Friday, 28 June 2013

Anna - Sweaty Hill Run

Hey ladies!

It's...FRIDAY!! And a long weekend to boot! My little bro is coming in today from London to join in the Canada Day celebrations this weekend - so excited! Many exclamation points!! [On a related note, everyone I work with found out that my boyf is the 'Wakefield Raft Representative' at our staff bbq yesterday. Lots of questions ensued]

On Wednesday night, I got home super pumped to go for a run, humidity or not!


Crazy Hill Road
 I started going on my regular flat-ish run around my place, when I thought - hey, why not giv'er up the CRAZY LONG hill on a nearby street? I conquered it. And then ran straight to the river to try to cool off...where I saw Uncle Dennis who asked me if I had high blood pressure. 'No, Dennis. I just went for a hot and sweaty run' 'Well, if you put white face paint on, you could be the Canada Day flag right now'

Thanks Dennis.


Rain day
 Anywho, it's raining BUCKETS right now, so I don't think my lunch-time run will happen, but I think me and my work run group ladies are going to book a room and just do some cardio workouts instead :)

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY/WEEKEND!!!



xo Anna



[Note: Since I suck at technology and don't have a smart phone and never get my act together to take pics on my camera, most of my future blog pics will be stolen from other areas of the internet. Because what is a blog post without pictures??]

Thursday, 27 June 2013

New Page

Hi Ladies,

I made the executive decision to add a recipes page, hope you guys are down!
Share your favourite/healthy/delicious recipes there : )
Pictures would be totally awesome too.

xx Jess

Wednesday, 26 June 2013

Run Robot Run

 So far this week has been excellent.

Monday was my first outdoor run ( bye bye treadmill :’( ) and man… is it ever a different beast. Running on the treadmill has spoiled me so much considering the variability of the ground outside. Those inclines are killer. Granted, I probably didn’t choose the best circuit to do it on as there were significant inclines/declines. On a beastly humid day nonetheless – Laura said it was 40 degrees!? Blech. The sun took more out of me than my run – again another thing that the gym spoiled me for. On Monday I ran just under 5km – I couldn’t take the heat!

My running circuit.
The way this run goes down is that I do a backwards 'S' and then an 'S'.
The middle road is run twice before one circuit is complete.
You can see my green dot starting way at the bottom-left when I realized I didn't start the app :(

Tuesday was kind of big deal for me. I ran the same circuit as Monday, but the weather was much more forgiving – I even totally loved running in the rain. Whereas on Monday I ran 1 and a half circuit, Tuesday I ran 3. This came up to somewhere between 7.75km - 8km (The farthest I've ever run!!) and I also managed to do my fastest 5 km, which was in about 42 minutes! Unfortunately I don’t have exact stats since I totally spaced on starting my app that tracks my run and only realized it after 10 minutes in.





My album of choice so far this week has been Daft Punk's Human After All. So amazing to run to. 




My plan for the rest of the week:

Today: I have a gym day planned. Upper body day, leg day usually kills me so I leave it for the end or near the end of the week so I can still run if I want to. The bfs aunt is coming into town tonight though, so I need to avoid going home right after work. If I do go home, I’ll never get to the gym haha.

Thursday: Leg day at the gym. Depending how well today goes, I may have to do the same thing and go right to the gym after work.

Friday: Running. I’m not sure how far – if my legs are still good after leg day, I’m going to try for 10 km. If my legs hurt too much for distance I think I may try and do a speed run and beat my fastest 5 km.

Saturday and Sunday off!

Oh.

Another thing I noticed the other day is that I’ve lost about 10 pounds (eee!) since the end of my school semester (about 1 month). Sitting in front of a computer all day and night makes on very susceptible to packing on a few extra.  I am actively trying to eat healthier. I was <-> this close to buying some kale, and then it intimidated me too much.


…one of my goals now is to do something with kale. 

- Jess xx

Tuesday, 25 June 2013

8 KAY on a TUESDAY

YOU GUYS inspired me sooo much that I went for an 8KM run on a Tuesday night after an 11h day. Achieving work-life balance what whatttt!!!

Anytime I think of the word sweat, I think of that stupid PSY song 'Gentleman'...
*in Korean accent*
GON' MAKE YOU SWEAT, GON' MAKE YOU WET



"Gonna make you SWEEEAAAAT"


I am SO proud of you guys! You're all doing so well and inspiring me so much. Keep it up and keep blogging about it!


xo
Danielle

Super Inspiring Article

Guys, I read this article and feel SO inspired. This totally targets corporate office types, but I think it is still relevant no matter your profession. :)

Original article link with pictures: http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130625095621-250042058-the-5-30-a-m-workout-that-will-change-how-you-live?trk=tod-home-art-large_0

The 5:30 a.m. Workout That Will Change How You Live - Liz Claman


I call it “The 5:30 a.m. Workout."

The sweltering days of summer make everyone lethargic, relaxed and – after a day of working in a refrigerated office building – too lazy to work out at 5 p.m., or any time after that. Forget it. A crushed-ice mojito sounds so much better than plodding away on the treadmill after focusing mentally all day at the job. But consider the alternative: dragging yourself out of bed before dawn to sweat it out at the gym? That's a categorical nightmare … or is it?

Four years ago, I decided on a whim to train for my first triathlon. Please. An athlete I'm not, and on top of that, a mother of two with a full-time job that includes lots of travel I *am.* How the hell was I going to train for the New York City Olympic-distance triathlon? (For those of you unfamiliar with the torture known as a triathlon, the Olympic distance races entail a 1-mile swim followed by a 26-mile bike ride capped off by a 10K run. I know. Why?)

But I was bitten by the bug of the idea and committed to racing with the Fox Business team. In strategizing how I'd tackle the challenge, I asked CEOs who looked like they were in good shape when they found time to workout. A good 75 percent of them told me they subscribed to the early morning workout concept. Well, forget that, I thought. But then I took a good, hard look at my Outlook calendar. Every minute during the day and often at night, I had swaths of time inked out with work, interviews, speeches, and school events for my two children. The only blank space every single day was from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Oy. Really? Yes, really. I figured I'd try it. I dubbed it "My 5:30 a.m. Workout" because I wasn't in a creative mood. I'm never in a creative mood at 5:30 a.m. and I'm suspicious of anyone who leaps out of bed at that hour saying "hello, world!" with a big smile.

I was already in decent shape from years of doing the Jane Fonda Workout (yes, I wore a thong leotard back in the day; I'm from L.A., sue me) and had attended a million aerobics classes at various gyms in Columbus, Cleveland and Boston during my climb up the local TV news ladder.

But never – NEVER – had I worked out at 5:30 a.m.

The first week was painful. I set my alarm for 5:15 a.m. First of all, it happened to be January, so it was freezing and dark outside. On top of that, I live in New Jersey, so I had that going against me. New Jersey at 5:30 a.m. Lovely. I'd throw on my workout clothes with snow pants over them, along with a parka, and drive to the CanDo Gym in Edgewater. By 5:30 a.m., I was on the machines. One day I tried a spin class and paired it with another 20 minutes on the elliptical, followed by weights. Another day, I did the stationary bike for an hour. Those early days were agonizing, but a funny thing happened the third week in. I started to automatically open my eyes 30 seconds before the alarm went off. I also found that the more I worked out early in the morning, the later I could go at night. I had more energy for the daily journey. I became more alert on the job. I really only spent a total of about an hour and 10 minutes working out, so I was done by 6:50 a.m., hit the local Dunkin' Donuts for a large coffee at 7 a.m. and was back at home by 7:15 a.m. just as the kids were waking up.

I started thinking smugly that, because I was done with my workout by 7 a.m., I was already “ahead of the game” in both the rat race and the battle for good health. Before I knew it, the weather turned and soon I didn't look like the Michelin Man all wrapped up every time I walked out to the car to head to the gym. Seven months later, I completed the triathlon with a totally respectable time and I wasn't sore after.

In the beginning when I was so tired, I thought, "I can't wait ‘til the triathlon is done so I can stop this meshugennah effort." But you know where I'm going with this: I never stopped. To this day, four years and two more triathlons under my belt, I'm still waking up 30 seconds before that clock radio goes off. I've altered the workout a bit. I recommend shaking it up and finding out what works best for you. I take a 6 a.m. spin class at Flywheel two to three times a week, and on the other three days, I’ll do 50 minutes on the elliptical machine and then a series of weights for another 10 minutes. Done by 7 a.m. -- don't forget the Dunkin’ – and then I’m so good to go all day long with a metabolism that’s kicked up to a higher level. It’s an extremely efficient way to get your workout in. I know that some of you might say, "This isn't ground-breaking. A lot of people workout in the morning.” But I've found that in the working world, when I tell people I get up at 5:30 a.m., a lot of them say, "I could NEVER do that." I guess all I'm trying to say here is yes, you can. If I can, you can.

I can see why you might be hesitant. But if you can pull this off, you can ramp up your mental acuity and your muscles to win your own personal race. Good luck, and have a healthy summer!

Anna - My First Blog Post!


Kit the cat, the newest addition to my life <3
 Hey ladies!

I am ridiculously (nerdily) excited about this...my first blog post! Hehe. I think that the easiest way for me to keep on track with my fitness goals is to set out my weekly schedule and then go back and say what I was/was not able to accomplish.

So here goes nothing.

Workouts:
Mon - OFF (I was in Toronto with the lovely Miss Danielle, and then spent the whole day on the bus. Fail.)
Tues - Plyometric workout with work run group @ lunch(we decided it was too hot to run outside at lunch) & softball PM
Wed - Run (before work....or after)
Thurs - Fitnessista workout AM (pre work) & softball PM
Fri - Run with work run group @ lunch
Sat - Fitnessista workout AM
Sun - OFF
Mon - Canada Day shenanigans

Have a great rest of your week chicas!!

Hawt Run

Yesterday was hot in the Outaouais, as I'm sure it was everywhere, at 41 degrees with humidity.

And yesterday I went for my longest run yet!


I sweated a gallon. 


But my destination was beautiful (boulder road, Ottawa river).


(Obvz got some finger in the pic).

Sylvester also completed some laps. 


All in all I'm happy to have completed the 5.5km. I hope to improve upon my pace, which essentially must be split in half. 

Obstacles this week:

Like Kelsey and Dannie, I have a lot going on. Big family reunion (I kid you not, about 500 Germans) this weekend so lots to prepare for. Also my sister and uncle come home. Eating drinking I will allow but I do not want it to interfere with my training schedule. 

Sylvester naps on my to do list, clearly he knows how I feel. 



Today I did my interval training and outdoor cross training (sweaty and satisfying). 

Tomorrow I complete my MUSCULATION or weight training

Thursday I meet with Marianne.

Friday, swim and 3km run. 

Saturday, REST

Sunday (or Monday), 7km run.



Saturday, 22 June 2013

Brutal Run

My 14km.... turned into a 10km... and it took me FOREVER. I'm not sure why, but it could have been one or more of the following:
- it was humid as all hell and pouring rain for the first 20 mins
- had a beer last night
- didnt have proper carby pre-run meal
- didnt have a coffee this morning

Who am I kidding. It's definitely the coffee. I can't live without coffee, what was I thinking??

Food wise..... doing groceries is key - or else you else up with sad sad lunches.

Super psyched to run... and then found out it was raining. LAME
Post-run - sweaty and soaked from the rain... but smiling!

GOOD

LAZY.

P.S. LOVE YOUR POSTS LADIES - Keep it up!!


xo
Danielle

Friday, 21 June 2013

New shoes!

They make me want to go run!

Gains and Pains

I’m taking advantage of an extremely slow work day to write this up. I had an awesome run last night! I ran for 6.75 km, and it took me about an hour. It was the day after leg-day at the gym too! (my legs are dominated right now... love my desk job.) This is by far the best I’ve done since I’ve started running. I’m now at the point where I can see significant improvement in my endurance from when I started, and it’s been so rewarding. I know there’s a lot left for me to do, but it was definitely a motivation booster last night. That rush when you increase your pace and feel you can run forever –that feeling is awesome and I have no other way to describe it. 

My Run
But… I haven’t started running outside yet – all of my running has been on a treadmill. I think as a result of that I get bored and then my drive starts to diminish. So a question I have for you ladies is how do you stay motivated while running? The best solution I’ve come up with has been some beats, and man... does Daft Punk ever deliver on energy boosts. I would say listening to them is my go-to while running. This also leads into a serious problem I have – HOW DO I KEEP MY EARBUDS IN MY EARS? They constantly fall out and distract me, it’s driving me bonkers.


Seriously. 

Bonkers.

Get after it. xx
-Jess

Week one is done!

So this week my goal was to do 3 runs, which I accomplished! Woot! I did three slightly over 3km runs. I realized my goal distance and goal time jobs equal out the same so keep to the same route to get into a groove to complete the first week. On my final run this week earlier today I felt tired later on, so I think that is a good sign lol
I already know next week is going to be tough to stay on schedule. I am moving and then crashing at a friends house and then going on a mini vacay but will try my hardest to get 3 runs in. This blog is keeping me going!

Nutrition wise I need some work. The giant bag of swedish fish on sale was my downfall but so addictive! Oh well, next week and Danielle's food pictures make me want to try cooking some healthy food! Maybe post some recipes? hint hint?

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Small Victories

Well, once again, it's tough. Some progress here and there.

Today was a win nutrition wise. Brought food. No problems. But I worked 10.5 hours today and was exhausted by the end of it. Really wanted to go to the gym tonight, but I'm just spent. I'm gonna do a run tomorrow morning though. I gotta!


Lunch: Quinoa salad + tofu
Dinner: spinach salad with blue cheese, dried fruit, nuts, and shrimp
Found a photo from my race last Saturday - Being all sasha fierce after my 12km
GOTTA KEEP THIS MOMENTUM ALIVE!

How are you guys doing? I wanna know!


xo
Danielle

Laura's Trifecta of Running Support

I have a trifecta of running support from friends-family-coworkers, this blog, and my trainer, Marianne. Marianne is hilarious and incredible and has modified my workout goals a hundred times to accommodate my lack of progress but, most of all, she is expensive. So as to get the most out of these training sessions I thought I'd share what she has created for me and perhaps you will get some use out of the workouts too.

My training for this week and the following week is as follows (how do you make a goddang table in these blogs??):

Monday, June 17: CT (Swim)
Tuesday, June 18: Intervals
Wednesday, June 19: CT (Outdoors cardio)
Thursday, June 20: Musculation
Friday, June 21: Swim & 3KM
Saturday, June 22: REST
Sunday, June 23: LSD, 5KM --- test: can I complete 5KM in 35mins?
Monday, June 24 (SAINT JEAN BAPTISTE DAY): Swim
Tuesday, June 25: Intervals
Wednesday, June 26: Rest
Thursday, June 27: Musculation
Friday, June 28: Bike & 3KM
Saturday, June 29: Rest
Sunday, June 30: LSD 6KM



Couple words about this training schedule... things I'm worried about: 
  • I have not yet gotten my pass to the local pool and have yet to try swimming in it... annndddd I have never systematically done "laps". But I really like the idea of integrating swimming and biking (out of the gym!) into my workout schedule. Marianne referred me to this website for information: http://www.swimsmooth.com/
  • Musculation - or weight training - is done in the gym whereas everything else can be accomplished outside. I'm wondering, when it actually starts to heat up, I'll want to move in doors. For now, I stick to taking as much advantage of the outdoors, a conscious decision I have never made before.
Disclaimer: I have not stuck to my training schedule thus far this week and probably will have to modify my training schedule for the rest of the week. I'll let you know what happens!


Wednesday, 19 June 2013

The good, the bad, the ugly... work life "balance"

Okay. So this is hard. It is so hard to stick to the goals you make for yourself. But it's week one, so I'm gonna look at it as a glass half-full situation.

The Bad:

Monday and Tuesday - didn't exercise. Had a work function Monday night (jays game, not complaining) and worked a 13 hour day yesterday so it just wasn't going to happen. It was possible, but I didn't push myself to do it.

The Ugly:

With the long hours and little time to prepare meals, work stress, and ALL the free food around me at work and work cocktails/ball game.... I had NO will power. All my goals for nutrition were an epic fail. 
Gonna be honest with myself and with you guys, I've had:
- cup cakes
- sugary granola bars
- 3 glasses of wine monday, 1 tuesday
- a slice of pizza 
- hors d'œuvres galore

It was not easy to admit that, but it's true. I know my run tonight was not enough to burn all that off... so I'm gonna have to have more will power! Even if all the food/booze are free and easily available!

The Good:

Okay! Now for the glass half-full. I finally did it! I went for a run on a Wednesday night. A work night. I was tired and feeling lazy, but I checked our blog and got inspired. Went for a 7km run and now I feel great.

THIS IS WORKING!


Yay! Let's keep it going! I hope this is working for you guys. I'm checking back frequently and can't wait to read about how you're doing. Let me know! Blog blog blog away.

xo
Danielle

Sweaty run pic after my late night 7km :)
Finally exercising during the week!

Monday, 17 June 2013

First run in forever!

So after my very motivating dinner with Danielle on Friday I went for my first run in FOREVER on Saturday! Seriously, its been years! All in all it went ok. I only attempted 3km (which I had mapped out the night before) and I was surprised how quickly it went by. The first 15 minutes back were stiff but seemed to get into my groove right before the half way point. I need to remember to focus on my breathing to help me get into a rhythm quicker but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! Also, listening to book of morman sound track may not be traditionally running music but soooo good!

Worked Sunday and tonight, so second run will happen tomorrow!

Sunday Meal Prep

Not going to buy food at work! Made muffins, overnight oats, and a quinoa salad... quick grab and go stuff so I don't end up in the work caf - even if I have zero time in the morning.

Sunday, 16 June 2013

Bonus Exercise

This doesn't really have anything to do with my goals but it was a beautiful day for a bike ride! So I got  30km ride in. Bonus.
Me and my pretty bike
Some of the views on my ride - around Old Mill 
Also around Old Mill - super pretty

Saturday, 15 June 2013

Runner Problems

Sports bra tan line yuck. #runnerproblems

Danielle's first post!

Hey Ladies,

Okay - let's get the ball rolling...

So as I've mentioned before, corporate life has made regular exercise really tough to fit in for me. I work A LOT.. really long days. But that's no excuse - I need to start exercising throughout the week, not just on weekends. Which is why I'm really pumped about today. I ran my first race since the half-marathon this morning and it went really well.

My race bib :)

I was worried since I've only done small runs on the weekend since the half, but today was a great surprise. The organizers changed the route last minute so it was either an 8km or a 12km - I opted for 12km. It was 2km more than what I planned for and I finished in just over 1:10. Personal record for me.

All in all it was a great morning and it's got me really pumped - hoping this momentum will translate into more weekday workouts for me because it needs to happen! Mentally and physically I NEED the exercise throughout the week! Plus, I have all sorts of races lined up and slacking off will not work once I get to the longer distances in my training.

Here's to this weekend and the upcoming week! Hoping I'm starting a trend :)

Post 12km - super happy

Let's go!

Let's get this started!