Tuesday 8 December 2015

Unbreakable - at least so far!


So the #BeastStreak and the December Challenge (#DFDC) are but a week old and even though I logged just over 57kms in that time I nearly broke on the second day. The aim of the two challenges is simple, motivation to cull that complacent tendency most of us have which takes over during inclement weather or stressful, busy days. A kick in the pants to give yourself 30 minutes of much needed fresh air and exercise. A chance to clear your head and appreciate a surge of rejuvenating energy whether you are at the beginning or end of your day.

On the second day I sequenced from work to dinner meet-up, to babysit for a friend. The daylight hours long gone my only hope was to now zip my coat up and take the long walk home, over shooting my residence by many blocks and eventually working back in the right direction. I wasn't going down on day two, no way.

So one week is, as they say, in the books. My craft beer advent calendar is lighter too! So cheers & good luck to all the other December streakers out there. 

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Grinning Streak

It's that time again!  The annual December Challenge spearheaded by my friends over at Dirty Feet Trail Series and echoed in kind by the fierce Solana of Beast Mode with her #BeastStreak.


Monday 19 October 2015

The Fun Run of the Year!

I had my first 8 donuts of the year on Saturday morning. Yup, EIGHT! All while running a 10km out-and-back between two aid stations of doughy sweet goodness.
Run4Donuts  Photo: Dina M

Wednesday 7 October 2015

Hair Straight Back

It's another mail day around here.  The September Club Headsweats package has arrived. Yeah I said September, one of the downfalls to being in Canada is the long shipping times for items coming across the border.  But never mind that, look what I got:
Headsweats GoHat and Chevron Energy Band Headband
This super lightweight black on white hat promises to keep a lid on my curly mop of hair and dry rapidly when conditions dictate.  The brim is also a good length for use with a headlamp during night runs.
What is your favourite running hat?

Tuesday 29 September 2015

Here Comes the Off-Season

You ever get to a point in the year where you just feel tired?  I'm there right now.

Monday 21 September 2015

Tested, Tried, and True?


Recently received in the September Stridebox was a sample for Calsura - FIZZ action drink tablets.  Similar to other water soluble electrolyte supplements out there, the tablets can be added to you daily recovery routine to help boost your hydration and replace lost minerals.  The unique aspect to Calsura is the 500mg of calcium contained in each serving, making this product a 2-in-1 for many women out there that require a calcium supplement.
Taste-wise, the Pineapple Coconut tabs are really good.  As directed I put the 2 tabs in a 16-oz bottle and found it easily drinkable and not too sweet.  For personal preference I would likely split that into 2 -16 oz bottles the next time.
I'm looking forward the trying the other two flavours in the near future.  Too bad that once I use them, I'll be unable to get more since they're not yet distributed within Canada. Sigh, something to add to my USA shopping lists.




Monday 31 August 2015

Tested, Tried, and True?


After many runs, and many samples of nutritional supplements it occurred to me on route today that for my own memory recall and possible prevention of another runners' gag reflex being triggered, I should really make a note or two of my experiences with these gels, chews and powders.



Vega Sport Endurance Gel



The Endurance Gel is a "sustain" level product meant for during your activity, usually 45 minutes in and then repeated every 45 minutes there after.  Coconut oil is the primary source for caloric energy contained in this product making it easy on the stomach if you can get it that far.  Unfortunately for me I tried the Orange Zest flavour, I should mention here that orange has never been favourite for me, not even in sodas or popsicles .  One squeeze into my mouth and my cheeks puckered inwards, next squeeze and an attempt to swallow resulted in that reflex...oh gawd..water.  Please stay down, please. More water.  A very sharp zest punch accompanied by the date puree consistency of the product makes this one a difficult intake for me. Packet empty and stowed in my pocket, the next wish was for my stomach to accept the recent submission.  Thankfully I completed the rest of the run without incident. 
The Vega Sport Gel won't be on my shopping list any time soon, at least not in Orange Zest flavour.

*The above is purely my own opinion.

Wednesday 26 August 2015

Saying Goodbye to Summer...Slowly

Our days in the Northern Hemisphere are shrinking away ushering in the fall and cooler running days.
See what I did there? I actually made a positive reference to the season change while internally I am freaking out! I don't want the heat to go away.  I like running late into the evening without the need for a headlamp or streetlights. SIGH
Sunset runs @ 7:30pm
Are you going to miss the summer heat? What is your favourite running season?

Tuesday 25 August 2015

Newfoundland Vacation 2015 - Part 2


I will get all my thoughts organized eventually, but it definitely seems slow goings trying to get my vacation recap done.
Ferryland Lighthouse

Friday 14 August 2015

Newfoundland Vacation 2015 - Part 1


So I have been back for nearly two weeks now and it just donned on me today how much time has passed since my last post.  A lot has happened in the past 3+ weeks: flew across the entire country, ran 2 road races, gorged on fresh seafood and ran up a mountain.  That's just the tip of it, so in reverence to brevity I will focus on what I felt were the Newfoundland highlights.
In order of appearance during our stay:

1.  Signal Hill - On a clear day from Signal Hill in St. John's you can see all the way south to Cape Spear from this historical site. Atop the hill sits Cabot Tower and the signal flag posts used to communicate arriving ships approaching the harbour narrows.  Cannons and bunker walls dot the cliff side overlooking the Atlantic memorializing the strategic significance of the St. John's harbour during the past 500 years of exploration, settlement and wars.
Cabot Tower atop Signal Hill

A history of defence - cannon under Cabot Tower

Thursday 13 August 2015

StrideBox Day

It's always fun to get packages in the mail! My August StrideBox is no exception, so excited to test new supplements and flavours.

Friday 17 July 2015

Holy Smokes

The Running Week in Review: July 6 - July 12

38.6C with smoke from local wildfires creeping in the West over the hills.

Thursday 16 July 2015

Vacation Starts Now!

With an extra shot espresso frappé and caramel drizzle. Because I definitely don't do that everyday!

Sunday 5 July 2015

Hot Hot Hot

Temperatures were elevated this weekend, luckily the humidity dropped making my weekend runs survivable.  Conditions are also tinder dry here as they are throughout BC and I shudder to think all it would take to burn out my favourite trails (and residences bordering the park) is a careless cigarette.  Please folks be safe out there!  For everyone's sake.
Looking West to Kamloops Lake










Wednesday 1 July 2015

Happy Canada Day!


Took myself for a beautiful, hot run (26C) along the Thompson Rivers Trail late this morning, past the celebrations in the park and through the crowds of people downtown enjoying their vacations and Stat days. Great to see so many people come out to these events!




Finished up with a pint on the Noble Pig patio! Hope you got out and enjoyed a beautiful summer day where ever you were. 

Thursday 18 June 2015

Birthday Balloons and Wine

Last weekend I helped celebrate the 1st birthday of my run partners' little boy.  Wow, time flies! I can only imagine what that feels like to a parent.  The party took place under blue skies in the backyard of her new home, surrounded by friends and family of course. I discovered that not only is Elise a fast runner, but she's a pretty talented cake decorator too!
Little H and Elsie with his big blue owl cake.

Naturally after cake one needs to go for a run (eliminates guilt), so Sunday morning Val and Elise joined me out at Privato Winery in Westsyde for a run and wine tasting.  We parked at the winery and ran out-and-back along the undulating but mainly flat Westsyde Rd for a change of scenery.  Past sheep, horses, fields and great views of the N.Thompson River, even took a group "runfie" with an 8ft Cock.
Val, Icebox, Elise
After a brief stretch the 3 of us enjoyed a wine tasting at the winery, stocked up out home wine racks a little and headed home.
Feeling good after the run but hungry, I convinced Brian to join me for a walk downtown where I had a super yummy Salmon Taco at Motivo.
Motivo Brunch - sooo tasty!

Now all charged up on caffeine and good food it was time to hit up Dad for an afternoon of kayaking.   We made the short drive up to Paul Lake Provincial campground site and put our two kayaks in the water for a couple hours. There was a tiny threat of rain but turned out to be a mild relaxing afternoon.
Gibraltar Rock behind me.


I am trying so hard to make the most out of the beautiful summer days as we get them.  Really hate hearing myself say, "wish i had done more" or "why did I stay inside today".

How about you?  Are you making an effort to be outside and enjoy the long days while we have them?
"I'm gonna ramm'im!"

Sunday 14 June 2015

Thanks That Was Fun

What was fun?  This whole crazy busy week, starting back last weekend.

Saturday June 6, 2015 - Congratulations Alyshia & Bryn

I spent a very warm, sunny June afternoon surrounded by family and other beloved guests of the bride and groom, on a ranch in the Nicola Valley celebrating the marriage of my beautiful cousin Alyshia.

Myself and Family arriving at the ranch.

Wednesday 3 June 2015

Keep On Running

TNF Dirty Feet Kelowna 21km - May 31, 2015

Yup I finished another one.  That's 2 done for the 2015 Dirty Feet race season and this one was way tougher than the first.  I really hope that doesn't become a trend as things progress.

Dirty Feet Kelowna 21km 2:51:55

Monday 25 May 2015

Nice 'N' Easy


A Walk, A Brewery and more Cupcakes!

Adams River Trails

The Tequila/Taco 10km

No, I'm not kidding.  My friends like to run, some run fast, some often and some really really far.  So to meet in the middle we seem to keep having these Gastrocardio events.  First there was the Beer Mile, then the Fireball 5km, now here we are at the Tequila/Taco 10km.  On my 40th birthday weekend this crazy idea became a reality.











Thursday 21 May 2015

Draw The Line

Local running store Runners' Sole released their new singlet design last week. They had done a call out for design entries a while back and since I like crayons I had submitted a doodle, they didn't choose mine but that's for the best. Children's refrigerator art is not for everyone.
The runner profile used even has the view I see most often of the 'fast bastards' from their running clinics, the back!
Thanks for the complimentary tank guys, I wore it with pride at the Tequila/ Taco 10km!
Icebox (L) in new singlet, Grace, Phil both styling in earlier Runners' Sole gear.

Wednesday 20 May 2015

Bang Bang

How to turn forty... get to 39yrs + 364 days...get up the next morning and have pumpkin beer pancakes!
Breakfast - May 15/15

Glam

Another Running of the Kamloops Hash House Harriers:

The Dragon Our Assets Thru Kenna Run

Aka. Night before Icebox turns 40 - let the 4 day long weekend begin!

This past May long weekend was the busiest, funnest, liquefied series of events starting with the KH3 running Kenna.  8km of switchback hills and Dixie cup halts on a beautiful sunny evening!

The kennel even presented me with a yummy cupcake and tiara (which I had to wear for the entire run).
If you are ever in Kamloops look up the KH3 for a fun group run.


Wednesday 13 May 2015

Closer

What's next on the race front?  A home town classic, The Blackwell Dairy 15km hosted by the Kamloops Ridge Runners on May 24th.  A challenging, rolling course over paved and country roads. Best part of the race, the people from Blackwell Dairy serve up free ice cream and chocolate milk!  All racers also get a free pancake breakfast.
There's still time for you to join me.  Blackwell Registration

Young At Heart

Tuesday Night Run - the DF Crew

Each Tuesday evening I meet the DF Crew for an hours' length run on one of the local trail systems in Kamloops. Familiar faces and new faces mix to share trail running and socialize between hill grinds. These are the folks that get me off my butt and out running each night to keep up!
Icebox and Jen with BDay Cupcakes! Photo: Jon S.
Thanks for the Birthday cupcakes this week! That was an awesome surprise.   Fuelled by cupcakes!

Do you have a network of running friends that make life awesome and keep you motivated?

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Amnesia

The North Face Dirty Feet Kal Park 25km (50km & 8km)

Now that the pain of child birth, oops I mean 25kms, has faded and my quads don't burn with every step down-stairs, I can focus on the beauty of the race Sunday morning.

Start/Finish Area - Kal Park

Thursday 30 April 2015

Hells Bells

Holy crap! Only 3 sleeps until my longest race to date...The North Face Dirty Feet 50,25,8 in Kalamalka Park
I registered for the 25km with the assistance of an IPA or two.  Starting to feel the pre-race panic settling in.  At least from a weather perspective things are looking good in the forecast.
Kal Lake in the winter

Tuesday 21 April 2015

Everybody's Breakin' Up

Well not literally, just in the figurative sense. Have a grinding group run in Peterson Creek Park tonight. We really had to work for that 5.5km!

Timber

Shiver Me Timbers! Was that a horde of pirates you saw down on the beach Sunday?  Or perhaps winding their way through your neighbourhood hollering out mighty "Arrrrrgh"s as they went.  Surely you must be mistaken.
A Sunday afternoon spent with the Kamloops Hash House Harriers brought out the dramatic of all in attendance this running.
The treacherous 8 kilometer route took us up hills, through gullies, over storm drains and along the beach in search of booty, know to ye'land lubbers as BEER!
What a great group of hooligans to run with!
Kamloops Hash House Harriers   Photo: Corporal Punishment


Sunday 19 April 2015

All Together Dead

Headed out for a long slow run with friend Misty Saturday morning. the parameters for the run were pretty loose, 1-3hrs, 10-30kms, or whatever we could handle.  Terrain preference was trail but we segued to and from on some roadways.
Had a great time out there on my longest run in several months.

LSD from DT to Tower

Just shy 700m elevation

Wednesday 15 April 2015

Mailman

Always an exciting day when my StrideBox arrives in the mail!  Every month the assortment is different: gels, bars, drink mixes, accessories and chews.
April looks like a great box!

Tuesday 14 April 2015

Odyssey Number Five


I didn't really know how to tackle this weekend in a post so opted to jump on the 5 Things bandwagon.

Saturday 4 April 2015

Good Luck Charm

A thank-you shout out to Impact Magazine

Impact Magazine runs a great contest each year giving its followers the daily opportunity to win free entries to races across Canada and NW USA.  A couple years ago my name was drawn for a set of entries into the Bloomsday in Spokane, WA, an event that I would not normally have attended but this was a catalyst for fun long weekend getaway with my husband and parents. Best part, got to stay with my grandfather and have a wonderful visit.
Had so much fun at the 2013 race that we went back in 2014.
The Ultimate Race Entries Giveaway is running again now, and on Day 6 I got a Facebook notification that I won!

Looks like I may finally get to go to the Kootenays. 

Have you ever been to Fernie, BC?  What are the do not miss locations that you can recommend?

Friday 3 April 2015

Whiplash

Race Report: Dirty Feet Trail Race 21km - Batchelor Hills,  Kamloops

So a day later I'm crawling into bed early with an ice pack strapped to my right knee thinking, "Gee that was fun, don't know why I hadn't tried a 21km trail run sooner?!"
It has after all been nearly 3 years since my first half marathon ever and in those passing years I have managed to complete a total of 6 more 21km races. (Several other training runs at or beyond the distance) But until Sunday I had yet to do a 21km trail race. Thank-you to my dear husband for making the decision for me and completing the online registration.
Oh what to wear!

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Drinking in LA (or Brocklehurst)

A Taper Weekend?!

Sure we can call it that, or we can call it a weekend of fun runs with my hubby and friends.  Between Saturday and Sunday I managed to get in 23kms of mixed road and trail running under bright sunny skies.

Wednesday 18 March 2015

Loungin

Rest Day

You have to take a day off some time.  So today I did just that.  After work I laced up a pair of "non-running" shoes, grabbed my camera and went for a walk, enjoying the warm winter afternoon we had in Kamloops today.  17 C and partly sunny, the wind was light, I feel so spoiled by the weather we are having.

Monday 16 March 2015

Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

Wow, that was a fun weekend!

Friday Night

An evening at home doing some chores and helping my husband put together the race bibs for Spring Run-Off on Sunday. 

Friday 13 March 2015

Sun To Me

If you had an extra hour in your day, what would you do with it?
Seems like an appropriate question coming out of daylight savings weekend. On Monday this past week the local roads appeared to be full of unusual vehicle accidents, drivers desperately needing that extra hour's rest which was taken away with Sunday's change of the clocks. By Tuesday my workplace was full of familiar faces but with zombie-like affects. As the week marched on and the sun continued the shine unseasonably warm outside my friends and colleagues slowly returned to their original delightful personae, but that could have also been the TGIF or Spring Break effect.

I myself seemed to move in the opposite direction of the surrounding energy flow, starting the week off with that great 15.5km trail run on Sunday morning after a 'shortened' night's sleep. That wasn't nearly as great as my run Monday after work, in the daylight! I was itching to get out there and see how much more time was available to me before sunset now. No headlamp needed, what a great feeling. The added daylight charged me and renewed my motivation to get out the door to run. Thursday evening I was back in Kenna Park with friends selecting hilly segments to run, very unusual for me, but gasping for air aside, I felt good.

Hope this high carries through the whole weekend because with a trail run, a beer mile and The Rivers Spring Run-Off all on the docket I'm going to need all of that solar energy more than ever!
Technically we all lost an hour this week, but I feel like I slipped several great hours into my week.

How did you handle the time change this week? Did it take some adjustment or did it go unnoticed?

Monday 9 March 2015

Do What you Have To Do

Another Weekend, Another Long Run

With just 3 weeks left before my first TRAIL 21km I needed to get out and put in a solid effort on the weekend LSD run.   So after canvassing the group of awesome people I run with, Jon and Jen joined me with dogs in tow and we headed up to the Batchelor Hills over Kamloops.

Friday 6 March 2015

Livin' La Vida Loca

Friday Group Run Fun!

Best way to spend a Friday early evening
What better way to cap off the week than a group trail run in the park?  Five fun folks and five feisty furries headed out on the trails of Kenna Cartwright this afternoon, enjoying the 10'C and windless weather. 

Wednesday 4 March 2015

Hot N Cold

Welcoming in March brings with it the typically flip-flop of temperatures as winter and spring do battle daily.  Already off to a good start Spring has vanquished the snow in most areas around town opening up trail systems for runners and cyclists alike.  During the days so far we've been treated to bright sunshine, chirping birds and brisk winds.  In the evening the winds have calmed but temperatures are bottoming out at -8C making the evening run still a layered affair.

I find it's always a challenge getting just the right amount of layering this time of year.  When the sun is out a SS T-shirt with arm sleeves and capri length pants is often enough.  If the sun drops behind the hills I'm quickly wishing for a light jacket and pants again.  After all, my water bottle did freeze solid in the car last night!

Oh the dressing dilemmas of a runner.  To glove or not to glove, this toque is the question.


Looking forward I will be spending a fair deal of time dressing and undressing for the weather this month.  Ten days from now is the River's Spring Run-Off 10km road race in Westsyde, Kamloops.  A fun St.Patrick's themed event hosted by local running club, Kamloops Ridge Runners, offering a flat fast course parallel the N.Thompson River and boasting good eats after the run. (Usually pizza)

Tonight, Skytrackers are saying 2-3 degrees C for my hill repeats.  I think I'll bring a jacket.

How is your winter to spring transition going?  Do you find yourself outside more as the days are getting longer again or were you already out there?

Sunday 1 March 2015

Some Like It Hot

What better way to stay warm in winter than to work up a sweat on the mountain?
I spent last night running around in the dark and snow on Tod Mountain, Sun Peaks.
Brian & Icebox

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Whats Another Year?

It's time. It's opportunities. It's a chance for improvement.
If asked last year this question I might not have had an answer. A year is a long time in relation to some things. For a runner (or any athlete) a lot can happen and not always as planned. Injury aside there is always the chance that motivation or priorities can derail your momentum when training for, or participating in events.

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Confused

I never mentioned this before but since things are pretty quiet for a few days I thought I would share where I get my post titles from.  Because as may become apparent, they won't always make sense right away.

Sunday 22 February 2015

Gotta Get Thru This

If Elise and I listened to music when we raced then this song would have been on repeat for the last 5km of our Hypo(er)thermic Half Marathon this morning.

Poor Old Fluffy

Man, when did the shortest month of the year become the busiest?  I'm starting to feel the overwhelming need for a nap.  The third weekend of February is my survivor weekend.  Starting with the 5km snowshoe race at Silver Star Mtn. on Saturday evening and finishing with the Hypothermic Half Marathon in Kamloops Sunday morning.

Thursday 19 February 2015

Surprise!

Yay! 2 Days in a row the mail delivery fairies have arrived with wonderful little packages for me.  Yesterday it was my longstanding subscription from Stridebox.  They put together a monthly selection of nutritional supplements and accessories coveted by runners.

Opening my Stridebox at work created a bit of a buzz in my little cubicle community shared with some running co-workers.  Ahhh...feel the runner envy.
I'm pretty stoked to try the Picky Bar, having seen numerous posts online from other runners preaching the bars yummy-ness.
Also in the box: Skratch Labs - Hot Apples & Cinnamon, Chike - high protein Iced Coffee, a Vitalyte gel, Joshua Tree - lip balm, a Nuun tab, tech friendly running gloves.
Looks like I have lots of hydrating and refueling options to try in the near future.

Do you stick with one favorite brand of athletic supplement or do you like to mix it up and try new ones occasionally?  What's your current favorite hydration or refuel option?



Tuesday 17 February 2015

Loving You Is Easy

A couple weeks ago I was perusing the webpage of athletic accessory up and comers Headsweats.com and saw that they offer a "surprise" box subscription. Aptly named Club Headsweats.
Each month, to your door arrives a special something from their extensive inventory of hats, visors, toques and more.   
Don't know about you, but 90% of the time when I run there is something on my head in an attempt to manage wild curly hair or protect from twigs, ticks or rain. So I signed up, curiosity triumphed!
The first box arrived today and this being February the month of love, it was an ozzing-ly sweet chocolate welcome and included a few Power Bar supplements to get me through to the end of the month.
Love the Sasquatch Trucker hat! And the Headsweats edition Polar Insulated water bottle is a nice addition to my collection. Their customer service event went a step further by including a handwritten note of welcome to Club Headsweats.

Have you ever signed up for a subscription box? Where you happy with each of the boxes as they arrived?