Exhaustion.

There's absolutely something so delicious about going to bed exhausted.

How many times have I fallen asleep, tired and spent? Hardly ever anymore except for last night.

Did the Grouse Grind yesterday morning. It was NOT what I was expecting at all. It just got progressively worse and as I reached the 3/4 mark, I felt dread.
"Really? When am I there!?"
I pushed myself forward, tried to only take 30 second breaks after every 10 minutes.
'You can do this. YOU. YOU can do it. Why? Because you're AWESOME and so possible.'
Repeat this your head.
Repeat this in your head.
It worked for me.

The time that I finished was 58 minutes. Not too shabby for a first timer. The time doesn't matter to me though; What really 'counts' is the fact that I finished in one piece, haha.

Everything happens for some twisted reason

This life loving is greater than any pleasure you can devise.

I'm not usually THIS bubblegum happy. Just lately, some events have been really mood lifting. It probably has a lot to do with my positive outlets.

No longer tethered to the sick and bad bad bad disease, I can fully and openly taste everything.

Maybe it has to do with the people in my life. New ones, the present ones.

I don't quite know how it happened, this fast remake of new self, but here we are.
Yeah, I know. How vague.

What am I talking about?

Who knows.

I'm just happy and that's all that matters.

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? 

Onto smaller and smarter steps

Training

Logged for today: 4.47 miles in 44 minutes / 9:50 pace.

Did something new today which was something called Fartlek. I've heard of this Swedish term before but didn't think I would use this training technique in my schedule.
You speed up, then about 30 seconds in, you increase your steps, resulting in a much faster pace for another 30 seconds or so. Then you progress back into your 'normal' pace for a little while, just before you hit your comfort level and go again. Repeat.

J and I did this 5 times and I could tell my body was feeling discomfort. Not to the point of mental/physical pain but it was TOUGH.

Knowing that someone is right there beside you, waiting to encourage you and keep you going. There's ease in that and it's just so motivating. I'm fortunate to have met passionate people on this journey so soon. The journey continues...

Feel more at easy with my pace and my running form/gait.

The short period of comfortable silence with my own shallow breath and the drip of my sweat down my spine and in between my breasts. The soft patter of many footsteps and the brush of the breeze.

Wish I could show you how it feels. Wish everyone ran and knew this feeling.

Anyways... Over all, this was, again, one of my favourite runs. It just keeps getting better and better.

For every run I do, I gain more confidence and the sight of my goals, motivation and passion becomes more apparent, more clearly pronounced.

And also, I feel..... somewhat different these days. Happy, calm, giddy, emotional. Stable.

There is constant shift in movement, emotions and thoughts.

Blah. I'm done blabbing.

Loving this: My post - run breakfast. Twas excellent, indeed.

Fig jam, toast, orange, and green smoothie (spinach, almond milk and blueberries). What. Up. 

Not loving this: I still haven't showered... This explains one thing: I like bathing in my own nature.

Improvised Curry; Oh so good!

Ingredients:

- 1 tbsp sesame (or coconut, canola or olive) oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 tbsp crushed or chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup of chick peas
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 large zucchini, sliced into thin pieces
- 1/2 red pepper, julienned
- 1 tbsp corn starch, mixed with 1 tbsp of water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 (or more, if you prefer) cup of rice, cooked

1. Heat oil in large sauce pan over med heat and cook onion for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add curry paste and garlic and cook for a minute.

3. Add coconut milk, sugar and salt then bring to a boil.

4. Add red pepper and zucchini, cover, then reduce heat to low-med and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Add chick peas and let it simmer some more.

6. Add cornstarch paste and stir continuously until the curry thickens, then stir in lemon juice and some basil.

7. Serve on a bed of rice.


That's the general recipe so you can tweak it if you'd like. Use different vegetables, add chicken if you're not vegetarian. Slice up some carrots, top your curry with crushed walnuts. Be creative.

Bon appetit !

Connections

Went for an awesome run yesterday at 6:30 with a fellow runner. It was exciting and quite different running with an experienced runner; knowing he was willing to provide the knowledge that I needed to improve my running was incredibly helpful.

Now that I have a better idea how to fix my form and improve my cadence, I'm a bit more confident and more eager than ever about my future runs. Seriously can't wait for tomorrow's early morning 3 miles.

God, I am loving life.

Meeting new people, the things that are popping up in different segments of time, there is comfort in that. Comfort that's undeniably tenable.
Passion brings people together.

There's infinite comfort in that.

Like comfort in cotton candy (moustaches). 

Loving this: Listen to the whole thing. Definitely a Friday tune. 

Not Loving This: The balls of my feet are cracking and it's starting to hurt. My feet have gone from slightly normal to Sahara Desert. Gross.


Question: What are your favourite things to do on the weekends? And what are YOU all doing this weekend?

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.

Et oui, pourquoi pas?

To celebrate my impending transition to my first year of school, I keep thinking of ways to buy myself something pretty. Bought myself two lovely French books.

Pourquoi pas?

(...Don't answer that.)

Training

So, today will mark the day of my third week of training. Supposed to do 12 miles this week (Really excited). Must work on eating better this week as well as stretching more.

Nutrition

I really want to try this post-run recipe I attained from Runner's World website. This recipe is not vegan or vegetarian so I'll probably end up using veggie meat.

Chick Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

"Whole grain pitas help replenish spent muscle glycogen stores so that you are ready for your next run. Poultry is a leading source of an enzyme that scientists found can help preserve muscle power during high-intensity exercise by increasing efficiency of oxygen use. The nutrient-rich resume of avocado includes an abundance of antioxidant vitamin C, folate, and monounsaturated fat, all three of which help maintain heart health."

Ingredients:
- 10 sun dried tomatoes
- 1 cup roasted pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 4 whole-grain pitas
- 8 oz chicken
- 1 1/2 cups arugula
- 1 sliced avocado

1. Before going for run, place the sun dried tomatoes in water to soak for 30 minutes.

2. Blend in food processor with 1/4 of the soaking liquid, 1/3 roasted peppers, olive oil, garlic cloves, walnuts, mint, cayenne pepper and salt to taste.

3. Slice the pita breads in half; Place 1 tbsp of tomato spread in each half.

4. Divide among each pita 8z of chicken, 1 1/2 cups arugula, avocado slices and rest of roasted pepper.

5. Gobble Gobble!

Loving it: French movie / dinner nights with my friends. Did that on saturday night and it was awesome. Good food and good movies (although, we did end up spending about 1.5 hours trying to connect one of our three laptops to the tv.)

We love our kimchi and wine.

We feast.

Loving it 2: One of my most favourite people is in town today until September. I haven't seen him in maybe almost a year. He's coming back from his studies / work in France/Switzerland. I foresee many french conversations, giggles, pictures and Korean feasts (he loves Korean food).



As we run, we become. - Amby Burfoot

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.

Trial and Error

Just had breakfast at 6:30 AM. Going to go for a 2.0 mile run at 7:00 with friend. Just to test the differences of intake and whatnot.

So excited to get a new pair of running shoes. Checked out the New Balance store for the first time yesterday and to my pleasant surprise, the sales associates were so knowledgeable and friendly. Attained quite a bit of information about the track and some tips as well.

Anyways, here are some of the models that I've been eyeing:

New Balance 1080

Good cushioning, good for "soft rides" and "smooth transition from heel-to-toe".

New Balance 860

New Balance 880

Super light. Good for neutral gait.

Shoot, I'm off for my run. Update later!

The day after

Feeling heavier than usual today.

Maybe if I shed 5 pounds, I can run faster.

Kidding. Kind of.

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! 

It came and went

I had a great weekend. Fabulous, actually.

To be honest, I was more excited for this week. The thought about starting my program was looming over my head all weekend.

Sunday was probably the best because it was one of my best friend's birthday. We grilled some patties, bloated our bellies with homemade sangria and had a great time.

Training

Started the 18 week program yesterday and it's going well. Mondays are rest days so I was ecstatic to go home after work and just RELAX. Hellish hangover.

This means on top of not drinking much, keeping a much more detailed log of my nutrition, runs, stretches AND the weights/core exercises.

I'm going to be one busy gal.

Excited? Hell yes.

I promise more fitness/training talk tomorrow. I have to go and clean then watch the Prefontaine movie one of my readers recommended me (Thank you again, by the way. I love Jared Leto!).

Then coffee with a friend. And THEN my 2 mile run.

I have to do strictly 2 miles; I think I'll run outside today.

Loving this: New artist I discovered over the weekend. A german artist with interesting themes for each of his tracks and albums. This is one of his songs that I've played about 30 times. I really can't stop listening to it. 

Much love!

xoxo,

MK