Wednesday, February 24, 2010

9 Minute Stretch

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 1
I know that I don't do enough stretching after my runs (even though I do a lot more than most people!)

Yoga is an amazing stretch, and a great way to stay injury-free. Here's a 9 minute "Yoga for Runners" sequence from YouTube.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

This week I'm thinking about....

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 0

1. Creative ways to make our front entrance less cluttered with shoes. I'm loving this idea, found on The Queen of Re


2. My friend Geoff shaving his head in the "Shave for the Brave" for Young Adult Cancer Canada. This is to honour his wife and one of my BF's, Janice, who successfully kicked cancer's ass this year. Click on the link to donate! They have raised over $500 in just 2 days....AMAZING!! We are all behind you 100%.

3. Showing my Canadian pride with my brand new Vancouver 2010 Olympic jacket!


4. Ballooning in Tuscany. I'm REALLY trying to make this happen.

5. Adding a vintage camera to our home decor. This one from Etsy seller Slothart


6. The AMAZING photography "stories" on Pictory. A picture says a thousand words. That's what I love about photography!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Running song of the week!

Monday, February 22, 2010 0

Sunday, February 21, 2010

A little R & R

Sunday, February 21, 2010 0

The past week was a little crazy, with several "midterm" related things happening. Thursday evening felt like a huge weight was taken off my shoulders, and I have had a great weekend, with lot's of fun and laughs and didn't even THINK about schoolwork. Everyone needs a little break.

I can't even get over how amazing it would be to have somewhere like THIS to go. Clearly not in this climate, but a girl can dream, can't she?


I would be satisfied with my own little corner that I can curl up in. I've been wanting to get a chaise for a while now, and this one is delightful.

Went for a run this morning with "the boys" (read: pushed myself). It was a BEAUTIFUL day for a run...almost spring-like. but now it's snowing again, so no chance of that!

...and stay tuned. Today I bought some supplies for my inspiration "board" for our home office. I will post pictures of my completed project soon.


Thursday, February 18, 2010

Goals!

Thursday, February 18, 2010 1

(from Etsy seller valentinadesign )

In case you don't know me very well, I am a BIG dreamer. I have lot's of plans, hopes and goals. Running a marathon is only one of my goals.

I do things that scare me (those are usually the best).

I'm proud of all the cool, fun things that I have done so far, and I always look forward to my next adventure. Here's (some) of the things on my life list!

1. Go dog sledding
2. Learn to snowboard
3. Get my motorcycle license
4. Hot air balloon ride
5. Visit Monet's House in Giverny
6. Finish my Master's degree
7. Swim with dolphins
8. Run the Tely 10 - for 2 years now, and will hopefully keep doing this one every year!
9. Volunteer Abroad
10. See Cirque du Soleil
11. Go to Africa (Safari)
12. Have a small house/cabin by the ocean in Newfoundland
13. Go to New York City - and I will be going again to run my marathon!
14. Skydiving - pretty much my ultimate fear of heights. but I know it would be amazing.
15. Run a Marathon

Speaking of things that scare me, here's a few pictures of me ziplining a couple of years ago in Ontario. I'm a bit scared of heights, so started out shaking, but once I got the hang of it, it was AMAZING!



Monday, February 15, 2010

Winter Adventures!

Monday, February 15, 2010 0
We have been taking a break from running this week, but that doesn't mean we can't do other fun outdoor activities! Yesterday we went on a nighttime snowshoe adventure, and I loved it!

Thanks to Kendall, the very awesome operator of Newfoundland Bushman for a great time!

The weather was perfect, snow was falling gently and our headlamps lit up all of the snow-covered trees while we walked.

We walked near Stiles Cove, and even though we couldn't see the ocean in the dark, the North Atlantic surf was crashing just below us - a beautiful sound. We will have to come back in the summer (or at least the daylight) to explore the trail some more. The photos from the link above look beautiful, and this is a newly opened section of the East Coast Trail!

After our trek, we sat around a fire and enjoyed Strawberries and Chocolate fondue (YUM) and hot chocolate (YUM).

What will be our next NEW adventure???? Kendall has me thinking about winter camping.....

Here's a cute bonus picture of Casey wearing my scarf before we left...

Friday, February 12, 2010

MMMMM

Friday, February 12, 2010 0
A little piece of cupcake heaven from Suzie's in Halifax.



Combining 2 of my favourite things: chocolate and peanut butter. DELICIOUS. This one flew on a plane to me this week, because I am THAT special! I would eat these every day if I could.

The perfect treat for finishing a GREAT half-marathon. Thanks G :)

Monday, February 8, 2010

Race Day!

Monday, February 8, 2010 0
HORRAY!

Running in the winter in NL is always an adventure in discomfort. It also involves quite a bit of cold-weather running gear.

Yesterday was the hypothermic half-marathon. I was feeling a little anxious about this race, due to some unplanned problems in the same race last year.

(to make a long story short, these "problems involved some pesky heart palpitations, me crouching on the side of the road around 18 km for approximately 15 minutes, and finishing the race in quite a bit of discomfort and tears streaming down my face).

Therefore, did NOT want to have the same situation this year. I have made some adjustments.
1. Cut out power gels that contain caffeine (I have been doing this for a year now)
2. Training right up to race day despite my hectic life schedule (I believe this to be one of my downfalls from last year)
3. Carefully pacing myself. I have come to the realization that running a RACE involves careful planning. It is very easy to get caught up in the HYPE of the race. I liken it to the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. I'm like the Tortoise....I run slowly, at a steady pace and have a strong finish.

My goal for this year was BIG smiles at the finish. and I did it!!! I also had a (smaller) goal that I wanted like to finish in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Given the weather conditions we have been having in NL (snowstorm for 2 days prior to the race) I knew the conditions underfoot would probably not be great. However, I did it. 2:13 was my time and I am EXTREMELY happy with that!!!

Here I am, with a few of my buds at km 18 feeling strong.


(this is right before we - the "tortoises" began passing many people who started out too fast and were beginning to struggle (a very hard lesson to learn, to be sure).

It was great to see so many friends out cheering us on, especially on a cold Sunday morning. We appreciate you!!!!!!! Thank you!

GOAL: Accomplished. I will be taking a little break and running more casually. March 31 is the announcement date for the New York City marathon lottery. Will I get in????

Stay Tuned!!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Workout song of the week!

Thursday, February 4, 2010 0
I love getting lost in the beat on a run....and this is a great song for that!


Hold on to Your Dreams

How cute is this painting by Etsy seller creativethursday?





I would love to fill my home office with inspirational art and images. I'm working on having a bulletin board or some kind of space where I can put up all of the pictures that inspire me. I'm especially loving this idea.

Any ideas where I can get some like this? They look like they might be Ikea-ish.
 
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