It all started innocently enough. A 5 km run here and a 10 km run there. Supposedly it was a great way to get some exercise, meet some new people and see the city of Toronto.

But, after a while these short distances became boring for the one I love. In want of a greater challenge she decided to try out the half marathon and this time last year the full marathon. Now barely a day goes by without deep heat permeating my nostrils and the cupboard bare of Advil save for the empty container.

Weekends are often spent cheering at various races and carrying fuel belts that have been flung my way en route. Apparently it doesn’t matter how many cheering locations I get to en route – it is never enough. I also have also found myself ’signed up’ for a few 10km races in the hopes that  someday I too will join the ‘Running Room cult’.

With the half and full marathon successfully completed I now worry that she needs a greater challenge. Perhaps the ultra? Please God no.

Vacations while dating a runner are definitely interesting too. Runners often try to coincide their holidays with a big road race in an exotic locale. I never thought I would be holidaying in Washington D.C. this October, but of course that is when the Marine Corps Marathon takes place.

That said I would not have it any other way. My girlfriend is fit and happy. Besides how else would I learn about products such as Body Glide sunscreen and anti-chafing stick?

I thought it would be interesting to have the other half write up what it is like to date a runner, so he gets all credit for this entry.

I have a friend who currently gets up three times a week before 6 a.m. (a.k.a. the middle of the night for me). The reason for this madness? She does a 6 a.m. boot camp three times a week. Absolutely crazy, but very impressive. This friend has now inspired me enough to wonder if I too could workout in the morning? (Please note that in the past I have attempted to get up 30 minutes before my regular wake up time to do a brief 20 minute core workout and I have failed miserable each and every time.)

My requirements for a suitable morning workout:

-I have to go somewhere. If I say to myself I’ll go to the gym downstairs I will fail.

-It has to start at 7 a.m. and finish at 8 a.m.

-I need a facility where I can make myself presentable for work.

-I need to be able to get to work by 8:30 – 8:45 a.m.

Where I went?

I ended up going to Core Studio this week for their 7 a.m. Pilates boot camp. Since I pre-registered I knew I had to go. Surprisingly it was rather difficult to find a place that met all of my needs, especially timing ones.

How it went?

I only ended up having to wake up 45 minutes before my usual time, but it still felt way too early. I had prepared eveerything the night before, so all I had to do was throw on some clothes and go. Being lazy (and not wanting to take public transit) I called a cab to take me to the studio.

The class itself was good, although I think I was a little more irritable than usual when the teacher tried to correct me. I did find myself slightly panicked with time as well and kept checking the clock. Think this is more a personal trait of always needing to be on time…

Final thoughts?

Not entirely convinced that morning pre-work workout are right for me, but will try them once a week for a month to see if it is doable or to be perfectly honest something that I want to attempt.

Flickr credit: clspeace

Feeling a bit sorry for myself today. Was meant to be doing this tonight after work, but instead have spent the whole day in bed feeling under the weather. So, tonight it is tomato soup for me and hopefully I’ll have the energy to watch this later on.

What do you do when you are feeling sick? Do you try to sweat it out or look after your body? Hoping that the rest will mean I’m feeling better by tomorrow.

 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.

As I was walking by Lululemon today I stopped and paused when I saw their new window display. Yes I was admiring their new line of winter clothing, but I also liked the message they had on the window -

Life is too short for the treadmill.

I would go a step further and add the words “year round” to this sentence. This winter I challenge you to get outside and enjoy some of Toronto’s outdoor winter activities. Whether it be a hike, snowy run or a twirl round on the outdoor skating rink. Guaranteed you will have fun and will deserve that post-activity hot chocolate.

Worried about being outside? Check out these recent articles:

Bundle up in wool for your outdoor run (Globe and Mail)

Get your trail on to beat the gym rat blues (National Post)