The Numbers Don't Lie!

I have successfully finished my first 4 weeks of Booty Camp! Woohoo! I love it! It's a great workout with a fabulous instructor and a great group of girls.  Oh, and did I mention a fantastic burn! Wow! I leave every class feeling like I got the best workout!

So we did our starting measurements and measurements at the 4 week mark.  I am happy to say that after 4 weeks I am actually seeing some results! I am down a total of 6 inches and 7 pounds.  It's hard to see results on a daily basis, but comparing the numbers after 4 weeks showed me what my hard work was all about.  Yeah me!
I have signed up for another 4 weeks so I can't wait to see how the next 4 weeks go!

Now, onto buying that little black dress! I am going shopping this week for our Christmas party on November 23 so I can't wait to pick out something fun!
I'll post some pics after the party!

Lacking the motivation to get out there and get active? Sign up for a class, or plan workout dates with a friend. Tell someone your goals who will hold you accountable! You can do it!

As Always,
Run Happy

Jamie

Hamilton Half Marathon Race Recap

Another half marathon under my belt!

After watching my hubby run the Montreal Marathon I was ready to get back in the race game. I registered for the Hamilton Half Marathon as soon as we got home from Montreal.
Unfortunately life got in the way and other things took priority to my running. I was getting runs in, just not a lot of long runs.
The week before the half I forced myself to get a long run in. I wanted to run 16km just to make sure I wasn't setting myself up for failure. I pushed myself to 19km and ran it in 2hr 9mins. I run all my long runs doing 10 and 1's - run 10 mins walk 1 min.  I felt quite good after the 19km so I figured I was good to go for Hamilton.
I didn't have a goal - I wanted to finish, but not just finished, I wanted to push myself.
So the family and I packed up on Saturday afternoon and headed to Hamilton to stay overnight. I figured it would make life much easier!
We went out for a great pasta dinner (one of my favourite parts of being a runner!) then headed back to the hotel for a quite night.
I had the advantage of the Daylight Saving time change so I actually woke up Sunday morning before the alarm.
We got to the start and I got myself set. Got my Rev3 in me and I was good to go! The race was delayed about 15 minutes, but before I knew it I was shuffling along with the crowd and crossing the start line and hitting the start button on my Garmin.
I had absolutely no plan for this race. I have always run 10 and 1's but as I started running I felt great and decided to try to push myself.  I stopped for a brief walk at a water station around 5km then we started a gradual downhill (obviously my favourite part of this race!)
I took my first Gu gel around 7km and still felt pretty strong (and I was still running a gradual downhill!).  At 10km my Garmin read 54:49, I'm pretty sure my fastest 10km time! At the half way point I was under 1 hour so I was thinking this was going to be a great run!
Unfortunately after we passed the 10km mark we got onto some trails and a few rolling hills. I started to slow down a bit and added in a few more walk breaks (maybe 15 and 1's?)  I really started to struggle around 15km but pushed myself through it. I kept thinking just get to 18km, then it's only 3km left - easy peasy, right?
I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:09:19. Not my best time, but definitely not my worst. Considering my lack of proper training I really can't complain. And now I have some more bling to add to my collection!

Oh, and another one of my favourite parts of running is the celebratory meal and drinks after!
I realized after the race that I didn't hydrate properly along the run. I grabbed some water at a few water stations, but only a few sips each time. I finished with my fuel belt almost as full as when I started.  I barely touched my gatorade.  This all explains why I felt so sick for the rest of the day. Lesson learned!
I would definitely runt the Hamilton half again. It was a good race and I can see the potential for a PB!

I am now so excited for the Goofy Challenge in January. Flight and hotel are booked and now all I need to do is focus on running! I can't wait!

As always,
Run Happy!
Jamie

October Foodie Pen Pal

So, another month is done! Hard to believe.  I took the last month off of the Foodie Pen Pal program because we were out of town quite a bit. I missed it! I was so excited to receive my package this month from my awesome Foodie Pen Pal Kendall.

Here's a peak at the awesome package that she put together for me:

My absolute favourite was the home made oatmeal cookies! She even sent me the recipe so I can make some more!

The protein bars are awesome! I haven't tried them yet, but I am always on the go so they are perfect to keep in my car, purse, gym bag....

I drink lots of tea! She must have somehow known!

So, want to learn more about the Foodie Pen Pal program? Check out the website: Foodie Pen Pal

Here’s a detailed explanation of the program:

-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
- Foodie Penpals is open to US, Canadian residents & UK residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. So, I’m going to keep two separate lists and match US w/ US and Canada w/ Canada!

Thanks again Kendall for the yummy treats!

As Always,

Run Happy!

Jamie

The Little Black Dress

So today I have finally reached my breaking point. I enjoyed a very festive Thanksgiving long weekend and definitely over indulged in mexican food, margaritas, turkey, gravy, potatoes and way too much red wine.  I have an amazing weekend and I am very thankful that I was able to spend it with family and friends.

BUT........

This morning I stood on the scale and realized that I am at an ultimate high (not counting my pregnancy days) and I had a bit of an emotional break down.  I decided that I'm done and vowed to get my butt back into gear and get myself back in the shape that I want to be.

And it helps that on November 23 I need to squeeze myself into a little black dress for our company Christmas party.  The countdown is on!

This morning I started with a yummy Usana Chocolate Nutrimeal Shake.  A great low glycemic meal replacement to start my day.  I had a few Usana protein bars throughout the day, a delicious salad and tuna for lunch then some chicken and a salad for dinner.  I also managed to squeeze in a 7km run.  Man that one was tough! My legs just didn't want to work today!

I have registered for a Boot Camp too. I signed up for 4 weeks of Booty Camp with the hopes to extend it into an 8 week session.  So at least now I know I will have someone to kick my butt twice a week.

I will be keeping up with my running as I am registered to run a half marathon on November 4 and getting in my Booty Camp workouts as well as a few extra strength training sessions a week.  I am not going on a diet, just making healthy choices.  I do have to admit that I am not willing to give up my red wine though! There are some things a girl just has to have!

So, for anyone else who is like me and just needs a little wake up call, let's all get out there and help motivate ourselves and others!

Can't wait to post updates on my progress and a picture of me in my little black dress!

As always,
Run Happy!

Jamie

Marathon Cheerleader

So this weekend I had my first opportunity to be a marathon cheerleader instead of a marathon runner. We took the family to Montreal for the weekend as my husband was registered to run the Montreal Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.  I was originally planning to run however logistics with the kids didn't make it possible.  Instead the kids and I ran the P'Tit Marathon 1km run and then we ran around on the course to cheer on Daddy.  

The kids we super excited to be running their own "marathon".  They each got their own race shirt, bib and even a finishers medal at the end.

I am so happy that my kids love to run!

After the kids were done we went to the 21km point along the course to watch for Pete.  I saw that he crossed the start line at 8:46 so I knew he should be at the half way point around 2hrs. We waiting for a while then saw him coming! The kids were so excited to see Daddy running! He was looking strong and under the 2hr mark so he was on track to meet his 4hr goal time. 

We walked up the course a bit and waiting for him again around the 32km point  .  I saw the 4hr pace bunny come and go with no sign of him so I started to get  little nervous for him.  Soon he came around the corner and again he was looking strong. Gave the kids a big hug then off he ran!

We waited by the finish just before the 42km point.  I knew he had to finish by 12:46 in order to meet his 4hr goal time.  He came racing around the corner and didn't even see us.  I knew he would be close! The kids and I ran to find him in the finishing area. I pulled up his stats on the Sportstats App that I just installed on my phone and saw that he finished at 3:59:43 just as I found him. I was so excited for him! (as was he of course!)

So I learned that as difficult as it was to be a cheerleader and not be able to run, it sure is fun watching and cheering on someone else - especially when that someone else is my hubby!  Watching him achieve his goal time has motivated me to push myself just a little more! I am now trying to decide what my next half marathon should be, in my training routine for the Disney World Goofy Challenge in January 2013!

I am so proud of my hubby Pete!

You never know where inspiration comes from. Struggling with how to take the next step or where to start? Maybe just start with watching. Go cheer on the runners in a local run or check out and outdoor boot camp and you never know,  maybe you'll be the one being cheered on next time!

As always,
Run Happy!

Jamie
www.facebook.com/inspirefitnessandwellness

July Foodie Pen Pal

Wow, this blogging stuff is making my head spin! So much still to learn! Haha!

So this was my second month participating in the Foodie Pen Pal program. I received this great little package from my Foodie Pen Pal Erin.

The Milk Chocolate Honey Pecans were to die for! They didn't stand a chance. I LOVE them!

I was quite surprised at how yummy the Red Pepper Jelly Thai Mango was - as per Erin's recommendation a little cream cheese and crackers made this a delicious appetizer!

I have yet to try the dry rub, but looking forward to it!

Want to learn more about the Foodie Pen Pal program? Check it out!

Here's some more details about the program:

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! 
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month. 
-Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We've determined things might get too slow and backed up if we're trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. 

First Foodie Pen Pal Experience!

So, this is my first month as a Foodie Pen Pal. Decided to join this group to try some new things!

My first package came wrapped in this beautiful stretchy beach bag which will come in handy this summer! My daughter has also decided that it's the perfect size for her to carry her colouring books and crayons around!

I am quite excited to try this golden currant rice. Looks so yummy and easy to make!

I received a bunch of snacks, a few protein bars but I have to admit, these sprouted pumpkin seeds are my absolute favourite!

Thanks so much to Becca, myfoodie pen pal this month!