It's all about balance

My favourite thing about summer is all the fun ways that you can exercise without really feeling like your doing anything. Beach volleyball, tossing the frisbee around, swimming..etc. Amongst all this "working out" we have all of this munching. Potato chips, burgers, hot dogs and plenty of finger foods to balance out any calorie burning you just did.  Ey ey ey...we can't win. Your best bet...hit the fruit and veggie trays hard and maybe you'll be too full to feast.

Happy Summer!

Time for....baby

Running with baby and blogging with baby is becoming increasingly more difficult...actually doing anything with baby. He is on such a crazy sleeping schedule (as we found out the hard way what he's like without one)  that my day consists of getting him down for a nap or feeding him, with little time in between.


I am still taking an hour each day for running (after 9pm), thanks to Body Design's Liz Gillis for keeping our running clinic going through the summer. I need the motivation right now and I don't want to lose this momentum. Plus I think we are all going to run a 6km in August.

Check this run out, it looks like tons of fun.  http://www.sunsetshuffle.com/

I did it!

Well we finished our Learn to Run class with a bang. The group ran the Mount Albert Sports Day 5KM. It was my first ever race and I LOVED it. I am definitely going to keep racing. So exciting.

I have been a "runner" for a long time but have never really timed myself, set goals or pace. Therefore, I have never improved. The Learn to Run clinic slowly built up stamina and speed and was so much easier and healthier on my body. Now I feel like a real runner.

I finished the 5 KM race 28:47. My goal was 35 mins (I think I may have aimed a little low). I was extremely proud of myself and finished feeling like a million bucks. Every single person in the group exceeded their goal. It was FANTASTIC.

I recommend a small town race for anyone starting out or looking for a friendly run. It was inspiring and a good cause for the Mount Albert community. Thanks to Body Design, Farquharson Realty, Oxford Homes and The Running Room for making it happen.

Got my shoes tied tight...

We are on week 5 of our running clinic with Body Design. It's getting tough now we are running six sets of 4 and 1's which is runners talk for interval training 4 minute run and 1 minute walk.  I can definitely feel the strength building though...much more than I ever did training on my own. I see a half marathon in my future!

Taking yoga while training for a 5K has been the perfect match. Sandy from Body Design's Essential Yoga recommends doing 4-5 sun salutations before every run. This is a 12 count set of various poses that glide into one another warming up your body and stretching your muscles at the same time. Check it out here.It makes a huge difference. I didn't feel as stiff the next morning after my run.

If anyone is thinking of starting to run I highly recommend a running clinic. Its the safest and fastest way to hit your goals.  Plus you now have a group of running buddies to get together with for group runs. This is a great way to ensure you don't bail and hit the couch instead.

The weather outside is...delightful!

There is nothing better for Ontarians than the smell of spring and the first gust of warm wind. It's the sign that says "this winter will end soon, I promise"

Best thing to do in warm weather....walk. And we have been doing plenty of it.

Eldred King - York Region Forest

I have also joined the Body Design Learn to Run class on Thursday nights. Its been great, we have had 3 classes and are building up our strength towards running a 5km race in June (The Mount Albert 5K). So exciting, I have never run a race before. I have been a runner for awhile now but with pregnancy and postpartum I kind of lost touch. This gradual training program is perfect for me. I suggest it for anyone looking to start from scratch.

Last night there was this incredible warm wind and at yoga, Sandy had all the windows open in the studio. The smell of fresh air in the room makes such a difference when your trying to relax. I just loved it.

Well here's to summer 2012...it's coming I can taste it

To Zzz..or not to Zzz

Yoga has started up again for spring...yeah! And Sandy (our instructor) talked about insomnia.

What an appropriate topic seeing as lately my nightly sleeps have been broken up into 2 hour increments. This of course making me extremely exhausted...all the time.

She says a simple pose like this one can help with sleep problems. Lay on your back, press the soles of your feet together and let your knees fall to the side. Try this every night before bed to help battle insomnia.
....but will it help keep the baby asleep. *sigh*

yum yum yum yum

I have always had a sensitive stomach or in other words digestive issues. Nothing is harder to diagnose. Trying the elimination diets can be tedious and frustrating. After a lifetime of trials and a visit to Brandi McCarthy  I recently discovered that I have a sensitivity to wheat and dairy.

No big deal...that only includes everything in my fridge and cupboards.

Now while nursing a newborn, I am responsible for a whole different digestive system and because this is MY son we are talking about, we are going to have some issues. So far it seems to be raw veggies, coffee and any form of tomatoes (canned, sauce etc) that give him problems.....is there anything left to eat?

Well at least I am home and have the chance to get creative in the kitchen.

Last weeks yoga class was all about simple yoga positions and stretched that promote healthy digestion...YES!! Just what I need. I love these!

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