Great Strides: Marathon for Cystic Fibrosis

It was this time last year I first thought about running a marathon. It was always something I had wanted to do and never something I thought I actually would. But after so many of my friends had done it and been so successful and fell in love with the whole thing, I decided I would do it too. This time last year in Sydney, I was pretty down and looked into doing the City2Suft, which is the biggest full marathon in Sydney. I didn't end up registering (though I did show up at all the parties!) and have regretted it ever since.

Now that I am home and after a full year of contemplation, I have finally committed to one! All it took was a good cause close to my heart. And a bunch of friends to do it with. And not actually having to run...more like a walk, but fun nonetheless! Its called Great Strides and benefits Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Its also at the Toronto Zoo!!! Should be so much fun. Really looking forward to it. And today it may be a walk but next time it could be a run! The only downside I see is that I will be at a big wedding until late late late the night before and may not be at my top form at 8am for a walk. But I will pull through. Sara who will be joining me will be coming back from Jamaica and a whole week of straight drinking on the beach so she'll feel the pain as well. We can then go visit all the animals at the zoo (even though I had enough of the zoo when I left Oz...). Will keep you posted on how the walk goes but if anyone wants to sponsor me and donate to a good cause please let me know!

UPDATE: Got a few sponsors and did the event on Sunday. It was fantastic and exhausting. Can't wait for next year!

In$@nit¥!!!

The new workout that I've been trying out lately is INSANITY by Shaun T. If you haven't heard of it you either live in a rock or Australia (some argue that's one in the same) or your not a fan of the latest workout fads in DVDs. It is known to be one of--if not *THE*--toughest workout DVD out there. The P90X of dvd workouts minus the hassle of weights or equipment.

The breakdown is all cardio for 40 to 60 minutes a day for 60 days. There is a calender to follow with different types of workouts for each day. I've been doing it for a week or so and trust me when I say, you really have to be insane to come up with that stuff! 40 minutes seems like a short workout but it will be the toughest 40 minutes of your life. If you don't have a pool of sweat beside you at the end of the workout, your not doing it right!


So far so good with this workout. Even though its tough its kinda fun to see what crazy things shaun t comes up with. Event the "cardio rest" day will have you working hard. And I never thought I'd be so sore from a workout without any weights what so ever. The only downside is I've been stuck on the "pure cardio" day because the title intimidates me. Will keep you posted on that one...

UPDATE: pure cardio wasn't as bad as I thought...

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!

 Current Mood: Thrifty

 Song: Extreme Couponing Theme -TLC

I love Spring and all things that come with it including the Fashion. This season I can't stop obsessing over shoes. 

First off, wedges are in! I was hearing some buzz over wedges coming back then I saw them on Kate Middleton and knew they would be a hit for the season.

Kate's are cute but I don't know how a non-princess can pull off the patent leather + braided heel combo. But you know they are officially a hit with the masses when Forever 21 comes out with their own line of wedges for the season.

My favourite ones so far are these black ones with a soft material and the cork/basket weave print on the sole. However, it doesn't seem like they are available for sale on the website as of yet.

I'm happy this trend has come back because all us girls know its much easier to walk in wedges than full out high heels.


Secondly, not something new but something that I am just thinking about getting for myself: Easy Tones. I need new athletic shoes anyways and I figured that with most of my jobs being those where you have to stand for hours on end, might as well get a workout in with my footwear. 

EasyTones sound great in theory but I'm a little skeptical that they really work. However, I was assured that after wearing the shoes and standing all day you will get the same feeling of the "burn" after a tough workout.

My other problem is that I can't find the exact shoe in the above picture, which is actually kind of cute, and all the other ones I've seen in store are pretty ugly!

So then the question goes from "to EasyTone or not to EasyTone?" to "What brand of Toning shoes are the cutest?"

There are the Sketchers brand called Shape Ups that I am partial to just because Kim Kardashion is the spokesperson (what can I say, I'm a sucker for the celebrity endorsements!).

While there are more colours and styles, they all seem to have this bubble shape to the soles which both make it obvious they are Shape Ups (a women needs to keep these secrets to herself!) and its a throwback to the Spice Girls platform era which I'm not ready for.

I've also found out that the Rebock brand is the only one approved by the Canadian Health Association, so they seem to be the way to go. Price wise however, I am going to look into a deal or some discounts. This is perhaps because Extreme Couponing is on in the background and I am inspired to save!

Top 25 Destinations in the World: BUCKET LIST

Trip Advisor has just released their list of the Top 25 Travel Destinations in the World. I have only visited 5 which makes me pretty sad (that's only 20%...not even a PASS). Fail, fail, fail. But the places I have been to are:

Sydney

New York

San Francisco

Las Vegas

Okay I lied, I've only been to 4 :(

But I lived in the #2 destination for over a year...that counts for more right?!

And I have a plan. I can visit London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Prague, Venice, Florence and St. Petersburg all in one big Eurotrip that I am planning for next summer. I have a friend who is from the #1 destination, which is Cape Town, who promised he would take me for a visit in exchange for bottles of jerk chicken sauce from Canada. Queenstown, New Zealand is on the list and I'm hoping having a Kiwi boyfriend will be advantageous to that destination. That leaves various tropical destinations that can be left to do separately when I can, Asian destinations that will have to be done from Australia (including Thailand) and South America which can also be done as one big trip in the future.

Whew...let's make it happen, preferably before I reach the dreaded age of 30!!!

Oh, and can anyone tell me how/when I can get my $40,000 diploma in the mail?

Overdue

Current Mood: Creative
Countdown to SUMMER: 36 days
Music: Rolling in the Deep - Adele


As I am adjusting back into home life and now have 3 jobs that keep me extremely busy, there are some things I failed to mention!

GRADUATION time came and went. Unfortunately (obviously), I could not attend the festivities but my fellow masters were there and looked like they had a fantastic time. My dear Patrick even stole a program for me! So CONGRATS MASTERS...it was a wild ride that I wouldn't trade for anything in the entire world. It was a privilege to graduate beside you (figuratively). MISS YOU ALL.

Looks like heaps of fun! 

And also, some way overdue pics from Vancouver and my baby Aiden who just recently celebrated his 1st birthday. Miss you boo!

That is all I can think of that's missed for now, will update as needed.