For Her

I’d like to start off by saying I love Body Glide. The product has honestly changed my life for the better. I learned about Body Glide when I first got into running 4 years ago from a runner friend but I wish I’d known about it long before then. There is nothing worse than chaffing. Seriously, nothing. Chub rub can happen to the best of us; I don’t care how thick or thin or you are. If you’ve never experienced that awful skin on skin friction then count yourself seriously blessed. The rest of us have been trying a number of solutions to manage including applying baby powder and deodorant to the areas where our skin rubs with limited success. For me, this is between my legs. I’ve never had a thigh gap, though I feel like few women do. I’m not upset about not having a thigh gap, even though I do think flamingos are pretty rad and they have thigh gaps. In fact, the other day my boyfriend squeezed my thigh and commented on my “little legs” to which I scoffed and said no way, those are not little quads! I work hard on these leg muscles and I’m proud of them. Bless his heart, he was just trying to be nice because the general rule of thumb for boys is to never use words like “big, large, fat, thick etc” in relation to a woman’s body. With all this being said, my life has truly been changed and not just when I run and my inner thighs rub one another but in my everyday life. If I am wearing a dress or skirt you can be certain I am also wearing Body Glide.

For those that aren’t aware of what Body Glide is, it’s a stick which looks similar to a deodorant that can be applied directly to the skin creating a non-greasy, non-sticky, non-gross barrier that protects the skin from chafing all day long. 

I live in a somewhat small town with 2 sport stores. Both sell Body Glide but usually just one option. About a year ago I noticed they started carrying a second product by Body Glide called, “For Her”. I am in fact a “her” so I purchased this one. Then I got to thinking, how different can this one be from the original Body Glide which is not called for him but makes me now imply that it must be for him if this new, smaller and of course pink version is called for her. Turns out this new product has vitamins and can rehydrate your skin which makes it ideal for dry or sensitive skin. So why is it called “For Her”? Are female bodies drier than male bodies? Do males not want the benefits of vitamins? Do males not have sensitive skin?

I know it’s marketing but it should be marketed differently. Call it Body Glide vitamins or Body Glide for sensitive skin or Body Glide moisturizer or I don’t know. I’m not in marketing. I get frustrated with these deeply ingrained gender stereotypes and gender norms and how they permeate our world.

From looking at the website Body Glide has a number of different products that come in a range of sizes. Interestingly only three of the seven products are listed as “unisex” (one of which is a t-shirt, oddly enough). So if the other products aren’t listed as unisex, which sex are they designed for? The “For Her” is obvious but the others are not.

I can’t say that I have a point to this post exactly other than a general frustration for the marketing to male and female bodies in an antiquated viewpoint. We’ve come so far in breaking down gender stereotypes, especially the hurtful ones. Yet, there seems to be so many more hiding in plain sight. I’m not saying boycott these products because Body Glide is a lifesaver. I’m saying use your brain and question these things. Don’t just look at the pink “For Her” and pick it up because you’re a girl or avoid it because you’re a boy. Read the packages, look at the product itself and what it has and make a decision that’s best for you, regardless of your gender.

Chronicles of a Gym Newbie

Hello, my name is Amelia and I am a gym newbie.

I found running 3 years ago and fell in love. But sometimes just running can be detrimental to the body. So, I "joined" a ladies bootcamp class 2 years ago. It was held in a garage gym with a personal trainer and 3-8 ladies twice a week. I loved it; it taught me my strengths and weaknesses and ways to push through insecurities associated with inability and challenge those weaknesses to improve.

Sadly, that era came to an end when my trainer let us know she would no longer be holding evening classes as family comes first. She did let us know we could still train with her at a local crossfit gym. I hummed, I hawed, I considered, but like goldilocks, crossfit just didn't seem to be right for me. (This is all just assumption based on cost and impressions of what crossfit entails, I'm glad some people really love it!).

So I decided to join my local YMCA. I hadn't been in since I was a child and attended swimming lessons and held birthday parties there. It certainly has changed, I was impressed. After saying I'd sign up I went in one week ago today, Tuesday May 31st in the evening to get a tour, look at class schedules and register myself.

The lady who I spoke to at the desk was super friendly and personable. She (and the others I've come in contact with) are a great first impression of the YMCA. I was very pleased to learn that membership is only 40 dollars and change monthly as I am a "young adult" (under 30) and that you can put your membership "on hold" for up to 6 months without penalty.

Affordable and accommodating!

So I studied the schedule and saw each morning was a different 6am class. Though I'm not a morning person I decided to give it a try Wednesday morning. I set my alarm for 5:30 but ended up waking up at 5 (I'm not sure how). Got myself dressed and drove the 7 minutes in to the gym. It was quiet but peaceful that time of morning. I received a friendly hello from the desk, scanned my pass and carried on to the studio room where the 6:00-6:45am group cycle class was to be held.

At first I got nervous and scared as everyone in the room looked like they knew what they were doing. I peeked at the exercise bike (spin cycle?) and saw the pedals had the shoe clip-ins and I thought "oh no! do I need special shoes for this class?!" I walked to the change room to compose myself as I thought "maybe I should just go exercise on the treadmill or with the weights, I'm not cut out for these classes". But I said to myself, "don't be silly! you can do this" and I put my sweater and keys in a locker.

SIDE NOTE: During this time I somehow misplaced my pass. Luckily this allowed me subject matter to talk with fellow gym goers and make some friends. The lady at the desk was super nice and let me know she'd keep an eye out for it and said if I didn't find it by the next morning she'd replace it for me. Usually it's a 3 dollar charge but she said my first one was on the house. She could tell I was flustered likely. When she asked if I'd be back the next morning it also made me accountable to return. Well done lady at the desk, well done. If I ever win a fitness award I'll be sure to thank the lady at the desk.

I brought myself back into the spin class, sat on the bike and realized the other side of the pedals were for running shoes. Whew. Crisis averted.

The instructor was really kind. He looked around and asked if anyone needed any help adjusting their bike. I was too chicken to say anything so I just watched others and learned how to adjust the resistance with a little toggle on the front of the bike, and how to read the monitor, as well as an appropriate place to put my water bottle (in the holder, not hanging from the handles...).

As we were warming up the instructor looked around and said, "looks like a room of familiar faces here today" which calmed my nerves that I didn't in fact stick out like a sore thumb. He did look familiar to me and as my mother later informed me, was an employee of the local car dealership where all our vehicles have been purchased, as well as a close friend of my uncle's. That's small town for you!

I left the gym feeling happy, uplifted, energized and powerful (kinda sore...in a good way).

The week went as follows:
Tuesday: register in the evening
Wednesday: 6-6:45am group cycle
Thursday: 6:00-7:00am bootcamp
Friday: 6:00-6:25am body pump followed by 6:30-7:15 yoga
Saturday: with a friend ran 3km to the other somewhat local YMCA, 9-10am group power class, ran 3km back to her house.
Sunday: rest
Monday: 5:45-6:45pm core, 7:00-8:00pm yoga with my best friend.
Tuesday: 6-7am group power

Highlights/Lowlights:
After the cycle nervousness I reflected on what I would have done differently and decided if I was giving a gym newbie advice I'd say introduce yourself to the instructor, tell them you are new and ask for suggestions. This especially applies for a class that has equipment involved.  So I did just that on Thursday morning for bootcamp. The instructor helped me decide which equipment I'd need and was able to keep an eye on me during the class.

I did not like Friday morning's yoga. In fact, I don't like yoga. I wish I did, I know it's important as I have zero flexibility and minimal core strength. I didn't like the instructor and being that the class went later than all others I felt stressed about getting home to shower and off to work in time. So not the point.

I love that with a YMCA membership you can attend any YMCA. Though I'm a member at the Collingwood YMCA 7 minutes from my house, I can also use and attend classes at the Wasaga Beach YMCA which is 5 minutes from my work, friends and boyfriend's place, when the opportunity arises.

A day pass is also a very affordable option. I thought it was 10 dollars a day but learned for a "young adult" it's $5.50! My best friend Sam joined me for yoga Monday night and I ended up having a lot more fun than I did Friday morning. We also had a different instructor and I am a big believer that a good teacher can make learning fun no matter what subject. Things are also way more fun with your best friend, naturally.

The YMCA feels familiar; It feels like home. I look around these classes and see some familiar faces as I've grown up in this community. I see people of all ages and fitness abilities. They aren't all young and super buff but they are strong and they are putting a priority on their health and well-being. Though it has only been a week I've already fallen in love with the gym life, especially taking classes and feeling new muscles being challenged. I can't wait to see how this will translate into my running as well!

Stay tuned for more as I continue to grow into a gym rat...or gym unicorn.

Race Recap: True North Academy Fun Run

Saturday May 28th, 2016 marked the 2nd annual True North Academy Fun Run. The run has a kids 1km and a 5km run/walk that starts at Beach Area 5 at the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and runs the trails and beach as an out and back course. The race benefits a private Christian school in Wasaga Beach that keeps tuition costs low to be affordable and accessible for local families.

I should also mention that this race is near and dear to my heart as my colleague Lisa and I are the race directors. This run was a dream of ours as we are both so passionate about teaching and running and wanted to bring the two together. Our inaugural event was so much more successful than we could have ever imagined and we were so excited for the second year, going in with more experience and understanding of what we were doing.

My partner in crime 

Friday was packet pick up from 4-6 at the school. We had bib pick up, swag bags and shirt pick up. We had great tech t-shirts that were lime green and on the back the school logo with the script "10 years still running strong" as this year the school celebrated its' 10th anniversary.

packet pick up

Race day!
7:45-8:45am was same-day registration and packet pick up. It was set to be a hot day nearing 30 degrees with humidity. We started promptly at 9am with opening announcements, O Canada, a prayer and a warm up by local Chiropractor, Dr. Sarah. Sarah also puts on a running clinic each spring and fall that both Lisa and I have been a part of.

Councillor Sylvia Bray and Dr. Sarah

The excitement was growing

warm up

Warm up

From there, local councillor and owner of everyone's favourite ice cream shop Grandma's Beach Treats, Sylvia Bray did the countdown to send off the kids 1km racers. There was great music from the DJ keeping the energy and excitement up.

After all the kids were finished and received their custom made finishers medal the 5km runners and walkers lined up and waited for Sylvia to announce the official start.

The start of the 5km

The course ran from gravel trail, to packed beach front, to paved trail back to beach front to the turn around (which had water, thank goodness!) and back again. There were lots of course marshals with arrows and km markers along the course.

Mark and I running on the beach

The course turning up onto the trail

Friendly course marshals

The paved trail on the way back

I got to run the race with Mark, our second race together, and loved every moment of it. Many of my students ran the race so it was fun on the out and back course to see so many friends and family and to cheer them all on with such beautiful surroundings. The weather and the course provided a challenge as it was so hot and the ground uneven at parts on the sand but was still manageable.

Sharing in my passion 

It was so nice to have photographer Jessica Lindsay (and close friend of mine) there to capture all the special moments.

friend and photographer extraordinare

sweaty hugs with this sweet friend

My dad and mom, top male and female walkers

Giving out medals to my dad

A special moment for Mark and his mom!

After the race participants were able to sign up for a free 15 minute massage from a local MRT.

Participants had water, coffee, tea, gatorade, timbits, watermelon, apples, chips and more to choose from for post-race nourishment.

Once everyone had finished we announced all our thank-you's and gave out age category prizes (custom coasters) to the top 3 in each age category for the run (male and female in under 19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+) and top 3 males and females in the walk category. We had a podium made last year and were able to have each winner stand on the podium for photos.

After that we drew names from our bib raffle (all participants received an entry!). The first choice from the prize table went to our top fundraisers. There were some fantastic prizes including 2 new bikes, blue jays hats and shirts, gift baskets, gift cards and gift certificates and so much more.

Overall it was a great day and taking on the role of race director gives me new respect and appreciation for all race directors as it is no easy feat to put on such an event;
but it is so rewarding to watch the kids run and learn healthy lifestyles and a love for the outdoors. Also, to know that all this effort translates to a Christian education in small classrooms to benefit these kids make it all more than worth it.

Race Recap: Baden Road Races

This face says it all...I'm done...(yet only half way..)

Part of the Waterloo Running Series, the Baden Road Races take place in the Township of Wilmot and more importantly, just a few minutes away from my soon-to-be-sister-in-law's house. For Christmas I let Rachel know I wanted to run a race together and we agreed on this one. I ran the Rememberrun in 2014 which is also part of the Waterloo Running Series, and was interested in running more as it was well-run (haha) and had many nice added touches.

The Baden road races include a 7 mile, a 5km, a 1km and a kids 200m. The signature event is the 7miler that runs down the road towards tower hill. I shouldn't say runs "down" as it felt all up hill...both ways.

I was impressed right from the beginning. The event starts and ends at the Wilmot Recreation Complex in New Hamburg. The start time isn't until 9:30am. Not only did I get to sleep in, we got to wait in a warm area with lots of indoor washrooms. Bonus!

The finish line is inside, right in the arena. This is great for spectators but also for participants as you can watch and cheer on other finishers and feel cheered on as you finish.This event would be great for spectators due to the indoor aspect. There are many races I've run in unfavourable weather where my poor parents had to stand for extended periods of time getting cold or wet.

Rachel and I ran the 7miler; her mother also decided morning of that she too would run it, so she slipped over around 8 to register and then returned home. Our spectator was Rachel's dad and he did a great job getting photos and being at the start, near the finish and at the finish with the camera.

Just finished! Smiling because it's over!!

The course itself is easily the most challenging I've run. A 7mile equals 11.3km which isn't as long as a half-marathon but shouldn't be dismissed as a short distance as it is just that much longer than a 10km. I didn't intend to run this competitively as I'd just had my goal race, the Goodlife Half Marathon two weeks prior, and a fast 10km at the Sporting Life 10km the weekend prior. This one was to be a fun experience with my sister-to-be. I didn't take it too seriously in preparation with extra rest or any form of energy chews in advance of running. I had my music fairly low and one headphone out so we could chat.

One of my favourite shows to watch is Four Weddings and I despise when the brides judge overall experience on weather as this is a factor that no one can control. However, I will say, my overall experience of this race was greatly impacted by the weather. Rachel said last year was hot and humid which made the race a challenge. Well, this year was the opposite. It was cold, windy and rainy. It was about 9 degrees and dropping, feels like 6. The wind however was strong. In the first km a girl in front of us lost her hat as it blew off her head nearly tripping me as I was watching the spectators. On the out and back course it never seemed to be at our back or beneficial. On the way back it was a brick wall to push into. Add into the brick wall a driving rain that no matter how low I pulled my hat was still smashing into my face and that was what we had to run through.

The course has an up and down hill within the first 2 km, and from there is consistent uphills that slightly level out and rise up again. Just when you think you've reached the "hill" that this race is known for, Rachel notifies me that this sharp right turn onto a gravel hill is actually the hill before "the hill". At the bottom of "the hill" is a timing mat as the fastest hill time winners (male and female) receive a pair of saucony shoes. The actual hill is so straight up that we decided to walk it. I never walk in a race but I had nothing in me from all the other million hills that led up to this hill. At the top you can seemingly see for miles. I was notified this is the highest point in southwest Ontario. I can attest to that! At the top you get to ring a big brass bell then head back down again.

We're coming!

Where's the top? Just look down says Rachel

Seriously? Dying...

Sister pulling ahead to ring the bell!

You'd think this would be the turning point in more way that one as you now get to head downhill but with my muscles and lungs being shot (I was certain I was going to puke) and the hill being so steep and gravel it was a challenge getting back down the hill again. Of course, then the driving rain/wind started and the way back seemed to last forever, especially once we hit the long, gradual uphill with 2.5km to go. I actually felt like I couldn't go on any longer. I told Rachel: "you go ahead if you want, I'm holding you back" but being the good sister she is, she stuck with me. I realized you can't "race" three significant distance races three weeks in a row. The last km didn't feel as brutal as it levelled out and the end was in sight so the speak. It wasn't actually as it finished indoors but I could see the building and that was enough for me.

We crossed the finish line side by side and had identical times of 1:01:11. There was live music at the finish line as well as quite the spread to eat. They had watermelon, bananas, bagels, grapes, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and pizza!! Lots and lots of pizza. Though it was 10:30/10:45ish and I wasn't hungry I figured I should eat knowing this would be my lunch and lately have felt nauseous a few hours after racing, potentially due to not eating. I was excited to get a coffee and the watermelon for sure. The pizza was also delicious.

At the finish line after getting medals. Thankful for hot coffee!

Not long after the results were posted and I saw my time was good enough for a 3rd place finish in my category (F25-29). Also in my category was Rachel who unfortunately got 4th because though our times were identical, alphabetically I come first. Though they don't have finishers medals they do have age category medals and new this year they allowed you to line up to receive your medal, rather than wait for the ceremony.

Sad sister...but check out the spread of food being brought home. She's the real winner!

Overall, the race is a great, challenging course that I wasn't prepared for. The weather certainly added to the challenge and running on tired legs didn't help. I was thankful for the chance to run with my sister and will be looking for a chance to run another run in the Waterloo Running series.

Race Recap: Sporting Life 10km

After the race!

This is my 3rd year running the Sporting Life 10km and first time running the same event for the 3rd time. Sporting Life is such an all-around great race and one that I intend to participate in year after year as long as I can. Here's why:

Great course
Great cause
Great Atmosphere
Well Organized

When you sign up for the race the early bird cost is $40 and you get a $35 sporting life gift card as well as a discount code for New Balance. I've never done a race before that essentially pays you to run it. Speaking of which, if you raise $250 for the charity sponsor Camp Ooch, you get reimbursed your registration cost!

Mostly downhill the course runs down Yonge Street and has so much to look at. Just shy of 7km the course turns west and zig zags slightly until it runs over a beautiful bridge where you cross over the train tracks and have a great view of the CN tower. It then turns and runs down below an overpass and over the finish line. It has a tracking mat at the halfway mark which is neat to compare the first half to the second half of your race.

With runners in the 10's and 20's of thousands it's such an incredible feeling to run down a major city street with fellow runners. You almost feel like you're moving as a group, as if you're a small part of something much bigger than yourself. Of course, there's so much truth in this as the event supports Camp Ooch, a camp for kids with cancer.

No person should have to endure what cancer does to a body, to a spirit, to a family. No person let alone a child. I've learned first hand the every day impact of childhood cancer on a child, his brother and his parents. It was Mr. Rogers who said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" Even though childhood cancer is scary, places like Camp Ooch and the people who run it bring light to the darkness, they are the helpers. I've heard about the constant events and special moments they create not only for the children who have cancer but for their siblings and parents as well. I will continue to support this fantastic organization.

In the past the event struggled with natural congestion that comes from 20,000+ runners but over the years has refined the process so well that it all runs (in my perception) seamlessly. I add in the bracketed disclaimer as I run in the first corral and therefore when I cross the finish line, get my medal, water and food I am not battling the bulk of the participants. However, I can see from the way they've continued to tweak some locations of medals and other after party items that they are further improving the event year after year. The best choice they make is colour coded corrals being released at least 5 minutes apart to relieve congestion on course.

This year the weather was ideal. It was cool, about 6-8 degrees. They pushed the start time to 7:30am which was early, but a better chance of cooler temperatures ideal for running. No rain, slight breeze. Being one week after a half marathon PB and unable to walk proper for the bulk of the week I didn't know what to expect. I took my GuChomps and decided to give it what I had. Right from the start my watch was off so I decided to switch to the second page of my Polar M400 and manually mark my kms as I passed the markers. This is a plan B strategy as it truly only gives me pacing feedback at each km marker so if I'm slower than desired all I can do is try to improve for the next km. I'm basically running blind other than that brief feedback. Running by feel doesn't really work either because who knew what these legs would feel this close to a half marathon PB. I did notice the side pain pretty soon in which made me make a mental note that I need more cardio in my life (harder runs, hills, something else). I miss going to my bootcamp class, it was the best cross training.

Unflattering race photos

I was pleased to cross the half way point at 22:58 (my 5km PB is 22:50) but the second half didn't go as well with my blind kms (2 of them being over 5min/km) and then crossing the finish at 47:37. My personal best was on this course two years prior at 47:20. I wasn't mad to be 17 seconds off a PB, in fact I was pleased to be so close to it as it's been a long time since I've gotten anything close. It gives me hope for a potential at a 5km PB in the future. I ran strong and I felt pretty good after. When I got to medals and saw my boys, time somehow didn't matter in the least. I am blessed as a teacher to teach some of the greatest kids. One of them has watched his younger brother battle and beat cancer and for the past two years their family has handed out medals. Getting my medal from them means more than any other moment of this race.

Getting my medal  from these two sweet boys

I grabbed my water, gatorade, bagel, banana and stood in line for some clif bars. I thought about the new juicy blister I had brewing on my right foot below my big toe and how this would be the last race these running shoes would run (just bought my next pair the day prior). The after party area is always a great time with high energy and lots to do and see.

My boyfriend Mark has now officially become my personal spectator. After doing a top-notch job last weekend at the Goodlife Toronto Half Marathon I knew this weekend would be no different. I had a great plan that we'd park at the start, he'd see me off then subway down to the finish line.

I'm in my corral and he's on the outside because there was security ensuring only red bibs went into the first corral

Well, I thought it was a great plan. Last year I ran with my cousin and his friend. We had no spectators and we subwayed back to the start line after we were done so it seemed like an easy thing to do. What I didn't think about this year was that the race was now starting half an hour earlier (the subway doesn't start running until 8am on weekends). So Mark unfortunately missed me finish and the two of us set off walking towards one another and met up somewhere on the waterfront. Even when I have terrible plans he still goes along with them in order to support me. He's pretty great.

After the race all I wanted was an iced coffee from Mcdonalds. Yum! Though I am not a "mother" myself I still call myself a dog mom to this beautiful fluff ball!

My Zoe girl

Overall I chalk this year's Sporting Life 10km up as another great success! I can't wait to sign up for next year's event!