"Cause we can't stop, and we won't stop"

Well I guess Miley said it right! After getting back into running with my mom this week, and it feels good I might add, I don't want to stop. Yes I don't feel like getting up at 6:30 to run at 7 every other morning, but I'll do it. Looking back at my times that I gradually got up to when I started running were much better. This could be because a) I built up the stamina or B) I'm running slower with my mom. She says B, but I think A. Anyways, the point is I'm back at it. It's nice to have company to run with that is at my pace and ability right now. Yes she has done a half marathon but running is definitely not something you can just stop doing for 4-6 months then jump back into right away.


Mom and I just signed up to do the Angus Glen 5 Miler. It works out to be an 8 KM cart path in the middle of the summer but we can do it. I hope!


Wish us luck!


Just updated my future events page!

Toronto Pearson Runway Run 2014

Yesterday, I did the runway run with my mom. It was pretty chilly in the morning but we both survived. It was the first run since her foot survey and our first run together. Overall I'd the run was successful!

We got to the maintenance building around 8:30 and had great parking! FYI: Stay in the right lane when you go in! We had no problem getting into the gated area with or without a bib. But you weren't allowed on the airstrip without a bib number. When they lead you over to the start line is when they check you and make sure.

When we got there we had to wait a while for a port-a-potty. After that we hung out in the warmer maintenance building. There were a few freebies inside there. On the other side of the building was a gentleman who had a falcon that worked at the airport. So that was neat to see. 

Around 9 o'clock they rounded us all up and walked us over to the starting line.  Then we were off. I ran 4 and 1's but I tried to take pictures of the runway while running and it was hard to time my run properly in my app. Oh how I wish I had a garmin watch.

My mom ran it in 35:07 and I ran it in 33:37. After our run we picked our ribbon colour (purple, yellow, lime green, red, turquoise and navy) for out medal, I choose lime green, and we were on our way to the food!!!

They had bananas, bagels and a TON of freebies to take home with you. Here was everything we could grab:

It could have been a personal best run had I ran consistently the two weeks before the run! But maybe next year. I would definitely do this run again. A little boring but still pretty fun and very cool to run alongside planes!

Pearson Runway Run this weekend!

So I've been terrible with running lately. And by that I mean I've for once in the past two weeks. I got a new teaching gig and it's a bit difficult to run before I get to school in the mornings. Slash I've just gotten lazy. However on Saturday is the Pearson runway run in Toronto and I'm excited for this 5k run. It will be the first run I do with my mom since her foot surgery and I'm looking forward to it. My brother picked up our race kits tonight and this was what we got! A shirt a few munchies and a bag. Not too bad! I'll let you know how it goes!

Well, it only took about three days after my first 10 KM run to have my legs feeling back to normal. For some reason my feet always start to get sore and swollen during any run after about the 7.5/8 KM mark. It's likely due to the fact that i'm not conditioned enough.

This past weekend I didn't run very much. MY mind kept telling me, "It's the holidays, just relax!" Too bad there aren't any holidays for your HEART! Anyways, I got a 3.5 KM run in with 5 and 1's. I've only done about two runs going by 5 and 1 intervals, so i might try another few with that.

I was going to sign up for the Newmarket Easter Seals run held on May 24th (i think), but I just had the Sporting Life run and it seems like i'm gunning it too much. I need to get my whole 5 KM timing down with 10 and 1's before I really get into it. The weather is finally smartening up enough that it's great shorts weather.

Well, another 4 day work week. And 10 days until I begin my first teaching LTO. Yay! My mom get's back from vacay tomorrow. Hopefully her foot is doing well enough that I can start running with her soon. She'd make a good running partner I think :)

Happy Victoria Day!

Total KM run to date: 89

I really need a water bottle like this.

Race Report: Sporting Life 10 KM 2014

I DID IT!

Yeah to some it may seem like not a huge deal, but I think it's pretty cool that I completed my first ever 10 KM race!

Here is how my race went and all of the details.
I set my alarm for 5:45 am, to give my stomach enough time to wake up properly. Luckily I didn't have any funny business going on inside my stomach so I set off on the road at about 7:20. I got into Toronto around 8:10 and parked near Lawrence Park. I didn't have to pay for it and it WAS legal! Lol. After I parked I started making my way to the start line. As you walk all you see is a sea of green shirts! I began to regret not wearing mine almost! Next time, I will!

I had a lot of time to spare so I took a trip into the Sporting Life store (which they have actually washrooms instead of port-a-potties! Noted for next time!). They have so much stuff in that store! Good thing I didn't have my wallet on me at the time! Anyways, At about 8:40 I started making my way into my corral. The thing that I really liked was that there were washrooms everywhere! I was stressed that there wouldn't be enough but they definitely did a great job at having enough!

So I got situated in my corral and enjoyed the moment!

Next thing you know the race had began. There is a slight incline at the beginning of the race but it is mainly downhill. It was great! I definitely plan on doing this race again next year! Near the end it seemed to never end with the loops and winds, but I was able to do it. And in 1:07:18 nonetheless! It's a PB for me so far, because it's only the second time i've ever actually ran 10 K! I attempted to do it in 2 and 1's, but I was just doing the run to complete it. Next time i'll try something else. I through enjoyed it. 

When we got to the end we were sent along a winding path and collected our medals. I'm so glad I went to this race alone because I would have NEVER found my family it seems! I grabbed a CLIF chocolate and PB bar (not too shabby!) and went along my way. They never called me to the stage to receive a price unfortunately ;) But Jen from BT Television was there so that was kinda cool to see her!

After that I made my way into the harbour/CNE parking where they had shuttles run us up to Union Station. Super helpful! The lineup for the shuttles seemed to be forever ending, but the lineup went fast. It was well worth the wait instead of walking 3 KM back. Fewf! And that was the race! I'm proud to have done my first race! I can't wait to do one with a friend or family member. I know my mom would have loved to be here (she's on vacation) but it was a great first experience nonetheless. 

Here is a closer look at my bling:

I hope everyone else had a great race and that my little part of raising some money for Camp Ooch helped. This run was ran in memory of Shawn Fenner.

Tomorrow's Race Day!

So the night before the race of the Sporting Life 10 KM run has finally come! I've been trying to eat 'healthy' today which has mainly consisted of lots of yogurt and granola bars, some chicken and grilled peppers. I took a pass on all that good tasting greasy food at the restaurant today. Hopefully that proves to be a good choice tomorrow! Today was the first day all week that I wasn't faced with a migraine headache so that was a nice treat. I hope that takes a rest tomorrow too. Fingers crossed for me!

I've laid all of my belongings out for tomorrow and pinned my bib to my shirt. I'm just waiting to feel a wink of tiredness come over me. There's too much excitement and nervousness going on. I'm definitely not nervous about physically running the race, i'm mainly worried about having to stop for a washroom. I really just hope I can just enjoy myself tomorrow.

I am definitely not going for a personal best or anything here. I'll be running 1 and 1's. I'm still working towards doing a 5 KM with 1 and 1's (i'm at 4 and 1's so far on the 3.2 range). But i'm getting there! So tomorrow i'll be doing a lot of 'moving to the side' so people don't pile into me. I just hope I don't tire myself out. I know i'll want to run for longer but not be able to finish the 10 KM. I'll just try my best and that's all I can do, right?! That'w what I tell my students at least :)

Wish me luck tomorrow! I'm bib# 21727. And good luck to everyone else running! See you at the finish line!

What beautiful weather we have had lately. It's about time after all of that white fluff that graced our presence with an unappreciated extended stay. Needles to say, I went for a run today. I hadn't ran the last two days due to my 'monster migraine of the century' on Monday. I continued with my four sets of 4 and 1's, that I almost couldn't do today for some reason! I was gassed. Those kindergartens must have stolen all of my energy and endurance today! But I was able to do it. And with a slightly better pace time than my last 4 and 1 pace time. I'm already dreading 5 and 1's, let alone 10 and 1's!!!

Anyways, I was feeling better yesterday so my dad and I took a drive downtown to pick up my first ever race kit! I went to the Sporting Life store parking lot to get my bib (#21727 if you're following along!), I went inside to get my medium ladies Nike DriFit shirt (which was too small, but the nice young gentleman allowed me to change it with a little coaxing) and lastly grabbed a 15% off coupon for May 5-12th.



I was able to raise a few dollars for this race, which I am very grateful for. It was only about $130, but every bit helps! I'm super excited for my first race! Only 4 days left until game day! It will be interesting to see how my stomach is. I'm also debating whether to park at the start or at the finish. So many questions. A few more days to keep (start) eating healthy to allow for a good race! See you there!