Last Tuesday evening I met up with 20+ like minded individuals to run 6k down Abbotsford city streets. I was so nervous about keeping up my pace for the full 6k, I admit that me and the porcelain throne had a brief chat, then quickly took a P-test and No, I'm not. ;) I refuelled with 1/2 banana and 1 serving of VEGA Sport before driving to the meet up. It felt like the first day at my dream school.
The first 15 minutes was quite the mental battle with my legs. They pleaded with me to stop, to just walk, please. Since my accident last May 2010, I haven't done any long distance running outside. I've logged hours on the treadmill and elliptical, but running on the road is a different kind of eMotion. Pushing past what I know is all mental BS and fully believing that contrary to what my legs may scream at me...they have the power if I believe, I push. Then nearing the 2k mark I felt my quads get warm and happy, and just like that my anxiety drops off my back and into the rainy gutter on the side of the road. I smile :)
I love this! I think about how in a couple weeks of consistent runs and proper flexibility training, this will be even easier and I'll start to improve my cardio endurance. My mind is so clear when I reach this point in my run. It quickly works through some personal daily check lists and before I know it, I see the goal mark. I've almost run 6k!!! My ego takes over and as I mentally pat myself on the back for great run; my pace picks up, my mood reaches super high levels, and I'm the "master of my domain" LOL. Good for my mind, body and soul. Now that's a win-win-win, woohoo, how I love endorphins ;)
All in all I ran 6k, 5k, 3k and 6k with my group this week and I'm elated. What a wonderful group of people I have the honor of running and learning from for the next 10 weeks.
Check out Running Room Clinics here
Click here to Donate funds to Hope International by sponsoring my 10k Run for Water.
See you at the finish line...May 29th RUN FOR WATER in Abbotsford.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
I love my kid!
Today is just another busy day in the Walker household. Getting lunch ready to energize for pre-school, after riding his bike, Camden picks out his items.
I'm such a proud Mama and wanted to share my gush of love. Despite the drama that ensues "cause I'm four." Camden is making great food choices and that is a victory in itself. Great lunch, Camden, Mama is so happy we share the love of healthy eating.
Eat well. Be healthy.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Run for Water 2011 - Abbotsford
Hey All!
Today I sent in my registration for the annual Run for Water in Abbotsford, BC on May 29th. The event features a 5K, 10K, half marathon and....now offering a full marathon distance. The course has been certified by the Association of International Marathons (AIMS) and is now pending status for qualifying for Boston.
This runs helps raise funds and awareness to the Hope International Development A. Last year the Run for Water raised $150,000 for clean water projects in southern Ethiopia. How will the runners fare this year? I think we'll blow that target out of the water (haha, no pun intended). Please visit my donation page to sponsor the cause. Or sign up and start your own pledge drive!
Signing up for local events is a great way to keep yourself motivated with a short term goal. This is definitely good for your soul/spirit and your cardiorespiratory endurance. Get involved in the community and meet new people with similar goals or perhaps be awe-inspired by someone.
I'll be training for the 10K run and that should take 10 weeks from walk to run. Training starts March 24, 2011 for me and will finished just in time to run on May 29, 2011. The Running Room offers a 10K training program with the Run for Water as the goal race and training starts on, you guessed it, March 24, 2011. This clinic is offered at the Abbotsford & Langley locations.
Get your game face on & I'll see you at the starting line!
Today I sent in my registration for the annual Run for Water in Abbotsford, BC on May 29th. The event features a 5K, 10K, half marathon and....now offering a full marathon distance. The course has been certified by the Association of International Marathons (AIMS) and is now pending status for qualifying for Boston.
This runs helps raise funds and awareness to the Hope International Development A. Last year the Run for Water raised $150,000 for clean water projects in southern Ethiopia. How will the runners fare this year? I think we'll blow that target out of the water (haha, no pun intended). Please visit my donation page to sponsor the cause. Or sign up and start your own pledge drive!
Signing up for local events is a great way to keep yourself motivated with a short term goal. This is definitely good for your soul/spirit and your cardiorespiratory endurance. Get involved in the community and meet new people with similar goals or perhaps be awe-inspired by someone.
I'll be training for the 10K run and that should take 10 weeks from walk to run. Training starts March 24, 2011 for me and will finished just in time to run on May 29, 2011. The Running Room offers a 10K training program with the Run for Water as the goal race and training starts on, you guessed it, March 24, 2011. This clinic is offered at the Abbotsford & Langley locations.
Get your game face on & I'll see you at the starting line!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Your Muscular System
Muscles by definition are specialized tissue that are capable of contraction, shortening and force production. Did you know that your muscular system is made up of 3 different types of muscles? These muscles make up 50% of your body's total mass; cardiac, skeletal and smooth.
The cardiac and smooth muscle are involuntary operators, they function whether you tell them to or not. The skeletal muscles are not involuntary and consist of over 600 muscles. The skeletal muscles have 5 primary functions that are super important to your quality of life.
Leading an active living lifestyle will help keep your skeletal muscles in good shape. Always ensure you feed your muscles the fuel they need to keep up and repair as you rest.
If you have concerns about your diet and fuel intake, please seek the advice of a registered dietitian.
*Always keep a food diary (for yourself) and write everything you put in your mouth...I mean it...everything.
You'll start making healthier choices on your own as you become more aware of your actions. Really :) Who wants to write down 18 ginger molasses cookies for dinner? (more than once LOL)
Have a good one and stay active.
The cardiac and smooth muscle are involuntary operators, they function whether you tell them to or not. The skeletal muscles are not involuntary and consist of over 600 muscles. The skeletal muscles have 5 primary functions that are super important to your quality of life.
- Movement - muscles contractions help in the leverage of the body and all its parts.
- Stability - muscles help in maintaining positions and posture.
- Stabilization Joints - as your muscles contract to move body parts, the muscles increase joint stability.
- Heat Production - critical to maintaining body temperature, the skeletal system is responsible for as much as 85% of total body heat.
- Protection - healthy skeletal muscles offer shielding to underlying tissues and organs.
Leading an active living lifestyle will help keep your skeletal muscles in good shape. Always ensure you feed your muscles the fuel they need to keep up and repair as you rest.
If you have concerns about your diet and fuel intake, please seek the advice of a registered dietitian.
*Always keep a food diary (for yourself) and write everything you put in your mouth...I mean it...everything.
You'll start making healthier choices on your own as you become more aware of your actions. Really :) Who wants to write down 18 ginger molasses cookies for dinner? (more than once LOL)
Have a good one and stay active.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sugar-Free Valentines Day!
Well the Big Day is finally here, Valentine's Day. A day we all look forward to with the same mixture of excitement and anxiety every year. So many factors when choosing an appropriate gift. What is an acceptable for someone who doesn't eat white sugar or perhaps their watching their calories? What if you have a low price point or maybe you have lots of loved ones?
SUGAR FREE Gifts that you can get together Today!
Yummy Homemade Sugar Free Treats:
Check Out the Fruity Whip-pee Cream AKA Whoopee Cream :)
Donations in the Name of LOVE:
For the Animals, as little as $5 - ISFoundation
For the Environment - Canadian Wildlife Federation
Or my favorite, Nookie..it's good for the mind, body and spirit (plus your partner will enjoy themselves too!) And it's totally appropriate, did I mention that it's fun :)
...and did I mention that nookie also burn calories and gives you a feeling of euphoria. Love it, Love you, Have a Fabulous Day!
SUGAR FREE Gifts that you can get together Today!
Yummy Homemade Sugar Free Treats:
Check Out the Fruity Whip-pee Cream AKA Whoopee Cream :)
Donations in the Name of LOVE:
For the Animals, as little as $5 - ISFoundation
For the Environment - Canadian Wildlife Federation
Or my favorite, Nookie..it's good for the mind, body and spirit (plus your partner will enjoy themselves too!) And it's totally appropriate, did I mention that it's fun :)
...and did I mention that nookie also burn calories and gives you a feeling of euphoria. Love it, Love you, Have a Fabulous Day!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Fitness Results You Can Expect!
It is possible to get results within the first 6 weeks of your fitness program! What is it that keep you motivated when starting out any program, it's the promise of results. Amazing things happen during those initial 6 weeks of training and they're a BIG deal.
When an apparently healthy adult (passed PAR-Q) begins a new exercise program it's good to have some short-term goals that are realistic. During the first 6 weeks of a well balance cardio & strength training fitness endurance program the following gains happen:
When an apparently healthy adult (passed PAR-Q) begins a new exercise program it's good to have some short-term goals that are realistic. During the first 6 weeks of a well balance cardio & strength training fitness endurance program the following gains happen:
- improved cardiorespiratory endurance
- improved coordination
- improved execution of strength training excercises (Better Form)
- increased energy supply (Better Endurance)
- elevated mood :)
- increase in some muscle strength (resistance may be increased on some excercises)
These gains are the foundation for your future success and assist in achieving your fitness goals. Get excited & set up your next personal trainer appointment because it's also time for a fitness program review. *Call for appt. times @ the 4 week mark, so you have that as a target date...Mini-goals can help keep you accountable.
Follow NFM and learn more about Well Balanced Fitness Programs.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
What does a Vegan Virgo Look Like?
We've been up and running for over a week and still nothing on her about me. So I took a photo, turned it to a warm sepia tone and touched up that nasty third eye...and, Voila! It's me.
Just to keep you on the down low, I'm having a friend write my "About the Author" bit. Every time I try to type something up, it feels wrong, like I'm editing myself. My favourite "About the Author" pages are interview style and I'm going with that.
Should be published by Feb 18th.
Take care this wet weekend and stay focused.
Just to keep you on the down low, I'm having a friend write my "About the Author" bit. Every time I try to type something up, it feels wrong, like I'm editing myself. My favourite "About the Author" pages are interview style and I'm going with that.
Should be published by Feb 18th.
Take care this wet weekend and stay focused.
Friday, February 11, 2011
NIKE Motivation Late 90's
This NIKE Campaign was an "AHA" moment for me, when I first read it. All glossy and luxurious like a mini book in the center of the magazine. I had to copy it into my journal and keep it close, I have kept it under my bed to inspire me as I dream. For your reading pleasure I have posted it below.
Check out the original ad here: http://www.hckt.org/OtherWebs/6ActsOfLove_Web/
FALLING IN LOVE IN SIX ACTS
A passion play
(Or what happens when you fall down that long well of passion
over a person, a place, a sport, a game, a belief, and your heart goes boom and your mind leaves town.)
ACT I LUST (I think I love you. Who are you anyway?)
Here it is, the big "Wow," the big "Gee," the big "YesYesYes" you've been waiting for. This is where you find something or someone and believe they are better, greater, cuter, wiser, more wonderful than anything you have ever known. Lust isn't a sin, it's a necessity, for with lust as our guide we imagine our bodies moving the way our bodies were meant to move: we can do marathons with our feet, lift pounds with our arms, have stars in our eyes and do a nifty tango. And you think: I have no need of food, I have no need of sleep, I have no needs other than occasionally chewing a breath mint. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me, probably because you haven't happened to me yet. Now I can pass into the next Act, so poetically called:
ACT II EUPHORIA (Or: Oh Yippee, you're mine.)
You feel funny inside. You feel funny outside. You feel you could do anything and no one would dare laugh at you. This love, you will treasure. You will not put it in the basement next to your rowing machine, treadmill, and thermal body sweat wrap. And you will not take this love for granted, because that is the biggest sin of all. And you say: I feel so good, I feel so strong, I feel actually attractive and I could learn to live with that feeling. Oh let us sing and dance and eat brown mushy foods low in fat! Oh joy! Oh rapture! ----- Oh but what if I'm no good at thiss? Oh I am no good at this. I am a dingy speck on the wall of humanity and look how badly painted that wall is! I am becoming very, very afraid. That must be because I'm passing into the Third Act, called:
ACT III FEAR (Also known as: Uh-oh.)
This is where the doubt begins, where the mind comes back from shopping, yells at the heart, binds and gags it to a nice lounge chair and allows guilt, failure, and remembrances of things past to sit in for a nice game of bridge. This is where you fear what you need most. If it's a person you love, you fear appearing foolish in front of them. If it's a sport, you fear being foolish in front of many, many people at the same time. And you begin to think: oh no. What if I'm wrong? What if this stinks? What if my heart has blinders on, it's had blinders on before, in fact it had dark heavy patches taped all over it. How can anyone love me if I don't love myself? I mean, I love myself, there are just parts between the top of my head and the bottom of my feet that could use some improvement. I'm not demeaning myself, I have relatives who do that.
ACT IV DISGUST (And the strange desire to eat everything in sight,
hide in your room, and watch old Gidget movies with friends from high school.)
Now comes that unavoidable time when you say to anyone who will listen: what the heck am I doing, anyway? If it's a person you love, first you hate only their foulest inadequacies, then you start hating their good points as well. If it's running you love, you start to hate hills, sidewalks, and bad weather, and soon anything that slightly resembles a bump, concrete, or a small breeze. I can't believe I ever said I felt this way, I must have been dreaming! Wait, THIS IS NO DREAM, THIS IS A FILM NOIR MOVIE, and one of those really dark ones, too. I mean, this is love? This is what they tell you about when you're 11 and naive? Or 32 and more naive?
ACT V THE TRUTH (Love is hard work. And, sometimes, hard work can really hurt.)
Love is a game. If they didn't tell you before, we will tell you now. Love is a game and if you play you either win, lose, or get ejected before the game is over. There are no ties. Maybe you'll lose and learn some great meaningful answer from it all (like if it looks too good to be true, it is). It's easy to love something when you don't have to work at it. It's harder when it asks something of you, you just might be afraid to give. GIVE IT ANYWAY. The heart is the most resilient muscle. It is also the stupidest. So if this love you've found is good to you, hold it, keep it, shout about it. If it isn't, then maybe you should just become very good friends.
ACT VI THE FINALE (Also known as the big whopperdoodle, or,
the most important part of this whole darn thing.)
So this is love, as demanding and nourishing and difficult as it can be, and as strong and wise as it makes you become. There is something to be gained from commitment. There are rewards for staying when you would rather leave. And there is something to be said for running up that hill when you would rather slide down it. And so you let love come perch upon your shoulder. And you do not turn it away. You do the tango.
Just do it.
Exactly!
Check out the original ad here: http://www.hckt.org/OtherWebs/6ActsOfLove_Web/
FALLING IN LOVE IN SIX ACTS
A passion play
(Or what happens when you fall down that long well of passion
over a person, a place, a sport, a game, a belief, and your heart goes boom and your mind leaves town.)
ACT I LUST (I think I love you. Who are you anyway?)
Here it is, the big "Wow," the big "Gee," the big "YesYesYes" you've been waiting for. This is where you find something or someone and believe they are better, greater, cuter, wiser, more wonderful than anything you have ever known. Lust isn't a sin, it's a necessity, for with lust as our guide we imagine our bodies moving the way our bodies were meant to move: we can do marathons with our feet, lift pounds with our arms, have stars in our eyes and do a nifty tango. And you think: I have no need of food, I have no need of sleep, I have no needs other than occasionally chewing a breath mint. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me, probably because you haven't happened to me yet. Now I can pass into the next Act, so poetically called:
ACT II EUPHORIA (Or: Oh Yippee, you're mine.)
You feel funny inside. You feel funny outside. You feel you could do anything and no one would dare laugh at you. This love, you will treasure. You will not put it in the basement next to your rowing machine, treadmill, and thermal body sweat wrap. And you will not take this love for granted, because that is the biggest sin of all. And you say: I feel so good, I feel so strong, I feel actually attractive and I could learn to live with that feeling. Oh let us sing and dance and eat brown mushy foods low in fat! Oh joy! Oh rapture! ----- Oh but what if I'm no good at thiss? Oh I am no good at this. I am a dingy speck on the wall of humanity and look how badly painted that wall is! I am becoming very, very afraid. That must be because I'm passing into the Third Act, called:
ACT III FEAR (Also known as: Uh-oh.)
This is where the doubt begins, where the mind comes back from shopping, yells at the heart, binds and gags it to a nice lounge chair and allows guilt, failure, and remembrances of things past to sit in for a nice game of bridge. This is where you fear what you need most. If it's a person you love, you fear appearing foolish in front of them. If it's a sport, you fear being foolish in front of many, many people at the same time. And you begin to think: oh no. What if I'm wrong? What if this stinks? What if my heart has blinders on, it's had blinders on before, in fact it had dark heavy patches taped all over it. How can anyone love me if I don't love myself? I mean, I love myself, there are just parts between the top of my head and the bottom of my feet that could use some improvement. I'm not demeaning myself, I have relatives who do that.
ACT IV DISGUST (And the strange desire to eat everything in sight,
hide in your room, and watch old Gidget movies with friends from high school.)
Now comes that unavoidable time when you say to anyone who will listen: what the heck am I doing, anyway? If it's a person you love, first you hate only their foulest inadequacies, then you start hating their good points as well. If it's running you love, you start to hate hills, sidewalks, and bad weather, and soon anything that slightly resembles a bump, concrete, or a small breeze. I can't believe I ever said I felt this way, I must have been dreaming! Wait, THIS IS NO DREAM, THIS IS A FILM NOIR MOVIE, and one of those really dark ones, too. I mean, this is love? This is what they tell you about when you're 11 and naive? Or 32 and more naive?
ACT V THE TRUTH (Love is hard work. And, sometimes, hard work can really hurt.)
Love is a game. If they didn't tell you before, we will tell you now. Love is a game and if you play you either win, lose, or get ejected before the game is over. There are no ties. Maybe you'll lose and learn some great meaningful answer from it all (like if it looks too good to be true, it is). It's easy to love something when you don't have to work at it. It's harder when it asks something of you, you just might be afraid to give. GIVE IT ANYWAY. The heart is the most resilient muscle. It is also the stupidest. So if this love you've found is good to you, hold it, keep it, shout about it. If it isn't, then maybe you should just become very good friends.
ACT VI THE FINALE (Also known as the big whopperdoodle, or,
the most important part of this whole darn thing.)
So this is love, as demanding and nourishing and difficult as it can be, and as strong and wise as it makes you become. There is something to be gained from commitment. There are rewards for staying when you would rather leave. And there is something to be said for running up that hill when you would rather slide down it. And so you let love come perch upon your shoulder. And you do not turn it away. You do the tango.
Just do it.
Exactly!
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Last Lions
The Ian Somerhalder Foundation made me more aware today and I wanted to share it with everyone I could. Please take a moment to watch the video below.
For each YouTube view NGS gives $.10 to lion conservation in Botswana
For each YouTube view NGS gives $.10 to lion conservation in Botswana
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wellness: Body, Mind & Spirit
The balance of one's body, mind and spirit to achieve greater health and wellness is not a new concept. In fact the idea has been around for, well thousands of years...the greatest health and wellness that any one person can achieve, is achieved through physical, mental and spiritual balance.
The body needs physical stimulation to grow, heal, stay mobile, stay strong and so much more. Try Activley Living! Balance requires a commitment to actively participate in life and it's easier than you think. Simply incorporate a variety of physical activities into your daily routine... soon it's a healthy habit. Try this!: Walk your kid(s) to school or walk Fido upon rising, get the morning started right and be a positive health influence.
The mind needs to stay healthy to keep us on track, as it plays a major part in how we choose to act. Our mind is one of the most valuable muscles that we use every single day, every single second even. It compiles all the data we receive from all our sensory organs, that's quite a big job. Keep it fit, Try!: Reading your daily agenda upon waking to get your mind ready to accomplish tasks ahead & then read 15 mins a night before bed (something fun 4 you) to switch the brain from work/stress to sweet dreams.
The spirit keeps our soul grounded, it also keeps our will & beliefs strong. I personally believe that my spirit is the love I carry, within me, and share with those around me. Nurture your spirit today and feel a greater sense of peace in your daily life. Try!: Meditation, Socializing with loved ones, Team sports(Yes, that's right) or making love ;)
When you reach a place of pro-active positive healthy living, you're able to overcome challenges with sense of ease and reap the benefits of less illness & disease, sometime avoiding sickness altogether.
Subscribe today and learn skills to achieve balance & greater personal wellness.
The mind needs to stay healthy to keep us on track, as it plays a major part in how we choose to act. Our mind is one of the most valuable muscles that we use every single day, every single second even. It compiles all the data we receive from all our sensory organs, that's quite a big job. Keep it fit, Try!: Reading your daily agenda upon waking to get your mind ready to accomplish tasks ahead & then read 15 mins a night before bed (something fun 4 you) to switch the brain from work/stress to sweet dreams.
The spirit keeps our soul grounded, it also keeps our will & beliefs strong. I personally believe that my spirit is the love I carry, within me, and share with those around me. Nurture your spirit today and feel a greater sense of peace in your daily life. Try!: Meditation, Socializing with loved ones, Team sports(Yes, that's right) or making love ;)
When you reach a place of pro-active positive healthy living, you're able to overcome challenges with sense of ease and reap the benefits of less illness & disease, sometime avoiding sickness altogether.
Subscribe today and learn skills to achieve balance & greater personal wellness.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Beginning
Hello!
Welcome to my Natural Fitness Mission. As this is the first of many posts I'll keep it short & sweet :)
NFM will be a source of great natural fitness information and motivation. We'll help you achieve the healthy natural active lifestyle you've been searching for.
Find fitness information, healthy recipes (even VEGAN & Gluten Free), tools & support, local events info, success stories and so much more.
I'd love to hear what your interested in and what you've enjoyed reading about. Go on, don't be shy...send an email to: naturalfitnessmission@gmail.com
Have yourself a wonder Tuesday afternoon!
Welcome to my Natural Fitness Mission. As this is the first of many posts I'll keep it short & sweet :)
NFM will be a source of great natural fitness information and motivation. We'll help you achieve the healthy natural active lifestyle you've been searching for.
Find fitness information, healthy recipes (even VEGAN & Gluten Free), tools & support, local events info, success stories and so much more.
I'd love to hear what your interested in and what you've enjoyed reading about. Go on, don't be shy...send an email to: naturalfitnessmission@gmail.com
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