Marathon Training Week 12: Run this City

As I write this I am listening to a crazy wind storm outside my window, which has me thinking about all those people on the east coast of Canada and the USA and hoping that they (you) are staying safe during this crazy hurricane/tropical storm. This kind of weather is no joke!

Crossing my fingers that it is over soon!


On a separate note, here's a look at how my training went last week:

Monday: Cycle Pump (75min)
Tuesday: 5km run
Wednesday: 5km run
Thursday:  Spinning (30min) Strength training (30min)
Friday: Hot yoga (75 min)
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 18km run

Total distance ran: 28km


Here's what I learned.... about running in the city:

There are tons of things in Toronto to look at and see and running without music is a lot easier then I thought. Two of my three runs (including my long run) were iPod free and I really enjoyed it. I will bring music to the marathon but only revert to it if I really need to.

Running into downtown is kind of amazing. Yes its a net downhill and so obviously my favorite thing ever, but the view is a close second. Toronto just looks cool, you know?

Training for a marathon is tough when there are traffic lights and crazy, maniacal people pulling out of driveways and making blind left hand turns. You have to be alert and be prepared to stop more often then planned. Following your training plan is important but so is not getting hit and actually being able to attend the race.

City layout is like a built in race, at least as far as water stations are concerned. Its not free but its actually cold and comes in a portable container.

Cities are full of lots of people which also means lots of other runners, which serves as a great motivation. Its hard to slack off on a downhill when someone speeds past you going up the damn thing!

Once you are done with all your crazy running business you can also "run" errands because everything you need is right there. Other patrons may not appreciate my stinkiness but I am all about efficiency and they will just have to accept that.

Secret: If I could pick any other city to run in it would be New York, mostly because I desperately want to run in Central Park. Until then, Toronto has got my heart!

Not to sound all mob boss on ya, but I'm proud to say I run this city!


So tell me , what's your favorite city and why?

Work It Out Wednesday (WIOW) and a 60 Day Countdown

After waking up pretty grouchy and dealing with one issue after another at work I decided that today's workout needed to be a quick but challenging 5km run. After a long day and mixed emotions when it comes to running I figured pounding out a 3 miler would do my mind some good.

Mission accomplished.

I also spent a part of my limited free time today thinking strategy when it comes to the marathon. With 60 days (OMG!) to go I want to make sure that I am as mentally prepared as physically because something tells me this is going to be a test of my wits as much as my strength and endurance.

Here's the deal:

It's a marathon so it's 26.2 miles or 42 kilometres. That's an insane amount of distance and I don't really want to think about it- at least not in those terms.

I'd rather break this bad boy into parts.

We start in the good ol' U-S of A and complete the first 6 miles there. That's the first objective: Just get home to Canada. Like it or not I can't quit for at least that distance because the Boyfriend doesn't have a valid passport and can't rescue me when I call him with a fake injury.

Next point of interest is that after the first 6 miles, the water stations are only a mile apart. Given that I have been training with 10 and 1s anyway and I walk through water stations as a general rule, this will divide the rest of the race up quite nicely.

If you are not quite following along, the plan is to run to each station (which ideally will take about 10 minutes anyway) then walk through the stations, thereby avoiding the almost inevitable water spillage and or choking hazard trying to run through them would cause.

Now, as far as fueling is concerned my body likes gels and Clif Bloks and does not like most liquid fuels (aka: Gatorade, eLoad etc) So the plan is to drink water and consume the electrolytes via the food-like stuff. I will take the first dose at the 50 minute mark and then another 1/2 every 40 minutes. All told that's about 4 gels total (assuming I stick to gels).

Given that I need water shortly after a gel and don't want to be weighed down by a hydration belt, I will probably change this up a little when I am out there. I will probably also make the Boyfriend bring me Cherry Blasters but that's just because I'll use any excuse to eat candy.

As for race attire I am thinking cropped pants and layers on top. The weather for the end of October is typically crisp in the mornings with increasing temps through the day. Seeing as I will be running for hours and hours and hours (and hours and hours) I will need to be prepared for an increase in air and body temperature. Clothes won't actually break up the race for me  but I kinda promised myself my first pair of Lulu pants for the occasion so I guess it can't hurt either right?!

So here it is; I've got eight weeks, which means 7 more long runs to practice all this genius planning and tweak it if necessary. Since I am not even remotely willing to risk having another race like last weekend, I am definitely sticking to the old "nothing new on race day" advice.

I'm determined to rock this so let the countdown begin!!


So tell me, what advice do you have for this rookie marathoner?

Rebound

"Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you travelled from where you started"

After writing yesterday's post I had the chance to reflect further on running, the race and whether I ever want to lace up my sneakers and hit the pavement ever again.

Dramatic? Yes. A bad race will do that to you.

The answer: I do, with a but. I do but want it to feel good. And not good as in my feet and legs don't hurt at all at the end of this marathon but good as in I am content, positive, accomplished.

Am I afraid that the marathon will go as poorly as Saturday? You bet your ass I am. And with forty two kilometres and months of training on the line I am also concerned (and convinced) that, come October 23, a bad marathon will spell the end of running for this girl.

So, with two months to go before the big day what am I supposed to do other than over analyze and fret about more stomach cramps (or worse!)?

This..

Yup, I am the girl that cried her eyes out on the side of the road after dropping out of a race a mere 48 hours ago and who now signed up for a 1/2 marathon in a month.

Am I crazy? Unless you are new to this blog you already know the answer to that.

Other than crazy I am also in need of redemption- a race that will reignite my passion for running and get me past the race anxiety that has come over me since the last two racing disasters.

No pressure though...

Realistically this isn't meant to be a PR setting race but instead a chance to have fun and enjoy the thrill of lining up at a start line with other people looking to cover the distance with a smile on their faces. To renew the woo, if you will.

Deep down, under all the doubt and disappointment I believe I still like running. Somewhere along the line I just forgot.

Despite evidence to the contrary, these are difference that can be reconciled

Can't you feel the love?

So tell me, how do you get over a disappointment? Do you believe you should hop back on the proverbial horse right after you fall off?

Marathon Training Week Eleven- When It All Falls Apart

This is not the post that I wanted to write. I've had to write one like this before-hated it then, hate it even more now.  But if there is one thing that I have learned along the way its that sometimes when you have to emotionally dig deep, there is a lesson to be learned. A lesson which was learned the hard way, as many good lessons are.

Before I jump into it, here's a look at last week's training:

Monday: Cycle Pump (1hour 15min)
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 5km run
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 22km run
Sunday: Recovery

Total Distance Ran: 29km

Here's the story:

Sometimes you can do everything right, like for-going the third drink at the wedding, scaling back on training during a taper, drinking lots of water and getting a lot of rest and things can still go terribly, terribly wrong.

I went into the MidSummer Night's Run with the most humble of intentions: to finish the run.

30km, especially given my training thus far, is a force to be reckoned with. And like anything of that magnitude I had the utmost respect. I did not expect it to be easy. I thought I was prepared.

500 metres into the race it became obvious that my body did not agree.

Extreme abdominal cramping like I have never felt before.

Despite my best effort to push through it and control my breathing I had to drop to the side and try to catch my breath. Less than half a kilometre into the race and I was already walking. Not a good sign.

It was humid- that kind of humid that amasses before a storm and makes the air feel thick. That kind of humid that it even worse then beating sun, which would have been a welcomed alternative.

I tried my best to maintain my speed and keep up with the pace group but I was over taken by unavoidable cramping and had to let them go. My heart sunk as they gained more and more distance on me and I knew that I was struggling more then I could have imagined.

It was only the sixth kilometre.

I pushed when I could, tried to steady my breath and pull air deep into my diaphragm but the emotional damage had been done. I was feeling defeated and I wasn't even a third of the way in. Twenty two more kilometres might as well have been a thousand. Impossible is impossible whichever way you look at it.

Text message to the Boyfriend: "I can't do this"

I plodded on for another twenty minutes seriously considering dropping out. I knew I was about to see the Boyfriend and desperately wanted it to be over. Until I didn't. I managed to get into a steady, albeit slow, pace and the cramping had partially subsided and I started to believe that I maybe, just maybe I could do it.

I wanted to believe it.

When I reached the Boyfriend I ditched my running belt, waved off what was supposed to be a "look how happy I am to be running this race" photo and plodded on. The next leg of the race was a gruelling out and back on a thin slice of land with no option to give up. It was exactly what I needed and the worse thing possible all at the same time.

The cramping returned in full force after only a kilometre. The water on the course was warm. The breeze was thick and hot. I was completely miserable.

I pushed when I could, wanting to keep running and becoming increasingly frustrated because I couldn't. I didn't even need to regain my original pace- all I wanted was to finish the race. Nothing is more infuriating then willing your body to cooperate and coming up empty.

The time on the Leslie St. Spit seemed endless. I was tired, disappointed, in pain, hot and confused. I was running south for what seemed like forever and grew more weary as the minutes ticked by. How far could I possibly have left to go before the turnaround? How was I so far behind the pace group who had passed me on their way back? There was no way I would make it to the 21km checkpoint before the cutoff. I was done.

Except I had turned without even realizing it. And that realization was so small but yet big enough to renew my hope that however slowly it would be, I'd get through it.

Until the pain mounted again and I was forced to jog so slowly that I was being passed by speed walkers. I couldn't speed up and I was too panicked by the time to slow down. 135 minutes of pain and I wasn't anywhere near the finish line that I so desperately craved.

I wanted to cross that finish line more then anything in the world at that moment.

Tears started to flow. I was so angry and so frustrated that I couldn't help it. Eleven more kilometres seemed so impossible. I tried to tell myself that I had already made it nineteen but I didn't need reminding. The heavy ache in my legs was enough to know that I had come that far. And that going the rest of the way would be more rough then I could really imagine.

Pain in my abdomen. Pain in my chest. Pain in my legs and feet.

And then the hardest thoughts crept it. "Just quit. This is torture. No one should put themself through this"

I wanted to fight those thoughts and I did my best but at 21 kilometres and the news that the water station had run out of water I gave in. Even my walking had slowed down. I had ignored the sign to stick to the right and just kept trudging ahead, tired and crying and wanting to be away from this race, this nightmare.

I saw the Boyfriend, who had come to look for me when he realized something must be wrong, and bawled my eyes out. I heaved and sobbed for every step I had taken that was now for nothing. I wasn't finishing the race. I was giving up. I was a quitter.

But, and its a big but, I realized that I am not a quitter at all.

I did not finish the race but I endured more of a  physical struggle and mental challenge then I have ever gone through. For three hours of my life I fought through pain, discomfort and a gauntlet of negative emotion because I was determined not to let it go unless I absolutely had to.

At 8:30 last night I had to.

I am disappointed that I didn't complete the race, that I don't have a shiny medal to hang with the rest of them but I also know, as I sit here with sore legs and tell the story I didn't want to tell, that I had the courage to start and that means something.

I could choose to focus on the 8 kilometres I didn't run- the 8 that are the difference between a finisher's medal and a DNF- but instead I will focus on the 22 before that.

I can't get down on myself about 22 kilometres. Two years ago that distance was only a dream to me. And yesterday, however slowly, however begrudgingly, I covered the space against the odds that were against me.

I would have been proud if I had run a great race and gotten my PDR. But the absence of that milestone only means that I am proud in a different way.

I pushed myself when I could but I also recognized when going on was no longer an option. In the face of failure I decided I had another option: To not view not finishing as failure at all.

Will there be other races? Hopefully. But today isn't the day for me to make that decision. Today I will just try to forget the hurt but always remember the lessons that I learned the hard way.

Thank you for being there with me through this journey and this story.


So tell me, have you ever had to give on something that you wanted only to gain more from the defeat?

Marathon Training Week Ten- Considering Some Options

As I write this I am still battling a flu that hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday. Being down and out and once again unable to train for the marathon has given me a lot to think about with respect to running. While I haven't made any concrete decisions since writing this, I have been weighing some of my options.

First let's look at a run down of last week's training:

Monday: Cycle Pump (75 minutes)
Tuesday: Rest day
Wednesday: Triple Threat (20 min sprints, 20 minute strength circuit, 20 min spin sprints)
Thursday: Rest day
Friday: Spinning (50 min) Hot Yoga (60 min)
Saturday: Rest day
Sunday: Sick day

Total distance ran: 3km

Here's what's been on my mind:

I'm not caring for my body as well as I should. I definitely need to hydrate more, sleep better and stress less. Despite all the things I do to focus on health, I am lacking in three major areas.

One major reason that I don't like running these days is because I don't feel like I am getting better at it, at least not the way I hoped. Not training enough and failing to put water back into my body are not helping the cause at all. I need to get my act together if I am going to continue to do this.

I'm not sure if I want to run the 30km race I have planned for this Saturday. There may be the option to drop down to 15km and actually feel accomplished (and alive) at the end. But, on the other hand, if I run it I will set a PDR and hopefully renew my passion for this training program. Sure, it could also go in the other direction and I'll dislike running even more but at this point I'm not sure I have a lot to lose.

Running is hard for me and I really don't like when things are hard for me. It's another big reason why I am not improving and disliking it more and more each day. I compare myself to other runners and get frustrated that I am not as good as them; that I might never be as good. I know you are supposed to run for yourself but its hard to measure success without a gauge and unfortunately that barometer is other people sometimes.

Not everyone is meant to run a marathon. I am quite sure I am one of those people. Yet, because I signed up and committed to it I don't want to give up on it either. It's tough to decide whether giving up this dream is the best or worst idea for me. To be honest, I am not even sure it is a dream anymore. I've still got a lot of thinking to do on that one...


Thoughts this Week: It's funny that I expected marathon training to be physically tough but so far it's proven to be more of a mental/emotion challenge for me. If nothing else I will learn a lot about myself, which is one of the reasons that I signed up in the first place.


Well I'm off to drink about 17 litres of water and try to get a good night's sleep. If you need me I'll be in bed... or the bathroom.




So tell me, what is one thing you could do to improve your health right now? Do you like a challenge or would you rather do something you are good at?

Marathon Training Week Nine- When Feelings Change

I will start this post off by saying that I have spent the better part of today thinking about whether I should write it and then the last hour or so whether I could. It's hard to reach deep inside and talk about our struggles but I also believe that it is through those conversations that we become stronger; that we learn more about ourselves and who we want to be. So I will write this in the only way I know how: honest and real.

Here's how training went last week:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 11.5km run
Wednesday: 1 hour 15min Cycle Pump class
Thursday: 6.5km run
Friday: 1 hour 15min Cycle Pump class
Saturday: 23km long run
Sunday: 50 min spin class

Total distance ran: 41km

My struggle:

I don't know if I want to "be a runner" anymore.

It's not that I don't want to lace up my sneakers and pound out a few kilometres ever again. I just don't know if I want to be associated with a runner's club that I don't quite feel like I belong to.

I'm not sure why, but that membership now feel a bit fraudulent.

The truth is I don't really like running at least not in the way that I feel I should to dedicate so much time and energy to it.

You know things have shifted when you've described it as torture.

I have stopped feeling as accomplished as I used to and nowadays there is less and less to counteract the feelings of boredom and discomfort that come from the sport.

I ran my longest distance ever and had to force enthusiasm to get rid of feelings of inadequacy and disappointment that were generated by the thought that I should have done better, gone faster, pushed harder.

I felt like I let myself down. And I bawled my eyes out about it.

Then I got up this morning, looked at my schedule for the day and realized I was signed up for a 10:30am spin class. And I was ecstatic! I couldn't wait to get there and sweat my ass off for an hour. I literally craved the exhaustion and the burn and the feeling of satisfaction that I knew I would get once it was over.

It was everything I hoped for and more. I almost teared up in the middle of class because as I dug deep and felt that sweat literally dripping from my face I remembered that all those feelings of "not enough" were misguided. I will give it my all if it is in my heart and soul to do it. So what's the problem?

Running no longer equals passion for me.

One things I know is this; If, at the end of my life I were to measure the quality of the years gone by it would not be by the number of kilometres ran but the days spent smiling and truly happy.

So the question I struggle with remains. If running doesn't make me happy (and other things do) why do I bother to run?

Am I afraid to give up?

To be seen as a failure? By someone else? By myself?

I do not know.

I don't know what I thought that I would get to the end of this post and have the answers. It's not the sort of thing you truly figure out in the course of an hour, a day or maybe even a lifetime. Happiness is the constant, the cause is bound to change, grow and evolve.

I'm not sure what this means for the marathon. Odds are I will move ahead with the training and try to achieve my goal. That being said, I will not live in misery for a goal that, by the sheer fact that the path to get there became so bleak, will have lost it's meaning anyway.

To be continued.....



So tell me, do you have any advice? Is this burnout? Has something similar ever happened to you? If yes, what did you do?

Marathon Training Week Eight- Other Loves

Hi everyone! I'm back from a long, pretty much unplugged weekend away at the cottage and ready to get back to my daily routine. It's funny how much I miss the predictability of the every-day when my schedule gets interrupted huh?

Here's how training went last week:

Monday: 18km (on the treadmill...who am I??)
Tuesday: Zone 8 spin/strength circuit (1hour)
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Zone 8 spin/strength circuit (1 hour 15min)
Saturday: Spinning (50min)
Sunday: Rest

Total distance ran: 18km

Here's what I learned:

I like spinning. Alot. I mean I always knew I liked it, but if I were in the eighth grade I'd be at the stage where I am writing spinning on my notebook and drawing hearts around it. It's a bona fide workout crush I tell ya!

Right now the only thing I am loving more than spinning is spinning with strength intervals mixed in. Eight minutes on the bike, eight on the mat with a focus on all major muscle groups. Repeat for 1 hour or more. I swoon!

All this spinning and strengthening has taken my interest off running, at least for the time being. Sure I ran for 2 hours on the treadmill last week and felt pretty good the entire time but that was it for the week. And you know what? I'm going with it. Like I said last week, I am not going to torture myself. I am going to do what I love and what I feel motivated to do. And it's not like I am sitting around eating potato chips..I'm still sweating my ass off! (and then eating a few chips hehehe!)

When it comes to running these days I would actually rather run on the treadmill than outside. I'm not sure why exactly, but I am guessing that I like the lack of humidity and smog/air pollution plays a big part in it. And I know "they" (you know "them" right?) say you aren't supposed to train too much indoors but the way I see it is running inside is better than not running at all. As it stands, I'll take what I can get.

This might be my one and only marathon. I don't plan to give up running entirely but I am interested in exploring other things next year like biking, a sprint duathlon, a Warrior Dash (or similar adventure run), a return to kick boxing and possibly become certified to teach spin. Running is a great part of my overall physical activity, but I don't want it to be the be all, end all. Let's be honest, I am bored way to easily for that!

Thoughts this week: The marathon (and running in general) is so much more then a physical test. I am learning a lot about pushing my own limits, dedicating myself to a goal and persevering through tough times. I started this because I wanted to prove to myself that I can do something I never thought possible. I will finish it for that same reason. I won't win (not by a few hours!) but I will have accomplished so much more. That' moment is why I do it.


Hope you all had a great weekend!


So tell me, are you a creature of habit and routine? Do you like spontaneity and surprise or predictability?

Marathon Training Week Seven- But I Just Don't Wanna

Hey friends! How are you surviving through all this heat?? (assuming of course that it is hot where you are) Today was the first day in what feels like forever that I didn't absolutely melt when I hit the sidewalk. Humid weather, like the stuff we've been having here in the Toronto area, completely zaps me of energy so I am looking forward to some more seasonl temperatures in the next few weeks.

Here's a look at how my training went last week:

Monday: Strength training (1 hour 15 min)
Tuesday: 5km run, Spinning (30min)
Wednesday: Elliptical training (1 hour) Jillian Michaels workout DVD (45 min)
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 2km run, Elliptical (15min)
Saturday: Spinning (50min)
Sunday: Spinning/Strength (50min)

Total distance ran: 7km

Here's what I learned:

Sometimes I don't want to run. Like really don't want to run. Marathon training or not, I am simply not going to torture myself for 2 hours if I am actually dreading my long run. So this morning I opted out and I am okay with it. This is about my health and my happiness more than anything else.

Finding what sweaty form of activity you love is a crucial backup plan for "The thought of running makes me cringe" type days. This weekend it was some hardcore spinning. It was a great choice!

Marathon training is 5 months of your life and interests are bound to change. I am confident that I will be back in the running game next week but until then I am all about making my body and mind feel good. I mean really, the Olympic gold medal isn't at stake if I skip a run here and there right?

Sometimes you have to focus on the positives of summer (trips to the cottage, ice cream, thunderstorms) because when the thermometer creeps to 48C/118F there is a LOT to be sour faced about. (I am so not a super hot weather girl)

All crankiness about heat and lack of motivation to run aside, I really love to break a sweat (except when I am sitting on a bus in traffic and its 2 million degrees but I digress...) I went to spinning twice this weekend because I really wanted to get my exercise groove on. I love that!

Thoughts this week: I don't live and breathe running the way some people do and I am perfectly fine with that. When I love it I will do it and when I don't I will scale back. Like most things, the relationship has its ebbs and flows and I am prepared to go with it. The most important part to me is that I feel driven, passionate, motivated and accomplished. I will get there however I can, as long as I get there!

Hope you all had a great weekend and managed to stay cool!

So tell me, what is your favorite non-running way to get your exercise groove on? Do you ever love doing something one day and secretly kind of hate it the next?

Marathon Training Week 6- Hot, Hot Heat

Wow! I can't believe it's Sunday already. I feel like I just wrote the post about leaving for the cottage and its already time to come home. While I am not liking leaving and heading back to the city even a little bit, I am pretty sure the week will fly by (wishful thinking right?) and it will be time for weekend antics all over again.

Here's how last week's training went:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 9km run
Wednesday: 3km speed session, 30 min spinning, 5km run
Thursday: rest
Friday: 6km run, taught Cycle Pump (45 min)
Saturday: rest
Sunday: 20km run

Total distance ran: 43km

What I learned:

Run when you can, rest when you need to. This applies to long runs as well as running in general. I found that there were days where my body wanted to take it easy this week and I let it.

Running in the summer means getting up early. Seeing this time on the clock on a Sunday is annoying when you like sleeping in as much as I do

Getting up for a long run and realizing you don't have: your running belt, iPod arm band or gels might have detered non-marathon Sam. This Sam though needed to make due (money in shoe, iPod in hand, Powerade along the way)

While running in a cute matching outfit might seem like a lot of fun, there is no, and I mean no fun when you chafe the hell out of your inner thighs and have to keep going despite the stinging pain. Shorts might not be a reality for me afterall (I tried BodyGlide and it didn't work) unless I magically acquire thighs that don't touch (more wishful thinking)

It's absolutely okay to walk. I did it alot today and I am fine with it. In fact, when its hot as hell at 9am not-walking is NOT an option

Thoughts this week: Training is going well. There have been a few medical setbacks and hot weather running is challenging but all and all I'm feeling good about running again. The marathon distance still scares the hell out of me but I am also confident it will still to feel a little more manageable as time goes on and the weather cools down.

Hope you all had a great weekend!!


Attention Runners: I am starting a series featuring runners with all different levels of experience and stories to tell. Whether you are a beginner or you've been running since middle school, whether you are working on your first couch to 5k program, are training for your first big race or have completed several marathons I would love to feature you!

If you are interested in being a part of this series send me an email health.happiness.skinnyjeansATgmail.com


Also: Join in on #fitblog chats this Tuesday at 9pm EST. I will be the guest moderator and would love to hear your thoughts on Healthy Living Obstacles and How to Overcome Them


So tell me, is it super hot where you are? What's your favorite thing to do when it's scorching outside?

Marathon Training Week 5: When You Can't Run

It's the end of another week and I am happy to report that I am finally starting to feel like my old self. I want to thank you again for all your support as I battled this ailment. And as much as I hate having illness get the best of me, I am very grateful that I am also able to bounce back to be a total weirdo regular ol' me in a short amount of time.

Here's what last week looked like:

Monday: Bootcamp (40min)
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 2mile run, strength training (15min)
Thursday: Sick
Friday: Sick
Saturday: Sick
Sunday: Sick

Total distance ran: 3.2km

Here's what I learned:

While a class may not feel difficult while you're taking it, it can totally kick your ass! My legs and butt hurt until Friday after Monday's bootcamp.

Sickness sucks but it happens. It will derail training and you'll hate it but at the end of the day possible long term damage is not even an option for the sake of a long run. Take the advice of your doctor, boyfriend and pretty much everyone else and be lazy. Not sure how? Ask a cat..

Missing a week of running won't derail your training plans. You'll get back into it slowly and be back on track in no time!

But its okay to make yourself feel better with a splurge on an item you've been wanting for a while. Just call it a "healthy living tool" (which it is) and it's completely justified!

Take your time getting better and before you know it you'll be hammering out another 18km long run. Until then, enjoy relaxing and not having that feeling of "needing to do something" is really good for you too.


Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. Stay tuned for more fitness-related stuff in the very near *fingers crossed* future!


So tell me, what recent splurge are you most excited about??

Marathon Training Week 4: Fun on Vacation

Can you believe it is July already? The summer has really been kicked into full gear with an awesome long weekend (whether you celebrate the 1st or the 4th) warm temperatures, lots of sunshine and the wrap up of a much needed and thoroughly enjoyed vacation at the cottage.

Here's how the week went:

Monday: Rest/Recovery from the Relay

Tuesday: Ran 5km, Rode (bicycle) 24km

Wednesday: Ran 2km, Rode 15km, Ran 5km

Thursday: Hiked (40min) Strength training (20 min)

Friday: Ran 8km

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: Heat Induced Rest Day

Distance Ran: 20km

Here's what I learned:

Your perspective on running and fitness can shift in an instant and what used to seem daunting can suddenly seem completely manageable. I am so grateful for that shift since the relay because every run since has felt that much easier (at least mentally)

Changing locations and taking time to relax will definitely help put your fitness goals into perspective and rejuvenate you as you strive to meet them

Running without an iPod really isn't that bad at all. I used to believe it would be the end of the world (or at least my run) if I somehow lost my music source and then, out of nowhere, purposelessly left it behind on a few of my most recent runs. I find I think a little more clearly without it so from now on, when I am in need of a good stress reliever, that gadget stays at home.

It is possible to eat well on vacation. Sure I had ice cream and candy but I also made sure I saw leafy greens  and fruit every single day. Its all about balance as they say.

Sometimes it will be too hot to run. When Cynthia tweets you during her own weekly long run to advise you to stay at home it's definitely one of those times. Cynthia never says don't run so when she does it must be brutal out there!

Missing a scheduled long run during marathon training isn't great and you probably won't feel good about it. But hell, sometimes these things happen and in the grand scheme of things your health and safety are more important and there is lots of training left to go. Lesson learned: Get up earlier. Other lesson learned: Don't take life so seriously, none of us get out alive anyway!

Being physically active and trying new things (like a brick workout) is a huge perk of vacation. I had lots of time to run, bike, hike and not feel constrained by a clock or a schedule. Very cool and I can't wait until August to do it again!

On the flip time you have got to make time to just relax on vacation. Laying around is great for the mind, body and soul.

Getting back to regularly schedule programming can be tough. Thank goodness I have a bootcamp class to get me on track tonight. But more about that later...


To those celebrating, happy 4th of July!

Enjoy your Monday (holiday or not) everyone!


So tell me, how do you plan to spend your summer vacation this year?

Marathon Training Week 3: 24 Hour Relay Edition

Well here we are, at the end of yet another very busy week. Lot's has happened in the last 7 days, including the official arrival of summer (yippee!) and an epic all nighter full of running, refueling and fun.

Here's how the week went:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Yoga (20min)
Wednesday: Spinning (40min) Abs (10min)
Thursday: Taught HIIT training (40 min)
Friday: Taught Cycle Pump
Saturday and Sunday: Ran 19.5km

Distance Ran: 19.5km

Here's what I learned:

Some weeks will have more cross training then others. What will ultimately matter is the full balance of running, strength training etc. over the entire training period

Running a 24 hour relay one lap at a time is multi-purpose training: speed, distance and mental strength

Blog friends are completely amazing! Both Vanessa and Aneta showed up and ran laps for our team at this weekend's event. Their contribution to the effort was absolutely priceless and it was great to hang out with both of them as well as officially meet Aneta for the first time.( Unfortunately I failed as a blogger and somehow didn't get a picture with either of them. Duh!)

Sometimes you will start out with the same attitude (and cool shades) at the beginning of a relay that you finish with. The event changes you but not that much.

Running all out for a lap then resting for upward of 30 minutes to a few hours is taxing on your body. At times that one lap (1.4km) can feel harder then the 1/2 marathons that you ran last year. Thankfully you have great friends and an excited atmosphere to keep you going all day and night. (Cynthia kicked major ass and ran 20 laps for our team, including some key ones overnight when we needed the support the most)

You can find a second (and third and fourth wind) and even manage to pull out 3 laps in a row 25 hours after arriving at the park. You dig deep, you bring your boyfriend along for one of them, you play hopscotch at the end if you have to. Bottom line is you do what you gotta do to get it done. What a great mental lesson for a runner like me who notoriously gets hit with doubts and frustrations out on the road.



That's some serious early morning hop-scotching!

You'll run without an iPod and like it! You knew??

Running is great. Running for charity is even better. But nothing, and I mean nothing is better then finishing that very last lap


Runners are amazing. One of our teammates was able to recruit a group of awesome running buddies to come in at midnight and run laps until morning at the last minute and they were nothing but cheerful and positive about the entire thing. Talk about support from like-minded people! I am so impressed and appreciative of these runners who helped carry us through the late hours of the night.

Your amazing team made of of coworkers, friends, blog friends and running buddies will pull out 283kms in 24 hours, impress the hell out of everyone around and win the award for most laps for the second year in a row. This was truly team work at its finest!

Thoughts after week three:

Running with a purpose other than simply training changes the entire experience and your outlook. I can't say it enough; I am so impressed that so many people who don't work for my company came out to support us and run laps for hours on end. I am so glad to say I was in the company of these fantastic and giving people and it truly left a lasting impression on me. Running is so much more then fitness. It's friendship too and for that I'll continue to lace up my sneakers even after the toughest of runs.

What a great weekend!!


So tell me, what has left a lasting impression on you lately?

Marathon Training Week Two: Timing is Everything

Another week has flown by (can you believe we are nearing the end of June already?) and its time for another training recap.

Here's a break down of how the week went:

Monday: 6k run
Tuesday: 4.5k hill training (3x600m + warmup and cool down)
Wednesday: off
Thursday: off
Friday: off
Saturday: 6k run
Sunday: 15k

Distance ran: 31.5k

Here's what I learned:

Sometimes you are not in the mood to workout. If you are normally quite active just go with it. Your body or your mind is trying to tell you they need a break. Let it happen. You'll be back on track in no time.

Attempting a long run after 10am in the morning in June is bad idea. I made it 6km and called it a day. Listening to my body say "its too hot" was the best thing I did for myself that day

Learning that the 10/1 training method (run for 10 minutes, walk for 1 minute) may be the most beneficial to get you through the 26.2 miles you have coming up in October

Running hills might be the worst thing that has ever happened to your lungs/legs/life but that probably means that they are really good for you (Whatever doesn't kill you right??)

Running for incentive makes running more tolerable. Enter the bait...

Staying hydrated throughout the week really makes a difference in how much water you feel the need to consume on your run. It was hotter this week and I actually drank less because I wasn't parched.

After running a long run, playing with the little members of your family and eating copious amounts of delicious foods you might want to fall flat on your face and take a nap. I feel your pain lil' man..

Thoughts after week two:

Looking good. Training to 10/1 seems like it will make the daunting distance of the marathon a lot more manageable because its broken up into intervals. I am not looking at over all time or kilometres but just getting through to the next walk break.

So tell me, how was your weekend? Do anything fun for Father's Day?

Marathon Training Week One: Eat Right, Drink Right

Here we are after a busy week, that among other things, included training for my marathon. It's funny how life gets super busy all at once huh? C'est la vie!

A breakdown of the week:

Monday: Taught Tabata (50min)
Tuesday: Recovery Run 5k
Wednesday: Spinning (30min) Strength (15min)
Thursday: Unplanned Rest Day
Friday: Taught Cycle Pump (50min)
Saturday: Long Run 14k
Sunday: Rest

Distance Ran: 19k

Here's what I learned:

Eating nutrient dense meals get you the most bang for your buck and are essential for training (and overall health and wellness). This salad includes mixed greens, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, tomatoes, cucumber, grilled chicken breast, whole wheat pasta and goat cheese.

Unlike loading up on nutritious food, over doing it by guzzling too much water when running is bad. No one wants to actually hear sloshing from their stomach when they run, trust me.

Keeping track of training is a great motivational tool. Thank you Runners World for my free training log!

Learning to run at (or below) "race pace" can be really tough at first. First it means finding race pace (6:30-6:45 per kilometre) then holding back when you want to run faster.

Trusting your Garmin to reflect said race when running between office towers isn't always the greatest idea. I saw it jump from 7:00/km to 3:45/km in a few steps (and believe me that I do not run at 3:45/km...ever!)

Cross training is essential and a lot of fun and should be a part of your training plan to stave off injury and boredom (I prefer spinning and strength training and aim for 2x per week)

You can never really start practicing your race day photo face too soon. Get ready for that close up baby!

Thoughts after week one:

 So far, so good. Training in the summer is going to be challenging but in a good way. I am looking forward to the progress I make in the coming weeks and really pushing my own limits a little.

So tell me, whats one thing that you learned this week? What's in your dream salad? 

Marathon Training Kick Off

Today I welcomed the official start of marathon training with a laid back 10.5km run through the city. Coming back from somewhat of a running hiatus I wanted to ease back onto both distance and pace. On top of getting my stride back I also recognized my need to get acclimated to warmer temperatures again and made sure I felt good, had lots of water and stayed in the shade.

In sum: a great run to start of the training!! Not my best run but definitely not my worst either. A positive head space was one focus and it really worked! Now let's just hope all the future running I will need to do is a somewhat similar experience.

To be honest, despite the happy endorphins the greatest part of my day today was everything after the run. Waking up early to get solid run in early in the morning left the rest of the day to have fun!

First The Boyfriend and I headed out to run a few errands, but not without stopping for iced coffee first. Yum!

Among other things, the errands included a trip to the Running Room outlet for new sneakers. Ideally I wanted the exact same pair I'm currently sporting so guess how stoked I was to find them, in my size and for only $40?!?

Needless to say I bought two pairs. Now that should hold me over until at least late Fall

After shopping we wanted to make the most of of the warm weather and bright sunshine so we hit up a patio for some ice cold beer and a quick lunch.



They say Canada has two seasons: Winter and Patio season. I tend to agree.

Once we finished up The Boyfriend suggested that we take a little drive to a park just outside the city. There was no way I could resist; It was just way to nice to go home!

I love spending time by the waterfront. The cool breeze off the lake feels amazing on a warm early summer day and you really can't help but feel relaxed.

What a great Sunday from top to bottom!

So tell me, what was your favorite part of the weekend?

Reminder: Toronto Blogger Meetup June 12

If you are interested in receiving details for the event pleae email me (health.happiness.skinnyjeans(at)gmail(dot)com) or send me a message on Twitter @SamSkinnyJeans