M.O.T.I.V.A.T.I.O.N. – sometimes we have to dig deep to find it; especially on cold and windy (not to mention snowy) days. We look out the window to figure out what gear to wear but think how nice it would be to climb back into bed and snuggle with a good book in hand. Yes, you know… THOSE days.

I have been loving my high intensity workouts, my TRX, and this video but I have to admit, I have been really disliking ok, hating the cold and finding it hard to WANT to lace up and go out for a run. Who loves a wind burn? I don’t. Who loves running on the spot at times – or at least that’s what it feels like because it’s so windy -? I don’t.  Who loves the feeling after a good run? I DO!

After many runs last Winter in weather like this:

I should stop my whining and lace up, eh? Who’s with me.. want to go for a run? 

Yesterday, after a nice sleep in, waking up and fighting with my indecisive self, I laced up to go for a run.  I wasn’t overly excited about it but I dug deep for that m.o.t.i.v.a.t.i.o.n. and was out the door.
I got warmed up quickly and soon realized that I was being a baby for no reason because I actually ended up taking off my jacket. I didn’t have the best run in the world however, I did feel so good afterwards and was happy I got out the door!

I messaged my sister yesterday and asked if she wanted to run Around The Bay (ATB) with me this year. Her response: Isn’t that winter training? If it is, #$@* no! I called her a baby and she said she would rather be a baby than a crazy person. I may be crazy but when I set my mind to something, I am determined. I have been thinking HARD for a few days now, if I should run ATB this year… part of me really wants to because it’s a challenge and well, it’s FUN and the other part of me is unsure. I feel like I am so much stronger and toned since I’ve really started strength training compared to when I was running long miles weekly, and it hardly takes any time because it is high intensity.  I know it’s common to gain a few pounds when running long distance and I flat out – don’t want those extra pounds. Sooo there’s my dilemma. Ok, not really a dilemma, I know. I just need to make a decision SOON because this race sells out fast.

What’s YOUR favourite workout these days?

What’s the highlight from your weekend?!

PS: Go and check out my good friend, Alex’s music. He just released his first album “Chasing the Dark” a few days ago…. Christmas is just around the corner!!

Although our weekend at my parents place  was busy with work and some play, all around we had a good time.  Saturday morning it seemed that I was procrastinating by putting off my run that I had already told myself that I was going to do … but man did I feel good once I got going and even better once I finished.  I ran hard for a good hour and changed up the incline and speed throughout. I listened to my iPod and when the “shake your booty” type songs came on, I pushed harder. I want a treadmill! Gustavo was playing Lego with the boys in the same room… it was so cute when the youngest came over and asked me if the treadmill moves faster when a fast song is playing.                                            

                       The beauty of running in your own home… throw on whatever you want and go.

I slowly spinned, biked?.. whatever you call it, for about 10 minutes to cool down. Definitely nothing to intense. The last spin class I did was when I was in university… but wouldn’t it be nice to have a spin bike at home too? Please, Mom, don’t ever get rid of that k… k, thanks!

                                     I know, I know… what an awesome hair-do.

Saturday night, I went to one of my girlfriends cocktail bridal shower and had so much fun catching up with my girls. It felt nice to dress up in something other than the same old gym clothes. After being friends for soo many years, It’s so neat to see where we all are today and all the different things we are doing. No matter what we do, we always make time for each other which I am so grateful for. I have been friends with some of these girls for over 17 years and I just love them all so much.You know the friends where, no matter how far apart you are or how long it has been since the last visit, you know they will always be there for you? Those are my girls.

Sunday, I was tired but forced myself to do Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. It was my first time trying it out. Let me tell you, it didn’t start out very well. I was so frustrated with the video because you MUST watch the commercials for The Biggest Loser workout videos and the little summary of what the 30 day shred is all about. I was trying to get straight to the menu and accidently hit a button which started the commercials all over again. I was annoyed. I don’t want to see that.. the whole point to trying the video in the first place was to get a high intensity workout in a short amount of time since my time was limited.  In the end, I had a really good workout and could feel it the next day too which is a bonus.

Mi Mama always sends us home with some goodies and here is a few from this weekend that I can’t wait to get at… thanks Mom!
Do you have a favourite workout video or do you normally avoid them?

Tell me the highlight of your weekend!!

**Sorry the spacing is all wonky in this post… WHY does wordpress give me so much trouble with spacing? Does anyone else have trouble with this?

Helllllo blogging world! I’m happy to be back and catch up with all of you. Between being sick this past week, without internet for one day (yes, I almost didn’t survive…), and not being on the computer much, I didn’t have much to blog about. Who knows, maybe I still don’t but I was missing you guys, so here I am :)

I haven’t ran in the past week… being sick and running is a no no, well I mean I could have gone but it would have been painful, so I decided to take it easy and got a few workouts in at home when I felt up for it. I have really been enjoying my short intense workouts at home but I am feeling antsy to get out for a run. I feel like I haven’t been eating the greatest lately… I may have tried one of these…
But don’t worry.. G-Man and I shared it. It wasn’t the greatest and definitely NOT worth the calories or fat. I surprisingly didn’t check the nutritional stats before buying it and it’s a good thing because I probably would have had a heart attack. Oh well, it’s gone now so there is no need to stress over it, right? Right. However, G-man took good care of me and made homemade chicken soup, loaded with fresh cilantro and lime juice. He makes THE BEST soup!

After getting my appetite back, I was just craving some greens. I feel great to be drinking these babies again. I have been loading on the spinach and my protein powder really takes away that "green" taste which is a bonus. The other day, when I was looking through my cupboard, I found a can of chickpeas and I thought I won the lottery. I love roasting them after marinating them for a few hours in lemon juice and spices. I saw this recipe here over at Mama Pea’s, although I changed it and used what I had on hand. Fresh lemon juice and chilli powder with a little bit of olive oil. YUM! They are seriously so so good!

You really should try them if you are a fan of chickpeas.

Tonight G-Man, the boys and I arrived at my parents house. I just love coming home. Except for the fact that my Mom always buys treats for the boys… like the big bowl of Halloween candy that is sitting on the table.. which is nice of her but not nice for me since I have no self control when it comes to sweets. Thanks Mom.. next time at least hide it from me! We arrived to SNOW.. yes, Winter is now upon us.

Our time here is always busy with either appointments, photo shoots or events to go to. I’m not complaining because I love connecting with the people I love but it’s unfortunate that the time always flies by.  I do plan to take full advantage of my Madres treadmill and the spin bike downstairs.. my legs are itching to run! 

Have a GREAT weekend wherever you are. Remember to embrace those around you and make time for a little movement!

Run hard, eat well and live better!