Week 7 – RunLAB

With week 7 of RunLAB under my belt, I think it’s safe to say that training on #theroadtoGoodLife has me in all sorts of feels. Highs and lows and in between. Right now, I feel great! Two weeks ago, not so much. Sometimes our thoughts can be our own worst enemy, especially when we’re feeling tired or sore.

What I am learning as we go or I should say being reminded of is that training the mind is just as important as training our body; more so than we often realize. With RunLAB, I am seeing this come alive each week as we set out on our long runs. I’m feeling stronger physically as each week goes – thanks to a carefully designed program to strengthen our body to be better runners. However, running with a crew has proven to be the biggest support system I’ve known to carry me through the long distances week over week. Their energizing presence continually reinforces the mind to think ‘I can do this’ ‘this is actually awesome’ ‘I so got this-done’ into existence.

This week’s long run of 24KM brought many moments when I was ready to give up because I didn’t think I could get through it. (Even though we just ran this distance last week!) Now, I know not every run is going to be a good run, but when you are at kilometer 17 the last 7 can seem almost unimaginable. With that being said, having a solid crew to run alongside every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday is pretty awesome! Just knowing they’re there has probably made 95% of our crew runs better than I ever anticipated. It’s the kind support that has you feeling unstoppable during those agonizing mid-run moments and feeling full post-run because we are in this together, we got here together. Their camaraderie and self-motivation has me pushing my limits every week and actually looking forward to the next. 🙂

Now I am not saying, we can depend on a crew for 100% of our training because come race day, I am sure there will be a lot of alone time and we need to know how to manage this. But I do think it can be that extra push we need to get us to that start line in top shape come race day; after that gun fires – the rest will magically fall into place.

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Happy Vibes! xx

PS- I am super pumped to let you all know that I’ll be posting my progress on the Academy of Lions RunCrew blog as well to help inspire and encourage other runners in our community!

Just Juice

I’ll keep this short and sweet today, but thought I would share 3 juice/smoothie combo’s I am loving lately. I do recommend blending these fruits and veggies or doing half and half to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you can from these delicious foods. I often will find myself juicing the harder fruit and veg + any citrus first. And then taking that juice and blend in the more leafy choices (you’ll yield much more green goodness). Of course blending works with all these recipes, just be sure to add water!

This PineApple-Mint juice is a big favourite of mine! But be aware that it can carry a lot of sugar, so make this one more of a treat. I like to juice the pineapple and blend in the apple and mint. That way I get the most flavour from the mint and the fibre content of the apple skin. This one is so quick and delicious, you’ll want to make it all the time!

Ingredients

1 apple, half a pineapple, handful of mint

Ingredients

Next up, we have Sweet Carotene which is high in beta-carotene (see what I did there haha).

This immunity boosting nutrient works to protect against toxic free radicals. So load up on this one. 🙂

2 apples, 2 sweet potatoes, 2 carrots and 1 lemon.

Ingredients

Lastly, Lean Green. Which is great when you are looking for a reset. I often feel like this one first thing Monday morning,

after an indulgent weekend. First, juice the apple, lemon, cucumber, and celery. And then blend it with the spinach and romaine.

If needed add a touch more water and you are good to go!

1 apple, 1 lemon, 1 cucumber, 4-6 stalks of celery, 1 head of romaine and 2 cups of spinach.

Juice

Reset. xx

Banana Matcha Mask

Everything green is my motto. You can’t go wrong when going green. Whether you are adding greens to your eats, drink or being green through your daily activities. We all win with a little more green in our lives. And now I’m adding greens to my beauty regime.

Naturally, I have been blessed/cursed with dry skin but this winter my skin seems to be EXTRA dry. I’m attributing winter running as a big factor to this. The cold air has not been favourable to say the least; basically my skin has been feeling a bit like the beach lately – without the ice cold cerveza’s and tan lines. 🙂

I am trying to use up all the products I have before I buy anything new, which has led me to DIY facial masks. My latest combination is very simple and mega moisturizing.

Bananas, Matcha, honey and coconut oil are all great ingredients when it comes to natural skincare. Bananas moisturize and hydrate thanks to their potassium content. Once combined with coconut oil and its vitamin E composition – you’re looking at a moisture powerhouse ready to nourish and repair.  Adding raw honey adds the element of a natural antibacterial that cleans out pores. And lastly, adding in the powerful Matcha packed with minerals that will stimulate and energize your skin cells, fighting signs of aging. This is an at home beauty mask that you’ll absolutely love!Banana Matcha Mask Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 1.5 tbsp Matcha
  • 1 tbsp raw organic honey
  • 1 tbsp organic coconut oil
  1. Mash banana well with fork until smooth.
  2. Stir in honey and coconut oil until combined.
  3. Mix in Matcha until most lumps are gone. (this is tough, but a few lumps won’t kill anyone)
  4. Evenly apply a thick layer of the mixture to your face. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse gently with lukewarm water.

You’ll likely only need third to half of the mixture, so feel free to half the recipe or eat the remaining half on its own or through it in a shake! 🙂Matcha Mask

Be Green. xx!

 

 

Light Blue Shade

Today I am sharing my best kept secret with all you beautiful blondes. I just hope my hairdresser doesn’t kill me. 🙂 (Sorry Olivia!)

I’m sure many of us can agree that our aim to be blonder can be categorized as a sickness (comically). It’s that feeling of when our roots start to grow out and we basically think we’ve become brunette and stress on when we can book our next appointment. It’s actually pretty funny when you think about it.

The only thing is, we all hate paying $150+ every 8 weeks to keep that sun-smacked look, plus that $30 bottle of purple shampoo, that lasts like 2 weeks. (Yes, I know it should last longer!) Not to mention the time to revisit the salon again and again for that brightening touch up that we live for.

If you feel the pain, you’ll be happy to hear how I have been able to minimize my colour treatment to once every 5 months. And not to brag but when people ask and I tell them this, their eyes pop out of their heads they are so stunned. Granted my colourist does an AMAZING job, but I do my own maintenance along the way to help prolong. She might think it’s terrible (I am always scared to ask), but my fellow blondes always ask for the secret, and coincidentally it’s usually the day after I wash my hair using this cheap and cheerful solution.

So here it is – Light Blue Shade Shampoo & Conditioner. Yes that is the actual name and brand. Designed for white, silver and blonde hair, this formula will instantly liven up your blonde when it begins to get a bit brassy and dull looking.

Light Blue Shade Products

I don’t use it everyday, but both together at least once a week and alternatively, the shampoo or the conditioner coupled with other premium products to ensure my hair keeps strong and healthy looking. Do note that if left on for more than 4 minutes or so (probably depends on each person) you may actually notice a white purplish tone to your hair. This has happened to me a few times but I’ve still always received compliments and within a wash or two it fades out.

You can find this hidden gem at Shoppers Drug Mart (bottom shelf near the hair colour) or on Well.ca  for just under $10.00 CAD. Or if you get so lucky you can find it at Walmart for just under $7.00 CAD! It isn’t always the easiest find, so when you do stock up or do yourself a favour and just order it online.

Lighten Up. xx

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

MonkWhoSoldHisFerrariThis inspiring and wonderfully crafted fable written by Robin Sharma, takes you through the essential steps to higher living. To living a life with greater courage, balance, abundance, and joy. It was my first read for 2016 and a good choice at that. Inspiring me to shine brighter this year and play into the poetic possibilities of life. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate read to kick-start the year!

This tale reveals the revelations of Julian Mantle, former superstar lawyer, as he embarked on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and enlightenment after a near death experience. His findings outline steps to follow in life to ensure your desires come true. All of which, I am sure we know, but often forget to put into practice. Here they are as an important reminder for us all.

  1. Have a clear vision of your outcome
  2. Create positive pressure to keep you inspired
  3. Never set a goal without attaching a timeline to it
  4. Go out and buy a journal, your dreambook
  5. Magic Rule of 21- for new behavior to crystallize into a habit, one is said to perform the activity for 21 days in a row

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

These 5 treasures of wisdom, along with the 10 rituals for radiant living, (briefly touched on below) will enrich your everyday and bring great balance and control. Take a moment for yourself, curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and this read. I promise you it is sensational and a book you will not want to put down.

And for later reference and because I love these so much; I’ll share with you a snippet from the Rituals for Radiant Living.

Ritual of Solitude– ensuring that your daily schedule includes mandatory period of peace, for your soul to recharge and explore the healing power of silence. Understand who you are.
Ritual of Physicality– as you care for your body, you care for your mind. Get your blood circulating and your body moving for increased energy. At least, 5 hours per week should be invested in physical activity.
Ritual of Live Nourishment– as you nourish your body, you nourish your mind. Your diet affects your clarity and mood. Enjoy live foods that are created through the natural interaction of the sun, air, soil, and water.
Ritual of Abundant Knowledge– lifelong learning and expanding the knowledge base while taking daily, consistent action to apply the knowledge and realize your dreams.
Ritual of Personal Reflection– taking the time to get to know yourself.
Ritual of Early Awakening– rise with the sun and start the day off well.
Ritual of Music– never forget the power of music. Improves mood and motivates.
Ritual of the Spoken Word– recite a series of mantra every morning, noon, and night. See the effects, keeping focused, strong and happy.
Ritual of a Congruent Character– do the right things. Take daily, incremental action to build your character.
Ritual of Simplicity– live a simple life. Focus on your priorities, those that are meaningful and better for your well-being. Take pleasure in the simple things.

 

Happy Reading. xx