Finding Victory at the Spa

I am off work this week and following Sunday's half marathon and my first few workouts on the 21 Day Fix, I booked myself in for a massage to ease my tired muscles. 

I chose a lovely local spa so I could take advantage of the fluffy robes, the eucalyptus steam, the fireside chaise lounge and the view. 

As I was lying there during the massage it occurred to me that I wasn't having trouble keeping my hands on the table. That might sound strange, but before I started my weight loss journey I would always need to tuck my hands under my thighs to ensure they didn't slip off. My hips were wide enough that there wasn't room for my hands to lie alongside them.  

My hands were now lying comfortably beside my body with room to spare.

As I got up to put my robe back on I had another realization. I could wrap the robe around my body easily. I didn't have to worry about accidentally exposing myself because the robe wasn't quite big enough.

It's been over four years since I reached my goal, but these "non-scale victories" come up every now and then. Being on a plane and not having my hips touch both arm rests or buckling up without hesitation, grabbing a size medium and not worrying whether it will fit...these moments are more important and more rewarding that any number on a scale.

I love that even four years later these successes still feel like the first time. It's a constant motivation to keep going, to keep making mindful choices every day.

And if I have to book myself into the spa on a regular basis to keep the victories coming, so be it. I'll make that sacrifice.

What kind of non-scale victories have you celebrated?

Race Recap: runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon

I got home yesterday from an awesome weekend in Anaheim with Mr. Awesome. Yes, we went to the Land of the Mouse without our children. We didn't actually GO to Disneyland apart from the 40-ish minutes we were running through the parks, so they weren't really missing out.

This was the first half of our 2015 Coast to Coast Challenge. The runDisney group have this challenge whereby you run a race in each of the resorts - Disneyland or Disney World - in the same calendar year and you get an extra medal. We will be heading to Orlando in November for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon to complete this challenge. The day AFTER that race just happens to be my 40th birthday so it seemed an appropriate way to celebrate. And yes, the kids are coming on that trip. See? We don't completely neglect them!

So back to the race we just ran. My training for this one was terrible. Utter crap. From the Scotiabank half last June to now, the furthest I had run was 10K and only a handful of times. The rest of the runs I did were no more that 4 miles, with one exception of a 10 mile run the weekend before this race to just make sure I wouldn't pass out mid-course. And these were a maximum of three times a week. I DON'T like running at night because my night vision is basically non-existent, so I was fairly limited to my options.

So, like I said, utter crap. But here we were, packing to head to Disneyland for a half marathon.

The theme, thanks to Disney for acquiring the Star Wars brand, was Star Wars. "Let the Wookie win" and "May the course the with you" were common catch phrases.

The last time we did a runDisney event was our first ever half marathon, the Tinker Bell in 2013. This one was every bit as well organized and polished. They really do put on a phenomenal event.

Aside from the great support staff, the characters along the course for photo opps, the emcees, the music, the organization...one of the best parts of a runDisney race is the Health & Fitness Expo in the days leading up. It is the best race expo I've ever attended - the best exhibitors, best speakers, best free samples. My favourite, Sparkly Soul, was there but I resisted their charms given I already own seven of these fantastic headbands!

I picked up some KT Tape to try and alleviate some strain on my knee, a SpiBelt to carry my Gu gels and the final piece for my costume. KT Tape normally retails for $20 per roll but their show price was 2 for $30 so OF COURSE I got two rolls. Love show specials!

Last time I was completely jealous of all the fun costumes and had not gone prepared so I made sure I was ready this time around. I picked R2D2 with a tank top I bought from Amazon and a Sparkle Athletic skirt (which is awesome, by the way). I topped it off once we got to Disney with the purchase of the R2D2 Mickey ears.

I felt appropriately attired and completely adorable.

This picture was a test run the night before as the 3:30am wake-up time did not leave me confident in my ability to get everything together!

The Main Event

The race started at 5:30am and we arrived in plenty of time. All was good and we started off with a good pace, right where I was hoping at about 10:30min/mile. We kept that pace, even with the "tens and ones" walking a minute every ten, for the first 8 miles or so. Mr. Awesome runs a lot faster than I do normally, but he was committed to running the race for fun instead of time and he stuck with me the whole time. He may have been the most chipper guy on the course and while it was completely endearing and fun, I did also want to punch him a little as the going got tough.

Especially when he started skipping.

I started to fade a bit around mile 9 and by mile 11 I was in some trouble. The backs of my legs were in quite a bit of pain, I was tired and pushing the whole way. I never suggested that we walk the remaining miles, even though I was desperately considering it. I started to feel a swell of emotion and as I tried to swallow the near-tears, my throat got tight. Well, THAT isn't conducive to getting in all the air I was needing so I started to panic when I couldn't breathe properly. I took a minute and bent over to stretch my hamstrings and get my breath. That gave me the relief I needed and we kept going, at a slightly slower pace.

The last two miles are a bit of a blur, but suffice to say that finish line couldn't come quick enough. Mr. Awesome tried to hold my hand as we got close but I freaked out that in the moment I was going to trip over my own feet if I didn't keep doing EXACTLY what I was doing. When the finish line finally came into view I rallied a little and we crossed it holding hands and smiling. We claimed our awesome medals and I hobbled to the main area to do some much-needed stretching.

Official time - 2:26:24. Twelve minutes faster than my first half marathon time, and third best time overall. Pretty pleased with this, given the difficulty I had!

Yay for bling!

The hotel shuttles were trapped as Harbor Blvd was blocked for the slower runners and walkers still completing the course. We decided to walk the 30 minutes back to our timeshare, which was probably the best thing we could have done for our legs. 

Monet and me

After a quick hot tub and clean up, we headed to The Original Pancake House for refuelling. The best part about this was that we met up with Monet, one of the coaches on my Beachbody team, who until Sunday I had only known online. It was so awesome to finally meet in person, and the perfect way to celebrate the race. That and ALL THE FOOD. My favourite meal after a race is pancakes with eggs and bacon and that is EXACTLY what we ate. It was SOOOOO good. 

Aliso Beach, California

After brunch Mr. Awesome and I headed south to the beach, as you do when you're in California! We ended up at Aliso Beach and although it was a little cooler than I would have liked, we sat and enjoyed the sea air and just relaxed for a while. It was a wonderful way to spend our last day.

More Non-Race Fun!

Linzie, Dani and me at the #RebelTweetUp

Another great part of our weekend was a social media meet up arranged by Dani from Weight Off My Shoulders and Linzie from Sharp Endurance. I have followed Dani for several years and she is a huge source of inspiration. She is a Weight Watchers leader and I've always felt a kinship with her so it was amazing to finally meet her "IRL." Plus they were giving away prizes and I won a pair of Pro Compression calf sleeves! WOOT!

The #RebelTweetUp

All in all, a fantastic weekend. I am proud of completing my sixth half marathon and despite the struggles I am excited to register for the Wine & Dine! Now to start planning that costume...something that can use my gunmetal grey Sparkle skirt. Perhaps this?

Finding My WHY

Why do I do what I do? Why did I start my weight loss journey? Why do I make a conscious choice every day to maintain and get healthier? Why did I become a Beachbody coach? 

I've been thinking a lot lately about my WHY. 

Why did I lose the weight and why do I work every day to maintain? SO many reasons. 

MY KIDS

I wanted to have the energy to play with my kids. I wanted to set a good example. I wanted them to know that exercise was important and how to eat a healthy, balanced diet. I wanted to be a happier mom. 

MY DAUGHTER

I wanted my daughter to grow up with a positive body image, and the best way I could do that was to HAVE a positive body image myself. (I want this for both my kids of course, but it always seems to be a bigger deal for girls.) I didn't grow up with a positive body image and it got worse as I got older. To this day I don't love every little thing about my body but I know what that body is capable of, I am proud of it, I understand how to dress for my shape, and I FEEL GOOD about myself. I make sure to NEVER criticize my body or appearance in front of my kids, if ever. I don't use words like "fat," and try and teach my kids that people come in all shapes and sizes but HEALTH is the most important thing. 

ME

I wanted to like myself. I wanted to be proud of myself. I wanted to prove to myself that could do it. I wanted to be healthier. I wanted to feel attractive for my husband. I wanted to walk into any clothing store and be able to try something on. For years the only thing I could even consider at Lululemon was a woollen hat. 

Why did I become a Beachbody coach?

HELPING OTHERS

I have a busy life. I have a full time job that pays well and is very fulfilling. So WHY did I add another "job" to an already full schedule? Because Beachbody coaching isn't a job for me, it's a passion. I love to inspire people, motivate them and help them succeed. I have been a cheerleader for peoples' weight loss journeys for years "pre-Beachbody" and this is just a more active version of the same support. And now I have tools that I believe in, to offer people help in their journey. 

MOTIVATION

I NEED to stay active and be accountable to myself for my own weight maintenance and health, and being a coach guarantees I can't falter. I am there supporting my clients and my coaches, and I need to stay consistent for THEM as well as for myself. 

MY FAMILY

While I make a good salary we are still facing a mortgage, car payments, kids' activities, and all the other expenses that come with a family of four. A year ago our little man was finally diagnosed with ADHD and DCD - Developmental Coordination Disorder. This probably sounds worse than it is, but he has a complex mix of somewhat mild issues that when combined are bringing him some pretty significant challenges in school and socially. He has been in occupational therapy for a year and it isn't covered by my benefits program. It is NOT cheap, but it is completely worth it. 

I want my business to grow to the point that these OT costs aren't an issue, that we can travel as a family without financial concern, we can afford the larger vehicle we need - and Beachbody has the potential to make these things possible. 

I found my why. 

Ultimately, my family is my WHY. I want to be there for them, to be better for them, and to teach my kids to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. They are my life, my heart, my reason for doing what I do. 

They are my WHY. 

Superfoods, Adaptogens and Phytonutrients...OH MY!

I drink Shakeology every morning and it has made a huge difference to my life. I have more energy, I feel fuller longer, I snack less. I even lost 5lbs in the first three weeks after I started drinking it, and it was the ONLY thing I'd changed in my lifestyle.

BUT. Although I knew all the buzz words and the basic premise for what Shakeology was made from, I never really understood what any of it meant.

Here's what it says on the Shakeology website for what's in the recipe:

• More than 70 super-nutritious ingredients.
• Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals – to help reduce hunger and food cravings.
• Antioxidants and Phytonutrients – to help detoxify and protect the body against free radical damage.
• Adaptogen Herbs – to help increase energy and combat stress.
• Prebiotics, Probiotics, Fiber, and Digestive Enzymes – to aid digestion and promote regularity.

Super-nutritious ingredients is pretty clear. Protein, I understand. Vitamins and minerals, I get.

Superfoods. Phytonutrients. Adaptogens. These I wasn't really clear on.

Superfoods

While not a scientific word and more widely considered a marketing term, the Oxford Dictionary definition states a superfood is “a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being." Also referred to as "dense," these foods are basically packed with nutrients.

Phytonutrients

Plant foods contain thousands of natural chemicals. These chemicals are called phytonutrients or phytochemicals. ("Phyto" means plant.)

From www.whfoods.org:

Phytonutrients (also referred to as phytochemicals) are compounds found in plants. They serve various functions in plants, helping to protect the plant's vitality. For example, some phytonutrients protect the plant from UV radiation while others protect it from insect attack.

Not only do phytonutrients award benefit to the plants but they also provide benefits to those who enjoy plant food. That's because they have health-promoting properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-health-promoting activities.

Adaptogens

Definition of ADAPTOGEN (from http://www.merriam-webster.com/)

adap·to·gen noun \ə-ˈdap-tə-jən\
: a nontoxic substance and especially a plant extract that is held to increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.

Adaptogens have been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. They’re called adaptogens because of their ability to “adapt” their function according to the body’s specific needs.
Adaptogens have highly concentrated nutrients that can help your body cope with stress, provide energy, and maintain a strong immune system.


Basically, Shakeology is FULL of amazing nutrients and good-for-you ingredients. Really, as long as there isn't any CRAP in there, I will go by how drinking Shakeology makes me FEEL, which is AWESOME!

Here is a video on the clinical study recently conducted on Shakeology:

Interested in trying Shakeology? Send me an email! 

My Love/Hate Relationship with Running

I firmly believe that you need to find a form of exercise that you like enough that it will keep you doing it. If you don't enjoy your chosen activity, the chances of continuing it for any sustained length of time is pretty small. You may need to switch it up now and then to keep it interesting and keep your muscles guessing, but you should always ENJOY what you are doing.

I live this theory in all my fitness activities...except running. After two and a half years I STILL don't love running. I have yet to experience the "runner's high" that people talk about. Once in a while, around the 40 minute mark, I do find that it's all a bit easier and I forget JUST how much I hate it, but there has to be more to this illusive "high" than that, right? However, I DO love the feeling of finishing a run - the stretching, the exhaustion, the sore muscles, the warm shower and even the agony of the foam rolling. 

The one part of running that I do enjoy (apart from when it ends) is participating in races. The running pretty much still sucks, but I love the energy of the crowd, the cheering supporters and of course - the bling. I have no delusions that I will ever place, and I don't necessarily even compete against myself to continually better my time. I register to get out there, and to give myself motivation to keep training. Yes, it is nice when I beat my previous time, but it's not a necessity. 

There are 4 key things that keep me going, or at least play a big part in it. Without these elements included I don't know that I would ever get out there. 

1. Music. Without my playlist pumping through my earbuds with a delicate volume balance somewhere between drowning out my steps and breathing and  allowing me to hear traffic and other noises, I would be in hell. Mr Awesome is a DJ and he has mixed my playlist and made every single song the same bpm (beats per minute) as my running cadence so it's seamless between songs and I keep the same pace the whole time. 
2. Race registrations. I always have a race in the future, registered and committed to, to give me added accountability. My next race is the January 1 Resolution Run 5k in Vancouver, and then two weeks later Mr Awesome and I are off to Anaheim for the runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon. 2015 marks my 40th birthday and the plan is to run this one in January in California and then the Wine & Dine half in Orlando in November for my birthday. That qualifies you for an extra medal for what they call the Coast to Coast challenge. That brings me to my next motivator...
3. Bling and swag. I have to admit, it there's not good swag or a medal, I'm not likely to participate. I have a medal hanger in our bedroom and proudly display all my race medals. The Resolution Run actually comes with a free running jacket! 
4. My family. Whether Mr Awesome is in the race with me or waiting with the kids at the finish line, having that support means everything. The kids come running with me sometimes, and are pretty stoked at the plan to run in the family 5k at the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend in November 2015. 

The weird thing is that even thought I don't like it, I find myself craving it. I see people out running and wish I was out there too. A beautiful cool sunny day has me thinking about how great it would be to go for a run. Clearly I have lost my mind. 

I will keep running. And perhaps one day I will learn to love it. 

Maybe. 

A Look Back at 2014 Goals

Back in January 2014 I wrote a post about my goals for this year. I was clearly in a running-love phase, as there was a LOT of running. My main three goals were:

1. Run in 10 events (including 2 half marathons)
2. Run 500 miles 
3. Complete Focus T25 Beta and Gamma rounds

I have completed 6 out of 10 running events. I have run nowhere near 500 miles, and although I completed T25 Beta, I did not get to Gamma. 

Do I feel like I failed by not achieving these targets? NO. 

I have run 320 miles so far this year, and that is INSANE compared to where my running was 2.5 years ago - which was exactly ZERO. 

I also began doing Beachbody programs, which has led me on a completely new and amazing part of my fitness journey. This year I have done Focus T25, PiYo, P90 and Les Mills Pump, plus I've dabbled in a few others like Hip Hop Abs and Les Mills COMBAT, which are great for switching things up. 

I became a Team Beachbody coach, which I LOVE. I originally signed up as a way to cover the cost of the programs and the Shakeology we drink every day, with a goal to break even by the end of the year. I started a motivational fitness group on Facebook and as people began to try the programs and Shakeology it became clear very quickly that being a coach a SO much more than just a way to break even. I have a passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals and I can use my experience as a way to support and motivate them. People are seeing success and achieving their goals and it is AMAZING to be a part of it! My business is growing and while I don't have any intention of it replacing my "career" job, I have no doubt Beachbody will help pay for things like a new mini van, our family vacations, home renos and more. 

So...my running has gone a bit off the rails and I am scared as hell to be running the runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon in just THREE WEEKS with limited training, but this year has been AMAZING. I am more fit than I have ever been, and more motivated than ever before.

Bring on 2015, I am READY!! 

The Key Ingredients

You can have all the equipment, the snazzy new workout gear, the DVDs or gym pass, the water bottle marked out by the hour to ensure consumption, only healthy food in your fridge...and you will probably go hard and stay committed for the first few weeks. Then you might start to falter. 

What is missing?

Two of the key ingredients in lasting success when it comes to fitness goals are SUPPORT & ACCOUNTABILITY. 

A workout buddy, a personal trainer, even just committing to a workout publicly can give you accountability. You also need cheerleaders - people that will lift you up and keep you going through the hills and valleys of your journey. Whether this comes from your significant other, your circle of friends or co-workers - or a circle of people online that have come together to motivate and inspire one another.

When I was going through the initial "pre-goal" phase of my weight loss, I had an incredible network of people supporting me - I still do. I started this blog and its subsequent Facebook page to make my journey public as added accountability. It's been phenomenal, but what has really kicked things into high gear has been creating a private motivational group on Facebook.

Team Fit & Focused is a group of people all interested in living healthier lives, all at different stages of achieving their fitness goals. We support, motivate, encourage and inspire one another to keep going. We share struggles and successes. We do monthly challenges, "pop-up" challenges, share recipes, inspirational quotes...anything and everything to keep us on track towards our targets, whatever they may be.

An extension of this team are the challenge groups I run for specific programs. Everyone in the private group is doing the same program on the same timeline. They ask questions, post their workouts, share challenges with tricky moves, and generally just support each other through the 21, 30, 60 or 90 days of the program. At home workouts become a group experience. They are not doing the program alone, they have a whole team behind them helping them succeed.

Whether you start your own group or join an existing one, I absolutely encourage you to add this "tool" to your fitness tool kit. I am accountable to my team both to stay on track with my own fitness, and to help keep my team-mates on track. I have never felt so inspired or committed in the five years since I began this journey.

Do you need some added accountability and support to help you achieve your health and fitness goals? Email me or message me on Facebook to join our team!

My Kids, aka The Workout Police

I am currently doing a hybrid program of Focus T25 and PiYo, alternating each day. The kids like that I workout at home, and for the most part they let me get through a workout with little interruption. Some mornings my 25 minute T25 is more like T33 with running around for Cheerios, more milk, sliced banana...but it gets done.

The little man really digs a schedule, so this hybrid really works for him. He knows that one day I'm doing one, and the next day it will be the other. He loves schedules, plans, structure - but God forbid you change that plan without alerting him. So, therefore, GOD FORBID I miss a workout. "Mummy, you forgot to do your PiYo today! Mummy, why haven't you done your T25 yet?" The concept of a "rest day" has yet to sink in. 

And the little miss is extremely observant. Way too observant. I typically workout in the kitchen, with my laptop on the kitchen table. She sits next to it, eating her breakfast. She will watch the screen, checking out the moves, and then look back at me with a very judgemental eye, evaluating my form. If I am not keeping my leg as high or my feet moving as quickly as the people on the video, she won't hesitate to point it out. "Mummy, that's not what they're doing." 

Thanks, sunshine. 

With the boy keeping me on schedule and the girl monitoring my effort, I have my very own personal trainers. Or workout police. Or fitness Nazis. Po-tay-to, po-tah-to. 

#TransformationTuesday

There is a trend on social media these days to post fitness transformation pictures on Tuesdays, using the hashtag #TransformationTuesday. I find them incredibly inspiring, seeing someone make such a significant change to their health and life. 

The transformation is never complete. Yes, I've been approximately the same weight since I reached my goal four years ago, but it is still a challenge. It is a conscious choice every day - actually, it is a hundred conscious choices every day. Do I have that incredible cranberry scone from the cafe at work? It's soooo good... Do I have a Chai Latte, a Caramel Frappuccino Lite or a simple cup of tea? Do I get up and do my workout? 

You don't have to be perfect every day, or make the "right" choice every single time. It is a balance and as long as you're making the smarter choice more often than not, you're doing great. It does get easier to make the choices, but still some days I desperately want to make the "other" decision. As some days I do it!

Here is my #TransformationTuesday picture: 

Pic 1 - 230lbs, 6 months before getting pregnant with our second
Pic 2 - 160lbs, the day I reached goal
Pic 3 - 160lbs, the day of my second half marathon
Pic 4 - Today. 160lbs and feeling better than ever!

Do you have a transformation picture? I would love you to share it on my Facebook page!

Helping People

Since I started on my weight loss journey nearly five years ago, my favourite parts of the process (other than feeling better than ever) have been knowing that I've inspired others and that I have been able to be part of their process. Being able to share what made the difference for me, my successes, my pitfalls, and helping them to succeed has been so rewarding. 

To celebrate my fourth anniversary of reaching my goal weight back in 2010, I joined Beachbody as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach. 

Beachbody has a phenomenal list of workout programs that you can do in the comfort of your own home. There is huge variety, and the trainers are fantastic. Shaun T of Focus T25 is one of my favourites. 

I didn't sign up as a coach to make money, for me it is about helping people and growing my own personal network of support. I believe in the products and that makes it easy to chat about, but I'm not a salesperson at heart. I will talk to anyone who asks, but I certainly won't be pushing product on anyone. Maybe that will make me the least successful coach on the planet, but it's about more than the bottom line. 

Speaking of bottoms... I think I need to try the Brazil Butt Lift workout! 

The Wellness Show (and a giveaway!)

The 22nd Annual Wellness Show comes to Vancouver February 14-16, 2014 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East (Canada Place).

I'm not sure how this is the 22nd year and I have never attended the show, but I am very excited to go this year. It's the West Coast's largest trade show devoted to helping you live your very best life, and that mission rings pretty true with me!

The show includes includes exhibitors, speakers and demonstrations on a diverse range of health and wellness topics, such as nutrition, exercise, beauty, healthy aging, alternative and holistic therapies, mental well-being, healthy kids and pets, and green living, all under one roof.

There will be five stages featuring fitness demonstrations, Wellness Workshops, Women and Wellness Presentations, Living Well Seminars, and the Celebrity Chef Stage, presented by Alligga Flax Oil (featuring executive chefs from Acorn, Graze, Tojo's and The Parker). There are entire sections dedicated to Tea, Natural Beauty, and an expanded gluten-free section.

I'm taking the kids and Mr Awesome with me, so I'm excited to hear that Gymnastics BC will be there, offering a guided circuit for children to try.

One of the best parts of expos, exhibitions and trade shows is the free stuff and samples, and at The Wellness Show you can snack and sample your way around the exhibition halls with Liberte Yogurt, RA Energy, Westpoint Naturals, RISE Kombucha, Natureland and many more. Show partner Nesters Market is providing a large organic market section, with lots of goodies to share. YUM!

The Wellness Show hours are from 12-7pm on February 14, 10am to 7pm on February 15, and 10am to
6pm on February 16. The show takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre East, Exhibit Hall B & C, 999 Canada Place in downtown Vancouver.

Tickets are $14.50 General Admission, $12.50 Seniors 65+ / Students with valid ID, $6.00 Children (5 and under free), and $30.00 for a  3 day pass. Tickets are available online at thewellnessshow.com, or at the door.

And now...a giveaway! 
I'm giving away two tickets to The Wellness Show and a great bag of goodies from some of the show exhibitors. Enter below! (Sorry, but you must live in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver to be eligible to win.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2014 Race Plan

As part of my 2014 goals, I am aiming for ten races this year. Here's what I have planned so far:

January 
Vancouver Chilly Chase 10K - January 26
Run With Jess Snowball Shuffle 8K (virtual) - January 31

March 
Hot Chocolate 10K - March 1
Shamrock'n Race 7 miler - March 16

April 
Vancouver Sun Run 10K - April 27
(I don't actually like this race very much because there are WAY too many people and you end up dodging more than running, but my work is reimbursing most of the registration fee to join the employee team!)

June
Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon - June 22

Because I love the race bling I prefer races that come with finisher medals, but a well organized event and good experience are more important. But I do have to fill up the empty hooks on my new medal hanger!

So, six out of ten are planned and registered. I need four more...any ideas? What's your favourite race?

2013 Race Re-cap & 2014 Goals

Today marked my first race event toward my goal of 10 for 2014. I've set out a goal of two half marathons, and then eight other organized running events, virtual or in person.

In 2013 I participated in six events, including one 5K snowshoe race. I ran a total of 386 miles. I don't set New Year's resolutions, but these are the fitness goals I've committed to for this year:

1. Run in 10 events (including 2 half marathons)
2. Run 500 miles 
3. Complete Focus T25 Beta and Gamma rounds

Today was #1 of my 10 events, the Vancouver Chilly Chase. They had multiple distances and I opted for the 10K.  I hadn't run more than 4 miles in a while so the last ten minutes or so proved pretty challenging but it was a good race. I'm not sure of my official time but it's likely 2 minutes longer than I actually ran as I had to make a pit stop in the washroom! I think I will likely show as about a 1:08 but it was closer to 1:06.

As a bit of a re-cap, here are the races I did in 2013. My top two were the Tinker Bell half because Mr. Awesome and I (sort of) ran together and the BMO half because my family watched me cross the finish line.

runDisney Tinker Bell Half, January 

Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer 5K Snowshoe, March

Spring Run Off 8K, March

BMO Vancouver Half Marathon, May

My kidlets after cheering me across the finish line!

Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon, June

The Biggest Loser Half Marathon Seattle, October

Santa Shuffle 5K, December

2013 was a fantastic year for my fitness and I can only hope that 2014 will bring as much inspiration and motivation. I've registered for the Scotiabank half again as it was a great route and a pretty well run event. (Plus it's largely flat or downhill!) 

I'm still searching for my second half of the year, so stay tuned! HAPPY 2014!! 

Somebody Get the Straight Jacket...

Well, we may be certifiably insane, but Mr. Awesome and I have registered for the runDisney Tinker Bell Half Marathon, January 20, 2013.

That gives us approximately six months to figure out how the hell to run a half marathon. Or to run anything, for that matter. Neither of us have ever been runners, but the $150 commitment (each) is enough to get us motivated.

We're loosely following the beginner's training program provided by runDisney, as it starts from a VERY beginner level and has a downloadable calendar that imports right into your own calendar program. There are short (30 min) runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and long runs on Saturdays. The long runs are terrifying, but it seems to start slowly...we'll see.

Mr Awesome went for his first training run last night, but wouldn't let me go with him as he doesn't like witnesses unless he's...awesome. Given that we've registered for this thing as Team Awesome, I do hope that one day he lets me run with him. Or, given the fact that he's 6'5", at least run behind him.

I went for my first run this morning, in the pouring rain. I figure while it likely won't rain in Anaheim next January, I won't exactly be able to back out if it does. And given that a good portion of our training time will be in the fall/winter of the Pacific NorthWET, I may as well get used to it now. Despite nearly passing out when I got into a very warm shower immediately following the run, it went fairly well.

I'll be updating my Facebook page with my progress, with the occasional post here to fully describe the personal hell that I have brought upon myself.

Wish me luck, and stay tuned!