Cross Train and 5.12K Run

On Monday I was able to get 4miles in on the stationary bike at the gym.  On Thursday I ran 5.12K with the running group in 38mins. We actually ran the route of the Downtown 5K race that was held today. 
 5.1K/3.2M
north Clarence
west Angel
north Richmond
east Central
south Waterloo
west King
north Clarence
west Angel
north Richmond
east Central
south Waterloo
west King to Club
My race recap to come soon!
Also, check out Running Diva Mom for two giveaways!  Honest Tea Giveaway and Knuckle Lights Giveaway!

7.44K Run

Today I decided to get my run in that is scheduled tomorrow as it is suppose to snow tomorrow night.  I ran 7.44K in 56mins.  I am pretty happy with this time.  The weather was warmer, above freezing and the sidewalks were clear!
Also, check out Running Diva Mom for a giveaway!

7.87K Run

Last night I ran 7.87K in 1hour and 7mins with the running group.  It was a rainy, snowy run.  I was slushed by passing cars twice.
This is the route we took:

east King
north Ontario
east Dundas
south Ashland
west King
south Eleanor
east York
south Kernohan
west Florence
north Rectory
west King to Club

I also received these flowers from my lovely hubby.

Today I bought new running shoes.  My ankle has been bothering me a little bit, so I think it is time.  Saucony no longer makes the Echelon 2 so I bought the Echelon 3.

While I was at the store, I also picked up my race packet for Sunday's Really Chilly 10K Road Race!
I love the race shirt! Pink!

Also check out Running Diva Mom for another giveaway!

3.1Mile Treadmill Run and Book Review

Last night I ran 3.1Miles on the treadmill in 39mins at an average speed of 4.7.
Last night I also finished Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner's Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-Setting Run Across America by Marshall Ulrich.

Over all, I really enjoyed this book.  It was interesting to read all that is involved running such a large distance, including the preparation, injuries and other obstacles encountered along the way.

Have you ever used running to run away from something? Did it help, or hurt, the rest of your life?
I find running helps relieves stress after a long, hard day at work.

Ulrich ran a huge portion of the runs with injuries, which also meant that he were in pain. Do you think that you could overcome pain so that you could achieve something that is much bigger than yourself?
I don't think I would be able to over come that amount of pain.  A little bit, I can work through, but I try to listen to my body to know when I am running too much.

Would you ever run an ultramarathon, why or why not?
Likely not.  I think it is great that people can, but right now 1/2 marathons are my limit.

If you ever attempted a run like Ulrich's, what route would you want to take?
I would try to run across Canada!

Also, check out Running Diva Mom for another Giveaway!

10.32K Run

Today I ran 10.32K in 1hour and 23mins with the running group.  It was a tough run on snow covered sidewalks with challenging hills.  My legs are paying for it now.  I have already had one bath today, but will be heading for another one shortly.  This is the route we took:

west King
X Bridge
west Beecher
south Wharncliffe
west Horton/Springbank
north Wonderland
swing on to ramp down to Terry Fox Parkway at bridge
east TFPW
east up hill onto Horton
north Ridout
east King to Club

This is my schedule for next week:

Monday: Cross Train

Tuesday: 8K Run

Wednesday: Rest Day

Thursday: 8K Run

Friday: Rest Day  

Saturday: 5K Run

Sunday: 12K Run

Also, check out Running Diva Mom for a giveaway!

10.12K Run

Today I ran 10.12K in 1hour and 21mins.
Here is my schedule for next week:

Monday: In Toronto

Tuesday: In Toronto

Wednesday: 6K Run

Thursday: 5K Run

Friday: Heading to Disney World!

Saturday: Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon!

Sunday: In Disney World!

Also, visit Shut up + Run for a giveaway!

7.36K Run

Tonight I ran 7.36K in 58mins.  It was much cooler out tonight, compared to my last run on Sunday. 
Also, check out Shut Up + Run for a Subway giveaway!

6K Run

Last night I ran 6K in 48mins.  Today I signed up for the 5K Halloween Haunting run.

I decided to only do the 5K as my coworker is getting married the day before and didn't know how I may be feeling the morning after.
Also check out Shut Up + Run for a Yurbuds Giveaway!

5K Run

Tonight I ran 5K in 42mins with the running group.  It was unexpectedly warm.  It was also the last run with the 1/2 Marathon Group for this clinic.  I may continue going and running with the Marathon Group, we will see.  Also, check out Recipe Girl for a Blender Giveaway!

6.19K Run

Tonight I ran 6.19K in 53 minutes with the running group.  It was a little cooler out then it has been and it started to rain at the very end of the run.  This is the route we took.
S-Bike Path Gibbons
S-Bike Path Harris
W-King St Bridge
W-Bike Path
W-Riverview
W-Evergreen (turn around)
Check out Shut Up + Run for a Giveaway!

5.98K Run

Tonight I ran 5.98K in 49mins.  It was a little bit cooler out tonight than it has been.  I noticed a little of bit of pain in my right foot tonight, so I am a little worried that my planter fasciitis is starting back up again.  Last night I made a blueberry and strawberry smoothie for the next couple of breakfasts.  Here is the recipe:

3/4 cup of orange juice

1/3 cup of pineapple juice

2 cups of yogurt

1 cup of blueberries

1/2 cup of strawberries
Check out Early Morning Run for a Oiselle giveaway!

Cross Train

I was off work today due to the Canada Day holiday.  I went to the gym for some cross training.  I did 2.44miles on the elliptical.  I also visited my friend who happens to be a hairdresser and got my hair cut and highlighted in her kitchen.  I am currently cooking a Mac and Cheese Casserole. Hopefully it turns out alright!  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of butter

2 cups of elbow noodles

1 can of evaporated milk

1 egg

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

3 cups of shredded cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Spray cooking dish with non stick cooking spray and set aside.

Bring pot of water to a boil; add salt and macaroni.

Cook until al dente.

Drain and return to pot.

Add butter and toss until pasta is coated and butter has melted.

Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, skim milk and egg.  

Add garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste; set aside.  

Place 1/3 of macaroni in an even layer in the bottom of prepared baking dish; cover evenly with 1/3 cheese.

Repeat with remaining macaroni and cheese mixture.

Pour milk mixture evenly over contents of baking dish.

Bake until top layer is lightly browned, 35-45mins.

Let stand for 10-25mins before serving.

Also, make sure you check out Falon Does Marathon for a giveaway!

5.35K Run

Today I ran 5.35K in 21mins.  I was suppose to run with the running group, but decided to sleep instead.  It was a beautiful day, very spring like.  There is a North by Northwest sale today at the Western Fair that I think I am going to check out.   Also, check out Healthy Heddleston for a giveaway!

6.48K Run

Tonight I ran 6.48K in 53mins right after work.  It was nice and warm out.  I didn't even need a jacket.  You would have thought it was spring!  This is the route I took:

north Clarence
west Queens
west Riverside
north Wilson
west Blackfriars
north Wharencliffe
east Oxford
north Talbot
east St James
north St George
east Grosvenor
south Waterloo
west Pall Mall
south Wellington
west Central
south Clarence to Club
Also, check out (Running) In the Right Direction for a giveaway!

8.21K Pack Run

Yesterday I went for a 8.21K run with the running group.  My time was 1hour and 9mins, which I am pretty happy with.  After the run I bought this ornament.

And joined the group for a hot chocolate at a looking coffee shop.
I headed home to wake up my hubby and we set off for Owen Sound to visit our family for Christmas.  Here are a couple pictures from our decorated house.

And I received this from Santa, aka my hubby!

Runner's World Desk Calender!

Also, check out RunToTheFinish for a giveaway!

11.43K Run

Today I ran 11.43K in 1hour and 38mins.  I am pretty happy with this time.  It was a nice day for a run.  The bike paths were clear for the most part and I saw a number of runners out.  I got some Christmas shopping done and took Riley (our dog) to see Santa, all before my run!

Also, check out Shut Up & Run for a giveaway!

2.5Mile Treadmill Run

Today I ran 2.5Miles on the treadmill at at 4.4 setting.  It was raining outside and since my gym is located in the grocery store, I thought I would get the grocery shopping done nice and early today as well.  I hate grocery shopping, I think it is too many inconsiderate people all in one place at the same time.
I took our new SUV to the grocery store today and of course I parked as far away as possible from other cars and shopping carts as I want to protect it from all the parking lot dangers as long as possible.  When I went back out to the car to grab my bags after my run there was a shopping cart beside it!  It didn't hit it but one gust of wind and it could have done some damage.  I hate how inconsiderate people are and just leave their shopping carts where ever because they are too lazy to return the cart to the cart corral.  Does this bother anyone as much as it bothers me??
Also all Canadian readers should check out Lisa's Kitchen for a giveaway!

7K Run # 7

Today I ran 7K in 56mins!  That is 4mins faster then my last 7K run.  Today I took the day off as I have vacation days to use up before the end of the year.  I will likely venture out to Walmart later today to see if they have any bathing suits for my cruise in two weeks!  I am going out to dinner tonight with my coworkers tonight to celebrate how well we have done this year.
Also, visit 2 Slow 4 Boston for a Sony Walkman Giveaway!

Cross Train and Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today I did 2.2miles on the elliptical .  I haven't had a cross training day in quite sometime so I am pretty impressed with myself that I made it to the gym after work.  Last night I made some Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.  The recipe was from Run Eat Play.
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – Makes approx. 48 cookies
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, margarine, brown sugar, white sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the oats and chocolate chips until just combined. 

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookies sheets. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until light brown. Cool five minutes before moving to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

Also, check out Pain, Pride and Perseverance for a giveaway!

8K Run #4

Tonight I ran 8K in approximately 1hour and 9mins.  It took my Garmin .4K to find a signal.  I ran downtown right after work.  Selena Gomez was performing at the JLC tonight and my run took me past the JLC both ways.  Both ways I met the same ticket scalper who tried to hit on me.   Also, visit Shut Up + Run  , (Just) Trying is for Little Girls and Pain, Pride and Perseverance for giveaways!