Try Something New: March: aerial silks

March was my choice and I chose aerial silks because how cool do they look? And how often do you do something like that. This is what our "try something new" pursuit is all about.

March is nearly up and due to scheduling we had to switch from our Saturday tradition. We chose a Thursday night 7:30-9 class. We got a little lost on our way but arrived just in time to an industrial style, open concept room with gymnastic equipment, a climbing wall at the back and silks of many colours hanging from the ceiling in the front. 

The class only had one other young girl and the two of us. Heather and I received a lot of personal instruction. Our instructor taught us simple moves one by one and allowed us to practice them a few times each. Each time she taught us a newer and harder concept I thought to myself "I can't do that" and was pleasantly surprised every time I was able to complete the move. At the end I did a little routine with the following moves we'd learned. 

Standing in the silks with a knot 

Down to sitting 

Graceful arms lean back. Lots of core. (It was supposed to look graceful) 

Upside down! It was a lot of fun. The more you do it, the more comfortable it became. 

Then we untied the knot and worked with the two separate silks. We wrapped them around our wrist and flipped ourselves upside down. 

I think the smile shows how much fun I had. I really enjoyed it. It felt like playing but using my strength at the same time. We had some good giggles over our lack of grace! Everyone should try it at some point. 

Things you need to know:

You need to wear capris or longer tight pants as well as a slim fit top. You can't wear jewelry in case it gets stuck in the silks. You don't wear shoes or socks: it's a barefoot activity! 

Overall I loved it and am glad I did it. I wish I had my own set of aerial silks to play on. 

I also continue to be so thankful for my dear friend heather who shares the love of being active, meeting new people and trying new things. 

#LikeAGirl

I am a big fan of this #likeagirl movement. It all started from an emotional commercial for Always feminine products. If you live under a rock and have yet to see it, the commercial has an unseen director figure asking a range of people in a typical studio setting what it means to perform a number of actions "like a girl" such as throwing like a girl, running like a girl etc. The first to be asked are adults and they all perform the acts in an overly gentile, weak, degenerate way. Then the questions are asked of young girls. These girls present these acts as best their bodies can.

The whole idea of course is that the idea of doing something "like a girl" is a put down. In one of my favourite movies, The Sandlot- a movie about young boys playing baseball in an empty lot- the main group of boys are having an exchange of words with their rival team. The words go back and forth with words like:

But of course, the ultimate put down that ends the entire argument: 

But why? Why should that be a put down? I should add here that part of my Bachelor of Arts includes not just a major in English but a double minor in Psychology and Women's Studies. I took Women's Studies because I thought it was fascinating. I will never forget my first class, first year when the professor said "What is a woman?". As a room full of 17 and 18 year old mostly girls and a rare boy list elements we've come to know as "girl" the professor debunks them all. Things like long hair, makeup, wearing dresses, having breasts and lady parts are what we know to be "girl" but you aren't any less of a girl if you lack these. Girl can mean whatever we want it to. I quickly came to learn how much of a social construct gender truly was. My line I love to use is "gender is just your parts". I am not saying go and do all the opposite of what we know to be "girl". What I'd really love is for people to realize how much of a social construct gender truly is so  that no one feels like they are wrong or less of a girl if they don't fall within the stereotypes and constructs. Men and women alike should feel empowered to express themselves as who they are. 

So even though it's an advertising ploy I like the whole "like a girl" movement because as women, no matter what we are doing, we are doing it "like a girl", because we are girls. I am happy to be a girl, happy to be strong and capable and fit and active. I certainly do run like a girl and all that means is I am a girl who runs. I absolutely ski like a girl because I am a girl and I ski. 

My car, Denise, has a new bumper sticker. I am not a big fan of bumper stickers because I don't want my car to get too cluttery but a friend gave a "runner girl" one and I loved it so on it went. Then, this past week I spent skiing real mountains for the first time in my life out in Alberta and BC.

So naturally I had to pick up a souvenir along my travels. As soon as I saw the bumper sticker I knew Denise needed it. 

'

Boy or girl, no matter what you may be, do what you do with all your heart, with all your might. God has blessed us all with bodies that are made to move. Do what you love. I do, I run like a girl, I ski like a girl. I do a lot of things like a girl and that is no put-down because I know many boys I could smoke. Not that it's a competition. 

February StrideBox Review

I have been a StrideBox subscriber for nearly 2 years now. As a small town Canadian I don't have access to many different running products with only 1 sporting goods store in the area. We have recently gotten a SportChek as well but our horizons are still limited. However, I live in nature's playground. It is a very active community with lots of opportunities as we have Blue Mountain Ski Resort, Georgian Bay and the Georgian trail all at our doorstep, to name a few. So I am always looking for fun products to enhance my workouts. I am mostly a runner (3-5x/wk) but also attend a women's bootcamp class 2x/wk and love to be outdoors and active (I ski, swim, bike etc). My idea of a good day is trying something new and physically demanding with my friends.

In my StrideBox I am able to be exposed to new products including gels, chews, hydration mixes, bars, you name it. Also, who doesn't love mail...not just regular mail but a monthly package! They are always so nicely put together, wrapped in tissue paper and with a sticker in each. That's a topic in and of itself as I cannot decide what to do with my growing sticker collection. I want to put them somewhere special but haven't decided that special location yet. I've considered my laptop, helmet, waterbottles, notebooks etc and have reasons against them all.

The REAL exciting news came this week when I received an email that I'd been selected to be a StrideBox Ambassador. I'm still not overly sure of the parameters of the role, but will happily represent a company I love! So expect a monthly review from me of each StrideBox. They will improve with better pictures as I go :)

Also I need to mention I LOVED February's box. It may just be my favourite to date.

Drink Mix: There were three! Skratch Apples+Cinnamon and Chike High Protein Coffee Mix and a Nuun Tablet.

Chike Coffee Mix:


I didn't try this one right away. I am not entirely sure why. I drank it this morning and mixed it with the 10 ounces recommended of water. You can choose water or milk. My water wasn't overly cold and I think had it been cold with ice it would have been more enjoyable. The taste was good- I am a big fan of cold coffee drinks. But I don't think I should have drank it as my morning coffee (aka my battery for the day) as it didn't sit nicely in my stomach. This would have been nicer consumed in an afternoon. I find it strange to believe that coffee can be a high protein drink. I should have had it after today's 12km run, not before. lesson learned. This is a product I would consume again!

Skratch Apples+Cinnamon. Hot!

I love Skratch Labs products as much as I love StrideBox. It is a company I would absolutely represent. Skratch is all natural made from real products. Compared to all other drink mixes I've tried it is hands down my favourite in taste, texture etc. I like that the packages aren't huge like some drink packages and that the ingredients are real foods. Skratch Labs is a company I learned about through StrideBox last summer and immediately went out and purchased a large package of their Raspberry Hydration Mix. So I was overjoyed to try another Skratch product and intrigued that this one could be consumed as a hot beverage.
Need I remind you I live in Canada. In Canada it's cold. This winter has seemed especially cold. Most of my runs have been on the treadmill as I had a bit of a fall earlier this winter and didn't enjoy it. But I find I am always cold. I love a nice warm drink to warm up and the Apples+Cinnamon drink mix did not disappoint! The flavour was not overpowering, it was just right. I wanted to purchase a full bag of this as well but due to packaging changes it wasn't yet available in canadian stores. So when it is conveniently available again I will purchase a bag. I also have to mention that SkratchLabs as a company are awesome and responded to my tweets about trying to find a distributor right away, on a saturday! I can't say enough how much I love all things SkratchLabs and how I wish I could afford one of everything that they sell.

Nuun Tri-Berry
I am sorry to say I am not crazy about Nuun. I was excited to try it as I see a lot of Instagram friends that absolutely love it as a product. I've tried a few different flavours now at races and through StrideBox and it just doesn't appeal to me. It seems to taste carbonated and fizzy with a lack of taste. Carbonated beverages are not what I want to hydrate with when I am working out. I am sorry Nuun.








Protein Bar: Picky Bars

I have always wanted to try Picky Bars. I love Oiselle and follow Lauren Fleshman's every move on Instagram. Again, as a Canadian I don't have affordable or easy access to these products so I was SO excited to see this in the February StrideBox. So excited that I instantly tore into it and consumed it right away. Naturally it was delicious and not heavy in my stomach. It didn't taste mealy like protein bars often do. This here is a picture of an empty wrapper- that's how fast I ate it. An empty wrapper that I've kept, might I add. I just love these small companies that use real products, that personalize their products and put their heart and sole into them. StrideBox, Picky Bars and SkratchLabs all fit that bill in my mind. 

Hard-goods: iGloves and Joshua Tree Lip Balm

iGlove
I have a few pairs of running gloves. I have anywhere from the 88cent thin gloves to more expensive brand name gloves. I was excited to receive these for many purposes. Who doesn't love the ability to use smart technology without having to take off their mitts? My hands are always cold so this is especially appealing to me. I also thought of the excitement of being able to wear these under my mitts when skiing for again the purpose of being able to use my phone without having to have bare exposed skin (even if my iphone seems to consistently freeze when I go skiing). I got the grey pair which is slightly disappointing considering all the colours available. But I wore them on today's run and they worked like a charm! It was a brainstorming run with a friend as we are planning a fundraiser run in the spring so I had to keep pausing my watch, pulling out my phone and snapping pics of potential areas of interest. Not once did I have to take off my gloves. They aren't made for -20C temperatures by any means, but neither am I.



Joshua Tree Lip Balm: Healing Mint

I love lip balm. Seriously. I am not a lipstick or a lipgloss person. I am a lip balm person. Last November I received a Joshua Tree lip balm in pumpkin pie and still have it. This is impressive as I tend to lose all lip balms I've ever owned. I absolutely loved it and attempted to seek out how to purchase more. So getting another one in a StrideBox seemed too good to be true! This is a product I'd definitely use again and again and again (and will!).














Gel: Chia Surge

Unfortunately you will not be seeing a review from me on this gel or likely any other gel. When I first started experimenting with energy products I started with chew and liked them but tended to get some issues with gas so I switched to gels. They worked great for a bit but at some point along the road I lost the ability to handle the texture and would gag immediately as soon as it found its way into my mouth. I could gag right now just thinking about it actually. I have nothing against those who love and use gels, I am just not that person. If you are that person let me know, I've got a bunch of gels saved up from StrideBoxes you can have :)












So February's StrideBox comes in as a huge positive with 6 products of 7 I enjoyed, 4 that I absolutely LOVED! I am excited as I've already been notified that my March box is in the mail. Now it's the waiting game of checking the mail daily and avoiding social media lest someone ruin the surprise of what's in the next package. Stay tuned!

Try Something New: February: Zumba

Last month my fitness partner-in-crime Heather and I tried a Barre class. I wouldn't call it an overall success. But it was an experience. 

So this month was Heather's choice and she chose Zumba. Old Amelia would never have darkened that doorstep. Rhythm and I aren't friends. But I've got to a point in my life with my own physical abilities that I am loving trying new things that are so far from my comfort levels. It's funny how our January and February classes were both so dance-based. 

I like to "dance like no ones watching" and have lots of fun moving about. Does it look good? Likely not. Since learning to play the ukulele I'd say my understanding of music has definitely improved. But anything is an improvement from where it started from. As a child in jazz I couldn't "hear the beat" or rhythm. At all. I thought it was a made up thing. 

SO! we decided on Zumba and my mother told me an old family friend had a daughter that taught at a small studio in town. So we agreed upon this Saturday. 

The class was 11:15-12:15. Heather picked me up and we arrived at shortly before 11. A group of small girls in leotards were in the studio adorably floating about finishing up their ballet class. We signed waivers and paid our 10 dollar drop in fee. 

The advice I was given was "stand at the back and if there are mirrors, don't look at them." Of course the whole front was mirrors. 

We did steps from different styles of dance like salsa and hip hop. All the steps started out slow and simple and would build into movement combinations. We were told to focus on the feet and not worry about much about arms if it was a challenge and that the point was just to keep moving, even if what you were doing didn't quite look like what the instructor was doing. Which I'm sure it didn't from time to time, or often. 

Overall it was a great time! It was a great workout. I was certainly sweating in a tank top and yoga pants. (This time I googled what to wear to Zumba to avoid the last class in which I just wore typical running clothes.) next time I'd wear capris or shorts. And did you know there was such thing as Zumba shoes? Less tread for more side to side dance motions. Not necessary but fun if it's something you are really into. 

It was neat to learn different dance steps and I felt like I was starting to get it. Then I'd look at Heather and she'd look exceptionally silly. So I knew I did too. It all was moving so quickly that you didn't really have time to look at the others but when I stole a glance I realized none of us made it look like the instructor did, but that's okay! 

I liked how each song was a different "workout" and style of dance with a brief break in between. The moves all followed the song so I'd start to anticipate what moves were to come. 

Some of them I did not get AT ALL. But I was having fun. You can't do a Zumba class without smiling or laughing. 

My negatives are few. I still felt a little out of place, Heather made the comment too that we feel more athletic than a graceful dancer type. We are bootcamp girls and I can't expect any other class to give me the same feelings of home like bootcamp or running. But it was close! The class was largely in part enjoyable due to a great teacher! (The teacher makes the class always. Of course I feel that way.) 

Is it something I'd do again? I think so! I'd like to go with a new friend each time just for the entertainment value alone. Not friends that have a natural rhythm or dance ability. That would be obnoxious :)

Chalk February's "try something new" up as a success! Who knows, maybe I'll inadvertently become a better dancer (with actual "dance moves") as a result :) I look forward to seeing what March will bring! 

Something new: Buddha Barre

This week I received an email from a local yoga/spin studio I used to attend a few years ago. It said that lululemon was coming to our small town for a day to have a pop up store downtown. As a result lululemon so graciously paid for all Saturday classes at the studio. 

So I texted my friend Heather asking if she wanted to attend a free class. She looked through the listings and chose their "Buddha barre" class. I'd heard of barre classes before but didn't know much of it. 

We arrived early and felt a little out of place. I am used to doing all exercises in my running shoes and when I was told the class was sock or bare feet I was a little out of my comfort zone. Poor sad asics thought they were getting a workout today. Nope. 

Neither of us brought a mat but when we saw all the regulars with theirs we were happy the facility provided some. 

The class started on the mats with some yoga like moves with planks, bridges, and various other core activating exercises. 

We then moved to the barre and I was instantly transported back to my dance classes as a child. Spoiler: childhood athletic memories were never positive. 

We did a range of ballet style full body exercises. Kicks and squats and other activities. They were all challenging and full body exercises as you had to focus on engaging your core and keeping your whole frame strong. Also we were often on our toes leading to a great calf/quad burn. 

By the end I was sweating buckets and smelled kinda bad. Sorry to the ladies beside me. It was a great and challenging workout that was definitely outside my comfort zone. 

Positives:

A great workout

Something new- I love new experiences. 

Free class! 

A nice sat morning with a sweet friend 

Negatives:

I felt out of place. 

I didn't know the fancy ballet terms and often was looking around trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing. 

The establishment itself has a bit of a snooty feel. 

Seemed like a fashion show of sorts and here I am in a running tshirt. 

We got silenced for quietly chatting and then split up. (Story of my life)

I kept thinking "what is a runner doing at a barre class"? Improving herself, I guess. 

I am glad I did it, especially the experience with my friend. We had a lovely rest of our morning/afternoon together. The class was from 10:15-11:15 and then we went to the lulu pop up store to check it out as it was open today only.

 We then went for coffee and shared an egg salad sandwich. 

We also decided once a month we'd like to try a new fitness class out of our element. 

January: barre.

 February: Zumba? Stay tuned! 

Running Firsts

Ask any runner which was their most significant or memorable race and more often than not you'll get the answer "my first". I've been running now for coming on 3 years this fall and I've done 4 half marathons. I will never ever forget my first half marathon. The first time you run a distance is full of unknowns, you doubt whether or not you can actually achieve it, then you get to a point where you realize you can and will and once you do the feeling of accomplishment is overwhelming! Though your second, third, fourth...twentieth will have it's memorable moments, there is nothing quite like that first one.

I love to collect running firsts. First time running the entire 6km block without walking, first time running double digits, first time running a half marathon, first run in the rain, first age category medal, first time on the podium, etc.

Today, after nearly 3 years running I collected a new first. One I was hoping never to collect.

You see, as already mentioned, I am currently doing the Get Out There Magazine 30 day challenge (#GOT30daychallenge) in which you are active for 30 minutes daily for 30 consecutive days. It's a great motivator. BUT, as a result of the season my weeks have looked like this:
Monday: ladies bootcamp
Tuesday: Ski
Wednesday: ladies bootcamp
Thursday: run
Friday: run
Saturday: run
Sunday: run

and don't get my wrong, I LOVE to run. However, as it has been cold and snowy and icy and windy all my runs have been indoors. Running on the treadmill is a means to an end. I am thankful for a very nice treadmill in my basement. I am thankful for access to an ipad with netflix. But when I run on the treadmill I feel so challenged, it seems too difficult to "keep up" with speeds that feel like a crawl outdoors...what's with that? And the temptation to step off the 'mill for a quick sec to drink some water or respond to a text or check my instagram feed....well, it's far too tempting. So did I really run that full 8km in 40 some odd minutes? likely more like 5 of the 8. After 4 days in a row of "2 episodes of Friends" on the treadmill (yes this is how I measure the duration of treadmill runs) I feel like I am on groundhogs day.

So sometimes I have to force myself to bundle up and get my butt outside when at all possible. Possible is the hard part. I am at work until 4:30/5ish regularly and by the time I get home it's dark. So many dangers. Living in a rural area the roads are seldom plowed and I have no sidewalk, just a slender shoulder.

Sunday I got outside for an outdoor run and it was pretty darn nice. It was 3 degrees out and the roads were somewhat bare! Except of course for the side of the road on which I needed to run, but for the most part I ran the road until cars came. I was a happy lady.

Tuesdays now I am back to my ladies bible study so I cannot go with the girls skiing. It's fine, I'll go another night. I was overjoyed on recess duty today as it was clear, the sun was shining and there was ZERO wind. Bright blue skies...it was chilly, sure but not THAT bad if you're dressed right. It was -11C I believe.

So I quickly hustled home from school, got home by 4:30, got layered up (thick socks, running tights, running skirt (my hips and bum are ALWAYS cold), base layer, sweater, jacket, neck warmer, hat, mitts, running watch...WHEW. Sometimes I swear it takes longer to get dressed to run 5k than it does to actually run 5k in the winter. I was out the door by 4:51. The sun sets at about 5:15. I had to boogie!

The roads were snow packed, but not too bad. My music lasted about 2km until my phone froze (so thankful for my Polar M400 that doesn't freeze!) so I had to listen to the silence and the crunch crunch crunch of my feet. This is when I started to pray. I continued to run and when I got to about 3.5km I was making my way around a cul-de-sac when WOOP down I went. A new running first ladies and gentleman, my first fall. I've slipped before, sure. But nothing like this, completely went flying, hit the ground: knee, shin, hip. Also, because my music was kaput I also got to hear myself shout some strange noise. I quickly hopped up, embarrassed, hoping no one saw, and carried on. Of course the first ten steps or so were painful but the pain slowly subsided. I am hoping it doesn't get worse by tomorrow but fear that it may.

Other than the fall and frozen phone it was a good run, a beautiful run really with the clear sky, purpleish pink sunset and new fluffy snow covering everything. I also have to remember that my pace is going to be slower on snow and ice, as it should be. Also I had a KILLER (awesome) ladies bootcamp workout last night so I was working out soreness and tightness from that as well.

I am hoping this was my first and last running fall and that as I continue to run through the winter that there are more clear, sunny, mild days for outdoor runs and that treadmill runs wont seem so monotonous.

Get out there magazine 30 day challenge

The New Year brings with it a sense of renewal and a reset button for us all. We reflect back at the past 12 months and look forward with optimism. This reminds me I should post some of my resolutions. I like to make them though I'm never overly serious about it. Personally any chance to critically reflect on strengths and weaknesses and set goals for improvement I will take. It's the teacher in me. 

So in accordance with the "New Years, new me" sense Get Out There Magazine has made a 30 day challenge in which participants are asked to be active for 30 minutes daily for 30 straight days starting today, Jan 5. I think it's a great idea personally. Some days are easier than others I'm sure but I look forward to the push, the challenge. #GOT30daychallenge