Hard Month

Hey guys,

Thank you for all the comments recently. I'm just getting back into the blog world and will reply to emails and catch up (I promise!!!) very soon. My own posting may be sporadic for a while, but you'll see me popping up and stalking your lives again! I'm sorry for the unexpected time-out, too.

With running: My foot / ankle has gotten muuuuch better. It took probably 2.5-3 weeks for it to be OK. I just took it easy, stretched it out daily , and it was OK. I still cannot believe that a simple getting-up action caused so much pain! So, I did absolutely NO running in March. 

Actually, & sadly, I've barely exercised in general - all.month.long. No elliptical or biking or yoga or at-home dvd's. Really, nothing.

I absolutely love the start of a new month because it feels very "fresh". I'm hoping for a turnaround in April and to start it off positively and get active again. {I'm not even gonna go there about how much of an extreme bummer it is to have run 15 miles on a treadmill before all this happened..because it feels like I can't even jog 20 meters to catch a bus at the moment}

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So, what happened this month?? 

March sucked. 

Family stuff - without getting too personal, family health issues and having someone very close to me deal with cancer has not been easy. 

I won't bore you with it, but a lot of career stuff came up this month which sent my stressing-out into overdrive. I'm still trying to find my way through it. I'm still trying to find my own confidence in my ability, my knowledge and myself. It's been hard and overwhelming. Transitioning from university to the "real world" has been challenging for me. I often feel like I'm simply NOT ready for it...but I'm 25 now - get your sh** together, woman.

Also, I guess what mid 20's person doesn't deal with drama in their personal lives and relationships, right? It's never easy to lose friends, or realize that some people in your life cause too much negativity than its worth. However, I struggle with letting go, even when I know it's the best thing for me.

I've mentioned before that being in my mid-20's has been rough. {Someone lie to me and tell me you were a hot mess at this age too??}

Let me be clear, I'm very blessed & I'm very grateful for everything in my life. Very.

I just feel like I'm going through growing pains. You know..finding your place in the world, being CONFIDENT in who you are as a person, standing up for yourself when needed (I'm a pushover)..basically, trying to find my voice and be certain of who I am. I think confidence in yourself and knowing yourself 100% is the most beautiful thing in the world. Period.

I really wish I was articulate and a good writer to try and explain how I feel.

I'm currently re-reading Eckhart Tolle's - The Power Of Now book. There's a quote from another one of his books that really hit me:

"Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry — all forms of fear — are caused by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of nonforgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence"

I worry too much about the future..and I over-think about everything, A LOT. I've had trouble for a while now, on how to deal with stress and the curveballs that life can throw at you sometimes. "Trouble" meaning I don't know HOW to deal when I'm stressed out. I seem to stop all exercise (which makes me very, very, very happy when I do it) and just WORRY instead. I'm finding my way through this issue, by talking it out with family members.

Any way, SHEESH, let's stop the downer of a post and whining! It's too pretty outside for this!

Usually, things are NO WHERE near as bad when you look back at it and count your blessings.

Lots of LOVE & Light, and happy Easter to you all!! 

xoxo

Hula Hoopin + Hatin' on airports

Thank you guys SOOO much for the well-wishes! 

It didn't even occur to me that other cardio options would be SWIMMING - like a lot of you mentioned! Or the hand-bike machine. I've seen those at my gym but never used them before!

I've stayed off my foot since I hurt it. Thankfully, I've definitely felt an improvement and it's feeling better after almost 2 days now. I've been lightly massaging it and found that keeping it active a little bit, instead of leaving it to stiffen up, is helping a lot.

The bruiiise. You can thank me later for cutting off my toes in the picture - they are not pretty. Blaming it on running.

I've done no workouts for almost 10 days now so I decided to do some upper body strength training in my basement.

What's the best part of home work-outs for you??

My ultimate favourite is that I can roll out of bed, still with the sleepy-face look, look a mess, and simply not care!!
The fact that you don't have to travel and GET to the gym is always a great bonus, too.

I used our weighted hula-hoop to sweat it out a bit!! Anyone have one of these?

I'm not sure how much it actually weighs..but it does make a difference. It's been a super long time since I've hula-hooped. Keeping it up was a challenge at first. A great workout in front of the TV!

It feels GOOD to sweat, to move and be active a little!

Now, I'm off to the airport..because my brother is heading back to the U.K. Time just FLEW by these past 10 days or so.. Nooooooo

Are you a fan of airports / flying?? Do you travel much??

It used to be sooo exciting for me to get on a plane as a child.

Since studying + working  in the U.K and being there for 5 years, I flew back and forth from home about 4 times a year. Airports and flying got old. FAST. I simply do not like the atmosphere, the waiting, the delays, customs line-ups, the jet-lag, the little seats, the blocked ears when you're landing(ever have a cold while flying?? that is some serious discomfort/pain), the long flights. Bahh!! (that's a lot of negativity in one sentence. LOL)

HAPPY TUESDAY!!

And then, this happened...

I was sitting with my laptop surfing the net. My legs started to fall asleep a little bit. I needed a drink so got up to head to the fridge.

The moment I got up and put my right foot down to walk, it gave out and I rolled over on it.

Oh.My.Goodness. The pain.

I tried to find on the internet a picture to describe what I did. This sums it up nicely:

It is now 24 hours later and the whole area of the outer part of my right foot where I landed is swollen and completely bruised.

Huge throbbing pain and it's extremely sensitive to touch.

I can't put my foot down flat (or anything remotely close to flat).

Every mile I've ran this year has been injury free. No niggling pains or hint of any issues with my legs or health. Soreness from long runs here and there, but generally, very healthy. It's funny that this is the way I get injured.

From the flu that had me down and out the past 7 days, to this..maybe I'm not meant to run in March??!

I've never experienced an injury to this part of my foot before, so I'm not sure how long this will affect me..but deep down, I have a feeling this will take a while. The pain is just really BAD. 

Not running is one thing..but no cardio AT ALL is honestly going to be very hard to deal with, because it's my way to release the stress and ups and downs of a day. hmm!! I need yoga in my life.

I'm definitely bummed out at the moment..but trying to stay upbeat about it and hope for the best! Come ooon universe, heal me!

Well folks, that sucked.

{Running Totals}

January: 112.5 miles

February: 142.2 miles

2013 Total: 254.7 miles

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Thank YOU for the get-well wishes, everyone!

I was basically useless to society the last 7 days. The cold/flu/whatever was absolutely bruuuutal!

I'm finally feeling better and got my first little workout in today. A little bit of weights and literally about a mile on the treadmill and some walking.

Question! How quickly do you lose strength/stamina?

I'm interested to see how I run when I can get back to it this week - it's been an unplanned, extended break.

In the past, I've noticed that after about 2-3 weeks off from doing weights, I lost quite a bit of strength and have to decrease almost 5 pounds from what I was lifting before. 

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In short, what I did for the week:

*I slept a lot

*I ate a lot

*I stalked a lot of your blogs

*I watched a lot of movies again (Skyfall, Dark Knight Rises, Die hard 4, Mission Impossible 4) - can you tell they were my brother's picks??

Would you rather kick-back and relax with movies / tv- shows / music?

I'm really not a movie or tv person..I'm all about muuuusic. 

*I also caught up with my friends - I found out why Justin Bieber had the worst 19th birthday

heard Rihanna (looking gorgeous) talking about getting back together with Chris Brown

Checked out Kim's maternity wear

(I desperately want to raid sister Kourtney's closet)

And sent congratulations to Jamie Lynn Spears (Britney's little sis) on that gorgeous engagement ring

Sick

{Workout}

Sunday: 5 miles. 9:50pace

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GUYS!! Very seriously, thank you for the comments on the last post!!! I got so excited with the PDR and told my family about it, but I was way more excited to blog about it..because I know most of you GET how reaaaally exciting a new running achievement can be.

The day after my treadmill 15-miler, I did a relaxed, easy, 5 miler that flew by and felt like 1 mile. That's the beauty of running long on a treadmill. Anything less is just FUN!

Then...I got sick.

I have a terrible flu. Thanks for spreading the love, dad.
I went through winter so healthy this year. 

Anyone lucky enough to have escaped without getting sick this winter??

I thought I survived it. Noooooo.
This is a bad one too..with the shakes, sniffles, headaches, loss of voice and coughing. oy.

I need to invest in a box of kleenex. For now, this'll do:

It's OK though, I've got company:

Sometimes, lightly exercising can help me feel better..but this time around, I'm not moving from the couch/bed.

I will be back to post when I'm feeling more human!

THE RUN OF MY LIFE!!! *15 treadmill miles!!!*

{Workout}

Friday: ressssssst

Saturday, Treadmill : 15 MILES!!! = 2 hours 17 minutes 53 seconds {Average 9:11min/miles}
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My PR half marathon, which was also my first, was done at a race in May 2012 in 2 hours 4 minutes 29 seconds (9:25ish pace).

I ended up injuring my quads badly during it and spent 5 months trying to recover (and stupidly trying to run WHILE injured, because well..I was stupid).

The half marathon distance is one I really enjoy doing now. It's fun, yet still a challenge. I've never ran further than 13.1 miles. yet.

Saturday, I ran.

No breaks, only 2 miles of music. I just zoned out and ran.

I reset the treadmill each time just before it shut down at 60 minutes.

The run felt FANTASTIC and very smooth. I ran it faster than I did my best 13.1!

The best parts: I felt like I could have went on and on! 

It's also unheard of for me that I did the second 6 miles faster than the first. What is happening in this world??

This run meant SOOO much to me (can you tell with the dramatic title???) due to the injuries last year and the mental block I've experienced on the treadmill and running past 13 miles.

I am extremely grateful for my health :)

A terrible habit I have is never acknowledging my own accomplishments in life and always trying to diminish it in some way.(like, but you didn't run it outside!) I'm embracing this accomplishment though - uhh, runner's high?! Yes!

Also, it gives me the belief that maybe, just maaaaybe I'll be seeing the finish line at a marathon this year by running and not by way of the taxi I have on stand-by.

My legs day-after?? feeling completely normal!

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I went shopping today!

I picked up a nike sports bra ($19), and nike shorts ($25). 

Theeeen, 2 pairs of Reebok runners!! I've never worn Reebok before. I tried on LOTS and LOTS of shoes. I basically went through all the brands. These two felt fantastic on!

Reebok Road Supreme 2

Reebok Ultimatic

BOTH pairs combined to 60 dollars. SALES! I'll definitely write about them when I test them out! Super excited!

Treadmill 10 + Finally Friday!!!

{Workout}

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Weights!

Thursday, Treadmill: 10 miles - 9:50 pace
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Wednesday was a great weights session! I'm also still planking/ push-up'ing and squatting at random times throughout the day.

Thursday, I did 10 easy and slower miles with my BFF - the treadmill. 

I'm stuck on this 10-11 mile territory. I promise you, one of these days, I'll do 14/15. It has to happen, sooner or later..right??

Weekend workout/ running plans??

I might take today off, and get back to running on Saturday, and maybe..just maybe,a looong run on Sunday!

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Can you knit/sew pretty well? Ever make clothing items?

uh, I can't. It's pretty cool when I see people knitting scarves, hats, mittens and clothes and things like that!

The scarf I'm wearing below was made for me by a friend of mine!

Cute, right? I am so impressed! Love the colour, style and it is super warm!

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HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

I have been sooo excited for this weekend...whyyy??

My brother (who works in the U.K) is coming HOME - for 14 days. Oh my days, I am too excited. 

We stay up literally all night and watch movies and eat Mcdonald's at 4am when he's home. I can't wait.

How many siblings do you have? Are you close to them??

I just have 1 bro. He's 13 months older than me! We are super close, even if we're sooo far apart now. I remember the days we used to argue and fight over the remote and I'd literally cry because he wouldn't let me watch a Backstreet Boys concert on tv...Brothers.

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• I signed up for the Yonge Street 10km happening April 21st in Toronto. Any Canadians doing it? I don't ever race 10ks. I signed up because It said you get 2 free shirts if you registered before a certain deadline. ha! It'll be fun though. Running down Yonge street is what I do on a regular basis when I'm outside!

• I have not bought new running shoes yet. It will be all over this blog when I do. There's a big Nike store and Brooks store I'd like to check out today first!

Working out to look goooood?

{Workout}

Monday: 3 miles = slooow, recovery

Tuesday: 7 miles = First 3 in 26:09(!!!! fast, for me!) Last 4 in 38:48

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First of all, 3 more pro compression socks arrived in the mail today. Another 2 shall be coming this week.

Christmas all over again!! I LOVE all things colour (can you tell with the absolutely-nothing-matches outfit??), and looove the variety of colours these socks come in. 

I had no idea what type of run I wanted to do Tuesday. Started off at 10:00m/miles, then ended up holding 8:40 for 2.3miles, and up to 8:10 to round up to 3 miles. That is fast for my short legs! I rounded it up to 7 miles with a super relaxed feeling 9:40 pace.

How much of your working out is for the purpose to look gooood?

In my opinion, nothing wrong with working out to look good. It's great to feel good and confident about yourself, with every aspect of yourself (who you are, your intelligence/ability, what you look like etc).

To me, NOTHING is more priceless and beautiful than self-confidence and loving yourself.

I don't run for what I look like. Usually when I'm running a lot, I'll gain weight because I've got one maaaad appetite.

Running is some serious therapy for me. 

I think I do A LOT of what most runners would call "junk miles". But to me, I run to get that incredible high..because after that, not a thing in life brings me down. 

My goal for running isn't to do lots of races and knock out PR's here and there. I just want to really build my endurance and be able to happily run looong (and do a marathon!)

Lately though, I've been hitting the weights and consistently getting in about 3 good sessions a week. I do weights for vanity! I want muscle! I want to build muscle and tone up! There, I said it! And, it feels so good to *feel* strong - which I've really felt lately, strength! uhh, My diet isn't the best though - a little too much processed foods, chocolate, etc. Not too "clean" at the moment. Hmph!

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I'm at my parents place and it snowed like MAD today. I can't waiiiit for spring time so I don't have to be doing the bundled-up look all the time.

And when it's cold, I drink lots of soup! Mom-made minestrone soup. {wait, do you say eat or drink soup??} This is the reason I like to stay at my parents pretty often.

Happy Wednesday!

What are YOU doing today??

I'm going running-shoe shopping later!! My nike's already have about 200 miles on them. I need new ones to rotate! No idea what I'm looking for..so it'll be a case of trying on lots, and hopefully finding a pretty one to take home! Yes, they have to be pretty.

Running / Meditation

{Weekend Workouts}

Saturday: 5 miles + Weights

Sunday: 10.1 miles = 1:41:6

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My Saturday run was a lazy-feeling 5 miles..but I did get in a great strength-training session. I secretly really love that day-after sore feeling!

Sunday, I did 10.1 miles while watching the NBA All-stars game. That's the only reason I made it through. It was a slow 10 miles and I mentally found it veeery tough. I had to stop for a water and a get-yourself-together break after 6 miles.

Before:

After: we'll just say my skin is "glistening" and not crazily sweating:

I am badly due a LONG run. 

My head has not been in it lately and I'm really not sure why. My legs feel completely fine, so that's not an excuse! 

I am SO impressed with everyone who follows a training plan and gets those long runs done regardless of how you're feeling. I think that is absolutely incredible. That consistency is what I lack. 

Do you run on an incline?

I keep mine at a simple 0.5%. But, I'm going to start to really crank it up to mimic hills since I'm doing so much treadmill running!
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Anyone regularly meditate??
Are you a worrier?

My part-time job is Worrier. Let me tell you, I do it WELL - I need a raise.

I stress, worry, get into bad cycles of sleep (or, unable to). It's just crappy!

I have a terrible habit of worrying about things in the future (work, friendships, family) - which does nothing for the present. I'm trying to really get into the frame of mind of living in the now and taking it all in. Life is always going to have it's stressful points - it's about how you handle it, right?

I've been interested in meditation and relaxation techniques. My friend (who's like my personal library), has let me borrow this book:

I'm about to start on it and really looking forward to it!

An Apology + Summer Vacations??

{Friday-way-too-early Workout}

Treadmill: 11.5 miles. {First 3 = 27:05, the rest at 9:40pace}

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Dear Mr & Mrs Treadmill:

I apologize for all the trash-talking I've done about you in the past.

I spread vicious rumours about how you were -quote- mind numbingly boring - unquote-

It was definitely me, not you. I wasn't ready for you at that point in my life.

We've reached a lovely understanding now, and I'm grateful.

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As you can see, I've kinda weirdly fallen in love with the treadmill these days.

 After doing the 1/2 on there, anything less than that just flies by. I have cooompletely embraced TV watching. I don't watch much tv, so it's kinda my time to do it. I've appreciated the steady temperature indoors.

I've loved the energy of being in the gym with other people all around you.

I've just seriously enjoyed it. 

I ran 11.5 miles at 8 am Friday morning. I didn't expect to. I started off really slow, but picked it way up to do the first 3 miles in 27:05 minutes:

Afterwards, I kept it at 9:40pace and finished at 11.5 miles for the day.

I *MUST* do a long run this weekend!!

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Do you guys go on yearly planned vacations??

Since my brother works in the U.K. now, it certainly gives me a reason to go over once a year!

Soooo, I'm looking into summer dates on when I can head over! It's always nice for me to go back since I lived there for a greaaat 5 years.

My best friend in life lives there..and I miss her.

My trip last summer was amazing.

I suck at planning, and she's the best - we balance each other out. 

She found the cutest little hotel for us when we went on a road-trip, with this comfy chair. ha!

We went to a new 5 million pound restaurant..a place we clearly did not belong. It was impressive:

and did NOT sleep for 3 days, while eating pretty and delicious cupcakes

Favourite vacation spot??

Dream place to go??

I must get myself to Italy one day!!

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Oh, TRY and tell me that ain't Jay-Z's daughter??

PRECIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

picture @ www.theybf.com

Running Book + Happy Chocolate Day!

{Wednesday Workout}

Outside: 7 miles: 1:06:30

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People often say you should never go out in sweatpants because it shows how little you care about your appearance. Well, man..sometimes, getting dressed and cleaned up is simply too much effort, especially when you have a day off!

I went grocery shopping looking a mess yesterday:

Afterwards, I met up with a gf at a little cafe to catch up.

Hot chocolate + brownies = win.

Meeting my friend meant I had to clean myself up a bit. Bummer.

Fact: I really, really dislike wearing jeans. (those are not jeans I'm wearing). If I find a pair I like/are flattering on me, I'll buy the same one twice. {What's a good jean brand??} Also, I am SUPER awkward and never buy the item that I tried on. It has to be a different one off the rack. Weirdo, I'm aware.

Are you a wear make-up every day person??

I used to be 100% make-up free. I only wore lip gloss to my university graduation for example. These days, I'll put on my fave estee lauder foundation and blush when I see my friends because it's a nice change! Otherwise, I'm usually bare-faced for work and every day in between!

Anyyyway, my friend isn't a runner, but knows I love it. She brought me a book as a little present!

Has anyone read this??

I will ALWAYS tell you I'm clueless when it comes to running. There are SO many informative running blogs out there. Me, I just run. I'm in the process of really educating myself this year though.

So far, this book is GREAT! It had all the downhill running tips that you guys told me about!

Also, I didn't know about this:

I didn't know about the 180 steps per minute thing. NOTED!

I will also be trying this - slowing waay down for the long runs. I think that might be a challenge to not push the pace...because I have no idea how to pace myself.

Has there been anything interesting/new-to-you that you discovered about running??

There is A LOT new to me. From not heel-striking, how to run up and downhill, doing speed-work, fueling and to pacing. It's a bit overwhelming how much is new because I simply just put on shoes and run. I'm trying to "do it right" this year so I'm slowly gathering the information.

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I took it outside for my run yesterday. It's been a while since I've run outside! The weather was perfeeection:

I did the first 6 miles in 56:45 minutes and then slowed it down for mile 7.

It is ICY out there. The first 4 miles were spent slippin and sliding. Yikes!

I have to say - these pro compression socks REALLY work. My calves and legs feel absolutely fantastic. I used to really *feel* my runs and really feel heavy-legged. These days, I can happily run the day after I do 13 miles. I ordered 4 more pro compression socks. 

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Happy Chocolate..err..Valentine's Day!!

Any plans??

I'm spending it with a good friend of mine. Whenever we see each other, he always brings me a little box of chocolates or ferrero rochers(my faaaaaave)..yesss, he knows me well!!

I don't dislike V-Day..I just really don't care much about it. I do dislike like how it can make a lot of people feel sad.

If you do hate it: Love yourself, hug yourself, eat some chocolate (and buy the day-after on-sale chocolate, too) and the day is over. :)

"You don't look like a runner"

{Monday}

9 miles, Treadmill: Comfortable and relaxed 9:50pace

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I've been treadmill running for a good few weeks now. I'm really enjoying it more and more. The main thing is the comfort of no crazy weather and sideways rain/snow and wind up in my face!

I need to do a long run soon..so I'm hoping to head outside for it in the next couple of days.

Monday, I did 9 miles on the treadmill watching the Next Great Baker on Food Network. There is nothing better than a good baking/cupcake type show for me to watch while running!

When I finished, a guy I had seen before who works at the gym came up to me to ask about my running. He seemed really interested and we had a great little running conversation. 

Basically, he seen me do the 9 miles, and he also seen me do the 13.1 last week. 

Then, he said that before actually seeing me run last week, "you just really don't look like a runner." (Should I be insulted?? lol!)

If I wasn't still wheezing and panting from the run, it woulda clicked for me to ask - what does a runner look like??? - I just thought it was an interesting comment!

Have you come across interesting comments regarding your running/working out?

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So, a friend of mine is engaged to be married. Yesss!

Here's a fact: Apart from when I was suuuper young - I have NEVER been to a wedding. whaaaaaaaat??

What's one thing you haven't done/experienced that you think most people have at your age??

Have you been to a lot of weddings??

A couple of my friends are married..but since I'd been overseas in school for some time, I was unable to make it to both weddings. Big time bummer!! 

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If you're a fan of this dude at all..

check out his brand new song:

Justin Timberlake - Mirror (hope they don't take the link down??)

My obsession for the week.

I've missed his music..and man, he is getting even more gorgeous and grown with age!