Gearing up for my first race of the year

Crossing the finish line at my first race, April 2013

Spring will soon be here (oh man, I sure hope so because this winter has been brutal) because it is time to sign up for my favourite local race.  The race is in April, and it's my fave because it was the first one I ran, and it was on the first anniversary of my mom's passing - I ran it in memory of her.    I honestly thought I'd run the race and that would be it, well, I was warned by others that I would be hooked and I am!  I ran a few others last year, but I must say there is nothing like your first love - lol.  

So, today I signed my youngest daughter and myself up for the race.  It's official, we are going, and I plan on smashing my time from last year, so I had better get training!!

Speaking of training, I won a free month of online training from Kelly's Fit Lifestyle and after a full week, I have DOMS everywhere and I have lost over 6lbs :)  Yay!    She is pushing me to do exercises that are good for me, but if left to myself, I probably wouldn't do. After my first week check-in, she changed my macros and I am all set for another week.  I'll keep you all updated! 

Love lifting <3

2013 - My Year in Fitness

2013 was quite a year for me fitness wise, and I had some firsts.  I started running again this year and ran my first ever race.  This is something for the kid in my who hated gym class with a passion and did everything she could to get out of running laps around the field at school.  I ran my first 5k with my daughter, enjoyed it so much that we ran 4 more 5k races this year. Both of my daughters joined me in doing a Color Run this year.  In 2014 we plan on running some more, and maybe even a 10k.  

In the gym I made some great gains with my weight workouts, and even started working with an online trainer who helped me to push myself more than I would have on my own.  She made me realize that in order to make gains, I have to go past my comfort zone.  I can't wait to see what gains I make in 2014!!

I also became a brand ambassador for Born Raw Gym Clothing, and for ENERGYbits.  I was so honored that they wanted me to be on their team.

Here's to a great 2014!!

New Running Items at Born Raw Clothing

As you all know, I love to run, so I am glad to introduce to you, the new

additions to the running apparel line at Born Raw Clothing 

Born Raw ships FREE worldwide - what an awesome deal, and to make it even better, use the code

L10 to get 10% off of your order (be sure to use it during check-out).  

Born Raw uses PayPal, so any exchange rates are done automatically by PayPal before you confirm your order.  I have ordered a few different items from them and it is easy, and the parcels come quite quickly! 

To check out all of the Born Raw running themed hoodies, click HERE

To check out the t-shirts and tank tops that are running themed, click HERE

I know for sure that there are more items being released soon, so keep checking the website under "new releases".

The items are available in different colours and sizes from XS right up to 4XL (it's nice to see an online store 

offering clothes in plus sizes!!)

Awesome Run & Plantar Faciitis

Our longest training run yet!!!

Even though it has been so hot and humid here, I have to get out and run in it to acclimatize myself (and my daughter) so we can continue with our summer races (yes, we have become addicted like so many of you predicted when I first announced that I was running a 5k!).

Yesterday started out breezy and cloudy when we left, my daughter, our Pug Lola, and myself.  Not long into our run the sun came out and seemed to just bake us.  The country side road that we took is wide-open farmland with few trees along the road, so there was no shade at all for relief.

We stopped on the sideroad overpass to watch the traffic

My daughter checking out the traffic - you get quite a dizzy feeling looking over the edge!

It soon became apparent that it was just a little too hot for poor Lola, so I called my older daughter to come with the car and take poor Lola home to cool off in the air conditioned house.  Lola was more than happy to hop in the car with her :)

Lola took a chance to cool off in a water puddle.

We made it to our turnaround point, but it was so hot that our walk breaks became longer and our running time became shorter.  I was having a good time (my daughter kept complaining though, lol) and enjoyed the long run/walk session.  I couldn't believe how wet my shirt was from the sweat, but that is good!!  Sweat doesn't scare me!

At our half-way point.

It got to the point it was just placing one foot infront of the other to make it home.

Nice calorie burn!!  Oh, and a "nice" sunburn to go with it.

I was very happy with the workout, and had a nice calorie burn. That always makes me happy :) :)

What didn't make me happy was the pain in my left foot that began not long after we got back.  I had a sneaking suspicion that it was my plantar faciitis flaring up - NOT good news, I have races coming up!!!  Aghhhhh!!

And a flare-up of my plantar faciitis.  My first try with KT tape.

I have purchased some KT tape, and following the company's how-to videos, have applied it to my foot.  Along with anti-inflammatory meds and exercises, I hope it heals.  I'll be sure to keep you updated on my training and the faciitis.   Keeping my fingers crossed! 

August Weekly Goals Update #2 and More Races!

As promised, here is my update for the past week - actually for the past 2 weeks 'cause I've been a tad busy with 2 jobs, kids, hubby, etc, etc.  But the important part, is that I have made time for exercising everyday!

training with my workout partner, Lola :)

-I am walking/running every day. No workouts of straight running yet, I am still taking it slowly. 

-I am keeping to "Sara's -Use it 2 Lose It" challenge.  The goal for August is to walk or run 36 miles (I had been doing a big ol' 0 before this challenge) and to log 120 minutes of strength training per week in August.

So far, I have walked/ran 19 miles in just the past week, and I have logged over 6 hours of strength training per week.

training

-I am still prepping for my virtual run on Labour Day hosted by http://www.mommyrunfast.com.

  PLUS, I have entered another virtual race, The Great Cupcake Race. The Cupcake Race is for Team In Training (for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).  I guess I am enjoying these virtual runs!  

I have also committed myself to the Terry Fox Run for cancer research on September 16th.  I will be running in honour of my Mom who passed away from cancer this year, and of my Dad who passed away from cancer many years ago. 

Now for my last goal - do a plank a day.  So I haven't done a plank every day, but I have done more planks than when I last checked in (which was zero!).  I will try and improve for next check -in.