Finding Joy in the Journey: A Half Marathon Story

Half Marathon StoryI haven’t always been a runner; it wasn’t until I ran my first half marathon that I really fell in love with running. Something about the challenge and the feeling of accomplishment keeps me coming back for more. Recently, I completed my seventeenth half marathon, and while I didn’t set a personal best time, I felt more successful than ever before. Why?  I am sharing this below. Continue reading

Cold Weather Running Tips

Cold weather runningSometimes, the seasons seem to change overnight. One day, you’re ticking off miles on a brisk, 16°C afternoon with sunshine overhead; then the next morning, the temperature dips to freezing. But cold weather running doesn’t have to be all bad. With the right gear and mindset, you can continue training as usual.

Continue reading

Glute Activation & Running

RunningIt’s true, runners have notoriously lazy asses…..more specifically many of us could use some improvement in the Glute activation area.

It’s not our fault, it’s our lifestyle. Hours of sitting for work cause our glutes to slowly stop firing due to the reduced oxygen and tightened hip flexors. The result is less powerful running.

But most of us don’t even know they are just along for the ride. I mean, I can still see my bum…it’s still there and I feel it, so what do you mean my glute is not active??

Read on for some tips to help prevent your hiney from hibernating this winter.

Continue reading

Running Pace & Ground Contact

Ground contact time always decreases as running pace increases. ????????‍♀️ ????????

One of the most under-appreciated performance-related running variables is ground contact time, or the amount of time your foot is in contact with the ground on each stride.

Ground contact time always decreases as running pace increases.  Not all runners have the same ground contact times at the same speeds, and not every runner is able to reduce their ground contact time when trying to run faster.  The fastest runners tend to have the shortest ground contact times.  Training specifically to reduce your ground contact time is an effective way to improve your running.

Continue reading

My First Triathlon- 2019 North Shore Triathlon Race Recap

I have been contemplated and putting off attempting my first sprint triathlon for over 3 years.  Then I got pregnant so that provided a few years to hide behind excuses.  I had many doubts and fears that I could actually do it.  The transitions terrified me, and the whole concept of it really pushed me out of my comfort zone.  This year all the procrastination and excuses ended.

Read on for my experience participating in the North Shore Sprint Triathlon.

Besides teaching indoor- cycling class, my biking consists of rolling through Steveston on my cruiser bike.  Swimming – well, my swimming as of lately consist of a lot of splashing, sliding and wave pool bobbing.

So why, was the finish line of my first sprint triathlon such a glorious place to reach??  Was it because I had swam 444M, biked 17.6KM and ran 5km??  Or was it because I had overcame my doubts and fears and forged ahead to complete what at times seemed like an impossibility? I think you know the answer. And, the best part: You can do it too.

Continue reading