Calgary Police Half - THANK YOU BANNER

This weekend is the Calgary Police Half Marathon. For a few years I ran the 5k distance of this race. Last year I took the plunge to do the HALF. It was not easy. It has a HILL from HELL. Ha! But I intend to beat my time from last year. Even if the last month of crap weather has not cooperated.

Enough about that….

It is also a GREAT time to say HEY and THANKS to our Calgary Police Service!

Michelle (my twitter pal) has arranged for a banner to be available at the Calgary Police Half expo this Friday and Saturday.  She wrote that it is a “thank you to the Calgary Police Service from the Calgary Running Community - thanking them for all they do to keep us safe while we enjoy our races”.

RIGHT ON! KUDOS to her brilliant idea!

Let our CPS know how much we appreciate all they do to keep us safe 

so we have the freedom to continue to do what we love!  

So please drop by Mount Royal University and sign the banner! Check out ALL the deets on her blog post on Fine Fettle Frets! 

My Week...so far SO GOOD!

This week has kinda of been STELLAR! And it's only Wednesday!

It started with a decent long run on Sunday. 15km in 1:46. Not bad.

After work on Monday I ran home. It was a nice easy 5k. As soon as I arrive home, I have a package in my mail slot! I won a Endorphin Warrior bracelet from Jesica at rUnladylike! While I got the email last week....its such a thrill to get MAIL! I know I am so old school.

Tuesday I received an EMAIL from Chick'd Athletic Apparel, inviting me to be an ambassador!

Best thing about that news was that I could share it with a fellow Chick - since Cori had received a her letter last week! Two ambassadors in one city! Exciting!

What is Chick'd? It's a Canadian company that believes in community. They create fab workout wear MADE in CANADA! I am stoked to learn more about the clothing line, the company and my fellow Chicks! And, of course share with you.

So (my dozen or so) faithful readers stay tuned...deals on eco-friendly workout gear is coming your way! May will bring an updated website...and more.

I suppose that should be a good enough start to any week. But nooooo

This morning I met my pal Tom (who is way faster  than me) for a run. He was slumming with me. We went out for a run sometimes we just do laps of the hilly Union Cemetery. but this time he took me off track into the trails that overlook the city. It's like being on the TRAILS! Not a fast run...but the single track terrain doesn't allow for speed! Check out the route here.

Then I got a call from a client who LOVED the rewrite I did on their website. Normally I wouldn't care so much. But given the client hired me to re-jig the site, then said do NOT change the content. ummmm....no. I was so glad they liked what I proposed!

And then I got a email from Fit Approach. Inviting me to be an ambassador!!! Thank you for including me in such a FAB organization that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Who wouldn't want to be part of an enthusiastic group that’s mission is to, “sweat hard, play hard, and inspire those around them to achieve their best selves”. This San Francisco organization is spreading love, support and to those who love to sweat. I know it will help inspire me! I will definitely be doing a blog on THIS news soon.

Let's see...what else? Oh yes. I received a call for a job interview. Sorry no deets here. Not jinxing a thing. More on that (hopefully) later!

And last thing that happened today? Calgary Marathon unveiled race medals and race shirts!! Oh yes. End the day with race bling. And a nice chat with John Stanton, founder and owner of Running Room. Good times.

Really not much going on for the rest of the week. I have some work. I have a package pickup (oooh exciting!!!) and a half marathon on Sunday. Have a FAB week, my peeps!

2.6 miles to honour Boston

I often have Tuesdays off. So Cori and I have been trying to make a habit of a lunchtime run to fit into her work and run schedule. And ensure we are staying on track!  We chat about work, life, her girls, my lack of social life and running and races.

Today I was REALLY happy we were running. I needed it. Yesterday's awful events really affected me. Deep sadness for the thousands of people who were in Boston to participate in an exciting, fun, fabulous, damn hard event that is MAJOR! The tragic bombings ruined something that has been a part of their day to day training (and life) for the past year. And for many, for a lot more than "just a year".

This race is all about symbolism. Most runners cannot even qualify. I read somewhere that less than 10% of those who run a marathon can qualify for Boston. This is an event that showcases the "fasties". It epitomises (to me) a great history of marathons, the celebration of running, the journey of GETTING THERE and so much more. I am filled with admiration, envy and excitement for those who qualify and make that trip! But yesterday, someone took the thrill, excitement, and wonderful away from a lot of amazing people. And those of us who were not in Boston (whether you run or not) watched in horror as the events unfolded.

Today's run started with a hug. Then a small pressie - Cori made us blue and yellow ribbons to wear! Then she told me the plan (which was going to be speed). Instead she told me she mapped out a 2.62 miler. PERFECT! Today was about loving the run. Knowing what it can DO for you. Loving how it makes you feel. 

Funny both of us couldn't find our marathon shirts to wear. So She dug out her GOOFY shirt, and I had on a long sleeve blue under the only yellow run shirt I have (my volunteer shirt from the Calgary Marathon). 

The wind was COLD...still a lot of snow on the ground, but it was a good pace. we even had a few hills! I think we kept a good pace. Plowed through the inclines and just enjoyed the pace. And as we usually do...talked about Boston and a few upcoming races. Which ones to do. Which ones to turf. We both have a looong bucket list!!!! The lotto would help us both in being able to stop working and just go do all the good races...

It was a good run. Not an insane pace. WE couldn't really go flat out...the side walks are still  covered in ice and snow. UGH!!! Spring...get here STAT!!! But it felt great to just run. At the end of the run we had a bit of a laugh. As we ran past the electronic entrance gate, some guy leaving the parkade rolled down his window asking is this the finish line? HA!

Great run. Can't wait for next week's run date!

Read Cori's Post about our run here

Be Kind!

Today did not turn out like it was supposed to. 

What should have been a day of celebration turned into some that made all of us sad, mad and confused. 

I wandered onto a bookstore and I picked up a book. 'An Awesome Book' by Dallas Clayton. It didn't make it all better but it made me smile. And, It appealed to me. A LOT. What does it say about me that I a grown woman, with no children, loves children's books. Especially ones colourful and lovely as this one. 

I looked him up when I got home. He made my heart a littler lighter. And, I thought I would share with you, my few readers. I hope he speaks to you in some way... 

www.dallaclayton.com

Be kind to the wishers who haven’t got wishes.

Be kind to the fishers who haven’t got fishes.

Be kind to the beginners who haven’t got ends.

Be kind to the strangers who haven’t got friends.

Be kind to the walkers who haven’t a shoe.

Be kind to the talkers who haven’t a clue.

Be kind to the outsiders and insiders too.

Be kind to the kind kept confined in the zoo.

Be kind in your mind and in all that you do

And you’ll find that mankind can be kind to you too!

3 more sleeps...oh Nuun #pickmepickmepickme

Just 3 more sleeps til Nuun announces its Hood to Coast team!  I am trying to be cool, and tell myself, "If I get in, I get in!" I blogged about my application here! I am surprised at my nervousness. I am excited. I am worried I will be crushed if I am not picked. I have had too much personal ick lately. I need more good. And running is my good.

And, it is my birthday (a number I am ignoring) in a couple weeks. This would be the MOST amazing gift EVER!

I have loved watching the other applicants videos. And reading some new blogs. I just have no idea. Maybe just maybe my video made a few people laugh, and convinced the fab Nuun peeps I really am perfect for this amazing adventure. To apply you needed to be female, be an active blogger, love nuun, be REALLY fun (check, check, check, check-a-rooonie!). eeek! Fingers crossed!! Good Luck my fellow nuun lovers!

#nuunhtc #pickaCaNUUNdian #nuunlove

I like to think that this adventure of applying had reminded me of how far I have come. How I should celebrate my journey. And no matter what the outcome keep moving forward!

I have come from being pooped (and practically needing a laydown) to loving to get out and run 10kms, 10milers, halfmarathons. In two weeks I'll run my 15th halfmarathon since 2011!

That first pic was taken October 2010 after running 10km in 81 minutes. The second was in July 2011 just before running 10km in 70 minutes. My PB was last September in 62 minutes! Woot!

And a last year took a halfmara from 2:35 to 2:24

I will destroy that time this year. 

 I just keep running! 

And loving it!

♥♥♥♥♥♥

Fab Friday! in honour of Boston

I am in AWE of those Boston Marathoners!

(See me kneeling and chanting We're not worthy!)

Saw this online week...it SO needs to be on a shirt! 

Maybe one day I will run "it". But first I would have to shave off an hour off my marathon time. So for now I am happy to run a halfmarathon. And chase the elusive 2hr mark on THAT first. I will run another marathon for sure... just not sure I will ever 'BQ'! Maybe in a few years I could be there. But if I never get there, that is ok too.

In honour of Those amazing souls I ardently admire and envy, I shall watch Run Fatboy Run tonight! Seriously funny, silly and starring Simon Pegg. Need I say more?

And then on Sunday 

I am gonna run my heart out 

and try to run the best damn 10miler I can muster. 

Would You Rather?

In the past couple weeks I have discovered a LOT of new blogs. Maybe due to APPLYING the Nuun Hood to Coast team. Maybe just what I was watching on Twitter...anyways. I have found some good reads!

I found OliveToRun and I loved her Running Survey Post.(And when I saw that Run.Stretch.Repeat posted it, I thought I would too!) So with thanks and gratitude I am reposting here....with MY answers to her questions!

1. Would you rather run a 5k or a marathon?
2. Would you rather run in the heat of summer or the icy winter?
3. Would you rather have new running shoes or a new running outfit?
4. Would you rather run alone or in a group?
5. Would you rather run next to someone in a race who tries to talk to you constantly or someone who breathes heavy and grunts?
6. Would you rather run a race because of the convenience (location, price, travel) or the swag?
7. Would you rather run a race with a group of friends or by yourself?
8. Would you rather run a PR but result in an injury or finish strong and missing a PR?
9. Would you rather eat a big meal the night before or a big meal after a race?
10. Would you rather be chased by a swarm of bees or a pack of dogs?

Drum Roll....and now the Answers!

1. Would you rather run a 5k or a marathon?

Honestly the true answer is a HALFMARA. Since 2011, I have run 14. I am running #15 on April 28, #16 May 10, and #17 May 28. I am running a 5k on my BIRTHDAY (gasp May 2!!). So if pressed to pick the 5k or mara..right this minute...maybe I say 5k. But i have run 2 marathons. And I am planning to do another next year! Right now I need to get speed up. I want to do a mara in under 4:30. (see? So far from a BQ...but I still feel amazing after!). So wait. Indecisive kicks in...

NOT my fav condition to run in...just sayin

2. Would you rather run in the heat of summer or the icy winter?

I am CANADIAN. So I pick Winter. My worst marathon ever was running 42.2 in +35C (95F). Can I say NEVER again? The heat not the mara! Though I run rain or shine. 

3. Would you rather have new running shoes or a new running outfit?

New Shooz all the way! 

4. Would you rather run alone or in a group?

SpringRun with @khourianya

I much prefer running in a group. But, mostly, I run alone. I don`t have many peeps who run my pace, so I better get used to running sans pack! Once a week lately have been running with Cori! Hills and Speed work are better with a friend. Because neither of you will quit!! 

5. Would you rather run next to someone in a race who tries to talk to you constantly or someone who breathes heavy and grunts?

HA! that is awesome. The grunter would be WAY more entertaining.I would have to then repeat noises to my pals at finish line or over a bevvie after! Maybe the talker is a creepy talker? That could result in you running a lot faster to get away from #runcreep?

6. Would you rather run a race because of the convenience (location, price, travel) or the swag?

It comes down to price and location for me. I am super tight with $$ right now. So I have to stick close to home. I often volunteer to get race entry too! My race decisions are based on VALUE for the entry fee! 

7. Would you rather run a race with a group of friends or by yourself?

@drCAlberta always has that look when I take pics!

My pal Calli and I (she lives 3 hours away) pick runs to do together! We just ran the Pub 317 half mara (my first AMERICAN race!) and will be doing the Kelowna Wine Country Half  in September (hello winery run!)

Next month I actually have several pals joining me a for a Birthday Run! A group of friends, all of different fitness levels and abilities are joining me for a 5km run most of my local pals are short distance runners. It will be fun to get a few people I know all together for a fun run followed by a drink! IT is the FIRST time the SportSkirts Skirt Chaser has come to Canada (handy that The FIRST time this run occurs is actually on my BDAY! The race organizers really were thinking of me!) 

 Normally I sign up with one or two pals. And we are all diff distances. Tara only runs 5k. I normally run 10k for short, normally pick halfmara! Sometimes I have been fortunate to run into running pals like Cori at races so have done a couple 10kms with her! Plan is coooking for us to run together this fall to PB a half! And, I think we will do a mara together next year. The Calgary Mara turns 50. It is a must do!   

8. Would you rather run a PR but result in an injury or finish strong and missing a PR?

Always finish strong. Never injury. You do NOT want to know 'bitchy i havent been running Tina'! 

9. Would you rather eat a big meal the night before or a big meal after a race?

Define BIG. I will eat before a race. But an early meal. Not huge, but tasty fuel. After...well give me two hours and I am ravenous. Right after a race i am never hungry. But I am a smoothie gal! Love one after a run for instant refuelling! oh! and Pancakes after a big run! oh my!!! 

10. Would you rather be chased by a swarm of bees or a pack of dogs?

Jesus. Two things I am afraid of. Dogs I guess. Like Cori and Lindsay picked! (Glad I am not the only one with a big ass phobia of bees!!) Maybe the dogs only wanna play, right?? 

What would you do? 

Lemme know! 

Wednesday Workout: Hills

Best Pic EVAH! 

Today I ran with someone who is a natural runner. He is fast. As in without training or trying much he can run 10km in 40 mins, whereas I take 62 mins.

But he hasn't been running for months. And asked if I wanted to run some hills. Sure!!! And I nearly pulled the plug an hour before we were supposed to meet. Then I realized that even if I ran the cemetery hills alone, I was doing the GD things.

So off we go. Tom didn't run ahead, but instead he kept peppering me with questions. Like what are you eating, where you been training, what do you think when you run downhill. HUH. DUDE. I just let my legs go and run the SOB. I dunno is that a RIGHT answer? hahahah.

It was clear he held back, but is coming back from injury so is not keen to push. I on the on the other hand was eyeing my pace. And if it dropped below 6:30 per km (even on the uphill climb) I was pushing to kill it. I even passed him on the downhills a few times. I know he ws taking it easy. But I could see it was still a good workiout for him. HE was sweating with the oldie, for sure! Oh wait. He is older than me!!!! :-)

In the end, 4.5 km of big ol rolling hills and uneven terrain. And in about 29 minutes. Not Bad for a soon to be 45 year old. This week I had been feeling sluggish and lame in running (freeing rain and snow didn't help much either). Today got me out there and back on the oh HELL yeh wagon.

Looking forward to my next run. Gotta get up at 630 am (uuuuugggghhhhh) to get in a nice run before work!

Abort the Run! Abort!!!

Woke up this morning at 7. Ready to run. Primed for a long run. 10 miles or bust. It's grey. GREY. Like Toronto grey. Not blue skies prairie spring day. But I gotta get er done. So off I go.

Holy S%$^*()()_!!! Eff You mother nature. Seriously. GLARE ICE. We do NOT get ice storms like eastern coast. Oh, but apparently we DO today. On my morning to run. GRRRR. I am not stopping I keep going. Thought for pretty much the first 15 minutes I am walking on glare ice. I think to myself: 'The pathways will be better...' And finally I find some grass and trail (sounds better than grassy boulevard don't you think?) so that I can get moving.

And then i have to cross an overpass. I take 3 steps onto overpass and immediately SLIDE BACKWARDS. I get ahold of the bannister and pretty much pull myself up the first part of the overpass. I figure 'oh its just slippy...the path on the other side will be better'. Then the downhill part...i have hands on bannister and I SLIDE right down the entire downhill part. and then trying to maintain balance wipe out where the bridge ends and pathways begins. It was rather comical. Except for the wiping out part. Good think no one was there to film it. Or see.

View from the Path!

I get back onto the pathway. And immediately decide to run alongside on the grassy trail. Its realy foggy, but beautiful. And not really that cold! So for the next 6 km its a great run. With the exception of the wipe out part. And the slipping every time I stepped onto the path. Really it was sheer (literally!) treachery.

I get a good sweat on. But honestly it was getting slippier out and I packed it in. It just was unsafe. I do not want to pike out on a run. But as I sit here at home more now is falling on top of the ice that is already there.

Of course it IS Calgary. And spring. And probably this will all be gone tomorrow. I hope. I need to get a good run in. I pisses me off to stop running. But if I hurt myself  (whoohoo ice on the pathways!! Subdural Haematomas for everyone!!!) I am screwed for the next few months of running. Better to be safe.

And frustrated.

Melt damn you. I will try again tomorrow.

Craving Chocolate? Try This Pudding!

The other day I had a crazy craving. Chocolate pudding. When I went to a local natural foods store to pick up a few essentials. And lo and behold they were sampling a pudding they had whipped up. Six ingredients. Super Easy. You can DO it, said the sign.

I tried the pudding and instantly though, hells yeh I am so making that. Grabbed the recipe and looked at it and pretty much had EVERY ingredient at home. OK Community Health. I am so trying this.

Chocolate CHIA Seed Pudding

11/2 cup almond milk (or soy if you wish)
1/3 cup Chia Seed
2 TBSP cocoa powder
1 TBSP vanilla
2 TBSP Maple Syrup or @ drops Stevia (OPTIONAL!)

Mix with whisk or immersion Blender for a few seconds. Chill for 2 hours. Bring out 15 mins before serving. Top with FRESH raspberries for extra yumminess!

ENJOY.

Pity I have made this twice now and NEVER taken a photo. It sort of has the consistency of rice pudding. But tastes ultra chocolatey and is really tasty. Gets rid of a sugary craving right away.

Note: I am not vegan. I love my meat. I drink milk...i just love tasty food. And THIS my friends is awesomely delicious!! 

So While snooping for other chia recipes I came across a Quick and Easy Chia Seed Recipes for SHAPE Magazine. Good ideas for someone like me who is unfamiliar on what the heck to do with Chia Seeds!

And then I found Fat Free Vegan Kitchen. The author, Susan Voisin, has a ton of great ideas for sugar-free, flour-free deserts! yummy. Check it out! Check her out!

And, if you have some great ideas for Chia Seed...send em my way! :-)

Photo of Chia Seed Pud from Fat Free Vegan Kitchen

What Are YOU doin May 2: My Birthday Run

In ONE month I have a birthday. One that seems like a BIG number. I am trying to forget the number and concentrate on it being a FUN DAY. A Run Day!

I think the idea of the Skirt Sports Skirtchaser sounds like a HOOT! 

 ❤Come out ❤Don a skirt❤Chase a skirt❤ 

oh YES! On May 2nd at 6pm there is a easy peasy 5km run down near the river path! Be there or be square. Come join me. Register HERE!

I am going to spend my morning getting a massage, then going down to the site to volunteer. Look for me handing out pint glasses and bibs. I'll be sporting my NEW Skirt Sports running skirt! And maybe a t-shirt. I am looking forward to working with the TransRockies peeps.

This is the FIRST time the Skirt Sports Skirtchaser has come to Canada! So excited!! It was SO nice of the race organizers to plan a run on my birthday, dontcha think? Seriously a quickie run. Then some beer and love music!!! And, if you don't wanna run, or cannot...you can come to the Block Party. All for the price of 15 bucks you get food and 2 drinks. And a chance to party with some FAB 5km runners. BARGAIN!!

See you there!