My favourite form of exercise is running. In addition to the physical health benefits, there’s a tangible mental benefit. It helps me de-stress, regain focus, and spark creative ideas. I regularly connect dots or draw important insights during a run. Not once have I ever regretted the decision to go for a run. Despite all the benefits, committing the time can still be challenging. Particularly as the days become shorter and winter arrives, the invisible barrier grows. It becomes harder to get up early and go out in the dark and cold, or to sacrifice family or social time after the workday, even though I know how important it is.

A few years ago, I had the realization that I needed a system in place to ensure I would get out and run even when I didn’t want to. That system was a rolling formal race commitment. if I sign up for a race, it takes away the ongoing mental decision making: to run or not? I know if I sign up, I will practice. The motivation isn’t my finish time or to set a new personal record. The motivation is to consistently get out and run.

Signing up for a race is my way of instituting a system to support my habit and the behavior I’m trying to pursue. Finding systems that aid the behaviors you want can be powerful. Particularly when you’re tired or out of decision-making capital, having healthy systems in place can drive better behaviors. Lately, I’ve been thinking about what other systems I can put in place professionally to reduce the burden of discipline and accountability. I have certain routines I follow, like starting the quarter with a clear idea of what I want to accomplish. And starting each week with a clear list of objectives. If you have any good ones, please do share.

For pretty much my entire life, I’ve been fortunate never to suffer any significant injury or have any severe health challenges. Except for a few bouts of COVID, I have rarely been sick if at all over the past few years. Then at the start of October, I caught some type of lingering virus and cold that lasted a few weeks. And right as I was finally recovering and feeling back to myself again, I caught a rough stomach virus that totally debilitated me for several days.

Since, I’ve been thinking about a quote I heard (or read?) somewhere:

“Health is a crown the healthy wear but only the sick can see.”

It really hit home. I hate being sick. It sucks not feeling able to do the things you want to do. And yet it’s so hard not to take feeling healthy for granted, because feeling healthy consumes zero mental energy. I am finally feeling healthy again and trying to remind myself to be grateful for it.

We recently returned to Calgary after spending nearly 6 weeks in Toronto. Despite having been in Calgary for over 6.5 years now, Toronto still feels like home. I had such an enjoyable time catching up with family, friends, and colleagues. The end of August and start of September is the best time to be in Toronto. The evening weather is still warm, patios are still open, and people are enjoying the last taste of summer. This visit was special in that we introduced Henry to so many of the people we care about. My Cousin Rebecca got married and the wedding was a blast. And importantly, we managed to get to my in-law’s cottage on Kennisis Lake for a week, which is one of my favourite places to spend time.

I live to eat and one of the best parts of being back in Toronto is trying new restaurants. Last year we went a bit crazy going out practically every night and so this visit we tried to be a bit more selective. We ate at: Casa Paco, Conejo Negro, Immigrante, Nobu, and Union.

Casa Paco stood out relative to the rest. It was an exceptional meal and a place I’m keen to return to. It’s so rare to have a meal that delivers excellence across atmosphere, food, company, and service. Eating there felt like sitting down in a cozy living room, being served by a caring and dedicated master of craft, enjoying consistently delicious food with unique wine to complement, and it was our first meal leaving Henry at home (with his grandparents). I highly recommend making a visit, particularly on Sundays, when they do Paella.

After enjoying building out a tracker for places we’ve eaten in Calgary, last summer I decided to do the same in Toronto. If you’re interested in seeing my Toronto list, you can take a peak here. And if you have any good recommendations, please share!