Thanks CEPCANADA!

This past February I was named to TEAM CEPCANADA 2013!

As a weekend warrior athlete I was honoured to be named to the team with some really amazing elites! I am not fleet of foot, but I am a super fan of CEP compression! And even us slow kids need some compression love too!

And after picking some new CEP socks and sleeves, I was stoked to be running a few races with my CEPs!

I Wore them while travelling to and from Bozeman for my first half mara in March! Rocked out the Run for L'Arche 5Miler, Calgary Police Half, Rocky Mountain Soap Race Weekend (a half mara and a 10km), Calgary Marathon ... to mention a few!

On most of my long training runs I also wore them. I definitely wore them AFTER Edmonton Marathon (I did the half) Loop Around the Lake, Harvest Half and Last Chance Half.

Between March 17 until November 10, I ran 9 half marathon races and 3 half marathon virtual races. That's a lotta miles! On one of those races, I tacked on a 10km race the next day. Sounds crazy! It was. It was also a test to get me on the track to push my endurance. If it hurts keep going....push those legs...keep moving forward! WHY? I wanted to train harder in order to get ready for a couple trail challenges. One of which never happened due to our Floods.

In July, I ran a 32.5km trail run. eek! August brought more miles again. But after each and every one of my half marys, my legs felt pretty damn good. Sometimes those runs were hard , but i felt that my recovery was quick. And, yes, some of that comes with training ... But I credit my happy legs to my CEP Compression Socks.

I do love running in them, but I actually think I love em even more AFTER the run. I honestly think they make a a HUGE difference in recovery! After I ran Leg 1&2 of Sinister 7, I changed out of one pair of sleeves, and wore another pair for the rest of the day. I even slept with em on. Woke up to legs that were feeling pretty good. In spite of one heck of a gruelling workout!

I had a bit of a hard year this year. Got some solid running in, to be sure...two days from 2014 and I have hit 1000 miles. AWESOME. But I have battled back from a nasty shingles bout. Once that pretty much zapped all energy and ability to run faster, train smarter an sidelined my plans for a PB. But this is truly the year I learned PERSEVERANCE. And, that it, and friendships and encouragement on a run means WAY more than any PB. I didn't have a single running injury. I gained a lotta smarts along the way. AND HAD FUN! And, I like to think the pics in this post (and many on my blog) show that I did it lookin' pretty good.

I have been upset that I didn't have a year of improvement. But I have had a year of immense learning. I kept moving forward! And, in 2014, the year of the MARATHON for me (6 months til the Calgary Mara!!!), I will use those learning to train better and relax more. And keep on running with my CEPs!

I think if I were to choose ONE photo that epitomises this year, running, me, and how I feel after a run...this is it!

You can't see my FAB CEPs...but they are ON!

Thank You CEPCanada!

How do you #RockYourCEPs?

OMG!!! Mileage Update

I just added up all my mileage for the year...had to merge a couple programs and re-input some into one app that I deleted by accident...(BACK UP DATA is a resolution, I believe!). It only took several hours over the last two days...

ANYHOOO...guess what? I calculated my mileage at 1604 km...which is 996.7 miles!!! 

Now the crap thing is that is it -23C (is that -8F) outside and I need to get out there to get in a few more miles....

My sister just called and said she is going to gym. I HATE HATE the gym...but I will take treadmill over icy snow drifted streets!!

Huzzzzaaah!!! 

#13in2013: The RECAP

Last January, I decided to take up a challenge. I had read about 13in2013 from Jill at Fitness, Health & Happiness!

Seemed like a good challenge...Add I hopped on board! I was in!

Really I intended to do 13 half marathons...but I quickly realized THAT was not going to happen. 

I had a year that started with an endometrial ablasion...and ended with and awesome bout of Shingles. #superawesome No, not really! It slowed me down more than I thought and I just didn't have the $$ to travel to a few extra halfs. And our Flood didnt help either, since a couple of longer races were cancelled too! Had the Flood not happened, yes, I would have done 13 halfs. I am not making excuses. I think that I had a hella year. Just not one filled with personal best times. It was one of struggle, and perseverance. And life lessons I care NEVER to repeat. But, still, I had a heck of a year! 

So what DID I run you ask?  

6 5km races (with a PB on my BIRTHDAY!) + 1 on NYE! 

8 10km races  

12 half marathons (3 virtuals and 9 races)

1 15 km race

2 5 milers

2 relays (sinister 7 and Banff Ekiden)

So I might not have done 13 halfs...but in NO WAY can I say this was a failure. I didn't come close to my personal best time in a half. Not once. 

But I learned a lot about myself and my character and how to dig deep when you would rather cry and say, "!@#$#$%%^ it! I'm done!" 

I gained friends and learned how awesome it is to cross a finish line when it seems you might never. I learned that I have friends who know how to kick my in the arse and say, "You finished, don't cry because it isn't the time you wanted!" And THAT is what is important. I am not going to qualify for Boston. I am not crushed by this. What I am going to do is continue to to get out there and run. And, hopefully, 2014 will be the year I post a few faster times. ANd chill out about having faster times. Let the GOOD times roll!

Bring on the Fabulousness of 2014!

So yeh. Since you are curious...I AM signing on to #14in2014. But not sure what i will do....I only have a couple races planned (so FAR)  for 2014. One is a marathon. So all races have to follow "THE PLAN". The plan I still have to formulate. :-)

. 

A Holiday Message ...

Merry Christmas 

Joyeux Noel

God Jul

Mele Kalikimaka 

Nollaig Chridheil

 Feliz Navidad

Wishing you all laughter, peace and love this Holiday Season.

Did you run today? 
yup i did...still streakin'!

On my schedule...run, read, nap, baileys, cook, eat....nap. 

If it weren't for this #StridesRunStreak 

I wouldn't be getting dressed! 

That's Better....FRESH at Day22!

Yesterday's run blew. Felt like I walked. had no legs. and no matter what I did couldn't get rhythm nor could I feel IT. nada. Just felt leaden. I even said (outLOUD not even in my head), "I have no business signing up for a marathon if that's how I am gonna run!"

YIKES.....

So. Today. One Hour. Snowy pathways in the south of the City before work. Has to be better. Plus, cant give up and let a poopy mood ruin things. Oh crud. Its -23C (-10F). superUGH. But no matter I have people WAITING. so.....Let's get er done.

I get to Michelle's and Keith is already there. 

So we layer up and off we go! So here is a small pictorial of the run...

Its pretty nice. Damn Cold tho!!! Runnin on the packed snow is like running on styrofoam. Funny how I was thinking that and then Michelle said it! But when it is bitter col, the crunch of snow sounds funny. Like walking on styro! The paths were totally covered the whole way. And lots of hoar frost everywhere. Saw a GREAT tree on the path. Someone decorated it! So CUTE! I decided to wear my new Salomon XR Mission trail shoes (I won them in September at a 5 Peaks race). I am now after less than 20km LOVING them. They will be my SNOW runnahhhhhs.

Oh and the frost was not limited to the path, trees and shrubs. We were also covered in serious frost. Check out Keith's 'stache at the halfway point! Awesome!! By the end of the run my buff was frozen onto my balaclava.

This was cold but felt so GOOD compared to yesterday. Cleared my head. Got rid of stuff sitting on my chest. ANd while it is still not as fast as I would like (ha...there WAS a lotta snow out there), I am SO GLAD I got out there and did it. 

OH AND i know you will all LOVE this. 

Some of you know I am doing a running streak. It's Day 22. DONE! wootie. But part of MY runstreak challenge is to take a piece of icebreaker clothing (my tank!) and wear it. FOR THE ENTIRE STREAK. So after 22 days of running.... (actually, I need to say I last washed in late November) So I wore it even the week BEFORE the streak started. When we got back to Michelle's after the run and were settling in with a coffee...I somehow convince Michelle's Hubby to smell the icebreaker. Amazement all around that indeed, this puppy is #nostink! Awesome! 9 more days til I can wash it! 

I would like to say I was certain it would reek by now. Nope. Fresh as a spring breeze. 

Ask MH (Michelle's Hubby). He'll confirm
my Icebreaker does NOT stink! 

HURRAH for a fun run that restores you 

and reminds you WHY you get out there. 

And, that YES, 

you certainly do have the business to be 

signing up for a marathon! 

Ugly Sweater Run

Day 21 of my #stridesrunstreak was alive and kicking (or rather shuffling thru some snow) with the always Awesome Strides Running Store hosting an Ugly Sweater Run!

This holiday season I have been (thankfully) working. However juggling THREE jobs and working upwards to 75 hours during the past couple weeks has left me feeling grinchy, tired and well, not all that great. 

Michelle and I at the start.
Um. I look HORRIBLE. But at least I am super warm!

Saskia and I right at the beginning. Before she took off with the front pack!
I thought Michelle was behind me and then I turned to find her and she was gone.
But maybe she passed me. Perception this time of year is not so great.

We started off in a great group but quickly dissipated. And within a couple kilometres everyone behind me was not there. WAs there a different route? And everyone ahead of me....well they are all fast and well FAR AHEAD! So lone for most of the entire run. Usually that doesn't bother me. but it really did today. Dunno Why. Maybe Christmas Funk is setting in. For many years it has meant a LOT and I was so excited about Christmas. The past couple, not so much. After my life changed I should just celebrate it all and but a-ok with my life the way it is, but still I get very sad this time of year. 

Most times it is good. And I have fun. Especially when I have a great one-on-one with friends and family. But...on occasion...I am reminded that things are NOT what they used to be. Working on squashing that. Itis OK that it is different. But the not working part makes it very hard. 

I tried gamely to dress up, appear to have fun...and while I did AFTER the run...during was an entire matter. I actually finished that run and said, "I have no business signing up for a marathon!"

Yeh. ONE of THOSE runs. oooooooh.

A moment of sober second thought. I will not BQ. I may never. Hell may freeze over for this to happen. I am OK with this. But even still, I struggled the entire time. And if I struggled with 6 measly km, how the heck am I gonna rock 42??? bah. (Shut Up Fatty Voice!!!) Perhaps that is because I didn't see anyone I new while running. I know I am not the slowest runner, but WHERE was everyone? Ah maybe I got lost. GPS says I ran 6km. Route was sposed to be 5. HA! 

It was fun when I finished. I just spent pretty much the entire run wondering if I  was in the right direction, and wondering why I had no energy to go faster. And wishing it would warm up (It was about -20C). And wishing the GD snow would go away. And that people wouldn't drive like jerks. And hoping I wouldn't be too late for work. (I think you get the picture)

Tried out some fancy Salomon XR Missions
LOVE the funky colour.
EVEN BETTER LOVE THE FIT AND FEEL
And...the Lunatik socks felt great and kept my feet warm! 

Just a couple Km left...not sure I look happy
Was actually getting too warm! 

After the run...pie, oranges, hot chocolate, Stoked Oats Oatmeal, and prizes from 5Peaks!

Really it was a fun start to the morning....

Tomorrows run will be better

Wordless Wednesday: Stairway to Happiness

Last night a wonderful friend took me for dinner. We went to Cibo.
THIS is the staircase. Lit up for the holiday season.
It made my night (so did the good convo and a BIG ASS glass of wine)!!
Looking at this pic makes me smile.
I called it the Stairway to Happiness!! 

HAVE A GREAT DAY! 
Find your HAPPY in small things everyday

Amble with Angus! a small race recap

Friday the 13th.

Up at 6am to get downtown for a race with a 730 am start. UGH. It's -16C and I do NOT feel like running. But I am on a running streak. And there are 499 others doing this race...so get my arse there!

Have you ever felt like NOT doing something at all. And then, after doing something all on your own realize it was super awesome?

Ready to START (do I look excited?)

Funny I thought the view coming back across the river and bridge was decidedly LESS blurry! 

Aaaand FINISHED! Feels great! 

This small little race (tho is 500 small) is an amazing fundraiser for our local foodbank. 100% of all the proceeds go to the foodbank. This means ALL registration goes to the charity. THAT is kinda unheard of. And the cost of the race is a minimum $20 donation. This race is 12 years old. And I only jsut heard of it last year! LOVE IT! Can wait for the next one in July!

And given the final numbers...a lot of great folks gave a LOT more than $20. 

I didn't have my fastest race. Not by a long shot. But it's cold and slightly slippery, so  one runs slower. But I kept a nice consistent pace...and even thought at one point I was too warm! It felt nice. Good. Even invigorating at the finish. And so worth getting out of my warm cozy bed for! 

ENERGYbits Review

A couple month ago I was sent some ENERGYbits for review. I was quite excited to try it as I had a couple half marathons coming up. And, I was tired of gel and upset tummy issues.

AND then #plottwist!

I broke out in shingles. UGH. Shingles is a sucky. Little to no energy, achy, super tired and well general overall feeling like crap. I didn't feel I really could give this a try. At least not until I was feeling a bit better. So I waited a few weeks to try the bits out!

I read through all of the information that came with the tins of bits. I like what I saw. I do have a marketing and communications background, so I notice packaging and writing. I liked the look of it. Bright, clear, visually appealing. Easy to read.

I figured from what I was reading these supplements were a great alternative. Lots of bloggers were saying they were using them instead of gels. So my interest was piqued.

What ENERGYbits says:

ENERGYbits are 100% vegan, 100% raw, 100% non GMO, 100% kosher, and contain over 40 vitamins and minerals, 64% protein, Omega 3s, antioxidants, chlorophyll, nitric oxide, and more.  

When algae is taken prior to any activity, including a fitness class or workout, it improves your energy, increases your stamina, clears your mind and eliminates fatigue or hunger. When taken after a workout or any strenuous activity it also cleans out toxins, speeds recovery, reduces inflammation and helps build lean muscle. Not bad for something straight from nature that was the first plant on east 2.5 billion years ago. 

Sometimes getting moving in the morning is hard. I am not always awake before I need to go for a long run. I was totally hoping the bits would help with sluggishness. I tried em for a few days and liked how I felt. Then a pal of mine who gets a runnerbox gave me her sample, too. And, in the meantime I ordered some extra samples so I could have more than weeks worth.  I know a bit unconventional if one hasn't tried em...

But I liked what I read. 

ENERGYbits are simple. 

They are made with ONE ingredient: spirulina (algae).

Spirulina has the highest concentration of protein in the world – 64% – all in the form of essential amino acids for muscle, health and cellular growth. 

Apparently the Aztecs used spirulina. Astronauts and Olympic athletes have used it. HA! Something about that appealed. Or rather saying I had something in common with this unconventional group appealed. 

So how did I like ENERGYbits?

I had enough bits to take them for a few weeks. I have to say I took 15-30 each morning with a greens smoothie. I didn't take them on rest days as I wanted to horde them for running! I took them on days I went to the mountains for a hike. And on long runs I took them before and during a run. And, on long runs I did not have issues after a run. I never had those moment of getting home and freaking out because I needed food NOW. I was never faint with hunger. Nor did I have major issues with my tummy and bathroom breaks, like I sometimes do when I have when I have taken some chews or gels. 

A HELPFUL HINT: take your bits with water. SWALLOW whole. I took about 5-10 at a time with a few sips of water. DO NOT CHEW. Unless you REALLY love the taste of wheatgrass. 

I often suffer from heartburn. Not once in taking these tablets did I once have burpy repeat! 

And, I will be very honest and say I never did have a PB at any time. But again, recovering from a viral infection takes a bit of time. And I couldn't put in hardcore training barbecue of that. However, I  had a noticeable improvement in energy levels. I noticed on the days I didn't take them that I did not have as much energy. I had improved energy in the past few weeks. I think I also felt less "snacky" when I took bits. I like that 'bits don't contain any caffeine, chemicals, sugar, gluten, soy, animal products, or artificial substances. JUST SPIRULINA.

I love the travel tin, but I will am a bit of a klutz. How was I going to carry them on a run? I used a ziplock bag to keep 10 or so in as I knew I wouldn't be able to open that tin while running. 

I also saw a great idea on twitter – use a tictac container to carry your bits. BRILLIANT!

I have actually ordered some (it's my christmas present to me) and am totally looking forward incorporating them into my looming marathon training season.

Want to know more about ENERGYbits?  Check out the ENERGYbits website! Or follow their weekly twitter chats. Check out the hashtag #PoweredByBits and check out the other peeps who have been using them.

You can also enter to WIN an ENERGYbits sample!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ENERGYbits are only available at ENERGYbits.com. Jonathan (their Brand Manager) is happy to connect YOU with a current ambassador to share a discount on a bag of bits - you can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com

ENERGYbits provided me with a free sample of this product. I was under no obligation to review it. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own. 

Santa Shuffle (AKA Freeze Yer ASS Off) Recap

This week has been abysmal weather!

So SOOO very cold. Not to mention getting stuck for a few days out of town at my mom's due to a blizzard that blew in Sunday. Monday the win was blowing an there was little to no visibility. I tried driving and turned around and came back to mom's. No visibility, high winds, and slick. I had a sick feeling and just thought no way I wanna be in a ditch in THIS cold!

I figured give it a day and it will blow over. Tuesday got worse and they even shut the main highway. Finally Wednesday I could drive home!! RIDICULOUS temps too. So I did some awesome gym workouts with my sister in the meantime to keep up with my running streak!

We knew we were having a cold snap, but the forecast for December 7th was about -15C (5F)...so doable. Yes, yes I will do the Santa Shuffle. It's ONLY 5km. REally, I have run in colder...don't be a wuss. Besides, Sophia and Susan are doing it. And so are Jenn and Sherrey. I can't wuss out. THEN Friday we wake up and it is -30C (-22F). Oh AWESOME. Better start getting psyched up for this beast!

So I set out all my gear...let's see. a couple base layers, a midlayer and top layer and and EXTRA LAYER.  The santa hat and Sparkle Skirt are there for fun...do they make fur lined skirts?? Seriously. Skins on underneath some winter weight tights. I have never ran in this many layers. Nor have I run in this cold. Oh it won't be that bad (SAID THAT BEFORE...)

Sooo Saturday I get up and see the temps...

I believe a few curse words along with the obligatory EFF THIS were uttered. 

Anyways, parking is a beast and I finally get there and as I am walking out the door the race is starting. So I haven't had a chance to suss out where everyone is. SO best just go. By the first kilometre my glasses are not just fogged. they are iced over. FFS. HAHA. This is comical. And effing Cold. I trudge along. At the last kilometre Sophia whizzes by. I went out fast and no way could keep up my pace. ha. I need to slow down and pace myself. Really it was a nice run out in the horrendous cold. I was just happy to be done. I think I ran it in about 36 or 37 minutes. Given that I walked in some icy patches, it isn't bad. Not at a personal best, but seriously its redic weather, snow, ice, this was a fun run...not a go kill it run.  BUt I did it. It's done...lets get some dorky pics!

 I waited too long and all the frost fell off my lashes! 

I bet you are all saying...oh what a CUTE Christmas sweatshirt!! Look closely...

Why YES. Yes, it is humping reindeer! Why would I have something classy??? 

Funny thing...people often never notice this perviness. 

OR they say what a cute sweater THEN gasp when they see WHAT is really going on! 

Then I ran into Jenn! 

And Susan came across the finish and thru the doors to collect her medal! 

 

And SHe was so cold I had to direct her to the right...to where the Calgary Stampeders (our Fab CFL team) were giving medals. At first we get the medals and shuffle away. The cold addled our brains! The we swooped back in line for some pics hoping those big beefy hunks would warm us up!!

Yes, these hunks of burning love did add to the fabulousness of the race. Good lord such nice warm hard bodies at the finish...they need to be there every race! Definitely the HOTTEST part of this redic race. It was a hard run. Well really minus -36C (-33F) is awful to run in. Short distance is OK. THANK GOD it was not a half marathon...Feck. Can you imagine? Not sure it would be doable, frankly. I was NOT warm enough in what I had on even with 2 pairs of tights. Need to research winter run tights for sure before February's half mara!

Today I ran inside. I just couldn't run outside again. Really hating on winter and mother nature right now....

I should add that all photos were taken AFTER I removed the gloves, mitts, balaclava, extra buff, and neck warmer. 

'TIS THE SEASON! #imfitpossible

‘Tis the season to relax, indulge, enjoy and breathe.

I know. WHAT??????

But I'm Fitpossible, a fitness and wellness oriented community that I belong to has a CRAZY idea! We support and even (gasp!) encourage an hour of sleeping in, a little whipped cream on lattes and an evening with friends instead of an evening with free weights. Or maybe you think it’s brave, balanced and real. All of us at I'm Fitpossible encourage you to approach the holiday season a little differently this year. Focus on what you ACTUALLY need this holiday season. What do we mean by that?

Introducing our ‘tis the season social campaign!

This isn’t a free pass to skip the gym or to morph into a holiday couch tater. Nor is it a cookie eating contest. That’s not what we are saying. In fact, this isn’t a holiday “challenge” at all. At I’m Fit Possible, we are all about personal fitness around the holiday season and 365 glorious days of the year. 

But, if you are going to skip the gym or make a deliciously sinful nutritional choice around the holidays, make it worth your while. For me it is all about choices. 

• Take the time for YOU!
• Catch up with an old friend (in person, over the phone, go on a run date, whatever...just go!)
• Curl up by the fire with a peppermint tea (or wine or amaretto or cocoa)
• Treat yourself to a glass of wine
• Cuddle up with Fido (or...well...you get the picture)
• Go the theatre ...just go HAVE FUN however you like
• Clean out your closet and donate the items 
• Go volunteer

ENJOY. RELAX. DON'T STRESS! 

Most importantly, let go of the guilt and regret that swirls once you ditch the gym or make that poor nutritional choice. It’s done. You made the choice.  Don NOT beat yourself up. Move on. And get on with it! The holiday season is already way too busy and stressful for most of us without the added stress of our fitness goals as well. Care for yourself. In whatever way YOU need to to get through this crazy month! 

Just. Enjoy. Life. Savour what it important to you!

The BEST part is this social campaign is NOT traditional challenge with sign-ups and daily contests.  From  December 1-31 we will be featuring a new company and product every 3 or 4 days. We want you to SHARE with us HOW you are relaxing, enjoying, indulging and breathing this holiday season. Post on  Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Use the #imfitpossible hashtag and mention I’m Fit Possible so we see how you are living it up this holiday season. Each tweet, post or IG post earns you an entry to win an awesome prize. From TODAY until December 4th each Facebook post, Tweet and Instagram pic will earn you one chance to win a prize pack from Somersault Snack Co. Winners will be chosen at the end of Day December 4th, then we will feature a new product starting December 5th! 

Be sure to check out (what? you aren't following already???) I’m Fit Possible, as our winners will be announced every few days via social media.

Oh and tweet  me @crantina if you are participating! 

Check out our fab sponsors! 

| Energybits | Somersault Snack Co | Sweet Pure Honey | Wildflowers Tea | Face of Hope |

| Giddy Yoyo | Bakery on Main | Kooshoo / Island Boost | Yurbuds Sport Earphones

But wait! There is more!  :-) 

Throughout the month of December each of us I’m Fit Possible Community members are relaxing, indulging, enjoying and breathing this holiday season. Additionally we will be sharing some yoga tips  from Gillian (http://gillianboult.blogspot.ca/), our community yoga gangster. She will be focussing on how to use yoga to energize, breathe and stay true to you this holiday season. This is something I really need to do. Juggling 3 jobs over the holidays is going to be tough to get in some ME time!

Enjoy every moment, leave regret and stress behind. 

Focus on what is important!

Think about what is is YOU want and need this holiday season.

‘tis the season!