Thursday, August 2, 2012

July Review

Early in July I began my taper for Muncie 70.3... Then Muncie 37.2 happened....I honestly was not prepared to put more intense time in the pool, bike and running...I was and still am a bit worn out....However I knew in my heart I needed to attempt another 70.3 and so I have registered for...

  
July In Numbers:

Swimming: 8000m (This is probably closer to about 11000m or 11k...I had 4 outdoor 20minute swims...probably 750m each minimum). Not as high as I would have liked and well it is Aug and I haven't even been to the pool yet...it is what it is....the swimming is about finishing for me...totally not time...


Cycling: 449km This is my highest cycling number to date. Most likely because of the MS bike tour...I am feeling good about this and happy with where I am....


 Running: 116km VERY low for me....eek.....not great....I wish I had run more....but alas it is what it is...actually I have had some good tempo runs recently....I know that I will get my speed back after the 70.3. Night now it is about feeling comfortable, steady and strong after rides....



17 more days until Steelhead. I am battling a pretty bad Sinus infection at the moment...So I have missed the pool 2x this week and may not get there tomorrow...the pressure is very uncomfortable...my goal is simply to finish with a huge smile on my face at Steelhead...I have no time goals just have fun! Now here are some pictures of my Muncie Race...the Hubby did an amazing job. Also a HUGE shout-out to my next door neighbour who organized the BEST welcome home party a girl could ask for :)























Happy August Everyone!!!!

Monday, July 9, 2012

Muncie Race Report

Muncie 70.3 37.2 Race Report :  This is long...bear with me....Will do a separate post with pics...Just wanted to get this out there....


So the hubby and I left early Friday morning to head to Muncie Indiana. I felt ready...I knew that it was going to be hot but I felt VERY ready. I have trained in the heat, I have run two Marathons and two 30k races in a ton of heat and humidity. The day before the race we were sent an email stating the the start of the race has been moved up 30mins to help accommodate the heat. 

We arrived to the Expo and Packet Pick-up.  I checked in, grabbed my stuff bought some stuff at the Ironman Store....No one there said ANYTHING about changing the race.  All the official maps were up....people were excited...everyone thought it was going to be a half-ironman.  It was very busy there...

We left and headed to the Olive Garden so I could begin the carb-load fest...while at the Olive Garden another athlete approached me in the bathroom and told me the "News" that is that been shortened to an Olympic Distance Race...I am not going to lie...I cried...I ran back to the table and was in tears....

I had trained my butt off since January, had registered for the race in AUGUST of last year...I felt robbed...I was mad at Ironman for the way they told us (I could go into a huge rant about them but I am not...I am too tired and don't want to waste any energy on that). 


We went to the Athlete Mtg. learned of the changes and then headed back to the hotel...It really does suck when the choice is made for your by something like the *Weather.  I really did try and remain as positive as possible about the whole thing and wanted to focus on having a good time.  When in that environment it is pretty darn easy to get caught up in a lot of the negativity.  It came down to it wasn't just about the Athletes we also had to think about the volunteers and support crew....

We took my bike to check in and toured around the site for an hour.  I dipped my legs into the water and it was around 89 degrees.  It was HOT...It was basically like a giant bath tub...

We pre-purchased from a house across the street a parking pass for $10...it was WELL worth it....So easy on race morning and it allowed the hubby to go back and forth to the car very easily...also at the end of the race we had no issues getting out and loading the car...

I went to bed late knowing I wouldn't get a good night sleep.  The alarm went off at 3:15am.  I got up, had a coffee, a banana with pb and that was all.  I was still super full from the olive garden and knew I didn't really need any crazy amount of calories. 

We arrived at the race start, I set up my transition area and we waited for the race to start.  45mins before I ate a Honey Stinger Waffle. 

My swim wave started at 7:10am.  I parked myself right at the back of the pack...

The swim went well..no pressure, no panic...just kept moving forward.  The water was about 86-88 degrees.  It was hot...not refreshing....just hot...I felt like I had a comfortable swim and was very happy...


Swim 1600m:  37:51

Transition 1 5:27:  All was going great...it was a VERY long run from the water to my bike then out the bike start...very long...I did everything pretty quickly got halfway to the bike out and my aero bottle broke...I RAN it back to my transition area and left it there...so crappy that it broke but better now than loose it completely on the bike...


Bike 30miles :1:32:22: 30km/h   Super flat and fast...I loved it...had a great time and just relaxed and enjoyed myself.  I put a Canada Flag tattoo on my leg and when people passed they said "Go Canada".  I will do this again for sure. I didn't even notice the heat.  I had half of a bottle of gatorade G2 and two gels. 

Transition 2: 3:01:  I was a little slow due to people taking up huge amounts of bike space in transition...rude...anyway...it is what it is...I forgot to take off my bike gloves so I ended up stuffing them in my pack pocket...I know for the future...Again...the run to the Run Out was fairly long compared to other events I have done.  I took a gel here...

Run 10km:  1:00:12:  Holy Hot batman!  I really noticed the heat!  I slowed considerably and just ran to the aid stations.  I took ice and water at each station and alternated with taking ironman pre-form and cola.  I had two Rocket Candies on the run...nothing else...it was too hot and I didn't want to get sick as my stomach was starting to get upset....People were passing out and walking right left and centre.  I basically ran the entire time except walked the aid stations. 


Total Time:  3:18:52


Thoughts: 

-I have the best husband...he is the best support crew and Sherpa around.  He was so understanding and supportive and just let me vent, made me laugh and bought me ice cream when I was feeling like crap.  He immediately said that my journey is not over and that he'll be at my next race and helped me to pick it out...What a guy!  He just rocks! 

-The volunteers were AMAZING...I can't thank them enough...they were out there in the heat and loving it and so supportive....They truly made the race...I would go back to Muncie again just for that support group...

-My journey is not OVER...I will attempt to race another race this season.  It will be a risky race as in the past the swim has been cancelled a few times.  I am already setting myself up for the worst so that I won't be disappointed come race day...I will be doing Ironman Steelhead on August 19, 2012.  I looked at all my race options and this is the only one that will work with my schedule.  I basically have 6 weeks to prepare.  I am feeling great after the race...some soreness but no pain...I am going to do an active recovery week this week and take it easy on all of my  workouts....


Thanks for reading...sorry this is so long....

Lish

 

Monday, May 7, 2012

2012 Gooflife Toronto Marathon Race Report

Yesterday I ran the Goodlife Toronto Marathon. This was my 5th Marathon and also my 1st Marathon!! To put things into a bit of perspective...I ran my first Marathon in 2007. This race was actually held in the fall at that time...Here is a picture of me and my friend Lindsay prior to the race...I trained and it was VERY tough...I also weighed 50lbs more than I do now...I finished that race in 5:39:48...It was tough and I am so proud of that race and finishing and having it start my love of running...

So now it is 2012. I have had quite a bit of success the past two years in running and have seen my times improve. My big breakthrough I think came this year when I ran Around the Bay a challenging course and completed it in 2:56:38. When I finished that race I felt AMAZING! I was a little sore that day but nothing crazy....That was actually workout #18 for the week...no taper...heavy Half Ironman Training...very positive energy. I knew that would set me up for potentially a Sub 4:15:00 full at Goodlife.

I came home and typed those numbers into the McMillan Running Calculator It said a 4:12:XX Marathon. I have always been over by about 2min with those so I thought a 4:15:00 depending on the conditions etc. that it would be possible and I would be thrilled. I started to follow the McMillan pace suggestions for Long Runs, Tempos etc. I was feeling great, continued to swim and bike and also was doing yoga min once a week (after the 30 day challenge)and tried for 2 times by doing the Yin (Deep Stretch Class on Sundays after a long run).

So the Friday Night: The hubby had left early Friday morning to participate in the NYC 5 Borough Bike Tour so I had the house to myself!! I worked a 10-6pm shift, came home and picked up my favourite sushi. I walked the dog, watched some TV and headed to bed around 10-11pm. I had an okay night sleep...not the best but when I did eventually wake up I felt pretty good which was a bit of a relief. I did an easy 3km run and the legs actually felt fresh and ready to go. I came home packed and met Lindsay who was my Sherpa for the Race and she drove us to Toronto.

We went immediately to the Expo at the Direct Energy Centre. The expo was okay but like some others said there was a weird mix of vendors: make-up, cooking demos, lots of protein bar/drink people. I do like though that TO Marathon always has clothing of their own for very reasonable prices. I picked up a cute pull-over. My one disappointment was that they ran out of Women's Specific Tech shirts. So annoying when you pre-order your shirt. I picked up a men's shirt, the colour is great but the fit kind of sucks...whatever...they did give us the opportunity to have a free shirt from a previous years race...so I took 2 and so did Lindsay :)

Katherine Switzer had a booth as she was the key-note speaker for the event. I purchased a cute bracelet from her and she gave me a running charm.  We were listening to her and asking her questions with a few other people and she was so nice and felt like you were speaking with a close friend telling you all the good gossip!!  She then told us about the significance of the charm and did her little ritual for it:


I am REALLY into it at this point.  She told me I was going to have a big PR and I believed it.  I knew I was going to get that sub 4:15:00.  I need to read her book now...It was just lovely meeting her and speaking with her...felt so normal, not fake and just very intimate...


We then headed to our hotel in Downtown Toronto.  It worked out that our close friend Liz works about 2mins from the hotel.  She stopped by before work and was a BIG help with directions, route info and general TO stuff.  I wanted a plain and simple meal and she suggested Spaghetti Factory as it was only a 10min walk away...While using the Hotel Lobby Computer, Liz came back and told us her shift had been cancelled so she was able to join us for dinner.  Even better as we knew we wouldn't get lost...I had a great dinner and felt satisfied...soon after we headed back to the hotel...and I was setting out my race stuff...and getting ready to go to bed...or so I thought.  I got a call from my good friend Rebecca who was on her way home from Dinner and staying at the hotel across the street...she and her partner came and stopped by...we made plans to meet for the morning...this was a huge relief.  Rebecca was my first Running Instructor ever, we also worked together and is a good friend.  I was so happy to not be going alone to the start...we made plans to meet in the lobby for 6:15am...

I had a good sleep...set the alarm for 5:00am and woke up feeling nervous but excited...I had my usual breakfast of a banana, pb on a white bagel and coffee.  It all tasted delicious.  I got ready and Lindsay came to take pictures of us in the lobby!  Rebecca paced me to my first ever sub 3:00:00 30k race.  This was Marathon #11 for her and she was the one who got Lindsay and I to run the first...so it felt so awesome to have her there...and also to have Lindsay there....Lindsay is pregnant and due this August.  I can't imagine doing races without her...






This is my sweet Mickey Mouse Collard throw-away that I have been trying to get rid of since Chicago 2010.  All my races have been too warm to wear it!!!  Haha...my Hubby will be relieved once he knows this is no longer in the house!

It was a short bus ride (20mins) to the start.  I sat with Rebecca and we had a good chat.  I was feeling good...I quickly checked my bag (no issues...was SUPER FAST) and headed into the North York Civic Centre to use the real toilets.  I had a bottle of G2 throughout the morning and was starting to get nervous....My stomach was off but not in a "I need to go kind of way" just a weird way...

We quickly said our goodbye's and went to line up with our respective pace bunnies (Rebecca rocked her race)

I started with the 4:15 pace bunny.  They were nice and started out crazy fast...I kept up with them but also knew that they were a little all over the map...I was not going to do a run/walk...my plan like most races is to grab water or Gatorade at every station and walk to take it....usually no more than 20-30 secs.

The first 5km went REALLY smoothly....I was feeling good and felt like a 4:15:00 would be a possibility.  I was running by feel and trying to not worry to much about my pace and let it happen naturally...at 8km I saw an open Porter-Potty and went for it....I lost a bit of time but was able to catch up and pass the 4:15:00 pace bunny....There was one big hill, Hogs Hollow...it was fine...no problems...all good...

Shortly after this I saw Marlene on the course...I got a High-Five from her...She looked FAB in her rainbow Tu-tu and Boston Marathon Orange Jacket...

I crossed the 21k mark at 2:02:48...my current half PR is 2:04:53 so I was surprised that I was running as fast as I was....

My only stress was that I was getting cramps with Water, gatorade and any type of nutrition...I was just having small sips...I knew I ate an awesome breakfast, and had gone to the bathroom at 8k so I prayed that I could be sustained for the race on that...

I saw my friends, Lindsay, Liz and Keely at the 22k mark...they gave me a HUGE boost and I think I surprised them with how fast I was going...I told them I would be slowing down as I couldn't keep anything down....

I went on my way....They race is beautiful...you go through downtown, nice neighborhoods...I can't describe them all as I have no memory of what came when....I felt like I was just in the zone and telling myself to BE STEADY and that I am a 4:15:00 marathoner....I kept repeating this over and over again...I got to the lakeshore and knew that it was basically 30mins out, turn around, 30mins back and then 2.2k to the finish....I spent last night and this morning reminding myself of that...I had big trouble the first time around with the out and back...I saw Rebecca's partner Larry (who rocks and also is my acupuncture Doc :)...he is great).  He was also surprised that I was running so fast...at this point I thought I was around the 4:12:00 mark...I was trying to do math in my head and even simple math when running does NOT happen for me...

Prior to this many of those in the half were passing me so my gamin was off...I wasn't really looking at the total time part...just my lap pace average...when I hit the 30k it said 2:52:XX...WHAT???  Seriously...that was faster than ATB by about 4mins....I saw Marlene again...which was an awesome boost....

The out and back was hard...I tried to take sips or water, gatorade and even tried a gel...got cramps so I backed off....I hit the 35k at 3:24:07 and knew that I was slowing significantly....I wanted to hold on for that last 7.2k and not blow up...


I was sooooo SURPRISED when I saw my friends at 39-40k mark...

They were cheering like CRAZY and it gave me the boost I needed....I also gave them my little fuel belt that was packed with my nutrition that I did not eat....it lightened me up and I went on my way and knew I would be seeing them at the finish...

At this point I was hurting...the last 2.2k are a blur...I was so sore...my quads were on FIRE....I didn't think downhills really affected me but they were starting....the crowds got thicker and were a great support...I basically went into this crazy zone...and also saw my overall time at the 41k mark and knew if I dug deep I could get a sub 4:10:00....I had been denying to myself the whole race that a sub 4:10:00 was possible...and that I shouldn't be greedy with a huge PB and just aim for that 4:11:00 or 4:12:00 and assumed that would be my time as I knew I was slowing down big time....I think this was my way of ensuring that if I didn't get that sub 4:10:00 I wasn't going to be disappointed. A coping mechanism basically...

When I saw that 41k sign I knew I wanted that sub 4:10:00 and I wanted it badly and knew I was going to get it....I started to tear up as I could see the stop light where I was going to be turning right and heading right to the finish...I had an amazing last 1.2k....I was so happy...the crowd was awesome and just took it all in...

I crossed the finish line with a 4:08:59....An 18min PB (Mississauga was a 4:27:53)....Larry was at the finish waiting for me...we found Rebecca and celebrated...I had a chocolate milk and it was tasty...still in a weird zone...did this really happen???...I could barely walk....wow I was sore...I picked up my bag and found my friends...



The best cheer squad a runner could ask for!!

Lindsay and I like to dress the same!  Just because she is pregnant doesn't mean that can't still happen!!!  Love that we still dressed the same today!



Check out the MASSIVE bling...



We headed back to the hotel via Shuttle Bus and I had a bathroom baby wipe shower and we headed to lunch....Lindsay and then headed back to London....All in all it was a great experience....I am on cloud 9 and feel like the hard work is starting to pay off and that I am in a good place for Muncie in July...I plan on taking the week off to rest and recovery...I can barely walk today...haha...sitting down and going downstairs is quite difficult...I know I left it all out there on the course! 


 

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Hi, So from March 10, 2012 to April 8, 2012 I participated in the Moksha Yoga London (and London West) 30 day Yoga Challenge. I have been going to this Hot Yoga Studio for a few years off and on and have always enjoyed myself and found it beneficial. I attended 31 days of Yoga in a row (I went to the night before the challenge started so I actually did 31 days). There were days that it was tough...I mean on Thursdays it was my 4th workout of the day! But I did love every minute of it... Here is a little letter I did on my experience... Although I run and am currently training for a full marathon and a half-ironman I often neglect other parts of my training that are crucial to optimal performance. While attending a Friday night class at Moksha Yoga London West I was speaking with D. and amazing instructor. We had a short but powerful conversation about the benefits of daily yoga and bringing that practice into our every day lives. She encouraged me to sign up for the 30 day challenge. I laughed a little, as I the runner, who loves to come to 1 yoga class a week and struggles in that class I thought there is "no way I could ever do that!". I looked at D. again and I realized she was serious. I thought about all the reasons why I continue to come back to Moksha; I feel safe, comfortable, challenged and encouraged. I knew that like Marathon Training this 30 day challenge would be about the process and not the end result. I took that leap and signed up on the spot. I never thought that doing this challenge would have such an impact on my life. I find I do not react as quickly. I take that minute to pause, reflect and appreciate the silence. I am way more efficient in my training as a result of focusing on my breathing. This has helped with tough workouts while swimming, running and cycling. My body has completely changed. In those 30 days I lost 9.2lbs. I ran a very challenging 30km race and last year when I completed it I thought I was in the best shape of my life. It took me 3h12min, this year I went in with no expectations but to trust my training focus on my breathing and enjoy the run. I completed in 2h56mins. I often struggle with knee injuries including the week before the challenge started. I have not had a single issue. For those 30 days "I trusted my Gut" and listened to my body and not what my training scheduled said. I challenged or eased off when my body needed. In the past I would follow that piece of paper and listen to it to tell me how I had to perform. This lead to burnout and injury. Yoga has really taught me to listen to my body. I feel like I am so much more self aware these days. Hot Yoga is not for everyone. I tried many different classes but due to the training schedule I usually did a 60min standard class. Moksha Yoga is a green, clean, hot yoga series that stretches, strengthens and tones the muscles while detoxifying the body and calming the mind. While all classes are rooted in the Moksha Yoga series, teachers are encouraged to bring their own unique knowledge and experience every time they enter the room to teach. From their Website: For your bod Moksha Yoga builds upper and lower body strength, balance and flexibility, and cardiovascular health. The series also focuses on treating and preventing commonly cranky areas of the body like the lower back, knees and bellybutton lint. The cool part is that every body is welcome and everybody will benefit. For your brain A regular Moksha practice gives us the rare opportunity to slow it all down. The stress reduction associated with yoga helps to calm and balance the nervous system, increase blood flow to the brain, and help you remember where you left your keys. For your breath The average person takes 900 breaths an hour. Moksha Yoga encourages you to make each and every one of them count, on and off the mat. For your being The word Moksha means Freedom. A regular Moksha practice gives us the chance to explore what this means for each of us; whether it's finding freedom from chronic pain, freedom from self judgement, or freedom from playing Angry Bird marathons I am continuing to attend at least one weekly class. I am trying for 2 one 60min Moksha Class and then one 75 or 90min Yin class after my Sunday Long Runs. Check out the Moksha Website for locations near you and more info on the classes! ~Namaste :)

Friday, March 30, 2012

Around the Bay Race Recap

Last Sunday I ran the Around the Bay Race in Hamilton...30km... Muncie 70.3 training is going well but basically consuming my life...I am also participating in an amazing and life changing Moksha Yoga 30 Day Challenge...once it is finished I will do a post about my experience there... I had no plans to RACE Around the Bay...In fact the race was workout #17 for me that week. I did not taper or do anything differently. I went to my niece's 2nd bday party the night before and had lots of yummy pizza and multiple cupcakes. Slept in a hotel...had a brutal sleep because people were loud and stupid but I got up with plenty of time to eat a piece of toast with PB and some Gatorade, shower and feel pretty good..

  •  Race: I lined up with the 3:00:00 10:1 pace bunny 
  • Clock starts:  Bunny goes flying and I think "I'll never catch him"
  • 0-5km...Super easy...legs feel VERY fresh...I am chatting with random people.  It is still congested...I ate a Rocket

  • 5km-10km: I ran that in under an hour...still feeling quite amazing...just going with it.... 
  •  15km: Take a GU...now this is where the hills start...still feeling good...but slow the pace just a little because of hills
  • 20km:  Wow I ran that under 2hours...this won't last...I should be really tired...I trained all week...this is workout #17...hey look at that cute dog...I like that shirt....Ahh the sun is great...
  • My mind was so positive and RELAXED...I have NEVER been this relaxed
  • 25km:  Took more rockets which are my go to running treat now...I knew the BIG hill was coming up...pace was still great...
  • Get to big hill...power up 97% of it...take a small walk break...start running at top...
  • 27km...WOW 3km left...IF I keep this pace I might get under 3 hours...
  • 28km...wow I am passing a lot of people...still really crowded...hmmm...I might actually get a PB but I can't do math while running...getting confused...
  • 29km...I see my BFF Lindsay who couldn't run because of nasty stomach flu...she surprised me and took photos!!!!!  She rocks....I see her...she tells me to Keep going...I think...Oh right race!
  • 30km:  2:56:38 PB!!!!!!!
I am still in shock...and just so happy...I have never felt that relaxed...I didn't put pressure on myself...the weather helped as I could wear shorts and a t-shirt....It was a GREAT day and everything just came together...It was challenging don't get me wrong but also very natural and zen like...no inner battles...I am so happy and this has given me some confidence for my next marathon and the half ironman...

All in all..good race...sorry I haven't been blogging...training is going well but so time consuming...once 30 day Yoga challenge is complete I'll write a review...I basically think it has made ALL the difference...I am injury free and doing awesome...

Now the big PB also has to do with Weight Loss....Since January 1, 2012 I have lost 24.4lbs.  I still have another 10lbs to go before I get to an ideal racing weight...I am in no rush and am taking my time (I have until July 7th, 20212)...but man...I get it...I get why there is such thing as racing weight....for the first time in my adult life I am in the healthy BMI range (even though I do that that BMI range is mostly complete crap and not a good definition at all...but nonethe less it feels good).  I feel lighter on my toes and my knees have been behaving...

All in all...I am in a good place and need to just continue to make all these things a habit....bike is still on trainer...swimming is slowly improving...yoga is inspiring and life changing....



ME jumping...I got some pretty decent air for after 30km :)
Sweaty, Done and HAPPY!

Monday, February 27, 2012

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Greetings from the Island of St. Vincent! St. Vincent is located west of Barbados (45mins by air) and it is South of St. Lucia and north of Grenada. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a population of about 104,000 and approximately 100,000 people live on the Island of St. Vincent.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth. The Queen is head of state...like Canada they have a prime minister and a governor general. It is a volcanic island and it is non-touristy. There are no large hotels or shopping areas. The main industry is agriculture-banana and exotic flowers also it is the largest grower of marijuana in the Eastern Carribean. Tourism is related to sailing and scuba diving.

The Flag


The colours represent the blue of the ocean, the green of the land, the yellow of the sun and the diamonds represent the multiple islands that make up the country.

This is my 4th time visiting the island. My dad teaches at the Medical School and has been coming here for 2-3weeks twice a year since 1988. This has become a very special place for my dad and the family. The Island is wonderful and although it is not touristy there are a lot of places to explore :) Yesterday we went on a hike with another professor from the school. I am not doing any training this week so this hike was wonderful cross training. St. Vincent is EXTREMELY hilly. It is a very green island because it is a Volcanic Island. The highest peak of the island is the volcano-La Soufriere-which last erupted in 1979.

Here are some pics from the hike and where I am staying...







I hope to post more pictures this week....but for now I need to go and get some Vitamin D and catch up on some reading and resting :)



Sunday, February 19, 2012

LONG WEEKEND :)

Here in Ontario it is a LONG weekend! Wooohooo....love it...Even though I did take Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off this week..hehe...Vacay 3 days, work 2 days then only a 4 day work week this week...I am spoiled...plus I am on vacation the following week...really spoiled...

Anyway...Week in Review...

Last Sunday after my 20km run in the middle of a blizzard the weather cleared up nicely and the Hubby and I headed to Muskoka for a few days...It was wonderful...

Monday: We went Downhill Skiing...I love downhill skiing (I used to be a Certified Instructor and also worked with the Track 3 program...It teaches kids with different abilities to ski...I loved it and miss is a lot...

Tuesday: 6km Tempo

Wednesday: 10km Tempo

Thursday: Hot Yoga

Friday: 8km Steady/Hot Yoga

Saturday: 1 hour Trainer ride on the bike

Sunday 23km LSD (Long Slow Distance)

I did my usual weigh in on Sat. and after all of the cottage feasting I was worried but I did loose another 1.8 lbs for a Total Loss of 15.2 lbs since January...

I must say that I am doing a great job of eating clean, having a well balanced diet...I have no eliminated a single thing...Everything in moderation, I am watching my portion sizes and WOW what a difference when you eat healthy...I have so much energy and I also feeling like I am eating a lot and often...I do try and get my 8 glasses of water in each day and more if I have a tough workout...I tend to drink a lot of Nuun on workout days....


I found this picture on my Camera that I had TOTALLY forgot about...On December 31, 2011 my mum and I participated in the Resolution Run...I was so proud of her as this fall she completed the 10km Walking Program at the Running Room...I ran the 10km and she walked it that night...Beyond proud of her!!




Anyway this week is technically my first week of 70.3 training...there is NO turning back now :)




Pure Fit Nutrition Bar Review

Like some other bloggers out there I was contacted by PureFit Nutrition Bars to do a review of their gluten-free sports nutrition bars...

I going to start off by saying that I am NOT a bar person...I have tried almost every bar out there and almost every GU/GEL/BEAN/Chew etc...I have a very sensitive stomach and have trouble eating anything before a run/ride/swim...

I was pretty hesitant about these bars and I find that most bars actually taste plastic like and have a weird shiny glaze on them...totally not natural..

Anyway...

PureFit Nutrition Bars

  • NO Hydrogenated Oils
  • NO Animal Products - Vegan
  • NO Cholesterol or Trans Fatty Acids
  • NO Wheat or Gluten
  • NO Artificial Sweeteners
  • NO Hidden Carbohydrates
  • NO Sugar Alcohol
PureFit Nutrition Bars are specifically designed to give you sustained energy and help stabilize blood sugar.


I immediately liked the packaging...All the information I needed was right there, easy to ready and I did not feel like they were hiding anything...also one neat thing is on the back of the bar...



Hard to read in that picture but is says "Adopt Your Next Dog or Cat" with a little blurb....love that and there are so many animals out there in need of a home!

On to the taste: 30mins prior to my 6km Tempo Run on Tuesday I took half of the Almond Crunch Bar...I love how it was easy to break in half as usually I cannot tolerate a full bar, it was soft, not too dry and there was no plastic taste or "sheen".  They were full of flavour..it really tasted pretty amazing... I was pleasantly surprised. It was DELICIOUS...The best part was when I did my run and had ZERO digestive issues...BIG BONUS!!!  When I got home I immediately ate the rest of the bar...I found the bars to be filling as well.

They sent me 5 bars and here is the order in which I liked them best:

1.  Peanut Butter Crunch
2.  Chocolate Brownie
3.  Almond Crunch
4.  Granola Crunch
5.  Berry Almond Crunch 


The Purefit website is great...There is a lot of info there including a local retail finder.  I am lucky that a health food store here in London sells them...I definitely plan on using these in my Half-Ironman training!


Pure Fit Nutrition Bars has provided me with a coupon code that will save you 25% off your first order. Enter code PROMO25 at checkout to receive the discount.
Follow PureFit Bars on Twitter -> @PureFitBars
Follow PureFit Bars on Facebook -> PureFit Nutrition Bars
*PureFit Nutrition Bars provided me five nutrition bars to taste   and review. I was not compensated for this review otherwise. All opinions expressed here are my own.*






Monday, February 13, 2012

Character Building Run

Yesterday was a tough run BUT I am happy I finished...it was slow...not pretty and I had to take some walk breaks but it is done....now I am rewarding myself with a few days vacation with the Hubby in beautiful Muskoka :). Today we are going to go skiing..hoping to post a video later...Happy Monday!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Here We Go

I can't believe that it is already February 2012! It feels like yesterday that I was injured...not running and starting to think about training plans for Muncie 70.3. Well the time is here and although my 20 week training plan doesn't officially start for another 2 weeks I am trying my best to ramp up my training...

The next two weeks are a challenge as I am away for the first few days...wrapping up things in my current job in order to start a new job after a week away in the sun with my dad...haha 2nd week of training and I am going away where I will have no access to a bike or be able to run...BUT there is a pool so I plan on doing some intensive pool training and will probably bring a couple work out DVD's and do core work...so I will be happy come March 6, 2012 when my life will go back to somewhat of a routine...

My big goal is to get down to a better racing weight...I think that for the past two years I have justified my overeating with the fact that I was marathon training...this lead to an 18lb weight gain...boo urns...Starting January 4, 2012 I have a good weight loss plan in place and am looking forward to getting down to a BMI that is within a healthy weight range...Like this season on the Biggest Loser...2012 is the year of NO EXCUSES!

To date I have lost 13.4lbs. (9.6lbs to go for my min goal but will most likely try for more) I am happy with that so far and continue on my journey. I have a great and supportive husband who is totally on the ball...we've been making lunches and eating out WAY less for the past month and a half...also another person that is so motivating is my dad....since October he has lost 50lbs!!! 50lbs! Just amazing...and I am so proud of him.


This Past Week:

Sunday: 18km Run
Monday: 30mins on bike trainer and 1000m Swim
Tuesday: 6km Tempo
Wednesday: REST
Thursday: 10km Tempo
Friday: 8km Steady
Saturday: 1h on the bike trainer

Tomorrow I will head out for a 20km run...

Happy Training!