Books and Bikes

After beautiful weather last week in Calgary (and the obligatory freezing day on the weekend) the buds are busting out today. I'm sad that we don't yet have a backyard to lounge in; it's still just a pile of dirt. Luckily though the empty lots beside us were preped for sod last week, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll have a good sun-lounging/book-reading spot soon.
On the book front, I'm reading Mordecai Richler's St. Urbain's Horseman on the bus these days. I can't believe it was written in the mid-sixties. I'd like to say not much has changed in Canadian literature, but I think it may be heading a bit downhill. Although I may change my tune after I finish the book, I would currently place St. Urbain's Horseman well before many of the latest G.G. award winners. Then again, I have always liked the cranky/awkward men characters and authors (see previous posts) so maybe it's all just my personal preference. Whatever it is, it's an excellent redeemer to follow the Nick Hornby.
On the activity front, I'm finding it very difficult to get into running up these hills. In Winnipeg, I ran along the river. In Guelph, I ran a few hills next to the river, but pretty much along the river. Last year in Calgary, I ran along the Elbow River, hitting one small hill every now and then. Now - up down, up down, up down! Whew! And living at the top of a hill doesn't help. But I have promised myself new running shoes if I can keep up with a good running schedule for a month, and hopefully by then I will be laughing. Also, the mountain bike club I rode with last year starts up this week and I am nervous but happy to try it all again. But I do have an excellent shiny new helmet!