Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Nothing like a brand new pair of sneakers to start off a new year!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009 0

Thursday, December 24, 2009

'Tis the Season!

Thursday, December 24, 2009 0
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

I will be taking a little break until the New Year.

Enjoy the special things about the holidays - friends and family, warmth, holiday cheer, snowflakes, time, hot chocolate and coffee, crisp winter air, delicious food, and joy in as many moments as you can.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

You want something. Go get it. Period.

Sunday, December 20, 2009 0
A little Sunday evening inspiration.


Saturday, December 19, 2009

Inspiration!

Saturday, December 19, 2009 0

I have found an amazing site with quotes and photos that is setting off all kinds of inspiration. I will be adding these to the blog along the way!

Here's today's!

from Indexed.

Friday, December 18, 2009

What I learned from John Stanton - Part 1

Friday, December 18, 2009 0
Just get yourself outside.

John told a really interesting story - an angle that I hadn't thought of before.


On those days/nights when you are just not in the mood to go for a run - just put your running clothes on and walk around the house for a bit.


It's hard not to go for a run once you have all of your gear on.

Interesting. I have to try this.



I backed up this theory on Wednesday night. Dark. COLD. wind. pelting rain that felt like hail. yeah....let's go for a run! But it was hill night, and I have missed the last 2 weeks.

I had 2 moments where I almost bailed.

Moment #1: Walking out of the house - thought: "really, I'm not doing this am I??" (while shivering with my giant winter coat on over my running clothes).
Moment #2: Exiting the car at the Running Room - brain begins to think of all kinds of things I could do instead of going for a run.


But we went. and once we were warmed up, it was a GREAT run!!! No weather ever seems too awful once you are warmed up.


Just get out of the house and GO!




Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Be nice to your world.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 0





I have been thinking a lot lately about the environment. In our house, we recycle what we can, but as a society we are still so WASTEFUL.

So, I am starting with a few things:

1. I changed my Running Room magazine settings so that I receive the online version via e-mail, instead of the printed version in the mail. (you should too - save a tree!) Here's the link to change your settings (Go Green Today!)

2. Went online and stopped the catalogue mailouts that I was getting from various companies (the ones that are nice to look at, but that I never order anything from).

Some other SIMPLE things that you can do this holiday season:

1. Recycle gift bags, tissue paper, ribbon and other pretty wrapping items (I NEVER buy new things for wrapping, everything gets recycled at least once)

2. Clean out your closets - donate clothes, shoes, toys and kitchen items that you never use to those less fortunate. We have so much more than so many others.

3. Send an e-mail Christmas card instead of paper cards. This was a hard one for me - as I love sending and receiving "real" mail. I still sent a few paper cards this year, but have downgraded, and an e-card is on the list - stay tuned!

4. Give gifts because they are meaningful and special, not because you feel you should. Organize a dinner out or potluck with friends instead of giving gifts. Last year my friends and I had a dessert potluck - yum, yum.

Do you have any other suggestions for being nice to the environment this holiday season?

Don't set yourself up for failure!

After a 2-week break from running due to the cold/flu that I had, I marched myself out the door on Sunday morning for a 14 k run. It was cold, windy and snowy at times, not to mention narrow roads and crazy drivers.

Our group runs in pace groups, with a pace leader setting the pace, so all one has to do is pick a pace and run...no other work involved. Just like a pace bunny in a race, only we have it every week! We are SO lucky to have such great volunteers for our 1/2 marathon clinic.

I decided to give myself a bit of a break and ease back into it by moving down a pace-group for a week. What a great decision! I was able to finish my run comfortably.

Sometimes it's hard to run more slowly, because it doesn't feel like we are improving, but it felt RIGHT for that day - and I am happy I listened to my own advice!

Last night we went to see the founder of the Running Room John Stanton speak at our local store - more to come on that in my next post!

In the meantime, I'll leave you with the following video.
Countdown to running a half-marathon: beginners advice from John Stanton

Thursday, December 10, 2009

booooo

Thursday, December 10, 2009 0
YouTube removed my Rob Thomas video, here's a link - watch it - you will feel festive!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th0RWWZcSjs

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Merry New York Christmas

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 0
Christmas is in the air! (and we have the snowfall to back it up!)

Some of you might know that I heart Rob Thomas/Matchbox 20. Rob recently performed at the 2009 lighting of the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center.

I happen to love this Christmas song by Rob - A New York Christmas - it's so catchy and I always go around singing it after I have heard it (like now). Plus it's oh.so.appropriate for my blog!

Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Photo of the Week

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 1
Many of you have probably seen this already, but I thought I would share....
What's a marriage of 2 runners without some cool shots with sneakers? I had an inspiration photo much like this, and our photographer Mike Mahoney did a fantastic job!













These aren't my running sneakers, obviously, but the effect works for the photo! I was thinking about orchestrating a photo simulating a race with our groomsmen (who all also run) but it seemed like a bit much, plus it was COLD out!

On another note, I think I am finally starting to beat this cold/flu! YEAH!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Sunday, December 6, 2009 0

This is me.


Well, it's not literally me, but this is how I feel.

I have fallen into cahoots with the common cold, and I am none too happy 'bout that.
I have not been running this week, which makes me feel sad.

Anyone have a good soup recipe they want to share?

More posts coming soon, when I'm feeling better.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Sunday's Run

Monday, November 30, 2009 0
AHHHH the ever-challenging Mount Scio Road. Sounds intimidating. IS somewhat intimidating.


For anyone out there who just did this route for the first time - trust me, it's always a challenge, no matter how many times you run it. The important thing is to embrace the challenge and work your way through it. It also didn't help that it has been very windy out (what's up with that?) leading yesterday's run to feel a little like this:












Everyone has good run days and bad run days. The important thing is that you finish and feel good about finishing.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Creative Christmas Gifts for Runners

Saturday, November 28, 2009 0
Since Christmas is just around the corner, I thought I would share some interesting/different gift ideas for that potential runner in your life!


1. Have someone in your life who has recently run a marathon or who plans to run a marathon?

How about this marathon scrapbook from Etsy seller apicketfencelife? (I am addicted to Etsy)












2. If there is a new parent in your life - how about this hilarious onesie from CafePress?














3. Treat those feet with........A FOOT SPA








4. Magazine Subscription


My first thought was to suggest running magazines. But many of us already have a subscription to Runner's World or Canadian Running (but if that special person in your life doesn't have a subscription - they're great!)


No, I'm thinking, a great creative idea is a magazine subscription for yummy, delicious food. and did I mention easy?


I don't know about you, but running several times a week makes for a hectic eating schedule in our household. I'd love to have more ideas for meals. How about a subscription to Rachel Ray's magazine?













5. Pampering


Anything in the Christmas Collection from Tval Skincare. For those tired feet, the hands that get dry from being out in the cold! Yummy, yummy soaps, candles, lotions etc. More to come on my favourite items from Tval in a future post!!









6. Create A Memory Frame with their latest race medal, a race photo, and any other memorabilia (or use items from the race that means the most to them).


Anyone else have any great gift ideas for runners? Please share them!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Empire State of Mind

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 2
Last month my friend Jill was talking about this song, but things have been really hectic.
Today was the first time I actually sat down and listened to the full song and watched the video. Alicia Keys is awesome, as always.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

H20

Sunday, November 22, 2009 1
Dear Readers,

I have been absent for a few days. It's that time of year again, yep, final paper writing time. I have just pressed send on my final paper for this term of my Masters program. Fab-u-lous!

Today is Sunday so that means I had a 10 km run this morning.
We are running in pace groups and I miss my running buddies who are mostly running with other pace groups :( This is what happens when you try to take running half-seriously.

The topic today is H2O. I don't know about you, but I really have a hard time drinking water. I really have to force myself, EVEN THOUGH it makes my runs SOOOOOOO much easier.

I decided to Google (seriously, isn't google your best friend? What on earth did we ever do before google?) and see if I could up with some creative ways to spice up my water!

Suggestion #1
Make flavoured ice cubes to
go in your water! Cool - I'm thinking cranberry juice! However, I don't usually buy the groceries in this household so, hint, hint to husband!

Suggestion #2
Why stop there! What kind of cool ice cubes trays can I get for making these flavoured ice cubes? hmmmmmm more google. Take a look at what I came up with!

SHOES!!!

ok now just think about this for a second.
Cranberry Juice = red = red shoe ice cubes!






LETTERS!!!!

I could spell my name....or whatever I feel like, depending on mood!











You can visit the site where I found these 20 Unusual and Creative Ice Cube Trays for more options, including a more "manly" selection, including Tetris, Legos, Guitars etc. if that is more to your liking!

Do you do anything to make H2O drinking more enjoyable?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

This week in Pictures!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 0
On Friday, I worked at the local Olympic Torch relay community celebration.

My co-workers and I had a blast, despite the cold - we even got our picture(s) taken with the many fun backdrops.

Here I am with an Olympic Torch











Here is my Programs team riding in a bobsled at TOP SPEED



You know, I really wish that I had at least submitted an application to become a torch bearer. Seeing it all, it would have been an amazing experience. Me running with the Olympic Flame...... Congrats to all of you out there who applied, and were accepted! What a great experience. I have seen some great pictures so far. Note to self: Don't ever let great potential experiences pass you by!!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Inspiration!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 1

Monday, November 16, 2009

Comments?!

Monday, November 16, 2009 0
Dear Readers,

I have heard some feedback from a few of you that you have been unable to post comments.
I think I have fixed that problem - now, if you leave a comment - it will be saved in my dashboard for approval, and will then be posted!

Comment away!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sunday, November 15, 2009 1

This is not my friend









I hit it. Hard. While running. (not really what I signed on for in terms of "running injury").
I love running as a part of a group - solo runs are very challenging for me mentally. However, every now and then, there is a disadvantage to running in a group. Like when the people running in front of you part to the side, and you find your chest slamming into a parking meter and then reeling backwards from the force.

These things happen....I will hurt for a while, maybe bruise, but I will be fine.

The harder part for me is overcoming my resulting mood. It was a beautiful morning, the sun was shining. Inside my mind, the world screams FAILURE.....SETBACK........I'm very hard on myself. I retreat. I lose my positivity for a while - I keep going but I don't feel good about it. Those who know me best carry on as if everything is normal - if you can brave my grumpiness, more power to you. This is me, it's who I am. I eventually bounce back.

Afterall....I do have a goal to run towards.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Are you following your goals and dreams?

Friday, November 13, 2009 0


I found this on the blog thank goodness it's Monday (definitely a positive thinking blog!)


Are you doing things that make you happy? Do you have goals and dreams? Are you following them? If not, change something!



Happy Friday!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

mmmm.....Waffles!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 0
I'm glad I got my run in earlier today, because this is the current state of affairs outside!


And what better time, than after a run, and when
it is snowing, to make WAFFLES. I've been experimenting with a few recipes since getting our new waffle maker - today's waffles..banana walnut.






Here's the recipe.

2 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 eggs, lightly beaten
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup vanilla yogurt
3/4 cup milk
1 cup banana mashed (I used 1 whole banana)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

These make 8 waffles, so make sure you're hungry (or half the recipe).

Here's the finished product....mmmmmm









Even Casey wants some!













Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Stretching

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 0
In our running circles, most of us never stretch enough. Steve and I have been participating in a local stretching for athletes class, and found it really useful to get us stretching.

Runner's World recently featured 6 yoga poses that I think are great. You can actually watch someone go through the moves in this video, or see the images in the article.



Happy Stretching!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Why NYC? Why not??

Monday, November 9, 2009 0

Why is this my goal marathon? What's not to like about New York City? The city that never sleeps, the culture, broadway, the glitz, and one of the best (some will argue the best) marathons in the world. The marathon is in November, at temperatures that I can handle. (Training on an island in the middle of the North Atlantic means cool-ish training temperatures for most of the year)

I have been to New York City once before, concidentally, in November, the same month as the NYC marathon. I mostly did "the tourist" thing - saw the sights, but did uncover some great gems that can only be NYC!


Many know that I heart peanut butter! Especially peanut butter and chocolate combinations. One of my favourite meals while in NYC was at a tiny sandwich shop called - wait for it - Peanut Butter and Co. Everything on the menu involves Peanut Butter!


Here I am, chowing down at Peanut Butter and Co.

(as an aside - I have also just discovered that PB and Co. publishes a cookbook - ummm, wishlist!)

My next trip to NYC, I would like to uncover some more hidden gems, see a show (Broadway was on strike during my last visit) and EAT some more delicious food. Tell me your favourite spots and things to do in NYC and I'll compile a list of must-see ideas for a future post!

Inspiration

I have always been a big fan of the inspirational billboards at values.com

This is my all-time favourite billboard!!!








I always like to have ideas, sometimes BIG ideas, to work towards. Sometimes these ideas change and grow as I change and grow, but I love feeling INSPIRED. I am often inspired by simple things, like images, and even by other people's inspiration. I am happiest when creative juices are flowing.







If he can do it, I can do it!!!!!!!!!!!
Which billboard inspires you?



Sunday, November 8, 2009

BIG DREAMS

Sunday, November 8, 2009 0
My big running dream is to run the New York City Marathon.

I run for fitness, not to race. Always. I participate in "races", but the end goal is always to finish strong and feel good about my accomplishments, never anything else....although, sometimes during, or after, a difficult run, one's brain would have one believe that nothing sort of being THE BEST is acceptable.....but those are fleeting moments.

I love to run and socialize with my running friends, and NEVER run more than 3 times a week. I try to incorporate running into my life, not have a life based on running.

This blog is about my journey towards the marathon. My goal is to enter via the marathon lottery, which can take up to 4 years. In the meantime, I thought I would bring others along on my journey, which is always more important than the destination.

This blog will be INTERACTIVE. You will see photos, maybe even a few videos. Ideas and inspiration.
I encourage my readers to bookmark and check back regularly! Send me your comments and questions! I would love to hear from you!




(a picture of me finishing my first 16k/10 mile race in 2008 - the completion of my first big running goal!)
 
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