Featured Blogger!

I began my blog as motivation for myself, as well as others. To learn from and to post what I learn.  But, one thing that I have found and especially more so since I created my Facebook Page , was the sense of belonging to a great group of people.  People who take pride in running, or being fit, and having the same goals as myself in creating a better and healthier way of living.

One fellow blogger and I had a lovely chat on my Facebook page and she was so kind and welcoming that I decided to feature her and her blog. I love her blog! I think it is such a fab idea!

Run A 5k in 2012

This is Kristine from
http://www.runa5kin2012.blogspot.ca/

So, Kristine features fellow runners and their 5K results on her blog from around the globe. It is really motivating! P.s : She is really sweet and kind :)

You can LIKE her Facebook page here

"I am trying to get 12 people to sign up for a 5k in their area. run it. walk it. push a stroller through it. I don't care, but sign up and do it.Don't be someone that says, 'i've never done that' because you're too afraid you'll fail or look foolish."

-Kristine 


Her lists of fellow runners is growing and she has created a positive community for motivation. The stories on her blog are truly inspiring.  I really can not wait to join in and share my own 5K race! Hopefully, if I stay on track, my story will be there among the others, later this summer :)

-The Restless Runner

I Smashed Worms & High Five-d A Guy

I still can't believe it survived! 

I poorly wrapped my crappy little Mp3 player in saran wrap, threw on my base ball hat, and tied my laces. It was only 5 degrees above zero outside and I was heading out at 11 pm in a torrential down pour, for a run.


No excuses!
Make time!
Determined!

That kind of run. The kind where you gotta drag your booty out that door, whining and pouting. Because, deep down, you know that if you skip this run-you will have regrets.


                                        I am done with regrets!!!

So, I'm pounding pavement and smashing worms, sloshing right through gritty puddles, as others are running to their vehicles, struggling with umbrellas, trying to escape the rain.... I just smiled to myself.  I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Sure, I can only run 2 miles, for now.

But, it's two more than I could run one month ago! For that reason, I am proud.

Then up a head of me, something fantastic was unraveling;  a fellow runner, in the dark, at 11 pm,  in this torrential downpour, was headed towards me at a steady pace! I thought this was awesome, as I usually run alone. And then he did something pretty cool; he raised his hand for a high five, as we approached one another!   I didn't leave him hanging! We high five-d with smiles on our faces, a sense of  Comradery.  


That was all the encouragement I needed to complete my last mile in the pouring rain, at 11 pm (awesome ).      

This is Me, being brave
(Don't Laugh lol)
Just before my run in the rain.

           Would love to know if you stopped by! Leave a comment and have a great evening !

                                                         -The Restless Runner

           
                                                                                

Excuse me, I fartlek-ed

So, I am patiently waiting for my Mister to be done with the lap top so that I can prepare these new blog posts I speak of on my Facebook Page lol.  He should hurry up before he makes a liar out of me lol

So, here's an update during the mean time. I am posting from my acer iconia tablet.

Last night's run was an utter fail. My Mp3 player died needed some recharging. And, I do admit that I am a runner who needs her music! I will run through snow, rain, heck, give me sleet ( gross ), I will still run like I am being chased by giant, venomous spiders! But, if  my Mp3 player is broken, lost, or recharging...look out, you will have one, whiney, grouchy runner on your hands!  So, tonight I will be better prepared for a wicked run.

However, few nights ago, while on my run....I was running (duh!).
And, this car load of college dudes ( I am old and drecrepid btw. 32 years of wisdom upon this girl, right here haha) decide to honk their horn very loudly as they drove beside me, scaring the crap out of me! so much that I sped up a fare bit while jumping in the air, startled.  Kind of like an axe murder was upon me. Excuse me, I might have farlek-ed.

On an entirely different note, one of my best friends will be taking some pictures of me running.  I will be brave and post some ;) Hopefully, a carload of college guys, giant spiders, and axe murderers will not be present during this photo session.

Have a wicked day, everyone! Don't be shy to let me know you stopped by :)

-The Restless Runner

WeGo Health: My Dream Day

Day 14: Describe Your Perfect Day

Being jobless in Canada has given me many opportunities to day dream.  There is nothing I want more than to find a job to pay off the interest rate of my student loan (which is required for me because I am late making payments, and have used up all of my deferral options, because I can not find work. Gotta love the great circle of Life Debt)so that I can continue with my schooling and finally graduate! But, I remain hopeful and the job search continues. With that being said and done...

My perfect day consists of awaking to the sweet, rushing sound of crashing waves and the rich aroma of perfectly blended coffee already brewing that my love prepared for me.  I have no chronic pain.  My body feels healthy.  The weather would be warm with a slight beach breeze.  Our master bedroom would be over looking the ocean, as would our children's bedrooms, also.  My children would be enjoying a healthy breakfast and playful banter among themselves while waiting for me.  My husband greets me with a kiss and a hug (and a coffee lol).  

After breakfast, we all head out for our morning walk along the beach with our playful dogs. When my husband goes back into the house to get ready for work, the kids and I would do some Yoga, together on the beach. Then, I drive them to school and myself to the Children's Hospital where I work as a nurse in the Oncology Unit.  My work day would be bitter sweet, rewarding, compassionate, and heart felt, challenging. I would go for 3 mile run on my break to refresh, and re-center myself. 

Upon returning home in the evening, I find my family busy in the kitchen helping one another prepare dinner.  I run to change and sit down at our breakfast island to join in on the conversation.  I savor the moment, listening to our kids tell me excitedly about their school day.  After enjoying a delectable dinner of barbecued salmon and salad, and some home made bread.  After dinner, we grab our sweaters and head down to the beach to watch the sun set.  

After we read a bed time story to the littlest one and the older ones retire to their bedrooms for the night, my love and I snuggle down to watch a movie and sip on a glass of red wine together.  

That, would be my dream day.  A healthy family life, a home, a car, and a career, some pets, and zero pain.  So many people already obtain such necessities, I will get there also, someday.  My glass is half full. 

Some day, My Dream Day will become a Dream Come True ;) 

Thank you for reading. Don't ever give up on your goals! 

-The Restless Runner 

Pulled Calf Muscle, You Can Go Eff Yourself!

Ya, I said it, many times over these past few weeks-  My pulled calf muscle can go Eff itself! After 2.5 weeks of R.I.C.E therapy (Rest.Ice.Compression.Elevation.), I awoke yesterday to no pain what so ever in my calf! Thank goodness, because sitting around on the couch was becoming unbearable.  I walked my daughter to school and got down to business. Iced it, stretched it, had a hot bath, stretched it some more, and then gingerly headed out for a small  fan-tabulous run! I began small, and paid close attention not to over pronate (or make giant leaps and bounds of pure excitement lol). Everything felt okay 5 min into it, so I continued keeping a steady and slow pace.  I stopped to walk for 30 seconds and then I picked up my pace, once again.  I am proud to say that I did not return home for 45 minutes and when i did, I was a hot and sweaty mess! I am proud to report I highly resembled  a... Grecian Goddess! Like...a..lubed up...swim suit model! Like a sparkly....Victoria's Secret Angel!!! I know, right! I even felt like I could rock a Zumba class like a model on the DVD Zumba videos!

Sigh....it's OK, a girl can be a little delusional for a few minutes. No worries. 

I decided to invest in some compression sleeves for both legs. Next pay day. Pinky-promise to myself. I am considering the ones on the left.  Both pairs are from Road Runner Sports Apparel .  Any words of advice, anyone? Do you currently wear compression sleeves to reduce muscle fatigue, and prevent injury, as well as to reduce post-run recovery time? (those are the benefits, by the way) If so, I would love to hear what you have to say about them! I will even say please...

                                                             (please)

-The Restless Runner 

WeGo Health: 10 Things I Can't Live Without

10 Things I Can't Live Without

Number 1.  My Beautiful Daughter, who lights up my life with her cheeky smiles and gut-bursting giggles (that are completely contagious).

Number 2.  My Love, who challenges me to become the best person that I can be, to be strong, and confidant.  I could not live without his playful banter each day and obnoxious tickle fights. 

Number 3.  My Running Shoes. I went months and months without any because we could not afford to buy them for lack of employment reasons. My Hunni just couldn't understand why on earth I would ask for runners as my birthday gift this year. He thought it was a terrible gift! But to me, it was the best thing in the entire world, almost as good as diamonds!! Because along with the gift of running shoes came the gift of good health, future goals, belief in myself, and comfort during my walks to and from my daughter's school each day!! Priceless. (Thanks again, lovey)

Number 4.  Google/Internet.  Ya, I said it. No, I am not a Gamer. lol. But, without Google, I would not be  able to research recipe ideas, running tips, search for motivation, or have such easy access to my long distance loved ones.  Or blog for that matter!

Number 5.  Fresh Beginnings.  I have been through a lot in my life of 32 young years.  Recently, I decided to start over.  The thing about starting anew, is that you can do it any time, anywhere.  It doesn't have to involve moving cities, or changing jobs (although it can if that's what you desire).  You can go back to school, redecorate your bedroom to symbolize a fresh start and give you peace of mind.  Or it can be the simple daunting goal of becoming a runner, to eat clean, and read more.  Starting anew is really refreshing! 

Number 6.  Acceptance.  Without acceptance, I would become an angry and bitter person.  I have been there and done that and it is NO fun!  Some things, you just can not change.  Sure, I have regrets.  I regret some choices I have made in the past. But, I have accepted responsibility for those choices and moved on.  I even learned from them! Imagine that! You really are in charge of your own happiness.  It's not always easy. But it is very attainable. 

Number 7.  Affection.  Once upon a lonely time, it was just my daughter and I.  She would go to bed at 7:30 pm, and I would be left to my quiet thoughts each and every evening.  Then, along came a wonderful person who loved me back.  I am thankful for each and every hug that he gives me.  I really don't think I could live without the healthy, honest, and loving affection he gives me each day.  Some people really take it for granted, but it becomes a sad journey without it! Trust me, I know! 

Number 8.  Music/Mp3 player.  Music makes the world go round and my feet hit the ground.  Music makes my heart beat faster, I'm a running master! ha ha.  Ok, so I'm no song writer.  But, it was a good try. Right? (just nod and smile lol)  Seriously though, I use songs to set my running pace,  for motivation, TO CLEAN TO!! Imagine cleaning without any music? That's a nightmare. Let's move on shall we?

Number 9.  Coffee.  I can't function without it. Enough said. 

Number 10.  My Taste buds.  How horrible would that be?! If you could not savor the aromatic flavor of your wine?  The creamy, bold goodness of your Cup O' Joe in the morning,  the semi-sweet, delicate taste of dark chocolate???? The crunchy, crispy goodness of your salad??? Wow, right? I know.

There you have it- My top 10.  I hope you enjoyed it. Please let me know what you think =) I love to read comments. Later, Alligator! 

- The Restless Runner 

3 month Bikini Work Out? Sure, Why not!

So, I am sitting here, icing my calf muscle and day dreaming of running, When I stumbled upon Shape Magazine's 3 month bikini workout. I checked it out and it does actually seem pretty fan-tabulous! I can not afford a gym member ship, so I am on the great internet search of new ways to get fit and stay healthy while on my running journey, and apparently through my run-on sentences, to! lol.
It's great to keep things fresh and mix it up a bit. (especially at home on rainy days, such as today).

Click here for the entire article, routine, and tutorial videos! =)


Video #1


- The Restless Runner

Dear 16 year old Me...

Yesterday's prompt was to write a letter to your 16 year old self <3

. 

Dear 16 year old Me <3,

This moment is hard on you, I know. But, it will pass. Take a deep breath.  Knowledge is Power.

Embrace yourself in confidence, and know that your body is still growing, developing, and changing.

Maintain  your studies and chase  your dreams goals.  You can not control everything in life, as it is always changing.
But, you will adapt. You will  become successful.

Put down the diet pills! Leave starvation at the door! Your body is your temple and it deserves to be nourished. Look fear in the face!

Do Yoga, because you can! Join a sport, because you CAN! Take ballet, because you want to! Don't stop running! And remember, its OK to laugh at yourself  =)

Respect your Mom and Dad.

Get that puppy you wanted.  Your Dad will back you up on it ;) It will help you bond with one another.

Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen with your friends. It will teach you more than you know. It will show your heart invaluable lessons.

Get a job. Period. It will teach you responsibility maturity. And it feels great to receive your own pay cheque.  Treat yourself. And treat your Mom and and Dad to lunch.  Because they deserve it.
.
Wear a messy bun. Wear those funky shades. Rock those jeans, girl! People are drawn to you, don't withdraw, Smile! You are much braver than you think.

Ask  questions in class. It does not matter what others say, or if they laugh at you.  You need to learn to have the future you want! You need to graduate in order to get the career you want. In the end, no one will be laughing at you. I promise.

Do not worry  too much when you receive the diagnosis of Endometriosis. You will have a beautiful daughter. And she will be everything you ever imagined she could be.

Leave that abusive boyfriend at the FIRST sign of disrespect. You will find someone better. Someone, who will love you for who you are and encourage your aspirations for success. Yes, it will hurt your heart that some one has mistreated you.  But, it will hurt far more if you stay for the long term.  You deserve better. Listen to you gut. It is usually right.

You will be a late bloomer. But,


You.  Will. Flourish. 

Love,

The 30 somethin' year old you xo

WEGO Health Activists Writer's Challenge

Hey everyone ! Thanks to runtohealth.blogspot.ca , I stumbled upon this writer's challenge for the month of April.
The Health Activist Writer's Month Challenge hosted by WEGO Health. 


I will be writing a post a day for all 30 days. I hope you'll join me in writing every day about health. It's going to be a lot of fun and I'd love to see what you have to say about each of the topics, too. All you have to do to join is sign up here: wegohealth.com and you'll be able to start posting once April rolls around. 



Looking forward to writing with you!

Happy Run Play List #1

It's time for me to quit procrastinating and switch up the I POD's playlist for you :) So, here is what was on it, in case you need some inspiration for your next run! Drop it like it's hot! (I didn't just reference Snoop Dog. lol ).

I'm Glad You Came- The Wanted
Drinking In L.A- Bran Van 3000
We Are Who We Are- Kesha
Embrace- PNAU
Pursuit Of Happiness- Kid Kudi feat. MGMT & Ratatat
Stereo Love- Edward Maya & Mia Martina
Good Feeling- Flo Rida

- The Restless Runner <3

My Injury and A Goal.

Good morning, everyone! I have my coffee beside me and some great news to share! If you follow me on facebook, then you saw it there first ;)

Three years ago, I was training to run my first 5k using the couch to 5k plan, and was loving every second that I ran.  Until, one day I landed my foot wrong going down an incline on a gravol road.  And fractured my hip! Needless to say, I did run the rest of the way home (which was only 2 min) and then colapsed in pain.  The stress fracture was not visible via x-ray as the doctors figured it was right in the middle and some what hidden. They told me this is common.  After various tests, my prognosis was given and with much dissapointment, was instructed not to run and that it could take up to a year to heal.  The pain was almost unbearable, at first.  And then with much rest and many months, it began to dissipate.  However, my hip did become a human barometer and would ache badly when it was about to rain, over cast, or humid.  It was excruciating to get out of bed in the mornings.  And on many occasions, this reduced me to tears.  I would take advil for inflammation.

A year and a half into this recovery, I was due for surgery for Endometriosis.  Another set back.

Finally, after all of this, I was mentally and physically prepared to start running, again. And hear I am today.

So back to my good news! Last night, I was able to run an entire mile with out stopping to walk! It felt fantastic! I was in the zone, invigorated, and not breathless. Just a smooth, easy run. (Muscle memory, perhaps?)

So, I'm back on the running wagon.  With a 5k goal in site, this September.

I hope this inspires you to never give up. Especially, if you are reading this in the midst of your own recovery. Or, even if you fell off the running wagon.

"Strength. A river cuts through a rock, not because of it's power, but it's persistence" -Jim Watkins

-The Restless Runner

New MP3 Player and a Happy Dance.

So, today is Autism Awareness Day.  I will be attending the assembly at my daughter's school in support of her class mates with autism.  The Mayer and the news team will also be in attendance! Fantastic! :)

Yesterday was my off day from running, and I literally layed around home and iced my thighs  (lol)...and stretched.  I am feeling the burn since I began all over again post injury.  But, I am trying to remain positive.  Correction: I AM REMAINING POSITIVE. There needs to be a period of adjustment, right? I am indeed re-doing the couch to 5k program and I am only in the beginning weeks.  Anyone else with me on this one? If you are, please let me know ! And don't give up! :)

I also purchased a new MP3 Player! Yay me! It is only from Walmart. But, it is crystal clear and uploads songs very quickly without the need for adding any soft wear to your computer. Hooray for simple! It cost a whopping $18.00 and comes with a clip that works great.  I did test it out and it doesn't fall off during runs. This MP3 player contains a lithium battery and lasts for a long time. So, in the tragic event of breaking your IPOD or other expensive music device, I highly recommend this one as a quick and inexpensive fix! The brand name is HipStreet. (So cheesey, right ? lol).

Today's run will be this evening. With the reward of pizza afterwards.  Is that bad??? Life is too short to be so serious all the time.  I don't think I could torture myself with healthy alternatives while my little family chows down on the delicious (and oh so greasy) treat in front of me!!

I hope everyone enjoys their day, I know it's Monday. But, every day is a gift. I will leave you with a little motivation :)

It's called a work-out because it requires work. If you don't work at it, it's called an Easy Out!

~The Restless Runner .