I'm A Forest City Road Races Ambassador

I am so excited!  My absolute favourite race is the Forest City Road Race, and I've been chosen as an ambassador for the 2015 race!    It's my favourite race for many reasons (see the blog post links below for my posts after each of my #FCRR 5k races), but it is, in my opinion, one of the best organized and friendliest races to run.  It is for people of all abilities and everyone is cheered along the course by the volunteers and staff.  


Read my recap of my experience of the 2014 FCRR (and how we missed the start!)
http://fitandhealthyjourney.blogspot.ca/2014/05/forest-city-road-races-5k-race-recap.html


This is my recap of my first FCRR (2013) & the reasons why it is SO special to me.
http://fitandhealthyjourney.blogspot.ca/2013/05/my-first-5k-race.html

#FCRR 

Keep watching here for posts about my training for the 2015 race - I need to really get at it because I've been off for an injury!  

I'll also be posting about the running analysis I am having done (this should be interesting to find out what I am doing right and wrong).

You can also follow me on Twitter at  www.twitter.com/envigeurfitness

My daughter & I running the FCRR in 2014

First Race of the Year

This past Sunday was my first race of this year.  It was a last-minute entry (and right after I signed up, I fell down the stairs at home - click here to read about that), but it was a date that worked for all 3 of us running.  The weather called for rain all day and warm temps, but luckily it didn't rain at all during the race.  It was quite warm at 21C, which we haven't been accustomed to (and yesterday and today it snowed and is below freezing - crazy spring weather this year). 

I was unable to run the whole thing because of my still-sprained toes, but I was able to run/walk the whole course. My best friend ran her first race with us that day, and I made sure that she wasn't stuck behind with me and urged her to go ahead an enjoy her race :)  She did and finished with a good time and a sense of accomplishment.  I think I have passed the running bug onto someone else now :)  

My youngest daughter and I post-race

My toes and leg are healing, and I am training for my next run in two weeks time.  It will just be my daughter and I running that one, but that one is a special one to us.  It is the same race that was our first race last year - so I guess it will be our one year "race-versary"???  Sounds like a reason to celebrate!

Myself, my best friend, and my daughter

Upcoming Race & Injury Update

You might remember that I fell down my stairs last Sunday and hurt my left leg and sprained my toes/foot.  (to read the blog post click here).  Real smart move, as I had just signed up for a 5k the following Sunday.

So I haven't been able to run all week, except one small run/walk to test everything out.  I will do the race, but likely only be able to run/walk the race.  I am kinda upset with myself, but I don't want to push running too much and delay healing of my foot & leg because I have another race in just 2 weeks.  My daughter, the sweetie, said she'll stay with me during the race and we'll "run" it together.  :)

Wish me luck, and I'll let you know how it went.  Oh, and please pray for nice weather, they are forecasting lots of rain for Sunday.

Lola is very sad because we haven't been doing training runs :(

I'm Going To A Colour Run!!!

I am so excited that The Color Run is coming to Canada, and to a city very very close to me!!  This August my daughter and I will be running it.

This is one of the things (along with a tough mudder) on my "bucket list". I am too excited for words! 

Does anyone who has raced in a Colour Run have any advice?  I'd love to take pictures, but I am afraid of what the powder will do to my camera.  Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

My First 5k Race!!

Crossing the finish line.

I actually did it!!  I ran my first 5k race and survived.....and I loved it!  It was a beautiful day, and I was nervous about running/walking the race, but after getting started and seeing many others doing the same thing, I relaxed and enjoyed myself.  My youngest daughter even ran the race with me (my original race partner ended up with the flu and was too sick to run).

My daughter before the race

Me before the race

Me crossing the finish line with a chip time of 45:29

 I crossed the finish line with a chip time of 45:29.  Not fast, but I was by no means in last place :)  We all have to start somewhere.
I was so pleased with the encouragement from spectators and volunteers along the whole route.  It really helps you along, and keeps you motivated along the route :) :)

My daughter crossing the finish line

A big surprise from all of this is that my daughter now wants to run more races and is excited about it! It's going to be nice to share upcoming races with her :)

With our finisher medals

So, now we have the racing "bug" and have signed up for a race in May, June, and are looking at a night-time one in July....plus for sure a Halloween race with prizes for the best costumes.  Yep, we're hooked!  :)

Countdown is on....only 21 days until race day!

 I can't believe that it is coming so fast!! My first 5k road race is only 21 days way - yikes!!!  
The weather hasn't been cooperating for most of my training, and I've had to do most of it inside on the "dreadmill" which I don't like.  For the past week, there have been a few more days where I can get out and do some training outside :)  Yay!

My workout partner today, Lola.  She had fun, but did try to trip me a couple of times :(

 

today's workout (5k +)

I can't run the full distance yet, but I can run 1km, then I alternate running and walking until I have gone the full 5k.  I am hoping that I will get a little faster or build a little more endurance and be able to run the whole distance - even if it is very slow.  

Any suggestions on how to increase my endurance??

Wish me luck :) and good weather. 

My First "Real" Race! I am so excited!!!

I am doin' it!!!  That is the slogan for the Forest City Road Race on April 28th, and that is what I am telling people: I'm doin' it!!  This will be my first "real" race; I have done many virtual races, but never wanted to do a real race all by myself.  I was invited to this one by a friend, and I figured why not?

Race Donation Page   (click here)

I have a lot of training to do to be able to run 5k without any walk breaks, but I have until April 28th to train.  I won't neglect my strength training (still my favourite exercise), but now I have to add more running.  Let's hope spring gets here soon so I can do more training outside!!

The day of the race will be the first anniversary of my mother's passing, so I will be running in honour of her.  <3 Love you and miss you Mom <3

Follow my 5k training on here on my blog and on my Facebook page My Journey To Getting Fit & Healthy.  I also welcome any advice from all of you seasoned runners!!  :)

Only 3 More Days for My Energy Bits Giveaway

Don't forget to enter my EnergyBits giveaway (enter HERE).  When February is over, so is my giveaway!!

Born Raw Sale Ends Feb 24th

Sale ends this Sunday Feb 24th!!

Click here to go to Born Raw Gym Clothing