Burpees, like everything, happen for a reason.

It’s been a good week! I have raved about 360fit in the past. This is the gym that I was so lucky to work out in while a member of Team Myles, and whose trainers helped me go from couch to 10k in 12 weeks.

This week I found out that 360fit is not getting rid of me just yet! I filled out a ballot for 3 free months at the Blue Nose Marathon Expo and guess what?! I WON. (I never win anything!!). If this is not a sign that I am destined to be fit, I don’t know what is.

If you have not tried 360fit  I totally encourage you to check them out. They offer 1 week of unlimited fitness classes to newbies, how could you not? The workouts are challenging, fun and the atmosphere is welcoming. They push you to your limits. Their trainers are awesome. Do it! I’ll come with you!

Last week – a recap: 

I stuck to my workout plan for the most part, aside from getting out to do some hill training. Instead, I did a rather hilly 6k and could hardly walk the next day. Success! I have felt like I was in a funk when it comes to running lately – just not able to find a comfortable pace, going much slower than I usually do. I think I’m finally starting to come out of it.

My eating last week was….ok. I started out strong, having prepped a lot of wonderfully healthy food to get me through the week. By Thursday I was pretty tired of it. Lesson learned. I may have slipped and fell into a pizza. Friday, I offered to drive out to pick up our team’s kits for Sunday’s 5k race..which just so happened to be located INSIDE the Chickenburger in Bedford. So there’s that. Back on track this week!

On Sunday a few Team Myles Alum did the IWK 5k in Memory of Jessica. It ended up being an absolutely gorgeous sunny run, despite the fact that it was pouring rain when I woke up that morning. Although it was hot, I felt good and ran at a much more comfortable pace. We danced, sang, laughed, high-fived, and enjoyed every minute (well…except maybe the hilly minutes..). Great run for a great cause!

 

 

 

 

 

Trying battle ropes for the first time ever. Melissa turned badass!

 

 

 

Here’s my plan this week: 

• Monday: Boot Camp at 360fit (done…all the burpees. So sore.)
• Tuesday: Rest – I can’t move.
• Wednesday: 360fit Zumba or Boot Camp.
• Thursday: 6-8k Run
• Friday: Rest
• Saturday: Sole Sisters 5k!

On Sunday I’m flying out to Toronto for work and returning Wednesday. I’m going to try to hit the hotel gym a few times and enjoy some catered food – without indulging too much 🙂 Stay tuned and follow my instagram and twitter accounts @betterlongrun for updates.

The afterglow

It has been a week since Team Myles ended and I have to say, I have never felt more loved. The pats on the back, kind messages, and congratulations have been incredible. I am so happy to have inspired others to try new things (running included) and I really hope that this blog will help me continue to do that.

Each week I hope to post a recap of my runs/running related thoughts and update my training plan for the week. I’ll also post tips, tricks, recipes, methods, as I learn them myself. I’d love to hear your inspirations too!

Last week: 

After a good long post-10k rest, on Thursday a couple lovely Team Myles alum got together to run approx 6k through PPP. We obviously can’t stay away from each other hehe ❤ . This was our first run since the Blue Nose 10k, and although I did not feel sore or tired anymore during the day, I found that running felt a lot different. I understand now what people mean when they say that recovery runs are the hardest! I was tired within a couple ks and started to take walk breaks, listening to my body and cutting it some slack. My team mates got me through the 6k, and I was able to enjoy the beautiful weather to boot.

Keeping up our Saturday morning long run routine, a few of us met downtown to run 8k around part of the Blue Nose 10k Route, which has become our default.  I think I know that route better than how I get to/from work. We met at 9am, which was absolutely glorious after 12 weeks of 8am starts with Team Myles. It was wonderful to have Kylie join us, who had trained and completed the Blue Nose half marathon with Team Diabetes, and followed Team Myles’ journey as we trained as well. I love hearing how we’ve helped motivate others! Kylie is inspiring in her own right – a busy student with Type 1 diabetes, and just finished her SIXTH half marathon. Can I be like her when I grow up? We were happy to have her along to hear about her running journey (still impressed that I can carry a convo while running).

My plan for this week (so that I’m accountable): 

• Monday: Long walk if it stops raining 😉
• Tuesday: Team Myles Graduation Ceremony!
• Wednesday: Hill Training (30:30 sprint/walks for 35 mins)
• Thursday: Run 6-8k
• Friday/Saturday: Rest 🙂
• Sunday: IWK 5k In Memory of Jessica (Bedford, NS)

I also have the added challenge that my partner Shamir is away this week. When I’ve got the house to myself, I am way less likely to put any effort into cooking, leading me to eating take-out or PB&J’s for dinner. To combat this, I decided to get one step ahead of myself and do some meal prep on Sunday (like a real runner would!). I made a mountain of quinoa salad, a salmon, spinach & feta sweet potato crusted quiche, and baked blueberry oatmeal singles from Emily Bites.

Stay tuned to hear about my week, and follow me on Twitter and Instagram @betterlongrun to see what other shenanigans I get up to. Looking forward to earning another medal on the weekend! Anyone know where to buy a good race medal display? 😛