Long Weekend, Long Run

Last week felt like it last longer than any other week so I was so thankful for the long weekend. Part of me feels like I did so much while the other part of me feels like I did nothing at all. 

After spending Saturday morning running errands I laid in bed and mindlessly streamed Gilmore Girls on Netflix, and it was glorious. 

My boyfriend was kind enough to share some beers with me. Just a few weeks ago I had no interest but trying new brews and logging them into Untappd is becoming really fun. I'm up to 29 distinct beers.

I had started Stranger Things on Friday night but it started to freak me out so I had to turn it off. Sunday afternoon I was feeling brave so I turned it back on and found myself lost in the last six episodes. There was something so magical about the show and I'm so sad I'm already done. I highly recommend it. 

Also, forever obsessed with Farm Boy's tortilla chips and guacamole. 

Monday I finally pulled myself off off the couch and went on my first run only seven weeks out from my fall half marathon. I only made it 8.5 kilometers. It was hot, humid, and overall awful. 

However, the view was absolutely beautiful. 

Despite the awfulness of the run I'm glad I finally pushed myself into training. The next seven weeks are going to be filled with running - long runs, easy runs, speed training, hills - along with necessary cross-training and strength training. I feel more motivated than ever and can't wait to crush the Army Run.

I was almost tempted to add another half in October. It's the first year since I've started long distance running that I won't be running the half marathon at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I know that mentally I can't do two halfs that close together but they released the medals for this year and they were so cool that my sister and I registered for the 5K. This is the first time that I've ever signed up for a race based on the medal.

 

Have you seen Stranger Things? Are you into Netflix's original shows?

What makes you want to register for a race? 

August Goals

1) Half marathon training

I went on a run today (finally) and re-evaluated my training plan. Surprisingly it's my lungs that were giving out before my legs so I'm going to chock that up to the crazy hot and humid weather we've been having later. I spent some time re-writing my plan and I really need to stick to this one. 

2) More stretching. More foam rolling. More yoga.

Not only for my body, but for my mind. The end of July was extremely stressful and the first couple of weeks of August are going to be the same. As great as being in the gym or going for a long run is great for me mentally, I find that stretching is a quiet, mindful, and necessary practice for myself.

3) Throw an amazing party for my mom

My sister and I have been planning my mom's 50th birthday party. It's happening on the 20th so I want to make sure I keep organized over the next few weeks, especially the week leading up to it. 

4) Hydrate

I'm usually a pro at hydrating myself. I guzzle water like it's going out of style and I constantly carry a bottle around with me. Unfortunately this is another thing I've been neglecting lately. I'm aiming for at least three litres a day.

5) Finish two books

I've started reading again lately and have a shelf full of unread titles. I always forget how much I love reading until I sit down with a book. Reading two books is easily doable if I make the time for it. 

What are your goals for August? 

July Goals Recap

Happy Friday from me and my peppermint tea!

I feel like July only just began, yet here I am looking over my goals for the month. I really failed this time around but let's take a closer look at those failures.

1) Foam rolling
Considering I was so pro-active and excited about foam rolling in June I can't believe how this turned out. I think I foam rolled once.

2) Half marathon training
I'm eight weeks away and haven't started following my schedule for long-runs. I've been sticking pretty close to my schedule otherwise, but maybe I've fallen out of love with running. I think the biggest thing is that I'm just not making time for it.

3) Try a new recipe
Nope.

4) Buy some protein powder
I haven't tried it yet, but I actually did buy some! I'm super excited to try it out, but maybe I should go on a long run first...

5) Snack smart
I do think I killed this one. I ate lots of fruits, veggies, and greek yogurt. I don't think I had any instances of binging so I'm proud of myself here.


How did your July goals turn out? 

Non-Scale Victories + Mental Health Improvements

Today will be my second day back in the gym after taking an entire week off and I am so excited. Does this count as a non-scale victory? I never thought I would be so happy to lift heavy things or do some cardio. What started as vanity has turned into something so much more wonderful.

My best friend celebrated her champagne birthday this weekend and it was such a mental boost to get to spend it with her. We've been friends for 20 years and having her in my life is something so matter-of-fact that I can't imagine not having her in my life. I also got to reconnect with friends I haven't seen in years and it's amazing how easily you can fall back into conversation despite the new jobs, relationships, and other life events you've experienced in that time.

On Sunday I spent most of the day in my car, driving around Southern/South Western Ontario putting together (what I think is) an epic birthday present for Michael. He turns 26 at the end of August and I've spent a lot of time researching and executing this present. I find with the heat my appetite has lessened, but I'm so thankful I always keep a protein bar in my purse in case of emergencies. By the end of my mini road trip I was starving!

Between working a ton of hours and trying to fit in time for the gym I've really let my room get crazy. I wrote out a day-to-day list and I'm tackling my room one section or task at a time. It's only day two and so far I've made a huge improvement. Personally, I love breaking down one big task into a bunch of smaller ones because it makes it seem more doable.

I'm still struggling mentally but I feel like I'm starting to rise up. I have some big decisions to make in the following weeks but now that I have a better idea of what I'm going to choose I feel like I have so much more room in my brain. The clearing out of my room is also helping but I have something productive to focus on, but the physical organization also makes me feel mentally organized. As we all know, exercise is also a huge factor in boosting mental health so I'm riding that high as well. And, finally, I'm so thankful for the love and support my friends and family have given me the past two weeks. I'm used to being the one people rely on so it's nice to know they have my back in return.


What do you do to boost your mood?
Do you like to take on one big task, or break it into various small tasks?

Almost the Weekend

The weekend is so close I could almost feel it. I'm continuing to struggle with my mental health this week so I constantly feel like I'm drained of energy. It's almost a blessing in disguise that I have a legitimate reason for not making it to the gym this week so I'm focusing on other things that make me happy and healthy.

This exfoliant: I've been using it for three weeks and I've noticed huge changes in my skin. It made my skin look brighter, I have less dry spots, some of my acne scarring is fading, and during my current cycle I definitely broke out less. Even one particular cystic spot I get only broke out minimally. I have sensitive skin so I read a suggestion online to wet the face first and then apply the product. Not only is it less harsh but I find it's easier to use on damp skin.

Kombucha. With my depression and anxiety I suffer from severe nausea. Between peppermint tea, plain soda water, and kombucha I can usually make it through the discomfort. The grape flavour is my favourite. It's a little pricey so if I want to drink some every day I will split the bottle.

Oatmeal is my new go-to. It's the second week in a row I've been eating it for breakfast. I like to cook 1/4 cup of steel cut oats on the stove with 1 cup of almond milk, and then top it with berries and my favourite protein peanut butter (this one is Buff Bake's Chocolate Chip Cookie)

I had a gift card so I stocked up on my favourite supplements and finally purchased a protein powder (striking one of my monthly goals from the list!). Some people are really loyal to one brand but I try a lot of different things. Lately Cellucor pre-workout and RedxLabs BCAAs are my go-tos, but RedxLabs also makes a really powerful and effective non-stim pre-workout I have in my cupboard too.

I also picked up my favourite protein treats. I love Combat Crunch bars and Buff Bake cookies are to die for. I find they're not as heavy and Lenny & Larry's, but they're so much softer and their flavour is absolutely cookie-like (a lot of people say L&L almost has a Playdoh taste. I have to agree but eat them anyway).

Snuggling with this guy is my reason for skipping the gym. Usually I have someone else that can give him some attention to help with my long work hours but I'm flying solo this week. My boss has graciously let me leave work early a couple of days this week so I can get him to Cooper faster.


What are your favourite products?
Do you typically stick with one brand when buying certain products or do you use a variety?

Mental Health + Life Lately

I've been feeling off, lately. Mentally things are not right and I can't pinpoint why. I spent most of this weekend flipping a switch between feeling angry and full of rage to feeling sad and insecure. I'm questioning everything that people around me are saying and doing and thinking that it must mean something about our relationship. I'm irrational and paranoid, but the worst part is that I know I am. I can fully take my mood, emotions, and thoughts and know it's my depression, but I can't stop the way I feel. 

Lately, I find myself constantly taking a deep breath and feeling a little like that. It's OK. I'm fine, it's fine, we're all fine. 

Another lately? Obsessed with the Ice Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato. Super sweet but dairy free? Yes please. I'm sure the sugar and calories are out of control but I'm going to remain blissfully ignorant for now. 

We had the most delicious dinner on Saturday night. Steak, perfectly baked potato with all the fixings including a large pat of butter, and bacon wrapped asparagus - and featuring my favourite Sawdust City beer! We followed up dinner with the newest Star Wars movie (chosen by my boyfriend) and Matilda (chosen by me). 

My mom is away for the week so I sent her a picture of her grand-puppy. He's always posing. I feel bad working long hours with no one to stop in on him. I'm skipping the gym this week to spend more time walking and cuddling him. I'll see what kind of workouts I get accomplished at home this week. 

Heat Warnings, Camping + Migraines

Last week was weird and I'm not sure why. I ate everything except for what I actually planned and prepped. I ate a lot of coffee shop sandwiches and salad bar salads. Coming off of that I tried to make some different choices this week. I only skipped one planned workout so hopefully that counts for something.

Southern Ontario sat with Heat Warnings in effect all last week. The cardio section of my gym is kept at a toasty 75 degrees and if it weren't for the fact that I get off of work so late I would rather just take my cardio outdoors.

Friday night we got hit with a massive lightning storm and Cooper was not impressed. I read somewhere that dogs can feel the electricity in the air but I don't know how accurate that is. All I know is that while I was cooking my 90-pound beast needed to sit at my feet.

Michael and I went to Arrowhead Provincial Park this weekend. I wish I had something to recap but it rained until 6-7pm on Saturday so we couldn't go to the beach or go for a hike. Instead we took our time driving to the campgrounds by hitting up three craft breweries and my lovely boyfriend bought me a new hat. So far in my craft beer education Sawdust City is my favourite brewery.

Thankfully the rain ended early enough that we could have a campfire. I always try to nicely brown my marshmallows but then I get impatient and I burn them to a crisp.

I'm not sure if it was the lack of sleep, sore muscles from sleeping on the ground, or not getting enough water in me this weekend, but I'm currently going on Day Two of a migraine. I have all of my migraine essentials in place so hopefully it disappears soon.

My goals for this week include getting more sleep, eating what I actually prepared, and cutting back on the caffeine. Last week I had way too much ice coffee - including a day where I had TWO iced coffees - and I'm sure all of the sugar and cream also didn't have the greatest impact on my body.

Any goals for the week?

Do you prefer hot, humid weather, or cold, icy weather?