Hitting reset button, starting over!

Hey folks;



WOW, I just realized it's been 2 years since I have written a post, and that's not cool.   I haven't been doing a lot fitness wise lately, I've been out with shin splints, OUCH!  I have been in a slump, a rut, and today I am deciding to get out of it, and start over.

I am all for not giving up.  Sometimes things change, and life gets in the way.  I've let life get in the way of bettering myself :(  I was on such a good path to my fitness goals, and now I am derailed.  I kind of want to take a different approach to the blog this go around.  I will talk about personal stuff and goals, but I also want to highlight other peoples stories, look at nutrition, farm to table recipes, and just anything that strikes my fancy.  After all, it can't ALWAYS be just about me haha.....

Well, having an injury sucks, no two ways around it.  I haven't run in months, and I haven't been going to the gym, nor eating right.  All of the above things has caused some weight to come back, and I am just done with it.....

I am easing back into running for March.  I am going to run everyday in March.  Whether it be 1km or 5kms.  I have a few virtual races to do when I'm up to it, and have a couple actual races I am registered for in May as well.  The fitness for me is the easiest part, it's the eating....... UGH the eating right!  I've got to start eating more whole foods and less junk, and drink more water (great, peeing every 10 minutes)

So to get me ready for eating healthier, I have gone out and purchased a TON of seeds to plant in a couple months to grow my own non-GMO fruits, veggies, and herbs. I am itching to get them going, but alas, it isn't time yet.  My dog has even been itching to get out and help.

Maggie itching to get out and plant seeds

Well, that's about it for today, BUT it will not be 2 years before you hear from me again.  I am determined to get back to where I was, or better.

Have a great Leap Day, and stay healthy xo

Running update

Well hello cyber world;


WOW, so many things to update you on.  I don't even know where to start.....

June first I ran my 3rd half marathon (Calgary Marathon) with my mom.  It wasn't what I was hoping for, but I PR'd by 4 mins, so I'll take it.  I trained so hard for that race, I wanted to do really well for my mom (she's a sub 2hr runner) and in turn I put too much pressure on myself.  It was still an AMAZING day.  My brother ran his first half, and my step-dad ran it too.  It was a family affair to remember.

Mom and I at start line

Collage of the day

My medal

My mom and I ALSO ran the 5k race 2 hrs after we finished the 1/2 marathon.  Holy shit, not a good run, but whatever,  I finished it, minus a toenail, YUCK!!!!!

Start line of 5k race (race #2)

I honestly couldn't be happier with my family.  The ONLY reason why they ran this with me was because I inspired them.  With everything I've been thru int he last few years, running has helped me overcome so many things.  I'm so lucky to have my parents to look up to as runners and as parents.  My mom and step-dad are the reason why I started running, they inspired ME to do it, and it's helped me more then I EVER thought.  I HATE running while running, but when it's all over, I feel on top of the world.  I NEED running in my life.

Since the race I took a bit of time off (8 weeks lol) and then jumped right back into it.  I have found a love of trails.  I still road run, but I really want to get into trail running.  So much so that my MOTHER has convinced me to do a 50k ultra in September.  (LOTS of trail updates will be coming haha)

I have done a few runs, nothing major, all under 5k, but I've had so much fun being with nature, and the quiet.  Oh ya, I've even encountered a COUGAR!!!!!! Not the kind you find in bars with pleather and low cut tops and saggy boobs.  NO the actual animal that will tear the flesh off my bones in no time COUGAR.  Needless to say I got out of there in a hurry LOL.

Here's some pics from my little trail adventures.....

Widow Maker trail Kananaskis AB

Barrier Lake Kananaskis AB

Kananaskis AB

Kananaskis AB with the dog

Kananaskis AB

Kananaskis AB with the dog

I've had SOOOOOO much fun running this year.  It's only been a year and a half, and I've done 3 half marathons, endless 5k races, 2 more half marathons left this year and the 50k ultra.  I'm not sure what my future holds, but I know I'll be running.....  I thank my lucky stars I found it.

So that's it for my update.  I have a Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon in Vancouver at the end of Oct. AND Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon (and 5k) in Vegas #stripatnight so I will update with the results of those races.  I am making vacations around both races, so I am looking forward to a few weeks off work haha.

xo

2nd annual Faith, Love, Hope run Against Domestic Violence

Hey runners;

I am at it again.  I am please to announce the 2nd annual Faith, Love, Hope run Against Domestic Violence.  The first one was such a success, raising over $2000.

I want to keep this going EVERY year, and eventually make it a race in Calgary every year.  As you all know it is a cause dear to my heart, like many of you.  I have met some GREAT people with such amazing stories.  You guys are the reason I want to keep this going.


Here is the NEW medal design. 4" die cast with glitter and a printed ribbon.  I just love these medals. New this time as well is variable distances.  You can run a 5k, 10, or 13.1....

I just want to say that ALL of you have inspired me.  Your stories touch home.  Let's make some noise and let everyone know that Domestic Violence NEEDS to stop!!!! xo

Link for 2nd annual Faith, Love, Hope run
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZWCEHYBU5WFU4

When did running become fun?

Hello readers;

I just realized that I haven't written a post in ages.  So I am just going to update you on what's been going on, and post some pics.

Well I am 35 days from my first half marathon of the year.  The 50th anniversary of The Calgary Marathon.  I am excited and nervous at the same time.  Excited to try and get a PB, and nervous because my mom is pacing me (she's a sub 2 hr runner) and she's going to push me, HAHA

I have been training my ass off, literally and figuratively.  I posted a pic of Facebook, and didn't expect the response it got.  It's my before and after. 

 

 

 

 

When I started this journey I was about 190lbs, and now I am close to 160lbs.  I haven't put up a body shot yet because I am not where I want yet, when I am, I will post a body shot of before and after.  I know I have come a long way, but I still have about 20lbs to go.  So I am at the point where I can deal with seeing the BEFORE picture.  It's so hard to see myself like that.  I can barely look at myself now, HAHA.

 

 

Training is going well.  I feel much stronger than last year.  I am running stronger, I am running a tad faster too.  I have a GREAT running buddy that helps push me.  It's always good to have a bit of a push.  We are getting up there in miles now, and I am DEAD TIRED.  June 1 can't come fast enough so I can just have a few weeks off to recover, then right back at it.  I am aiming for 3 races this year.  2 are booked and I just need the third one.

 

 

Here are a few training pictures :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has been quite a year and a bit.  Running is FINALLY becoming fun.  I can't NOT run.  When I am not running I am miserable and I am not nice LOL.  I am finally seeing results and I am loving the people I am meeting.  I am making goals and working towards reaching them, 21.1km at a time. 

 

Another HUGE update:  I have been without Diet coke or margarine for over 40 days.  I had a post a while back that Diet coke was the bane of  my existence LOL.  As soon as my half marathon was over, I headed right back to Diet coke.  So when lent rolled around I decided to give up margarine AND Diet coke.  I had NO problems, I feel GREAT and I am NEVER EVER going back.  It's all sparkling water and coconut oil for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well it's not a funny post, it's not an inspiring post, it's just an update, a progress post.  35 more days and I will have a medal and more pictures to show you.  My whole family is running the Calgary half marathon, a family that runs together grows together..... Although I plotting to trip my brother because he is faster than I am.

 

 

 

Until next time xo



I'm at it AGAIN..... new virtual run woot woot

Hi guys;

I have to update everyone with the success of Faith, Love, Hope 5k run against Domestic Violence.  I have ordered my SECOND batch of kick ass medals, and We have raised so far $1250 for women at Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter.  I couldn't be more THRILLED....

With the success of that run, it had me wondering about more.  A trail run.  Something I haven't seen before in the Facebook groups I belong to.  I wanted to try something different.  AND viola, Happy Trails 5k, 10k, 13.1 Virtual Trail Run was born.  The proceeds are going to Tree Canada http://treecanada.ca/en/ and for every $4 raised they will plant a seedling in Canada.  How AWESOME is that?

I guess I just want to help and give back and this is the ONLY way I know how.  By starting a run, and having a bunch of people I don't know come together for a good cause, and give back.  It's BEYOND motivating for me and my running as well.

The run is being sponsored by RoadID.  Bibs, some gift certificates for giveaways and information.  Nalgene has also agreed to send stickers and a couple bottles for giveaways, and Trail Runner Magazine is sending 2 certificates for a ONE YEAR subscription for giveaways.  I am also waiting to hear from other companies as well.  I'm beyond excited.

Here's the link to Paypal for the race:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=78UTEDB8KW5T8

I can't wait to see the medal proof (once I get medal proof I will publish it)

I just REALLY want to say thank you to EVERYONE who helped and are continuing to to help make Faith, Love, Hope 5k Run Against Domestic Violence the success that it is.  So many women have shared their stories with me, and on the group and it's so inspiring to see.  I only hope that this run will be just as successful.



Keep Calm, and Run On

Tabitha

Faith, Love, Hope 5k Run Against Domestic Violence

Hi readers;

WOW, it's been a LOOOOOOONG time since I've posted anything.  I guess a quick update is in order.  I half assed my training all summer, hey, it was summer.  SO when it came time to run my Rock n Roll Cleveland 1/2 marathon, I didn't do so well.  That and it was like 85 degrees and 98% humidity. Not something I am used to in the mountains of Alberta.

Nonetheless, I finished and it was good to finish.

Since then I have kind of taken a break.  I've done so much in my first 8 months of running, I was and am just worn out.  But something is motivating me to run again, VIRTUAL RACES.  They work the same way as real races, BUT I can run where and when I want, the distance I want and money still goes to charity and I get awesome bling.

This got me thinking.  I wanted to host a race.  Actually I am in the very beginning stages of organizing a REAL race here in Calgary, but I thought I would try a virtual one first and see how that went.  SO here I am, starting a virtual race.  I have a medal design, have a paypal button all set up, all i need are RUNNERS, people who have been through domestic violence and made it out, and for those people who might not have been so lucky.

This is my way of helping out all those amazingly STRONG women out there, and bringing to light something that seems to still be taboo to talk about.  I am donating the money raised to the Calgary Women's Shelter.  I know many of these women need help getting back on their feet.  I am beyond excited to see where this will go.  So far to date (04/26/14) $1500 has been raised.  THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your help and support.

Here is the link to register for my virtual race.  It will take you right to Paypal...... 

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HVBSFGJBZGRLW



You can run this race ANYTIME you want, run whatever distance you want, please just send in your pictures so I can see you've all enjoyed running for an amazing cause.

Thank you

Life after my first 1/2 marathon

Hey guys, wow, it's been MONTHS since I've written.  Ok quick catch up.  I ran my very first half marathon on May 26, 2013.  It was hell, lol.  The weekend before all I did was cry and bitch how I didn't want to do it.  Race day came, and I was as cool as a cucumber, well until the hot sun came out.  I was all ready to go, no nerves, no nothing, just me and the pavement.  I finished in 2:38:08 and I am damn proud of that.  I had to walk for a bit at points, BUT I finished it, I did something I NEVER thought was possible.  It's crazy!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Now a post marathon update: I am training for a 2nd 1/2 marathon in Cleveland Ohio, I have Color Me Rad in a couple weeks, and Spartan Race in just under a month.  I am planning to do Napa Valley 1/2 marathon in the spring and then 50th anniversary of Calgary 1/2 marathon again with a goal of running the WHOLE thing, NO WALKING.

 

My eating has gone to shit post race.  I took a few weeks of to recover, and found myself right back into old habits of drinking diet coke, eating fast food, drinking more again, and not exercising at all..... I am pretty much at square one again :(

 

 

It's fine, you fall, you get back up.  I am getting back up, I am dusting myself off, and I am getting back out there.  I have been running in a clinic again for training, and I started back to the gym as well.  Before I know it, I will be back to where I was, a hottie LOL.

 

 

Motivation is a tough thing.  Life seems to get in the way.  I let life get in the way of something I was truly starting to love, and apparently am good at, or so I hear from peeps in my clinic. 

 

 

Here are a few things that are going to KEEP me motivated......



1. my mom, who pushes me to be better
2. my friend Natalie who pushes me, well we push each other (we are doing Edmonton girl)
3. all the people in my run clinic who believe I am stronger than I give myself credit for
4. my family and friends  who believe in me
and the BIGGIE
5. I am able to run, when so many can't.  They have strength and courage beyond measure.  I run for me, and for those who can't

 

 

 

 

So sorry it's been so long, and sorry it's not a glamour post, BUT I will be updating far more now that I am back on track to changing my life for the better.  I love you all, and to those who believe in me when I don't believe in myself, THANK YOU.