exhilaration comes from peace. Thanks to Tim, I’m already making a plan for some adventures next quarter!

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Yes is the answer… now what is the question?

At some point in the past 8 months I was at a Real Estate workshop where the speaker asked us about our ability to be versatile. He asked us to frequently get out of our comfort zone. He told us when being asked to do something, to “Say Yes… then explore the question.”

I wrote notes during the seminar, and upon getting back to my office, I created a list of “Actionable Items” that I wanted to implement in my business. I entered in my Google Calendar “Yes is the answer… now what is the question?” This statement now pops up on my Calendar weekly.

When friends Helen and Greg invited Shirley and I to join them on a 12-day walk from Coast to Coast across the United Kingdom, I immediately said “Yes”.

After saying “Yes”… Shirley and I reasoned if we could. Our youngest child is in the final year of high school. He would be okay. I have a good team in place at RE/MAX. They don’t need me everyday. I have hit my sales goals in the past couple of years. Financially, we can do this.

I don’t like walking. I walk my dog reluctantly. I basically hate it – unless I’m walking with one of my kids and/or Shirley. I never imagined I would ever walk across England.

I like to run, bike, paddle, etc. Walking is slow. I’m not peaceful enough. I don’t spend this amount time with anyone. Will my wife tolerate me after spending ALL day with me for 12 consecutive days… and I value this friendship. Will we still be friends?

So, after saying “Yes”… I booked the tour. A few weeks later, I booked the flight. I few weeks later, I booked the train… then the taxi that would take us to the departure point. I needed to do each step to fully prepare myself.

10 days prior to departure… I considered cancelling. There are always many reasons to cancel. I didn’t.

We began Day 1 by collecting a stone from the Beach on England’s West Coast, at St. Bees. It was a Dramatic walk south, along the coast, prior to heading up towards the mountains inland to the Lakes District.

We travelled through the Lake District – up mountains – and down. We ended each day in a small village with a pint or two and a nice meal.

We walked, picnicked, drank, ate and slept for 12 days. Upon arrival in Robin Hood’s Bay, 307 km later, we launched our stones that were collected in the Irish Sea – into the North Sea.

It was awesome. What did I learn?   Say YES more!

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Calgary is home – and Always will be.

I grew up on the East Coast in Prince Edward Island. Many of the people in my family from previous generations came out west at some point in their lives, but they always ended up going back to the east coast. Although we love both sides of Canada, my wife and I can confidently say that Calgary will be our home for good. 

My wife and I started our lives together in PEI. Looking to start a business in Eco Tourism, we moved to British Columbia in the early 90’s to learn what some of the industry leaders were doing. We brought our experiences back to PEI where we started our family.

We discovered pretty early on that my oldest daughter was struggling with a learning disability. (She learns Math and Reading a bit differently.) We tried our best to navigate the local school system. And that’s what brought us to Calgary. Calgary Academy is the leader in individualized education for students with learning issues. We moved to Calgary to give our daughter the best opportunities, but living in this city was a great decision in many other aspects for our family.

I make an effort to visit PEI at least once a year. Even though Calgary is our home, there are lots of things about PEI that I miss. Family is obviously the most important thing, but the seafood is a close second. PEI is a special place and the scenery, lifestyle and local culture is unlike anywhere else in Canada. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to enjoy many different places in Canada through my own Adventure / Eco Tourism busiess, and our own travel experiences. Planning a vacation this summer? You don’t need to cross a border to experience something new.  There is so much to discover right here at home.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

There is no better way to clear your mind than going for a nice long run.  Running is one of my favorite pastimes, and the warmer weather makes it so much easier to lace up and hit the pavement.  When you need that extra push to test your endurance and motivate you to get out on a regular basis, it’s a great idea to sign up for an organized run.

The Police Half Marathon is one of my favorite events, and it’s conveniently close to home.  This marathon, 5KM run and walk takes place every April.  The timing works great if you prefer to train while the weather is still cool.  I like to start training towards the end of January to make sure I am ready when the marathon finally arrives.

This year’s event was the 34th anniversary of the Police Half Marathon.  The starting line was at Mount Royal University and the route made its way through many different communities.  About 1500 runners participated in the half marathon and another 600 came out for the 5K run.  This year’s theme was “Cops and Joggers” and many people embraced the concept by dressing up in costume.  This year’s winner, my friend Frank Woolstecroft, took first place for the second time with a finish time of 1:15:12.  The event raises money for scholarships at Mount Royal University.

Looking to sign up for a run or walk to get you motivated this summer?  There are several great events to choose from.  The Night Race takes place on August 9th .  This is the ultimate party for runners as 2500+ people take the streets in neon colours and headlights.  Even if you don’t plan on participating, watching the glowing athletes light up our parks and paths is worth coming out to see.  The St. John’s Ambulance Run & Walk for life takes place on August 16th , and the Calgary Peace Run and Walk is scheduled for September 20th .

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Staying in shape, enjoying the outdoors and connecting with other like-minded individuals are just some of the benefits of being a cyclist.  If you love to ride but you’re new to Calgary, there are plenty of great trails and parks where you can enjoy being outdoors.  Whether I am training for a race or just outside taking advantage of the nice weather, there are a few places nearby that I like to go.

BikeBike, located on 17 th Ave SW, does a great job organizing monthly rides for local cycling enthusiasts.  Regardless of your level of fitness, the rides are enjoyable for everyone and are a great way to connect with other people who share your enthusiasm for riding. They host a Full Moon Ride once a month where cyclists get together at night, ride through various trails within the city, and get together around a bonfire to enjoy marshmallows and hotdogs on the grill.

When time permits, I like to load my Mountain Bike into the car and drive to the Mountains.  Little Elbow Falls is one of my favorite destinations for trail riding.  The Little Elbow Trail is about 23KM one way.  It is an old fire road that runs south along the Elbow River over Tombstone Pass.  Along the way, you can catch a great view of Mounts Romulus, Remus and Glasgow.

For a quicker  ride, I head over to North Glenmore Park.  Lots of people use the trail system here to run and cycle.  The loop around the reservoir is approximately 18KM, so this is a great way to challenge yourself close to home and keep trying to improve your personal best. Fish Creek Park is also connected – to the Glenmore Reservoir Trails – which can make for a very long and fantastic ride.

For more serious riders, the Velodrome at Glenmore Athletic Park is the perfect place to train.  This 400 meter outdoor concrete track is usually fairly quiet.  In the early season, The Calgary Bike League have a few “Try the Track” for Free sessions.

Looking for a way to change up your fitness routine?  Even if you haven’t rode a bike since you were a kid, it’s never too late to get back on and see what you’ve been missing.  There’s so many scenic trails and beautiful parks for you to explore this summer.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.