Is someone gonna plow this route?

Holy Shit. 18 centimetres of snow fell the day before the Edmonton HypoHalf.

It's kinda laughable. I mean, it IS winter. We live in this godforsaken country. It SNOWS. And we know it. So embrace it right. But man...let me tell you RUNNING in it is another thing entirely!

So it's the morning of February 26th. We are ready to rock Edmonton.

But there is trepidation in the hearts of  the HypoHalf Trio -  me, Calli and Lisa. We know we CAN. We know we will. But really. Let's be honest. There is 16 cm of fresh snow out there. IT's not a bitter as Calgary, so that is a bonus. BUT there is a lot of snow. A LOT. sigh.

Honey Badger don't give a shit. yes. Hold tight to this mantra!!!

How bad was it? AS  Calli  said...if you have ever run through sand dunes, that's what running through Edmonton's Highlands neighbourhood was like...

But it was AWESOME! Yes worst "time" ever for a half. But i had a helluva workout, and i felt FIIIINE when i got across the finish line. Damn Rights I can. Take that motha nature.

Also super awesome was meeting John Stanton, Founder of The Running Room and having a great pre-race chat.

So next week we hit RedDeer, and its gonna be ok.

I might actually be learning something about this running thing  - it's not really about how fast you do it, it's all in HOW you do it. And that every run, or race, teaches you something!

pouting OVER

I've spent a week pouting about my run. And the "time". Conveniently I have ignored that this is one of the best times ever for a half for me. Seriously it's only the 3rd one I have done. Geez!

So seriously It can't get worse can it? Nope. I sure hope not.

Onwards and UPWARDS.

Edmonton HypoHalf here I come!

Running For Sherry

Yesterday The HoneyBadgers started a journey of epic proportions. The Five week Hypothermic Half Triology began.

Crazy. But Hey! We Are Canadian. And from Alberta. And we have Winter. DEAL. Run or Freeze!!

Today we started with Calgary - Running for Sherry! Bibs on and we are good to go. The run starts and we are in good spirits...but i am pretty sure I haven't eaten enough. And neither has Calli ..but we forge on.

For me the first 10km are good. Sun is shining, Lots of giggles...

 And time for silly poses. You will notice mittens are absent. At this point its lovely...sunny...

But honestly, after the first 10k, and the turnaround into the biting very bitter wind, I know I am pooched. First my energy dramatically drops. Not sure what is up (well hindsight being 20/20...and right then I remember i forgot to eat my porridge, which is still sitting in my condo! DOH!) 

And even better -- i gotta poop. I know. TMI. 

But seriously, why does this have to happen. GRRR. I am feeling like I am running in good time (first race of the year and 5+ months after only my 2nd ever half) I gotta stop, disrobe. Take a few layers off to go to the biffy. Man, we might have beautiful winters, but taking off a mountain of clothes SUCKS. 

By the time I get out of the loo, everyone (save the volunteers at the waterstation where the water is FROZEN!) is long gone ahead. 

Crap, i try to speed up to catch, but i don't have it in me. I was on track for a PB and i sort of fold when I know its gone. But then I see Calli in the distance, calling me. 

The two of us struggle and finish. In times we both are not happy with. But we are DONE. 

 I think that I am the only one who is OK with my time (2:31) cause it is REALLY close to my first half mara time ever. And i know with more training and better eating I can do better.

But poor Calli the cold got to her and the late start time made for a nasty result. Here we are one minute sort of laughing it up, and the next....well lets say you know its bad when you are barfing at the Armani makeup counter.

You can't see our awesome makeup - something we thought we could do before hitting the town to celebrate our first half of the year (and being in a hotel sans kids and such)...but yeh, no one else saw our awesome makeup cause we all headed back to the hotel and crashed. Literally.

Hey we had fun and giggles, but we learned the lesson once AGAIN that life is never what you have planned out. It is what it is.

So we have 2 weeks til we do Edmonton HypoHalf. It will be better. And it will be awesome with the grrls!

Ya Gotta Have Ticker, Maaaaate

Years ago my Aussie Roomate, used to scream at the telly (during cricket, of course), "Maaaaate, Ticka. Ya gotta have it!"

He's right. We need heart.

ticker [ˈtɪkə]

1. Slang

a.  the heart

b.  a watch

2. a person or thing that ticks

3. (Economics, Accounting & Finance / Stock Exchange) Stock Exchange the US word for tape machine [2]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003

The last few weeks I haven't had a lotta heart. Three weeks ago my parents came to the City for a routine visit. My step-dad was having an angiogram. Routine. No prob. Then several hours later Mom called to say actually, no it wasn't routine and we were going to have by-pass surgery. I cried. Of course. Since I am the family crier. 

Went for a run. Had a great 5km run. The next couple of runs were tough. So hard to keep my head on straight and not get distracted. Of course, I got distracted about getting distracted. ARGH! A week of minus40 weather had already distracted from some good training. Then my inablility to put life aside and go run showed me i still have lots of mental prep work to go  to "be a real runner".

Once my Dad had surgery and it went better than helped, I got in a great long run. Then it hit. The Flu. Typhoid. Or somesuch heinous nasty. I was so tired. Unable to get out of bed for an hour or two at a a tie. Sweats, Fever. Chills. And such bad bad aches. I was feeling mighty sorry for me. I couldnt see any of my family, as they would take germs back to the hospital. I couldn't see for myself that everyone was doing well, and on the mend. Heck, this past Thursday I wasn't even well enough to have lunch with my mom just before she picked up my dad to come home from the hospital. JESUS.

Earlier this week I crawled out of bed to go to the doc. He prescribed painkillers for my aches. I want sure i needed or wanted them. Then of course he asked me about running and exercise. When i had told him i started to feel poorly last Sunday right after a 10 mile run, he freaks out. Saying I shouldn't be exercising, or I would risk fluid around my heart.

WTF. WHHAAAAAAAAAAA?? Fluid? ummmmm. I thought exercise was good for me. (Granted one shouldnt run with the flu.....) but I felt there wasa slight over reaction. Then again, doc swears I dont have the flu with no cough or runny nose. But he's concerned about my big blood pressure drop, chills, sweats, etc etc. So off to bed i went. And stayed there for the rest of the week. Barf.

Finally Saturday i didnt feel like dying all day. So I ventured out for a little run sunday. At irst was only gonna go 5km. But then i hit 5, and thought, lets do more. So i overshot and did 12km instead of 10km. Felt marvy. Still do. THANK GOD.

Still, am a bit tired today. But a conserving some energy. I have a Half Marathon this Saturday. I am trying to not be hard on myself for not being in the RIGHT shape. I may not be able to hit my ideal time...but I think a Personal Best will happen. How can it not when we are running together for fun. For health. Can't be anything but good for our hearts and heads. Besides...we have two more half marathons (in Edmonton and Red deer) to run faster, if we feel the need.

These 3 halfmaras are part of our marathon training. And, part of my training to realize setting goals and following thru are more important than time.

And then, lest I forget the MOST important part of the race. The champagne afterwards! And the knowledge that a year ago I couldn't have done done one half marathon, let alone 3 in 5 weeks.

Onwards and upwards.
♥ Faster ♥ Stronger ♥ Further ♥

Ready to Run!

Today I finally got the bibs laminated!!

Lisa, Calli, Emily and I will be pinning the bibs on the backs of our jackets and running 13.1 with Sherry.

On Saturday, February 11th at 1pm, we'll be taking part in Hypothermic Half Marathon in Calgary.What are you doing for the Virtual Run?

Sherry will also run with us on February 26th in Edmonton, and March 4th in Red Deer. The HypoHalf Trio is all over this. The Hypo Honeys. The Honey Badgers. Hmmmmm. We need a name, methinks.

Following the run, we will be enjoying sushi and bubbly (after the hot tub soak, natch!).

See you on the trails.

And thank you to Beth for putting this run in motion!

Enter the Dragon

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

The oldest and most important festival in China is called the Spring Festival. otherwise known as Chinese New Year.

The Spring Festival celebrates the Earth coming back to life and the beginning of plowing and planting. Because the Chinese use a lunar calendar, the date of the Spring Festival changes each year. This year it falls on January 23, 2012.

At work this past Saturday, we had a plethora of Chinese celebrations (and egg tarts!) to help welcome the Year of the Dragon! 

Enter the Dragon. 

For a full description of Year of the Dragon (or an other zodiac sign) click here.

I am a Monkey. Here is a quick description...

Monkeys will try anything once. To this vivacious lot, it’s all about enjoying life and living it to the fullest. They are uninhibited and simply do not care what others think of them. Monkeys outgrow that tendency early, so they possess a “devil may care” attitude throughout the rest of their life. If you are a Monkey’s friend, expect a lot of blissful craziness this year and hang on for dear life!

Monkeys appear to be perpetually jovial. As a matter of fact, others wonder if they ever experience a bad day. Monkey people are almost always upbeat and their happiness is contagious. If you need to be cheered up, call a Monkey. They generally have a funny story to relate and you will get off the phone feeling a lot better then when you got on. But, truth be told, what the Monkey shows to the world on the outside often has little to do with the anxiety he conceals on the inside. In spite of that uneasiness, the Monkey’s specialty is keeping friends happy and content. 

Oddly enough, that is pretty damn accurate. 

I am rather excited that Dragons get along marvellously with Monkeys (ME)! So this bodes well. 

Hoping my year is filled with power and good will and, well, money.
That would be preferable. 

Oh, and of course, here's hoping your year is prosperous too!! Here's to a new adventure. 

Winter Makes me Think (or WISH) for Spring

Mary Mary Quite Contrary....How Does Your Garden Grow? 

The last few weeks has been rather stressful. And I have drowned my sorrows (so to speak) in foot candy. Ah...shoe porn makes it all better.

That is the danger of working in a high end department store. Shoes staring at you. Beconing you. Saying. "Hello lady. What ARE you doing? Come over here. Slip me on. What are you doing tonight? Take me home. you know you waaaaaaaaaaaannnaa."

Tho' most of the shoes are unwearable (by my standards). Too High. Yet Dead Sexy. I still love them, even i f I know they will never EVER grace my tender tootsies.

Still I cannot resist looking. Touching. Petting. prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Like these wedges. They make me think of Spring and summer. Of freshly lacquered toes.

Toes that are not black or bruised from miles put on by running.

Toes that look dead sexxy. Oh I still remember those kind of toes.

Actually, I am happy to announce that right now I have no black toes!!! I fear that come summer, they will be back. So no orange for me. Slate grey or black or navy nail varnish it will be. Or closed toes and not something fab like these uber sexy little flats.

Every once in a while I do come across a pair of two that make me double take. And not in a good way. Like these.
They have WHISKERS.
Eyes.
Ears.
Whiskers. MY GOD.
That shit freaks me out.

Maybe they work on a 12-yr-old. But not on an adult. Sorry Marc Jacobs. I love your stuff. But not these. I can't get that freak on. No way no how.

Flats with sparkle and shine, sock it to me. I am all over them. But maybe You all love the little micey shoe. But if you are like me, you will be forever freaked out and think...whoa. (And yes, btw, I do think Hello Kitty is creepy, too!)

Been off sick for a couple of days. Happy to go back and join my little friends for a bit of comfort and wanton desire. Maybe that will help me kick whatever is kicking me. Flu or whatever it may be.

And if these pics whet your appetite you can look at a lovely online book of shoes available at Holt Renfrew. Drool Worthy.

Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold- February 11, 2012

The second week of January gave the running community some scary news. A runner named Sherry Arnold, from a small town in Montana, went missing. I first read about it on Twitter, then went to Beth's blog to read more.

I was terrified for this lovely lady. Just that morning I, too, had gone for a run. Alone. I emailed my most awesome running friend Calli, who lives in a small Alberta town (similar to the one I grew up in). She too ran alone. Both of us were really freaked by this story.

And we followed the feeds to see what would unfold. Fingers crossed. But by mid-January the news wasn't good. Part of me was surprized how deeply I felt so affected by a stranger's death. But in many ways she isn't a stranger. She loves teaching, she loves to run, she loves her family. She is one of us. She could be you. Me. This can happen to anyone. It shouldn't. But it does. It breaks my heart that this happened.

So when the Virtual Run was posted, I emailed my girls in Edmonton to say...LOOK at the DATE!!! WE are so doing this. So Saturday, February 11th is the Hypothermic Half Marathon in Calgary. Sherry is running it with me, Calli and Lisa. She will also run with us on February 26th in Edmonton, and March 4th in Red Deer. The HypoHalf Trio is all over this. Bibs are printed. Just gotta get 'em laminated.

It totally warms my heart to watch the outpouring of love that is happening in the running community - the world is pretty small sometimes. It's nice to see and feel that love. 

AS SUAR says, the purpose of this virtual run is to "run with Sherry in your mind and heart". Hells yeh! You need to do this. Do it!! I am taking some extra laminated bibs to my local running room for the manager to give out too.

Will post pics after each run!

Deep Freeze

It's cold. like, totally COLD. Yeh, yeh, Tina. You're Canadian. It's winter. Of course it's cold. Don't be such a sissy.

-40 aint no picnic

True True. But it's TOO COLD to run. SERIOUSLY cold. As in MINUS 40. (yes that magic temp where Fahrenheit and Celsius meet). Glad they are so social, but to be truthful...that temperature is no fun. Even for a hardy Canadian. No matter how long you live here, you don't get used to it. True True. But it's TOO COLD to run. SERIOUSLY cold. As in MINUS 40. (yes that magic temp where Fahrenheit and Celsius meet). Glad they are so social, but to be truthful...that temperature is no fun. Even for a hardy Canadian. No matter how long you live here, you don't get used to it.

Brrr. You don't believe me? This is a me after being outside for 10 minutes. Trying to start my car (unsuccessfully). Then plugging it back in. And then saying F*ckIt and heading back in to wear some PJs for the rest of the day. I warmed up with a lovely little curry. Nothing says eff you to some chilled bones like a hot and spicy dish.

I feel badly that my last "real" run was on Sunday. It was -29°C (that would be -20°F). I did 13 km. It was HARD. the wind howled and it HURT!!!! My skin burned more than my thighs. Funny that it used to be my thighs, legs, that hurt for days after running that distance. Now, it seems that I run 10km without any tightness...gotta do a 10miler or more to feel the sore legs. HA! It’s a nice feeling being in a lot better shape. 

I digress. I tried something new on my run last Sunday. I fear if this nasty Canadian weather sticks around I am gonna have to use it more often. Which is good. Cause i LOVED it!!  Oh yes! Kiehl's Cross Terrain UV Face Protector (SPF 50). It rocks. Sure it's a "men's product". And it's a sunscreen that gives you UVA/UVB protection in extreme weather conditions. 

Well, first of all. Ignore that it's in Kiehl's men's line. It is for everyone! I know skiers who use it and swear that it prevents that nasty wind burn and chaffe you get. Well, after putting it on my face and going for a long run, I too can kneel at the temple of Keihl. LOVE IT! No chaffing. No chapping. No burning. It rules! 

I figure i am gonna be using an awful lot of it in the next few weeks, since Winter isn't going anywhere. (Just c'mon Mutha Nature....warm up to -15...pleeeeeaaaase). I wanna run outdoors. I hate the dreadmill and need to feel the road. 

Courtesy of Lululemon

Up until a few months ago, I wouldn't have cared a fig if it was colder than a witches tit. I don't run in the winter. Then I started running with a purpose and now i love it so much I feel the need to go for runs regularly. Like, 5x a week. 

Maybe I should mention that I am registered in THREE half marathons in the next month. Aptly named "Hypothermic Half Marathons", I am doing one in Calgary Feb 11, in Edmonton on Feb 26 and in Red Deer on March 4. 

It's a grand adventure this new year running resolution! ♥Faster, Stronger, Further ♥

So then in April, there is another HalfMara in store. May brings my first Marathon (holy sh*t!). So...these halfs will be fun and further my endurance training. I have two buddies - Calli and Lisa - who are on this crazy adventure with me! Strength in numbers, right? We are all so ready to rock it (dare I call us the Hypo Honeys? Badass Bitches? Stone Cold Vixens?) 

Calli is kicking off the BastShitCrazy with the Tinkerbell. I will do the TinaTink in Calgary, and Lisa with get her Tink on in Edmonton. That way we are kicking off 4 HalfMaras in 6 weeks! Wahoo. Welcome to the BSC club. And yeh, one needs to definitely use the Kiehl’s to keep up one’s youthful exterior.

Bring it On!

Oh yeh…and I think I forgot to mention Calli is bringing back Sparkle Skirts for us! Wooo hooo. I am beyond excited! 

French Cooking Class - Pure Food Porn

Saturday evening I was lucky enough to partake in a French Cooking Class! I thought it would be a learn to cook class, with some instruction and maybe a glass of wine.

Instead I was pleasantly surprised. It was 5 star food and wine-lover overload. C'est Manifique!

We started with an Amuse Bouche - a seared albacore tuna loin with sauce vierge. Served avec Champagne

Well, actually they called it champagne. But it was really a Crement. Since it was from a region other than Champagne. 

Not to be picky...but let's face it the French are about their wines. So we should be too. Still. It was wonderful bubbly! 

And the taste of the tomato and cuke "salsa" (rather pedestrian expanation, I know.... ) as amazing! mmmm

I have to say, popping it in your mouth then having some bubbles in there made your mouth sing. ah. heaven.

Then we moved on to the Beef Tartare. Watching them prepare it seemed so easy. It makes me want to whip out and buy some tenderloin RIGHT NOW! 

Finely chopping the shallots, capers and gherkins makes it seem easy. What kills me is how amazing a drizzle of raw egg on top of the tartare is like liquid silk. 

By god, this dish reminds me that while I very much enjoy vegetarian dishes, I could never ever give up meat. Because this is something else. 

As Robert Smith (and The Cure) so eloquently put it...Just Like Heaven.

Oh wait. I almost forgot. Paired with a lovely little Cab Sav it was amazing. Made the oakiness of the Cabernet disappear. Almost.

O la la, Then came the Duck Confit. But while they prepped the dish, they came around and asked, "Would you like some of the featured wine that accompanies the next dish?" 

Ummm. Let me think about that. 

You are offering a wannabe oenophile a glass or two of Pinot Noir to enjoy before you serve me one of my fav dishes. uhhhhhhhh. BRING IT ON! Two of my favourite things.

And, let me add...The Mirassou Pinot from California exceeded my expectations. Velvet. Le Manifique. And I think I exceeded how much I should have had by scarffing 3 glasses. 

But really. How could you NOT imbibe?

And then the Prawns. oh yes. YES.

Big, no - giant, juicy prawns. Sautéed in Butter, garlic, lemon and chili. And drank with the most gorgeous Sauv Blanc. oooooh. Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc 2009. I generally don't care for Sauv Blanc. Too much gooseberry. Too tart. But this baby was smooth and delightful. A hint of lime and gorgous minerality. Pretty much approaching heavenly. And when drank alongside the prawns...well this minx was one happy gal.

And we finished with the Coq au Vin...This is my FAVOURITE french dish to make. I have to say i make a mean Coq. But this was less winey than mine. Hmmm. What does that say?  It was meatier, and the garlic smashed potatoes were divine.

It was pure food porn. Orgasmic. Delightful. Each bit making you feel naughty and rewarded at the same time. 

Just like fine French cooking should make you feel.

Or maybe it was that I was well into my third glass of Vinahonda Monastrell 2007 Jumilla by this point.

And when you thought you couldn't possibly eat another bite...they tell you that the Crème Brûlée is coming up next. 

And, if you are like me. There is ALWAYS ENOUGH room for Crème Brûlée! Not sure what is better - the silky texture inside or teh cracking of the burnt sugar on top. 

What a meal! And, I actually think I could cook the entire meal for some friends without skipping a beat. I should be careful in announcing this. Because They will read this. Then they will want me to do the cooking. Wonder if I drink as much while cooking as they served if it will taste the same?

If I cook this sometime soon, I shall let you all know.

This self-aggrandizing moment brought to you by....

Good God. Finished a 13km run today. Short run, yes. But Winter has arrived. Nasty, bitter  windchill of over -31. Batshit crazy.

Apparently running in "THIS"  builds character.

I await my new character. 

Sadness

I have been following the story of  Sherry Arnold, the missing runner in Montana.

She has been found. But I am so sad that it is not good news. (See story here)

This is so, so, SO disturbing. On some levels, I am not sure why I am so bothered by the abduction of a stranger. Some I never knew or met. But I read the heartache in her cousin's posts. And I run. Sometimes alone. And, I have many friends who run alone. And all I could think of was that this could happen to anyone. It's all so troubling.

Stay safe. Run with a buddy.

And be kind. Why isn't the world a kinder place? This makes me sad.

Journey of epic proportion

Last year around this time I vowed to get back into running with more dedication.  I resumed my fairweather runner schedule in March with an eye on a few races. Went thru disastrous breakup and job loss. The only thing that seemed to help me feel human was running. Then I sprained my ankle. I was crushed. Then, I decided to rehab the hell outta the ankle. By the end of April I was back atter. With a vengeance. 


Picked several races to do. Decided to do a half mara by fall. FOCUS.  


Slowly but surely since June (and with the help of two half mara classes) I have gone from a size 16+ to a size 10. Lost over 12 inches and 40+ pounds. All by a lovely combo of stress, diet and exercise. Mostly exercise. People want to know my secret. It's easy. GET OFF YER ASS.


I guess I am a runner. This past year I logged 1,162km since March. Ran three 5km races, two 8km races, 11 10km races and two half maras. 


I have had what some of my fitter friends have been taken aback by my rapid progression and fantastic pace drop.

I went from running 5km in 40+ minutes (best time prior to 2011 was 38 mins) now being able to nail 5km in 30 or less minutes. 10km went from an hour and 20 minutes to  best recorded time in 2011 of 1hr and 3 minutes. I might even be faster than that now. 

"...And you don’t do that by sitting around.” — Katharine Hepburn

So where do I go from here? 


The HypoHalf Triology awaits. Three half maras in our lovely Alberta winter between February 11 and March 4th. Another Half in April. Then my first  (GASP) marathon in May. 


What have I signed up for??


Gotta say I am scared shitless about the mara. For the first time it won't be about time. It will be about completion. Still...I haven't wrapped my head around that aspect yet. I have a lot to lear. And a long ways to go. 


Maybe this blog will help me get there. 

Missing

I follow Shut Up and Run on twitter and read her blog. In the past several months I have found some solace as well as motivation from her as well as many other of my runner tweeps. They make me laugh. They motivate me. I love their stories.

Odd how strangers who I have never met can have such an impact on one's life. Or thoughts.

Today this was made even more clear.

Sherry, a fellow runner - cousing to SUAR, is missing. I read this blog, and felt heartsick.

I am praying for her safe return.

.

And now for a new year...

Today marks the first day of 2012.
One year ago I signed up for a 12km race. The longest race I had ever thought of doing.
This year, I have got 4 half maras to do before April. And am on an Ultra Marathon team. And about to sign up for a marathon and toying with the idea of doin the Iron Legs Ultra with a couple friends.

How things have changed. Used to struggle to do 5 or 10 km. Now that distance is a breeze. Heck a half mara isn't even daunting. it's doable.

What will become of 2012. Who knows. Let it unfold...

December Running Streak

Strides Holiday Running Streak

Inspired by the Runner's World Holiday Running Streak!

The Challenge: Run at least 1 mile per day for 31 consecutive days in December.

http://www.facebook.com/events/312023885492077/

Day 1: 6.25km in 39 mins. Great night run.

Day 2: Day 2: crikey! totally slippy enroute home from work. walked 1 mile ran just shy of two.  Feeling slack. But I promise do do 1mile sat, 10 mile Sun 

Day 3: good god this little blizzard belew...so after i walked home (about a mile and a half) - had to walk briskly as i was wearing a skirt and had my big handbag...but had trainers on!)I promply got running gear on and ran around the hood for 20 mins. 2 miles and a bit...or maybe it felt like that cause of all the bloody blowing snow and cars sliding by me.

Day 4: Had clear intentions of doing about 17km this morning for a glorius long run. It was a LOT snowier out on the pathways than anticipated. Sorry guys. I finished 9 miles in a blaze of glory. Now have to hustle off to work! Did it in an hour and 25 so that was ACE, too.

Day 5: it is way too GD slippy out. only did one lousy mile as i wiped out quite badly and limped home. grrrr. off to soak. It WILL be better tomorrow.

Day 6: next time i have a day off i am doing a LONG run and forgoing stupid housework instead of wasting my time doing laundry and dishes and vacuuming THEN running. meh. Running first. I must remember this!!!! did a quickie 30 min run, forgot to set my ipod, but expect i did about 5k. 

Day 7: OMG! I am headed straight to a hot tub with epsomsalts. I am so freaking cold. Almost 10km in mins 10 with a nasty wind. But Day 7 of my challenge is checked off! (No one in my run group showed up tonight. lameos)

Day 8: hip sore from hill wipeout last night. Managed a brisk  couple miles to work and then home. no ipod, but it had to be 3-4 miles based on time. Hopein i warm up for tomorrows run! 

Day 9: Usually a rest day. Did a short 5km run after work. As I got dressed and strapped on some shoe spikes (I borrowed em from my auntie!) I smiled and thought "Whoa...I counlnt have THOUGHT about doing this last year. I DO have something to b proud of! Yay me!! A year ago I struggled to finish a 10km run in 1 hr 21 minutes. Today I think of 5 as an EASY run in about 31 mins. And 10 is awesome at under 1 hr and 3 mins, and not a struggle at all. Under an hour is around the corner, I know it. Heck so much has changed for me...now i think that 10 miles is totally doable and not some arduous unsurmountable task! LOVE IT!!!!! It's a beautiful night, a full moon, and I only wish I had more friends who ran (who live near me ...) HAPPY HAPPY Friday my fellow streakers. xoxo ps - am totally sad i couldnt get a lovely shot of the moon tonight. WHO is getting up to watch the solar eclipe tomoz??

Day 10: a shortie...3 miles. Tomorrow a nice long run. And this weather rocks!!!! 10 miles or bust. Foamie McRoller and I will have one hot date afterwards. 

Day 11: 13 km in 1hr 23 mins. Not bad for havin to plow throu a lotta fresh show!! Feet ABSOLUTELY SOAKED!!! Had a bath then promptly fell asleep for an hour. yikes.

Day 12:  Jogged almost all the way to work (had to walk some of the way after 15 mins due to non existant sidewalks) then tonight i walked home at a VERY brisk pace - not able to talk kinda pace ish (this crisp weather cleared my head.

Day 13: Eeked out 3 miles. feels so slack. 

Day 14: I feel bad. I ran 2 miles today. It was my day off I know I should have done more, but had 4 diff appointments and ran out of time for a REAL one before seeing Prince hit the stage. But 2 is better than none. 

Day 15:  Another 2 miles today. Man, I am feeling like I need a "real" run, but mean work schedule is impinging on running time. CANNOT WAIT til Sunday when i can get a nice long run in! 

Day 16: A very quick morning jaunt of about 2 miles. Followed by Work (9 hrs at work, followed by Theatre Calgary production of A Christmas Carol, then back to work for 3 hours for a midnight madness sale. Now...to bed...cant wait for a nice morning run.

Day 17: Hardest day so far. jsut so tired from work, managed to eke out a 4km run. I had alarm set for morning run with you at the store...but i jsut needed more sleep. sort of kicking myself now. looking forward to sunday long run and a day off monday which will allow me to have a nice run day (evenif it is my normal rest day! )

Day 18: meh. What a day. Got in a mile though. Sort of feel guilty for missing my long run this morning. 

Day 19: Oh today is grand. It's amazing how a day off makes you feel. Had a nice sleep in, ran almost 5km to massage appointment. Had my glutes and quads rightly worked over. Then ran home. ahhhhhhhhh.

Day 20: Today was hard...due to looong day at work. squeezed in a 3km run to work. Walked home to get me back in a good mood. feeling groovy now gotta make some lentil soup to keep me going for the week. 

Day 21: i ran 10k in about an hour and 5 mins. I think. Both iphone and nano died at the 7km mark! felt good to get in a decent run after work. I needed it today.

Day 22: egads. hard to do a couple miles this morning. had to get in in BEFORE work though. :-) 

Day 23: Done this morning with a 1,5 mile run. Added a brisk 5k walk to and from work too. Gosh. Today's 10hr work day was loooooong

Day 24: Just a quickie in today. Barely 2km. Feeling a tad tired from work.

Day 25: It's zero degrees!! Crazy. Managed a 4km run. Walked another 1 km. a bit to icy. Some sidewalks were way too snowy and slippy!!!!! Merry Streakmas!xoxo

Day 26: ‎30 minute run after a 11+ hour day at work. my dogs are barking. :-)

Day 27: Took the LONG route home tonight. Ran 8km in 53 mins. Gorgeous night to do it! Hope this weather keeps up for a few more days!  

Day 28: Hit 145 km today!!! woohoo. really only 3 more runs? wow! 

Day 29: Did 7km in 44 mins tonight. Am I getting faster? Or did the wind push me along?? Now having some yummy homemade lenti and smoked turkey soup while trying to avert my gaze from the iltalian amaretti's calling my name. 

Day 30: A Shortie today. Just a couple miles...

Day 31: Finished the last run of the year...ran every day this month for a total of 160 km. Did 1162km for the year. Lost over 40 pounds. Its been a year I would probably much rather of forgotten, quite frankly.20122 will be a LOT better. ♥Thanks to my lovely friends and family for being there for me ♥