Got Juice?

"Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food. " Hippocrates

It's been a very long time since I blogged, but I thought getting back to it might give me additional accountability to the "Big Fat Juice Cleanse" as my sister calls it, BTW she has a great blog. I was skeptical to say the least. When my sister's told me about doing a juice cleanse, I told them that I wasn't about to drink the kook-aid (juice). I figured it was another fad diet, then I watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, Joe Cross. Juicing isn't for everyone, but I think it might be for me.

It's been almost 10 years since I discovered I had Thyroid Cancer. I've tried to eat well, exercise and basically age well. I blamed my extra weight and the aches & pains I feel on getting older. At no time did I think that I needed to do anything drastic to 'reboot' my system. The amount of 'bad stuff' we put into our bodies is incredible and add on to that, I had two massive doses of radioactive iodine. The movie and my sister's made me think differently about how I have 'recovered', so, now I'm eating crow, or should I say  I'm drinking the kook-aid (juice). It's time to reboot my system, cleaning from the inside out. I'm not committing to any longer than 5 days.  Yesterday was day one.  I actually enjoyed the freshness and flavour of the mostly vegetable juice. What I didn't like was the massive headache I got yesterday afternoon which lasted until today. They say it's the body detoxing. I'm going to continue with the cleanse for at least 5 days. They say the 3rd day is the worst. Not sure if I believe that, that headache was a pounder. Good news, I'm not hungry or craving anything - weird I know.

I'll keep everyone posted, but for now, I'm going for a walk.

Cheers!

Pets - not really running related, but maybe a little

I decided to dedicate this blog to 'my best friend'.
I have had a few pets over the years, but recently someone told me that you get one "heart pet' and that statement really touched me.

Let me tell you about my 'heart pet', Billy. He is getting on in years, 14 this December, and he can no longer run or hike with me and his energy level is well, the way I feel after a long run. I've decided to write this blog, because Billy's in his Twilight year(s) and I know I won't be able to 'honour' him when he is gone because it will hurt too much.

12 years ago, I had advertised on Rescue websites sites that I was looking for a dog who loved walks, cuddles and would be a part of the family. Billy has been that and even more. At our first meeting he almost took a bite out of my hand, however I knew in my heart he was the one for me - he had spunk.

The first year he was with my family, he pretty much 'nipped' at everyone I know, they just didn't understand my boy. I knew he he had a good heart and wasn't vicious, just scared.  My mother-in-law once commented that she had never seen a dog - love a person, as much as Billy loves me. It's not just the follow me around, you can see it in his eyes.When I would go away on business, my husband would call me to tell me Billy hadn't eaten so, we created this game to get Billy to eat.  Caesar Milan would hate it because Billy became very territorial about his food, but he always knew I was in charge. I remember the story of Grey Frair's Bobby in Edinburgh - that is my Billy and me.

We have grown so much over the years to be the best of friends. Through the loss of my step-dad, my mom's breast cancer, my cancer, my kids growing up, leaving home and my marriage separation, he has been my cuddle when things weren't going so well. I have cried in his fur, I would pet & brush him and connect with him as you can never do with family or friends. Why, because, he never judged, offered comments or for that matter really knew what I was going through - he just knew that I needed him near me and he was thankful. Billy trained with me as I prepared for the 60km walk to End Women's Cancers, not the whole 60km, but a big part of it. Billy walked with me through - thick and thin. Not only did I lose 60lbs, he kept trim as well.

A few years ago, when on my own, I realized that I needed to 'invest' in him. I spent a lot of money to have his rotten teeth removed. I spent many a sleepless night, nursing him through this challenge. It reminded me of my daughters, teething (only in reverse).  My kids tease me that he gets special treatment. Like the cheese story. I was making pizza for the girls & they asked for some of the cheese - I said no, as I was making the dinner now- then I handed a piece of cheese to Billy. Hey, he wasn't getting any pizza.

Recently, a good friend, Santina suggested I get a 'twilight friend' for Billy - more likely for me. Enter Timmie - a crazy Jack Russell Cross. He is a lot of fun, he can go for runs, has energy to spare, and loves to cuddle. He has inspired Billy to have a little more spark - hopefully Billy can teach him to have a little less spark. I like to think Billy picked him - kind of a reverse (white with beige versus beige with white).

I love my Timmie and look forward to a long life with him. His energy and 'spunk' will keep me busy.
I don't want to think about the day that Billy will leave me - but then I remember he NEVER will.


To our pets - they live in our heart forever.

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do” Eleanor Roosevelt

Last fall  a colleague asked me if I would be interested in training through a Canadian winter for the Chilly 1/2 Marathon which was to take place on March 4th, 2012. I'm not sure why I agreed. Today, I'm reflecting on my reasons for doing this race this morning.

 

I'm definitely not the runner 'profile'. I didn't start running until I was in my late 40's. I'm now over 50 and overweight. That said,  I have led Learn to Run and 5k running clinics for the past 5 years, encouraging recreational runners to embrace the experience - find their "happy pace" and get active. This has been fantastic, however, I have come to realize that I have a competitive spirit, I wish I had found it in my 20's. So, when Gwen asked me to join her in training for the Chilly I said yes. As the quote says...."do the thing you think you cannot do"- crap! 

 

For some reason, I thought it would give me the motivation to lose 20 lbs, and maybe get a little more serious about running. The whole recreational thing is nice, but it starts to lose the challenge/motivation. I work with a lot of running people and I hang around with a lot of running people, I find it motivating, so, this winter I embarked on training for the Chilly Half.  

What an experience this has been. This has been probably one of the mildest winters in Southwestern Ontario, however, it seemed that every LONG run we were faced with typical winter weather - bitter cold, sloppy or snowy conditions, not to mention, my 'old' and slightly overweight body was telling me this wasn't a great idea. From bunion pain, to cold induced Urticaria with dermographism (I had to go to the doctor to get that diagnoses)  to a pulled hamstring - I sucked it up and kept going.  Why?  

Let me tell you about my training partner. I didn't mention that she is also my boss at work. Gwen is an amazing leader at work, in my humble opinion. I have worked for a lot of mangers, but WOW, this lady is amazing. I could list those qualities that define a great leader, but it's more than that, this quote captures it for me.

“Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” John Maxwell

As we trained together, Gwen was always in the lead but at no time did I feel that I was being left behind. She would 'charge' me with picking the route, or the training (hills or speed) and never pressure me into what I decided. She would provide options, a different perspective, but always with respect and empowerment. Her never failing determination helped me succeed. I didn't lose the 20lbs, but I gained something, an understanding as to what true leadership/friendship is, a respect for our differences, the ability to push through challenges and celebrate successes. 

 

So, today I celebrate our success. Not my best time finish for a race  but yet again, I am inspired by Gwen's determination, commitment and I am inspired to do more. Damn.

 

Thank you, Gwen and yes, I am very proud this evening.

 

Today, dear body, I write this letter to tell you that I love you. I feel the occasional pain in your knees and try hard to remember the joy of the runs that contributed to that pain. I feel the soreness in your muscles and celebrate it with joy because I can move and walk, do asana and sit, be alive! I look at you in the mirror and say, “hey, not bad, lady” and love you. This is not a conceited love, but an unconditional love.

Every once in a while, I judge you too harshly, or reprimand you for what you’re eating, or look longingly at a long pair of thighs, cut triceps or a six-pack of abs, but then I turn back inwards and celebrate the health, form and function of you, my beautiful friend, my body.

So today, on Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate love, I celebrate my love for you: for better for worse, in health and happiness, in creaky joints and achy knees, laughter lines and all, this life, this moment, this earth, until my spirit departs from you.

With love,

Your spirit.

No TV - now what do I do?

After months of saying I was going to get back to blogging - I'm taking the plunge. Besides I cancelled my Cable TV and gave my TV away for my New Year's resolution. So I guess I'm forced to find new, creative, fun and challenging activities.

I welcomed a new addition to my family this year, a Jack/Terrier cross. Timmie is awesome. I figured I should get a running partner to keep me honest and Timmie loves to run. He is adapting to the rules set out by Cesar Millan, but since he's a terrier he forgets everyday. The other interesting thing about bringing a 'puppy' into a home with an old dog is how he has infused a little life into Billy (my 13year old spaniel/pom cross). Billy joins us on regular walks and even endeavours to chase after Timmie at times, mind you he gives us early on. Billy is also teaching Timmie patience. It is the perfect combination.

Other fun news is I decided to sign up the run the Chilly Half Marathon in March. The training is kicking my ass. I have come to realize that as much as I love the rush of a race, I think my future races will revolve around 'fun runs'. I'm too old for this competitive stuff. The long runs have taken a toll on my body. From aches & pains to an all our cold-induced form of hives but I continue to get out there - cause I'm not a quitter. YET.

Stay tuned!

"The more I yoga, I better I run."

Fall seems to be a great time to get back on the right track. I'm excited to get back on the road. I haven't enjoyed running these past few months not sure what happened to my motivation, I think it took the summer off.

So, I'm leading a new running group, what better way to get back out there. I picked up new shoes, and set some new goals for my running. My new running buddy, Gwen wants to run a 1/2 marathon in the Spring.  Possibly the Chilly Half in March or maybe push the boundry and aim for the Around the Bay (30km), we'll have to wait and see how the winter training goes.  She is a machine, so I'm going to have to kick it up a notch to keep up with her.  I have a couple of races scheduled - the Santa 5k Jingle and the Resolution 10k Run. So, time to hit the road.

On another note, this fall I held a couple Yoga for Runner workshops and it's been a blast. I need to 'practice what I preach' so back to getting up early in the morning.  Yoga will help me improve my running...and it can help you too. If you want to check out my class. Drop me a note, always room for a few more.

.

D.U.M.B is the new SMART

Anyone who has ever attended a goal-setting workshop or seminar was presented with the idea of setting S.M.A.R.T goals. These are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely (or Tangible). Whatever???

If you stop and think about traditional and realistic goals, they aren't that inspiring or exciting. They encourage the status quo.....So tonight I presented a new type of goal setting I happened on when researching "goal-setting" - D.U.M.B. Goals. Research suggested DUMB as an acronym for :
Doable, Understandable, Manageable & Beneficial (Wikipedia)
Decisive, Unique, Meaningful & Bold (Jeff De Cagna) or my favourite:
DREAMY - UNREALISTIC - MOTIVATING & BOLD (Roger Bauer)

DREAMY goals are the kind that wake you up at night wondering if something is possible with an effort that is truly remarkable. We've all had them, as children - dreams of growing up to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, athlete, veterinarian...so many dreams. Were you encouraged to go after that goal, or were you told that it was unrealistic.

What's wrong with UNREALISTIC? Wouldn't that push you to achieve greatness, prove that you could do it despite the negativity. That is what DUMB goals can do. Wouldn't it be great to wake up each morning ready to take on the day with passion. A motivated person is tough to stop because that kind of momentum builds daily. To me, that is MOTIVATING.

Be BOLD, "boldly go where you have never gone before", okay that's not what they said on Star Trek, but it's something you can do. People are so worried about failing, we fail to succeed. You will never know unless you try - right? What's the worse thing that could happen? For me, I could get injured, my commitments might keep me from my training schedule, the negative voices might overpower me....so what? I go back to the status quo, but I've given it my best shot.

So, tonight I told my 5km clinic group to make DUMB goals. We should all make DUMB goals, ones that inspire us to reach for the moon, if we miss, we will land in the stars. Tonight I've decided to DUMB down my goals for 2011. Here goes, for everyone to read.

I will complete a 5km race in under 30minutes.
I will complete a 1/2 marathon in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes.
I am going to run two 1/2 marathon races this year.
I'm going lose 20lbs - I'll have to if I'm going to run at that pace... :)

It's going to be an awesome year. So, yes, I SEE DUMB PEOPLE - thank goodness.

Feeling off balance

I'm not sure why, but I'm feeling a little off balance today, actually this week and it's only Tuesday. Maybe it was all the prep for the interview, maybe it was the interview, maybe it's just things (life) is weighing a little more than my resolve to meet my goals. I'm finding that I'm not feeling satisfied with my meals/diet. It's like I want more. More what? More satisfaction from my job, more satisfaction from my goals, more satisfaction from my relationships...I'm not quite sure.

I think that patience has to be the centre point and at times I have to recognize that the scale of life will be a little off kilter, but I can't let it weigh me down. Besides, feeling on the lighter side of the scale is a good thing. So, tomorrow is another day and there is another day after that....ride the waves and hopefully I can tip the scales in my favour.

Basking in the sun

One of my favourite quotes is from Louise May Alcott -

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow them.”

For the past few days I have been a little in the dark. As I studied for my interview this weekend I looked to the sun to inspire me. I sat at my office desk in the sun - hoping it would shine it's light on me. I headed to the lake to let the glistening waters wash over my soul and cleanse my mind so I could reach those aspirations.

For the past 12 years I have enjoyed my career in the public service. I have had lots of interesting opportunities and challenges over the years, and I am ready to embark on a greater challenge, a new direction - upward. 2011 is to be MY YEAR of success, personally and professionally. When I awoke this morning I raised my spirit to the sky - sun salutations can brighten the darkest of day. It wasn't a dark day at all, I did my best in the interview and I hope I was able to convince the panel. That said, what will be will be.

Sometimes I think I have too many goals this year, but then, why not . We must aspire to greatness...reach for the sun. For me, I may not reach all of them, but I can believe and that will bring me success. Namaste.

Taking care of ME!

Today began with my monthly visit to my chiropractor - spine adjustment. As a runner, and more importantly someone over 50, finding methods to keep me healthy and on the road means accepting different forms of treatment. I don't like taking drugs to relieve my pains, so it is so much easier to take advantage of the non-traditional medicine methods, chiropractors, massage, yogi, and meditation, there are so many ways to find wellness and balance.

I have been feeling additional stress in my neck & head lately at work lately, so rather than take asprin, advil, whatever, I tried an Indian Head massage. If you have never experienced an Indian Head Massage, I highly recommend it. That is what I did at lunch today. I heading back to work feeling invigorated, and productive, versus, stressed and looking to snack on bad choices.

Today was my wellness day. Call it my selfish day. So often we take care of other - our children, our parents, our boss - we tend to forget about the most important person in our life - ourselves. I always think about the drill when on an airplane and the steward announces you must put your mask on first before putting it on your child. How can we help others, unless we take care of ourselves. My health is so important - I want to be around for a very long time and healthy. I hope to see my daughters happy in their grown up lives, maybe married, maybe grandchildren, not to mention hopefully growing old with the love of my life (need to find him first).

This year is about taking care of me. One day at a time.

Sad day for Canada

It is so hard to face defeat. I've been there. Success only to be challenge by an opponent who got the upper hand. In my case, my battle to keep the weight off that I lost 5 years ago.

Tonight Canada's Junior Hockey team was beat by Russia. Canada had the lead, they had control of the game, but they let their guard down. It goes to show you, you have to always be on your game. As great as small successes might be, unless you keep fighting or staying focused on your goal, it can slip away from you.

How many times did I say I would never gain the weight back that I had lost 5 years ago. Okay, I didn't gain it all back, but I let my guard down, I didn't stay focused and the weight tried to win the game. Well, I'm back, I'm focused on the goal and I won't let anything defeat me.

In hockey it's every goal achieved that wins a game. In weight loss, it's meeting every challenge and 'losing' verses gaining. I want the gold medal, no I won't be presented with one, but the fact that I stayed in the game will allow me to be a winner by losing. I will continue to practice and I will improve my ability to lose. It is all about balance - winning is losing. Very different than tonight's hockey game, but it sure puts things into perspective for me.

Meeting the challenge

I am a runner. Runners run for a number of reasons, some would say because we are crazy, or as my brother-in-law Butch would say - DFR, especially to do this during the winter in Canada. I actually don't know why I run. Rain, snow, sleet, blazing sun or bitter cold, I run. That said, I rarely run alone and when I run, I need a route - the route needs to engage me, maybe it's a trail, maybe a new hill to conquer or a timed race. As an extrovert, I am energized when I am around people, so I run with other runners.

This evening I had the pleasure of meeting more than 20 people who have accepted a challenge, either personal or one thrust upon them, to train to run 5km in the winter.

As the instructor for this clinic, I will provide them with the tools, techniques and tactics to be a successful 5k runner, thanks in part to a pre-determined program, but that isn't what will make this group succeed (okay maybe some of them). My real job is to inspire them, help them find their motivation, dig deep inside themselves to meet the challenge they have embarked upon.

So what does this have to do with my goal for 2011. Well, I know how to run, how to exercise, how to eat right and how to find balance in my life, it's not enough to have the tools, techniques or tactics to success, it takes commitment and passion to succeed. So, I ask the universe, why is it so hard for me to find the personal motivation to succeed? Following my 1/2 marathon last spring, my daughter told me that the reason I had such a tough time running the race alone (even though I had trained) was because I didn't have anyone to encourage or inspire along the way.

Yoga is an internal practice. I get that, however, I love to teach yoga. Like that old saying goes....those who can do - do, those who can't teach. In 4 days of self -reflection, a pattern is emerging (just like my Cassie said), I succeed best when I share the challenge and have someone to celebrate with when I meet the challenge.

I hope to develop the internal focus but in the meantime, Jocelyne and my new 5km group will be my inspiration to succeed with my goals. Getting out to run with them, share stories and succeed weekly will motivate all of us to meet our challenge, especially ME!

Journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step

I'm not sure who is the author of that quote, but it is relevant for the journey Jocelyne & I are on this year.

Today with the sun shining for the first time in weeks, I listened when it called me outdoors. It was a beautiful day to make that 'step', not quite a 1,000 miles but a nice 4km hike at Starkey's Hill in Puslinch.

The journey Jocelyne & I are heading this year to our goals is not much different than the hike we took today.

Along the journey we needed to be mindful of each step we took, making sure we didn't slip or lose our footing on the path, sometimes stepping off the path just a little, but keeping focused on the direction we were heading. Sometimes we needed to grab a branch for support. Billy also played a role in this journey of discovery. Snow balls formed between his toe pads, then they would turn into ice. Nothing was going to stop him, limping at times, he wouldn't let the obstacles stop his journey. He would stop and remove them or I would help him.

Jocelyne and I cannot let obstacles or a slippery path get in the way of our journey. Just like at Stakey's Hill we need to look ahead on the path we are traveling and anticipate those slippery patches and avoid them.

After a wonderful afternoon of discovery and reflection, I sat down to a healthy dinner and a glass of wine with intention and focus.
Namaste.

A Diary on Practice

Today I embarked on a challenge with one of my best friends. Jocelyne and I have been friends now for more than 5 years.

We met at a Weight Watchers group and as much as we lost weight, we gained a friendship. Our friendship has grown almost as quickly as the weight we have managed to gain back, so today we made a commitment, set goals and will support each other this journey (basically lose the weight we have gained back and take back our health). Rather than give WW our money again, we have decided to put the money ($20.00ea) into a sealed jar and take a holiday together at a yoga spa/retreat the week between Christmas and New Year's 2011.

I was reflecting this evening and wondered why we "practice yoga", but we don't practice eating, right like I need to practice eating. To become a yogi master, one must practice for many years and with intention and focus. There are so many yogi masters in the world, they eat to live, not live to eat. This year, I will try to integrate my yoga practice with my eating practice. Yoga helps me relieve the burdens of my day and life, it helps me to gain focus. What I do need to do is practice eating with intention and focus, in order to master my diet. My diet practice will help me to remove the burdens excess weight has on my health. That is my goal.

As a commitment to myself, I'll share my diet and yoga practice here.

Day One
My day started with green tea, 1/2 bagel with peanut butter (tablespoon). Jocelyne & I managed a short yoga session and then a lovely lunch - sauteed shrimp on romaine with a ginger/soy dressing. Apple for an afternoon snack. For dinner I grilled a 4 oz of salmon and 6 asparagus spears, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1/2 cup mushrooms sauteed in ginger/soy dressing. For dessert, 1 cup diet pudding. My eating today was just a little more mindful than my usual habits.

Here's to 2011.
Cheers & Namaste