Waterfront Trail Run

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

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 

iFitness Mini Sport Belt Review

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 1 redo DONE!!

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 9: Session 3 & Lululemon Velocity Socks

on the treadmill
5 minute warm up
Run for 7minutes and walk for 2minutes (repeat 5 times/45minutes)
5 minute cool down
5.5km in 55minutes
Todays run was good. For the past two runs I've had some minor knee pain, almost like I feel water in my knee, strange... worth keeping an eye on.
I can't believe I just finished week 9... I know I say this every time I move on to the next week. But seriously, just the fact that I've stuck with something for 9 weeks is amazing and deserves a round of applause!! BUT it's running that I've stuck with!! Astonishing!! 
Saturday I start week 10, run 10minutes walk 1min and repeat 4 times. 


NOW let's talk about Socks, which I didn't think could make of break a run... but let me tell you it does.
I started running with thin cheap Cotton socks (beginners mistake) which seems to work fine and I'm happy with, but not ideal. Cotton socks hold onto moisture, which is more likely to cause infections like athlete's foot. YUCK!! 
I moved on to Adidas Superlite Climacool (3 pairs for $8.99 at Winners) which I didn't like at all, they made my feet really HOT and I hate having HOT feet. Plus they gave me blisters since they were really low at the back, something which the cheap cotton socks never did.
Running socks are almost as important to a runner's performance as the right pair of running shoes. Choosing the wrong pair of socks can lead to an uncomfortable run, blisters, calluses and sweaty feet which leads to a crappy experience. 
Running socks are especially designed to meet the physical demands of running. Most will provide stability and moisture wicking ability, which makes running more enjoyable especially for new runners. 
Choose running socks that are made out of a synthetic material such as polyester, which will pull moisture away from your skin. 
Make sure your socks fit and they cover your foot completely, I hate when my socks are too big and bunch up and slide around.  


So 3 weeks ago I finally picked up a pair of Velocity Socks at Lululemon for $14.00 

Why they made them:

• Wicking comfort bodymaps your foot, providing ergonomic cushioning, venting and support 
• Seamless technology reduces blisters
• Extra cushioning to reduce shoelace pressure 
• Mesh panels accelerate air flow
• Built in arch support
• Silverescent anit-stink performance using X-Static yarn technology 
• 47% Nylon, 38% Coolmax Polyester, 12% X-Static, 3% Spandex

So far the socks have held up great. I like the cushion at the back and how snug they feel on my foot and I'm glad to report that we have been blister free. 
The anti-stink work great and I'm happy with how quickly they dry.
I still find them a bit warm but not as HOT as the Adidas socks and my feet still get sweaty but probably not as bad as before. All in all I'm happy with my purchase. 


Do you have a favourite brand of Running Socks? 

Week 8: session 2 and the Ta Ta Tamer Review

on the treadmill
5 minute warm up
Run for 5minutes and walk for 1minutes (repeat 9 times/54minutes)** I ended up running one extra repeat ... apparently I can't count
5 minute cool down
6km in 64minutes
What and easy run today. Which surprised me ... I know I say this all the time now, but this last week I've seen a big improvement in my running. And today I actually enjoyed my run... I wanted to run, which was a strange feeling.
But I'm getting tired of the treadmill. I watch last nights episode of American Idol and that kept me entertained for the 1hr but I can't wait to get outside. I hope that with-in the next few weeks I can start running outside.


I'm really excited to say that since starting this journey 2 months ago I have lost 10lbs which means I really needed to buy a new sports bra. My old racer back was no longer doing it's job and I decided to that it was time to bite the bullet and get some new support.   I took my sisters advise and headed to Lululemon (like she had to twist my arm)  and tried on the Ta Ta Tamer, she swears by it. I'm usually a 32C  but I had to go up in the band and got a 34C, the 32 was extremely tight. 
As you know I like Lululemon, I do think their things are over priced but I'm willing to pay $$ for the quality I get. The Ta Ta Tamer was $58 CDN, which if you think about it is not bad for a good quality bra. 
I ran with it on Tuesday and Today and I can say that I absolutely understand what all the buzz is about. It did what it's supposed to do, held the ladies in place with no bouncing.  

Why they made it:
Tames your favorite girls without smooshing them down!
Designed specifically for the B+ to D(ish) cup for high impact sports like running
Removable cups and adjustable straps to customize your fit and support
4-way stretch power luxtreme has inherant wicking and a high Lycra content for maximum support


I do have to say that I'm a little worried about chafing at the shoulders. So I'll let you know that goes once I start putting in my longer runs.
I like that it didn't give me that flat chest of uniboob look, so I can see myself wearing this bra just under a t-shirt. 


What is your favourite Sports Bra?


Canada, remember to wear red tomorrow to show your support of Canada's Olympians as we celebrate the start of this great journey!! 

My Review of the Lululemon Running Skirt

I usually work out in Yoga Pants/Capris since they keep my legs covered. 

The downside is that I get really hot in them when I run on the treadmill.

A couple of months back I picked up  a pair of Lululemon Reverse Groove Shorts  and have been using them for my run/walk sessions.

Although I love them for Yoga, I don't think they are the perfect running short.

They tend to ride up in between my legs and I find that I have to keep pulling them down while running/walking, not very attractive!!

So it was time for me to pick up a pair of running shorts. 

I ended up coming home with my first Running Skirt and a cute running shirt to go with it 

I'm not certain on the name of the skirt, since I picked it up on Boxing Day as a finale sale and the sales girl cut of the tag with the description.  But I believe it is the exact same skirts as Run Speed Skirt but minus the pleads and the pocket for the Tennis ball at the back.

Why it was Made

• A running skirt that performs & looks great during your 7 minute mile
• Wicking & quick dry shell fabric with 4-way stretch
• wetDRYwarm liner with sticky elastic stops shorts from riding up
• Inside pocket for card/keys & even a pocket for your tennis ball!
• Soft wicking waistband with drawstring & elastic
• Chafe resistant - flat seamed

I have been wearing the skirt for the past week during my Walk/Run Sessions and I have to say I'm hooked on running skirts.  

The Skirt is really light and keeps me cool during my run/walk. 

The Shorts do tend to ride up just a bit, but I do think it's because they need to 'fall' into place, ONCE they are in place they stay put.

I like the wide waistband as they keep my mommy tummy in checked and doesn't give me love handles.

I find the skirt also very flattering and can see myself wearing it on a quick 'run' to the supermarket.
I would like to try other brands of running skirts just so I could compare then to Lululemon, but I'm very happy with my purchase.

Here I am rocking the skirt

What do you run in? Have you tired a Running Skirt?