redstar5 designs raffle winner

6 April, 2013 by 1 Comment

A giant, enormous, heart-felt thank you to everyone who has donated to my fundraising efforts for Team Fox! And the same giant, enormous, heart-felt thanks to my amazing friend Meegan at redstar5 designs for graciously donating her talent to design a custom-designed piece of jewelry for the raffle winner!

I’m excited to share with you that my current total is sitting at $1,268.40 and I still have a month (less a day) left until this portion of my fundraising for Team Fox is finished and I run my first full marathon at the BMO Vancouver Marathon in beautiful Vancouver, BC.

I am also excited to announce the winner of the redstar5 designs raffle that finished last night. I used excel to compile a list of everyone’s names and then used random.org to randomly select a winner from that list.

Drum roll please…

team fox raffle winning number

The winner is my good friend Lindsay Kamel who donated under her daughter Ella’s name! We haven’t seen each other in a couple of years but will be reunited in June while we are back East for a trip.

Congrats Lindsay!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

1 April, 2013 by 1 Comment

I find it kind of fitting that the last month of my training for the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 5, 2013 also happens to be Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

pd awareness

I will be running my first marathon with Team Fox.

Unfamiliar with Team Fox and the Michael J. Fox Foundation? Here is the information they include on everyone’s fundraising page profile:

Five million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease – a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder. In the United States, 60,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease. But through your support of Team Fox, you can help change this.

Team Fox is The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) grassroots community fundraising program. Its members include thousands of people worldwide who generate funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease research. All funds raised through Team Fox go directly to MJFF to advance its mission to accelerate the delivery of life-changing treatments, and ultimately a cure, to people with Parkinson?s disease.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is honored by your support. Since 2001, the Foundation has maintained an uncompromising pace, strategically targeting our resources to achieve maximum impact on patients’ lives, funding work on over 100 therapeutic targets to the tune of more than $289 million to date. MJFF also understands that patients are the key to a cure and is actively engaged with the PD community. To help connect patients and their loved ones with the clinical trials that urgently need their participation, the Foundation created a Web tool, Fox Trial Finder (www.foxtrialfinder.org). Whether you have PD or not, you can play a critical role in moving research forward.

I am very excited to announce that I have met my minimum fundraising goal of $1000.

But I’m not finished yet.

Nope.

In fact, I just went ahead and changed my goal to $1500.00 on my personal fundraising page.

This is a cause very near and dear to our family. My father-in-law has Parkinson’s disease (PD) and was first diagnosed in 2000 when Andrew and I began dating. Over the years it has progressively gotten worse. PD is a brain disorder that causes problems with movement and has four main symptoms: tremours, stiffness in the limbs and trunk, slowness of movements, and impaired balance. People living with PD eventually have trouble walking, talking, and performing simple everyday tasks that we may take for granted.

This is why I run.

I run for those who can’t. I run for my father-in-law who struggles to perform daily activities on his own. His strength and courage (along with my mother-in-law who provides constant support and love) is what gets me through the tough miles. Running is a privilege that I hope I never take for granted. I am dedicating these upcoming 26.2 miles to Grampy Bill.

Grampy Bill and Lincoln when he was a baby. We'll get an updated photo in June!

Grampy Bill and Lincoln when he was a baby. We’ll get an updated photo in June!

Please help me reach my fundraising goal, and help fund PD research, by making a donation to my fundraising page. And don’t forget that everyone who donates now until April 5, 2013 will automatically be entered to win a custom-designed piece of jewelry from redstar5 designs. More information on the raffle can be found here.

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, to everyone who has supported me in this endeavor, and to my wonderful husband who doesn’t complain when I leave the house on the weekends to run for hours on end.

Together we can help make a difference!

 

Filed Under: BMO Vancouver Marathon Tagged With: , , ,

Tuesday’s Quote of the Day

26 March, 2013 by Leave a Comment

running quote kristin armstrong

Filed Under: quotes Tagged With: , ,

Running the Columbia River Trail

25 March, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Over the weekend we were in Nelson, BC for Andrew’s hockey tournament. Nelson also happens to be where my friends Krista and Leanne live so it was a no-brainer that we were going to plan a run together while I was there.

Krista and I had a 20-miler on our marathon training schedule but because we were both dealing with foot issues prior to Saturday we decided to go with the flow and let our bodies dictate how far we ran.

Early morning bathroom picture.

Early morning bathroom picture.

The ladies picked me up at the hotel at 8 am and we headed to Castlegar. Leanne had done some research and we decided to check out the Columbia River Trail. The total length of the trail is 25K ending in the City of Trail. Since both Krista and I had to be back by 1:00 pm (Andrew had a hockey game and I was on child duty) we decided to run based on time instead of distance.

Running the trail.

Running the trail.

The weather was perfect and it was so nice to run with friends instead of by myself.

This was the first time any of us had been on the Columbia River Trail and we didn’t really know what to expect, especially since we are in-between seasons right now. We had read a blog post over on Trail Running Adventures in the Kootenays and expected to run into snow at some point on our run.

That snow was not fun to run on but didn’t last too long. We took our time and walked when we had to prevent any risk of injury.

The snow was hard enough that we didn’t sink but it was slippery and uneven. After the snow sections there were a few creeks and puddles that we had to jump over, or slip into (we all had wet running shoes at one point), but it just made for a more adventurous run.

We eventually made it down by the Columbia River and the trail turned into single track. The views were beautiful.

Columbia River from the trail.

Columbia River from the trail.

Columbia River Trail.

Columbia River Trail.

We ran for 1 hour 30 minutes before turning back. The run back was full of surprises. For some reason, probably the fact that we were so chatty, none of us realized we were essentially running downhill most of the way out on the trail.

“I don’t remember running down this hill” was a phrase muttered a lot (mostly by me!) on the way back. My calves were starting to get tight from all the uphill and we walked up the steeper and longer sections of the hills. Then it was back through the water, back over the snow, and 12.5 miles later we made it back to the vehicle injury free!

I do remember climbing this hill.

I do remember climbing this hill.

My foot felt great the entire run and afterwards. It was such a good feeling to only feel the normal stiffness after a long run instead of feeling like something was wrong.

My biggest downfall on this run was my fueling or lack there of. I didn’t eat my usual pre-long run breakfast and definitely didn’t take in as much fuel during the run that I normally do and should have. Lesson learned.

I arrived back at the hotel with enough time to shower, eat some trail mix and a banana, then it was back to the rink to watch the guys play hockey. I never ended up eating my first real meal of the day until supper but was chugging water and bubbly water like a champ.

We’ll be back in Nelson in a couple of weeks to see Classified perform (so excited!!) so Krista and I will get in one more long run (our second 20-miler) together before the marathon on May 5. We both plan to run our first 20-miler over the Easter weekend. I’ll be running solo but at Krista will have Leanne to keep her company :)

The BMO Vancouver Marathon is quickly approaching and I still haven’t reached my fundraising goal of $1000 for Team Fox. There is plenty of time to donate and everyone who donates at least $10 before April 5, 2013 will be entered to win a custom, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry from redstar5 designs. I would really love your support!

Please head over to my personal Team Fox fundraising page for more information and to donate to help fund Parkinson’s Disease research.

Filed Under: BMO Vancouver Marathon Tagged With: , , , ,

Tuesday’s Quote of the Day

19 March, 2013 by Leave a Comment

This, right here, is what gets me through the tough miles and why I am running my first marathon with Team Fox.

I found it on Pinterest with no link back. If you know where it’s from please let me know.

photo(45)

Please check out the raffle I am currently holding to help raise funds for Team Fox. My goal is to raise a minimum of $1000. Any little bit helps and $10 gets you a chance to win a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry from redstar5 designs.

Filed Under: quotes, Team Fox Tagged With: ,

RedStar5 Designs Raffle for #TeamFox

16 March, 2013 by 3 Comments

With less than two months until the BMO Vancouver Marathon, where I will be running my very first full marathon with Team Fox, it’s time to really start focusing on my fundraising goals.

To help me out my amazing and talented friend Meegan of redstar5 designs has graciously donated a custom necklace for me to raffle off. This necklace has not been made yet because Meegan has offered to make the winner a one-of-a-kind design based on their likes and personal style.

To give you a taste of Meegan’s work here are a few samples that I lifted from her Etsy shop:

redstar5_3

redstar5_2

redstar5_1
You can also head over to redstar5 designs on Etsy to see more of her beautiful creations.

Now let’s talk about how you can WIN your very own custom-designed and created piece of jewelry all while helping out a great cause.

I want to keep the process of entering the raffle as simple as possible. As a result you are only required to do one thing: donate to my personal fundraising page.

I will keep track of all donations (I receive an email every time a donation is made with a name) and choose the winner at random using random org.

A minimum $10 donation is required and here is a breakdown of how many entries you will receive:

$10 = 1 (one) entry
$26 = 3 (three) entries (symbolic of the number of miles I have to run)
Each additional $25 will get you another entry ($50 = 4 (four) entries, $75 = 5 (five) entries, $100 = 6 (six) entries, etc.)

The contest will run until April 5, 2013 at midnight PST (one month until the marathon!) and the chances of winning are based on how many entries are received. Open to both Canadian and US residents. Meegan will work with the winner to design a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

Don’t worry if you have already donated, I will add your name to the entry list!

There is no need to come back to blog to comment that you have entered (though I do love your comments!). Nothing to tweet (but please share with all your friends). No pages or accounts to follow or like.

All you need to do is donate.

Easy peasy.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research accepts both credit cards and PayPal, and a tax-deductible receipt will be issued to all donors.

Thank you in advance for your support!!

This cause is very important to me as my father-in-law has Parkinson’s disease. Running my first marathon with Team Fox is my way of showing support for both Grampy Bill and the Parkinson’s community. Running is a privilege I am grateful to have and knowing that I get to do something that many can only dream of truly gets me through the tough miles.

If you have any questions feel free to send me a message or leave a comment below.

On behalf of myself thank you again for supporting me and Team Fox.

Filed Under: Team Fox Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Forced to stop running

13 March, 2013 by 4 Comments

I have a lot to catch you up on with respect to my running. For starters I recently ran the Snake River Half Marathon (and met my secret goal), I hit another personal distance record of 18 miles, and I’ve booked tickets for a trip back to my home province which includes a half-marathon with friends.

But all of that will have to wait just a bit longer. My heart is just not in it right now and I’m currently in the middle of my own pity party that, with luck, will be almost over by the time I publish this post.

The reason for my pity party?

I’m injured.

Sigh.

It’s nothing major in the traditional sense of the word but as a runner any injury that gets in the way of training (or running period) is going to become a big deal. I have been forced to stop running and that, in a nutshell, sucks.

Ever since my 18-miler on Sunday my left foot has been killing me. It starts off feeling OK but the longer I stand and walk on it the more it hurts. Specifically, the pain is along the outside of my foot radiating into the middle of my arch. I’ve been icing, ball rolling, and using a TENS machine to help heal it but its difficult to effectively rest my foot with two children to run after.

At least I’m doing some form of running, right?

I’m bummed to say the least but I’m trying my best to remain positive. I’m still just a little under 2 months away from the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 5 so there is no need to throw in the towel. The important thing is to let my foot rest because that is the only way it is going to get better.

I don’t know for sure what caused it (and no, I haven’t gone to the doctor yet) but I have a few ideas:

1. New shoes. I was gifted a pair of Newtons by my friend Krista after the half-marathon. I have never ran in them before and decided to wear them on a 3.5 mile mid-week run. My running form completely changed and I was basically running on my toes. I felt fine during the run, and super speedy, but I’m starting to think the change in shoe and form affected me more than I realized.

2. Uneven terrain. Spring is definitely showing itself here but since I run both on pavement and dirt there is still snow and ice to contend with, especially when you are running 18 miles. I ran on some choppy, soupy, uneven snow-covered dirt and it more likely than not contributed to my current foot woes.

I have been following my training plan exactly so I doubt it is from increasing my mileage too fast, and my overall pace hasn’t changed drastically so I don’t think it has anything to do with that.

I’m not ruling out a trip to the doctor but I am putting it off for at least a week to see if rest and no running will help.

My biggest worry about not running is that I will lose the fitness I have built-up so far. In an effort to keep myself in cardiovascular shape I have set my bike back up in the trainer and will focus on low impact bike workouts for this week. I did my first last night and forgot how much that seat can hurt.

While not running for a week seems like the end of the world in my runners-mind I know it beats not making it to the starting line on May 5.

Pity party over.

Well, almost.

Filed Under: BMO Vancouver Marathon Tagged With: , ,

Tuesday’s Quote of the Day

26 February, 2013 by 1 Comment

photo(43)

Filed Under: quotes Tagged With: ,

FitnessGlo Giveaway Winner

23 February, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway to win a 90-day membership to FitnessGlo.

There can only be one winner so drum roll please…

fitnessglo_randomwinner

 

fitnessglo_winningcomment

Congrats Jody! I’ll send your information along to FitnessGlo and they will be in touch with you to set-up your account. Have fun!

 

Filed Under: Giveaway Tagged With: , ,

Marathon Training Update Week 7

21 February, 2013 by 2 Comments

Sunday marked a milestone in my running career; I ran the longest distance ever in my life at 14.5 miles.

I was a wee bit nervous going into it mainly because I was unsure of what route I was going to do and was worried I would get bored because I knew I would be running the same loops more than once.

But the sun was shining, I stuck to mainly paved surfaces with the exception of a couple of miles on my favourite riverside trail, and our dog Glenn was with me for the entire distance.

I didn’t worry about pace and stuck to the 10:1 ratio that the Running Room marathon training plan uses for the LSD (long, slow distance).

I decided to wear my Saucony Cortana running shoes because they have a more grippy sole than my favourite Saucony Mirage 2 shoes. I also wore the same outfit I have been wearing on all my winter runs: Lululemon Ice Queen pants, Lulu LS Run Swiftly, Old Navy tank with built-in bra, De Feet low lite socks, and my ladies softball jacket (this desperately needs to be washed, it stinks).

photo 1

I also always wear my hat with sunglasses but rarely put the sunglasses on my face.

photo 3

I brought along my water (and realized that with the upcoming longer distances I am going to have to factor in a water refill along my route), two gels and one pack of Clif Shot Bloks.

photo 5

My plan of fueling every 3-miles is working well for me and is definitely something I will stick with.

Overall the run went well. Repeating loops didn’t bother me like I thought it would and the time went surprisingly fast considering I was out running for 3 hours!

photo 2

My hips are still feeling tight and I have been stretching and foam rolling like it’s my job this week. Fitness Glo (don’t forget to enter my GIVEAWAY for your own 90-day membership) has a perfect 10-minute stretch routine that I swear was made for runners.

The best part was seeing this little boy waiting for me at the end of our street after my run.

photo 4

This record distance won’t last long though, I have a 16-mile run scheduled for Saturday – eek!

Then, the following weekend I’m heading to run the Snake River Canyon Half-Marathon with two of my girlfriends. I don’t have a time goal for this race, my main goal is to run a smart race so I don’t get injured trying to reach a specific time. Essentially I will treat it like a normal training run and listen to my body.

 

Filed Under: BMO Vancouver Marathon, Team Fox Tagged With: , , ,
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