THE Jog Blog – Post Halloween

November 3, 2011 By Tina Moore

Rockets (Also called Smarties in the USA)

I rarely eat candy and never have it in my house; however, I ate a handful at work and my body let me know! My body is extremely sensitive to caffeine, alcohol, fast foods and medication. This experience inspired this blog on tips for good health over the next couple of months.

Halloween is now over and we are haunted by the left over candy, chocolate bars and chips that sit in the dark shadows of our cupboards.

It seems Halloween is the door that opens to darker days, longer nights, poorer food choices and less exercise. It’s hard to get up in the cold, dark morning to go work out! The body wants to roll over, hide under the covers and cocoon!

Lovely fruits and vegetables freshly picked from your own garden or carefully chosen at the Farmer’s Market is a thing of the past. We rely more on canned goods, processed or frozen food. Some are a good source of nutrition but some are not.

After November comes December where we have fun celebrating the holidays but tend to eat more rich, sweet food, drink more alcohol, sleep less and have more stress usually due to busy schedules and money.

So, how can YOU prepare for the next couple of months?

MAKE YOUR HEALTH A PRIORITY!

Here are some HEALTHY eating and exercise tips:

  1. Carefully schedule your time to include exercise AND rest.
  2. Read labels and choose food that has high nutritional value.
  3. Avoid processed, fast food that may fill you up in the moment but actually drains you of energy.
  4. Don’t purchase the chips or sweets while you are grocery shopping. Instant gratification is not always a good choice. If you decide you want it later that night, walk to the store to get it. That gives you time to think about your choice.
  5. Be mindful of whether you are reaching for the sweets because you are hungry or because you are stressed, lonely, sad or bored.
  6. Surround yourself with POSITIVE people who will SUPPORT you living a healthy lifestyle.
  7. Have a workout buddy. If you are accountable to someone else in the early morning, you are more apt to get up and OUT THE DOOR!

Remember: YOUR LIFE IS YOUR LIFE! YOU HAVE CONTROL. YOU HAVE CHOICES.

It may not be the easiest choice in the moment, but it will be the right choice because you are making yourSELF the priority and loving your body by taking CARE of it! This is the gift you give yourSELF.

CHOOSE HEALTH.

CHOOSE EXERCISE.

CHOOSE REST.

CHOOSE YOU!

I wish you a LOVE-ly weekend full of fresh air, laughter, warm hugs and quiet reflective moments by a bright window. See you on Tuesday my friends!

With a smile,

Tina

PS. If you want all my tips in one neat little package plus some inspiration and insight, check out my book “The Decision”. It will give you all the tools and steps you need to create positive changes in your life and keep you on track during the dark, cold months ahead!

THE Jog Blog – 47

October 27, 2011 By Tina Moore 3 Comments

Tina’s Post Marathon Thought Process:

“Ok, now what?”

That’s right; it’s time to choose another GOAL.

YAY!

I LOVE GOALS!

It is my experience that if I don’t have a goal, I don’t have motivation. If I don’t have motivation, I am less likely to make jogging a priority. If I don’t jog, I’m not HAPPY, and that’s just not an option anymore!

So, here is where YOU come into the picture: WHERE SHOULD I RUN NEXT?

After the Victoria Goodlife Fitness Marathon, I am definitely inspired to visit other places to run. I embrace the scenery, people and the experience as a whole. It’s a holiday and an accomplishment all in one! LOVE IT!

I would like to run 4 half marathons next year and maybe a couple of 10K runs. I have already experienced the Diva Run, which I LOVED and the Underwear Affair (also great FUN) so those are definitely possibilities.

Here are some other options:

MAY

Boogie the Bridge

This is an event with LOTS of community SPIRIT! It’s close to Vancouver so I could run and visit my many friends and family in Kamloops. Definitely an option!

BMO Vancouver Marathon and Half Marathon

This is in my home city but I haven’t run this particular course. I’ve been told there is a nasty hill at the end of the run which is an intriguing challenge for me.

JUNE

Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon

I’ve enJOYed this event with my sole sisters for 2 years in a row and I would LOVE to do it again! Sharing this experience with good friends is such a blessing. It’s an opportunity for us to get together and shop, laugh, eat, talk, laugh and then run. FUN!

SEPTEMBER

Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon

A couple of my sole sisters went down for this run and had a blast…running, laughing and then celebrating afterwards by sampling wine with other happy joggers. Sounds good to me!

OCTOBER

Nike’s Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon

This looks like a beautiful run with some challenging hills. You also get a necklace designed by Tiffany’s! This race is a little more expensive but would be worth the trip because San Francisco is such a lovely city!

NOVEMBER

Anica Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon

This is also a more difficult event with some hills. The shirts look awesome (I am loving my Victoria Goodlife Fitness shirt!) and the course looks scenic. When I spoke to the representative at the beginning of the month, she said the weather is unpredictable. Planning for rain would be a prerequisite for this run.

IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE SHARE WITH MYSELF AND THE OTHER READERS!

WHERE SHOULD WE GO RUN AND CELEBRATE OUR GOALS? WHERE CAN WE GO TO HAVE SOME FUN!!!

So now you know what FITNESS GOALS I am considering for next year, have you set any GOALS for yourself? A 5K run? 10K event? Half or full marathon? Triathalon?! It’s important to have goals during the winter months to keep yourself motivated during the rainy or cold season. If you need some motivation, check out my eBook, “The Decision”.

Once you’ve made your goal I’d love to hear how you are challenging yourself!

Have a HAPPY weekend and SAFE Halloween! See you on Tuesday!

With a smile,

Tina

 

Many Marathon Memories

October 20, 2011 By Tina Moore 1 Comment

Immediately after Jody and I crossed the finish line!

Last week I shared my journal entries and photos of my very FIRST MARATHON: 42K on my 42nd birthday.

The day itself was amazing but the weekend began with a FUN ride to Victoria with Jody. Our laughter and conversations started there and carried on throughout the weekend.

I LOVE GoodLife Fitness Shirts!

On Saturday we met at the “Race Expo” which is such a thrill for me. When I arrive, I can’t contain the energy and excitement I feel for the actual race day.

You find your bib number then pick up your race package which includes the bib, timing chip, safety pins, and other information. You can check out the vendors who have everything from sport drinks, clothing, and jewellery to magazines, books and massage services.

I LOVED the shirts you get with GoodLife Fitness Marathon and Half Marathon. They’re exceptional! Good quality, nice colors and excellent fit.

Incredible!

Looking back on race day, I have no regrets starting at the earlier time because we were a smaller group who owned the city streets that morning. We didn’t have to wait for a large mass of people to cross the start line before we could cross; we all just crossed over together. I felt connected to my little group of early morning risers!

 

It does look funny!

During my long training runs I had strange cravings for bread so I decided to pack some with me. I can’t tell you how many comments I had regarding my ‘buns’.

“Does that hurt?” (As my buns banged against my butt for 20K…and the answer was no, it was almost like a massage!)

“Hey, there goes BUNS ON THE RUN”

“You’d better watch out for the birds! They’re following you!”

Despite my funny buns, I was extremely grateful at around 28K as I inhaled the first of the buns. At 32K I inhaled some more and then the buns fell out of my little bag, so the birds did indeed get my buns.

At one point in the run a young teenage volunteer steered us in the wrong direction, so Jody and I ran a little further than necessary. Luckily the road swung around and we ended up back on track but that was a slight moment of “Oh-oh!”

He said he was from a drinking group with a running problem!

Another section of the road there was a fellow handing out small shots of beer. Did we stop? OF COURSE WE STOPPED! We had a quick little cheers and went on our way.

At 32K I was really happy; it was only 10K to go. At 37K my legs decided they were getting tired and I sensed negative thoughts trying to creep in but I repeated my motto:

I FEEL GOOD; I FEEL STRONG

I also insisted on jogging with a SMILE so I pushed through. At that moment, you have a CHOICE and I chose to NOT INVEST IN NEGATIVE THOUGHTS.

At 40K I started to get emotional and at 41K I saw my sister and my Mom at the side of the road cheering us on. It cracked me up because I could hear my sister in her high heels trying to catch up…clickclickclickclick…along the side walk…

Jody and I could see the finish line, we weren’t stopping for anything!

Because our time was much better than expected, I don’t think anyone actually saw us cross the finish line but we finished strong, happy and victorious and were greeted by huge hugs and tears from friends and family a few minutes later.

It will be a day I never forget.

TUESDAY I LAUNCH MY EBOOK CALLED:

”THE DECISION”

YOU CAN GET A SNEAK PEEK OF THE FIRST CHAPTER BY CHECKING OUT THE SIDE BAR THIS WEEKEND!

It’s been over a year of hard work, PASSION and dedication towards something I strongly believe in and I can’t wait to share the entire book with you.

Make this weekend a memorable one. Do something a little out of your comfort zone, create a random act of kindness or carve out some ‘me’ time.

See you on Tuesday!

With a smile,

Tina

 

THE Jog Blog – MARATHON!

October 13, 2011 By Tina Moore 7 Comments

PURE JOY!

It’s difficult for me to put into words the true depth of my emotion regarding the marathon I ran on Sunday, October 9, 2011 in the beautiful city of Victoria, BC.

I have enormous GRATITUDE for the LOVE of friends and family cheering me on both in person and through emails, thoughts and prayers. Thank YOU!

I continue to feel the purest of JOY and the smile just won’t leave my face. I remain EXCITED, ENERGIZED and HAPPY. It is such a GIFT.

I decided I would let the photos speak for themselves and share some actual journal entries:

Saturday, October 8, 2011

8:30 am

Tomorrow I run 42K. It’s still a bit surreal.

It's a long way!

I feel happy, strong, blessed, grateful, determined, focused and supported.

I feel GOOD.

9:16 pm

I’m in the hotel room with my dear Sole Sisters, settling down and getting focused.

Photo taken just before they ran their half marathon!

What do I see for tomorrow?
  • Sunshine
  • Excitement
  • Gratitude
  • Joy
  • Love
  • Strength

I plan to enJOY every minute of it!

I see Jody and I laughing, enjoying the gorgeous scenery surrounded by happy people.

The volunteers and spectators were AWESOME!

This is it Tina. 42by42.

This is the one and only time you will experience 42K on your 42nd birthday so enJOY it, LOVE it, APPRECIATE it.

I am blessed.

I am strong.

I am happy.

I feel good.

I feel ready.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

5:30 am

This is it!

Here we go. So EXCITED!

I’m EXCITED! HAPPY!

Not fully awake!!

Feeling FOCUSED. DETERMINED.

Such a BEAUTIFUL morning! HAPPY!!

NO OPTION TO FAIL.

I want 42K of JOY, 42K of LAUGHTER. 42K of MEMORIES.

I literally said to Jody, "What? We're at 16K already?" Too much FUN!

I HAVE DECIDED TO HAVE AN AMAZING RUN.

Feeling totally HAPPY, JOYFUL and STRONG!

Positive, happy, joyful energy.

 

Half way there and feeling nothing but JOY!

Loving, excited, POSITIVE thoughts.

I have my friends and family here and I have so much support from people through emails and messages.

I have much to feel grateful for – GRATITUDE, LOVE, JOY and DETERMINATION can take you much further than 42K.

How lucky am I to run today?

I think of my friends and family who are ill and struggling or who are caring and fighting for their loved ones who are ill.

I am blessed to run today. I am blessed and grateful.

Still SMILING!

I will run with that appreciation in my heart.

I will remember where I’ve come from and where I want my life to go.

When I turned 39, I DECIDED to CHANGE my life. Seeing "39" reminded me of where it all began.

I am so BLESSED.

I will continue to say that because that is how I feel to my core.

Remembering 40by40, where my new life began...so GRATEFUL and HAPPY!

I AM HAPPY.

I AM EXCITED.

I didn’t think I’d finish the marathon within 5:29 hours so I changed our start to the earlier time so we wouldn’t have that pressure. Despite all our stops for photos, food and a quick shot of beer (come back next week and I’ll share some of the silliness along the way) Jody and I finished at 4:52! I was shocked!

The time flew by as we were literally laughing our way through the course. The scenery was spectacular, the volunteers were awesome, the spectators were amazing and I had such an incredible day.

THANK YOU JODY KENNETT FOR BEING SUCH AN AMAZING FRIEND AND COACH.

At 40K I got choked up as I was trying to convey my gratitude to her and she said,

“Don’t you cry now! You have to finish strong!”

So I sucked up the tears and focused on the remaining kilometres ahead.

We finished with a sprint and a smile.

I wish I could bottle this amazing feeling, this pure, raw JOY, GRATITUDE and LOVE. I want you to have it. I want you to feel it. I want you to share it.

I WANT YOU TO LIVE IT!

Please contact me if you would like to take part in a focused, supportive group where a fitness goal is the end result but JOY, LAUGHTER, LOVE and GRATITUDE is the journey. Don’t forget, I never exercised in my life prior to the age of 39. Anything is possible!

Wishing you a loving weekend full of blessings. See you on Tuesday!

From my heart to yours,

Tina

PS. The eBook is near completion! I share more of my personal journey and the steps I took to change my life. These steps will help you create a JOYFUL, HAPPY, AUTHENTIC life. I can’t wait for you to read it!

THE Jog Blog – 46

October 6, 2011 By Tina Moore Leave a Comment

TIME TO CELEBRATE!

October is a month to PARTY! I turn 42 this month and will run the 42K Victoria Goodlife Fitness Marathon THIS SUNDAY with my dear friend Jody from Leapfit. I will celebrate with friends and family as they run a half marathon and my eBook will be launched in a couple of weeks!! Super exciting month!

MY MARATHON MANTRA:

“I didn’t train all that time just to come here and get it over with as fast as I can!” – John Bingham

I LOVE that! For me, this run is about honoring and celebrating the past year and all that I`ve learned, accomplished and achieved. It`s a JOYFUL day and I plan on enJOYing it!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

A special note to my dear Sole Sisters from Kamloops, BC. Thank you for coming to Victoria to run the half marathon and celebrate my birthday. Thank you to the ones who can’t make it as I feel your LOVE and SUPPORT which will carry me through to the finish line.

Thank you to the amazing “Fight Like A Girl” group in Fort Saskatchewan, AB. I am SO PROUD OF YOU because you originally planned on running 8K and now you are running 21.1K! I`m excited for you to cross that finish line and feel your accomplishment. BRAVO!

AWESOME JOGGING QUOTES – TRAINING TIPS BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE:

Jogging has brought me nothing but goodness into my life. It proves I can keep promises to mySELF; I can heal pain, annihilate stress and anxiety and sustain happiness. It has created a COMMUNITY of incredible people who I am proud to call my FRIENDS.

I am very grateful to jogging for helping me create an authentic and inspirational life and introducing me to mySELF.

INSPIRATION:

“Everyone who has run knows that its most important value is in removing tension and allowing a release from whatever other cares the day may bring.” – Jimmy Carter

“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.” – John Bingham

“I run because it’s so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can’t. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought.” – Arthur Blank

FUNNY:

“The only reason I would take up jogging is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.” – Erma Bombeck

“I don’t think jogging is healthy, especially morning jogging. If morning joggers knew how tempting they looked to morning motorists, they would stay home and do sit-ups.” – Rita Rudner

“I go running when I have to. When the ice cream truck is doing sixty.” – Wendy Liebman

RACE SPECTATOR POSTERS:

“Your feet hurt because you are kicking so much butt!”

“Don’t stop — people are watching.”

“Worst Parade Ever”

FINAL THOUGHTS:

This Sunday I will run a full marathon! After a full year of training with some emotional challenges, physical injuries, and a couple curve balls I am excited and a little nervous. Bottom Line: I will kick some assphalt!

To my Canadian readers, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Take a moment to reflect on how incredibly fortunate we are with all our daily blessings.

  • Give thanks by giving hugs.
  • Give thanks by being kind to yourSELF.
  • Give thanks by being still and appreciating each breath you take.

In those quiet moments of reflection, if you think of it, send me some happy running vibes on Sunday! I`ll post photos next week!

With a smile,

Tina

 

 

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