Looking Back - My Journey As A Runner

I fucking hate looking back at some blog posts from a couple of years ago. I can now identify the things I was feeling and thinking that I didn't recognize back then because I was too close, and too filled with doubts and questions. I have now lived their outcome. It's also sad because there were so many things that I was excelling at - despite my broken heart - that I have given up in the years since. Like running.

selfie taken spring (summer?) 2013 - damn fine gams

To be honest, I really love running. And my specific running related goal this year is to start running at least twice a week, increasing to 3 times a week in the spring.

As Jill likes to say, "a goal without a plan is just a wish." So I bought a membership at a gym with an indoor track. And I have an informal ongoing date with BFF to go running together. And I use a running app, and I do watch my time and try to "beat" it every time I hit the track.

And my ultimate goal is to be faster and to run longer distances.

But you'll note I didn't get very specific and include "run a 5k" on this year's list.

This was one of my major goals back in 2013, when I was going through some of the biggest changes of my adult life. I actually couldn't stand being at home, so I would go running every night. It's sad that those circumstances got me in the best physical shape of my life. My ex read my goals on my blog (he never read my blog), and enrolled us in a 5k through his work because he wanted to help me reach my goal. And we ran the 5k together. And it was awesome and sad at the same time.

But I did it! And despite all the other shit that was going on in my personal life, I was so very proud of myself.

And then we ran another 5k together the year after. And again, it was so awesome to have someone I trusted running by my side! But to already have moved on and know that whatever running goals I would set in the future, he wouldn't be part of them...that was sad and coloured the experience for me.

So I include "running" on my 2016 Goals, but I just can't put "run a 5k" on my damn goal sheet. Too much heartache there.

photos from our Colour Me Rad run, July 2014

But I would like to get back there, back to that feeling I had when I completed a 5k with a friend/lover by my side. That was damn fine. I guess it's not just my body that needs the 5k training...it's my heart too.

xo

Get Rad! Check!

One of the items on my Summer Manifesto was to "Get Rad!" meaning, run in the Colour Me Rad 5k! And I did this past weekend. And it was so very rad.

Nadine and I have been very loosely "training" for this run (HA!) and she was kind of worried that she wouldn't be prepared enough. Yeah...needless to say that as soon as we arrived we realized that this wasn't a "real 5k". No one was timing you, and while we all signed up for a specific wave time, we could pretty much just start with whatever wave we wanted. It was awesome!

Me at the finish line! (I actually got MORE covered in colour after this photo was taken!) - Nadine & I about 1.5 km in.

One of the "Colour Stations". These were placed throughout the course. Essentially there were a bunch of volunteers throwing colour at you from big boxes. Literally arm loads of coloured cornstarch! The ground beneath these stations was quite spectacular.

Lots of clever slogans. Nadine has a photo of herself beside one that reads One Rad Mama...or something to that effect. Also #itsmefeet

Anna and Cory came to cheer on Nadine, and Anna even made her mom a sign. It reads "My Mom is Rad". She even signed her name! It was beyond adorable. I think I got more colour on me via Anna than at all of the colour stations combined! (Wink).

It was really cool to see all the "Radders" walking around town later in the day. They were popping up everywhere. BFF & I picked up some donuts and veggies at the market, grabbed a brunch at Urban Diner and then headed to the west end of town to run some errands. And by then I was thoroughly exhausted and had a lovely nap.

I think this is definitely going on the Summer Manifesto next year as well! And we're bringing the whole family! Also, no training...more margaritas...

#getrad

-Lisa

Kicking My Own Ass...

And loving it!

I found a bunch of "printable" circuits on Pinterest, pinned them, and then found myself actually needing an exercise set one Saturday morning. This Saturday morning to be precise:

And I picked one at random, that seemed to have moves that were actually plausible for me to do. And it kicked my ass! My legs were sore for four days after! That's my kind of workout!!

The best part I found was how uncomplicated it was. Weights, stretches, movements that could be captured with a couple of images. Simple movements that most people already know how to do. And there were enough different moves in the circuit that I felt that my whole body was really getting worked out. And I never got bored. And my fat was just bawling.

Good things, all good things.

So if you are trying to find somewhere to start, and just walking around outside isn't cutting it for you anymore, check out Fit Sugar Printables.

Please do yourself a favour and ignore any mention of "trouble zones" or "bikini ready" or "beach season is coming!" or whatever crap marketing tools these websites to make women feel like shit about their bodies and buy whatever they are selling. Blargh!

Here are some of the key words I look for in any exercise program or printable or whatever. Strengthening, muscle-building, cardio, core, energy, full-body, no equipment needed...those are the important words.

Here's my Pinterest board if you're interested: Body Inspired

Just because I can't afford a membership at a "real" gym, doesn't mean I can't work out on my own. All it takes it a little bit of planning, commitment, and a set of light weights. Hell, I can do most of these circuits while Lucas is getting ready for bed, or whenever. It's not rocket science, yo!

No more excuses Lisa.