I've lost my job. Time to run.

So what has been a remarkable journey with lululemon athletica is at a close. A roller-coaster of epic proportions, this job has taken me to the deepest darkest corners of my character and proven to me what I am able to endure. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

What does one do once they've been given the heave-ho?! Well I intend to dedicate myself to running, take a well deserved trip to Calgary to visit a friend on her birthday, and create a plan for the future. Goal setting, drive and creativity were a part of my life before lulu and will be now that that chapter of my life is over. However through lululemon I discovered a love for yoga and met a wonderful group of people that I will never forget. I was challenged and reminded of the importance of taking everything with a grain of salt and never losing sight of what I want and value.

Someone very dear to me said recently that it's not about what happens to you that matters, but what you decide to do with it. How will I react to getting fired? It remains to be seen, but I can promise you, this girl is going places. No doubt about it.

Spin with Hailee!

Looking for a great workout? Spinning definitely qualifies.

The concept of indoor cycling began in the 1980s and has since become quite a re-known fad in the realm of exercise regimes. The beauty of this workout is you get all the benefits of a "bike ride" without having to endure Mother Nature's capricious whims or impatient and potentially deadly drivers!

It's Thursday morning and we're walking into Fitness World. It's 9:25am and already the gym is filled with people pumping what looks like some serious iron. As we turn a corner the rows of bikes stand lined up like an army of sentinels ready to do battle. Without any further ado we clamber onto our bikes and begin warming up.

Blasting the tunes, my friend and instructor Hailee is guaranteed to make you break a sweat before the warm up is over! She takes us through a routine that simulates sprints, hill climbs, and interval training. The rows of occupied bikes give me a real sense of companionship on our toil toward the crest of the hill or the end of a sprint leg. The louder the beats the better so as to drown out the chorus of voices emanating from every cell in my body, on the verge of mutinying against the torture.

As the class comes to an end (I've checked the clock at least 30 times by now) and I teeter off my bike, Hailee finishes with a series of stretches made difficult only because somewhere along the line I have misplaced my ability to stand upright and wish I could simply crumple to the floor in a heap of sweaty spandex.

Despite all odds, I am hooked. With endorphins pumping, I think of how hard next week's session will be...and I grin, knowing i'll be in good company.

New Shoes: Who said running was a poor (wo)man's sport?

Today marks the day I finally replaced my ancient Brooks runners.I definitely traded up with a gorgeous pair of Mizuno Riders. Now I'm not one to research the topic to death but my more experienced friends tell me that buying shoes is one of the most important steps to comfortable training. After my recent experience, I'm inclined to agree.

I began my quest for new shoes about a year ago in Calgary, with my friend Rachel. She and I had decided to start running regularly. We had just finished an orienteering race in our rubber boots and decided a footwear upgrade, not mention a more rigourous training regime, was in need. She ended up purchasing a pair and I, undecided, made due with my well-worn and loved pair of Brooks.

I moved back to Vancouver in September, 2009. I was still lugging my ol' faithfuls around which were, due to their stench, banished to the garage. I started working at lululemon athletica shortly after my return, where I was informed by my co-workers that most people replace their shoes every 6 months! I think at this point mine were about 3 years old.

I realized that the financial investment

was only one aspect holding me back; I also had no idea what I was looking for in a shoe. The overwhelming number of technical running shoes on the market today is terrifying! I shopped around a bit, starting with the Running Room where I found out that I over-pronate slightly. This means my feet torque to the outside slightly as I walk/run. What's important then is a shoe that provides some "posting" or support to correct this tendency. The other question I was posed was whether I liked a nice light shoe or something a little more substantial. My recommendation? Try on as many pairs as you can until you find the right fit and feel.

I decided I wanted a shoe that wouldn't weigh me down any more than the extra 15lbs I carry around with me so I was told Mizuno was the way to go. Amongst the pairs I tried on were the Mizuno Wave Elixir 4/5, the Mizuno Inspire, and the Rider. I also investigated the Nike LunaRacer, and the Etonic Jepara 3 SC. All were lightweight and retailed for around $149.99 (give or take $10). I decided on the Rider based on feel, but also on look -what can I say it had it all! Not to mention the sweet wave plate technology which allows for the perfection combination of cushioning and stability.

Upcoming Race Goals

These are the races i've set my sights on for the near future. One of the biggest challenges I face is honouring the commitment to train for them. Having friends and family hold me accountable is important! Their support is crucial both on race day AND every day leading up to it.

Tip: Know someone who is working toward a goal? Next time you see them ask them how they're doing, not only will it thrill them to know you care enough to keep track, but it might also keep them from procrastinating taking that next step toward completion and ultimately success!

1. Vancouver Sun Run 10k, May 9, 2010 (under 45 min)

2. Scotiabank Vancouver 1/2 Marathon, Jun 27, 2010 (complete)

3. Honolulu Marathon, Dec 12, 2010 (complete)

"You're never too old to set a new goal or make a new dream." -C.S. Lewis

An Introduction: The initiative, the drive, the stamina.

I often joke that my main means of transportation is the heel-toe-express. Since I am carless, my feet and my bus pass get the most mileage on any given day and as a result my perspective of the world is somewhat different than most. The city of Vancouver boasts an efficient and well travelled transit system, has recently expanded several main thorough-fares to include cycling lanes, and on most days (rain or shine-but mostly rain) you can spot quite a few enviro/health-conscious commuters atop their bikes pedaling to and from work or the grocery store or the library, or their favorite cafe, etc...

The initiative behind this blog was born out of my desire to pay homage all of those motivated people who brave the elements in order to accomplish their daily responsibilities and who thrive doing so. It was also designed to inspire others (like myself), who finding themselves in the same boat do not relish their circumstances quite as much!

This blog was originally conceived with the intention of documenting "cool runnings:" new and creative trails, routes, events, and adventures to be experienced on foot. The concept has since morphed into a hodge-podge of fun facts, dear diary entries, goal setting sessions, and hopefully will contain a modicum of relevant and appreciated information regarding running and other healthy habits. The drive behind this endeavour is to improve my quality of life by seeking out ways to improve yours -since i'm borrowing a page out of the reverse psychology handbook I may as well be upfront about it ;) If I think you want to hear about it, then I'll experience it and tell you about it!

I am a rookie blogger and runner. What better way to embark on a journey to improve my skills in both areas than to embrace the public and, for better or worse, their opinion and advice? Hopefully this will turn out to be an open forum for tips, new ideas, enjoyed experiences, and dos and don'ts of all kinds. The stamina of this blog will be proven through goals set and achieved, the details of which will follow shortly...