Superhuman Performance

Quarantine Challenge: Bodyweight/Gymnastics

On the day that this being written, Canadians have been “staying at home” in self isolation for over 31 days, due to the Covid-19 crisis. After the first week of shock & panic, I came to a realization that it’s six pack or beer gut–no in-between.

Like many others, my means of exercise and fitness were robbed of me: the gym, the ice rink, and yes, even the public rec centre sauna. In that first week I was determined to be like Thor on the left, but had neither the means nor motivation to do so. Pushups and squat jumps every day had my triceps screaming mercy and my left achilles inflamed, but the rest of my body unscathed–and my motivation waning.

That’s when I brought it back to the drawing board and, in writing this blog, hope that I can share some of the things have that gotten me over the hump on back on track.

My Quarantine Fitness Goals

Let’s be honest, motivation can vary for the individual, but two elements are generally universal: (1) setting an actual goal, (2) being accountable to that goal. Here are my goals for Quarantine, with the hopes that by sharing this, it will hold me more accountable:

1) Pistol Squat x 5 on each leg

download (5)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Why?
-It requires substantial work on hip and ankle mobility
-It’s a very challenging unilateral (fancy for one leg) exercise that will translate well to strength and balance on the ice, when hockey returns!

Current Status: 1 rep on each leg with 25lb as counterweight

My reference  video for training: A Pistol Squat Progression That Actually WORKS (Full Tutorial)


2) Front Lever on Rings for 5 seconds

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Difficulty: Advanced

Why?
-I got some gymnastic rings and this move makes you look like a boss
-Requires an incredible amount of lat & scapula strength (posterior)
-Scapula strength is crucial to remedy some shoulder injuries I’ve suffered over the years

Current Status: 2 second hold in tuck position (long ways to go!)

My reference videos for training:
Front Lever Tutorial (IN DEPTH) by Tom Merrick (BWW)
Full Front Lever Tutorial on Gymnastic Rings by GMB Fitness

 

3) L-Sit to Handstand on Paralettes

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Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced

Why?
-Also makes you look like a boss
-Combines core strength (L-sit) with shoulder stability (hand stand)
-It’s a transitional move, requiring a ton of focus

Current Status: L-Sit only (just ordered paralettes)

My reference video for training:
L-SIT TO HANDSTAND | 3 Crucial Progression Tips

 

So, there you have it. These are the three moves I’m trying to master during my days of self-isolation and no gyms or sports. One thing I must add is the element of learning an entirely new skill has been extremely challenging, but also very satisfying. It’s that flow state that I’ve been missing, completely immersed both mentally and physically, not unlike a competitive game of hockey–minus the camaraderie… But that’s ok, a little solo time amidst a quarantine is never a bad thing!

Would love to hear your own challenges and/or new hobbies.

Be More Human

What Does it Mean to Be Human?

The Covid-19 pandemic that has swept across the world is putting our species to the test. Suddenly we are forced to answer the question: What does it mean to be human?

Our character as an individual is revealed not in a moment of triumph, but in a moment of hardship. The same can be said collectively, for our species.

In a crisis there are three choices one can make: (1) do nothing, (2) look out for oneself, (3) look out for others. I believe the last one, to look out for others, is the most important. Yes, we must look out for ourselves, too. However, sole focus on oneself and we drag others down to brings ourselves up (see: hoarding toilet paper and supplies). Sole focus on others and we jeopardize our very ability to help (eg. getting sick and unable to be present for a family member). Why not a combination of the latter two; called “look out for everyone, equally.”

Moreover, this mindset is the basis of human success over time. No great feat was ever accomplished alone. Throughout the course of time, we have united against a common challenge in order to product our most outstanding achievements. The 2nd World War was not won by one person, or even one country. It was a collective effort and the collective part was vital to success. Now the entire world, the entire species is facing a common enemy. This certainly will not be the last time we do. How will we respond? How will you respond?

Accelerated Learning

My Top 10 Books of the Decade

Well, everyone’s doing it, so I thought I’d hop on the train and reflect on this past decade, from a reading perspective. Below are my top 10 reads from the last 10 years (2010 – 2019). It was a monumental decade of reading for me; having completed my undergrad in 2011, the years ensuing were the first of my entire life that entailed total freedom in my reading choices. These books influenced me the most in this past decade, so much so that this year (2020) I will be re-reading every single one of them.

10. Grit by Angela Duckworth
I found this book to really hit home, based on it’s concise writing style and consistent mantra: passion and perseverance for long term goals.

9. So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
I remember reading this book, being blown away and immediately re-reading it, taking notes the entire team. Cal Newport completely turned my millennial world upside-down with his dichotomy of the craftsmen mindset “focuses on what you can offer the world” over the passion mindset “focuses on what the world can offer you.”

8. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
A gripping read that I couldn’t put down. Excellent character development and vivid portrayal of the tumultuous life in Bombay, India. It’s the only fiction book that cracked the list for me (although it’s supposed to be influenced by true events, I’ll let you read it and be the judge).

7. Principles by Ray Dalio
This book is like the management bible, I read it when it first came out (2017) and tried to absorb everything (my copy is littered with notes and post-its). It’s not a short read, basically three books in one, but full of excellent insights. This one I’m very much looking to re-reading, now that it’s a little more relevant in my career.

6. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Another gripping read, an incredible true story about an Olympian turned soldier who survives at sea and then ends up in a Japanese POW camp. I’ve gifted this book a few times as it has something for everyone.

5. Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
I’ve ordered this list in the impact that these books had on my life. Gawande’s incredible book changed the way I will forever look at life, death, and aging.

The TOP 4

4. Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
This book was a massive influence in one of my biggest life and career choices to date.  It made me slow things down and realize that my ego was clouding my vision, pulling me away from my true self. Highly recommend for all and a short read, too.

 

3. Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer
Probably my first life-altering read after undergrad, I credit this book with jumpstarting my head-first journey down the path of self development books. Pat Tillman (who the book is about) lived an incredible life and Jon Krakauer does a marvellous job of telling it.

 

2. ‎Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
I challenge you to read a self-development book that doesn’t mention the concept of flow. Csikszentmihalyi literally invented the term the captivates the very movement and it’s called flow. I consider this to be a must-read for all. I read it once in 2012 and it was a little over my head. I read it again in 2016 and picked up a lot of new things. I’m excited to read it a third a time this year.

 

1. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
My number one book and easily my most gifted book. It’s written by a holocaust survivor, while he’s in a concentration camp. It is a timeless & powerful testament to the human spirit.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
-Viktor E. Frankl

 

 

Bonus! Three more recommendations from my 2019 readings:

1) The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

2) Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday

3) In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park

 

Accelerated Learning

Top Books of 2019 (so far) & How to Read More

This year I set out with the goal of reading 30 books. It seemed like a reasonable number, seeing how I managed 32 last year. Somehow, I got on a roll and eclipsed the 30 mark yesterday, exactly halfway through the year. The coveted 52 books in 52 weeks is within reach! But first, here are my top from the first half of 2019:

5. Essentialism by Greg McKeown

This book is exactly what the subtitle says “The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.” A book on minimalism, it stays true to its theme and provides excellent advice in a succinct manner.

4. What Doesn’t Kill Us by Scott Carney

If you’ve heard of Wim Hof, you’ll love this book. If you haven’t, you absolutely must read it. A writer’s  quest to dispel the “Iceman” ends with an attempt to climb Kilimanjaro with him… I won’t spoil the rest.

3. Beartown by Fredrik Backman

I don’t read a ton of fiction, but this one was recommended by several people and did not disappoint. Backman’s writing style is incredibly captivating; as he tells a story of a hockey town in Sweden.

2. Educated by Tara Westover

This book has received a lot of critical acclaim and rightfully so. It’s non-fiction, but certainly doesn’t feel like a true story. Tara Westover’s own memoir of being raised as a fundamentalist Mormon survivalist (it’s a real thing) and defying all odds to succeed beyond measure.

1. Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese

This historical fiction novel is disturbing, but powerful. Set in 1950s Ontario it’s a dark reveal of Canada’s past and the awful residential schools. The young protagonist finds hope and salvation in the sport of hockey, but ultimately cannot escape his past.

Honourable Mentions

Atomic Habits by James Clear
Love & Courage by Jagmeet Singh
Conspiracy by Ryan Holiday
The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins – must be audiobook!

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THREE Tips for Reading More
1. Schedule It In

If you don’t schedule it in, other activities will push it aside. I aim for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes before bed. Obviously I don’t hit those every day, but I’m more likely to if it’s in my calendar. Another tip I learned and practice is to bring a book everywhere. It sounds odd, but you’d be amazed at how much dead time there is throughout the day when you’re waiting aimlessly for a meeting or an appointment. Instead of clicking away on the phone, why not crush a chapter of a good book?

2. No TV Shows

This one is always met with opposition, but nowadays everything is fighting for your attention. TV shows are designed to grab you and keep you hooked. It’s difficult to fit both in your leisure time, forcing you to ask yourself: which one do I get more out of? Nothing wrong with the odd TV season binge here and there–I’m personally guilty of crushing Season 8 of Thrones in one glorious weekend–but if you want reading to be your ritual then I recommend axing the TV shows.

3. Get a Library Card

A library card allows you to get unlimited books. Why is this important? A book should completely grab you, if it doesn’t then it’s not the right time to read it. I have 4 library cards for different regions and 5-10 books at my disposal at all times. I try to not read more than 2 books at once, but this allows me to always have several different books at the ready; because you never know what you’ll be feeling when it’s time to grab the next read!

Superhuman Performance

Review of 2018 Goals – New Goals for 2019

2018, what a year! We were blessed with some excellent sporting moments (what I usually use to distinguish years) including France’s FIFA World Cup, a Winter Olympics in Pyeong Chang that tragically lacked NHLers but did immortalize Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir as Canadian royalty, and of course Alexander Ovechkin with that emotional cup raise that hockey fans will never forget.

Review of 2018 Goals

1. 365 Meditation Sessions
☒ Tried the daily meditations again, fell short at 213

2. 208 Serious Gym Sessions
☑ Went to the gym 230 times

3. 52 Yoga Sessions
☒ Way off, only went once; yoga isn’t my thing

4. Meatless Monday
☑ Every week (minus holiday Mondays)

5. 28 Fasting Days
☑ Yes, did Intermittent Fasting for the month of April

6. Trip with Carly
☑ Visited Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Victoria together

7. NY Trip to visit Cam
☑ Yes! Boys trip in NY, first time in the Big Apple

8. Dallas trip to visit Magoo
☒ Unfortunately couldn’t swing this one this year

9. Read 25 Books
☑ Yes, read 32 of them this year

10. Pay off Car Loan
☒ Just shy, moved to Vancouver, which tied up the funds

11. Take a Course
☑ Yes, bought the Wim Hoff course, started it and loving it!

12. Write a Quarterly Blog Post
☒ No, only wrote 2

13. Do a Spiritual Retreat
☒ No, didn’t do a retreat

14. TWO new Sports Tournaments
☑ Yes, both hockey tournaments (Pacific Cup & Wildcat)

 

2019 Goals

Body

  1. Workout 250 times
  2. Do a pistol squat on each leg

Mind

  1. Read 30 books
  2. Hire a career coach for weekly sessions
  3. Find a cause to volunteer for twice a month
  4. Give THREE presentations

Spirit

  1. Monthly date night of new restaurant or activity
  2. Perform an acoustic guitar set at an open mic
  3. Travel somewhere new (country or city)
  4. Complete Wim Hoff Course

 

2019 Rituals

  • Date night once a month
  • Volunteer twice a month
  • Guitar three times a month
  • Red Meat once a week
  • Meatless once a week (Monday)
  • Career coaching once a week
  • Polar dip once a week (Thirsty Penguins)
  • Sauna once a week (Steam Boyz)
  • Play sports twice a week
  • Wim Hoff 3 times a week
  • Workout 5 times a week:
    • 2 Heavy
    • 1 Mobility
    • 1 Cardio
    • 1 Accessory

 

 

Accelerated Learning

My Top Books of 2018

I feel humbled that people actually read this annual post, even more so that they occasionally trust my advice and find great enjoyment out of the books I endorse.

Without further ado, here are the top books I read in 2018:

7. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

I usually try and distill it down to a top 5, but this year I just couldn’t. A lot of good books and this one was actually a fluke. I had finished my book on a weekend trip and picked this up at the airport in Edmonton. There was a lot of hype around it last year, but for some reason the title always threw me off. Don’t let it.


6. Bruce Lee by Matthew Polly

I’m a sucker for a good biography and this one is sensational. Whether you know a lot about Bruce Lee or not, it’s irrelevant, he’s such a polarizing figure and Polly brings him to life. It’s not a short read, but I’d be surprised if you didn’t fly through this one.


5. Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict

It was hard to choose between this one and the Bruce Lee one, but given its relevance I gave the Tiger Woods biography the edge. This book took years to make and is the first time that an authoritative biography has been done about the enigmatic icon that is Tiger Woods.  Sports fan or not, it’s gripping.


4. The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

This book was part of a book club that I started with a few friends; presenting new reads that I would have never found on my own. This book is a collection of stories about a man in Africa who starts a wildlife range and good (or bad) fortune presents him with elephants. A refreshingly different book with deep insights into the animal psyche.


3. Play On: The New Science of Elite Performance at Any Age by Jeff Bercovici

Again, this one falls into personal preference, a fascinating dive into aging athletes and methods they use to prolong their careers. It’s broken down to appeal to elite athlete and weekend warrior alike, as Bercovici interviews the trainers of Federer, Lebron, Serena, and Jagr; to name a few.


2. Grit by Angela Duckworth

Another recommendation from aforementioned book club; I was fortunate to read this early in the year and benefitted from its mantra of grit: passion and perseverance for long-term goals. In the endless realm of self-help books, I still coin this one a must-read. Duckworth’s ability to articulate her ideas on page are uncanny and remember: enthusiasm is common, endurance is rare.


1. Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

This was one of the first books that I read in 2018 and endured the test of time to remain my favourite one. There’s not much more to say about Being Mortal then the fact that you will never look at life the same (in a good way). Over the years I’ve come to realize that a good book will grab your attention and entertain you. A great book will change your perspective on things. This is a great book.

 

Honourable Mentions

  • Bad Blood by John Carreyrou – The wild story behind Theranos labs
  • Endure by Alex Hutchinson – Explores the human endurance limit, focusing on the 2 hour marathon
  • Thrive by Dan Buettner – The happiest places on Earth and why 
  • Own the Day by Aubrey Marcus – Great book on living better in general

 

Accelerated Learning

Top Books of 2017 & Goals for 2018

It’s become a ritual now, I like to start off every year by reviewing the past one (2017) and then setting intentions for the upcoming one (2018).

2017 was a good year, especially so for reading. I’ve very rarely regretted the purchase of a book; a $20 investment for hours of enjoyment and the potential for life-altering wisdom is a definite “sans-brainer.” I set out a goal of reading 15 books and by year-end, nearly doubled it with 28. This was thanks to my library card, which completely freed up with financial burden of reading; combined with ample recommendations from friends. I highly recommend the former and hopefully this list helps you with the latter!

Top Books of 2017

5. Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday is a modern day proponent of stoicism: “…happiness and judgment should be based on behaviour, rather than words. That we don’t control and cannot rely on external events, only ourselves and our responses.” This book is powerful, concise, and incredibly practical. Once you read it, you will become aware of just how often your ego rears its ugly head.

4. Peak by Anders Ericsson

I love these type of books, it’s probably the driest out of the top 5, but if you love performance psychology, this one is a must. Anders Ericsson who was the scientist who gathered the 10,000 hour data, that Gladwell made famous in Outliers. This is the REAL truth behind 10,000 hours and what it takes be at the peak of anything.

3. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

One of the better sports epics out there, hard to not be captivated when you combine Olympic sports and WW2. This true story depicts the US rowing team in Hitler’s infamous 1936 Berlin Olympics.

2. Red Notice by Bill Browder

This book is gripping, disturbing and incredibly relevant (and of course, all true). Bill Browder had his life threatened in the writing of this book, but had to get his story out. An American who starts an investment fund in Russia and ends up going toe-to-toe with Putin. Whether you’re into politics or not, it’s a story that needs to be read.

1. Game Change by Ken Dryden

Admittedly a tad biased, as I love hockey more than life itself and this is quite simply one of the best hockey books ever written. It is a landmark in sports books addressing the future of Canada’s game with the growing concussion epidemic. It is marvellously narrated through the life & death of former NHL player Steve Montador, providing an uncanny glimpse into the highs and lows of professional hockey. I literally could not put this book down.

Honourable Mentions
  • When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
  • Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (must do audiobook)
  • Sleep by Nick Littlehales
  • The Hidden Life of Trees by David Wohlleben
  • The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

 

Top Moments of 2017

2017 was a monumental year in Canada, representing our 150th birthday (est. 1867). As a result, I wanted to spend any travel time I had within our vast and beautiful country.  I made visits to the following:

British Columbia

1. Victoria (home)
2. Vancouver
3. Whistler
4. Prince George

Alberta

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5. Calgary
6. Canmore 

Manitoba

  Winnipeg: #CoolerThanYouThink #ywg #thepeg #manitoba #canada   A post shared by Bear Johal (@bearjohal) on

7. Winnipeg
8. Gimli

Ontario


9. Toronto

Quebec

Game at the Bell Centre: ✅ #HabsvsBlues #GreatCanadianBoysTrip

A post shared by Bear Johal (@bearjohal) on

10. Montreal
11. Quebec City

New Brunswick

Fredericton
Plaster Rock

 

Review of 2017 Goals

1. 365 Meditation Sessions
☒ Just off, did 284

2. 350 Sweat Sessions
☒ Just off, did 312

3. Deadlift 400lbs
☒ Just shy, did 350lbs

4. Visit ONE New Canadian Town/City
☑ Did THREE: Gimli, Plaster Rock, and Prince George

5. Visit FIVE new Gulf Islands
☒ Did TWO: Thetis Island and Gabriola Island

6. Read 15 Books
☑ Did 28!

7. Coach Minor Hockey
☑ Yes, currently coaching Midget

8. Something New Every Month
☒ 8/12 months: Acro Yoga, Ballroom Dancing, MEC Trail Run, Hula Dancing, Car Camping, Sculling, Pottery, and Curling

9. Year of Sobriety
☑ A lifestyle change (with the exception of best friend’s stag)

 

2018 Goals

Healthy (Habits)

1. 365 Meditations (Daily)
2.  52 Yoga Sessions (Weekly)
3. 208 Serious Gym Sessions (4 x Week)
4. Meatless Monday (Weekly)
5. 27 Fasting Days (Bi-Weekly)

Wealthy (Saving & Spending)

1. $10,000 in TFSA
2. Pay off Car Loan
3. Trip to somewhere new with Carly
4. NY trip to visit Cam
5. Dallas trip to visit Magoo

Wise (Self Improvement)

1. Read 25 Books
2. Do a Spiritual Retreat
3. Take a Course (any course)
4. Write a Quarterly Blog Post (starting with this one!)
5. Partake in TWO new sports tournaments

Superhuman Performance

Eating for Taste & Health

To preface things, I’m not a doctor, nutritionist, or a dietician.

I’m just a guy who enjoys eating well. What started out as a realization that if I ate more, I could gain weight (something I still struggle to do), has since involved into a near fascination with how food can impact everything about us. Not just weight gain and loss; but also athletic performance, energy levels, mental stamina, and ultimately happiness. I’ve gone on both sides of the spectrum: fast food every day for gluttonous calories, but consequent lethargy; as well as raw Vitamixing for great nutritional profile, but consequent dread of liquid meals that look and taste like cement.

I’ve found a nice middle ground where I eat for both taste and health and I’m starting to find that sweet spot of great tasting food and feeling awesome. Below is the “prototypical day,” but it’s more like the ideal day I shoot for. Do I hit it all the time? Not a chance. Real life happens: sports, social dinners, working late, vacation, etc. The worst thing you can do is stress about missing a scheduled meal (something I am guilty of). At the end of the day, this is a plan that I make for some semblance of direction and it helps keep me on track. It may or may not work for you, but I thought I’d share, in the hopes that at very least it inspires you to eat well…and don’t forget to allocate days where you can just cut loose–everybody needs a cheat day…or 7.

Prototypical Day

6am – wake-up and drink 800mL of water (the size of my Kleen Kanteen)

Morning supplement stack:
Vitamin D drops (2000iu)
Probiotic (either Align or Genuine Health)

7:30 am – Morning Shake* (in Vitamix)

Morning beverages:
2 cups of tea (green,  black, or yerba mate)
800mL of water

10:30am – midday snake
2 hardboiled eggs
1 jar of overnight oats*

12:00pm – Gym (moving is winning)

1:00pm – Lunch
1lb of organic ground beef (with fat)
1/2 cup of quinoa
1 cup of diced vegetables (peas, green peppers, garlic, jalapeno pepper)
All ingredients cooked in a stir fry
1 whole avocado and some cilantro on top

Afternoon beverages:
800mL of water
800mL of cold brewed green tea (big on this right now, simply steep green tea in the fridge in an infuser for 6 – 12 hours)

Afternoon snacks:
1 Lara Bar
1/2 cup of macadamia nuts
1 vegan fermented protein bar

4:00pm – Vegetable Juice*

7:00pm – Dinner
1 chicken breast (cooked in avocado oil, lemon, garlic, and pepper)
1 yam
1 cup of steamed broccoli

9:00pm – Pre-Bed shake (on heavy training days)
1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp of turmeric
1/4 cup of almonds
2 tbsp of coconut oil
2 cups of coconut milk

Pre-bed stack:
Magnesium Glycinate (easy on the gut)
Fish Oils
L-Theanine (if needed)

 

Totals

I use My Fitness Pal once a month, the beauty of eating generally the same thing

Ideal Daily Calories: 4,443

Ideal Daily Water Intake: 3500mL

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Daily Recipes

Morning Shakes (best if made in a Vitamix or high-powered blender)

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Strawberry Cream

  • 1 banana
  • 5 strawberries
  • 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein (grass fed)
  • 1 scoop of Genuine Health Greens+
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed
  • 2 tbsp cacao nibs
  • 1/4 cup almonds
  • 1 cup of kale
  • 2 cups of coconut milk

 

Pineapple Ginger

  • 1 banana
  • 2 cubes of ginger
  • 1/2 cup of pineapple
  • 1 scoop of vanilla vegan protein
  • 1 scoop of Genuine Health Greens+
  • 2 tbsp of hemp seed
  • 1/4 cup of almonds
  • 1 cup of spinach
  • 2 cups of coconut milk

 

Blueberry Muffin

  • 1 banana
  • 3/4 cup of blueberries
  • 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein
  • 1 scoop of Genuine Health Greens+
  • 2 tbsp cacao nibs
  • 1/3 cup of almonds
  • 1 cup of mixed greens
  • 2 cups of coconut milk

 

Overnight Oats

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Classic Overnight Oats
(courtesy of, visit this link for 7 more EPIC recipes: https://wholefully.com/8-classic-overnight-oats-recipes-you-should-try/)

INGREDIENTS
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup (heaping) rolled oats
⅔ cup unsweetened milk of choice
1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxmeal
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
0-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Close and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight before eating.

 

Vegetable Juice (just toss in the Vitamix or a high power blender and gradually increase to full blast for a minute)

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Ginger Zinger

1/2 cup of carrots
2 stalks of celery (celery is an easy way to add water)
1 orange
1/2 lemon
2 pieces of ginger
1 tbsp of turmeric
1 tsp of cayenne (if you’re feeling naughty)
250mL of water

 

Strawberry Mint

3/4 cup of strawberries
5-6 mint leaves
1/4 cucumber
2 stalks of celery
1 cup of kale/spinach
250mL of water

 

YouTube Series

No Passport Needed

It all started just over a year ago, my roommate Stu and I were watching Hockey Day in Canada; an annual quadruple header, hosted by Canada’s own Ron Maclean and Don Cherry. Somewhere amidst the 13 hour broadcast we saw a feature on the World Pond Hockey Championships; hosted every year in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick. 100 teams from around the world, gathered to play the greatest game on Earth, outdoors on the lake. It sounded like heaven, we signed up on the spot.

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Fellow teammate Colin and I flew in a week early to spend time in Montreal, Quebec City, and Fredericton; before meeting the other three. It was the middle of February and the Eastern part of the nation was in full winter mode–real Canadian winter. As a west-coaster born and raised, I had never experienced these defining elements of the country first hand. Out West snow comes once or twice a year if you’re lucky, hockey is played solely on indoor rinks, and few of us even own a real winter jacket (something I learned the hard way).

I stepped out of the Trudeau airport in Montreal in nothing but a hoodie and a waterproof shell and I knew I was in trouble. That night the city would take 20cm of snowfall in gusty -18 weather and yet nobody missed a beat. This was a common trend; that the weather couldn’t and wouldn’t stop you.

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Quebec City

Locals in Montreal, Quebec and Fredericton were often taken aback when they learned that we were vacationing in their city from Vancouver at this time of year. We experienced record snowfalls in both Montreal and Fredericton and yet I wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t think the word “vacation” needs to be associated with palm trees and sunny beaches. The literal definition is the act of leaving something one previously occupied.

This leads me to the origin of this trip: a reunion of good friends, leaving their respective occupations and hometowns to somewhere completely new and different, all while staying in our own beautiful country. For short, we called it the #GreatCanadianBoysTrip.

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With our gracious host/East Coast mom, Pauline Porter

Canadians are known to be very well travelled globally and yet the diversity of our own country often gets neglected. This trip started with a hockey dream, but ended up with so much more. The adversity of cold weather need not always be viewed as a burden. As we quickly learned, the lessened time spent outdoors leads to excellent pubs & cafes with  incredible comfort food and live music. There is an over-arching sense of camaraderie in cold places, as everybody shares the experience.

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World Pond Hockey Championships

The tournament itself was utter bliss. Words can’t describe that feeling of walking out onto a frozen lake that has been cleared to make 20 hockey rinks for over 500 players who all share the love of this great game. The snow would fall in intermittent spurts throughout the day and the blistering cold at night was no match for the sweating bodies that cut across the ice until the floodlights went out. For some, it was a chance to display years of outdoor hockey prowess on a world stage; for us, it was a chance to just play hockey outdoors–and to our heart’s content. For all, it was the greatest gathering of hockey, camaraderie, and all things Canadian that we will ever experience…until next year, of course.

Sharpen your skates, gather four of your best friends, travel 5,000km and leave your passport at home.

Now that’s a vacation.

WestCoast Chedder Team
Team WestCoast Cheddar, 2017

 

Accelerated Learning

2016 Review & Top Books

2016, what a year! As per usual, even-numbered years always have the advantage on the sports landscape, this year was no different. The Rio Games were the first time in 2 decades where Canada truly impressed on the Summer Olympic stage and who can forget Usain Bolt’s historic and unprecedented Triple Triple? Penguins won the Stanley Cup, Broncos won the SuperBowl, Chicago Cubs (yes, Cub–and yes I just referenced baseball) won the World Series and Canada breezed it’s way through the newly revived World Cup of Hockey.

On a personal note, 2016 was particularly memorable for me as I put real life on hold and backpacked through Asia for 2 months right in the middle year. 6 countries in 7 weeks, it was an eye-opener with a few good times along the way. I told a few friends I would share my TOP reads of the year, so here they are:

Favourite Books:

 

  1. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Quite possibly the most unbelievable true story I have ever read. An Olympic distance runner finds himself on the front lines of WWII, stranded at sea for a record length only to be washed up to a Japanese POW camp.

  1. The Road to Character by David Brooks

An eloquently written book that changes the way you think; are you more interested in what achievements you can put on your resume, or how others will remember you on your eulogy?

  1. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

I’m a little biased here, because this book hits on both sports and business; two of my favourite subjects. That being said, this story is remarkable and I simply could not put this book down. The story of Nike is a roller coaster ride that anybody and everybody can learn from.

 

 

Honourable Mentions:

The New Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins

King of the World by David Remnick

Unlocking Human Potential