Find me a way

So many words and so much time.

Firstly, I really am beginning to believe the grouse grind has put a toll on my body and mind. I did take a rest day yesterday after wednesday's run (which was horrible, by the way). Today, I slept in. Got up at 7:00.

Yeah, sadly, that's what sleeping in is for me.

Usually, I wake up at five in the morning. Most of the time, in those long grey minutes of the pre-sunset quiet, I plan my day and think about the good feelings that will follow after my run. 

This morning was different. My alarm woke me up at 5:15. Turned it off, turned over and went right back to bed. Exhaustion.

And now I'm really kicking myself for it since today will be a full and busy day. How am I supposed to squeeze in a run ?! (I HAVE to run today, tomorrow and sunday) 

Maybe I'll cut work short and run before my dinner tonight. 

Secondly, there has been certain changes in my life as of late. Other than a job opportunity that I have seized, I've been feeling rather...refreshed.

Let's just note that everything's refreshingly free of pretensions in which a lot of people  will inevitably entrap themselves.






It's about time I sat up and took notice, even if it's a fantasy that'll only stay in my head.

Tune we play and play with our tune.

Training 

Well, something happened this morning and I'm not sure why exactly.

Did my 3 mile run at 6:40 this morning. 

3.17 miles in 34 minutes (10:43 pace). Did 4 speed sessions (fartlek) but they were slightly different. A bit faster, and for shorter periods. After 4, my legs felt a little heavy. Kept going at a slow pace (just like last run) until end of mile 3. Maybe I should dial it down- perhaps, my idea of easy training sessions have become precipitate and hard.

Other than that, today's going to be a beeeaaauuutiful day. The sun is shining, and Nike is waiting for me to come by so I can clean out their store. 

For now, more coffee, some reading. 

Have a wonderful day!

Loving this: To my amazing and lovely readers; I appreciate the feedback and comments SO MUCH. I thank you for the comfort.

Loving this 2: In love. I've been listening to this all morning. Morning hip swivels. Pourquoi pas? 

Astounding, astound me

This process, as I have mentioned, is about trial and error. Tripping over bumps and learning to hurdle over them or even avoid them altogether.

In the beginning of this whole 'journey', I've been less likely to listen to others and mostly, to myself. Ignored injuries and pushed myself further just so I could finish 2, 4, 5 miles. I just thought it was safe to assume that injuries came hand in hand with running. If I got this amount of miles done, I'd be a better runner. Um, no. Foolish.

Learning to hold myself back and literally pacing myself is something that's new to me. It's hard. I love pushing the boundaries, mentally or physically; I love the challenge and the rush of pride I attain from achieving something. (who doesn't)

At the same time, I love the rules I've created for myself.

Put your running gear on, 6:00 am sharp, stretch and walk down Nelson to Pacific St. Get to my usual spot, stretch my lower back and legs a little bit and start on my way towards Thurlow. I keep going at a slower pace until I feel the familiar tingle that twists and perpetuates itself into something exciting. Makes me so happy when I'm out there. Therapeutic.

I do however, need to find some more stretches, especially for the hips. I'm not really big on stretches although they're crucial after a run. I'd be fibbing if I said I spend about 20 minutes stretching. My stretches are usually 10 minutes and then I get bored so I half ass them. (Uh, maybe that's why your hip is acting funny !?)

Training

Here's the plan for the week:
Monday: Rest day

Tuesday: Did 3.23 miles on the seawall in 29 minutes (8:58 pace). Slow and easy.

Wed: Today's weights and core workout day. Will do it later, no time right now.

Thurs: 3 mile run in the morning.

Fri: Weights. (Yay....)

Sat: 3 mile run.

Sun: 3 mile run again.


Anyways, I'm off to get ready for work. Here's a recipe I promised a reader.

Brendan Brazier's Coconut Lime Chickpea Stirfry

I adapted mine because I didn't have a few of the ingredients but it still tasted awesome over brown rice. NOM NOM NOM.

" Protein-rich and alkalizing, this electrolyte-packed main course is filling yet easily digested. The addition of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric enhances soft tissue repair:

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp grated or finely chopped fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ large red onion, cut lengthwise into thin strips
1-½ cups chopped cauliflower
1 cup chopped broccoli florets
1-cup bite-size torn spinach
½ tsp curry
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ mild chili pepper, finely sliced (or substitute ½ tsp dried chili flakes)
1-cup chickpeas
1-cup coconut milk
1 tbsp limejuice
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Heat frying pan to medium-high. Add coconut oil, ginger, and garlic. Lightly stir-fry. Turn heat to medium-low. Add vegetables, curry, turmeric, cumin, chili pepper, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add limejuice and cilantro. Serve with sprouted quinoa or buckwheat. Brown rice also works nicely.

Makes about 4 small servings."

Loving this: I get to see my friend today who just came back from Switzerland. I haven't seen him in almost a year? A LOT to catch up on.
Question: What are your favourite stretches? Have any good ones? Please share, my hips are starting to ache.

Feel good, look good

Joe Fresh

Love it fresh and am currently oohing and ahhing at their active wear. Limited as it is, I did find some cute things there yesterday. Comfortable, cute and cheap.  3 C's I like.
I don't know about the wicking away moisture factor as most of their clothes are mostly made of cotton.

Training

Did a very comfortable 2.05 miles in 20 minutes (9:45 pace). I'm going to aim for a slower pace for my long run tomorrow.
I feel myself getting stronger.

Loving this: My spending spree yesterday. I'm not always the smartest shopper, more of an impulse buyer. But when I walked into Aritzia and saw that the shirt I've been eyeing for a month was on sale for 50%, of course I snagged it. Those girls who work there are so PUSHY though. Vultures, I tell ya.

Loving this 2: It turns out, and much to my surprise and joy, that I have READERS (other than my friends, haha). Was a shock when I got a comment yesterday from a fellow runner. Thanks for reading, K, and to everyone else who take the time out of their day to read my blog.

Not loving this: I spent $100.00 on a leather planner that I probably don't really need. Returning it tomorrow. Yeah, yeah. Grumble grumble.

Smile, if you're in pain!

Training 

Woke up with a jolt at 6:00, admired my workout outfit for a few minutes, drank a glass of water and 30 minutes later, headed out the door.

Even one day of rest seems too long but this is probably the beginner's high and exuberance. But I'm hoping this feeling will last forever.

Did 2.3 miles from the Cambie bridge to English Bay. The first mile was a bit faster than I intended (probably from being so pumped to run) and then the second mile proved to be slightly difficult. Had to push myself more today. I don't know if it was the faster mile, the fact that I didn't eat before my run, or maybe even dehydration?

Anyways, will work on the slower start time.

Off to work. Have a beautiful day.

Loving this: Did you KNOW that some runners drink flat or fizzy soda (like coke) for fluid replenishment? It may sound like junk but supposedly, some runners do this (including Hal Higdon, Runner's World writer/long time marathoner) for immediate absorption before it reaches the kidneys.
"Forget nutrition -- what you need in the final countdown is something sweet, instant energy that will go straight to your muscles..." (Marathon, Hal Higdon)

Changes.

I haven't been this happy in a long time. Everything's going so well. 

And I've been so motivated lately with my training program, all this enthusiasm is clinging onto me like too much lavender perfume or like a needy child with syrup-sticky hands who just won't let you alone. Not that it's a bad thing.

I just need to keep this motivation going until December. Determined to make it happen.

Training

Did 2.38 miles yesterday with ease (despite the lack of music). The second mile was a bit tough but I kept going. I desperately need new shoes and a new sports bra. I keep wearing the same one and it's starting to stink. I cringe when I walk into the elevator filled with people after a run.

This morning, I woke up and did weights and core exercises. (Hate doing weights but it needs to be done). 

I really can't wait to go running tomorrow. 

Nutrition

Something weird has been happening ever since I started my program. Now, I don't think it's related to stress but I keep waking up in the middle of the night. Usually, I shuffle to the kitchen and munch on something, sip some milk and go to bed but I woke up twice today at 2:30 and 3:00 am. 

I think the whole caloric intake would explain these ungodly morning snack sessions.

Need to eat more although I've been taking in about 1300 calories a day.

Loving this: I'm not an orange girl, at all. But after seeing some pretty orange tone outfits from Fashion Week in Paris, me LIIIIIKEY.

the distractions that come

When I was little, I always told my mom, "Mom, I can't wait to be 20!" She scoffed at my outbursts about how I wanted to be older and "grown up".
Well, here I am, in my 20's, completely satisfied with how things are turning out.

I've tumbled through low times, went through higher times and now I feel like finally things are coming together. SLOWLY.
There are things that need to be fixed.
I need to extract drama out of my life; I detest fuss and neurotic behaviour yet somehow, I end up in some sort of melodramatic situations.

Cleaning up my life slowly. In the process of getting rid of habits and freshening up my life with positive things and people.

Life is too important to be taken seriously. So just do it.

Sorry about the rant. Just been thinking all day during work about the people in my life, things that I need to remove.

Cue rant.

Training

Today I'm supposed to go on my run. I'm leaving my house in 30 minutes to enjoy a brisk 2 mile run with my running pal (finally have one!). 

Just stuffed myself with some delicious quinoa though.

In dish:

- 3/4 cup quinoa

- 1 cup chopped broccoli

- 1 cup french beans

- 1 mini zucchini

- 1/2 onion

- 1 Money's veggie burger

- 1 tsp olive oil

- 2 tsp mirin

- chili flakes

- squeeze of lemon juice

- a shake of cumin

It was so, so good. Just improvised along the way and it turned out superb.

Anyways, I'm off. 

Thanks for reading!