..and so I ran

Jillian Michaels Six week, Six Pack Challenge

2011-01-13T21:40:00.004-05:00

Thanks to the IT BAND Syndrome that has plagued since May 2010, running hasn't progressed as fast as I would have liked.

As much as I have come to love running (i can't believe I just 'said' that) I know that it's important to incorporate other workouts to strengthen your core.

Especial when you have IT BAND issues, as I do, you really need to focus on strengthening the external hip rotators, which helps reduce the risk of injury.

That's were this comes in

Jillian Michaels Six Week, Six Pack.

I'd love to have abs like EMZ, but I'll settle for Jillian's abs for now.

After seeing a review of the DVD on Meghann's blog Meals and Miles I decided to give it a try even thought I'm NOT a workout DVD kind of girl ... well until last year I wasn't a running girl either, I was more of a couch kind of girl.

PLUS I'm turning 38 in 2 weeks ... I would love some sexy abs for my Birthday Please and Thank you!!

So, as I mentioned on my last post I did the 1st workout on Saturday and woke up Sunday morning feeling so sore!
You know that's a sign the workout is doing it's job, which left me really excited and wanting more.
This is my first Jillian workout DVD, so I can't really compare it to any of her others, but she is hardcore, she yells a little bit and she is funny AND she totally kicks your but.
The DVD has two workouts, Level 1 and Level 2. She suggests doing level 1 for 3 weeks, then move to level 2.
Level 1 workout is filled with Cardio and abs.
You have your regular Crunches, side planks (KILLER), squats and lunges and some lovely Burpees!! All fast paced.
I was sweaty and tired at the end and absolutely felt it in my core.
Jillian says for best results this workout should be done 5 times a week!! ... there is NO WAY I could do this 5 times a week. I would not be able to walk in pain if I did this 5 times a week.
The plan is to Run 3 times a week and 6 week 6 pack DVD 3 times and I would like to take up HOT yoga (more about that on another post).
The workout is only 38 min which fits in perfect for me for an after work, before dinner workout.

Since I enjoy this workout so much I've decided to take up the Challenge, as has Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans

Here is my before picture taken today (YIKES)

Wish me luck!

Happy Running!

Great Start to the Year!

2011-01-09T19:39:00.002-05:00

... according to the Daily Mile I ran 15km in December in total... disappointing I know!
HOWEVER today is Jan 9th and so far I have ran 32km!! I say that is a great start to the year.
I completed week 2 of the 13wk run/walk program, currently working on week 3 session 1 which seems to be giving me some trouble.
running 3min = NO problem, walking 2min = great ... however repeating 10 times is the problem.
I continue to struggle with IT Band syndrome, NOW on my left leg. I seem to be ok for 35min and then Intense pain sets in which leaves me hobbling. Ice is my Friend!!
I also started Jillian Michaels 6 week - Six Pack DVD yesterday.
OH MY ABS!
I can't remember the last time I felt this sore. The workout is about 35min long and left me sweaty and feeling like I got a good fully body workout.
TODAY, I can feel my back muscles! i didn't even know I had back muscles!! and my abs ... lets not even go there because sitting hurts! even my Quads hurt!
I can't believe that I still had the courage to get on the Treadmill today and run 5k.
Have to say that I'm proud of myself and really hope that I can keep the momentum going.

Here is to me getting back into running!
Hope everyone had a nice Holiday Season!
Happy Running!

No time for a Common Cold!

2010-12-02T16:56:00.000-05:00

I have been MIA from my blog but I'm glad to report that I have been running.

OH YES!! there has been running and lots of Pain free Running!!

Which I'm VERY happy about. Not sure if the interval running is helping my IT Band or if it just means that I'm all better?? whatever the reason is I'll take it and run with it.

here is a recap of my running sessions in the last week;

Week 1, Session2 (on treadmill 11/24)
5 minute warm up
Run for 1minute and walk for 2minutes (repeat 9 times/27minutes)
5 minute cool down
4.02km

Week 1, Session3 (on treadmill 11/27)
5 minute warm up
Run for 1minute and walk for 2minutes (repeat 11 times/33minutes)
cool down
5.15km

Week 2, Session1 (on treadmill 11/30)
5 minute warm up
Run for 2minute and walk for 2minutes (repeat 11 times/44minutes)
cool down
6.44km (4miles)

This last running session was challenging. Running after work is always hard and increasing from 1min to 2min running time had me a bit worried, but in the end it turned out to be exactly what I needed to finish my day.

Nothing like a "good sweating" to make you feel accomplished.

Today is supposed to be a running day but as it stands right now I don't think I'm even going to attempt, it seems that my little people brought home a cold and lovingly passed it on to Mama. So I'm dealing with a cough and sore throat instead of running.

Today I listened to my body and spend most of my day giving it some well deserved TLC

and a little of this

and some of this

a couple of spoons of this

a plenty of this

I always use natural remedies to cure a common Cold, along with plenty of sleep, lots of liquids and rest seems to always do the trick.

What Natural Remedies do you stand by?

Hope to be feeling better in no time so I can get back to running.

Happy Running!

Back to Week One

2010-11-21T21:01:00.000-05:00

As you can tell there has been no running on this running blog for way to long. My last attempt to run 2 weeks ago didn't go so well, my IT Band on my left leg decided that it was just not going to cooperate.

But enough is enough and thanks to Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge I've decided to go back to week one of the 13 week run/walk program.

So today I ran... and it felt AMAZING. I really missed it, no I didn't miss the pain, but I missed how great I felt after I was done.
How accomplished I felt.

Week 1, Session1 (on treadmill)
5 minute warm up
Run for 1minute and walk for 2minutes (repeat 12 times/36minutes)
8 minute cool down
5.00km (3.02miles) in 49:25minutes

Face of accomplishment!!

Funny thing my Left IT Band which has been the problem felt great! no pain whatsoever. HOWEVER my Right IT Band, not so much... about half way into session it started to bother me. Can I not get a break??
I'm back to Icing and foam roller, but glad to be running again.
The plan for now is to run 3 times a week and every other day do a Core Performance workout.
IT BAND PLEASE cooperate!!

Hope everyone had a great Weekend!
Happy Running!!

Your Secret

2010-11-04T19:40:00.000-04:00

sometimes all it takes is an email from a friend to change your day around.
I received this from a friend today and it made me smile ...

Your secret from Jean-Sebastien Monzani on Vimeo.

thank you

2010-11-03T20:50:00.000-04:00

I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the kind words on my last post.

You have been such great support to me.

THANK YOU!

I'm not quite sure what to say ... I've been MIA from my life.

There has been no blogging (as might have noticed) because really there was nothing to blog about since there has been no running no workouts what's so ever.

I am dealing with some personal issues.

Some days are good days, some days are not so good... you know the kind you want to spend in your pj's all day eating chips and watching soaps.

I'm happy to say that it hasn't affect my healthy eating, yes I am craving more comfort food, but I'm learning to work around that.

I try to not reach for the chips and dip, but have Salsa and Mary's crackers.

There might have been some Poutine and Halloween has NOT been my Friend, I wasn't able to resists those tiny tiny chocolate bars.

I'm trying to remember to take deep breaths and take each day as it comes.

I want to get back into running asap.

I LOVE how it makes me feel and I think that more then ever I need it in my life and I miss it.

Hopefully My IT Band is fully healed and there will be running this weekend.

Hope you all had a great Halloween, in case you were wondering if I did end up dressing up as a Zombie Bride... I did NOT... however I was a Black Widow.

Black Widow... complete with Life Insurance Policy

happy running

Zombie Bride?

2010-10-12T17:51:00.000-04:00

This year for Halloween I was thinking of wearing my Wedding Dress and being a Zombie Bride, might as well put it to good use, don't you think?

It's been hanging in the closet for the past 13years waiting for the special occasion to be worn again AND was it is perfectly wrinkled, dirty and never dry-cleaned.

August 9th, 1997 ... I remember clearly that size 12 dress was super snug on me, especially in the chest and tummy area.

13 years later here I am ...

Can you see how much space I have in the chest area?? WOW ... really?

I really didn't think my arms were that much bigger before.

I mean there was NO room before, it was tight!

It even sags in the back! There was clearly no sagging before!
I barely ate anything a week before the wedding because I was so worried it was not going to fit.
To think that this was not even my heaviest... I can't even tell you in words how that makes me feel.
I am so happy that I decided to turn things around and take on a healthier lifestyle, not just for myself but for my Children.
Today I am a much happier and confident person.
Taking up Running this year has made just such a big impact in my life and I'm just so glad that I decided to take up that challenge ... even if I'm not a RUNNER yet, but I will get there.
I will run that Marathon!!

Thanks Marie for encouraging me to post these pictures! You need to check out Marie's post on her prom dress, talk about putting things in perspective!

Giving Thanks...

2010-10-11T20:14:00.000-04:00

Happy 'Canadian' Thanksgiving!!

Today I am grateful for the People that bring joy to my life.

My Family.My Children.Good Friends.

and Thanksgiving Dinner...

From our Family to yours Happy Thanksgiving!!

Turn a New Leaf

2010-10-04T20:46:00.000-04:00

I love turning the page on the Calendar.

Lets start over, so last month wasn't so great but this month you have a chance to make it better.

So let's just forget September and move on and make October great!

Enough with feeling sorry for myself about not having an oh so great running season, there is always next year.

It's not a failure, its just a set back.

My IT Band problems continue and after seeing my Family Doctor, who happens to be a Runner with 2 half Marathons and 1 Marathon Medals sitting at home, I have decided to give running a break and work on my Core.

He doesn't want me to loose my fitness level, so for now twice a week I will be running for 10min as a warm up and the rest of my workout should be on the stationary bike or perhaps spinning class (which scares me!!) for a total of 45min.

Three Days out of the week I will be working on my Core Conditioning, for that I have picked up a book from the Core Performance line, which Lisa at Vegan Cookbook Critic suggested I try.

With the kids back to school and work being busy as always I find that I'm having a really hard time finding time to work out after work.

So today I broke down and set foot in a gym after 13years!! GAHHHHHH!!!!

I HATE GYMS! I hate the sale pitch! I hate that they make you feel really unfit and that you need YEARS in the gym before you can look like them. I hate that they all have like 0% body fat. Well you get the point. I don't like gyms.

BUT right now they only way I can see myself working out is during my lunch hour.

Turns out the Sales pitch wasn't so bad and if I can get over the price shock, I think I found a gym.

I'm going in for my first work out tomorrow, so we will see how it goes.

Hopefully I will be back to running in no time!

Happy running

Cherry on Top Award

2010-09-10T08:37:00.000-04:00

Laura over at live well, laugh often, run much gave me a blog award, how awesome is that?

1. Answer the question: If you had one chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?

I'm a great believer that everything happens for a reason.
Yes it would have been great if I would have decided to take up running years ago.
Yes it would have been great if I would have always eaten healthy and not gained all this weight.
BUT then I would not be me today and I'm really happy with me.
So no I would not have changed anything in my life.

2. Pick 6 people and give them this award. You then have to inform the person that they have been selected for the award.

* Michelle at Running with Attitude
* Leah at Leah B's Running Life
* Wendy at showered with grace
* Kirsten at Working up a sweat in Toronto
*Emilie at One mom in Maine
*Nancy at Making our Marks

Funny as soon as I read the question it reminded me of this song...

As far as running... there still is no running. I will probably try to go for a quick run tomorrow see how the IT Band holds up.

On the Home front, Hubby is currently having surgery to remove the screws and plate he had put in, in May after his soccer accident. Hoping this time his recovery will be a quick one.

Have a great weekend
and
Happy Running!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!

2010-09-07T21:05:00.000-04:00

The kids went back to school today!!

I can't tell you how happy I am that once again schedule rules our house. The kids were equally happy about today.

Sara was looking forward to her friends and Kevin just loves first day of school "because of the FOOD".

You see, on the first day of school I always take the kids out for breakfast at our favourite breakfast spot, and for Dinner I always make something extra special. I know that they really look forward to this tradition just as much as I do.

Sara and Grandma

Kevin and his Mama

Hope your day was a great as ours today!!
Happy running

why am I NOT running?

2010-09-06T16:06:00.000-04:00

you might have noticed a lack of running this week.
last monday I saw my doctor about my IT Band and she felt like the next course of action would be a cortisone injection. that is not the course I want to take. from what i read a cortisone injection really doesn't fix the problem, it is just a quick fix but in the long run it wont make it go away. cortisone injections for IT Band are generally not very effective. i have been seeing my PT once a week for 6 weeks now, and really haven't seen much improvement on my IT Band, however it can take up to 8 weeks before people start seeing improvement.
although the IT Band Wrap is great and lets me run while i'm having issues, i do want to address this issue. i don't want this to get worse where i'm not able to run at all.
so for right now i decided the best for my running would be no running. i took a week of running, which has not help with the pain... stairs are painful, walking is sometimes ok and sometimes not so ok.
the next two days i will taken Naproxen (non-steroidal anti-inflamatory) twice a day to see if helps with the inflammation. i'm also icing the area with an ice cube as many times a day as I can.
so the plan for this week is RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevate) i'm not sure if there will be any running. maybe i should just take another full week off and plan on doing a small run next saturday?
i plan on bringing back the foam roller and lots of stretching, also back will be hip abductors strengthening exercises.
i see my PT again in 2 weeks, hopefully i will see some sort of improvement.
i didn't sign up for anymore races, i would like to do another 5k in october but i don't think the 5k on September 26th will happen, at least not right now. i can't even think about signing up for a Half marathon until i beat this IT Band.
so that's what going on as far as running.
this is just a little set back, i'm not going to let myself get discouraged. BUT i have to say it's hard when you see how well other new-to-running bloggers are doing with their running.
i will get there i'm sure. if not this year then next, the important thing is that i am running.

on a side note... i re-connected with my very best childhood friend in germany. i am so so so happy about this, i can't even tell you. i actually found her on facebook, who knew that facebook actually did bring friends back together. i haven't seen her since i was 13 when my parents moved us across the world. it has been amazing to talk to her and guess what? SHE IS A RUNNER!! she took up running 4 years ago and ran a half marathon a couple of years ago. we are already planing on racing together, so it looks like i will be making a trip to my mother land for a race!! how wonderful is that. i'm very excited about the possibilities.

the kids are really looking forward to school tomorrow and i'm glad we fall back into a routine.
hope you all are having a wonderful labour day weekend.

happy running

Zucchini Bread

2010-09-05T18:17:00.000-04:00

I really love quick breads. They are super easy to make and always taste great. There isn't a weekend in the fall and winter when I don't make quick breads. It's great for school snacks for during the week. I always have to make 2 loafs, one for right when it gets out the oven and one to save for during the week.
Banana bread is the families favourite quick bread that's for sure, also popular is zucchini bread.

As you can see by the piece of paper it gets used quite often. I have had this recipe for many years. This time I decided to sub the 1 cup of vegetable oil I usually use with something a bit healthier. Applesauce is always a good substitute for oil in baking recipes. But since I had just picked up two tubs of greek yogurt I decided I was going to use that as my substitute. After looking at some other recipes where yogurt was used I came up with a ratio of oil/yogurt/buttermilk. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I now have tweaked this recipe enough that I can call it my own. Hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.

Zucchini Bread
(yields 2 loafs)
4 cups grated zucchini (grated, squeezed and drained)
4 eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
3/4 cup greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
1/3 cup buttermilk
1tsp vanilla
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cups wheat germ (optional)
2tsp baking powder
1tsp baking soda
1tsp salt
1tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1tsp ground ginger
1/4tsp allspice
1/2tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped apricots (or raisins, prunes, cranberries)
1Tbsp Flax seeds (optional)

Mix eggs, sugar, honey, canola oil, greek yogurt, buttermilk.
Mix flour, wheat germ, baking powder, baking soda, salt, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients and stir until combined
Mix in the zucchini and chopped apricots
Pour the batter in two greased and floured 8x4inch loaf pans, and sprinkle with flax seeds
Bake in preheated 350F oven until toothpick pushed into the centre comes out clean, around 60-70minutes.

Happy eating

Nua Swimwear Launch at Dolce

2010-09-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

What girl doesn't like to trade in their running shoes for a pair of heels?

Even more so when it is to Celebrate a Friends debut of her very first Collection.

My Fabulous Fashion Forward Friend Clara Fortini launched her Swimwear Line Nua at a roof top nightclub in Toronto two weeks ago.

"Nua is about making woman feel sexy and beautiful again. Designer Clara Fortini hopes that Nua will do for her clients what it did for her, bring life and colour to their life palette. She has designed a line of swimwear that is a marriage between practical and different, it's unique; a suit that would call upon the confident woman who is daring and willing to make a statement on the beach or by pool side. She who wears Nua will stand out and be anything BUT Naked, so why the name Nua then? Nua means naked in Portuguese, and if you ask Clara, its what she wanted you to feel when wearing the sexy suits. Almost naked, like a second skin, they're that comfortable. Claras passion has always been fashion and now has brought her passion to you. Embrace Nua, this European style suit will be the talk of the pool bar so dare to Swim n' Strut."

Here are some of my Favourites of the night

I love how different these are, sexy yet elegant. I especially love the white bathing suit which has a removable sleeve and also comes in black.
I get so tired of seeing the same swimsuit over and over, these however are very original.
Congrats Clara!

It was a great night with great friends. I forget how good it feels to take a night off and just enjoy the company of good friends.

Happy Running

Toronto Women's 5k Race Recap

2010-08-30T21:07:00.000-04:00

What a great day for a Race, Sun was out and not one cloud in the sky, temperature was around 17C but it was a chilly one.
I have to say I have been really lucky with Race Days when it comes to weather.
The Toronto Women's Race took place at Sunnybrook Park in Toronto. I had actually never been to this park, it happens to be just behind where Hubby had his surgery in May.
Love running in a Park setting, maybe because I always run on City streets.

I sort of miss managed my time in the morning. Getting up 2hrs before a race was NOT enough time. I don't know what I was thinking.
I was up at 6am, making myself a bowl of Oatmeal (which has become my Pre-Race fuel) and a cup of Green Tea. I quickly ate the Oatmeal. Shaved my legs. Brushed my teeth. Got dressed. Hubby in the mean time was making breakfast for the kids and making sure that everyone was ready by 7am.
Grabbed Coconut Water, IT Band Wrap (VERY IMPORTANT) and my Green Tea and we were out the door by 7am.
I didn't like to be rushed like that. I think I need at least 1 1/2 hr before leaving the house on Race morning. Waking up at 5:30am would have worked out better.

This was certainly a smaller Race compared to the last two races I participated in.
The 10k had 332 Runners (331 women and 1 man) and the 5k had 267 Runners (263 women and 4 men).
There was still excitement in the air, but the atmosphere was more relaxed. It was an amazing feeling to be surrounded by all these amazing women runners.
This was also my running Buddy's First Race and we could not have picked a better event.

me and my running buddy Ana

Waiting for the race to start

our very own personal cheerleaders

The Girls were quite Popular

As you can tell we had plenty of time before the race, which is just the way I like it.
I had time to sip on my Coconut water and about 10min before we had to line up for our race I hit the port-a-potties.
At 8am runner for the 10k took off and at 8:15am it was finally the 5k runners turn.
I can't tell you how great it felt to be there waiting for the race to start and finally hearing the race horn. I really missed racing. Crazy! Did I just say that?
I even managed not to get emotional this time.

The 1st km went by so quick, I was feeling great, IT Band was feeling great, everything was working out great.
Ana and I stuck together until about mid way, at around 2.5km Ana took a bit of a walking break and I continued running. I have to say I felt bad about leaving her behind, but we had made a deal that we would run together as long as possible and then I would continue on by myself once Ana couldn't keep up anymore. I still felt bad. I decided that once I got the the finish line I would run back to get her.

I was having a great run, I felt great, my legs felt great, I even skipped the last water station. BUT around 3.5km I started to feel my IT Band and at that point realized that perhaps I didn't strap the wrap on tight enough. I decided to stop adjust the strap and take a bit of a walking break. I don't even think I walked for 1min.
By that time my IT Band was already causing me pain and adjusting the wrap did help a bit but it bothered me for the remainder of the race. It was more then just an awareness of the Pain, it was pain... but not hobbling pain.
As soon as I saw the Finish line I started telling myself to Finish Strong!! I looked at my Garmin which said 30min and at that time I gave it all I had.

Love this picture, it's like you can see my determination. FYI the girl beside me is actually from the 10k race!! AMAZING!

Crossing the Finish line!

Results:

Chip time: 32:20.6

Overall: 125/267
Females: 121/263
F35-39: 37/81

Very happy with my Personal Accomplishment and NEW Personal Record.
Right after I crossed the finish line and grabbed some water I headed right back for Ana. I was so proud of her when I looked back and saw her crossing the finish line with in 1min of me!! How amazing is that?? Ana finished her first 5k at 33min... the funny part was her first words to me were "I am NEVER doing this again!", but we all know she doesn't mean that!

This was a great event and I can't wait to do it again next year!

Oh Yes, I did end up buying a Race shirt for $20.00, but I just could not resist with the phrase "Women set the Pace" can you blame me?

Happy Running

Toronto Women's 5k run DONE!!

2010-08-28T16:36:00.000-04:00

Chip Time: 32:20min! HA! that's 2minutes faster then my 1st 5k Race.
I guess I have a new PR!!

Yes that's me crossing the finish line in the picture above, I hope he got a good Race Photo of me.

I'm extremely Happy with how the race went.

I did have some issues with my IT Band at around 3km, I think it could be because the strap was not tight enough, but in the end I finished strong.
I will post a detailed Race Report Tomorrow and since there was no BLING at this race I leave you with a pictures of me and my Running Buddy Ana taken after the race. What's better then the sense of accomplishment after a race?

Thank you for all you support and well wishes, hope everyone had great race/run today!

Happy Running

Countdown to Toronto Women's 5k Run

2010-08-26T21:10:00.000-04:00

Only 1 more day until my 2nd 5k Race the Toronto Women's 5k Run

I'm really looking forward to this Race. There will be Firefighters at the water stations and also a chocolate station, what else could you ask for in a race?

Today was Race Kit pick up day! I love Race Kits!!

I was a little bit disappointed with this one. NO Running shirt just a technical running hat, a Couple of Running Magazines, a new product called Immunity-FX, Clinical Strength Deodorant and pamphlets for races.
I would have liked a Running shirt, even if just a cotton shirt.
There is also no finisher medal.
I do love that the Race Bib has my name on it.

With the IT Band Wrap, running has been fairly pain free and I hope that Saturday will be another pain free run. I'm feeling confident that I will have a great run.
So what's my goal for Saturday?
I plan on going out and having a fun, that has always been the plan with running.
I'm not going to stress over a PR.
As Anne @ Asthma and the Gift of Running said so well "Not aiming for a PR just a PA (personal accomplishment)"

Happy Running

Two Crumb Cakes One Picnic.

2010-08-22T18:24:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday was Hubby's company Picnic at Sherkston Shores, it is located on the shores of Lake Erie and a great way to spend a Saturday. It is about a 2hr drive from Toronto.

"Say What"

" Papa Smurf, are we there yet?"

After finally arriving at our destination we spend the day in the pool

on the water slides

and enjoying the company of good Friends

Since I wasn't quite sure on what to make for dessert for the Picnic I put a call out on Twitter, Nicole @ Making Good Choices and Lisa @ Vegan CookBook Critic came to the rescue.
Nicole suggested I make a crumb cake, after all it travels well and doesn't need to be refrigerated. Great Idea!!
I ended up making 2 Crumb Cakes Nicole's Uncle Tommy's Crumb Cake and a Blueberry Crumb Cake both were a big success.

Uncle Tommy's Crumb Cake
adapted from Nicole @ Making Good Choices

1 box yellow cake mix (i used French Vanilla)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups water (i used 2%milk)
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 sticks of unsalted butter melted

Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter and Flour a 9x13 baking pan.

For the Cake:

In a mixing bowl combine cake mix, 2 eggs and 1 1/2 cups of milk and beat on medium for 2min.
Once the batter is smooth, pour into the 9x13inch baking pan
Bake for 30minutes or until golden brown

For the crumb:
When you have 5-7min left for the cake to bake, start making the crumbs
Combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 tsp of cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, Melt 2 sticks of Butter and add to flour mixture.
***Crumbs form best when mixed with your hands!!

Once the cake is done, sprinkle the crumb mixture over the entire surface and place back in the oven for another 7-10min.
Let it cool and sprinkle the top with powdered sugar!

This cake has an amazing crumb. Everyone really enjoyed this cake especially the crumb.

I also made this Blueberry Crumb Cake, I used Greek Yogurt instead of the sour cream and baked in a 9x13inch pan.

This crumb is quite different then Uncle Tommy's Crumbs, it is a dryer crumb, but still very good. The cake is very light and not too sweet, just the way I like it.
I would almost like Uncle Tommy's Crumb on this cake!! YUM!

We spend a lovely day with Hubby's work friends and their families. I really enjoy Company Picnics over formal Christmas Parties.

Happy eating

It really does work!!

2010-08-22T15:15:00.000-04:00

Yes, Yes it does really work.

The IT Band Wrap really works!!

I know, I was the first to be skeptical how a simple band around your leg could make all the pain go away.

But after yesterdays pain free 5k run I am a believer, this was my second pain free run with the IT Band wrap.

I have been running on the treadmill, my PT told me to keep my running surface fairly flat and even, and around where I live it's just not possible. I live in a fairly hilly area of Toronto and the pavement is not even at all.

I actually don't mind running on the treadmill, it's where I started off and I'm sure once the winter months come around it's where I will be doing most of my running.

I had a GREAT 40min run yesterday, I actually could not believe it and was waiting for the pain to start after 30min but it never came. I could have run for another 10min I'm sure, but wanted to play it safe and didn't want to push it.

With the race only 5 days away I'm feeling really confident and excited to be racing on Saturday.

I really haven't followed any training plans for this race since I have been running injured since May, not sure if that is a good thing or not. I will try to get 3 more runs in before Thursday, giving myself 2 rest days before the race and hope for the best come Saturday.

I know I already said this... but I'm super excited for Saturday!!

The plan for this week is to eat really clean, get plenty of sleep, lots of IT Band stretching, using the Foam roller everyday and my strengthening exercises for my Abs and Hip.

I'm seeing my PT tomorrow for our weekly appointment, I'm not sure if I should tell her I'm using the IT Band Wrap... I almost feel like I'm cheating on her.

Happy Running

This Run has been brought to you by IT Band Wrap

2010-08-17T19:45:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Marlene and Emz for suggesting the IT Band Wrap!! !!

What is a IT Band Wrap you ask?

It is a wrap with a compression pad that goes around your leg and helps stabilize the IT Band and reduce rubbing on the femoral. It also absorbs stress, reducing the stress on outside of the knee.

I picked the IT Band Wrap at the Running Room on Monday for $21.99 and after todays run I think this was money well spent.

I was able to have an Amazing 30min Pain Free Run... not a hint of the IT Band at all, not even at the 30min mark. I kept waiting for the pain but it never came.

I didn't want to push my luck, so after 30min I stopped running and finished my work out with a 10minute walk (still pain free). I'm VERY happy !!

I'm not planing on stoping any of the things I have been doing so far to help with the IT Band ... but I do think this is a great addition to help me get over it while still being able to run.

Thanks again for all your input and suggestions.

Happy Running

IT Band you suck!!

2010-08-16T10:02:00.000-04:00

My IT Band troubles continue ... and I'm getting really frustrated. Yesterday I got on the treadmill and was having a great run, 25minutes into the run I felt like I could go forever. I can't remember the last time I had such a great run... and then at the 30min mark I could feel the twitch starting. Within 3mins I was in PAIN, sharp Pain the kind you can't run with.
I'm at wits end.
Today will be my 5week with my Physical Therapist.
I've used the Foam Roller everyday, for the past 5weeks. Yesterday after my run I actually felt NO PAIN while using it... well a lot less pain then usual.
I've been stretching everyday.
I've been strengthening my hip abductors (everyday) on my right leg where I have the IT Band problem
I've been strengthening my lower abs everyday.
I switched running shoes, which have been working out really well for me.
I've been running on straight surfaces.
I run every other day pushing it as far as I can go without pain.
I was really hoping that by now I would be doing much better, but I'm still only able to run for 30min pain free.
My next 5k race is only 12 days away, I was really looking forward to improving my race time of 34:17min, but right now I don't think that's going to happen.
I'm really lost... Do I focus on being able to finish the race running intervals of maybe 10/1 or do I try to run as much as I can and then once the IT Band pain is too much to handle I walk the rest?

Do you have any suggestions for me?

Celebrating 13

2010-08-10T09:06:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, Hubby and I Celebrated our 13th Wedding Anniversary

August 9th, 1997

I remember the day like it was yesterday, I can't believe 13 years have come and gone!!

June 2010

We had dinner at Spuntini an Italian Restaurant centrally located in Yorkville Village in Toronto. Yorkville is know for it's upscale shopping, restaurants and Five Star Hotels, it is also an excellent place to go for celebrity-spotting... no such luck last night :(

Spuntini servers homemade pasta and fresh seafood, I couldn't not think of a better place to Celebrate. I love Italian food and so does Hubby.

From the outside it looks like a Restaurant you would see in Europe, very inviting and comforting... almost out of the pages of Eat, Pray, Love.

Inside tables are lit with Candles in a intimate atmosphere, I have to say it was quite a challenge to take pictures of our meals since the lighting was so low.

To start we had the Cozze Marinara (sauteed P.E.I cultivated Mussels with roasted garlic in a fresh herb tomato broth with a splash of white wine), sorry no pictures of the Mussels as the picture came out to dark but just take my word that they looked as good as they tasted. YUM!!

For the main course Hubby had Linguine Frutti Di Mare (Linguine tossed with sauteed mussels, calamari, shrimp and baby clams in a white wine and fresh garlic sauce with green onions & cherry tomatoes)

No surprise here, the seafood in this dish was very fresh and the sauce was light. I liked that it wasn't in a cream sauce like you see in so many other restaurants.

I had the Ravioli Di Soraia (Square ravioli pasta stuffed with lobster and crab in a cognac lobster bisque with shallots)

I liked the ravioli, but I wasn't crazy about them... maybe because the sauce reminded me of Chef Boyardee. It was good, but it's wasn't OMG I died and gone to heave good.

Hubby wins choice of the night!

For Dessert I had Mango Creme Brule (Traditional French custard with Caramelized sugar with a scoop of mango sorbet)

I LOVE Creme Brule... if it's on the menu I will have it every time. I've never had Creme Brule with ice cream/sorbet on top and I was skeptical, why mess with tradition? why mess with something that's already good.
I have to say that it was very good, the sorbet was slowly melting on top of the caramelized sugar and it all came together very nicely. I can see endless possibilities with this.

Hubby had the Dulce De Leche Cheesecake (An Argentinean recipe, infused cheesecake with a layer of reduced sweet condensed milk), which happens to be Spuntinis most request dessert.

Hello!! YUMMYLICIOUS! I'm so glad Hubby likes to share!!

I would say Hubby probably had the better dessert as well.

We had a lovely dinner at Spuntini's, the service was great and the staff was very friendly. Certainly will be back!!

Happy Running!

Out with the Old in with the NEW!!

2010-08-02T19:24:00.001-04:00

After having another terrible week with my IT Band I finally decided that it was time to replace my running shoes.
I have been running the same running shoes since starting my running journey in December 09.
'They' say that you should be replace your running shoes 300-500 miles or 6 months whichever comes first. I'm not sure who "They" are but I'm sure they would know better then a newbie runner such as myself.
My NewBalance740 have served me well over the past 8 months but I most definitely was past due for a new pair. Don't you think?

I have a mild pronation and my feet are on the flat side. I also need a shoe with a wider toe box as my feet are bit wide.
After some research I narrowed it down to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS10 and the Brooks Ravenna.
Turns out the Ravenna's are hard to find here in Toronto, no one seemed to carry them. BOO!!
I did end up trying the NewBalance 760 which are the newer model of my current running shoe, and found that they were fine.
I have to say I really liked the feel of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS9 and GTS10. I didn't really find a big difference in both shoes, they felt very much like the same shoe.
I did however LOVE the price difference and in the end the cheaper shoe won. You can't beat Brooks Adrenaline GTS9 on sale for $79.99 cdn compared to the GTS10 at $149.99cdn regular price.
Say Hello to my New Running Partner

I love the smell of new shoes in a box...

Brooks Adrenaline GTS9 is also environmentally responsible with it's biodegradble midsole and recycled Shoes laces. Traditional midsoles can last up to 1,000 years in a landfill, however once a pair of Brookes with BioMoGo hits an active enclosed landfill, the midsole is converted by common soil microbes into useful humus and nutrients 50 times faster.

Which makes this a more eco-friendly shoe.

Now lets hope it will help me get over my IT Band issues and the next 300miles will be fairly pain free 'fingers crossed'

Ah yes and the IT Band... what can I say, I've seen my PT twice now in the past two weeks and I was getting better, but as of Tuesday I've been in pain.

I have been very good with doing my IT Band Stretches and Strengthening exercises everyday, EXCEPT Tuesday where I skipped... and that's when the pain started!! I Suck!!

I know I only have myself to blame.

I have 25 days until my next 5k Race, it's time to get serious and say goodbye to this IT Band issue!

Happy Running

Waterfront Trail Run

2010-07-24T14:48:00.000-04:00

If you would have told me a year ago that I would be making running plans for a Saturday Morning I would have just broken out in laughter! That would have been major crazy talk!!

What a difference a year makes. Here I am Saturday Morning meeting up with my Friend for a jog along Toronto's Waterfront Trail.

Dean just recently started the Couch to 5k training plan and will be running his first 5k Race at the end of August. Honestly I can't believe we are both running it's still amazes me what a little will power can do.

Since Dean is currently running intervals of 5min run/3min walk and I'm trying to ease into running, this was the perfect jog this morning. NOT to mention at 8am it was already 35C with the Humidex.

It certainly looked like it was going to start raining at any moment and there was fog/pollution in the air.

We managed to run/walk for 24minutes and were certainly glad it was done. I happy to say that with a 5/3 intervals my IT Band didn't bother me at all and I'm happy I got to at least some running in.

After my run I enjoyed a nice cold juice, which I don't usually reach for BUT I was really craving something refreshing and water was just not cutting it.

Bom Dia means Good Morning in Portuguese... it's also a Acai juice by Bolthouse, this particular one is Acai & Pomegranate. YUM!!

Now the bad news ... 45g of sugar! YIKES!

I do love the taste of the juice but it's not something I would have everyday simply because of the sugar content. I would perhaps use a splash in my water or maybe even in my Green Monster.

As far as my IT Band goes... I saw my PT last Tuesday and turns out the reason I'm having IT Band problems is due to my right hip being slightly lower then my left, so they are out of alignment. She massaged me back into place and sent me home with some homework. In the mean time I'm ok to ease into running as long as I'm NOT in pain, as soon as the pain starts I need to back off. Listen to my body, that's the plan.

I really enjoyed running down by the waterfront. It really felt like you weren't in a big city and it was nice to run in a new place. I did have to get in the car and drive for 20 minutes, so it's not something I would be doing everyday but perhaps it would be nice to do for weekend runs.

Loved seeing all the runners and cyclist out, everyone is so friendly, what a great running community we have in Toronto.

Do you love exploring new places to run? Or do you like to stay close to home?

Say Hello To My Little Blue Friend

2010-07-17T21:28:00.000-04:00

Thursday I FINALLY saw my Dr about that nagging pain that has plagued me since the SportingLife 10k in May. Yes, Yes I know, I let this go on for WAY too long.
Just as I suspected it is Iliotbial band syndrome.
What does that mean as far as my running goes, well I see my Physiotherapist on Tuesday and we will go from there, until then no running.
In the mean time I FINALLY picked up the Famous Foam Roller (35" long) for $39.99cdn at the Running Room, which according to my fellow Runners has been their best friend in dealing with Iliotbial band syndrome (ITBS).
According to what I've read up on it, it's like having your very own Massage Therapist at home, it is an effective and inexpensive gym accessory that I've should have picked up a long time ago.
The idea is that you use your body weight to roll around on it, which will help you massage your muscles and fascia, this is also referred to as Self Myofascial Release Technique.
My Foam Roller came with an instruction manual with some basic exercises, however I do have to say that my favourite tool now a days for exercise instructions has to be Youtube.

This is how we roll;
IT BAND

Using both hands for balance, lie on side with roller beneath hip. Slowly roll out entire length of IT Band from hip to just above outside of knee. Do this for a couple of minutes and then repeat on the other side. If you find a spot that seems more tender hold for a couple of seconds until it releases and then move one.

Calf

Place your hands on the floor and calfs on the roller, you can also place only one calf on the roller with your ankles crossed, this will give you a bit more pressure on the calf. Using your upper body, roll from your heel to the top of your calf.

Hamstring

Place your hands on the floor and hamstring on the roller, just as with the calfs you can place on leg over the other to get a deeper massage. Using your upper body, roll from your hip to the back of your knee.

I also used it on my back and shins, which felt really nice!! No I'm serious it did feel really good.
It was quite painful on my IT Band and this morning my Hips felt a bit sore but I didn't feel the tightness in my calf and knee as I have in the past 2 months.
I can absolutely see how this seems to be a favourite amongst runners and I'm sure it will be mine... as soon as I get over the pain.

The plan is to spend some time at night doing these exercise along with a Hip Opening Yoga session, along with seeing my Physiotherapist.
Hopefully I will be running in no time.

Have you tried the Foam Roller yet?
What do you think?

Happy Running

A case of the Vacation Lazies

2010-07-07T13:37:00.000-04:00

Vacations will do that to you and technically I'm still on Vacation... I'm only back to work next Monday and I am glad for that!!
The time change has sure done a number on our Family.
The kids have been up at 3am every day and barely able to stay up until 7pm, today we managed to get an extra hour of sleep so lets see how that goes.
We are also having a Heat Wave in Toronto, so I have been avoiding using the washing machine & dryer... 2 weeks vacation means a WHOLE lot of Laundry. Can you feel my pain??
Not being able to do Laundry means I can't really unpack yet, so I have suitcases all over my bedroom. My house is a mess.
There has also been no running. I don't want to chance making the issue worse (whatever it might be) until I see my Dr, which he can only see me in 2wks... so I have been keeping a low workout profile... alright so there has been NO working out what so ever.
I am also NOT very proud of my eating pattern ... lets just say that all the rules when out the door while on Vacation. There was a whole lot of WHITE bread consumed and even more amounts of butter.
Dinner was never done before 9pm and dessert was ALWAYS part of a meal, even at breakfast.
I also was drinking diet pop which I barely EVER have here, however there I was having it at almost every meal.
OH and lets not forget the Sangria (YUM) ... Yes I might have had a few Pitchers of that.
However I'm happy to report back that even with all that indulging I only managed to gain 3lbs, I attribute this to all the walking one does while on vacation.
One would think that now that I'm back home I would try to make every effort to clean up my diet ... that has NOT been the case. "Tomorrow I another day" that's what I keep telling myself, but then tomorrow comes and I keep reaching for the wrong things.
I call this a case of the lazies!!
So much easier to settle into old patterns.
???? I'm NOT even sure if ONLY gaining 3lbs is a good thing... is that only making me lazier?
I do miss Running and how I feel after finishing a good run or even when I struggle during my run the feeling is still one of accomplishment.
I do miss how I feel after drinking an ICE COLD GREEN MONSTER

Healthy and Refreshed

I say enough with the lazies!!

How do you deal with a case of the lazies?

All Vacations must come to an end ...

2010-07-05T04:37:00.001-04:00

After 17 beautiful days in Portugal, I am back at home... and suffering from Jet Lag, 3am in Toronto and I'm wide awake.
We had a great Vacation and everyone had a great time.
Although I had every intention in running and keeping up with my training, that really didn't happen. My IT Band had other plans for us, after 3 bad runs I decided to rest for the remainder of the vacation. AND yes I will be seeing my Dr ASAP enough procrastinating!!
Here are a few pictures from our vacation ...

our 1st day in Lourinha and the weather was not ideal

but by the second day things started to turn around

Feet were finally dipped in the Atlantic Ocean

and the splashing began

Sandcastles were built

and Boats with Grandma

there was jumping for joy

and lots of Chilling in the sun

eating Farturas (Portugals version of a Plain Churro)

licking Cotton Candy off Fingers

discovering new products

Fatima was visited

a Prison in Peniche were Alvaro Cunhal was kept

Obidos, my favourite place in Portugal

These are just a few pictures from our trip.

A more detailed Trip report to follow ... NOW I have to 'run', the kids are up and wanting breakfast.

Happy Running

Heading out on a Jet Plane ...

2010-06-17T11:54:00.000-04:00

Before I jump on that jet plan to Portugal just a quick update on my Running ... well there hasn't been any running this past week. My IT Band is still giving me issues and now it's affecting my knee.
I MUST MUST MUST go see my Dr about this problem, but it will have to wait until after I come back from my vacation.
A good Friend of mine has decided to perhaps run 1/2 Marathon this year... I would love love love to be able to run with him, so I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that I can work this out quickly.
I am packing my running gear and hope to get some sort of running/walking in while I'm away, I don't think that should be a problem.

For the next couple of weeks I will be calling Lourinha my home. It is a cute village about 60km away from Lisbon the capital of Portugal.
Our Place is about 3km from the beach ...

happy Running to all of you

Bad Blogger be GONE!

2010-06-07T21:12:00.000-04:00

I feel like such a terrible blog friend... I just left you high and dry for almost two weeks!!
That's awful of me. I have not been a good blogger.
There has been NO Blogging and NO Blog reading going on... there has been plenty of working and some semi running whenever possible.
Work usually takes over my life the last week of May and into the first week of June, it's like this every year and I have to say that I love it.
I'm happy that I still managed to get some sort of running in every other day, or whenever I had the opportunity.
I'm still dealing with IT Band issues, which really makes me upset. I really need to see my Dr to get this issue resolved. I also need new running shoes, which might not be helping the problem.
WHY can't I just run with no pain. It's seems like it's been one thing after the other.
I know the important part is that I stick with it and not give up.
I also know that it's a bit unrealistic to think that I will be able to run a 10miler on July 12th, so I'm going to wait and see how my IT Band looks when I get back from Vacation and then decided if I will at least run a 5k that day.

We are officially in Vacation countdown mode... only 10 days left and still so much to do and prep.
OH and lets not forget we have Mom and Dad's 40th Wedding Anniversary this weekend, just a BBQ with a few of their closest friends.

Versatile Blogger Award

2010-05-25T14:21:00.001-04:00

Two Lovely Ladies tagged me for the Versatile Blogger Awards, Linz @ Destination 26.2 and Paige @ Two Runners and a Brown Dog head on over and check out their blogs!!

Thank you I'll gladly accept the awards.

The rules of the award state that I must list 7 things about myself, and then pass the award/challenge to 7 other bloggers. That's going to be tough!

1. My Parents are Portuguese, I was born in Germany lived there for 13 years and now live in Canada.

2. I'm scared of Chickens, you can't trust them ... they always look like they are ready to attack you and up to no good.

3. If I could live anywhere in the world it would be Paris, Love the food, the culture, the people.

4. I met my Husband when I was 19 and we have been together for 18 years. This year we are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary.

5. I HATE to Fly, ever since I've had my kids I get terrible anxiety. Before meeting my husband I was even considering working as a Flight Attendant because I loved to travel so much.

6. My First Car was a Datsun... according to Dad it was a cool car, I didn't think so at the time. I've learned that Dad knows what he is talking about... well sometimes.

7. I've worked for the same company for 16 years and LOVE my job.

Some of you may have been tagged already but if not…..TAG YOUR IT!
If you are not tag please check out these lovely blogs;

Ali @ Fat To Fit, Jamie @ Embracing Balance, Lynn @ Healthy Lynn, Jess @ Dairy Free Betty, Nicole @ Making Good Choices, Brittany @ Living in The Moment, H Love @ Keep on Keeping On...

This week will be crazy at work. Long days and working on the weekend.
My Runs have all been very brief, all I'm able to get in is 3km of straight running after that it's all down hill. I know I should really see my Dr and confirm that this is indeed my IT Band, but I don't think it will happen this week being this busy at work.

Wishing you all happy Running!!

Crazy Busy Life and running

2010-05-19T22:09:00.000-04:00

I love when life gets busy, but I hate when life gets busy... does that even make sense?
May is my favorite time at work.
We are crazy busy and it's only going to get worse until June 4th.
Before running, crazy busy May was challenge trying to schedule in work, home life,working weekends and birthday parties.
NOW we have added running and blogging to the mix which is turning out to be a bit CRAZY.
OH and lets not forget Hubby recovering form shoulder surgery.

Last week I still managed to find time to run 6 days.
I'm really happy I did get my butt out even when I was really tired and didn't think I could do it because I felt so much better after.

I still haven't decided on my next race.
I think I might only do the 5k on July 11th instead of the 10miles. I know it seems like I'm cheating running another 5k instead of pushing myself to the next level.
I just don't think I could swing training in the next 2 weeks.
My longest run has been 7k and that was a struggle, my IT band is still bothering me.
My Best Friends has been ICE and Stretching.
I've been following the Hal Higdon15K training just in case I do decided to go for it.
I kind of felt a bit lost after finishing the 10k, I wasn't sure how to continue with my running.
Being on a training plan ensures that I am out there running at least 3 times a week while continuing to improve on my running and add millage.

How do you handle busy work/home life while training?

Missing in Action

2010-05-14T22:43:00.001-04:00

That's what I am when you look at my Family Photo Albums.
Was I really there for the Birth of my Children?
Birthday parties?
Christmas?
Did I really go on that Family trip to Portugal?
Did I miss our "once in a Lifetime Disney Vacation" in 2005 and the return to Disney Trip in 2007?
Oh, I was there... but those very few pictures of me have all been deleted or (I'm embarrassed to say) I photo shop them.
It is sad, sad to think that my kids have very very few pictures of me with them while they were little.

Growing up I was considered average size.
I was never active as teen and hated gym class. I didn't play sports and didn't ride my bike or roller blade or anything like that. I was always to worried about getting hit with the ball or getting hurt or making a fool out of myself, so I was more of a spectator.

This picture was taken December 31st, 1991

I started gaining weight shortly after I met my husband in 1992, back them I weight 115lbs. By the time we got married, 5 years later I was at 135lbs.
In April of 1999 after coming back from Vacation with my sister and My Girlfriend I had a hard time looking at the pictures, I weight 180lbs.
I actually stop weighing myself so I'm not quite sure if that was my heaviest.

These pictures were taken a month apart, one in April 1999 while on Vacation and the other at a Wedding in May 1999

I HATE these pictures!! When I look at them I don't see me. I'm not sure who that person is in those pictures. I didn't feel like that. I felt great and confident, I didn't see myself like that.
I'm not sure how I got there, I guess the fact that we were always eating out as newlyweds, going to the movies and weren't very active people helped towards me putting on 45lbs in 2 years!!
During my 1st Pregnancy I actually lost weight, a combination of eating healthy and walking during my lunch hour to keep active.
When my daughter was born in February 2000 a very healthy 7lbs11oz, I weight 165lbs. After having my Son in 2003 I was still at the same weight and content at being there.

The turning point for me was gearing up for my sisters wedding.
I remember so clearly going with the Bridesmaids for a dress fitting and the dress my sister loved for us to wear only went up to size 12. WHICH obviously was WAY to small for me, I believe at the time I was a size 14/16.
I felt awful and insisted we should get the dresses and I would loose the weight for the wedding which was ONLY 2 months away.
The very next day I started the South Beach diet.

My sisters Bridal Shower July 2007, I photo shop the picture...

my sisters Stagette August 2004

Wedding September 2004

In 2 months I ended up loosing 15lbs on The South Beach diet and fit into the size 12 dress.
This diet worked for me. I didn't have to count calories, I just watched my portions. I ate whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats. I had no problem following the plan and it never made me feel deprived. Mostly importantly it taught me how to eat.

August 2006

December 2007

May 2008

August 2009

During the last 6 years I've maintained my weight between 145lbs - 155lbs still following a modified South Beach diet.

However it was only in 2008 that I joined a Cardio and Conditioning class at the local Rec Center once a week and started to walk on the treadmill 3 times a week.

I realized that no matter how clean I ate the only way I would see any change in my weight would be to incorporate some form of exercise.

I mostly still follow the South Beach Diet ways - I load my plate with veggies, healthy carbs, lean protein and healthy fats and snack on Fruit during the day.

I have also moved towards eating more whole foods, eliminating processed foods and Chemicals.

In December 2009 I took up running and it truly has made an incredible impact in my life... this is me now:

Siss & Me and the kids April 2010

to be continued ...

Here comes the Sun

2010-05-10T22:13:00.001-04:00

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
Thanks to all the well wishes.
It's has been a lot of 'sweat' to get to where I am today and I am so happy that I believed in myself and did NOT give up like so many times before.
I honestly could NOT have done it without all your support and encouragement and learning from some of the seasoned runners.

now back to regular scheduled blogging...
Finally a good pain free run. I've been Icing and stretching everyday and low and behold I actually had a great run today.
I felt Amazing and LOVED my run today.
I decided to take a 14min warm up walk, stopped and stretched and then ran for 35minutes followed by another 14min cool down walk. Success!!
7.34km in 1:04hr, glad I'm back to running
Why is it that it always takes me the 1st mile to settle into my run? I was huffing and puffing for the 1st mile, having a hard time finding my pace but after that 1mile things start to settle in and the rest when great.

This past week has been really challenging to find time to run.
With hubby recovering from surgery there just doesn't seem to be any extra time for me.
Run home from work and make dinner, help kids with homework, eat dinner, clean kitchen, prep for breakfast, make lunches, help kids with bed time. It's like I'm a single mom with 3 kids ... you get the point, I'm non stop busy.
It has been really frustrating and the lack of sleep certainly doesn't help.
I get really cranky when I don't get my 8hrs sleep.
I'm even thinking that I might need to start running in the morning before work!
YIKES!!!!
That would mean I would have to be up by 5am!!
Double YIKES!!
I simply don't know if I can pull that off... something to think about.

What's next on my running agenda you might ask... well since today's run went so great and I have renewed confidence in my running I'm looking at signing up for the Acura Toronto 10-Miler
My only concern is that this race is on July 11th which is exactly one week after I come back from my 2 week Vacation in Portugal.
Will I be able to get 6 training runs in while on Vacation?
I think that would be a big accomplishment, I've never even visited the gym while on vacation never mind going for a run.

How do you insure you keep up your training while on Vacation in a different Country?

Couch to Runner in 20 weeks

2010-05-07T21:39:00.000-04:00

I finally finished what I started many many months ago, 4 to be exact.
Yes me, I went from sitting on the couch to running my First 10k this past Sunday, all thanks to the 13-week walk/run plan.
I'd like to take you back to my very first post, running for for 1min and 30sec and walking 3minutes repeating 9 times was a struggle. Can you believe that ... a struggle, now that just seems silly I ran 10k and felt great the whole time.

Many times I wanted to call it quits, many times I had to repeat session, many times I didn't think I could do it.

Sometime I had Ankle Pain, sometimes I had Shin Pain, sometimes there was calf pain and then there were Shin Splints, which made me take 2 weeks of running.

Since I took up running in midst of the Canadian Winter running was done on the treadmill 3 times a week.
Runs were squeezed in after coming home from work before making dinner for the Family or even late at night.
Once Spring came around I took my running outside and made a new running friend Dennis (aka Garmin), which helped me track my km's, pace, time and even Calories burned.
There were even some lunch time runs and early morning runs.

I have discovered so many running blogs and healthy living blogs and have made many friends and I am so grateful for each and everyone of you. I have learn so much from all of you and received to much support.

Many times I wondered if this day would ever come, was I meant to be a runner?
Or is this just not me? I have NEVER ever been a physical person why would I NOW at 37 become a runner?

I am proof that this plans works, IF I can learn how to run anyone can.
In a later post I will go over the plan I followed and outline all the things that have taken me from a walker to a runner.

in 4 months I have:

gone from walker to runner
lost a total of 17lbs
went from a size 8 jeans to a size 4
went down 2 bra sizes

taken December 30th, 2009

taken May 2nd, 2010

Sporting Life 10km Race Recap

2010-05-04T14:31:00.002-04:00

Rain, rain go away come back some other day ... Mother nature must have heard me and decided to hold off the rain until after the race.

It was a prefect race day morning nice and cool, the temperature was 18C and NO rain in sight.

For my 1st 10k Race I picked the Sporting Life 10k. It takes place in Toronto and runs down Canada's most famous street - Yonge Street with the finish line just outside of Fort York.

The race is mostly downhill with a small uphill at the 3k mark. It is considered one of the fastest Downhill 10k's and a great place to set PR.

I spend most of my Saturday running around trying to find Coconut Water, apparently there is a shortage... some sort of problem with the supplier not being able to meet demand. DARN, I was really counting on that to keep me hydrated during the race.

I also had to run out and buy a hat after so many of you suggested that this was a MUST have for a rainy run.

HOW could I not have a hat??

You SEE I'm not a athlete or I should that say I was never and athlete and really never saw a need for a baseball/running hat.

Funny story... my hubby actually gave me a baseball hat as a Birthday present YEARS ago and I was actually MAD at him as to why he would think I would ever wear one. I took that sucker back and got myself a nice Sun Hat.

I also laid out my various running outfits, since I wasn't sure what the weather was going to be like I had: running tights, Long sleeve running shirt, running skirt, running tank top, windbreaker... You can see I was VERY confused by what to wear.

More confused was I by how to attach the timing chip, I was worried it was going to fall off during the race... but I finally figured it out and the chip never moved once during the race.

I'm excited that we get to keep the timing chip as a souvenir!! AND certainly this was much better then the ankle bracelet I had to wear at Harry's Spring Run-Off.

I started my morning bright and early ... 5:30am, and actually managed to get a good 7hrs sleep.

I tried to keep Breakfast simple as with my last race since it worked out so well.

A bowl of Oatmeal with 1/2 Banana and a cup of Green Tea, and since I couldn't find Coconut water I took the easy road and had some Gatorade before the race. I don't think I will be doing that again, I'm not a Gatorade drinker and I just don't find it did anything for me.

I made sure that I had my Oatmeal before 6am, that way I would have plenty of time to digest and it would not affect my run. This works perfect for me.

Since the Family was not going to be able to join me at the race, due to Hubby's injury they did the next best thing and watched the Race Online

How great is that!! The Kids absolutely loved it and didn't feel left out at all.

I decided to go with my favorite Running outfit;

what else but a running skirt. Seriously if you haven't run in a skirt yet you need to try it, I'm sure you will love it as much as I do.

Once at the Race site I could NOT believe the Sea of people as far as my eyes could see. It was just AMAZING to see all these runners lined up all the way down Yonge St.. They were expecting over 14,000 runners and it certainly felt like it.

All Race picture were taken with my Blackberry, hence it being blurry

I was in the Purple Corral which had an estimate time of 1:15hr for the 10k, I felt comfortable with this time. I positioned myself in the middle of running pack and anxiously awaited the sound of the horn.

Our Corral was 'released' at 8:21am and off we went without a hitch. Most of the runners around me seemed to be running at my pace, which when I checked Dennis (aka Garmin) was WAY faster then I usually run. I felt good and didn't think that I need to adjust my pace at this point so I continued.

The km's where just flying buy and next thing I knew I was at the half way mark and I was ONLY 28min into the race.

I'm not quite sure what happened, but it seems that as soon as I hit the 5k I started to have a twitch on the outside of my knee and a pain that ran all the way down the side of my leg that was getting worse with every step I took. (Now I know that this is called IT Band Syndrome, on Sunday at the race I just knew that it was a nuisance and I wanted it GONE) At that point I took a minute walking break to see if I could walk it off, but when that didn't help I stopped and stretched my leg and massaged the area, nothing seemed to help the situation.

I was NOT going to let that get to me, so what if I wouldn't finish with my estimated time. What mattered was that I was there and that I was running. That I had the courage to take this on even when it seemed impossible.

So the rest of the way I ran when I could and walked when running was too painful.

I was so happy to see that finish line!!

I manged to run across it with my arms held up high, stopped Dennis and saw the time was 1:10:16!!

HURRAY ME!!

Thank you to the nice Girl at the finish line that offered to take a picture of me with my Blackberry!!

Look at my BIG Smile! Injured and still came in below my estimated time!!

YOU bet I'm Happy and I will be back next year to beat that time and come in under the 1hr mark FOR SURE!!

Results:

Chip time: 1:10:16.1

Overall: 10225/11918
Females: 5339/6691
F35-39: 795/961

Everyone received a Tech short sleeved Shirt and Medal. Overall it was an Amazing experience and I can't wait to do it again next year and set a new PR for this race as well as receive a medal without any spelling mistakes

I really didn't run DOWNTOEN

Although 10k seems like impossible distance to run, I am prove that NOTHING is impossible and everything is achievable with a bit of training. Just believe in yourself.
Even when I was hobbling down to the finish line I was thinking that I would be back next year and what possible race I could do next, could I even do a 1/2 marathon in September?
I certainly did catch the running bug and I like how it makes me feel like I can do anything.

Thanks for all your emails, tweets and comments on the blog they have been overwhelming!!

Now an update on Hubby, he went into surgery on Monday due to his separated Shoulder. The Surgery took way too long due to him having some complications with his heart.
He is now on blood pressure medication and we are going to see a Cardiologist sometime this week when he feels better from the surgery. We are hoping that this was just from the sever pain he was in during surgery which quite common.
I'm playing nurse (minus the outfit) for the next couple of days.
Can't wait to be back out running.

That's Right I did it, Sporting Life 10k

2010-05-02T18:07:00.000-04:00

Chip Time: 1:10:16... actually I thought I would have come in at 1:15.
I am VERY VERY Happy with my time!!
It was my first 10k race and were it not for my leg cramping up and having to hobble the last 2miles I would have come in under 1hr AND that I can NOT believe.
I'm very very happy that I hang in and didn't give up and finished with a smile on my face.
I will post a detailed Race Report tomorrow or perhaps Tuesday, as Hubby is going in for surgery Monday and we will probably be at the hospital all day.
For now I leave you with a picture of Me and My BLING!! I just love race medals ...

This Picture was taken when I got home, since I didn't have anyone at the race waiting for me.

Thank you all so much for your support and kind words, I don't think I could have done it without you!! !!

Countdown to Sporting Life

2010-04-30T21:45:00.001-04:00

THANK YOU!!
Thank you for all your kind words and support and emails you have been amazing and I'm so blessed to be part of such a great Blogging community!
Hubby is hanging in... mostly on drugs, but even that doesn't help with the pain.
Surgery is scheduled for Monday Morning @ 9am, keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes according to plan.
My Mom and Dad have been amazing and so much help.
I came home today to find a spotless home, THANK YOU MOM!
Dad will be driving me to the Race on Sunday and picking me up at the finish line.
Hubby obviously can't drive and we are trying to keep him as healthy as possible with the surgery coming up on Monday we don't want him to get sick, so he wont be coming to the race.
I have to tell you that I was really SAD, OK I actually cried and maybe had small tantrum when I realized that Hubby would not be at the finish line waiting for me.
It's my First 10k RACE!! and yes it's a big deal to me.
It's not like I've been an active person and have been running all my life. NO, I just took up running 4 months ago and I think that it a great accomplishment on my part.
YES it would be great to have him there at the finish line cheering me on BUT there will be MANY more races and honestly I don't expect him to be there at each and every Race I'm going to run.

Training... I did get a 40minute Run on Wednesday, which was a struggle at first but I manged to hang in there and finish.
Although I still need to get one more run in until Sunday I decided to not run the rest of the week, I think my legs really needed the break.
I feel really great about that decision, I cant' wait to run on Sunday and I'm really looking forward to it.

Today I picked up my Race kit for the Sporting Life 10k

I love Race Kits!!
This one came with a great white Tech Shirt that I can't wait to wear after the race.

Today I also received this great email from Jess at Halfofjess
Jess reminded me not to stress about it and just really go out and run for the fun, YOU are right Jess. I've been putting way to much stress on training and that just doesn't work for me.
Jess also decided to be my Personal Cheerleader and I can't thank her enough for that!!
THANK YOU JESS!!

Now I need your advise... it's supposed to rain on Sunday. I have NEVER ran in the rain, I'm not even sure what to wear, So any advise you have for running a race in the rain would be great.

I just got myself another Child

2010-04-27T19:30:00.000-04:00

You know when your phone rings at 11:43pm that nothing good can come of it, even more so if Hubby is playing soccer and that phone rings.
Well my phone rang last night and it was J Hubby's Best Friend letting me know that Hubby was being taken to the Emergency and they thought he had broken his Collar Bone playing soccer.
Honestly at that time I was furious, I was so mad at him. I could not believe that I had to go out at that time in that weather, to pick up the car at the Sports Centre and then drive all the way to the hospital to pick him up.
Mad, I was Mad, Mad, Mad!!
Buy the time I got to the hospital I wasn't as mad anymore and felt really bad for him.
Long story short, Hubby has Acromioclavicular Joint Separation Type III and is scheduled for surgery next Monday.
His arm is in a sling and he is pretty much depended on me for everything.
Rehabilitation can take up to 3months.
GREAT I really need another child!
Sorry, I get really crabby when I don't get my 7-8hrs sleep and right now I'm going on 2hrs of sleep.
Today was supposed to be a run day but it's almost 7pm and with they way I've been eating today and my lack of sleep I don't think running would be a good idea.
The race is ONLY 4 days away and I still have to get two runs in before Sunday.
I'm running out of time here.

SO ... my confession for today, when I'm super tired and cranky I like to eat crappy food... I almost feel like I do it to punish myself, to make me feel even worse and more crappier... strange but that's me.
My first attempt to eat crappy was a FAIL...

I was really looking forward to having this FULL FAT YUMMY Pasta ... BUT no such luck, when we got home and I dug into it, it was SOOOO spicy it cleared my sinus, even Hubby could not eat it. I was NOT happy.
This is the second time this happens to me at this place and I specifically asked them if the pasta was spicy and was told NO it was NOT.
Anyway, a big container of this amazing looking Spicy pasta is sitting in my fridge, I might take it to work and feed it to my spicy loving co-workers.

My second attempt:

A "Bola de Berlim", it's a Portuguese version of a Jelly filled Donut. In German it would a Berliner

It has a Lemon/Vanilla cream filling and was VERY YUMMY... but I'm ashamed to say I didn't finish it all, half of it is still sitting waiting for me, I think I can hear it calling my name.

I better go get some rest... I now have 3 children to take care off, a full time job and a 10k to finish training for.

Running and Brunching with Friends

2010-04-24T20:54:00.000-04:00

RUNNING:
Today was supposed to be 10k training session ... BUT instead I decided to take up my sisters invite to run with her and her Boyfriend in the Upper Beaches.
My sister just recently started running, however Greg is a seasoned runner who has a marathon under his belt.
I was very excited!! My first time running with an actual runner!!
The plan was to run for about 45minutes which was what my training called for (PLUS another 25min running, which didn't happen). My sister was going to try and keep up as much as possible, and I have to say she did really well for a new runner. I don't think I would have been able to keep up with us, but then again Kat bikes everyday to work and is in really great shape.
So out the door we went at 9:30am running straight up... NO warm up? I guess seasoned runners don't need to warm up? NO stretching? I guess they don't do that either?
Since there was no warm up or stretching and I didn't have Dennis (aka Garmin) turned on when we got outside. Dennis was having a hard time figuring out where the heck I was so it missed the first 10 minutes of our run.
I used MapMyRun to figure out how much we ran.
We did manage to get 6.46km in 45minutes. I'm happy with that and I'm NOT going to stress over the 25minutes that I didn't get in.
I also decided that I'm not going to stress over finishing my training before my 10k on Sunday.
I think it's more important that my legs stay healthy and that I have fun with running and stressing over finishing my 10k run/walk program before the Race has not been fun.
I'm not sure if I will just skip week 12 of my training and just do 2 session of week 13 leading up to Sunday or if I will run session 1 of week 12 tomorrow and then move on to week 13. Either way I will have 3 runs leading up to the race, which I think should have me prepared for Sunday.

NOW the Brunching part of my Saturday;

Brunch today was at Mildred's Temple Kitchen it is located in Liberty village in the west end of Toronto.

I love Brunch, the kids always eat really well and with a picky eater you can always find something on a brunch menu that they will eat and most choice are healthy, so I tend not to stress over what they pick from the menu.

YUM!! the food was delish, my only complaint would be that their online menu did not match what their actual menu was.
I like to look at menus online before I go to restaurant so I can have an idea of what my picky eater will have and I find with kids it just makes life easier when I know what to expect from a new restaurant.
I was looking forward to having the croque monsieur, but unfortunately what was not an option today.

Today was a great day!
I really enjoyed running with my sister and it really is too bad that we live in opposite parts of the city.
Brunching with Friends, what else could you ask for on a Saturday.
Hope you had a great Saturday!!

Week 11: Session 3 ... yesterday

2010-04-23T21:14:00.001-04:00

Thursday was an outside run
5minute warm up
40minute run, 1minute walk and 10minute run
5min cool down
61minutes... I believe I did a bit more then 8k.
Forgot the ipod AGAIN.
Forgot to load the BlackBerry with music.
Forgot to charge Garmin aka Dennis the Menace.
BUT it still managed to be a good run and easier then I thought it would be.
When I first start my run I break it down in portions so it doesn't seem so overwhelming.
I tell myself to run for 20mintues and then ONLY another 10minutes and then ONLY another 5minutes and next thing I know I've been running for 40minutes. It really seems to trick my mind in thinking its not a big deal and I can totally do it.
My Girlfriend Claudia, who runs with our Couch-to-5k group decided to join me on part of my run and it was really nice to have some company.
It's strange to think that just 4 months ago I was in her shoes, not able to run more then 90 seconds and NOW I'm able to run for 40minutes straight.
If you were to tell me last year that this year I would be running a 10k, I would have called you INSANE!!
And now look at me... gearing up to run my first 10k in a week.

Today, was supposed to be Session 1 of week 12... but my shins were just not up to it. BECAUSE yesterday when I got home from my run I was absolutely exhausted and did NOT stretch, did NOT ice... when will I learn??
So instead I ran with our Couch-to-5k group, which today was only my 64yr old Mom and my friend Ana.
This upcoming week I will try to finish what I started 4 months ago, I hope the weather is nice so I can continue running outside and I really hope my legs and shins hold up.

iFitness Mini Sport Belt Review

2010-04-21T21:57:00.000-04:00

Today was a well deserved rest day ... I woke up really tired and just felt run down and after looking at my running calendar I realized that I had been running for 6 days straight.
Whoops how did that happen?
Well between the Couch-to-5k training with the girls and my 10k training I guess I've been running everyday since last Thursday. YIKES!!

Monday I got home to find my iFitness Mini Sports belt had arrived, I was so exited!!
Since the weather is getting warmer I've been running without a jacket, so that means that my Blackberry gets shoved down my pants and doesn't make for a very comfortable run.
After seeing the belt reviewed on Chicrunner, I knew it was the belt for me with just the right size to fit my Blackberry, iTouch, keys, ID and some cash.

This is the description from their website;

This unique Mini Sport Bel was designed to fit all your essentials. It will hold a BlackBerry/iPhone and 3-4 GU's.
Stretchable and strong pouch will hold your items close to your body comfortably, without bouncing or riding up.
One size fits all (adjustable)
Special inner pocket will keep your ID/credit cards in place.
Can be used as a race number belt – just pin your race bib.
Machine washable – cold, dry flat.

I've worn it on two of my runs and I have to say I really like it. Yes it's small but for me it's just the right size. It is made out of Lycra so it stretches quite a bit and I was even able to squish my Canon Power Shot in.
It did not ride up or bounce during my run and didn't feel bulky or bother me at all.
I would like to try their Double Pouch belt, which would come in handy on longer runs or perhaps during a race. BUT I'm really happy with this product.

Hope you had a great Wednesday, running or resting.

week 11: Session 2

2010-04-19T21:15:00.000-04:00

It's a beautiful Spring night in Toronto and todays Run was OUTSIDE!!
5minute warm up
30minute run, 1minute walk and 20minute run (JUST realized that this was supposed to be a 30min run, 1min walk and 25minute run) OH WELL. I could have run for another 5minutes, so I'm going to say that I absolutely completed this session and move on.
8.25km (5.12miles) in 61minutes.
Todays run, although SLOW went so well. I am so pleased and just happy.
I don't want to say that it was an easy run, because trust me I'm not at the place yet where running is easy, but it could not have gone better today.
My Shins held up really well, with very little pain and although I was tired it all seems to come together for the perfect run for me.
Funny... I got home after having one of those days at work and things at home have not been that great either... I don't think I could have run on the treadmill tonight, BUT things changed as soon as I got outside and went for my run.
I just left everything behind. Running all by myself with no music it was therapeutic, I felt so renewed and ready to tackle whatever was waiting for me at home.

Tomorrow, I'm training the girls on their Couch-to-5km.
Wednesday I'm running session 3 of week 11.
Tonight we have a short post ... it's allergy season and my baby boy is really struggling with his allergies and asthma, it's going to be a long night.

I wanted to thank everyone for their support and kind words.
THANK You, it means so much to me!!

week 11: Session 1 redo DONE!!

2010-04-17T21:30:00.001-04:00

Friday was an emotional day... and lets leave it at that.
I was supposed to redo session 1 of week 11 and honestly I could not see myself running for 1hr on the treadmill, I just had NO motivation to do so.
However the Girls really wanted to run and I'm really glad I ended up going with them.
So out we went for our Couch-to-5k run, we had a great run and my shins held up really well and I felt so much better after. It was really nice running in a group and just clearing my mind.

TODAY I ran... before my run I decided to give Vega Sport Pre-Workout Sports Beverage a try.

This is meant to be taken before you work out to help you sustaining energy, enhanced mental focus and increased aerobic and anaerobic capacity, also replenishes electrolytes and reduces inflammation, joint and muscle pain to assist recovery.

I mixed the single serving pouch of the Acai-berry in a cup of ice cold water and although it was a bit grainy I have to say that I was really surprised by how good it tasted, not what I was expecting.

NOW did it do what it claims it does ... I'm not sure. I felt great during the first portion of my run, but not more then normal. I can't say that I really noticed a difference in my endurance or how great I felt. My tummy was actually not that happy, but I'm not sure if that was because of the Vega or just because.

I will have to give it another try and see how I do the next time.

on treadmill

5 minute warm up

25 minute run, 1minute walk & 25 minute run (51minutes)

5 minute cool down

7k in 61minutes

As always I have no issues with the first 25 minute run, if that is all I had to do I would fine, it's after the 1 minute walk that things fall apart, AND today was no different.

I'm not sure why I loose momentum after walking... you would think that the walking break EVEN if just for 1min would let me pick up where I left off and continue a great run. BUT it doesn't, it does the opposite... I get sluggish, can't find my stride, I have a hard time keeping it together, all of sudden I hit a wall and want to give it up. I hate that!
BUT I hang in there today and finished and I felt so accomplished!!

After my run I had a BIG TALL glass of Green Smoothie

Todays Green Smoothie had; 1 cup of Almond Milk, 1 Banana, 1 handful of Frozen Mangos, 1 T of Ground Flax seeds & about 3 cups of Spinach.
LOVE that Green Colour... it felt so refreshing after that very sweaty run!!

This morning while catching up on my blogs I came across Running Diva Mom's post on the goodies she received from Girls on The Run for her upcoming race.
What really hit me was the quote on the Tech-shirt;

Sweat cleanses from the inside. It comes from places a shower will never reach.–Dr. George Sheehan

I don't know why but it just really hit home with me.

Do you have a favourite quote, that really speaks to you?

week 11: Session 1 redo not so much ...

2010-04-15T20:29:00.001-04:00

on treadmill
5 minute warm up
25 minute run, 1 minute walk and 10minute run (36minutes)
5 minute cool down
4.5km in 45 minutes
I was supposed to Run 25min, walk 1min Run 25minutes ... SO I was 15minutes short on my running portion.
The first 25minutes went really well but after my 1min walk it just all fell apart... kids were hungry and it was already 6:15p and I still had to stretch and make dinner, my legs were heavy, my calf was hurting.
Honestly, I did not want to run today, my head just wasn't in it and I didn't feel great after I ran.
I felt quite discouraged with myself. Tell me WHY I am doing this again?

I ran with my Couch-to-5k group on Tuesday and decided to take Yesterday off running, which set me back one day on my training. That meant I had to run today, pushing my training back another day was not an option.
Well, it didn't go so great... looks like I will need to redo todays session tomorrow.

This is what's left on my The Beginning Runners Handbook 13 wk walk/run Program, I have 2 weeks to complete it before my Race.

Week 11
Session 1 (51 minutes) Run 25 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 25 minutes.
Session 2 (56 minutes) Run 30 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 25 minutes.
Session 3 (51 minutes) Run 40 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 10 minutes.

Week 12
Session 1 (66 minutes) Run 45 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 20 minutes.
Session 2 (66 minutes) Run 50 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 15 minutes.
Session 3 (45 minutes) Run 45 minutes.

Week 13
Session 1 (50 minutes) Run 50 minutes.
Session 2 (40 minutes) Run 40 minutes.Session 3 (60 minutes) Complete your first 10-k event

The 10k event I picked is Sporting Life 10k on May 2nd.
Feeling a little overwhelmed right now...

week 10: Session 3 redo

2010-04-12T21:01:00.000-04:00

Run on treadmill
5 minute warm up
22 minutes run, 1 minute walk and 22 minutes run (45 minutes)
5 minute cool down
55 minutes and the treadmill said I did 6k which we already established is wrong.
If I look back at Week 10: session 3 on March 5th I ran 7.64km according to Garmin, I'd like to think that I would have run about the same km today.
Todays run went alright, my shins were hurting the whole time and the last 10 minutes were really hard. Honestly I did really crapy with my eating this afternoon... I had a slice of cake and it was loaded with sugar. I know I really should know better, that certainly wasn't fuel for my run and I felt it the whole way... BLAH!!
As you can tell I didn't run Saturday and there was also no Couch-to-5K run on Friday with Girls since it was snowing. We did run on Sunday and it was an easy 3.75km jog for me.
I've been really stepping it up on my stretching with all this running, once I get home from my run I always do about 20minutes of Yoga/running stretches. I also started icing my shins at night, every night!! My shins always feel much better... I just hope that I don't have to deal with this too much longer. I just want to run pain free, is that too much to ask for?
This week there will be running EVERYDAY! This the MOST running I have ever done... I'm a little worried that I wont be able to keep it up.
Tuesday, Friday & Sunday Couch-to-5k with the girls.
Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday Week 11 of my running program... there will be no rest day until Thursday April 22nd.
Wish me luck!

Have you ever committed to running with friends and then realized that perhaps you've bitten off more then you can chew and it's affecting your training?

Week 10: Session 2 redo

2010-04-08T21:37:00.000-04:00

on treadmill

5 minute warm up

20 minute run, 1minutes walk and 20 minute run (41minutes)

5 minute cool down

5.5k (so the treadmill says) 51 minutes

I say it again ... that treadmill is wrong wrong wrong! I ran my butt off in those 40minutes so I don't get 5.5km... it had to be more.

Today's run was a great. I'm slowly getting my endurance back and had no issues running for 40 minutes. I felt great, not out of breath and just really felt like I could go forever.

NOW my legs had other plans... my shins started hurting right away, then my calf started.

I really had to try to ignore what my legs wanted to do, which was NOTHING... they wanted me to go sit on the couch! BUT I was able to put it out of my mind and kept going, I was not going to listen to my legs and finished strong.

After my run I stretched and then iced down my shins, something I have been doing for a couple of days now and I find that it's really helped with the pain. I tend to feel fine during the day, it's just during my run that I feel some shin pain, but it's much better.

My Couch-to-5k group didn't run Yesterday due to rain, we are NOT that hard core yet!! But we are getting together tomorrow for our second run, should be fun.

My next session will be on Saturday.

With running 6 times a week I would like to find time to get some Core workouts in and perhaps weights, I feel like my core could really use the help... BUT I don't know if I'm being realistic with that. In 4 months I go from not working out at all to running 6 times a week... I might be pushing it, so we will see what I can come up with.

I also signed up for my next race, Toronto Women's 5k on August 28th, really looking forward to beating my current PR of 34:17 (I can't believe I just said that). My girlfriends who are doing the Couch-to-5k and my sister will also be joining me on that race.

Should be a fun event!!

Week 10: Session 1 redo

2010-04-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

So here I am back at Week 10 of the 13 week walk/run Program which I started in December.
13 weeks have come and gone and I've completed 10 weeks of the program and one failed attempt at week 11. Finally after a 4 week break from the program, due to my shin splints/calf pain and getting ready for the 5k, I'm back to redo week 10.
This means there is no time to fail, no more redo of weeks. I'm running a 10k in 4 weeks, the exact amount of weeks I will need to finish this walk/run program.
AND on top of that on my rest days I'm running a Couch-to-5k Running Plan with my 3 Girlfriends and my 64 year old mom, who feel inspired by my 5k race and now want to join in the fun that is running. I know, I know ... I think I've bitten of more then I can chew, we will have to see how it goes. The MOST I would be walk/running in the 5K running plan would be 30minutes and I think that I could totally manage that IF I really take care of my legs and stretch and ice and get proper rest.

Yesterday was our first day of the Couch-to-5k, the session lasted about 30minutes with cool down and warm up. Everyone did really well and I was so proud of my mom for keeping up with all the young chicks. GO MOM!!
This morning, even after cool down and stretching my shins were in pain (both of them). I was NOT happy!! I felt great during Saturday race, NO pain what-so-ever NADA, I felt great during yesterdays run and then this morning I woke up in pain.
So frustrating, but even in pain I decided I was going to give week 10: session 1 a run.

on treadmill
5 minute warm up
run 10minutes and walk 1minute (repeat 4 times/ 44minutes)
5 minute Cool down
54minutes, the treadmill said that I ran 5.5km BUT I think it lied! it is a LIAR!!
I think I ran further then that. FOR SURE!!
Hubby has been telling me for a while that it was off but I just didn't believe him, but after running the race on Saturday I absolutely feel like I've been running a lot more then what it has been telling me.

Todays run SUCKED!! My shins hurt, my legs hurt! I did NOT enjoy it at all.
I wanted to quit.
I wanted it to be over.
WHY am I still running when I already have a medal to prove that I can run?
WHY should I run a 10k, no one needs to run that far.
I hate days like these, it's all a mind game and so easy to just give into it and give up and were it a year ago I would have walked away from it.
BUT today was different I want to be here. I don't want to go back to sitting on the couch watching my life pass me by.
I can do this.
YES the pain sucks.
YES it's not fun all the time.
BUT in the end it's so worth it, I've never been more proud of myself and what I have accomplished in such a short time.

Tomorrow, running with the girls and Thursday session 2 of week 10.

Harry's Spring Run Off 5K Race Recap

2010-04-04T20:40:00.004-04:00

I could NOT have asked for a better day to have my First Race. The Sun was out and they were calling for a high of 25C!!
Harry's Spring Run Off took place at Hight Park, which is situated in the west end of our beautiful city that is Toronto. It is a beautiful oasis in the city and VERY HILLY, just ask my my Quadriceps today!! They are not loving me.

I actually managed to get a good 7hrs of sleep, the trick was not to think about it... after all it was just another 5k run, no big deal.

I decided that I was going to keep breakfast simple ; Oatmeal with 1/2 Banana and a handful of frozen Mango pieces and a Cup of Green tea. I passed on my regular cup of Coffee, simply because it sometimes tends to give me an upset tummy and as much as I LOVE it I think it was going to do more good the harm. Breakfast was at 8am and the race was only at 11:15am, the Oatmeal held me up way past the race and no tummy issues. I think that this was a great combo and will certainly carry this forward to my next race day breakfast.

I was fairly relax and trying no to stress about the race.
As we were leaving the house, my sister called to inform me that she was at the Park and totally forgot to bring me her fuel belt but was willing to run home and get it. No Fuel Belt, it's not the end of the world... Looking back I didn't need it at all, there were water stations along the way and I managed just fine without it. I also drank some Coconut water in the morning before the race which kept me hydrated.

Me and my lovely sister and her bunny ears!!

At 9:45am we finally arrive at the Park and I made my way to the ChampionChip Booth to pick up my Chip. The Time Chip was on a lovely Velcro band which you had to wear on your Ankle, this little device gets you an official race result.

Lovely... I was worried that it was going to bother me while running, but I'm happy to say I didn't even notice it was there.

We did get there 1 1/2 before the race, which I didn't mind. It gave me a chance to get used to the atmosphere and check out the competition (just kidding). We also got to see the 8k runners, which the race had started at 10am... the winner of that race came in @ 23:58:9 min, CRAZY TIME!!

At around 10:30am I decided it was time to hit the Port-a-Potty ....

This look says it all ...

After this ... it was time to warm up and do some stretches and make my way to the Corals. On the way to the corals I ran into some more Pot-a-potty's and decided to hit it up one more time... just to make sure I got it all out.
Said goodbye to the family, told then to look out for me at around the 40-45min mark and headed out on my own...

When I signed up for the race back in February I ended up picking the last coral with the finishing time of 36min+ which also includes walkers and people with jogging strollers.
I felt comfortable with this time, since I was expecting to finish around 45minutes. But I didn't take inconsideration that I would have to run around walkers and strollers.
I decided to position myself at the front of the coral so I could be with mostly runners. This worked out great, however I still had to run around people.

Standing there by myself was when I started to 'freak out'. There were runners all around me, mostly with their friends, not many lonely runners like me. I almost had tears in my eyes... tears of fear/happiness... it's hard to explain. A year ago I would have NEVER pictured me here in this place. I've never been one to take risks, to go out and do something by myself, to challenge myself like this. It was a strange place to be, strange but good.

At 11:15am the race gun went off and slowly we started walking towards the starting line, I hit play on my ipod Shuffle ... I would say it took me about 2minutes to finally get to the starting line. Once at the starting line I hit the start button my Garmin and off I went. I tried to remember what my pace I usually run at on the treadmill, I didn't want to run too fast and then end up struggling at the end. Listening to the music certainly helped me find my pace, I did find that I was running a little fast but was comfortable with it.
The 1st km when by really fast and I was SUPER Parched, all I could think about was water... my mouth was SOOOOOO dry. Thinking back now I don't think I was thirsty, it was more my nerves getting the best of me. At the 1km mark the first water station, I quickly figured out where to position myself, the fist table was Gatorade (pass) and the second water. Funny the things you learn from blogs ... Pinch the Cup and Drink!! Worked like a charm!!
I checked Garmin and realized that I was running way too quick (for me), but I was feeling good and pain free. Down the Hill and around the Pond and back into the Park where they had another water station which I took advantage of. My legs were feeling great, still pain free!!
The next km's went by really quick and when I checked the Garmin I could not believe how close the finish line was and HOW quick my pace was compared to what I usually run at.
I had told myself that I would need to run for at least 30minutes before taking a 1min walking break... which happened shortly after the 4k mark and before the BIG HILL to the finish line! Let me thank the organizers of this event for placing a finish line at the Top of a hill, THANKS that was really great!!
At this point there were a lot of runners taking walking breaks, which made me feel better about taking one. I probably walked up half the hill. Once I saw the people cheering and knew that the finish line was right there I started to run again and quickly picked up my pace and started to sprint.
I was worried that my Family would not be at the finish line, I told them I would be about 40-45mintues and I was 5minutes early... what if they missed it??
When I hit the top of the hill I started to look around for them and then I saw them just before the finish line... I honestly wanted to cry!! BUT then I saw the timer and I really wanted to cry. WOW, are you serious?? Amazing!! I was so Happy and in disbelieve with my time and how well the race went.

I threw my hands up in the air as I ran across the finish line, really hope I get a good Race photo!!

Me and my First Medal

Results:

Chip time: 34:17.8

Overall: 1100/1633
Females: 485/853
F35-39: 64/110

I'm extremely happy with my result, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect first Race experience!!

Everyone got medals, Caps and a nice Long-sleved Tech Shirt. Overall it was an Amazing experience and I can't wait to do it all again next year, perhaps the 8k.

I absolutely recommend this race.

I did treat myself to an amazing celebration lunch...

I wore my medal the rest of the day ... yes even grocery shopping!! I'm even thinking that I might wear it to work tomorrow, along with the Tech Shirt... mmm maybe not, they already think I'm a bit crazy.

Sorry this post got REALLY LONG... But it's my first Race Recap.

What's the moral of this story, well If I can run a 5k Race ANYONE can run a 5k, trust me!!

I highly recommend it!!

What's next you ask? I'll have to finish my 10k walk/run program and I have a 10k Race on May 2nd!!

Thanks for all your support and hope you had a great Easter!!

and so I ran Harry's 5k Spring Run Off and lived to tell the tale!!

2010-04-03T20:06:00.001-04:00

Pace time 34:17min!!! Are you kidding me?? AND I walked up the BIG Hill of Death.
I guess I got my First PR (personal record) and I have to say I'm VERY VERY Happy with it.
I will post a detailed Race Report Tomorrow but for now I leave you with a picture of me and my BLING!!

The look of my face is one of sheer surprise and disbelieve that I finished under 40minutes!!
Thank you all so much for your support and kind words, I don't think I could have done it without you!! !!

Countdown to Harry

2010-04-01T20:59:00.001-04:00

2 more days until my first ever race Harry's Spring Run Off 5k

How am I doing?
I'm a mess!
What was I thinking?
Honestly? ME running in a race??
Oh and did I mention I'm doing this by myself? No running buddy, No running group support. All Alone.
It was crazy enough to think that I could teach myself to run BUT to actually enter a race?
Well too late to back out now ...
The past few days I have been really second guessing myself. Spending too much time reading Fellow Bloggers 1st time 5k race reports, and all these ladies had amazing first time results coming in under 30minutes... WELL that wont be me, maybe I'll be able to outrun the Turtles?
Monday I ran 3km on the treadmill in 27minutes. BOOO!!
Wednesday I ran 2km on the treadmill in 17minutes. BOOO!!
Wednesday was also the day I picked up my 1st EVER Race Kit.

The Race Kit contained a New Balance Technical Shirt, which I must say is really nice, good quality and fits me really well and LOVE the colour!!
There was also my Race Bib Number: 4264 ... 26, is my number!! It happens to be my Birth day!! HOW freaky is that??
There was also an Oasis Fruit juice sample, an iRun Magazine and some pamphlets for races around Ontario.
Notice the 10k Sportinglife race pamphlet, YUP that's my next race... only 1 months away. Which means I still need to finish what I started in December 09 the 13 week run/walk program.
BUT right now I need to concentrate on Harry, Saturday @ 11am I will running my first Race EVER!! !!
Planing on walking Harry tomorrow, so I can get a feel for the race course. Maybe that's a bad idea... maybe it's better not knowing what's in store.
OH, I'm also wearing a Hydration belt on race day... I know it's only a 5k BUT I get parched!! Plus they are calling for 77F/25C and that's HOT for me I need me some water. How do you feel about that?

So my Friends I ask you this today;
Do you have any race day tips for me?

Running and NO Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

2010-03-28T22:08:00.000-04:00

... there has been running

Friday
on treadmill
5minute warm up
10minute running & 1 minute (repeat 4 times/44 minutes)
5 minute cool down
5.5km in 55 minutes.
fairly good slow run... who am I kidding more like a jog, but it's better then nothing!!
At the 30 minutes mark my leg started to hurt again, the pain runs straight down my leg and is constant. I try to focus on running and chant my mantra "pain is temporary, quitting is forever"... it seems to do the trick.
After my run I have been really focusing on getting a good stretch making sure I get every single muscle. It tends to be a mix of Yoga posses and stretches, which has kept my pain free.

Sunday
on treadmill
5minute warm up
20minute run & 1minute walk, 10minute & 1minute walk (repeat 2 times/44minutes)
5minute cool down
6k in 55minutes
I had a great first 20minutes run... GREAT!! I was flying (well to me I felt like I was flying), then I decided to take a 1 minute walking break and after that it all just felt apart. AGAIN at the 30minute mark leg pain. The last 20minutes I really struggled and had to push myself.
I ended up running 5k in 45minutes... BLAH! I'm not happy with it that's like slower then turtle speed and with my 1st 5k race being next Saturday I don't think there will be much improvement on that time,I'll be happy if I can keep it at that. Heck 4 months ago I would have never thought I would be running a 5k, so really the time doesn't matter what matters is that I'm not sitting on the couch.

Now on to the baking part of my Sunday.
I saw these Bars on Nicole's blog Making Good Choices and I knew I had to make them, she adapted the recipe from Averie at Love Veggies and Yoga

No Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
adapted from Averie at Love and Veggies Yoga
1 Ripe Banana
1 1/2 cups oats
1/2 cup of Shredded Coconut (I used sweetened)
1/2 cup Slivered Almonds
1/2 cup of Mixed Dried Berries (Blueberries, Goji Berries, Raisins, Cranberries, Raspberries)

1/2 cup of Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/3 cup Maple Syrup
1/4 cup Honey
1/2 cup Peanut Butter & Co Dark Chocolate Dreams (Peanut Butter with Dark Chocolate)

2 Tbsp Flax Seeds
2 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Mash the Banana
Add the oats, Coconut, Berries, Chocolate Chips, Almonds, Maple Syrup, Honey, Peanut Butter, Flax & Chia Seeds, Coconut Oil, Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract and Mix it all Together.
Press into a 8X8 Pan, previously lined with Parchment Paper or Plastic Wrap.
Freeze for a couple of hours.
Turn over on cutting board and cut into 12 Bars. Wrap them individually and keep them in the freezer so they stay fresh.

Bite size pieces I cut up for the kids

These are super easy and quick to make and very YUMMY. The Best part about home made Granola Bars is you can basically add anything you want to them, customize depending on you and your family's liking.

My son really loved these, my very picky Vegetarian 10 year old didn't try them due to the dried Berries... So next time we will have to make these Nut Free (for School lunches) and NO dried Berries for miss Picky.

This is the week before my 1st 5k race... trying to read everyones Blog on what to expect on this big day.

I've never even been to a race to watch... I have no idea what it will be like.

I have to pick up my Race Packet on Wednesday ... NOT even sure what exactly that means but I'm looking forward to it.

The plan is to run 2 more times before Saturday's Race, I'm planing on a 3k run Monday and a 2k run on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be rest days... Does that sound ok?

Hope you all had a great weekend.

old habits are hard to break...

2010-03-24T22:05:00.001-04:00

on the treadmill
5minute warm up
5minute run & 1minute walk (repeat 5 times, 30minutes)
5minute cool down
4k in 40minutes.
This was my second run since taking 2wks off.
I decided to add 1minute to running and add an extra 10minutes to the session.
It started of really great, shin was pain free and so was the calf.
After 30 minutes of running my right leg started to hurt, the pain went from my knee right down the side of leg I managed to hang in for the last 10 minutes.
After the run I had to rush to get dinner on the table and ... totally did NOT stretch.
I KNOW, I KNOW... BAD BAD BAD. Old habits are hard to break... I really do need to take stretching more serious, I have to start thinking of it as part of my running and there should be no excuse not to do it.
As far as the pain running down the side of my leg... probably just aches and pains due to running and not related to the cyst.
Speaking of cyst, today I had my Ultrasound and X-ray, hopefully they will figure out what is causing the cyst in the first place. My Dr should have the results back on Friday. Keeping my fingers crossed it is nothing that will keep me from running.

On another note, I finally decided to give Banana Soft Serve a try. What could be easier; Frozen Bananas, a splash of Almond Milk and a blender...

I just happen to have 3 frozen Bananas in the freezer ready for my Green Smoothies. Cut them into pieces and in the blender they went, added a splash of Almond milk (if you are using a food processor you would probably not need the almond milk).

Blend for 5 minutes, stopping once in a while to scape down the sides, making sure that all bananas get blend up. After a while it should start to have the consistency of soft serve, nice and creamy!!

I topped it off with a little shaved Dark Chocolate... YUM!! AMAZING!!

3 Bananas was enough for 4 servings... it was a success with the whole family. The Kids LOVED and have already requested I make more Banana ice Cream.
Guess we need to start buying LARGE amounts of bananas for Smoothies and Soft Serve.
Thank you Gena @ Choosing Raw, that post did change my life!!

I leave you tonight with Linzi @ Destination 26.2 she is celebrating her 100th post and having her first ever giveaway, go check it out!!

Feeling Good

2010-03-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

Woke up and the shin was feeling Good, calf was feeling Good and I needed to shake the case of the Lazies and get back into running.

Brittany left me a comment yesterday and I have to say she is so right, why is it that you can workout day in day out and feel great and energized but as soon as you take a week off from the gym or running you feel sluggish and BLAH?

So as soon as I got home today changed into my running gear, no time for excuses to set in, headed to the basement where my beloved treadmill was waiting.

on the treadmill

5min warm up

4minute run and 1minute walk (repeat 4 times)

5min cool down

3km in 30 minutes

Can I just say that it felt so good to be running pain free. I kept waiting for the pain to start but the shin feeling Good, the calf feeling Good. I did feel little aches and pains but that was simply from NOT moving for the past 2 weeks.

After my run I spend 20minutes stretching and I made sure to stretch every muscle properly and took my time... feeling Good.

I have to admit that I didn't have a great day as far as my eating went, especially hours before the run. There was no pre run snack to fuel my run ... well there was sharing of a small bag of chips, but I certainly it did more harm then good and certainly had no part in fuelling anything. During my run I could feel the chips just sitting there and they were upsetting my tummy. NOT feeling GOOD!!

Tomorrow is another day... I really feel like running again tomorrow but I should have a rest day in between runs, I need to take it slow. So the bike it is ... which I HATE!! UGH!!

I have another NEW to me Product I just have to mention because I LOVE IT, I could eat the whole tub in one sitting and I'm NOT kidding.

Liberte Mediterranee Coconut Yogurt!! YUM YUM

I know, the Nutrition Facts are a bit scary!! That's a whole lot of FAT in one place and the calories YIKES!!

I'm so used to having NO Fat, LOW Calorie Yogurt and to have something like this, is simply SINFUL. AMAZING. It has little pieces of Coconut and is really thick and creamy.

Hope you had a Feeling Good Monday!!