Am I a runner?

Sunday, February 03, 2013

I call myself a runner.

I ran almost every other day last Spring and Summer. I would race up the hill on the final stretch of my run in front of my apartment building and praise my inner Rocky for breaking through the wall and pushing myself. My reward was the runners high that elates me to the point of calling my friends because I'm so pumped!!! I call myself a runner.

Then it rains, or I'm sick, or it's winter...like now. I'm indoors with my cardio. My fitness priorities haven't wavered, but I've swapped the sneakers pounding the pavement for a DVD and annoying the people below me with my indoor plyo or kickboxing or what ever is on the cardio menu for the day.

I tell myself that I'm being safe. I don't want to risk slipping on ice and injuring myself. I don't want to catch a cold from sweating in below zero temperatures...

Yesterday I went into the office (on a Saturday ...shudder) and as I was pumping gas into the car I saw a group of about 5 people running .... and there was snow, and it was windy, and it is Winter, and uber early... but there they were! I bet they were even older than I am!!

I'm a runner? I'm a seasonal runner? True, when I had the trial gym membership (can't justify the price right now) I ran in the winter, but on a treadmill. Nothing beats the outdoors with the hills, the twists and turns, the scenery, sounds and smells!

I need to educate myself on winter running. I really want to be a full fledged runner. It's the one time I feel athletic as my hand eye coordination is basic at best. When I run I feel strong, free, powerful, happy, athletic... I run and I think about the family I lost. I run for them, for me, for pushing myself when my body says stop but I keep going!

My goal is to speak with people who run in all climates and get advice. We have a running group at work. I will contact the coordinator of that group and get some answers. I will adjust my running to the road conditions. I want to stop the excuses. A friend once told me if you only run when the weather is perfect, you'll only run a handful of times a year.

So that's another goal. Be a runner...anywhere!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MSPRUYT 2/3/2013 9:00PM

Hi, Thank you so much for your great information. Looks like I have some items to invest in. I've never heard of Yak Trax but will look them up. I'm hoping to be able to find the clothing you suggest at decent prices. Report Inappropriate Comment

PJBONARRIGO 2/3/2013 11:19AM

Woo Hoo! Have you tried Yak Trax? There are several types, but they make it easy to run confidently in the ice and snow without slipping at all. That and layers of clothing will take you out on successful winter runs. I have 3 layers on top and 2 on the bottom that breathe- (not cotton!) and I wear silk glove liners under my thinsulate gloves. I even have the new ones so I can answer/use my phone. A hat that usually comes off (too hot after a while), double sox (thin knee highs and smart wool) and and I'm good to go. I add 20 degrees to the outside temperature and dress accordingly. The challenge is to still drink as much as you do when you run in the summer- I have to work on that one. I hope this helps to get you outside, run happy! Report Inappropriate Comment

Monday January 28, 2012

Monday, January 28, 2013

I decided to go through my DVD workout collection and mix it up again. I like to "group" my weeks by instructor

This week I'm going through my Sharon Mann DVD's. She is still my all time favourite Fitness celebrity! I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing her at the Canfit Pro in Toronto this year.

So my workout looked like this:

The Works (Sharon Mann) Cardio DVD : 30 minutes long
I also did Shaun T's Hip Hop Abs - Ab sculpt

I injured my tail bone doing a lot of mat work for my abs so I'm doing more standing core moves while I repair. Gotta love injuries from the past that continue to haunt your present!

My meals were as follows:

Breakfast: Lemon Blueberry oatmeal with egg whites

Snack: Greek yogurt, almonds, raisins

Lunch: Black bean quesadillas (soy cheese, black beans, spinach, pita wrap, tomatoes)

Snack: Cliff bar

Dinner: Skillet lentils and beans over quinoa

Yummy! I'm doing very well at mixing up my meals as I tend to be a creature of habit. I'm trying a different oatmeal each week as well

I've had a pretty well rounded Monday. Started with making my way to work slowly after cracking the ice off my car. Work proved to be mentally challenging and exhausting, yet appreciatively productive.

I was able to squeeze in some studying and will relax and watch The Biggest Loser before calling it a night.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KATHYM316 1/28/2013 7:21PM

You had a great day, keep up the hard work.. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALYSSAR2012 1/28/2013 7:14PM

Way to go! Seems like you had a successful day. I can't wait to watch BL tonight as well! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

INSPIRATIONAL3 1/28/2013 7:12PM

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PARKERB2 1/28/2013 7:12PM

sounds like you had a good Day. Have a good night. Report Inappropriate Comment

Going rogue

Sunday, January 20, 2013

I've been finding it a struggle lately to commit to tracking my meals and workouts each day. I've decided to go rogue and use the tools that this wonderful site provides to monitor my nutrition when I'm in doubt.

I follow an "eat clean diet" approach to my meals and utilize my cookbooks and advice given there as well as on other websites. I found that selecting "vegetarian" as my meal planner gave me repetitious choices and wish there was more variety. I find it way too time consuming to track everything I eat. I can see this being a great tool in the beginning but feel that with confidence people are able to branch off on their own.

I've started this year off right and am making sure to diverse my workouts and eating habits. One downside to my fitness goals was blocked by a woman who lives below me. Plyo is not welcomed in apartment buildings.. I'm not a heavy woman by no means, but enough to disturb her as I'm doing burpees and jump squats.

My health has been pretty decent lately, beyond the odd headache. I find that I'm putting in so many hours at work as cases are piling up due to people calling in sick. The stress of the extra work has been effecting me negatively...I'm trying to keep balance with that. I just know that if I don't finish a task that day it will be waiting with more work the next day.

So right now for me it's going to be continuing to switch up my strength and cardio routines, incorporate yoga, study to take another insurance course exam, organize my time at work better, plus making sure I make time for my friends and family.

With that said, time to hit the books!

  

Eat clean - Live Clean

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

I've been so focused on my diet and eating "clean" foods that I've been neglecting another crucial part of living a clean lifestyle, using eco-friendly, not-tested on animal products.

I recently was given a book for my birthday that's been a real eye opener. I often listen to the CBC radio on my ride to and from work and one of the shows was talking about a new book by author Adria Vasil "Eco-holic Body". I was already focused on using products that aren't tested on animals but now my focus has widened to using organic products that steer clear of the "Mean 15 Ingredients".

#1 BHA and BHT
#2 DEA/MEA/TEA: Diethanolamine
#3 Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM Hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidiny urea, methenamine, quarternium-15 and Bronopol
#4 Oxybenzone (BP-3/Benzophenone) and octinoxate (oxtylmethoxycinnamate)
#5 Palm Oil
#6 Parbens
#7 Parfum/Fragrance
*8 PEG's (Polyethylene glycol compounds)
#9 Petrolatum/paraffin/mineral oil/petroleum distillates
#10 PPD (in all permanent hair dyes
#11 Phthalates
#12 Retinyl Palmitate
#13 Siloxanes
#14 Sodium Laureth Sulphate
#15 Triclosan/triclocarban

I realize that this focus will take more effort and perhaps more money but its worth it. Anytime I commit to something its 100%.

I've already replaced my shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap, deodorant, face cleanser, toner and mascara. I'm using water and vinegar for cleaning as well as baking soda.

I feel proud for making these changes in my life. It's amazing how we think we are making the right choices based on misleading information in the media and packaging. It's scary to see harsh chemicals in products that are supposed to be natural and meant to heal and repair. These products have mimic estrogen, can cause cancer, thyroid issues and other health concerns...

The best things in life are simple and pure. I already feel my skin is cleaner and less dry, my hair has more volume and my skin isn't as irritated by the excema that I developed a few years ago.

This new development in my life has also enhanced my desire to go to school for holistic wellness.

Health = Wealth

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MSPRUYT 9/1/2012 9:57AM

Know what's the hardest thing? Throwing out products that aren't safe for me or the environment. I have a hard time "wasting" things, but they are opened products. Also, if I don't think they are safe for me, why would I share that with someone else to use?? I definitely have a lot less under my sink and in my medicine cabinet now. I've gone to a local health store (S&H) in London Ontario and have purchased products from Green Beaver. I have the mint shampoo & conditioner as well as cranberry body lotion. I bought a plant based cleanser and rose water toner from "Boots" a UK brand I found in the States. I'm using a crystal stone deodorant...surprisingly works well even after my morning runs! That's a true test right there! ha ha Makeup is a bit harder...I bought mascara which is Ecocert approved by Physician's formula. I need to get a sunblock, toothpaste, laundry soap & dish soap. Speaking of hand soaps...Method brand is good. Some brands that are local are Jason (check ingrediants) Alba, Avalon (seen those in Wal-Mart)...some Body Shop (have to check labels)....Burt's Bees...Desert Essence, Green Beaver...I find that health stores are a good resource. Items might be pricier but you use less so are less often purchased. Let me know what you find out there! Report Inappropriate Comment

KMEYERRING1 8/31/2012 9:33AM

Good morning - I really like this Blog entry and am interested in changing my house hold items too. I think it's difficult to choose the right brands though. Do you have any recommendations Report Inappropriate Comment

Inner Rocky

Thursday, May 03, 2012

Welcome back runner's high! After over a week being sick I'm back to lacing up and hitting the pavement. I'm doing better than I thought after taking the time off to deal with what felt like WWII with my body.

I joined the run a 5K plan through this site, but am not sure its the best fit for me. I downloaded "micoach" by adidas on my Blackberry and am using the coaching and running programs there. I find it's hard to cue my times unless I have a program that will interrupt my songs and let me know how far I've gone and when to pick up the pace depending on what interval I'm doing.

I now realize that on average I jog/run a little over 6K. I think that I will continue with micoach instead. I will keep tracking my strength and cardio here.

I'm feeling so much better! The weather feels like summer so that probably helps my mood. I find also that getting back into the running is helping me deal with the stresses I associate with work and life in general. It's been so busy at work and I've been pulling the "unpaid" overtime just to get a handle on what's to come the next day. I have so much more energy.

On a nutrition note, I've increased my calories due to my increased activity. I feel more focused and energized due to that life change as well. Maybe I will even fill out a bit more. My aim is to stay lean but build muscle tone. My size is probably another reason people take me for younger than I am.

I'm concerned because my running and fitness will be altered as I'm leaving for Europe in less than 2 weeks. I'm not sure how running on cobblestones will be. I believe my hotel has a gym but I'd have to double check that. I'm bringing a portable DVD player so I can bring some cardio workouts and I'm also packing resistance tubing. I'm sure I'll be doing enough walking while sight seeing.

Well it was an eventful day, I was productive at work, had lunch with great friends, had a fab run...now all that's left is to enjoy my coffee and relax before bed.

Love the runner's high!