Yeti: SnowShoeing Fun!

All of last week I was thinking WHAT was I thinking. Signing up for a race. The Yeti Race. A snowshoe race. When I have never put on a pair of snowshoes. Indeed.

Oh what the hell. Go with it right? It will be a cross training exercise. It will be trying something new. Branching out. Kinda like I did a few years ago with 5Peaks. And since Yeti is being presented by 5Peaks.

It was lovely and not very cold at all! It's been above 0Celcius all week. JOY!! But with that comes ice...but the snowshoes will be way grippier than running on the snow anyways. OMG. I am so going to bite it on the ski hill.

Yes...I forgot that part. Running up and then down the ski hill. HAHAHAHAHAHA.

The view as we got there to register...

I got my pal Tara to sign up with me! Power in numbers right!! We spent most of the time before the race staying warm in the day lodge....wondering how this was gonna go... and admiring out matching Sasquatch shirts (funny we didn't realize we had both got em...so cute)

And then it was time to #getonthesnow and the the Yeti begin! 

But first a little jacking around... or is that getting our balance? 

 I think we were leaning on each other cause we were afraid of us falling over!! 

And then we were off! 

And going up the hill...

It was a shorter run. less than 5k. 

We got one the first lap and came round to do the second. 

But Tara and I missed a short loop and took off about half a kilometre. Even in doing that we were lapped by some of the amazing fasties out there. 

It is a heck of a workout and really easier than I thought I might be. 

It was so AWESOME and fun and cannot wait for the next race! I really wish there were a few more closer to Calgary ... maybe I will drive to Edmonton for one of theirs! 

Of course after the race there was some fun...warm bevvies, and prizes!! 

Yes...beer and protein! Pure Awesome! 

Have you signed up for a Yeti Race? 

YOU SHOULD! 

#getonthesnow 

Would You Rather?

Welcome to the New Year...yes...I know it's been here for a while!

Today I was catching up on some bloggy reading and I came across THIS fun read from Cori at olivetorun.com! I loved her post, so I thought it only fair that I play along!

May I present without further ado....

#1. Would you rather run in a thunderstorm or a snowstorm?
This is easy. Snow all the way....Perhaps that is because I am Canadian (see proof below!!). But I would easily say I won't run in a thunder shower. Rain, yes...no prob. But lightning comes with thunder. So no way jose!

#2. Would you rather breathe through your nose or breathe through your mouth?
Ok. this is a odd one. Normally i am a nose breather. And, if you know me WELL...you know that I sometimes make jokes about mouth breathers. THAT said...i go running i am a mouth breather, then! HA!!

#3. Would you rather do 100 squats or 100 crunches? [Now take a break and go do them. ;)]
Oh crap....i think it will be crunches. though I should do both!

And while I am doing them, I need "BESTIE" to help me out....yelling at me to do more...and quite whinging!

#4. Would you rather have a baked good for dessert or an extra serving of your favorite entree?
If you are offering me a macaron, then I am all over that!!! Otherwise it might be a little more of my main...

#5. Would you rather run on a treadmill for an hour or run around the same street block for an hour?
I friggin hate the treadmill! I have run 5k in -35Celcius...so I can do a quick run outside. I might have to come in to warm up in a subzero enviro...but outside all the way for me.

#6. Would you rather have a headache during a run or a side stitch? 
Being a sufferer of migranes, I have to say I will take a stitch. You can walk it off!

#7. Would you rather have a rest day on a work day or a day off? 
I would def rather have a rest day on a work day. On a day off I usually love to do a long run!

#8. Would you rather be a race director or a race volunteer?
Volunteer all the way....This shot is one froma  superhero themed run last fall...it was WAY too much fun.

#9. Would you rather spend your money on running gadgets [HRM, GPS watch, Headphones] or running shoes?
Running shoes all the way! I do love my watch and ipod, but shoes are so my favourite!

#10. Would you rather run in a relay or do the run portion of a distance triathlon?
I am not a strong swimmer (though i was a fish back as a teen!) and do not own a bike. So I am all over doing the running leg....who wants to do a relay??

So what about you??

What would you rather....

#OneChange: Vega One Nutritional Shake

What's your Profile?

I have a confession. I skip breakfast. Sometimes. Too Often. I know better.

I'm not one for eating when I get up. I don't like to eat much before I run. And, if I am being honest...I HATE getting up hours before I run in order to eat. I would rather sleep. soooooo Then I eat a bigger lunch. OR sometimes I am starving on a long run. So. That means that I really do need to be more mindful of my diet. Especially with marathon training looming.

My #OneChange for 2014 is to eat better breakfasts. Be mindful of how I fuel my body which in turn help be be stronger and healthier. Vega challenged the #SweatPink Community to take part in the #OneChange initiative! Thanks to Vega, I was sent a package of Vega One Nutritional Shake to try. Just after New Years I got the package! 10 packs of the shake to try....


So what is Vega One Shake? It's a dietary supplement that includes 50% daily intake of vitamins and minerals, 15 g protein, 6 g fiber, 1.5 g Omega-3, antioxidants, probiotics and greens. According to the website:

The plant-based ingredients that make up the Green and Protein Blend in a serving of Vega One provide the equivalent of 3 servings of vegetables. Depending on the flavour, a serving contains between 123 - 141 calories. When mixed with fruit, juice, rice/hemp milk, or blended with your favourite smoothie or healthy shake, Vega One can provide an effective nutrient boost to start your day.

Vega One Nutritional Shake is #OneChange you can make to help you stride through your busiest schedule, knowing you’ve got your nutritional bases covered—quickly and deliciously. You can simply mix it in a smoothie or shake and go! 

Hmmm. ok. I shall give it a go. It will be#onechange to help me get back into better breakfasty habits!

The first time I tried I just used water with the shake mix. I figured it needed to be tried plain. It was greener than I thought it would be. But the taste wasn't bad. A bit 'chalky'. But I find that with most drinks.

I decided that I needed to try a little juice with the shake.  Next morning I mixed 50% water with my Naked Greens Juice. It was good. Very Green. But, I like that flavour. I made that two more mornings. What I really liked was that after I drank the shake, I stayed "full" and didn't feel like snacking ...victory!

I will admit that I have been super busy and not enough time to go get groceries in between juggling a couple jobs. I tried the shake with almond milk, quite tasty. I also found some mango and berries in my freezer. Check! I should have gone shopping! 

I also have a handy hand shaker so i could take a package with me to work (especially on a couple 5am work mornings) where I could have a shake an hour after I started work. When I did that I shook it up with milk, or juice/water combo. 

Then last weekend when I had a longer run coming up. SO I decided to make sure I had the right ingredients to make my FAV after run concoction. Only I added the shake. Easy. I just tossed in a banana, milk and a tablespoon of PB! 

It was delish! 

I have to say that really enjoyed the taste of the Vega One Shake. I liked how if I had it before a run, it didn't upset my sensitive tummy. I didn't feel hungry and had good energy. This was ONE change that was easy. I will not have it every day for breakfast, but I have been having it a few days. Especially on those hurry days. And, it is especially useful for me on longer run days. That way I have a shake, go run 10 or more kilometres and feel good. And not all snacky after. Or if Iafter a run, this is a perfect treat!  Thanks Vega! 

What changes have you made to help you stick to your health and wellness goals this year?

I received one box of Vega One Nutritional Shake to sample in exchange for a review/promotional post. 

The opinion presented here are solely my own. 

2014 Race Schedule. Sort of.

Things I wanna do. Am gonna do. And. Things I am not sure of.

wow. That's specific.

That is really what this blog post should be called. I only have 6 races this year determined. The rest are all UP in the air.

The runs in BOLD are the ones I am in for. 

NOTE the two Vancouver runs (totally stoked)!  I will have much more to write on my Vancouver adventures in the coming weeks...I do not have all the plans ironed out but you will be the first to know when I do! 

1.  Run for L'Arche Half Marathon - Calgary, AB - March 22, 2014

2.  Calgary Police Half Marathon - Calgary, AB - April 27, 2014 

3.  SkirtsSport Skirt Chaser 5km - Calgary, AB - May 1, 2014 (date not confirmed)

4.  BMO Vancouver Half Marathon - Vancouver, BC - May 4, 2014

5.  Rocky Mountain Soap Company Womens Run 10km - Canmore, AB - May 24, 2014

     Rocky Mountain Soap Company Womens Run 10km - Canmore, AB - May 25, 2014

6.  Calgary Marathon - 42.2km - Calgary, AB - June 1, 2014

7.  Vancouver Rock n' Roll Half Marathon - Vancouver, BC - October 26, 2014


Still on the MAYBE GOTTA DECIDE I HAVE NO CLUE list:

HI Canada Spring Trio 15km - Calgary, AB - April 13, 2014 (maybe - I'm to do 29k that
day)

5Peaks Canmore - Canmore, AB - June 14, 2014 (6k or 11k - what to do?!)

North Face Rundle's Revenge - 25km - Canmore, AB - (this was cancelled last year due to floods). Debating on it... RnRSeattle, Banff Mara, oh I soooo dunnoooooo

Stampede Road Race Half Marathon - Calgary, AB - July 6, 2014

5Peaks Confederation Park - Calgary, AB - July 19, 2014 (8k or 12k - what to do?!)

5Peaks Fish Creek - Calgary, AB - August 9, 2014 (9k or 16.5k - what to do?!)

5Peaks Canmore - Canmore, AB - September 13, 2014 (7k/14k/21k 9k - what to do?!)

Harvest Half Marathon - Calgary, AB - October 14, 2014

Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV - November 16, 2014

Big News of the 42.2 Kind!

The last few years have been a heck of a journey with the Calgary Marathon.

I have gone from finishing a 5km race to powering through to tackle a 10km. Then a couple years ago I had a crazy idea to run a marathon. I will never EVER forget the feeling of crossing that finish line. Uh-MAY-zing. Last year's half marathon was pretty fantastic, too! It wasn't a personal best, but it was my best finish of the year. As soon as I finished last year's race I began thinking about 2014. After all it would be the 50th anniversary of the Calgary Marathon. A 50th birthday? This is gonna be BIG! Can you imagine the bling?

By the end of the half marathon I pretty much decided that I should  run the marathon. What a better way to celebrate a Golden Anniversary of a marathon than to run through your FAB city? Hmmm. And, then I attended the launch of the 50th Anniversary party in September ...

and I saw THIS poster: 

Yup. Decision. Made. 

You betcha. I'm in. Marathon. 42.2km. June 1, 2014.

Aaand, I am pretty chuffed to say that 

I am an Ambassador for the Calgary Marathon! 

I have been named a Calgary Marathon ForeRUNNER! (Check out my bio here)!

To be truthful, these folks are fast, and accomplished. I am neither. But, am feeling that we all share some of the same determination. And, I am definitely excited to meet them at the coming events. The first being the route unveiling on January 15th! Getting to know more about them, following their training and blogs will definitely be motivating and a good way to keep me on track. And for me, writing about my training will also keep me accountable. (Now I just have to finish up my training plan!)

This is going to be an amazing race! The EVENT of the SEASON! It is Canada's oldest marathon, after all...and we Albertans do know how to party. I am pretty thrilled to be a part of all the awesome celebrations in the next 6 months. oh yeh...and the marathon, too! 

Now...a costume. Gotta represent a decade! Any ideas? One that includes one of my fabby sparkle athletic skirts, natch! Lemme know what you are thinking!! 

Wanna read more about the 2014 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon ForeRUNNERS? 
Check out their blogs! 

Michelle Christoffersen

Peter Mitchelmore
Lindsay Goldthorpe

Crystal Rhyno
Leigh Debenham

Lindsey Allen
Karen Cooksley
Terry Toffelmire
Martin Parnell

Krista Lynn Elder

and ME! :-)

On Twitter, check out Calgary Marathon and follow along the party 
with ME!
 #runYYC #SCM #SCMForeRUNNERS

C'mon! What are YOU doing June 1?
Check it out...5km, 10km, 21.1km, 42.2km and 50km!
You know you want to REGISTER!

Have YOU been a race ambassador? 

What's your experience been like? 

on to 2014! #clink

So many people write about Resolutions. Making them. Breaking them. Listing them. Checking them off.

I am not once of those people. I do not make resolutions. I do make lists. But not always in regards to fitness. Usually. I prefer to make goals. And, well, then keep them a secret. #nosharezies

But well this year I feel compelled to write a few. And, heck, why not give a couple of resolutions too!

Maybe I will do all these too. I like this!

I shall...

1. Read More
Read the books on my shelf, on my list, and take the time to just get back to what I love.

2. re-Organize all things Tina
I need to purge, clean and organize. STAT.

3. Be Kinder. To ME. 
This past year (if I am to be honest it has been a FEW years) of struggling and feeling frustrated with myself of the fact that I was not 'good enough' or 'fast enough' (not just in terms of running either). A few times this year I crossed a finish line thinking I had failed due to the TIME on the clock. Thankfully, I had some wonderful friends and family who kicked my arse and said something to me. I hate to even write this...but I have really struggled the past 3 months of this year with shingles and feeling poorly (and feeling like I was not successful in attaining my goals). But it is the wise words of those I love and respect telling me, "You came back, you pushed on, you FINISHED. You cannot pout!" And they are right. My struggles and perseverance and determination at my last 4 half marathons this year (Edmonton Mara, Loop Around the Lake, Harvest Half and Last Chance Half) showed me that a PB was NOT happening this year. But respect, love, admiration and persistence DID HAPPEN. And that is what I will take into marathon training. AND to the rest of my life.

which leads me to ....

4. Do more cross training. Get Stronger - body and mind.
In order to be a better runner, and to stay the course, I need to spice up my life. Yoga, Cycling, walks in the park....whatever! I have to research and find other avenues. Not sure what yet...but I shall get on it. Wish I could afford a gym membership, but I cannot. But, I am going to see what I CAN do to make it a reality. Just. Keep. Moving. Forward.

It is those two resolutions that lead me to a goal. 

June 1st. 2014. the 50th Calgary Marathon. 

Not sure why I am nervous. I HAVE done this before. Just a lotta butterflies right now.

I am letting go of a time specific race goal. I am getting out there. I am going to work hard. Like I did for my first marathon. I am going to believe, and make it happen. #believe #persevere #breathe

I cannot at this time for financial reasons commit to a ton of races to help me push my goals forward, but I am going to do my level best to get every single mile in without regret, hesitation and moan. And, I know I have a bevy of pals out there with that same goal. #lettheasskickingbegin

I also have a goal to run more trails (come spring). 

It starts in January. Trying some shoe shoeing, challenging myself to try new things and keep moving to get stronger, and stay fit! And, above all, have fun. 

Those are simple resolutions and goals. And there are many steps and miles to go. 

And I am excited, nervous and hopeful. 

YAY, 2014!

Wordless Wednesday 1005 miles!

2013 Race Recap

My Races in 2013

7 5km races (with a PB on my BIRTHDAY!) 

8 10km races  
12 half marathons (3 virtuals and 9 races)
1 15 km race
2 5milers
2 RELAYS (Sinister7 & Banff Ekiden)




I did a lot more than the #13in2013 prediction. I had really tried to do 13 halfs, but it never happened, and I am a-ok with that! I had a lot of fun tho' and signing up keeps me motivated and training! 

January (119.49 km)
Jan 26 - MEC Calgary Run - 10km

February (84.70 km)

March (123.67 km)
Mar 16 - Pub 317 Run to the Pub Half Marathon (2:30 not bad for having had to take 4 weeks off for surgery)
March 23 - St Patrick's Day Run (FUNd Run 4 Bling virtual run)

April (122.51 km)
Apr 13 - Runner Chick Run (Virtual Half Marathon)
Apr 28 - Calgary Police Half Marathon

May (153.05 km)
May 2 - Skirt Sports Skirt Chaser 5km (booyeh...under 30 mins on my 45th Bday!)
May 5 - Bunny Hop Half (Virtual Half Marathon)
May 11- Rocky Mountain Soap Company Half Marathon
May 12 - Rocky Mountain Soap Company 10km
May 26 - Calgary Marathon - Half Marathon (BEST time of year - 2:27)

June  (180.41 km)
June 8 - 5Peaks Trail Canmore (11km)
June 9 - Run Bowness 10km
June 22 - North Face Rundles Revenge 25km Trail (FLOOD - Was Cancelled!)

July (148.90 km)
July 6  - Leg 1 and 2 of Sinister 7 Ultra Marathon Relay (32.5km)
July 12 - Angus' Cattle Run - 5k

August (189.74 km)
Aug 3 - Colour Me RAD - 5km
Aug 10 - 5Peaks Trail Fish Creek (10km)
Aug 17 - Energizer Night Run - 10km (Best time of the year - 65 mins)
Aug 25 - Edmonton Marathon - Half Marathon

September (136.67 km)
Sept 7 - Dino Dash 10k
Sept 14 - 5Peaks Trail Canmore (7.5 km)
Sept 15 - Loop Around the Lake  - Half Marathon
Sept 21 - MEC Fish Creek - 15km
Sept 28 - Melissa's Road Race - (matched Best 10K time of year - 65 mins on a killer hill climb)

October (131.69 km)
Oct 5 - Harvest Half Marathon
Oc 19 - Banff Ekiden Marathon Relay - Leg 3 (4.3km) and Leg 4 (5.4km)

November (101.25 km)
Nov 2 - Banff WinterStart 5 Miler
Nov 10 - Last Chance Half Marathon

December (125.25 km)
Dec 8 - Santa Shuffle - 5km
Dec 13 - Amble With Angus - 5km
Dec 31 - Resolution Run - 5km

2013 TOTAL MILEAGE = 1617.33km (1005miles)

All in All

Not bad for a year that came started with Endometrial Ablation and ended with Shingles!

The Year of Persevere*

*as in:

*finishing a hard fought race can teach you a LOT about yourself. 

*having the courage to continue is more meaningful than a PB.

*good friends will kick you in the arse when you say crap about not being 'good enough'

*celebrate the successes, every damn one. the small ones may turn out to be the big ones.

Now Bring on 2014