I'm back, and ready for you 2017!

Well...it seems life has gotten in the way and this blog has been pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Thanks to this beautiful time of year of reflection and goal setting I've re-prioritized blogging and more so, running.

It has seemed over the past few months that I've fallen out of love with running. No, that can't be true. I've always loved running, it just became a love of familiarity, a love taken for granted. "You'll always be there for me, running, so I don't really need to put any effort into this relationship". We all know that those relationships eventually fizzle out and die. But, the beauty in running is that you get out of it what you put into it.

Other loves, passions and creative endeavours had taken precedence. I like lists, so here you go:

Reasons I haven't been running (as much):

1. The gym:

In June I got a gym membership for the first time in my life and really fell in love with cross training. I love taking pride in my strengths (my legs) and laughing at my weaknesses (anything arms/core) while pushing myself to improve those areas. Progress is a drug.

Run then power class at the YMCA

2. My relationship:

In October my best friend asked me to be his wife, that excitement and wedding planning has consumed me as well. We are also in a long distance relationship right now and only see each other on weekends (prime running time) so running gets pushed aside for quality time with the love of my life.

First run with my ring

3. My career:

Teaching is very time consuming. Much like running, you do indeed get out what you put in and I will easily give everything I have for those kids, to watch them succeed and grow and fall in love with learning.

These all sound like excuses because they are. The truth is my relationship with running had just grown stagnant. I was running the same races, the same distances, and though running still brought me joy, it was fleeting joy. It almost began to feel more like a chore. "Oh jeeze, I haven't run since Thursday, I should really get a run in soon".

Enter: New years.

Step 1: Reflect:

2016 was a good year for me running-wise. Here's another list:

2016 Running accomplishments:

1. A new half marathon PB

I finally broke 1:50 at my spring half marathon, the Goodlife Fitness Marathon series in Toronto. It was also my first half my parents weren't at. I only had my then boyfriend, Mark, with me. It was a big step emotionally.

Finally that sub 1:50

2. I ran a race with my sister-in-law 

It was so nice to spend that quality time together. At that point in time we weren't officially sister-in-laws yet as they married in September and the race was in May, but none-the-less it was a special moment crossing that finish line together. I also grew a whole heck of respect for her as her regular running routes are ridiculously hilly.

Though we finished at the same time, my name comes first alphabetically. So I got the medal.

3. Canada Day 8km

It's a local race between two small towns that has been going for almost 50 years. Very simplistic, free, no bibs, no chip timers, no roads closed. You just run from the old school to the community centre one town away. But I got to run it with my running bestie and the best part was after the fact, looking through pictures where we have identical strides. She is my sole sister in so many ways.

4. Ran my first triathlon

I signed up as part of the hospital's charity team and raised money. I only completed the run portion. It was summer, it was mid-day. It was death. I gained new respect for triathletes and promptly decided that was something I'd (likely) never do.

5. Completed a challenging half marathon

One of my favourite run series that always falls on my birthday is the Run Blue Mountains run in Thornbury. First place age category finishers win a pie. I've ran the 5km and the 10km twice, so it was finally time to run the half. Though I love small town races, I do not love small town half marathons. For longer races I need the motivation of crowds and runners around me. I ran a small town half a few years ago and went km's without seeing anyone else. That can really wear on your motivation and pacing. BUT, I decided I needed to complete the trifecta so I ran the half. It turned out to be windy, rainy and ridiculously hilly. Including one of the biggest hills I've ever seen in my life, let alone run. I actually walked it. I still ended up getting a 1st in my age category.

I had told myself my relationship with running had matured. I'd fallen into a state of consistency. I was no longer pushing for new goals of time or distance and that was okay. I was running for the love of running. What I didn't realize (until now) is that that love dissipated. My love of running is based largely on goal setting, training plans and pushing myself.

Step 2: Set goals

2017 running and fitness goals

1. Run Around the Bay 30km

It's always been on my bucket list since I started running. The oldest race on this continent, older than Boston, it's steeped in history. The race circles the bay in Hamilton. It's known for being hilly and often windy. It's a long distance to run. Held the last weekend in March, it means you need to train during the winter. It's chocked full of challenges, which makes it more exciting. I wanted to run it before I turned 30 and though I'm 28 now, with my wedding coming up this August I'm not sure where our marriage will take us and how that will effect my training so there's no time like the present. Speaking of present, I gifted a race registration to my sole sister, Lisa. Having a partner in crime makes these challenges seem so much more attainable. Plus, as a new distance challenge there's absolutely no time restraint. So we can just run and chat and run and chat. I can't wait.

2. Get fit for the wedding.

You know, work on the whole package. Keep up the cross training at the gym, make sure I'm eating right. The whole package. So that I look good in my wedding dress :)

Suddenly the spark has set my love of running aflame again. I was giddy with excitement as I made a chart in a notebook and drafted up a training plan. I grabbed a journal and wrote out each date from January 1st to March 26th, race day.

I set out for my first run of my training schedule today. It said 5km tempo. I'm not used to training in the middle of winter, usually just maintenance miles. But today I got to run tempo, comfortably difficult. It felt so good to push my legs, feel my lungs burn and regret wearing 3 layers.

It's so great to acknowledge a starting point, to reflect and acknowledge the changes I'd like to make and look ahead to the progress that is sure to come. My body tells me it needs better fuel, and more water to run efficiently and I promise it that I will give it just that.

Stay tuned for more. So far, 2017 is off to a great start.

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.