Music Playlist at MixPod.com

One of the blogs I read found this little gem. I loved it so much that I wanted to share it with all of you as well. The playlist I created contains a few of my favourite songs to workout to. Most of these songs have made an appearance on the custom playlists I make for any races I do. Some are slow, some are upbeat and some are very top 40. The main thing, though, is that I love them and they motivate me at different points during my workout. So, just hit  play to hear what I listen to.

As of Christmas my Tiffany charm bracelet is up-to-date. My goal has been to buy (or be gifted) a Tiffany charm for my bracelet after each marathon or significant race I run. Since I began doing this I have been searching for the perfect running shoe charm and finally on my recent trip to the mall beside this building I found it.

Only issue is that I have had to violate my Tiffany bracelet with another brand. But this Agatha charm is perfect and to my knowledge Tiffany does not make a running shoe charm, so I had no other option.

Perfect find for the runner in your life.

PS: This is also the place to find charms for all occasions.

Could the real Santa be running with me?

Today was a day of firsts.

 My first race where I ran in costume.

The first time I have ever dressed up as Santa.

My first time running the entire way with friends (normally there is a natural split at some point during a race).

But today was different and it was kind of fun.

The Santa 5km Jingle race was a fun way to get into the spirit of the holidays.

 A few ideas on what to get the fitness fanatic in your life. Take note B a lot of these are on my own wishlist!

1. Get the runner in your life a Running Room clinic as a gift. Most of the Running Rooms in Toronto will be starting a new round of clinics in the new year, so there is definitely lots to choose from.

2. Show the person you love some gratitude by getting them the Gratitude Wrap from Lululemon. Guaranteed that they will be showing you some gratitude afterwards! (PS: If you happen to be in BC or Calgary prior to the holidays definitely check out ivivva athletica – no store yet in Toronto, but a gift from this Lululemon spinoff would make any child in your life ecstatic!) 

3. Hands down the boutique at 889 Yonge is the best place to pick up anything for the yogi in your life. Whenever I am there I just want to buy everything in the place!

4. A subscription to Best Health magazine – a great Canadian magazine and a great treat to look forward to every month.

5. People into fitness tend to like to eat well (90% of the time!), so why not get them a cooking class as a gift? Culinarium and Relish Culinary would both be great options.

I have now officially run the ‘People’s marathon’ (a.k.a. the 34th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.). This was my third marathon and by the far the best race I have run to date. There were tough parts, but as a lot of signs said “pain is temporary, pride is forever”. It was not a personal best race for me and I did not beat Oprah’s marathon time (although I kicked Al Gore’s ass) yet none of this seems to matter right now.

Running a marathon has always been an emotional experience for me, but this race was particularly so. There were a lot of individuals running in memory of US military who have died in combat and no matter what your thoughts are on the US’ presence in the Middle East it is still sad to see.

The overall highlight of race was as usual the renewed belief in me and what I can achieve (yes this is the cheesy part of the entry). Running a marathon means you have a lot of time to think things over and by the time you reach the 35 km mark the main thing you are probably thinking is “why did I sign up for this?”. But a strange thing happens when you cross that finish line – you realize that you have accomplished something pretty remarkable which in turn makes you realize that you have the potential to achieve what you put your mind toward. At least this is what I feel.

Other Race highlights:

Running with friends - I have to admit I am a bit of a coward when it comes to running alone. 42.2 km is a long way to go completely alone, so I really enjoyed running the majority of the race with four of my running buddies.

Atmosphere - I have never witnessed that level of support and cheering before. The majority of the course was filled with people yelling and clapping. It was truly an amazing thing to be a part of. Definitely helped numb the pain of being on your feet 4 hours +. Is sad to admit, but I have never seen that level of enthusiasm at any Canadian running event.

Scenery - The Marine Corps Marathon is a beautiful course (apart from that ‘bridge’ at mile 20). You get to run through Georgetown, by the water, the Pentagon, the National Mall.

The Marines - hot marines in uniform handing out water. Enough said.

Working out some personal frustrations between 35km-41km. Was a bit of painful point in the race, but this is when I dig into my pot of things that make my angry and frustrated…Kind of like my own personal punching bag time.

Main Lesson learned:

Name on shirt = a lot of people yelling your name, so next time I’m putting my name on my shirt!

A special shout goes to Booty Camp Fitness for helping me be a lot stronger in this race. I actually think all those lunges and exercises I have done prior to this race has helped me be a better runner!