#fuelyourbetter: Vega Sport Energy Bars

**Disclosure: As a Sweat Pink Ambassador with Fit Approach, I was selected to review the Vega Sport Energy Bar. I received free product to review, but the opinions in this post are ALL my OWN!

Just a little background on my and Vega...

I regularly use Vega One Nutritional Shake (and jazz it up with almond milk, banana and berries and chia seeds) - sometimes before a run or as for a breakie shake on the way to work. I was introduced to it in December, reviewed it, and several months later am still using it. Last Summer, at 5Peaks Trail Runs they served us Vega Sport Recovery Protein. LOVE it! I do try to be organized and use it after long runs in smoothies. Heck this winter I won beer at a race and a pal of mine won the Vega Sport  - I totally said, "Wanna Trade?". HA! Honestly, I am still learning about nutrition, but I have found that this plant-based protein power really does reduce my recovery time between workouts! And, it tastes better than the other powders I have tried. I like Vanilla since you can mix it other  fruits or flavours in more creative ways than berry or chocolate flavour. 

Anyhoo. Let's talk about those Energy Bars!  

When I was given the opportunity to pick a product to review, I chose the Vega Sport Energy Bar. Partly because this was a product I could use DURING a run. Especially since I was getting to be in the thick of marathon training. I am generally not a fan of protein bars, so I thought these'd work perfect!

I TOTALLY MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE!! 

Vega Sport Bars are gluten free, dairy free and vegan.  I got the super yummy chocolate coconut almond flavour. Quite honestly they were delish! The first time I tried them was actually on my birthday. Krista had picked me up and we went off to the BMO Vancouver Mara Expo for our half marathon bibs. Both of us had skipped breakfast, so I whipped one outta my purse and said lets try this! We were both pleasantly surprised at the "brownie like" texture and tastiness. The flavour combo was nice. Not too sweet.

I have taken them on my last 3 long runs (they fit right onto my SPI Belt or in the front pocket of my hydration vest). During a 15 or 20miler, I definitely needed some extra energy and these went down so much better than gels!

I also tried them a few nights after work when I had about an hour to get from work to a run, an loved how they worked. The  first time, I took a few bites and ate half the bar. It really was a perfect energy boost to sustain me during a run - no matter what the time. Last week, I had a 5miler race at 7pm. I didn't want to eat before the race, so I ate one about 30 minutes before I arrived. It satisfied me, and I had great energy for the run. My tummy is happy with them, and that is a big win.

Have YOU tried any Vega products? Got a fav? What did you think? 

#fuelyourbetter

#vegafueled 

Check out Vega's awesome new campaign! 

Wordless Wednesday: 11 sleeps til the Mara

***sometimes I just need to remind myself***

Running Thru the Decades: What are YOU Wearing?

This year the Calgary Marathon turns 50 making it Canada's oldest marathon!  So it is time to celebrate. For some of us that just means running. Race organizers have come up with a unique way to celebrate 50 years of running history  -- they are having a race day costume contest:

Pull out your retro running gear and vintage duds from the tickle trunk! Professional race photographers will be on the route and at Stampede Park capturing pictures of the best costumes. Celebrity judges will be watching the finish line and will name The "Best Dressed of the Decades". Winners will be contacted after the race and winners announced online on June 9. You must finish the race in your costume to qualify!

What can you win? (check here for details on the FAB prizes!)

Grand Prize: RUN BARBADOS WEEK-LONG PACKAGE FOR TWO 

First RunnerUp: RUN TORONTO WEEKEND PACKAGE FOR TWO 

Second RunnerUp: RUN VICTORIA WEEKEND PACKAGE FOR TWO

Need some ideas? 

Me and some of my running pals have snapped a few pics to help YOU come up with a few creative ideas!  A SUPER FAB shoutout to Cori for all her enthusiasm and ideas to help me write this post! 

 Some 70s inspiration from Lindsay!

 Or some 80s inspiration from Nikki, Michelle and Yours Truly! 

 

(what you didn't think I was an 80s girl?)

Amanda shows off her 90s neon!

Shall we play GUESS the Decade with some awesome musical tributes

Thanks to Susan, Cori and Nikki for some inspiring running duds inspired by Elvis, Madonna and..my personal fav...the Grunge Runner! 

Remember that you can wear run gear UNDERNEATH costume gear...

Great finds - running gear or vintage wear is found at Value Village or thriftshops! 

And, don't forget about using fabric paint! Always awesome for costumes! 

(you could use it instead of jewellery...again...google search engine is YOUR friend!)

If you still are not inspired...Check out my PINTEREST for some great ideas pinned there by me and Cori.

AND of course for EVEN more inspiration....

Tina Fab's Top 10 hints for making "dressing up" easy! 

1. Keep An Open Mind. This is FUN and enjoy it. Check out all the pics online and be inspire. You would be surprized at all the fun things you can do with your running gear.
2. Be Creative. You can customize your shoes with colorful duct tape or even KT tape.
3. Do a test run. You know the rule nothing new on race day? Yeh.  MAKE SURE you TEST your costume? You want to minimize mid-race unpleasant discoveries.
4. Vaseline is Your Friend! Use liberally to avoid serious chafing, especially if it is raining (this specifically relates to unpleasant discoveries).
5. Safety Pins are Your Friend! Pinning props (necklaces, anything that may move) to your outfit helps prevent bouncing (you’ll know what to pin from your test run!!!). You can also safety pin a tiara or headpiece to a hat or visor. FYI – carry safety pins with you (say, in your water bottle pouch) for emergencies.
6. Think Breathable! Not cotton. Wear lycra, or whatever wicking fabric floats your boat. THEN put the “costumy” stuff on top.
7.  Don't Use Cheap Makeup Kits. If you are going to PAINT your face…use theatrical make-up, such as Ben Nye (this stuff lasts forEVER!).  
8. Don’t use hairspray. Remember you will sweat. Think burning eyes. And, trust me. NEVER use hairspray. If you want to set your makeup…use what some of the fab pros I know use - Urban Decay's All Nighter. Still, I might not spray anywhere near your eyes.
9. Dressing Up Can be Aerodynamic. Just because you are in costume doesn't mean you cannot run a great race or chase a personal best. 
10. Revel in the Awesome. Expect some commentary. and have fun with it. There will be cheering. And it is kinda motivating! At many marathons there are always those who run in costume to get a World Record! 

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!!

Fame Awaits, people! 

Work the Crowd. Spectators are going to love you. Use their enthusiasm to your advantage.

Have YOU run in costume? 

What is your fav costume you have run in? 

Or Seen at a race? 

eep! Late for Liebster!

Ok! Clearly I am remiss is responding! I have recently been nominated for a Liebster Award from Terry, Brian, Leana, Darilyn, and ( a really long time ago) Krista! And in the last few weeks, bloggy pals Michelle and Cori have done a Libester post too! SHEESH!!! I best get answering the questions!! And I chose a mixup of the questions on a few of the bloggers! Thanks for the shout-outs my fab fellow Canadians!

1. Why did you start blogging?

I think I decided to start blogging to keep myself accountable. And, to talk about how training and doing races made me feel. I had come from heavy and sedentary to running (slowly, and faster...and well sometimes not so faster) and I thought that sometimes I might have a funny sotry or two to share. And if no one read, well at least I was getting my thoughts out there! 
2. Do you have any "furbabies"? If you do, tell us about them.

OK. This is crazy to admit. I have NEVER had a pet. EVER. 
3. What is a habit that you had you are most proud of breaking?

oh boy. I have never smoked...I have heaps of little bad habits. I should swear less. But dammit, I don't have the fortitude to stop. I am probably lazy. I probably used to drink too much. But I grew up. And now i feel the effects of drink if I try to run. SIGH. I don't do drugs or gambled.

I LOOOOVE to procrastinate like hell!  

I really should stop procrastinating. I will....

5. What is your favourite holiday?

Christmas. It was my Grandmothers favourite time of year. I recall her house being exquisitely decorated. And how she wrapped presents!!! Perfection! My mother still has her home decorated within an inch of it's life! I love the look and feel of that. And singing Christmas Carols. And eating turkey. And yummy Christmas breakfasts. And reading new books that one has just unwrapped. Oh, and Christmas books too! 
6. What would be your dream job?

Being a lady of leisure would be grand. Or being a food critic. Or a travel writer. I always wanted to write for a magazine or in a book publishing company....but no such places existing in the tiny part of the world I grew up in. 
7. What's the first site you check when you turn on computer?

I probably check my email. Then snoop on Twitter and FaceBook.

This is TOTALLY hilarious. And true. 

 8. What did you study in university/college? 

I studied Voice Performance. As in a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Yes. I sing like Julie Andrews and a la Maria Callais, Renee Fleming. But I felt constant pressure and I actually stopped singing for a few years. Once I was studying Literature at university, I began voice lessons again. And was singing with a women's choral group again. Over the years, I have sung with several symphony choruses - including Melbourne and Calgary. I have sung for the Queen, and a few Canadian Prime Ministers. And, two Australian Prime Ministers too. Oh I ended up getting a degree in Communications - and work in marketing and public relations. 
9. Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

mmm. Nigella Lawson or Anthony Bourdain or Neil Gaiman (who has nothing to do with food like the first two!). Authors all of them...witty, smart and fabulous imaginations, all! 

10. If you could run with anyone, who would you choose?

Maybe Gordon Ramsay would like to have a VERY slow run with me. And then give me some cooking tips in the kitchen. I would be soooo all over that! 

11. What’s your favorite workout and why?

I sometimes just like to put my trainers on and go for a run. Often after work. IS that a tempo run? maybe. I  jsut like to tune out and go. A trail run is also fairly good at kicking my ass ...and is so lovely. A good view whilst running...best thing ever! 

12. What motivates you?

Motivation is like a pushmi-pullyu for me. Fear of failure can motivate me. The desire to have fun motivates me. And I never ever feel guilt over running - unless I do NOT do it! Running is what keeps me sane. I go out 

13. Looking back over your last year of training, what would you change and why?

How do I change losing my job, getting shingles, having a bad bout of flu, bronchitis and then another cold (all in the last 8 months)? I am just ONLY now feeling better. Still not as strong and fast as I used to be. I cannot wish that away...I wish I could. I cannot. But I can work hard at being more persistent. My theme for this year is "believe, breathe, persevere". I will get there. And more. I just have to keep going. 

14. What is your favourite thing to do as a training reward?

Training rewards TOTALLY centre around food or drink for me! I so love a good breakfast - so give me  Eggs Benedict  and I am happy. But that is a rarity. A latte or good cuppa tea is often what I have. Or a smoothie. AND a big fav thing to do after a long run is soak in a nice hot Epson salt bath and read a magazine.

15. How do you get yourself going again after a “funk”?

Running is what brought me out of a funk several years ago. But in recent times, if I have ever felt blah about running, going for a run with a friend or a small group of friends (and then having coffee and good laughs) is totally a good cure! 

16. What hobbies do you have outside of the athletic?

I love to cook. I love to read. I love to take photos. I also love wine and champagne. And reading about wine and history!  I should love cleaning a whole lot more than I do....

17. What is your go-to fuel (pre/during/post workout)?

Pre run, I try to eat toast and peanut butter, or a little porridge. During long runs lately I’ve been taking EnergyBits or a gel. Trying not to have too much gels as they really upset my tummy. Post workout, i will drink chocolate milk or almond milk or a smoothie! 

18. What are you most proud of? (athletic or not)

I have trouble actually saying I am PROUD of myself. I guess I am proud of getting off my arse and running my way to losing 40 pounds and realizing that yes I can run a marathon. I'm proud that I persist when I often wondered if I really could do it. And, I think I can say I am proud of who I am as a person (thank you to my Mom and her 5 awesome sisters, and my grandparents who have shown me how awesome  it is to be loved and to have people cheer for you no matter what) because of my super awesome family. I think I am also super proud of my cousin Jim, who in his mid-30s chose to live a life of authenticity. He is a man of integrity and I love that when i spend 5 minutes with him he knows how to set me straight and give no bullshit advice. 

19. What is your most embarrassing workout story?

Oooh. You mean like the time I was doing a 10km race and with less than a kilometre to go from the finish line I really had to go. And there was no waiting. And it was pissing ran/sleet/snow so my tissues were wet so I had to go into the bushes and use leaves? (Um I have about 3 of these stories) Or that other time I was running a relay and I had gone 4 miles with NO loo...and I realized I had another 2 miles to go. And I HAD to GO. So as I ran into a spot that gave a tiny bit of cover (ok..it was a deep hill going into Lowe's parking lot with a bit of a covered garden area) another van saw me and pulled over asking if i needed help. HA! i told em i had a biffy emerg. They tossed me baby wipes and said get going!! And as I left cover...they were standing there waiting to give me high-5s and cheer me on! You gotta laugh. Wait...there is more....oh so many stories. HAHA

20. What’s something about you not many people know?

I was baptised with water from the Jordon River. When I was a baby, we lived in Libya. And our pastor used to make a trek to the Jordon to get water to baptise the parishioners. I am the middle kid (older brother, younger sister). oh. Do I karaoke? Yes. I can absolutely rock out the house when I do a barn burner version of Gloria Gaynor's 'I will Survive'. Have been known to rock Paradise By the Dashboard Lights, too. Gimme a few drinks and...you may get me belting out something from Grease, or Divinyls "I Touch Myself". If my StepDad picks the song, I get Patsy Cline.

Run RnRVAN with Me: Discount Code!

Thinking of running #RnRVAN?

Come run with me!

Register for 

Rock ‘n’ Roll Vancouver Half Marathon and Cunningham Seawall 10K 

and SAVE! 

Register for the HalfMarathon with code 'CRANTINA' and receive a $10 discount! 

Register for the 10k, with code 'CRANTINA10k' for a $5 discount! 

REGISTER HERE! 

See you there! It is gonna be FUN! 

Calgary Mara: 411 on H20

We runners love volunteers. 

We Hi-5 em at races! We shout that we couldn't do it without them. We give and get hugs on course. We even let them dump water on us on those super hot days!

But have you wondered what happens to get the WATER on course? Or about the logistics that happen to ensure everything runs smoothly on race day?

Planning for a race like the Calgary Marathon begins as soon as the course has been finalized and approved by the city. It takes months of work! And flexibility is key. Changes can occur to a route due to venue location changes or construction.

Fun Facts about Race Day Water! 

The amazing Cori did this infographic for me!

• Once course is set, the logistics team “map the route’. 
• They drive the route and take photos of areas where water station is planned (ideally located 3km apart) 
• A route report (driving instructions, photos) is given to aid station captains, port-a-pottie delivery guys, and water, equipment truck drivers.  This detailed description ensures the equipment, water and people all show up in the correct spot!
• The logistics team calculates how many run through each aid station - resulting in a spreadsheet detailing equipment needed at each location – cups, tables, garbage cans, rakes, jugs, water, or gels!
• While you might see 3 or 4 volunteers at an aid station, there are several shifts. So throughout a race there could be 14-20 people working at a station at any given time!
• Before the race volunteers drop off the equipment and do set up. Then they make the rounds dropping off the aid station volunteers. And then they take it all down.  
• So on race day... every aid station has had somewhere between 12-40 working at it to ‘make it happen’.

This year Calgary Marathon has 13 aid stations with 2 bonus “water only” stations. 

Marathoners will get water twice at aid station 11 and aid station 12 along Memorial Drive.
The 50km runners pass by 4 times! 

THAT means marathoners get 17 aid stops and 50k-ers get 19!

How much water is that? 

Not including finish line or the water bottles you get with food 

Calgary Marathon uses about 550 5-gallon water bottles!

 That means 175,000 paper cups for the course alone! 

No wonder it’s a great idea to GO GREEN and bring your refillable water bottle!

MUCH THANKS to Michelle Simonin, Logistics Coordinator 
on the Calgary Marathon Committee!   

For the past six years, she and her FAB logistics team have worked to make this race go off 

without a hitch. And, their work has helped keep us runners hydrated and happy. 

Michelle has been running since 1999. She has ran 16 marathons, 1 50km, 5 Ironman races 

and “too many to count” halfmarathons!  

Keep Calm. It's my Birthday!

I am off to Vancouver

to run 21.1km at the BMO Vancouver Mara! 

#25AnniversaryHalfMara

#soexcited

#rocktheBday

#NewAgeGroup

Anyone Wanna Have a Birthday Drink??

Monday Motivation...

As per my last post...I share. A LOT. 

But when it's on my mind, I let it out. 

So today on Monday, when looking for Motivation...I come across this! 

LOVE IT

(and yes, I would love a cuppa!)

An then I saw this!

A nice reminder of me. 

And that I am a runner. And that I am moving forward. Always. 

(That was a good run...not speedy, but steady right there...felt so good)

Need to REMEMBER that!

And This

That is the thought of the day for me...

Smile. Nod. Accept. 

Have a wonderful most FABulous week!

xo

Pre-Race Convos. or. A case of the Crazies.

Today I ran with an old friend.

Fatty Voice. 

I thought I had banished that bitch.

Nope. 

Man. Since August I have struggled here and there. Haven't worked full-time. Had some really crappy runs. Got shingles (for the FOURTH time), and well, pretty much let some depressing shit get to me. I wish I could shrug it all off. I sometimes really let it weigh me down. Especially the not working part. BAH!!

Winter has been long and freaking cold. Running has been difficult. I have done it. But I fear that what I HAVE done may be not enough. As in not enough miles. And a Marathon is looming. Oh Thaaaaaaaaaaat old thing. Just what every gal needs to bring out the batshit crazies in a stellar way.

I had gone away to Cali for my Ragnar fun...and it lifted me, show me that hells yeh I was on course. So That was good times. Then I got a call about a job while down there. Yes! Things were coming together.

So then last week when I started a full time job, I expected the weight to lift a little. But. It. Never. And then my phone died. (more on that to come...)

I was juggling trying to transition one contract over to someone else, get new job underway (and it is plagued with some serious deadlines and launch dates an is WAY behind) and making everyone "happy" since I started immediately, yet still had 3 jobs. I was sort of feeling like a spiral outta control.

Had a pretty good, 29k run last saturday!. Then Monday threw up. Woohoo. in the hallway. On my 3rd full day of work. REALLY? Tues and Wed I was just weak and limp.

By Friday I had to run. So I ran home! Added a few hills and got in 7km and felt GREAT! 

Saturday in spite of the snow I got in a nice easy 9k before going to my part time job at the running store! Woot. Felt strong. 

And no. Even though I have a full time gig I am NOT giving this fun job up! No Way!

Then Today. I woke up and started getting ready for my long run. I was sad I wasn't running the Calgary Police Half marathon, but I chose to run Vancouver next weekend instead.

And then 20 mins before race is to start, my phone rings. "where are you?" I got you a bib....I texted you. Only I hadn't received texts. GAAAAAAH...my frigging 6 year old 3G iPhone that I'm using til my replacement phone comes clearly was not doing the job....how on earth did I not receive a text?? And, there was no way could I get to race in time. So I did what every normal person does. I had a complete meltdown. a total effing bawling my eyes out asshole moment.

I managed to shake it off. And get into my car and go to the local running room to meet some folks for a run. An still wiping the tears away, I parked and whipped over to join a run group. Just in the nick I joined the folks running 23km. I would just add on a bit at the end. No prob.

But from the get go. Head was elsewhere. First 10km not bad tho... Then next 5km not so bad. Still not really feeling it. Then I  fell off pace group and was alone for a bit. In a neighbourhood I have never ran in. (let alone ever been in) HA! Got a little lost. Then sorted it out and got back to the big hill we climbed up to get there. And then I ripped down the hill. Felt good. Felt back on track. 

But that nagging voice reminded me I was really off the pace I wanted to be. 16km down...ok. 9 more to go...But I just felt so friggin felt tired. Had a gel. (And I had had good energy the first bit and was well hydrated and had taken in energy...so it wasn't that). But then I fell off pace. AGAIN. 

And then good ol fatty voice joined up. You know. I had quite the convo. That I have no business trying to run a marathon when I cannot keep up to a group running a fairly slow pace (6:45-7 minute kilometres). You are NOWHERE near the shape you need to be to be running a marathon. An for months, I have told fatty voice to STFU. But today, that shadow won.

She defeated me with 6km to go. 

I had a seat on a bench and had a cry. Then I looked up and saw....some graffiti!

I forgot how that made me laugh the first time i spied it on a run! 

OK. Lady get up off your arse. Keep running. 

And I pass more awesome graffitti

This will be the ONLY croc we ever see up here in Calgary! 

Buuuuuuuuuuuuut...my running partner didnt stop her incessant bitching. My legs hurt. My arm hurts (what????). My knee hurts (It never does, shut UUUP). My earbud is pinchy. I think behind my knee is seizing. My seam is rubbing and I have ass chafe. JESUS. Oh yes. IT was QUITE the convo!

And then I finished. And as i ran to my car I just felt overwhelmed with defeat and consumed by failure. And cried for 15 minutes in the car. And then after a few pointed texts from a couple of wise pals (thank you Susan and Cori for your no bullshit ass smack), I got out of car...walked up block and snapped a photo. to say F You Fatty Voice. I finished this in spite of you. I am DONE. The smile seemed fake. But dammit, I was pretty happy to be done that run.

I got home. Drank some chocolate milk, had two slices of toast with Peanut Butter and yummy raspberry jam! And made a bit pot of oolong tea. And stretched out a bit.

And then proceeded to get in the tub for an hour. 

So essentially that run was not the greatest. But it was a run. 

And I just need to move on. 

My birthday (don't ask how old, that is RUDE) is around the corner. 

Maybe that is also the reason for a little BSC (bat shit crazy) on today's run?? 

But really age is a number. 

Plus maybe my immaturity belies my age!

And, well, I don't look too bad for turning 46. 

There. I Said. It. *shudder*

And, I  have a great weekend planned. Actually I have NOTHING planned except that I am in Vancouver for 4 nights to celebrate my BIG day and run a half marathon (is that my 27th halfmara?). I wanna see a few sights. And have sushi. And coffee. And a cupcake. And get my zen on. And enjoy the ocean breeze. 

So All I could think of was that please do not let my race be like this run! hahahaha

And then as I soaked in the tub, I thought long and hard on HOW it FELT to run in California. 

AND THAT is what race day is gonna be like. 

FUN

It. Is. Going. To. Be. FUN!!

And fatty voice is NOT invited to the party. 

Wordless Wednesday: Running Poetry

Easter Run 29Km DONE

Soooo...its easter and I go home to Mom's. Rnning mojo is lacking! So Crystal and I hatch a plan for her to come join me. She drives from Red Deer and off we go! All the pics are taken by Chrystal, as my iPhone died (the screen is kaput) and I am phoneless at the mo....oh woe is me). Check out her Stettler BlogPost here!

We had planned to do 28km...so I checked out all the routes and instead of running loops around town and dosing local traffic, I suggest a nice route out on the highway. We start out from Moms and take some pathways  until we get to highway 56 (which heads out towards Camrose). So we've gone about 4km when we hit the highway. Apparently, we are to go until we hit 601 and head on up to Pheasantback Golf Course. If we do that and turn back we'll get in the miles.

We actually got in 29km. It was a clear day, which was a relief given the snowfall the day before. (Groa: when is spring going to END?)

Do we go this way? Asks Chrystal? 

Yup I say...and I keep following her. 

The only time I get ahead of her is when she pops off to see a sight (aka potty break)!

But really it is a good run. Feels good. It is a tad faster than my slow run at first but I find my rhythm. We finally hit a corner and turn to run up 601 (a quieter secondary highway). On the way back we pause for some stretching and pics...

Despite the last several kilometres being really hard for me and having to dig deep. 

THANK YOU Chrystal for giving me her iPod Shuffle!! We dig in and get it done. 

We go home a different way (aka less traffic and not down mainstreet) and 

I see Chrysal race into a convenience store (the one by my house where I grew up!!)

Only 2k left (well actually 3km...but really who's counting???)

And as we hit the home stretch I have Chrystal yelling at me. 

Raise those legs!

Work harder! 

Keep Going! 

Not sure if I raised my legs higher but I tried...

I am so grateful for her encouragement She got me there that's for sure. 

And we got home and stretched! 

And about 4 hours later ate some turkey, ham, stuffing, carrots, 

(extra stuffing no potatoes thanks)

one class of bubbly and only two bites of desert. Took a bite from mom's! haha

How was your Easter? 

Part 4: Ragnar = #runHappy AND Ragnar news!

Part 1  |  Part 2   |  Part 3   |  Part 4

Yes! I finished!

Really...it's quite interesting how emotional I still get (almost 2 weeks later) when I think about what my Ragnar experience did for me.....refresh, remind me about running happy!!!

From start to finish, we all were smiling! And laughing! And crying! And testing our mettle. 

#ttcSoCalRagnar14

Hell yeh! Team Tough Chik indeed

Being in close quarters with these amazing ladies is  truly awesome. I got a chance to meet 13 awesome women. Each one is truly fabulous and special in her own right. Someof us were coming back from injury, some of us had never ran that far, some of us were questioning our abilities. And each and every time one of us doubted, someone else was there to hold a hand or push or cheer or boost the mood with a pep talk!

We all conquered something in taking on this race! And we had a freakin blast. 

Some might say that being cooped up in a van with some strangers (or even friends) for 36 hours sounds like Hell on Earth. But I say if you have never done a relay, you should try one!

Big or small - I have done both. And LOVE em! 

I love the bond that is created with everyone. I love the strength you gain from others. I love how you can take turns leaning on each other. Knowing there is a support for you. Knowing that any moment a van of screaming hooting hollering crazy women will come careening around a corner to cheer you on and make you laugh. OR...how loud you really can cheer when your team mate comes rounding the bend.

And surprising how emotional this whole thing really is. 

And how much something so tough and yet so fun teaches you that YES. YOU. CAN. 

And that when you aren't sure you can dig deeper you find something inside you might not have known you had. All because of those last 30 some hours you've spent with a hilarious, hell bent on being awesome group of women!

And, as crazy as this sounds....

I CANNOT believe I am getting the amazing opportunity to do another RAGNAR....

Yup....I have some (bordering on insane) Ragnar news. In November, I will be joining Bondi Band on their corporate team for #LVRagnar. But instead of me meeting 11 strangers to run...it will be 5 strangers. This is an ULTRA team. We will each be running a marathon (and some of us more) over 30+ hour time period. I am very honoured to be on a team picked by Bondi and we hail from Texas, California, Arizona, and little ol me from Calgary, Alberta!  Yes it is farther than I've run before...but it is also over a 24-30 some hour period. I am thinking about my training and am confident this is totally doable! Bring. It. On. 

#LVRagnar

#bondiband