The Midlife Reframe

Category: fitness

  • Running and Pink Ice Energy

    A Little Fitting.  The Weather, That Is…

    For those who follow me on Instagram, you’ll remember a post I made earlier this week, about running in warm weather.
    This is Mother Nature’s Revenge.  But very fitting to go along with my review this week.
    I haven’t run since Thursday.  I am in the “in between” with a head/chest cold (thanks Mom and TeenThing).  Fighting it as hard as I can.  So today’s weather didn’t really cause me any issues.  I have my base built, so missing some days is not going to derail my training.

    Okay, so what is this Pink Ice Energy?

    I was contacted a week ago and offered some samples of Pink Ice Energy to review.
    I am an information hound, and was provided with the details of what is in Pink Ice Energy, and happily accepted the opportunity to test the product out.
    I received a fantastic package in the mail with some extra goodies 🙂  (Thanks guys!)
    I am loving the hat AND the infuser!
    When it came to testing the product out, I tried to NOT think about it.  I took it as it is, a dietary supplement.  The packages are great to throw into your bag.  I am bad for remembering my vitamins, so it was great to have one of these around 🙂
    [As always, before taking any dietary supplement, read the liner sheets and get the advice of your doctor.  This product is for ages 18 and over.  You take 1 packet per day.]
    When I had my first packet, I was like, “Pop Rocks!”.  It snaps and pops once you have it in your mouth!  You let it dissolve and it gives you some minty breath afterwards 😉  
    (The pop rock sensation did take me back to my childhood, lol.)
    I carried on with my day, worked my regular 9-5, did my run at lunch and headed home.  Had supper, did my puttering around the house.  Felt good!
    The next day was my long run day.  I went through my usual morning routine, having a packet of Pink Ice Energy after breakfast.  I did 12ish kilometres (11.9, lol) that day and after I stretched, showered and snacked, we headed out to the Mall.  Usually I would require a nap on long run days, like not too long after I get home.  I made it until after supper before I got a little nappish, lol.

    With a couple of ladies from Clayton Park Runners 🙂

    Come Monday morning, the regular chaos of the work week resumed.  I forgot to throw a packet in my bag.  I had a lunch run planned and had to squeeze that in as it was a busy one.  I ran.  I hit my old 3:00pm wall. 

    Forgot it again on Tuesday (d’oh!) and hit Spin Class.  Tuesday was busy.  Hit my 3:00pm wall.

    Wednesday was my rest day.  I actually remembered my packet, lol.  Had a busy day.  Did not hit the 3:00pm wall.

    Thursday was my last run this week.  Had a great run, but man it was WINDY.  That was TeenThing’s first day home with the plague. She was full on plague by Friday morning.

    (That’s when I got the heavy feeling in my chest. Friday morning. So a few extra rest days for me!)

    I can say the following about Pink Ice Energy, as a mom and as a runner:

    • Pop Rock sensation.  Took me back to my childhood!  lol
    • Did have a minty after effect.  Cool, fresh breath.
    • I found I had extended energy, not just a boost.  As a working/running mom, this is great.  Usually when I get home (or sometimes on the bus home), I want a nap.  Not so much on the days I had Pink Ice Energy.  Being skeptical of energy products, this was a nice surprise.
    • No “come down” at any point of the day.  No sluggishness at any point later in the evening, and I went to sleep with no issues.
    Want to try it out for yourself?
    You can get your free sample here: http://www.pinkiceenergy.ca/free-sample/ 

    (Please note that when you sign up you will have to wait a few more weeks to receive their samples (The product is launching in Canada in April and they will soon receive their Canadian packaging.  20% off your first order too!).
     
    Come back again next week, because I need to update you on my training!
    #crazymamaruns
     
     

  • The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training – Week 3

    Some Knotty Glutes!

    That’s right.  My ass was in knots.

    So much so that my lower back hurt.  Quite a bit actually.

    I didn’t run on Saturday.  I did yoga, stretching and some foam rolling.

    TEARS.

    Heat.

    Advil.

    But I Did Have a Good Week!

    Sunday was snowy but I felt AWESOME!

    We’ve had some strange weather.  Snow and then some okay days.

    Tuesday was CRAZY windy! Nice and sunny, but Wooooo!

    Once we hit Thursday, it rained…..and rained until Friday night.  So I opted for the treadmill at lunch.

    Thursday was a 5km run at the gym at work.
    3 miles on Friday….I had a great meal at The Keg later 🙂

    There was a staff event put on by my place of employment.  We have it every year……KEG NIGHT.  We eat and eat.  I had a great meal!  Yay steak!  After I got home the rain had started to change over to freezing rain.  Big mess.

    And Then……Saturday

    When I say I had a knots in my glute, I mean I had KNOTS.

    Nasty.  Foam roller and I had it out.

    Now, if this was me a few years ago, I would have been like….MUST RUN….AT ALL COSTS.

    Now that I am older and wiser.  I knew I had to take care of the situation to be able to keep running without any further issues.

    I am building my base right now, which means a day taking care of my body is not compromising my training.

    So, I was pretty close to running a half this week with total mileage.  I am totally good with that!

    New kicks are in order this week, which means a trip to Luke at Aerobics First 🙂

    C’mon back next weekend, not only to check out my new sneaks, but to see if we really DID get the kickass storm they are talking about Monday night into Tuesday!

    @crazymamaruns

  • The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training – Week 2

    Still Alive!!

    Sore, and questioning everything, but STILL ALIVE.  lol

    Time to invest in trail shoes…
    I took one day off this week to get some stuff done to make sure I stay healthy on this journey to my first Half in FOREVER.  This ended up in my favour, as it was the day we had our rain to snow dump.
    This week had it’s challenges, as I truly thought I could keep my own pace without using the Garmin to keep me on track.
    WRONG.
    I was all over the place dammit.  Breathing heavy and plodding along like I had to race home because it was on fire.
    But I got my runs done, and learned to reset.

    Day 1 of Week 2

    I. WAS. FREEZING.
    I also learned where to start my runs so that I ended up close to home.  When you cool down, you COOL DOWN, lol.  (Hot baths/showers and hot chocolate after these runs were ESSENTIAL!)
    12.1 miles for this week.  A little off from the plan, but I am good with that.  This week is a steady 4 miles each day (today was 3 miles running with a 1 mile cool down to get used to the virtual pacer) Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
    I turned on the virtual pacer because I was going too fast for my “easy runs” – which right now is EVERY run.  I need to remember I am building mileage and endurance.  The pacer made a big difference today and I was able to tackle hills appropriately without having to walk most of the way.  Yay me!

    Day 2 was my shortest distance – so a run at lunch 🙂
    Third Run – Almost smooshed by a car….GAH.

    Fourth Run – Ran with Clayton Park Runners – Snowy as all get out!

    My Saturday run was done with a new group – Clayton Park Runners.  Small, but mighty 🙂  Since we were running on snowy (some not ploughed) sidewalks and trails we paced accordingly.
    Running this winter has made me really appreciate the sport that much more.  I am feeling it in muscles I have never felt it in before, lol.  Also, running UP snowy inclines…woooooo.  Doing yoga is making SUCH a difference as an add on to my training!
    (I am seriously investing in some trail shoes and warmer layers in the next while.  Increasing mileage will require an upgrade, lol.)
    So, I have to say I am more confident going into this week.
    C’mon back next weekend!  I can’t wait to share my progress with you 🙂

    @crazymamaruns
     

     

  • Countdown to Half Marathon Training – Blue Nose Marathon 2016

    Nervous is an understatement…

    So nervous that I miscalculated the the beginning date of my training plan when putting it in my calendar.  Oops!
    I had myself starting on January 14th.  When I was finishing up the calendar entries I noticed that I was ending the week BEFORE the Blue Nose…..GAH!
    So, this week I will redo the plan and get an extra week in at the gym and do some running outside (after both storms pass this week – eeep!).

    More winter running….outside……this year!!

     

    But you’ve run this race before RIGHT?!?!

    Yeeeeeeessssssssssssss.  But it’s been 3 years.
    I know once I start a regular training plan I will be fine.  It’s the getting started part that is the problem, hahaha.
    This time around, I am following the Hansons Half Marathon Method.  It’s usually my legs that are the issue when I hit the last 5kms or so of a Half.  This plan will get me used to cumulative fatigue.  I am coupling this with strength training and yoga to round it out.
    I have already started my yoga and strength training.  At the end of a 7 Day Bad Yogi Challenge this week.  Also doing The Year of Yoga. Starting back to a regular yoga practice has really brought attention to how tight my body is.  OWIE!

    I have calculated my required food intake to start training at my current weight and will do some intense grocery shopping this week.  I will be logging some serious kms with this plan and need the fuel to keep this body pumping.  Look out Costco!
    So from now until May 22nd be prepared for “The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training” by Yours Truly!!!

  • Why I am NOT making Resolutions for 2016….

    I Decided to Take a Different Approach.

    This year, I am making Intentions for 2016.

    5 of them.

    Wanna know what they are?

    Here you go!

    My 5 Intentions for 2016:

    1.  I intend to meditate daily.
    2.  I intend to create a solid yoga practice.
    3.  I intend to bring more peace into my life.
    4.  I intend to forgive myself more.
    5.  I intend to run more.

    There you have it.

    I am also carrying over my “give zero fucks” view on life into next year too.  Because really, we all need to do the stuff that makes us happy.  

    When we are happy, we radiate that to everyone around us.

    So radiate all over the place!!!

    @crazymamaruns

  • My 100th Post! WHOA!

    I’ve been sitting on this one for a while….

    What should I write about?

    Should I do something different?

    Should I talk about what’s ahead?

    WHAT SHOULD I DOOOOOOOOOOOOOO????

    Well, we’ll keep it real for one thing.

    Life has been crazy over the past while.  Work has been flat out.  Home has been busy with Christmas prep and making it a homemade Christmas (for a large part).

    Life is just getting in the way.  Stress is at an all time high and my mental illness is poking me with a long stick every now and then.

    I have been doing yoga, a run when I CAN get it in.  But not posting these as I haven’t been worrying about tech during my physical activities.

    I’ve mapped out my training plan for January.  Signed up for another race in May (Benny Bulldog 5km) and tossing the idea of a Maritime Race Weekend registration.

    2016??

    Well, as always, I had major plans for 2016, but shit happens and plans change.

    I have a teenager that will be graduating High School in 2017, so 2016 will be about planning for the “Grad Year”.  I can’t believe my little passenger will be graduating!  You blink and they’re all grown up.

    YTT will be put on the back burner, it’s just not in the cards.

    Buuuuuut, my running starts back in full force in January and I cannot wait to get back to training!

    I am just going to play next year by ear.  Which will be hard for me, because I am a planner, lol.

    Medication Free (well, daily medication free)…

    Since late February!  It was a rough go for a while, stepping down off the depression/anxiety medication, getting used to feeling everything again.  

    Then there was finding balance.

    Reassuring family that my cranky days were just that, cranky days.

    I am so much more aware now of what it feels like to go down the rabbit hole.
     
    Having something on an “as needed” basis for my anxiety has been a big help. There are times that the switch won’t shut off with my coping skills.

    It’s rare, but it does happen.

    What has changed this year?

    A LOT!

    My surgery, my recovery, my private life, my work life.

    I spoke at a Conference for the first time EVER!

    I learned to “Give Zero Fucks” (thank you MotherFumbler, much love!).

    Most of all, I learned that I actually love myself.  

    And I am pretty FRICKIN awesome!!

    So, THANK YOU!

    For staying.

    For reading.

    For sharing.

    Let’s ride out the rest of 2015 together and SMASH into 2016!!!!

    @crazymamaruns





     

      

  • When Two Sentences Bring Back a Memory So Vivid…

    It’s Funny….

    You would think that having a mental illness would make one steer clear of reading or immersing one’s self in the topic.

    But being who I am I need to learn more.  Not only about my illness, but about other mental illnesses as well.

    I am reading Fast Girl right now by Suzy Favor Hamilton.  I had heard about this book while listening to my Another Mother Runner podcast where Suzy was the guest and spoke so candidly about her Bipolar Illness.

    After I heard her speak to Sarah and Dimity, I needed to read this book.

    I got to page 84 on my iPad.

    I read this:

    “When my doctor walked through the door and smiled at me, I immediately started weeping uncontrollably.  She sat down really close to me and made me look at her.”

    Then I started to cry (and not for the first time, this book is a tear jerker).

    This was EXACTLY what happened the day I went to see my doctor in 2011.  Exactly.  I’ve known my doctor forever.  She delivered my daughter.  We’ve always had a great rapport.  So when she walked in and smiled, I broke down.  

    It was so surreal reading those words.

    I never want to forget that day, and I know I never will.  It is permanently etched in my psyche.

    It was the day I couldn’t run away from what was happening.  The day I hit the wall and fell right back on my ass.

    But at some point, that ass has to move.

    I remember finally getting the courage to get out and run one morning during my recovery.  I had been on my meds for a few weeks and was feeling okay.  I pulled on my gear and went out the door.

    I failed.  So bad.

    My body was still broken down.  My body was still suffering from depression.  I didn’t realize how mental illness affected your whole body.  Not being able to just suit up and run was very devastating to me at the time.

    I walked, a lot.  I worked with my trainer for a bit.  I focused on getting better mentally.  I realized how much running helped me centre. 

    It’s why I cherish every run I have.  Even the bad ones.  Because I know there will be days that I just can’t get out there, and I have accepted that.

    It is a struggle when you are batting depression to get moving.  So the days I do move, I celebrate them.

    I know that having a training plan will force me to move come mid-January.  This time of the year I need something to push me forward.  

    The shorter days with longer periods of darkness are hell.

    I just want to come home and sleep.

    So to those of you who struggle:  

    Keep on keeping on.  Any movement is good.  Walking, yoga, cycling, a gym class.

    And if you can’t do it today, it’s okay.  There is always tomorrow.  

    @crazymamaruns



     

  • Look Out 2016!! I AM COMING FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

    Last Weekend I Put a Training Plan in my Calendar…

    I decided that the remainder of 2015 would be used to get back into a regular workout/running schedule.  So much to do between now and the Christmas Holidays that I didn’t want to commit to anything that I may not be able to follow through on.
    I then set my sights on 2016.

    What did I want to do?  Lots of races?  Some halfs and then lots of smaller distances?
    A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so I hunkered down and decided the Scotiabank BlueNose Marathon (Half) would be my first BIG race of 2016.
    I have always been half-assed about a training plan and kind of did a “pick and choose” approach, so I decided that this time I needed to follow an actual PLAN.  I had purchased the Hansons Half Marathon Method while I was gimped up and really got into the read.  The approach seems totally doable for me and I will be getting some good mileage in.  I have sat down and converted the miles to kilometres to make my life easier, lol.  
    Will be buckling down soon to plan out my eating for this time period as well.  Proper fuel is required if I am to be successful!

    I will be reuniting with my BRF this weekend as we get some recreation/catch up kilometres in.  And we have SO MUCH to catch up on!  This makes me super happy.
    The BlueNose is later in May (Victoria Day Long Weekend here).
    Yes, I start training mid-January.
    Yes, I will try to run outside as much as I can.
    Yes, I will be running on a treadmill (This does not bother me as much as it does with other people.  I will run where and when I need to, because it is my sanity).
    Yes, you will see lots of “Prepping for the BlueNose” blog posts.  (These will be coupled with “WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING” blog posts through the lovely season known as winter.)
    This also means I need to start utilizing my technology on a regular basis.  So I will be utilizing Strava for this specific purpose.  I’ve been a slacker with recording my workouts, so I will be planning some time each evening to get this done 🙂
    I AM SO EXICTED!!!!
    You’re excited too, I know you are 😉
    So, let’s hang out some more for the remainder of 2015 and then prepare for an awesome and bumpy ride in 2016!
     

     

     

  • The Post About BlogJam 2015 and Recharging My Batteries

    I am Presenting at a Conference!!

    My very first time speaking outside of work related office talks…..sharing my story.  Mental illness, physical fitness and my bloggy journey.  It will be real.  It will be fun. It will be filled with lots of ME, lol. 
    I am hella nervous.
    I am hella excited.
    I may bend ALL the paperclips!!!!
    Sooooo, which conference?
    This one:

     

    So, if you are a Blogger, Wanna Be Blogger, or are interested in connecting with your fellow Bloggers on the Atlantic Coast of Canada, register soon!  It’s free! (You can make a small donation for coffee that is provided throughout the day to all conference attendees – I did, because we all know how much I love coffee!).  There will be some amazing presenters!!!

    Fresh off a Long Weekend

    Boy did I ever need the break.  It was good to get out of the familiar, everyday environment of home/work/gym/run and spend some time away from the city.
    We did a roadtrip with my parents to beautiful Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. 
    Both of my parents are from there.
    We stayed with family and had such a good time 🙂  I ate what I wanted, had lots of java juice, family BBQ on Sunday and I started to learn how to knit socks. (It may take me 2 years to finish them….but…..lol.) 
    The pictures do not do this awesome part of the Province justice.  

    So, where do you love to go to recharge YOUR batteries?  Doesn’t have to be a trip that takes you far. Day trips are great.  Long hikes are also wicked awesome.
    Remember, we all need self care.  I forget this, a lot.
    So book some time with yourself.  It’s totally worth it 🙂

  • The Post Where We Show You How We #WannaPlay

    Keeping the Family Active Can be a Hard Job.

    In our fast paced lives we can get lost in over scheduling every single minute of our day.
    We also have technology to deal with, which was basically non-existent when we were kids.  We would live outside, going “aaawwwwwweeeeee” when the bodiless voices of our moms would carry over the wind to corral us back to the house in the evening.
    Being a single mom, working full time and raising a teenager, there are many days I find it hard to motivate myself AND TeenThing to be active.

    When crunched for time, we walk or hike in our neighbourhood.  There is a great hiking trail not too far from our place!


    Sometimes we drag Gramma along, and meet up with some four-legged friends!      
    Our usual walking/hiking trail 🙂

    +Canadian Tire has a great contest on right now to challenge families to get out and be active together.  The #WannaPlay photo challenge is going on RIGHT NOW and will continue until August 4th.  Every day on Twitter they will post the daily challenge.  All YOU have to do is get out, get active, take a photo/video, tag @CanadianTire when posting to Twitter (and Instagram!), use the #WannaPlay hashtag and you could win a $100 Gift Card daily 🙂  

    You will also be entered to win the Grand Prize, a $1000 CT Gift Card!

    Rules and regs can be found HERE. 

    Also, be sure to check out the Canadian Tire Scribble Page HERE!   

    I am very thankful to live on the East Coast where there are walking trails, hiking trails and an ocean, so this makes it easy and fun for us to keep active this summer (and all year round!!) 😉  So come on, let’s see how you #WannaPlay!!

    Peggy’s Cove – it’s beautiful even in the fog! (And there are walking paths to stop and explore on your drive out, along with the SwissAir Memorial just down the road)

     

    Love being near the ocean, so many beaches!

     
     

    Halifax Waterfront – Definitely a favourite walking and running spot.

     
    #crazymamaruns