WELCOME......

Hello blog readers;



I just decided that I wanted to create and document my fitness journey, a journey to better health, better confidence, and better self awareness.

Please bare with me, I am new to blogging, and may stumble along the way.....

Where to begin?

Just over a year ago, I had an awful break-up.  Who hasn't?  But this one in particular was just awful.  We were engaged, the first time I had ever been engaged.  I thought he was the one.  Well seems life had other plans.  It was an abusive and destructive relationship.  My self-confidence was GONE.  My sense of self, GONE.  I had NO idea who I was anymore.  I admit I didn't handle it so well.  For the longest time I just sat on my couch feeling sorry for myself.  Everyday I came home my couch was there to welcome me with open arms, safe and secure arms.  My couch is so comfy, you just melt into it.  I was safe in Couchland for a long time, and I was content to stay there.

What changed?

My mom and step-dad came out to Calgary from Ontario for my 34th birthday and Thanksgiving.  My parents have been running for years, and I always thought they were crazy.  Upon their visit, my mother signed us (my family) up for The Alzheimer Thanksgiving 5k race.  I was less than impressed, but I agreed.  So I had months to prepare.  Did I? NO! I was safe in Couchland.

I have never been one who was athletically inclined.  I may have gone on hikes in the mountains, snowshoeing, a tiny bit of climbing in the gym, BUT nothing like running for 5kms.  I could always take my time on a hike, I had all day, so the thought of this race scared the shit out of me.  Race day comes, and I'm full of nerves.  I warmed up with everyone, felt a bit better as they encouraged me, and told me I would be great.

We all went outside and continued our warm-ups and took a little jog around and I became winded.  I really wanted to save it all for the race.  The 8k runners went first, so up to the start line we go.  I'm with my mom and Ashley.  I put my music on, one ear bud in, one hanging out.  I hear the countdown, and BAM, away we go.  For the first bit I kept up to my mom who is pretty damn fast for a 50+ yr old woman.  Then I slowed down.  I couldn't breathe.  I felt like I was going to die.  But I kept pushing on. I do have asthma, and stupid me didn't bring anything for it.  And little did I know that I actually had bronchitis at the time of the run :(

me at the start line of my first 5k race

All I could think about was finishing.  I knew I had too.  I would run for a bit, then walk for a bit.  You know, what beginners do haha.  I hit the 2.5k mark and my brother is racing back.  Bastard is 6'2" and built like a brick shit house.  Jealous? YES!!!! But he high fives me and it pushed me to go on.  A few minutes later I see my step-dad, and a few minute later I see my mom who high fives me too.  As silly as it sounds, their little gesture pushed me to keep going.

I was not far from the finish line, when I see my brother walking towards me.  He came back for me.  He came to walk with me.  He made me feel so good, he has NO idea.  The finish line was just around the corner and I booted it into high gear and just ran.  My whole family was waiting for me, even my awesome dog Maggie.  I felt amazing.  Tired but amazing that I finished it.

Then, the whole day changed......

We left the race and had a huge brunch.  After that we went to my brothers house and looked up the results.  My heart sank.  I did it in 42ish minutes.  I was at the bottom of the pack.  I felt like complete and utter shit.  I started balling.  My family had amazing results, and I sucked ass.  They all tried to cheer me up, but it didn't work.  I was an emotional mess.  After a short pity party I thought about it differently.  I did it, no matter what the time, I DID IT!!!!!!  I wanted to do it again, just better...... So that's what I did.  That's was the start of my getting out of Couchland......

Since then, I ran another 5k race ALONE, with my brother and Maggie waiting for me at the finish line.  My time improved, not by much but it improved.  My stride was quicker, and my stats were WAY better.  Now I am forever searching for 5k races to run in.  I decided I am going to train for the Calgary Half Marathon in May 2013, and the Spartan Race Calgary in August 2013 and WHATEVER else comes my way.  I have also joined the gym again and have a nutrition plan in the works.


I know this was a lot of background story to get to my point.  My point is, is that as comfy as Couchland is and can be, I knew I didn't want to stay there and let my life pass me by anymore, I didn't wanna be a victim any longer.  So this blog is going to be my on-going fitness journey, which in turn will be a journey to better health, more confidence, and an all around better ME.......