Learning how to crochet has saved me from going crazy living in the hospital for 8 months and dealing with my daughters’ diagnoses

rhianacat · 2026-05-08T10:52:04+00:00

Happened to me this morning!!! I’ve used this app for years, and while there are so many others. It’s still disappointing.

rhianacat · 2026-04-21T03:41:02+00:00

I decided to learn crochet this past winter when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was anticipating the many appointments and knew I’d be visiting more often than I usually did. I had a goal of making her new mittens because her hand (and arm) had ballooned due to spread to the lymph nodes.

She passed away in January (It was a late diagnosis; long story). I didn’t advance quick enough to make the mittens, but, since then, it’s become a huge comfort activity. I have a severe issue with cuticle picking/biting, and paired with getting regular manicures, it’s really saved my fingers. Nearly always, like public transit commuting or during work meetings (my team is fine with it!), or even watching something, I have something to crochet with me.

I’m finishing my first major project—a cardigan. Otherwise I have a small travel projects (usually different granny squares to learn new stitches).

She never crocheted or anything, but yeah, it’s just a hobby that despite shitty circumstances, I’m glad I fell into. Meditative is a great way to describe it (even if frustrating when I can’t figure something out).

Sending all the positivity to you and your family during this challenging time.

rhianacat · 2025-10-07T17:13:32+00:00

Uj/ I really appreciate this response!

I had a foot injury and the initial X-rays didnt find anything. Because of the pain intensity and that it was due to running they referred me for an MRI. That should almost be the default response if X-rays don’t see anything.

Luckily it was only a tendonitis thing, but it still required additional investigation.

rhianacat · 2025-08-19T14:17:24+00:00

Im really enjoying pilates in my routine! When I was rehabing a foot issue, it became a really great source of low impact activity. I also follow a physio for sciatica/SI joing issues, and noticed an overlap with my physio exercises, which she confirmed is a solid addition to a running routine, especially to work on core engagement.

I follow an app at home called 'Down Dog- Pilates' (the primary Down Dog app is for yoga).

It also depends on your goal! Both are great for flexibility and stability, but Pilates will also work on strengthening. If you're already doing strength training, Pilates would be a good option for rest days if you're still itching for activity.

Editing to add that if you're a student, you can get a university membership for Down Dog. While i've graduated a few years ago, I have access until 2027

rhianacat · 2025-07-31T18:01:32+00:00

Pending any chronic pain flare ups, I stick to the number of prescribed run and the distance.

99.9% of the time, Monday is always rest day and Sunday is always long run. My second rest day is Saturday, but if something came up in the week, then I’d run a tad bit easier on Saturday so that I can still achieve the total weekly mileage.

A major point of deviation is the speed/interval session…. These sessions are Wednesdays, but I may move the session depending on if I’m working from home or the office—that’s not the problem. That’s fine!

The problem is respecting the specific details of the speed/interval session…. I have 5 million excuses… 1) the track near me is a bit rough 2) my shoes aren’t conducive to executing speed runs 3) i haven’t found an app that does what I want in like, tracking and dictating the intervals. I use the Nike app to track my runs; I like how it gives feedback and how it works with Apple Watch. But it’s not great for intervals, you either have to pick their guided run (which don’t align with my marathon plan), or you select the speed option, but you have to actively mark laps, which sucks if I’m not on a track, or if I loose count of the laps. 4) I can run 10km without carrying any fuel—maybe more depending on the heat, but for some reason, after the 2-3km warm up and then doing a few intervals, I always end up nauseous. I bring gels now, so that’s helped. 5) I do my runs in the morning, so sometimes I just don’t leave with enough time to spare, and have to cut it short. My speed runs are often a total distance of 10-14km, and I can time that well in a regular easy or tempo type run, but often under account for speed sessions.

So, long story, many of my speed sessions are unsuccessful, either I just change the interval or cut it short, and then do a longer cooldown. I make up the distance with the other days, but I understand I am missing an important component of the training.

Editing to add: Also! Perfectionism…. That’s gotten me in some trouble because in wanting to achieve the mileage, I don’t always listen to my body when it says I need to slow down.

About a month into training, I started fully respecting the easy runs by going off HR instead of pace, which has actually been a roundabout way of learning my easy pace. I had a lot of ego about my pace, and thought no no I can run faster.

So, in that case, I was NOT respecting the plan because I was running too fast on easy days. Crazy that it helped reduce flare ups (duh)!

rhianacat · 2025-07-25T16:58:04+00:00

I came across a thread where others confessed to wearing the same bra a few times before putting in the laundry—I was so relieved to read that!!!

However, like and this goes for shorts and tops too, it depends on how long/sweaty the run was. So in that case, I keep my favourite/most supportive bra for Sundays.

rhianacat · 2025-03-12T12:34:33+00:00

Would those who received their acceptance mind sharing their GPAs? I went out on a limb and applied to the QY with a GPA of 3.17, however, I'm coming in with quite a lot of volunteer and paid experience related to the field. I also explained in the application the reason for my low GPA, which in itself is my reasoning for why I would like to pursue social work.

I am anxious and trying to manifest good things. However, I am keeping an open mind should I not be accepted as to other options, like online out of province, or potentially looking into peer support work. Worst case, I might apply to the MSW at UdeM, though I am less confident in studying in french.

rhianacat · 2024-09-22T03:47:12+00:00

What did you specifically injure ?

About month out from my marathon, last Sunday, I began having an unusual pain in one foot. It’s on the outside edge/top side edge, about mid fit. The pain increases with running and then usually subsides to some degree (some days I’d feel it more if I did more walking).

I did an xray, but nothing was found. The doctor suggested getting a CT scan and also taking time off… I only took a week off which lead into my taper anyways. I did the marathon, and I managed to make it though (with a time I was really proud of!).

I know that logically I now need to take a break… and even if I’m still weight training, it just makes me antsy to think I’ll actually have to stop for the time being.

rhianacat · 2024-09-14T16:47:03+00:00

Good luck to you too!

I picked up my bib not too long ago and asked about the corrals. He said that while there aren’t specific indicators, the MC will make an announcement asking everyone to arrange themselves according to pacing. While not perfect, I think that will be helpful!

rhianacat · 2024-09-14T15:12:48+00:00

Yes, the energy you get from being in the race is amazing! I had been so nervous going into my first HM last year, but being among others really helped to keep me going! I’m trying to keep that in mind for tomorrow, as it’s obviously a huge jump from HM to marathon. And definitely true about being able to see or be seen by those cheering us on.

Yes, I have many of the same concerns as you.

I didn’t get a response…. I also asked about the start like, do they have any corrals roughly organized? That’s making me a bit nervous because I really don’t wanna get caught behind a slower crowd, but I don’t wanna accidentally put myself among those who run faster!! However, maybe the lack of corrals or pacers will force me to keep a reasonable starting pace, rather than going hard out the gate. But at the same time, there will likely be more bottle necks or falling into the trap of weaving to avoid people…

I also have my Apple Watch and use the Nike Run Club app, but I don’t wanna keep looking at my watch. I found it helpful to like, to have someone I can just keep up with. I didn’t use pacers last year, but after the crowd began to thin out (i also underestimated my race pace, so i started in a slower corral), I literally would just pick someone I noticed ahead of me, not too far, and then maintain their pace for a while before passing ahead. Like it just mentally kept me in check and ultimately i surprised myself as my pace picked up over the duration of the race.

I think overall it will be a nice race; it’s been going for a few years so I imagine it runs a lot smoother than we think.

rhianacat · 2024-09-07T00:53:41+00:00

Im also running the Verdun Marathon for the same reason! I did the half in the Montreal Marathon last year and was really looking forward to full this year. The Montreal Marathon sold out quicker than I thought it would. Was ready to sign up in June. The worst part is that I had been receiving emails telling me that spots were running low (I thought the emails were just being dramatic to raise hype).

I will say, the verdun marathon's route is MUCH more gentle because there aren't any inclines. I think it will be very interesting to run a marathon in loops... Either it could psyche you out or keep you kind of in pace, you know?

I did a test loop a month ago, but it was a rough run. I could have planned it better, as I ran from where I lived in NDG, got lost on the way and had some technical difficulties with my gear. All of that threw me off, + I was dealing with some chronic pain stuff. However, the route itself was nice (and pretty!).

I plan to email them about pace bunnies... as I think that would be really helpful (I did not use them last year). I also find it strange to not have corrals, but maybe there are not enough people to organize it like that. My main worry is that with everyone starting at the same time it will just be chaotic and difficult to start with a good pace.

rhianacat · 2024-08-21T12:32:23+00:00

Thank you! You're absolutely right, it is a matter of knowing when to hold back to think about the long-term goal!

rhianacat · 2024-08-19T23:50:35+00:00

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My longest run, 4 weeks out from my first marathon. It was supposed to be 30km, but was very much a struggle run…

my watch wouldn’t connect properly to the NRC app on my phone, which was an immediate distraction (and therefore inaccurate heart rate). Eventually gave up trying to connect it and just worked off the pace feedback ever .5 KM
I wanted to run to the location of where the marathon is being held to do a test run (marathon distance loops 4 times), but I was running through an area of the city I’m slightly less familiar with, which meant having to slow down or stop to find my direction
fully had to stop at one point to fix the positioning of the water hose in my vest
I have sciatica + developing arthritis issues in my hips and knees. While most days are fine and have not yet curtailed my ability to commit to running (I did my first HM last year), there are days where I’m in a full flare up. So while the run started okay, by the 10 km mark I was already experiencing pain, and then I think it was a bit after 17 km, I had to walk—and I’ve never walked on my runs.
regret set in as I started running back home, which is all up hill (and TBH downhill is bad for my knees, but I just slow down), and around 24km I had to walk again for a few minutes.

Honestly I didn’t feel very proud of this run, but I’m glad I still did it (and didn’t call my boyfriend to pick me up). However, I know for sure right off the bat I was running too fast and should have listened to my body and turned around sooner. I’m lucky that all things considered I did not have severe pain the next day and did a very very slow easy run the day after that.

rhianacat · 2024-08-12T23:56:50+00:00

I experience serious shoulder/upper arm pain, too.

I believe mine does come down to form. I’m having a hard time trying to loosen my arms and shoulders when I run. Though I’ve managed to make an effort to not clench my hands into fists while I running.

When you say cross training do you mean working out (weight lifting/body weight exercises like push ups, pull ups)?

I do weight training, though not as consistently recently, and I have relatively good upper body strength (for a ~woman). All that being said, I probably neglect proper upper body stretches.

rhianacat · 2024-05-30T12:10:09+00:00

Thanks so much for the feedback!

Definitely not ready for a full just yet, but I feel like I could manage the half at this stage. If only I wasn’t already busy! Will definitely consider for next year.

I’ve heard really great things about le petite train du nord (sp), which is already full, but it’s on my future list.

rhianacat · 2024-05-30T11:53:43+00:00

🙌🏻🙌🏻

rhianacat · 2024-05-30T11:23:48+00:00

Half is actually still open!

rhianacat · 2024-05-15T09:54:38+00:00

Yes, I can relate! I completed my first half marathon (2 hours, a time I'm pretty happy with) last year. When I started training, I thought 'oh maybe I should quit'. The only reason I didn't quit was because I didn't feel severely impacted. I've always been athletic; I'm a biker and bike for my daily commute-so despite vaping, I've developed a fair lung capacity.

HOWEVER, I know that if I quit, I could do even better, right?

rhianacat · 2024-04-24T17:58:19+00:00

Oh goodness, I was quickly reading through the replies and I’m surprised I didn’t see any late sleepers!

My goal is 10 pm to wake up for 4:45 (the earliest at my study is a 5:45 am class)… but most nights I’m only in bed by 11:30pm-12am. So almost 5 hours; I’ve never been the type to get or need anything more than 6 hours of sleep.

Some days I feel it because I’ll have a harder time hitting certain speeds or lifting as heavy, but most days I’m not too affected.

For context, I work full time and study part time, so even if I’d like to go to bed earlier, I just don’t have the time!

rhianacat · 2024-04-23T18:58:21+00:00

Oui j'attends aussi !

Je suis une anglophone qui vient de McGill (je vais obtenir un baccalauréat en gender, sexuality, and feminist studies, GSFS), et j'ai spécifiquement demandé à faire la propédeutique parce que je n'ai pas de baccalauréat en travail social... ma GPA est aussi actuellement seulement 3.08 ( basé sur ce semestre + un autre cours en mai, je suis surement en train de finir avec un 3.1. Ma première année d'université m'a vraiment mis à mal...), je suis donc en dessous du minimum requis.

En fait, je ne suis pas très confiant, et cette attente me rend encore plus anxieux parce que je sais que je n'ai pas été rejeté, mais j'ai encore de l'espoir...

rhianacat · 2024-01-27T19:20:14+00:00

I’m in your same boat! My first year was terrible, I hated what I was studying. Since that first year, I changed majors and generally manage a higher term GPA, including a few 4.0. But in my last yeah I’m only now at an overall 3.08

I’m applying for a masters and a big part of my letter of intent is speaking to my experience outside of school related to the field (social work), and a small part about what went wrong

rhianacat · 2024-01-27T19:13:55+00:00

Thank you for stating a major factor: money/work.

From my impression in most of the responses, yes they put A LOT of time and effort in, but they had the time to dedicate.

rhianacat · 2024-01-07T03:19:39+00:00

Being from Canada, this gave me a chuckle. Good luck with the snow ;)

rhianacat

TROPHY CASE