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"Hey, that's not fair!" food frustrations

2/22/2018

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I'm currently at work and reading the news as I eat my lunch. A lunch which consists of a large bowl of kale, collard greens, cucumber, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, kidney beans and a tablespoon and a half of a homemade salad dressing. I actually have this same lunch every weekday and really enjoy it. As I'm eating, I come across the following article in the Toronto Star and find myself looking down into my bowl of salad with a, "Well, what the ?!" reaction.

The article describes a study whereby 600 participants "cut back on added sugar, refined grains and highly processed foods while concentrating on eating plenty of vegetables and whole foods," such as, "brown rice, barley, steel-cut oats, lentils, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, quinoa, fresh fruits, legumes...olive oil, salmon, avocados, hard cheeses, vegetables, nut butters, nuts and seeds, and grass-fed and pasture-raised animal foods." Participants were not told not to worry about counting calories,  limiting portions or increasing their exercise levels "beyond federal guidelines for physical activity."

And--wouldn't you know--over a year most participants lost weight and "saw improvements in other health markers, like reductions in their waist sizes, body fat, and blood sugar and blood pressure levels.​" 

"The research lends strong support to the notion that diet quality, not quantity, is what helps people lose and manage their weight most easily in the long run. It also suggests that health authorities should shift away from telling the public to obsess over calories and instead encourage (people) to avoid processed foods that are made with refined starches and added sugar."


Wait a minute--that's what I do...

If you follow me on social media or have been around me during meal times, you'll know that the majority of what I eat can be described as what is described above (with the recent exception of excluding animal products). I eat better now (and even more so in the past five years) than I have my entire life. Yet every single day I struggle with keeping my weight in check. I've spent countless amounts of time focusing on what I eat and  how it will affect my body. I count and track calories, points, nutrients, pounds, activities, steps. And please don't tell me to stop because I know if I don't, I gain. Do I eat things that would be discouraged in this article? Absolutely. Do I eat them often? No. Those items represent perhaps 5-10% of my overall diet. I often joke that my biggest food 'sin' is my definition of a tablespoon of unsweetened all natural peanut butter. 

I guess the reason for writing this my annoyance in hearing about the weight loss success of others making the same change to their lifestyle that I've followed for years. It makes me want to say, "Hey! That's not fair, that's what I do every day!" I know that overall I am very healthy--and for that I am incredibly thankful and proud. It is purely the weight maintenance struggle part of the equation that is incredibly frustrating. I guess I always think that it should be easier. 

Will I change what I eat after reading about this study? You'd probably expect me to say no, but in fact I probably will, as I am always trying to make improvements. Slight tweaks here and there. 

Back to my kale salad...

Quotes above from:  www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/2018/02/22/counting-calories-is-not-the-key-to-weight-loss-new-study-finds.html, by Anhad O'Connor, The Toronto Star,  Thursday, February 22, 2018
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10 reasons why a run injury in February is a good thing

2/11/2018

2 Comments

 
It's now been a month since I last ran. Given the chance, of course I would absolutely rather be running, but if there were a few weeks that made me just a little bit smug about not running, these would probably be it!

​I've found that being able to at least write about running related topics has kept me feeling productive and in touch. So, as a twist to my 'Suggestions for a runner not running' post, here are the top 10 reasons why having a running injury in February is actually a good thing...

1. The obvious one...the weather

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There is literally a mountain of snow in my backyard, piled high by my husband to give the dogs room to play. Over the past three days we've received 25 cm of snow, on top of the snow we already had on the ground. Today there was wind, a moment of sun, pouring rain, ice pellets and fluffy snow all within a few hours. 

We all know that if you didn't post it on social media it didn't happen. Well, it's been so cold that you wouldn't want to be taking your mitts off to take photos anyway. Who knows, there may be other friends out there who are injured but I'd just been thinking they were too cold to post running photos. 

2. Extra coffee or tea...Who needs to hydrate with water if you're not running?

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Let's just say I've become well acquainted with my Starbucks and Tim Horton's apps this month.

3. You have an excuse to parking close instead of trying to get in more steps

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My husband has had the car all to himself most weekend days because I'm not driving all over the GTA to get to races. I rarely have to clean snow off the car, and I get to park close to where I'm going and not feel guilty!

4. You can watch the Olympics and feel patriotic instead of lazy

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Just try to tell me those doubles curling matches weren't really cool! 

5. Valentine's Day chocolate

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Enough said. 

6. Your shoes won't get salt stained

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I have a new pair of my favourite shoes just waiting for the day I can run again. And I'm kinda happy I won't have to break them out in the snow, slush and salt!

7. Your running clothing laundry is way less than usual 

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My closet is overflowing just a bit right now!

8. Your Garmin battery lasts a really long time and your iPhone doesn't freeze

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The panda has been really happy.

9. When you eat comfort food and do things like crocheting, they are seasonably appropriate

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Currently accepting suggestions for things to crochet.

10. If you're gonna choose a month to be injured, it might as well be the shortest one!

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I'm hoping that the injury will be short lived too!
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Suggestions for a Runner Not Running

2/8/2018

8 Comments

 
I've managed to stay relatively positive the past few weeks while not running due foot pain. While there are definite negatives, I've tried to keep my mind open to staying busy to occupy my mind and time. I thought I'd create somewhat of a list of things I've done in hopes of giving others hope that it's not all doom and gloom.

1. Explore a tiny section of the city

My hubby Erick and I went for an impromptu drive and stroll (literally 500 meters out and back) with the dogs along the Martin Goodman Trail. When you are used to running the trail, it's refreshing to stop and explore a spot with no agenda or pace. 
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I also had a chance to check out the new subway line extension when I headed up to York University and the OMA track meet. I love how spacious the new stations are. Amazing that there is still space within the city to do this. 
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2. Go to the mall

It's been years since I wandered around a mall. I do so much online shopping or shop at single stores downtown or 'big box' type stores. One weekend day I grabbed one of my Christmas gift cards and we checked out the not-so-new-anymore Sherway Gardens renos. At a couple points I sat to rest my foot while my hubby went into stores and people watched. At lunch time we checked out the food court, we so rarely eat fast food anymore, and was so happy to discover Chipotle! I now have a new go-to for vegan take out. 
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3. Visit friends in another city with a new house and puppy

Given little Ailo this one didn't take much convincing! But you know those friends you've been saying, "It's been so long! We must get together!" DO IT. 
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4. Cook

My friends know I am already big into cooking and food prep. Sometimes this past year I've had two running events in a weekend which makes it challenging to fit it all in. The past couple weeks I've rejigged my tasks so I can spend my Sunday doing these tasks at a more leisurely pace. This has meant I've had more time to be creative in what I make and even make cookies for the first time in a couple years. 
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5. Plan and reflect 

I'm sure this has really helped. I've continued to look into races, jump on a sale for run fuel and read interesting articles about running. Last weekend I took all of my medals and bibs from their storage box and sorted them by year and took photos for a blog post. I realized at that point that I was headed towards my fifth runniversary. The mental wheels started turning considering what I could do to celebrate. You'd think that all of these running things would get me down, but instead they have kept me inspired. 
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6. Teach your Mum to text

Okay, so maybe your parents already knows how to text. My Mum didn't. I recently gave her my old iPad and we got together to have a lesson on using it. It was weird yet fun to have the roles reversed and to be showing her how to do things. All of those little things we all thought we so cool when we first had smart phones or devices are new again. Emojis. Solitare. Sending photos. Gifs. And the good morning texts from your Mum. 
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7. Do non-running things with your running friends

Okay, so even some of our non-running events still involve running! Some of the fun stuff that's happened the past few weeks have been a Gary Robbins and Ginger Runner movie screening and interview of Where Dreams Go to Die, a post race coffee date and half-price pizza afternoon downtown. 
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8. Go see your niece play volleyball and nephew play hockey

Weekends are precious. It seems that there is always so much to do. You say you want to do something and never get around to doing it. This time off has been an awesome opportunity to do some of those things. We drove out to Bowmanville to see my niece play in a volleyball tournament. I'd never been to one and it was really exciting! Two weeks later we got to see my nephew play hockey. We've seen him play before, but it was a couple years ago. It was amazing to see how much he had improved! 
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9. Go to a race to cheer and support your friends

One of my early thoughts when I realized my pain wasn't going anywhere was about the races I'd be missing. Well, as it turns out, I don't have to miss the races! I can still go, I just have to change up what I'm doing while there! Cheering at the recent OMA Mini Meet #2 and Robbie Burns was so fun I literally did forget that I wasn't racing. There's nothing like watching a huge crowd of runners take off at the start then experiencing the calm before the storm of their return. I think this has been a huge plus in my mental game. 
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10. Rest, write, snuggle and drink warm beverages

I have to admit that spending the past few weeks mostly inside with warm hoodies, socks and tea hasn't been much of a hardship given the very cold and snowy winter! Our dogs have gotten the short end of the stick with losing out on their long walks. They have however received numerous extra snuggles. My hubby has been stuck with having me around more, which has meant cookies, so I don't think he minds! Things on my to-do list have been checked off and I've kept up with my blog, which, frankly has provided an amazing outlet for figuring out my thoughts. Which reminds me, it's time for tea!
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8 Comments

Robbie Burns 8K Race Recap: From a Cheerleader

2/7/2018

4 Comments

 
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Robbie Burns was the first race ever that I registered for, but did not run.

Last year this had been my PB 8K course and where I'd received my first OMA Road Series medal.  I hadn't expected to better my time this year, but since so many friends had signed up and it was the selected OMA 8K race once again,  it was an easy choice to add to my calendar. 

I've now learned that the more races you register for, the higher your chances are of injury within that season. Just kidding (sort of). As race day approached I kept flip-flopping on my ability to possibly still race. Looking back with 20/20 hindsight, I am so glad I didn't. Instead I decided I'd go to cheer on my friends, help them out as well as snap photos. I considered trying to give away my bib, but after having a quick look at the race website and not finding any info about transferring it, I figured I'd just keep it as this would mean I would still be able to eat some of those yummy post race cookies! 
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​We coordinated an elaborate car pooling plan for race morning and seven of us were soon on our way in two car. We scored a prime parking spot near the school and I promptly gave Allison, Maria and Kate the low-down on where everything was (including the washroom that only has a line up in the last 10 minutes before the race start--shhh!). We collected our bibs intending to also collect Leanne, Erik and Michelle's. We scanned the list a couple times. No Michelle Clarke. I'm so glad I kept my bib! After a quick transfer at the registration desk, Michelle now had a bib! She kept thanking me and I kept saying it of all people it was an honour to have her use it when I couldn't. ​
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After hanging around the school gym (I love this part of the race) staying warm, we headed out to the start behind the bagpipers. Ed Whitlock's son was there to start everyone on their way. Ed had been at the race last year, one of / if not the last races he was at before passing away.

​After snapping some photos in the start corral, I made my way to the zone ahead of the start line to snap some photos of Krista DuChene, Mary Unsworth and other speedsters. Alan Brooks was there as well as Edison snapping a million photos for each that I took. ​
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​It's quite something to be on the sidelines when everyone passes at a race start. So much excitement, so many people, and then--NOTHING. I wandered over to the deserted finish line where volunteers started getting medals ready. Karyn and Dan were spectating as well, and we chatted with Alan about the recent Houston marathon and made predictions based on his very accurate calculations on when the first male and female would round the corner to the finish. The sun was out and I wasn't cold even though I wasn't running. We'd joked earlier about it being the nicest Robbie Burns weather ever and that there were going to be a lot of overdressed runners out there. 
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KARYN'S EPIC FINISH!
It seemed like just moments later when someone caught sight of the leader. Once he crossed, only seconds separated the finishers behind him. The lead female soon followed. I'd seen Mary Unsworth at the track the past two years for OMA. She'd broken the Canadian record for 5000 meter in her age the previous week. It wasn't a surprise to see her use every ounce of energy on that final sprint to second. Krista followed with an amazing performance on her road to Boston in a couple months. 
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​As I stood with my camera at the finish, I saw many familiar faces as they approached the finish. My throat was definitely sore later that day from cheering! My friends all looked incredible as they ran those steps across the finish mats. I snapped a few more group photos and we made our way inside for snacks and awards. 
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​I was so glad I was there to see Maria receive an age award! She, as well as Leanne and Mei received top results in the OMA Road Race series. I am so glad to have more friends in the medal race with Michelle and I! 
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PHOTO: LEANNE CHISHOLM ​
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LOOK CLOSELY AT THE PHOTO ABOVE...31:12 FINISH TIME...NOPE. NOT MINE, BUT FUN TO SEE THIS LITTLE GLITCH IN TRANSFERRING BIBS TO MICHELLE!
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PHOTO: LEANNE CHISHOLM 
​When I arrived home and was sorting through the photos, I realized that not for a moment did I feel sad that I wasn't racing. I had such a good time seeing my friends out there. Oh--and I still got cookies. 
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Reflections and Plans for my Fifth Runniversary

2/4/2018

1 Comment

 
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July 1, 2018 will mark five years to the day since I ran 5K continuously after 'learning' to run the month earlier.

October 20, 2013 was the day I ran my very first road race, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 5K. At this point I'd already registered for a second race with my sister later that month. I think it was some time around that fall that I truly felt like I could call myself a runner. ..Wow, if I only knew how my life would change over the next five years!

Given that I've been 'benched' for a couple weeks, I've had an opportunity to reflect on the past few years and where I'm headed. For one thing, I've realized that I've run a lot of races! I've tried track, trail, cross-country, and relay races.  I've been an ambassador for several races. Our team Endorphriends was sponsored by Reebok for an incredible 300km Ragnar relay journey. I've helped coordinate an inclusive group of runners called JPsTeam.  I've been able to better my race times. I've done a destination race. I've run in costume or tutu--a few times. I've run race distances that span from 600 meters to 30 kilometres.  I've joined Ontario Masters Athletics and participated in all of their running events. I got  a run coach. I've improved my health physically and emotionally. And I've made the most incredible friends ever.

I've kept every one  of my medals and bibs since that first race. While some races don't have medals, all but one has had a bib (Ragnar trail had one bib for the whole team). I've always intended to have some sort of display, but have never been able to decide on what I wanted. Today I sorted through all the bibs and medals and placed them into decorative boxes by year. It was so fun to look back on each and remember parts of each race.

Hopefully I'll be lacing up my shoes and hitting the roads again soon. On the plus side, this time 'off' has been fun to reflect on what will soon be five years, and possible ways to commemorate this milestone. 

2013

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2014

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2015

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2016

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2017

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1 Comment

    Cathy V

    Running. Design.  Family. Dogs. Gardening. Food. Crochet. Canadian. 
    ​Order varies. 


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