Running the Race

Last Saturday I ran my first 5K race. Seriously.  Worst.  Longest.  Most Torturous.  Painful.  Awful ..... thirty one minutes of pain. No other way to describe it. I have not been feeling well - battling a chest cold, I haven't trained properly.  I stopped three times on route to hack up a lung.  I almost cried when every time I turned a corner another uphill and subsequent muddy downhill awaited me.   The race was over for me about two minutes in when the little voice in my head said, "you can't do this".  I never got into a happy place, and let the negative feelings defeat me before I had even started.   I never let myself look around and see that I was running through a light fog, in an idyllic forest setting, over small bridges, under canopies of tall trees.  I missed the beauty and freedom of what I set out to do, and instead let self doubt seep in as "not good enough" became my mantra, running on repeat in my head.
One thing I love about running is that no matter how I set out, I always return a little changed. It helps me to learn a little about myself each and every time.
I finished. It hurt.  But I am determined to try again. And no matter how fast or slow my feet move, I will make sure that the little negative voice stays at home and build time in my run to stop and smell the roses.

Life is beautiful!

A challenge, of sorts.... I have two clients who have chosen to work toward the Heydenshore Hoedown 5km run/walk at the end of July.  If anyone is interested in joining a team of CORE friends in this goal it would be wonderful!  We are not looking at a competitive situation, just to help each other achieve this shared goal of participating, finishing and enjoying!  Let us know!

Hmmmm. What?? How are my 2011 goals going? Ummm....how do you like this weather we're having...

As a health professional, I should be eschewing the virtue of commitment and resilience - the ability to work towards and achieve that which is important to you. Employing willpower and using every tool in your arsenal to complete the task or goal you have set yourself. You can do anything!  Nothing can stop you!  Work hard, sweat harder, feel strong, live long, you know (and have probably heard) those or other familiar words of encouragement coming from my mouth at one time or another.  These words are true, and every time I ask you to surprise yourself, always remember that nothing you accomplish surprises me. I see what you put in, and what you get back, each and every time I stand in front of you. 
My goals?  Oh, well. Mmmmmmhhhhh........  fine!
Big fat zero accomplished of these goals. Have yet to have a massage. Family time? Well, it's there - but difficult to balance as I work mornings and nights, Sean in between.  Three cycling tours?? Haven't even gotten on my bike.  And the worst?? Still drinking Diet Coke as if it is the only thing that will sustain me. Yes, yes I am.
But - I have decided to do a duathlon this summer (and signed up - so there is no backing out), and will be doing my first 5km running race this Saturday to "test the waters". We have all got Friday off, and will be spending it how we all please - together.  I asked my daughter if she wanted to ride her bike while I went for a short run, she agreed.  That short run ended an hour later with her and I slapping high fives after having some of the best conversation we have ever shared. A warm, sweaty hug was shared and acknowledgement that this was a must-do again.  My son woke up at midnight the other night with sore legs, which turned into an hour long leg rub, cuddle and conversation on how we could accomplish world domination, one toot at a time.   We have decided to do the "Ride 4 the Rouge" as a family and enjoy a bike tour together for a great cause.  So the family time might not be entirely conventional, but we are outside, together  - laughing and smiling. Plus it makes our snuggly time all the much more enriching.  The little bums are so tired they actually stay still!
Someday my massage will come. Someday........
And Diet Coke - say it with me - "You can do anything!" "You are strong" "Nothing can stop you!"  Ah, thanks - I needed that!!  Back to the drawing board, but determined to kick the habit, one can at a time.

Happy Easter everyone! 

ZUMBA playlist April/May 2011

Sharing the songs with my ZUMBA amigos! See below for the songs you will (and have) been hearing in class for April/May.  Love to keep it fresh and fun! Please let me know if you have any suggestions or favourite songs you would like to hear.  I will reiterate that if you want any if this music, please search by title on ITunes, then purchase from the original artist - not anything labeled Zumba Fitness - the only legal place to purchase Zumba music is on zumba.com or through a ZIN member (moi!) which I would be glad to do for you upon request.
5 Letras - reggaeton
Volare - (Gypsy Kings) flamenco
Baila Pa Emociona - calypso warmup
Mueve La Cadera  - cumbia/samba
Cumbia Arabe - cumbia
Pegate -(Groupe Treo) merengue
Don't Let Me Down - swing
Zumba He Zumba Ha (DJ Mam's feat Soldat Jahman & Luis Guisao) French Reggaeton
Bomba Camara - salsa
Que Te Meuve - merengue
La Cumbia De L'Amor - Cumbia
Hella Decale - (DJ Mam's feat. Doukali & Soldat Jahman) French Bollywood
Na Ponta do Pe - Samba
I Love Salsa - salsa
Sahara Oasis - belly dance
And of course our favourite cool down tunes!

Hope you enjoy the spring music - looking forward to keeping our music and choreography fresh and fun!!
Cuckoooo!

Spring is Springing!

It has been a long, dark winter. Each morning as I woke up and groggily dragged myself over to the window, I would crack one eye open and be momentarily filled with hope. Each morning I got grey skies, cold, damp and well, winter. Winter! Imagine - winter in Canada. I really don't know what I expected.  I know that I am an eternal optimist, and that I always try to look for the good in everything, but not even I can wish away the snow in our beautiful northern country. 
One of the reasons that I love being a fitness instructor is that I get to see people beat the odds. I see people take steps to change their lives. I see smiles bloom, where self doubt once festered. I see posture change from "please don't look at me" to "look at me world!"  I see waistlines shrink, eyes brighten, steps quicken, smiles broaden and bodies strengthen. I see personal transformation occur in each and every class, and celebrate each victory, big and small, with all of the people who take part in our programs. 
Last weekend I had one of the greatest experiences of my life.  I got to lead a class of over 130 people, aged 1- over 80 years old.  Simply amazing - the energy in that room was inspiring - and I can still see the smiles of each and every person who came.  We danced for Gillie Beans. To make a video and celebrate a life cut too short.  We danced together. We laughed together. We remembered a special girl, or met her for the first time. No one left unchanged.
The sun shone, it's warm rays bathing us in it's light. Ribbons waved, laughter carried in the breeze, something special was in the air. 
Spring is a very subjective thing. I know there is a specific date that marks its official beginning, but everyone has that one special thing that makes it real for them.  The first robin, hopping along on the front lawn.  Crocus popping out of the still frozen ground.  That first family walk together in the new warmth. Easter. When does spring begin for you?
I realize that for me it is futile to check out the window each morning for signs of spring. I see it every day.  Every time something beautiful comes to life before my very eyes, and every single time that I see hope and joy arise triumphantly to chase the grey clouds away. 
Spring is springing. Bask in it!