Monday 30 December 2013

Myfitnesspal and SparkPeople: A comparison

I have joined Dietbet for a Bootcamp weight loss challenge...the blog for that will start Jan1/14, but they recommended using a fitness and nutrition tracker such as Myfitnesspal or Spark People and I thought it might be useful to see which one is better for me..this is all my personal opinion so if you are thinking of using these or other sites you may want to consider doing something like this as well.

So I will be comparing the two from ease of signing up...to use...to interactivity...to whatever else I can figure out. Ultimately I will choose 1 over the other at the end of a two week trial and it will be the one that works best for me.  Both are free so there is no reason not to give them each a shot.

I will start with the basics and illustrate with screen shots...so to begin with...funcitonality...

Characteristic
Myfitnesspal
Sparkpeople
Free to sign up
YES
YES
Quick to sign up
YES
YES
Colourful/visually pleasing
Simple colour palate, layout and design, no icons
Lots of colours/icons, busier design and layout
Fitness tracking tool
YES
YES
Nutrition tracking tool
YES
YES
Recipes
YES
YES
On-line groups/message boards
YES
YES

This is the head banner on my main page of Myfitnesspal:


 This is the head banner on my main page of Sparkpeople:


January 1/14 - What I am noticing already is the I am gravitating to the SparkPeople site already...which is good seems like I have made my choice...I find the interactivity, the points and the colours just more motivating to use than Myfitnesspal.  Apparently it didn't take two weeks for me to make my choice...choice is made...I am a Sparkpeople person :)


Namaste

amber

Saturday 30 November 2013

12 days of Christmas - Fitness edition

Who's up for this blogs first original challenge...how about a cumulative-ladder challenge...and Christmas themed at that...I'm excited :)




You can also follow this post and the home of this blog via my Facebook page by the same name...click on the hyper link to go there directly.

Day 1: Today is December 1st and I am getting this challenge started.  Traditionally in my family we decorate the house the first weekend of December...that required that I clean first...lol...so once that was done - didn't really take that long...I unpacked all my Christmas crap...I mean Christmasy treasures from the storage room...yikes I have a lot of stuff.  The tree is up (artificial) but lights are not on yet ...feeling the need to watch "The Walking Dead" tonight instead...but day 1 with the 30-second plank is done...and "NOOOOOOOO" I am not counting those 30-seconds towards the 30-day Squat and Plank challenge I am participating in...I may regret that decision later...lol  Now I don't want to say 30-seconds is easy peesy...but in comparison to where the other challenge is...today is 1:40...so it seems less of a challenge at the moment for me.  I would say I am looking forward to day 2 but I hate burpees...which is why they are one of the lower numbers...but now that I think of it that means I am doing them more often???  Oh well one day at a time...

Day 2:  I'm glad I can't see myself doing burpees...I feel ridiculous doing them...but 2 done and a 30-second plank...on top of that shovelled the walks twice with over a foot of accumulated snow...with the drifts and how high the previous snow was in some places I am having to through the snow to over the 5 foot mark...and it has only been snowing for like 3 weeks...gonna be a long winter.  LOL

Day 3: Today we add in 3 pushups...if you can do them regular style - great job...I'm not there yet...so I did inclined pushups in the kitchen using the counter (who says you need a fancy gym ;) ). I took my feet back about 5 feet and with my hands on the counters edge I lowered and raised myself while trying to maintain a plank like body alignment...if that is too hard try wall pushup and play with how far you take your feet back from the wall...just remember to keep the core-back straight and tight. Then ""YAY" (laced with sarcasm) my least fav - yep another 2 burpees and then 30-seconds of plank...I would take planks and pushups any day over burpees. These 3 took no time it all, it didn't seem like it took even 3 min out of my day.

Day 4:  Good morning, got this done first thing....was wide awake for about an hour before the alarm went off so thought why not...lol...today was 4 jumping jacks, 3 push-ups, 2 burpess and 1 30-second plank.  There was even a Christmas song playing when I started and it was still playing when I finished so like I mentioned yesterday this challenge is taking no time at all.  Till tomorrow...

Day 5: Had another short sleep last night - wide awake, then tossing and turning since 2:35am...yep I remember the time...not in the best of moods this morning because of it...but got my Day 5 done at 6am this morning...really enjoying this challenge, minus the burpees banged my knees today and given that I slipped and fell on the ice yesterday and landed on my knees that really was not a pleasant reminder this morning...but over all happy with this challenge...thinking it might as a whole make a great circuit to be repeated...but I will leave that for a final decision to the last day...but it's an idea anyway.  Tomorrow is the halfway point...

Day 6: Slept in this morning so didn't do these till just before getting ready for bed, but it is done...6 tricep dips, 5 goblet squats, 4 jumping jacks, 3 push-ups, 2 burpees and 1-30 second plank...now to finish off Day 18 of the other challenge I am doing...squats and planks...at least that one has a rest day tomorrow.

Day 7: Knocked it out tonight just before bed...I am glad it is a rest day for the other challenge today...tomorrow both are back on and the weather (fingers crossed) will cooperate for a long run :)

Day 8: 3/4 of the way through this challenge and I really like the variety...did the 8 days with all its calf raises, bicycle crunches, goblet squats, jumping jacks, push-ups, burpees (yep still hate them :( ) and 30 seconds of plank...didn't get a run into day feeling kinda run down and achy this morning so took it easy...but have been feeling better this evening hence why I did this just before supper.  Fingers crossed no flu/cold or anything else for Christmas - that is a gift I would like to say "NO THANK-YOU!!!!" to :).

Day 9:  Oooops forgot to hit update last night...k Day 9 is done...I will admit my lower back is bugging me a bit so the bicycle crunches, burpeees and plank were not as "fun" as they usually are...I am hoping it it just that time of the month vs. having done something to my back...time will tell - LOL

Day 10: who made this thing up - oh wait that was me...what was I thinking...10 walking lunges...hard to do in a small house without turning a corner or turning around midway...other than that the rest of the other 9 went off with out a hitch as usual.  Which is good since I can't say the same about supper tonight - I was making sloppy joes...but it was way to sloppy so I added some rice...now it's just bland...and I have a whole crap load of it...lol tomorrow I will break it down in to portions and freeze most of it...so at least I won't have to eat it for days on end ;)

Day 11: Apparently got side tracked last night...totally flaked on my Day 11 stuff...seems that the rest day from the other challenge became the rest day for this one too...even though there was to be none...well you know what that means...double duty - Day 11 and Day 12 in this challenge and the other challenge as well...ugh!!!!  Well better get at it...

Day 12: Did the Day 11 part of this challenge first thing this morning...looking to do Day 12 at lunch and then the other challenge in the evening....hoping this will work...I think it will...weather was crap so stayed at work durning lunch...came home to my livingroom curtains being ripped off the wall (Thanks to the dogs dislike of the mail man I am sure) and it has been a crap day!!!!  Time to pull out the stops and get Day 12 done before I have some soup for supper...it's cold out and I want something warm...could be worse...I really want pizza!!!  Okay and with that this challenge is DONE!!!!!  WHOOHOO my first self made challenge complete - WHOOOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!  Now on to the last few days of the squat and plank challenge...I will be glad when that one is done!

I really liked the circut aspect to this...might be a good thing to do in sets in between cardio...hopefully I will get that bike rack for Christmas then I can turn my outside bike into a stationary bike...otherwise I think I would pair the sets with a few trips up and down the basement stairs...ideas abound!!! ;)

Later,

Amber

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Squat and Plank challenge - Shout out to a "Womans Journey Back to Army Strong" - updated

I have been following the blog "A Woman's Journey Back to Army Strong" for a bit now and this month Sash has a great butt and core challenge involving you guessed it - SQUATS and PLANK...

I snipped a pic of the challenge and here it is...if you like it show her some love and follow her on her blog (hyper link above) or Facebook



Posted on what was Day 2 for me - and it is done...I really should do these in the morning but I am hoteling it for work right now and feeling out of sorts this trip so am doing it today and yesterday right before bed...regardless they are done and for that I am glad.

Day 3 is in the books - so far so good - my knees still crackle when I do repetitive squats but I have never had any pain associated with it so I won't worry about it. I will admit I do find it a little unnerving when it happens but then I do the pain check thing and it's always good.  Tomorrow is a rest day...I like those...if the weather cooperates it will be a run day...but it has been -30C (-22F) and while my gear is rated up to -30C...I'm not sure my eyeballs and lungs are...but it is supposed to warm up this weekend...fingers crossed :)

Day 4 - 1st Rest day comes to an end, back at this tomorrow

Day 5 - Squats are still feeling really good - thinking of adding a kettlebell but haven't decided for sure yet. Today was the first day that the plank really sucked...I think it was because my stomach still felt full from supper...tomorrow gonna try to knock these out before breakfast and see if that is better... hopefully.

Day 6 - did not get this done this morning - again doing this as I get ready for bed...not sure if it is procrastination or if I am just more motivated in the evening...but regardless 44 squats and 55 seconds of plank are done...and how was your day?

Day 7 - again done as I get ready for bed...noticed that when I really focus on putting all my weight back into my heels that my knees don't creak...will pay more attention to that.  1 min of plank...yowwwwzer....yeah noticing this a little more each day...day 30 is a full 3 min...I think this is going to get interesting. :)

Day 8 - rest day

Day 9 - Feeling like crap, joints ache and have a fever so didn't do these

Day 10 - same as last night...so taking it easy and letting my body rest and repair

Day 11  - okay gonna try and make up some of the missed days today, feeling better...mostly...got Day 9's 50 squats and 1:10 plank done first thing, then while getting ready I did the Day 10 squats of 55 and the Day 10 plank of 1:20 - tomorrow was supposed to be a rest day but I ...will do Day11 then which will put me back on track on Day 13

Day 12 - playing catch up today on this challenge so while for others today is a rest day for me...not so much...today is Day 11 so 60 squats and 1:35 plank in the books...there will be no rest day tomorrow - effectively Day 12's rest period is skipped and right into Day 13

Day 13 - yikes - as always doing these last thing in my day...ran 13 k today for 2 challenges - see bottom for some pics...muscles are a little tight - did the squats and then some extra stretching...and the `1:35 plank....ugh! and lets just leave it at that

Day 14:  Started by own challenge this morning...12 Days of Christmas...Fitness edition but I am not counting that 30-second plank towards this challenge...but I am doing them separately...I may regret that decision when I get closer to the end of this challenge but who knows...My original plan was to get another 5km of running in today but mother nature and a wicked windchill has conspired against that...days like this I wish I was a treadmill runner...but I am not so I did some house cleaning and put up some of that plastic barrier stuff on the bedroom windows...hopefully it won't feel so drafty when the wind howls tonight...any way got my 65 squats in...will do the plank as usually just before I get ready for bed, will update when complete...yup 10:10pm and about to get ready for bed...just did 1:40 of plank.  Good night. :)

Day 15: I am so looking forward to a rest day tomorrow...70 squats done, and I planked for 1:45, It's been a crappy...foot of snow..locked keys and purse in the running car...froze outside till I could get a ride...spare key not at the office but in my purse that was locked in the car...waiting for hours on a unlock from the tow guys...day surgery...now I have owies...ate a candy bar and had a coke...still didn't feel better... kinda day...but still got the squats and plank done so that is a win for me - did the 12 days of Christmas ones too!!!

Day 16: Glorious REST DAY  WHOOO HOOOO!!!!

Day 17: Plan on going to bed early...about an hour earlier than usual anyway...got my 70 squats in and 1:50 plank...  I struggled a lot at the 1:45 so I was sure I was going to need a break during this one -but managed to knock it out in 1 shot - counted off every 5 seconds and spent a little post plank time in childs' pose to stretch out my back and rest...that felt good...well peeps time for bed!

Day 18: Did the 75 squats while waiting on supper to cook but as usual the plank I did right before getting ready for bed...all 1:55 done as one set...OMG felt like I couldn't hold it almost from the get go but I did it. :)  :)

Day 19: OMG why did I wait to do these challenges both right before bed????  Just finished day 6 of my 12 days of Christmas: Fitness Edition challenge...now for today's squats and planks...did 2 sets of 40 squats for my total of 80 with about a 2 min break in between to let the dogs in and out..its -40 C out...which coincidentally is basically the same in Fahrenheit...either way...DAMN COLD so could leave the pups out for long.  Plank...uggggh...2:00 min...180 seconds...OMG there was some heavy panting and teeth gritting in those last 30 seconds but managed to pull it out in one set...3 min here I come!!!!  I am so glad tomorrow is a rest day for this challenge...back at it on Day 21

Day 20: Rest day (Saturday Dec 7)

Day 21: OMG it is DAY 21 - over 2/3rds done - looking forward to finishing this challenge...at least the planking part...so today we keep the squats to 80 and take the plank up by 10 seconds to 2:10.  The squats I did while in the kitchen making supper did 4 sets of 20 for a total of 80. The plank just before I got ready for bed...cranked up the tunes and tried singing along in my head...first minute went by pretty good, but that last minute and 10 seconds seemed like a lifetime...but held it together for the whole thing...wasn't panting as bad at day 19...but still breathing pretty heavy at the end.

Day 22: Apparently last night I was not quite with it...didn't update this blog and left the other open with out anything updated...so the 85 squats done in 2 sets - 1-45 and the other 40.  The plank really bugged me - my lower back is sore not sure if it is from all this planking or what but had to rest at the 1:30 mark, did a bit of child's pose to give my back a break and then finished up the last 0:50 right after that and did some more child's pose...hoping this is nothing more than that time of the month.

Day 23: Banged out all 90 squats in 1 hit - I will admit my legs are feeling stronger which is great...hopefully I can see that transfer to my next run assuming this dang winter weather cooperates...I am really hoping I get the bike conversion kit I want for Christmas...then I can turn my outside bike into a stationary bike and then regardless of the weather I can get some miles in...some would say why not go to the walking track...drop in fee is $10/day and monthly pass is like $86...I don't think one should have to pay to walk...it's like buying water...I will use the tap and my brita filter before I buy water...besides all you are really paying for is the plastic...okay...got slightly off track...plank...target...2:25...and I was right as to why my back was hurting...not sure if that will make the 2:25 easier or not...but here it goes...gonna get it done then hit the shower :)  I did it...I DID IT...at 2:35 in one hold - counted out every 5 seconds till the 1:25 mark then counted down the last 60 seconds by 5 till the last 10 seconds then counted out each second 10...9...8.......0  Wow thought I was gonna loose at any moment in the last 30 seconds but I didn't...very happy with my effort on this...BEAST MODE!!!! That being said I am looking forward to a rest day from this tomorrow and Day 11 in the 12 Days of Christmas: Fitness Edition.

Day 24: Awesomeness exemplified!!!! aka it is a REST DAY!!!! WHOOOOOHOOOOO :)

Day 25: Finished the 90 squats at 2 sets of 45 while I was making supper which is a good use of time for sure.  As per my usual the 2:30 aka 150 seconds aka "What the hell am I thinking" of plank was done just before getting ready for bed, and yes as one straight set of OMG, heavy breathing...not my favourite type of heavy breathing but damn it still makes me smile when I'm done...that "OMG I actually did that1" kinda smile ;)...but can tomorrow be another rest day????

Day 26: TGIF!!!!  Did my 95 squats as a straight set while waiting on soup in the microwave.  Went longer than the count down on the timer but felt like I needed to get them all done at once, which I did. As for the plank - counted out the first 1:35 and gave my self the option of stopping and doing the rest as a second set...went 5 seconds by 5 seconds kept pushing it till the last 60 seconds were done - so yep 2:35 hold on the plank!

Day 27: Got my 100 squats done in 2 sets of 50 while making supper.  2:45 of plank seems like an reeeeeaaaaaaaalllllllllyyyyyyy looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time....and OMG it is....same count down pattern as last night - and I had the tunes on the radio turned up :)  Looking forward to a rest day :)

Day 28: Rest day

Day 29:  OHHHHH so CLOSE to being DONE THIS - I'm excited - LOL...to be done the challenge not for the squats or planks today LOL...so 100 squats done as4 sets of 25 just to be different...actually I did them after eating supper instead of while making it so I was feeling a little gross doing all those squats with a full stomach.But that is the easy part...I am not looking forward to planking right before getting ready for bed - but you know me...that is exactly what happened.  If the 2:50 done as 1 set is not hard enough for you try adding the occasional hiccup...yep that is what happened to me tonight - not fun at all but still managed to hold it...ONE DAY LEFT!!!!!

Day 30: 200 squats...well managed to do 100 of them while getting ready for work this morning, the final 100...guess...yep while making supper...so those are done.  WHOO....saving the hoooo part till the plank is done...LOL and here it is HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....yes that is a full WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I did it.  I wasn't sure on Day 1 that I would be able to but I did..I did a full 3 min, 180 seconds of plank...with no break!!!! Counted down the last 60 seconds...that seems to help me focus...lord knows the Christmas tunes playing were not really the motivator I was looking for...but anyway BIG smile on my face, very proud of my self for sticking this one.  :)
Feels great!!!  And yes I am glad this challenge is done...but while I won't do 3 min of plank every day - I would like to see where 2-3 times per week gets me...that is the thought right now anyway.

Pics from Day 13:  in the 13k's earned 2 medal...I love "virtual races"!!!...and did I mention it was crazy icy...ran with my spikes on and good thing I did...actually running on the ice was easier than walking...at least with the spikes on it was :)













Namaste

Amber

Thursday 14 November 2013

Making a plan...

Began with recommitting to my goals yesterday, next step to make a plan for meals.  This week I am going to use the K.I.S.S principle...Keep It Simple Silly principle, which is good since I will be on the road travelling for part of it.

For me known allergens include gluten, dairy, eggs, bananas, peppers and pineapples; along with lots of legumes so it is not a huge jump to just exclude them all. Goodbye peas and soya milk!  In reading "The Paleo Solution" by Robb Wolf he adds in a few other autoimmune caveats... nuts, seeds, tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. I am not sure if autoimmune is an issue for me or if any of these are allergies but for the first bit gonna eliminate those as well, reintroducing 1 at a time later just to see. It also means no Quinoa as lots of people are showing allergies to this as well.

Processed, sugary, packaged crap that is out too but for good. I will be sticking pretty pretty close to natural source...no I'm not gonna go out and kill my supper with my bare hands and raid gardens. It will all still come from a store,,  preferably organic and when I can find it grass feed beef but not gonna do much with it beyond cook and lightly steam...less will be done in the first week then in upcoming weeks but as I said gonna stick to K.I.S.S this week.

I have a tonne of left over free-range turkey meat in the freezer from Thanksgiving so I will use that up. I have lots of tuna, arctic char, mahi mahi and salmon steaks in the freezer as well and chicken breasts so those will be the varieties of protein I will have over the next 7 days.  I will pre-cook for when I travel on the weekend so I just have to re-heat and not even think about it.

Veggies will be broccoli, cauliflower, spinach or carrots...simple and easy and a variety of colour so that is good.  Fruit I am going to limit to lemon in my water in the morning, grapefruit and apples.  Rice is also fine and to "spice" it up I'll throw in some coconut oil to make it taste a bit better.  I will also supplement with EFA (essential fatty acids) in the amount of 20-25g daily. I have some that tastes like orange/lemon so it is easy to take, I will continue with a multivitamin, vitamin D, iron (I am anaemic), and vitamin C.


For the next 7 days my meals will look like this:


Pre-breakfast - 500 ml Lemon water (equivalent to 1 lemon)
Breakfast - veggies and protein such as Cauliflower and Turkey; 4-5g EFA
Snack - grapefruit; 4-5g EFA
Lunch - veggies and protein such as Broccoli and Tuna with 1/2cup of rice; 4-5g EFA
Snack - apple
Supper - veggies - 2 and protein such as Carrots, Spinach and Chicken; 4-5
Snack (if needed) - protein - turkey


Of course I will still have 2-2.5 litres of water to drink throughout the day as well. Only gonna allow green tea as an alternate and I will limit that to one glass if need be. So that means point 2 and 3 (see pic at the top) will be taken into account with this plan (YAY me!)

Yeah it sound boring and it will be but simple, boring and short-term repetitive will give me very little room to "negotiate" around my plans...to begin with I think less choice will work in my favour.
During this week I am going to spend lots of time reviewing my 3 paleo cookbooks and planning what to try in week 2 and beyond that adheres still to all the caveats listed above...at least for the first month.

This picture really struck me when I found it today...time to stop wishing...

I will be logging my meals for the next 7 days here at the bottom...I know the pic at the top says to count calories...and I will for the first month...but I will do that separately as I have a spreadsheet for that...I will post daily summaries here but not a running total...I don't want my life to become about calories...so this will just be short term...if anyone is asking how will I get my carbohydrates (carbs) and fibre I suggest you take a look at the dietary profile of the veggies/fruit I listed; there are carbs in there and a tonne of fibre...and even better they come in a delicious all natural, vitamin, mineral and antioxidant rich package without being GMO fortified by some multinational conglomerate...stepping down from my soap box now - LOL.

Day 1: Followed the example above, except didn't eat the grapefruit...was not hungry between breakfast and lunch and forgot to take the EFA with supper.  No green tea, and instead of turkey for an after dinner snack I had 2 slices of ham (Naturals brand - no hormones or antibiotics).  Drank almost 3 litres of water.

Day 2: Decided to not wake up to an alarm today and just let myself wake up naturally, so 1030 am was when my body decided it needed to get up and pee....kinda a waste of a morning...but I have been fighting a sinus cold for weeks so probably needed it...hopefully sinus will clear up soon too...so basically jumped right into lunch...chicken, broccoli and rice...then headed out for some bowling with friends...snack not an apple... there was veggies (carrots, broccoli, tomatoes and snow peas), and a rootbeer...yeah some of those veggies and the rootbeer are not on my "APPROVED"  list <FACE PALM> honestly didn't even think about it...just did it and didn't think anything off it till I typed it out here...gonna have to work on being more mindful..right now.prepping meals for my time on the road, have chicken, paleo meatloaf and ham cooked up, will take broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, spinach and romaine lettuce with me on the road...got the dishes coming with me too...hopefully this time the hotel room has a microwave...and a fridge...supper will be chicken and romaine lettuce with EFA - almost like a Caesar...minus the cheese and the croutons...not actually hungry but eating anyways as I know I have not eaten enough today.

Day 3: On the road again...breakfast was good...just like the plan and things were good till my tummy got upset while on the road...not even hungry since then...drinking some ginger tea with honey while chillaxing in the hotel. But what a crappy drive...winter roads are bad enough but wow the bad drivers passing me at like 150 makes it so much worse...gonna need to book myself a massage for the end of the week since my shoulders and jaw are so tense from the almost 6hrs of driving...having an apple and a couple of slices of ham is my tummy settles down.

Day 4: <sigh>  So the hotel fridge froze all my veggies...managed to salvage enough for breakfast and lunch but supper...with a blizzard blowing in I opted for quick and easy...pizza...which goes against everything I planned I know and I'm not going to make any excuses, it is one meal not a complete side track...what sucks it that it wasn't even all that good...

Day 5: With food frozen in the hotel and a lunch out with the boss and newest staff...I strayed big time...right now I just want to go home...travelling back tomorrow...so will basically be extending my 7 day plan...at least it will be a week and a bit before I have to travel again...

Day 6: Finally home - long drive crappy roads - think nicely polished ice covered highways....when the semi's are going slow you know the roads suck!  My plan...begin again tomorrow...

Day 7: My day...wish I had stayed in bed where it was warm...nothing was on track today...not even my brain...realizing that I am very much an emotional/stress eater...and I keep letting it side track me...points for me to ponder...but now time for bed...8hrs...maybe.

Day 8: Started the day with grocery shopping and then finished it with cooking. I will have more to do tomorrow with the ground beef and turkey I bought but will need look at a few more recipes before I decide what I am going to make...since it will be what I am eating for the next week.

Day 9: Ate on plan except for a coke mid-afternoon, still trying to decide on something interesting to do with the ground beef and turkey...hard to do when eggs and tomoatos (salsa, spaghetti sauce) are on the no fly zone...trying to figure out a substitute binder - thinking chia or flax seeds soaked...but still researching...  all else fails and I will just cook it up with some spices and uses as something to mix with the rice...not the best idea...but won't let it go to waste.

Been a bust for about a week now...have lots of stuff prepped and in the freezer...but with all the goodies at work, eating out with friends and stress eating...not my finest hours...but small victories here and there...keeping my water intake up, sleeping really well, increased my long runs to 13k..it will all come with time and effort...as they say...




Namaste

Amber









Wednesday 13 November 2013

What's going on...


I've been absent from my blog for a bit...but have been continuing to run...which is good since I have my first 1/2 marathon race in February...yikes that seems soon...it seemed like a long way away when I registered in August but now...Holy Crap!

I did a 10k trail race...it was good...well minus the 6k of basically farmers field which really wasn't trail...my massage therapist said the inside of my left leg and outside of my right leg were all knotted up and asked what I had done...the ground was pretty uneven and slopped so apparently my muscles tightened in an odd way...won't be running that one again...no run bling or tech shirt with that one...but a nice zipper hoodie.

I have to admit I am becoming a bit of a "Virtual Race" bling junkie...and Facebook is my dealer - lol. There are so many great races with so many great causes...see near the bottom of this post for the ones I ran/earned this past weekend...if you're interested these are the top 3 Facebook and web pages I am now obsessed with - LOL

#3 Fit 4 Life - great group even has weekly free challenges that can earn free or discounted runs
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/fit4lifevirtualraceseries/357803617697008/?notif_t=group_comment_reply
Website http://www.fit4liferaceseries.com

#2 US Road Running - can join in on the runs for free to compare to your age group/gender...but no bling unless you pay and the 2014 AIM HIGH program where you log total miles is right up my alley
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/USRoadRunning
Website http://usroadrunning.com

#1 Virtual Runs - this is where I learned about the other 2 and tonnes of other runs - it's like a NEXUS of virtual run information...LOVE it.
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/321617347930095/

At work we started a walking group...called the "Holy Walkamolies" and as a group we are aiming to walk across Canada - started around the beginning of October in virtual Victoria and we are already on our way to Banff...admittedly I have kinda sucked at remembering to wear my pedometer so that is impacting my stats for sure.

I tried crossfit - couldn't walk straight for 4 days after it - LOL... I am NOT even kidding, but it was fun - I really did enjoy it. Thing is... it made me realized that I really need to get STRONGER...then I'll attempt crossfit again...but on that note what have I done...basically nothing...well figured out that planks, squats, push-ups and body rows (easier version of pull-ups) are where I need to start but haven't really incorporated this as I had planned.  On my to do list... I have those wonderful challenges from before so I think it is time to combine those and the body rows and get at it...so stay tuned for that.

On the side of eating clean/paleo what have I done...basically a hit and miss mishmash of good and "bad" choices...I am realizing that my biggest problem is ME and self sabotage...I get into a vicious cycle of feeling tired and icky so I eat crap (Dairy, Gluten, Eggs or even better some combination all all 3-ummm PIZZA)...which makes me feel tired and icky...and round and round I go...

I NEED to get off this self inflicted merry-go-round...working on figuring out the why...without that I think I will continue to ride this ride and honestly I'm getting a little dizzy - lol.

A few pics from what I was up to this last weekend...



I like the pic at the very top of this post as it fits with where I need to start...with a recommitting to myself...as the blog is newly re-titled..one step forward...so doing this blog again is part of that...clearing some of the clutter in my life is another - I have 2 bags of stuff for charity already, and I am halfway through totally reorganizing my kitchen and that is just the start...each room will be getting the once over top to bottom...my life is feeling more chaotic then it should be and granted I did it to myself..taking on that part time job on top of my full time job along with a nutrition course, running, and just trying to have a life along with an increase in travel with my regular job... yeah it's all left me a little frazzled...BALANCE is something I apparently don't understand very well, but I'll get there. The part time job is done away with, the nutrition course almost done so I think now is a great time to recommit to my goals. The other items listed that pic will be discussed in upcoming posts...and that is again part of my commitment...so tomorrow I start off with a plan...thinking the KISS principle for the first week might help...stay tuned.




Namaste

Amber

Sunday 8 September 2013

Freedom Run - 5k for Diabetes Research



Perfect morning for a 5k charity run...finished race as AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" was starting - not even a single word uttered...gotta say it was exciting to know that it was my fastest run this year...usually that song is some where in the middle to end at the end of my 5k's...so that was exciting for sure...as you will notice there are yellow leaves on the path in the pic...yep looks like fall is coming early...even had a flock of geese fly overhead as I rounded the back of the reservoir...finding that the inside of the back of my ankle - above the heel and to the inside of the ankle seems to be sore post run...but feels fine while running...not sure what that is - but might need some investigating...anyway that is my update and yes I know there have been no updates in the September challenges blog...I haven't kept up...yeah I know bad Amber...

Sunday 1 September 2013

30 day Butt, Back and Abs challenge

I found these 3 great challenges on Facebook...and well said yes to all 3...crazy maybe...we'll see

First:  30 day Amazing Butt Challenge - Squats. Burpees and Wall Sits



Second: Bringing Sexy Back -Back Challange - 8 different moves


And third - 30 day Abs-travaganza - alternating days....


Day 1 - Today is September 1st so that means - Whooo hoo!!! - Got the butt challenge done first. I have to admit I am not a fan of burpees so to have them in this twice...SUCKS...but oh well. Did not do them together... basically did each challenge as if it were a set on its own...next was the brining sexy back and that was a seated row...since I don't have a rowing machine I used dumbells then I went into the odd day (1 is an odd number) and did the reverse crunches, burpees again and supermans.  Just like that - Day 1 is done.

Day 2 - Butt challenge done...had to look up the Dumbell Goodmorning (these are the same as deadlifts) one for the Back - and now it is Back is done too, then the bicycle crunches, plank and mountain climbers...and with that Abs are done...and this was after 8 hrs of yard work...might be feeling all this tomorrow - I'll let you know.

Tomorrow stay tuned for Day 3

LL

Amber


Thursday 22 August 2013

Johnston Canyon - Lake Louise-Banff Area

After visiting the Lake Lousie ski resort and seeing the Grizzly Bear it was off to Johnston Canyon for another hike...

I had heard that you should go to the canyon early to avoid the crowds...I had no idea...got there around noon and wow in some places wall to wall tourists...but the further you went the less there were...





The canyon path is a combination of ashpalt and catwalks with some winding in and out of the forest...very beautiful



This is one of those catwalks I mentioned that go out over the river...




 This is the lower falls...absolutely breathtaking...























From the bridge those people were standing on in the pic before























There is also a hole in the rocks that you can get a closer view of the falls from...and of course I had to go...













View from inside the passage through the safety railing
















 This is what that area looks like as I moved on to the upper falls pathway


The path to the upper falls has more catwalks (YAY!!) Heights and bridges give me some major anxiety...and now I can add catwalks to that list as well.  Now I have never let it stop me from doing what I wanted to do and this trip was no different but it did cause some WTF moments...
But thankfully there were more moments that were AMAZING vs anxiety causing...good thing...but just look at the pics...such a beautiful way to spend an afternoon!

















































Then there was the upper falls - took 2 pics to get the full picture...I would imagine that the path to the ink pots would take me past the top of the upper falls - but the warnings were posted that travel in groups of 4 or more was necessary if going further (done when bears are frequent)...and with this being a solo trip...the ink pots were just not in the cards this time































On the way back though I notices this overhang...must have missed it in one of my anxiety moments crossing these catwalks...but I am glad I caught it on the way back...very cool!















Hyper links...
Adventure begins...5K Run in the Rockies, then on to Maligne Canyon...plus there is that wildlife...a must see...more to come

Maligne Canyon - Jasper

Maligne Canyon http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/explore-interets/canyon-Maligne.aspx is one of my favourite places in the world and a trip through the mountains without stopping there would have been incomplete.   This is just a few of the shots...I took about 150 pics on that hike and these are in my opinion the best...After finishing my 5k in Hinton I quickly packed up and hit the road...first stop a stretch break walking Maligne Canyon...



Just imagine the sound of rushing water, the air is cool but not cold, there is no wind and the sun is shining...perfect day for a hike...

The blue glacial water has cut its way down through the rocks leaving striations, and bored out part where the water rushes past


I was only planning on hiking from the top down to the 2nd bridge but ended up going all the way down to just before 5th bridge which was actually closed.  Not sure why it was closed...heard a rumour of bears...but wasn't going to go and find out for my self.


The falls at 2nd bridge...couldn't stop here - the day was to nice...





















 Even just looking at this now...such a feeling of serenity...Amazing how a place can impact you so much...








Deep breath of the cool, mountain air...

Other links from this trip are in hyperlinks above as well as here

Wildlife from the trip

Johnston Canyon

LL

Amber

Wildlife in the Rockies...an Eagle, a Bear and a Sheep walk into....lol

After my Run the Rockies 5K to kick off my vacation I headed towards Lake Louise going right through Jasper and down the Icefields Parkway...great drive...with a nice mix of wildlife on my 3 day trip...hear are the highlights...


One of my favourite parts of heading into Jasper is that the Big Horned Sheep and Mountain Goats are always in the same place...almost on cue for my visits and this time was no exception.










The Big Horned Sheep were lazily licking salt at the side of the road. I will say this now - I am not some idiot tourist who gets out of their car to get as close as possible to the wild animals...yeah NO - I will not win any "Darwin Award" for that kinda stupidity...I prefer the safety of my car...or a telephoto lens...or better both.


That being said these Big Horned Sheep were just on the other side of the 2-laned highway and I was pulled over to the shoulder (safely out of the way of traffic).





Oh wait... what is this that I then came upon...a famous species seen wherever wildlife and tourists meet... idioto stupido also known as future recipient of a "Darwin Award".  Look at this one...children in tow towards the Mountain Goats (that you can barely make out in the grass mid-right of pic). 

Seriously people even farm goats are unpredictable bastards...they jump on, over and kick ever thing. They headbutt just about anything...I can't imagine that a Mountain Goat would be very different...just bigger and well more unpredictable...yes so lets all get as close as we can ??? 


Now I couldn't just tease you and say hey there is a Mountain Goat...I did actually get a few better pics of them a few days later on my way out of the park in the same spot...see the baby on the cliff...and I got some pics of some more adults who decide crossing in front of traffic was a good idea.


Yes that is my car mirror in the pic...proving what I said before...pics from the car...it's the way to go...




Once I got to Lake Louise one of the "things to do" on my list was the gondola ride as it bills itself as one of the best opportunities to view Bears in their natural habitats and it lived up to its claim. Basically you take the gondola up to the interpretive centre/viewing platform...in the winter this is the Lake Louise Ski Resort...

 I wasn't there long before the observation platform was all a buzz with people saying "look at the black bear"...this first pic is basically what it looked like with no binoculars and not telephoto lens...yep sure that is a bear...


But this is where having an awesome camera and a telephoto lens comes in handy...Oh yeah that's a Grizzly!!!







He pretty much kept his nose to the ground and then he disappeared behind some trees and while I waited a bit...I did have plans to hike Johnston Canyon that day too so I didn't stick around for too long.

On the way to the gondola at Lake Louise that morning I did come upon an unexpected find...while taking a pic of the Bow River...
I was crossing the bridge, looking for my shot and watching for traffic when I heard a "SCREECH" from overhead...the kind an Eagle makes...look up and what do I see...





YES the words "Oh F&%K" came to mind as I realised I had just walked under an Eagles nest and the baby Eaglet was not happy and was calling for Mommy and Daddy...yeah wasn't gonna hang around to see them...this time I wasn't in my car...lol  So I did the only sensible thing I could think of - I snapped a pic while walking back under towards my car and then I cropped it to get a closer shot...not sure if it is a Bald Eagle or a Golden Eagle...from what I have read Bald Eaglets are often mistaken for Golden but Goldens' usually have more of a solid dark colouring from an early age...so I am thinking this is an American Bald Eagle








Safely from the car you can see the nesting choice of this pair and why when looking for traffic and at the river why I didn't notice it...but wow what a find!!!!


So that covers the wildlife - but so much more to come...Maligne Canyon, Johnston Canyon, Cascade Gardens, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Columbia Ice Field, Athabasca Falls and some great shots from the road...hyperlinks to come...