RunningSkirts rock San Diego! We had a great weekend at the expo. Thanks to all our loyal skirts for showing up in their gear. Yes, we launched the new skirt colors, yes they are awesome and yes, promise they will be available on our site soon.
















We had the pleasure of finally putting a face to the our countless painful double loops around the track (the infamous but effective yasso 800s!) Mr. Yasso himself was autographing copies of his book at the marathon expo.

Here we are with a local Marine sporting or new camo athletic skirt and camoaqua running skirt. The marines had a booth at the expo and a marine challenge where you had to hang on the chinup bar to earn a cool marines tshirt! The rock n roll marathon expo finishes at beautiful MCRD in San Diego - a great way to finish the race.







Guess which twin is behind the bear sporting the new camo-aqua? Our booth was stationed across from the Big Bear Marathon booth, we couldn't resist sneaking into the bear head at the beginning of the expo on Saturday.
















Here (on the left) is Bart-Elvis-Yasso! One of the hundred elvis or should we say "elvi" running the Rock n Roll marathon this year. We had a great time at the finish line celebration cheering on all the skirts. These two elvi were hilarious & jumped out of the marathon pack for a quick snapshot with only 800 meters to go to the finish.













Dean Karnazes was at the marathon expo and also ran on Sunday. We have some video footage of his motivational talk and race day coming soon.

Just returned from the big Marathon weekend in Ottawa.


















We had a lot of skirts out on the course for the 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon events. Photos & video footage:



After working the expo and being on my feet 3 days in a row, I wasn't sure what to expect on Sunday for running the half marathon. The half marathon started at 9:00 a.m. - 2 hours after the marathon start. It was a warm sunny day already at 9:00 a.m. I did take my ritual night-before ice bath to help flush the legs, but at the 3k mark on the course, they were still feeling pretty heavy. I plodded along noticing that my first 2 mile splits were a bit aggressive as the course led us into the Quebec portion of the course. I tried to rein myself in a bit and hoped to run the 2nd half a little more agressive. Here are the splits: 6:47, 6:57, 7:17, 6:58, 7:15, 7:10, 7:06, 7:13, 7:24, 7:20, 6:53, 7:09, 6:52 - you can see where I hit the hillier portions of the course. I finished the half in 1:34:04 (garmin said 1:32:50 - wierd!) I've come to the conclusion that my garmin just doesn't work right on raceday - maybe it's the proximity to hundreds of other garmins in the pack. Anyone else experience this with their Garmin 305?

The marathon course had a few good climbs but for the most part was rolling hills into Hull, Quebec and along the Rideau canal in Ottawa. All in all it was a pretty pleasant race, a little warmer than I'd prefer, but manageable. It was really green and pretty (I missed the famous tulips - sorry, Carlene!) Where are those tulips anyway? I'm convinced they must just be on the full marathon course only. There were lots of water & gaterade stops, one sprinkler and even a sponge stop to help combat the heat. I arrived at the finish line one soaking wet drowned rat...but a cool soaking wet drowned rat in a cute new camo/aqua running skirt.

Oh yeah - I could have done without the obnoxious "space invader" dude in the red skull cap and white jersey with ipod on (you know who you are!). Apparently my new camouflage/aqua running skirt rendered me invisible because he just kept cutting me off. I understand this happens in crowded courses & that's perfectly understandable, but it was pretty thin where we were in the pack - probably only 4 of us stretched out along an entire street at that point. For some reason, this guy would keep running up next to me and than would step right in front of me as if we were going into single lane course....not once, or twice, but 3 times. I had to keep darting out from behind him and moving aside to get back in stride. He was wearing an ipod, so perhaps he didn't hear me either...or maybe he was just bitter he was getting outran by a skirt! Now I sort of understand why race directors are starting to forbid the headphones though, it can be a hazard for runners that are oblivious and discourteous to other runners around them.

Our RunningSkirts.com Olympic hopeful won the Mississauga Marathon 10k event this last weekend. Josiane ran the 10k as a training run in 35:11. She is hoping to run an Olympic Qualifier at the Ottawa marathon in a few weeks! Congrats Josiane! Please join us in supporting a fellow woman to accomplish her Olympic Dreams. Even a dollor or the cost of your daily starbucks can make a difference for Josiane!

CAD$

USD$

Happy Mothers Day!
















Today was my first Mothers Day, I still look at our little guy with awe and thank
God to be blessed with a wonderful healthy & happy child! I was also lucky enough to start my day out with a great half marathon in Mississauga. My angel neighbor came through again and watched baby bear while we made the early morning journey to Toronto for this morning's race. I made it just in time for a quick visit to the portapotty and meet up with my sister-in-law Val at the start line. Val just ran a PR Boston 2 weeks ago and was hoping to run a NYC marathon qualifying time for the half marathon (1:37 or better) crazy but true! We were lucky to get great weather - cool & sunny. Spits: 7:01, 7:03, 6:48, 7:03, 7:03, 6:44, 7:28, 7:06, 7:00, 6:59, 7:00, 8:06, 6:15.

Here's a shot of us almost halfway into the race!
















I'm happy to report that we beat the 1:37 goal by almost 5 minutes, finishing in 1:32:20. This is one of my favorite 1/2 marathons - a beautiful and very fast course! The three days of rest were perfect for the hamstring, it didn't bother me at all today.
And the finish:















Here's Arma who ran an awesome first post-baby race in Mississauga also!



















Check back for more photos & details about Josiane's 10k win Saturday night!

This weekend was a family race weekend with Union Tribune Kids Magic Mile Race for Literacy on Saturday and the 8k race on Sunday. The race was a lot of fun and Ronald McDonald, Rolly the Newspaper and our favorite race announcer Rudy were there cheering on all the kids. Sadly, or maybe its a good thing, our kids had absolutely no idea who the orange haired guy was. They did run their little







hearts out though...Hudson cruised in the stroller until the last 20 meters then he sprinted in and stopped right in front of the finish line like a deer in headlights. The race announcer was calling out his name and Ronald McDonald was there and it was all too much. He stopped a foot short of the finish line and just started crying. Avalon ran the entire mile...there were a few tears along the way but "She Did It!!!". They got awesome medals and books at the finish and ate their weight in Tiger Milk Bars.
Christy

Christy's Marathon Madi running the "Marathon Mile" race in Carlsbad.

May 4-11 Weekly mileage:
5/4 Sun- 10 miles
5/5 Mon -rest day
5/6 Tue -6 miles
5/7 Wed - 4. 5 miles (mile repeats & 800s)
5/8 Thur - recovery day (sore hamstring)
5/9 Fri - Mississauga Marathon Expo
5/10 Sat - Mississauga Marathon Expo
5/11 Sun - 1/2 Marathon 1:32:20

Video of my niece (Christy's Avi) running the Keebler Kids Mile at Legoland in Carlsbad a few months ago. I've been meaning to share it - it is adorable! Watch closely where she makes a pit stop for "free legos" who could resist!?

April 27- May 3 Weekly mileage:
4/28 Sun- 12k (2k fun run with stoller - see photo) & 10k race
4/29 Mon - rest day (believe it or not - I think the ribs are feeling better today!)
4/30 Tue -
5/1 Wed - 5 mile run w/ a few 600 repeats - right hamstring sore from race
5/2 Thur - recovery day
5/3 Fri -
5/4 Sat - Sudbury Marathon Expo

After 2 weeks of practically no running (or any exercise for that matter) due to the fractured rib injury, I broke the spell with a 10k race yesterday. We were at the Huronia Half Marathon and 10k event in Midland, Ontario on Sunday. (I was initially registered for the Half Marathon.) When we arrived and set up the skirt headquarters at the finish line, I was going crazy watching all the pre-race preparations by all the runners. I decided to pick up my bib number and change my entry to the 10k instead of the half marathon. I figured if the ribs hurt too bad, I could walk my way through a 10k...and get some exercise.

Before I hopped on the bus that took us to the 10k start line, I pushed baby bear through the 2k "kids fun run" in the stroller. This was my way to test the waters with the ribs & running and also get the baby a lot of nap-inducing fresh air. The 2k was even hilly - I can't believe all those little kids ran the whole way up & down the hill. At first baby looked up at me from the comfort of his stroller like I was nuts as if he were saying "Mommy - what are you doing?" was the look on his face. (I normally walk with him in the stroller). After the first kilometer he found it quite entertaining and busted up in fits of giggles especially as we ran over the speed bumps with the stroller. We made it to the finish line - ribs intact and off I went to catch the bus. The hubby send me along with a good luck kiss and kind of shook his head in disbelief (he has listened to me moan and groan in pain the last 2 weeks).

I found running the 10k was no more painful that walking around and my day to day activities (which have been quite restricted). I was breathing deeper during the race with brought a bit more pain, but then the adrenaline kicked in and I was plodding along. I had no idea how fast I was running and how far I had gone. I had purposely left my garmin and ipod at home so that I wouldn't be tempted to run once I got to the race and risk prolonging the injury. Obviously, that strategy didn't work either. The 10k course through Midland and along the waterfront was quite hilly and I definitely realized I had started too fast with about 4k to go. Thankfully the bike pacer volunteer who showed up next to me was kind enough to point me in the right direction of the course, let me know I had about 4k to go and share his water bottle with me. I managed to hold my pace (I think) until the last kilometer when I started to fall apart. I finished in 43 minutes and change, with all my parts in place.....and the little shiny trophy for my victory was the icing on the cake. I am hoping to get back to some moderate training this week. Race Wrap up: The Huronia Half marathon and 10k race is a really great event in the small community of Midland, Ontario. It is beautiful there with the rolling hills and lakes, I highly recommend it! I'm not sure if I heard the announcer correctly, but I think it was the 25th year this race was held. It was known for it's "chicken" prizes. It is sponsored by a local meat company and each year some lucky winners receive boxes of frozen chicken.

(Before Haircut)

Since I have been sidelined with a recent injury - I will bore you all with non-running entries. Today was baby's first haircut!

OK - I'm trying to have a sense of humor about this. We took baby to the hubby's first barber in Toronto this morning (it was sentimental for him to have the baby's first haircut where he grew up getting his cut).

I was also feeling guilty because the poor little guys hair has been in his eyes and he's been rubbing his eyes a bit lately. It was time! Before we got started I clearly informed the barber that we just want to trim the bangs slightly they way that they were so that they weren't in his eyes anymore.

So we show up at this barber shop - 3 old-school Italian barbers - see photos. Before I could say "mamma mia" they had a drape wrapped around me and baby (while standing) and started spraying us down with a water squirt bottle. Next thing I knew the scissors were flying and oh my gosh - look what they did to my little baby! My mom could have done a better job with her "bowl" and sewing scissors (sorry mom)...it definitely would have produced a better outcome. Needless to say we left with a "hat" on. I am trying not to be mad at the hubby for insisting we use his barber! It was a very sentimental moment for him (this barber cut his hair for the first time). Hello!! Hubby is 38 now - which means his barber is probably 130 now and blind as a bat....just kidding. They (barbers) all were very sweet and quite animated....baby loved them all!

I'm thinking I am going to have to "style" him tomorrow with some of daddy's hair products.

p.s. you tube video coming tomorrow















(isn't "after" supposed to be better than "before")
















(baby trying to hide himself!)

April 20- April 26 Weekly mileage:
4/20 Sun- 4 mile walk
4/21 Mon - Go Boston Runners!
4/22 Tue - 5k (ouch!)
4/23 Wed -
4/24 Thur -
4/25 Fri -
4/26 Sat -
Tuesday - The rib pain has gotten progressively worse over the weekend despite my r&r. I decided to test the waters on a short 5k run to see how it felt. The thought that if it was manageable, I might still be able to squeeze in the 20 miler for the upcoming marathon in May I want to run. Ouch Ouch Ouch....each footfall brought on a knife-stabbing pain in my chest. It was the longest 5k ever. My legs felt great in the nice warm sunny weather, but oh my - I've got some more rib-repair work to happen before a long run takes place. Bummer. If anyone out there has advice on recovering or training through rib injuries, please let me know!

April 13- April 19 Weekly mileage:
4/13 Sun- travel day
4/14 Mon - rest day - everything is sore from snowboarding!
4/15 Tue -6.5 miles moderate
4/16 Wed - rest day (ouch!) sore ribs
4/17 Thur - 1.5 miles trail run (I thought the softer terrain of the trail would be easier on the ribs...not so much)
4/18 Fri - recuperate day
4/19 Sat -recuperate day

Home from the week in Whistler. We were lucky to get a few beautiful days weather out there to wrap up the trip. I realized squeezing in my training runs and snowboarding wasn't realistic. After a few hours of boarding (falling over and over and over again) my whole body was worked. The hubby joked that I was getting a better workout boarding anyway- similar to doing say 100 dips and 200 pushups and 300 squats. So I took the last few days of the week off from running and simply enjoyed the mountain and worked on my snowboarding skills. All in all it went well until the grand "splat". I would explain it to you, but I'm not sure how it all happened - one minute I was cruising along down the hill and the next I was face down whimpering "ouch" "ouch". I am now nursing some (hopefully only bruised) ribs. Who am I kidding? my whole body is sore, but the rib thing kinda sucks. I'm planning a run for this afternoon, hopefully it doesn't slow me down.
















Thursday - OK -so I have pretty much concluded that my ribs are more than bruised. The pain seems to be getting worse instead of better. I'm guessing they are fractured/cracked/broken. I can feel the pain with each breath in my right rib cage, kind of feels like a bad side stitch when running. I think I'm gonna take a few days off to let the swelling go down and hopefully start healing. I am so bummed since I"m supposed to be doing my last long run before the marathon in May! I'll take thursday and friday off and see how it goes on Saturday.

Good luck to all you Boston runners this weekend, Val & friends from the Canada police team, Glorybelle, PCN Racers and all the other "skirts" running! I will send you my energy and follow your progress on Marathon Monday!

I've got some great photos of the Telus Ski & Snowboard Festival and the Big Air competition. It was amazing - I'll get them up soon!

(fire & ice show Whistler)

April 6- April 6 Weekly mileage:
4/6 Sun- travel day
4/7 Mon - 7.5 miles easy
4/8 Tue - 8 miles moderate Whistler golf course loop x2
4/9 Wed - cross train
4/10 Thur - cross train (snowboarding)
4/11 Fri - rest day (ouch)
4/12 Sat - Cross Train (snowboarding)
Tuesday -
Sunday -We just arrived in Whistler. I have been asking around for any snow-free running routes since I need to ramp back up in training and hopefully get in a few interval and speed workouts. Not a lot of snow free ground here still, but I did get a few suggestions from a local runner: The Whistler golf course loop and West Side Road. We are staying right at the base of Whistler in the village as I type this I am watching the gondola go up the mountain with the first of the fresh tracks go-getters. It is snowing and absolutely gorgeous out there! If there are any great snow-free runs in the village that anyone knows of, please comment!

I did bring my boarding gear and plan to get up there with the hubby and pick up where I left off with my skills last year when I got pregnant. My husband and I always jest that it was one of my face plant falls last year that lodged the fertilized egg firmly into place for me. A week after my first few snowboarding attempts, we got a positive pregnancy test. Snowboarding and Skiing are 2 of the activities you can't do when you are pregnant (or at least highly discouraged).

While I was pregnant I did a lot of research on jogging strollers. After discussing whether this was a must-have with Christy, she convinced me that unless you get a good fit, she didn't recommend it for training. She found that most of the jog stollers weren't adjustable to the proper height for her and her form suffered as she found herself running hunched over and uncomfortable. Plus - she emphasized her running time was her personal escape and decompression time and she cherished these solo moments. She convinced me! But now, I find myself wishing I had a jog stroller so I could take advantage of those beautiful spring days and take the baby out for a stroll instead of going out for my run at the crack of dawn or when the hubby returns from the city at night. So if any of you fellow running mummies can recommend a good jog stroller with adjustable height handlebars for taller runners - please let me know.

I did take the bugaboo stroller out for a test drive. It was ok for a short jog, but it took a bit more effort to keep on track and steer. Here's a few photos. As you can see, baby is lovin the jog stroller idea!
















This beautiful hat and blanket set were handmade by one our skirt customers - how sweet is that! Thanks Carlene!

March 30 - April 6 Weekly mileage: 34
3/30 Sun- 30k around the bay 2:18:09
3/31 Mon -rest day
4/1 Tue - rest day
4/2 Wed -recovery run 5 miles
4/3 Thur -strength train
4/4 Fri -
4/5 Sat -10 miles
Sunday - Today was the 30k around the Bay! Before I go any further, I have to thank my dear friend Paula for letting me drag her all the way to Hamilton at 6:00 a.m. this morning to watch the baby while I ran. A true friend indeed!
















For the race, this was to be my longest run since before getting pregnant last January, so I had no idea how to pace this distance, especially since I heard multiple warnings about the hilly stretch toward the end. I had a chat with Dan from the Runners Den in Hamilton at the race expo and he was kind enough to give me the great advice of making sure I felt good at the halfway point. The first 10k is flat and fast so it is very tempting to go out fast, but he warned me that this is usually the downfall of first-timers. He said he's run many times where people passed him in the first 10k and he ended up passing by them as they were walking in the hilly stretch. This was a great tip and I tried to remember it after the gun went off. Here are my splits: 7:14, 7:17, 7:16, 7:16, 7:20, 7:15, 7:17, 7:17, 7:16, 7:17, 7:18, 7:18, 7:28, 7:46, 7:28, 7:23, 7:38, 7:21, 5:38 the last .72. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded depending on your finish time. I just missed gold by 2-3 minutes, bummer! If only I hadn't walked those water stations to drink and stopped to adjust my socks....Next year! This is the oldest road race in North America (as they race shirts said on the back "Older than Boston!"). I give it two thumbs up. Very well organized event, beautiful rolling hills course (until that beast at 24-25k). I will definitely be back next year!

Happy Easter!























March 23 - March 29 Weekly mileage: 22
3/23 Sun- last long run before 30k next sun 13 miles
3/24 Mon -rest day
3/25 Tue -strength train
3/26 Wed -4 miles easy & strength train
3/27 Thur -5 miles moderate pace
3/28 Fri - rest day
3/29 Sat -rest day (30k around the bay tomorrow!)
I procrastinated on doing my last long training run before next weekends 30k around the bay race until today. I found myself unable to relax and fully enjoy Easter morning while heading over to the Sunday morning family brunch knowing I had that long run today......it was hanging over my head like a lead balloon. It didn't make it any more enticing that it was 14 below outside with wind chill of -17. After a fabulous brunch prepared by my father in law, I was feeling more motivated and quite fueled up and ready to go. I got the little guy fed and settled with his daddy, bundled myself up in the multiple layers I have begrudgingly learned to bond with during winter months in Canada (wool socks, tights, running skirt, under armour top, wind resistant running coat, ear warmer headband, wool toque (that's a beanie, my fellow american folk), & wool gloves). I always feel like the little kid from "A Christmas Story" all bundled up to the point of not being able to move when I come down the stairs dressed for these sub zero runs. I filled up my water bottle with warm water & ultima mix, grabbbed my ipod & garmin and out the door I went. (I know...ew warm ultima...but it keeps my hand warm as I start at the beginning of the run and in almost no time it is freezing and slushy, which also reminds me - have you have had a "gu-sicle"? It is also quite interesting. My plan was to get in a few warmup miles and then run 8-10 miles at race pace. 8:10, 8:09, 7:25, 7:22, 7:24, 7:13, 7:29, 7:28, 7:19, 7:11, 7:20, 7:04, 7:36 (with a few stretch breaks in between). I felt pretty good, but it was definitely more of a tempo effort. I am a little nervous about the 30k next weekend. I've never run this distance (just under 19 miles) and have no idea how to pace it.
Any suggestions?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!














March 16 - March 22 Weekly mileage:22
3/16 Sun- Rest Day
3/17 Mon - treadmill run 7.5 miles
3/18 Tue - strength train
3/19 Wed - 7.5 miles
3/20 Thur -strength train
3/21 Fri - 7 miles 6x800 (yassos)
3/22 Sat - strength train

Future Running Star - babys first speed workout!
Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to rotate it!

March 10-March 16 Weekly mileage: 44.64
3/10 Sun- New York Road Runners
Colon Cancer Challenge 15k 9.5 miles (10.5 w/warmup)
3/11 Mon - rest day
3/12 Tue - treadmill run 11.14 miles
3/13 Wed-cross train
3/14 Thur -mile repeats (2 mi. w/u 4 x mile 2 mi. c/d) 8 miles
3/15 Fri - strength train
3/16 Sat - long run 15 miles 1:58

Saturday while planning my long run in NYC for the following day, I discovered that there was a 4 mile and a 15k (9.3 mile) race scheduled in Central Park. I committed to getting up extra early so I'd have time to register on race morning. The weather forecast was calling for chilly and very windy conditions. Unfortunately I didn't pack my sub zero running gear, so I had to make to with a lightweight pairs of tights, my long sleeved winter top and running jacket, and of course a running skirt (which undoubtedly provided extra warmth for the derrière). Luckily I had a lightweight pair of gloves in my luggage and a beanie borrowed from my hubby to top it all off. We were sure to spring forward all the clocks on Saturday night so that we'd be up in plenty of time too (separate story).

I woke up to a very sunny, yet crisp and breezy nyc morning. I would be lying if I didn't tell you I had second and third thoughts about rolling over and going back to sleep. The lure of running a NYRR event in Central Park overcame me, I coudn't pass it up. It was about 30f with wind chill of 18f! By the time the race started I was pretty much a Popsicle. The extra hour of waiting before the gun went off didn't help either. (Again - side story) By the time the race started I was so excited to get running so that I could finally thaw out and get warm. The course was a double loop through/around central park. It was a beautiful course with rolling hills and a few good climbs too. My race plan was to start out nice and slow and tempo the run. I've never run a 9.3 mile race before so I had no idea how to pace it. Here are my splits: 7:55, 7:10, 7:01, 7:01, 7:08, 7:08, 7:09, 6:50, 7:01, 3:00. At the finish line my Garmin read 9.5 miles and 1:07:27. I felt strong at the finish with no major aches and pains (I think everything was comfortably numb from the cold). It was a great event - very well organized, I give it two thumbs up! I can't wait to run the marathon next fall.

Saturday in NYC
I recently had a big realization while hitting my favorite 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue shops. Shopping with a baby is VERY different. As soon as we arrived this week and I had a little down time, baby and I headed straight for my favorite store Henri Bendel on 5th Ave. After wrestling the bugaboo through the heavy front door, we managed to work our way into the ground level of the boutique store aka cosmetics heaven. If any of you have ever been in this store you will know that this area of the store is laden with cosmetic sales "sharks". I usually dart through this department quickly and head up the stairs to peruse the many multiple levels of fabulous merchandising displays. When you are ascending the multiple levels of Henri Bendel it seems like the store keeps going and going. It is nice because it isn't like your typical department store with racks and racks, it is merchandise very nicely with several mini - department "rooms" and beautiful displays. Anyhow - I found myself standing at the bottom of the store in the "shark tank" at the bottom of the first grouping of stairs. I realized oh yeah - I've got a baby stroller, I'm gonna be needing an elevator. In the 12 seconds it took for this realization to sink in, I was surrounded by the cosmetic sales team demanding they make me over, spray me with the latest eu de parfum, or demonstrate the latest MUST HAVE accessory. These sales people are great- or not so great ( depending on whether you are me or Henri Bendel). One perfume, 2 lip glosses and a huge fragrant candle later, I was shown my way to the Elevator which wisked me in a cold dark enclosure to the 2nd floor of the store. Gone are the days of leisurely ascending escalators or steps while shopping, the elevator is my new mode of shopping transportation. On a positive note, it was great to be able to get out with baby, he was quite a patient trooper while mommy shopped and walked and he also even managed to side track the aggressive sales sharks with his dashing good looks and flirty smiles.
All jokes aside, the trip has been amazing - it's great to get to milder temperatures. I'm looking forward to another run in Central Park later today. Happy Running!

Thursday - we were getting in a little Tourism and decided to check out the Top of the Rock - the revamped cityscape tour at the top of the Rockefeller Center. We decided to go straight up to the highest outdoor observation deck. It was a beautiful sunny day and the view was amazing. I immediately started trying to point out the marathon route starting from staten island over the multiple bridges and ending up in Central Park. I was pretty impressed at the distance we actually ran when seeing it from a birds eye view. I am so excited to run nyc again this year with Christy! OK - back to the topic. We noticed there was a "photo shoot" or something going on on the deck below us. My hubby pointed out - "look they're doing a bridal photo shoot or something". I took a peak and realized it wasn't simply a formal photo shoot, but Sarah Jessica Parker and "Mr. Big" doing shoot for their new movie. She was wearing a beautiful full length black dress with Louboutin pumps - she looked so pretty. "Mr. Big" was wearing a black tuxedo, handsome as always. I'll get some photos up as soon as I get them downloaded - it was pretty cool.

We are headed to the Big Apple this week! Baby and I are tagging along on a trip with Daddy. I am looking forward to running ice & snow free! Anyone know of any great long run routes in Manhattan? I am hoping to get in a 13-15 miler this weekend and a few leisurely runs through the park.

March 2 - March 8 Weekly mileage: 39
3/2 Sun- Chilly Half or Long run
3/3 Mon -Easy run 8.8 miles
3/4 Tue - Intervals 6 miles
3/5 Wed-Travel NYC
3/6 Thur - cross trail
3/7 Fri - easy run 4 miles
3/8 Sat - rest day (race tomorrow)

Had to sit out the Chilly Half Marathon - Having some issues with my right leg/hip/pelvic area still after the last speed workout and I didn't want to push the envelope. I need to continue doing my Strengthening Exercises and Stretches that the trainer assigned to me. I have been a bit lazy about doing them during the Hawaii holiday and all the travel lately. Since I'm on the subject, I'll give you a little recap of his diagnosis & recommendations (in laymen terms). After returning to running, I was having extreme quad pain and alternating IT Band flare ups, pirioformis pain, etc. I felt like my stride was all wrong and clumsy. After suffering through the entire Carlsbad half marathon Christy pointed out that my quads were flaming red. During the race they became really sore (sorer than the day after Boston Marathon) and I've never experienced pain like that during any race).

I visited Chris Maund at his CHEK studio in Encinitas, California. He took tons of measurements in strength, flexibility, etc. In my own words, the reason for the pain was that I was running with a really odd posture. I had an extreme arch in my lower back (as if I was still carrying the baby in my womb) and my arms/elbows were still flaring out at the sides. My lower abdominal and core muscles are so weak after the pregnancy & delivery, so I was using my quads, hip flexors and other muscles and overcompensating for my weak lower core & hamstrings. The exercises and stretches he assigned to me are geared toward getting my body back into its pre-pregnancy alignment and flexibility. I need to correct the extreme arch in my lower spine and get the curvature in my spine back where it should be. Everything needs to be tightened and pulled in and up. I didn't realize how week my lower abs muscles were until I tried to do those hanging crunches at the gym. I couldn't even do one! This was a huge wake up call for me. I realized that I had some real work to do before I was going to just bounce back to my prepregnancy fitness & running strength.

I am happy to report that my next half marathon (surf city marathon) felt much better. I didn't have ANY quad pain this time. I have to make a mental effort to pull in my lower abs and almost tuck my rear under as I run and pull in my arms. I still like I am a bit out of whack, but I am grateful that I understand the problem and how to correct it.

Yesterday was baby's first play date. He was a little overwhelmed (see video) I can't help but hear the old sesame street tune playing in my head "which one of these kids is doing his own thing, doing his own thing?......"

- don't worry - he always sleeps like that - he loves to pull his "woobie" over his head when he sleeps.














February 24 - March 1 Weekly mileage:
2/24 Sun- rest day
2/25 Mon -travel day
2/26 Tue - extra travel day (long story)
2/27 Wed- 7 miles intervals
2/28 Thur - cross train
2/29 Fri - 7.25 miles
3/ 1 Sat - cross train

Back to Reality. After what was supposed to be a 4.5 hour nonstop flight home from San Diego on Monday turned into a 40 hour travel adventure, we are happy to report that we are finally home sweet home. We were welcomed with subzero temperatures here (wind chill -26c) and piles and piles of snow. My next few workouts are going to be on the treadmill again.

Baby got his 4 month immunizations yesterday and isn't a very happy boy today. It's been a challenge trying to get in a workout. I am starting to realize how challenging it can be to train for a marathon with an infant. I am really looking forward to spring up here and the great races we will be running!

This weekeend is the LA Marathon. Unfortunately I won't be running this one. I am doing the 30k around the bay at the end of March, right now my goal will be increasing my mileage for that event. Hopefully I'll have a marathon event in sight for the late spring too. Maybe Mississauga Marathon or Ottawa Marathon...we'll see how the training goes.

February 17 - February 23 Weekly mileage: 31
2/17 Sun- rest day
2/18 Mon -7 miles
2/19 Tue - cross train
2/20 Wed- 7 miles intervals
2/21 Thur - travel day
2/22 Fri - 7 miles
2/23 Sat - 10 miles

pipeline surfers, north shore - oahu
February 10 - February 16 Weekly mileage:
2/10 Sun- 7 miles
2/11 Mon -6 miles
2/12 Tue -7.25 miles easy
2/13 Wed- rest day
2/14 Thur - cross train
2/15 Fri - hills 7 miles
2/16 Sat -long run 10.25 miles

Thursday - Aloha from Waikiki!

















We arrived yesterday for our annual family holiday. Christy and I ran our tempo run from downtown Waikiki beach up Diamond Head road and back down. It was humid and warm already at 6:00 a.m. but the scenery was breathtaking! We are staying at the Westin Surfrider which is a relatively health and fitness conscious resort. (They even have complimentary propel water at the front podium for runners as they depart the hotel). The weather is perfect - partly sunny and about 80 degrees f.

We spent the day realaxing beach side with the fam. Christy's hubby is an amazing surfer and she eventually talked me into going out with him tandem-surfing. Here's how it worked - I took the front of the longboard on my belly and he was on the rear of the board. As we paddled our way out, I realized just how much work surfing is as I found myself panting and my shoulders afire. I tried to keep paddling but eventually I just lay there with my hands folded under my chin soaking up the sun while Dave did the rest of the paddling. Before I knew it we were out among the other surfers waiting for our wave. I simply followed his orders "paddle" "turn" "get up! get up!". I got up on the first wave......for about 3.2 seconds. I can't believe how fast you move on the board....it's an amazing feeling as the wave moves up under you and carries you away. It was great fun....but very exhausting. Jamie has been out there at it since we checked in. He's determined to become an expert surfer before we leave for the north shore this weekend and face the real surf!

The town is abuzz with the upcoming Holiday Bowl on Sunday. We have already spotted a lot of the players around town. We have been lucky to have great weather with the occasional quick shower, it definitely beats the sub zero temps and feet of snow we are getting back at home in Canada!

February 3 - February 9 Weekly mileage:
2/3 Sun- Sunday - Surf City Half Marathon Huntington Beach 1:44
2/4 Mon -cross train
2/5 Tue -7.25 miles easy
2/6 Wed- travel day Aloha!
2/7 Thur - tempo run 7.5 miles
2/8 Fri - cross train
2/9 Sat -long run 10.25 miles

Sunday - Surf City Marathon - formerly known as the Pacific Shoreline Marathon
Rain and Wind was in the forecast, but we were hopefully optimistic that the storm would blow over quickly or dissipate before the gun went off today. No such luck! The starting line was a sea of rain ponchos, makeshift glad bag coats, and "Runners Wraps". Christy and I were lucky enough to be neighbors of the Runners Wrap booth and took this great new running product for a test drive on Sunday. They are a lot like an oversized white doctors' coat made out of a weightless polypropylene gauzy fabric, complete with a snapping front closure. They actually kept us warmer and were very resistant to the downpour of rain. Not only do these little garments help with those pre-race shivers, the owners of the company place collection bins along the marathon course and donate them to homeless shelters post marathon. How cool is that?!

The marathon course was nice and flat and ran along the pacific coast. It seemed like it would be the perfect scenic and easy course for a p.r.....on a nice typical sunny day in the OC. As we toed the line, and went over our race plan (the plan was that there wouldn't be any plan in this awful weather). Our only goal today was to cross that finish line and get the cool little surf board medal......and keep our borrowed hats (thanks annie) from flying far far away. We cruised the course at a relaxed page and picked up the pace on the last half. Aside from the sideways wind and rain coming off the coast, we had a blast splish splashing our way through Huntington Beach. If you can believe it, this was the first time Christy has ever run in the rain (she's spoiled with San Diego weather). AND SHE DIDN'T MELT! I am thrilled to report that I am feeling my old running stride coming back (thanks to the training/therapy of Chris! - see CHEK blog from last week.) - no more quad pain! I still have some work to do on getting my body back to pre-pregnancy posture and gait, but It is so much better already.

All in all I give this half marathon my vote of approval and plan to do it again next year!

January 27 - February 3 Weekly mileage: 35.85
1/27 Sun- rest day
1/28 Mon - treadmill workout 7.75 miles
1/29 Tue - easy run 8 miles
1/30 Wed- strength train
1/31 Thur - 6.9 miles zones 1 & 3
2/1 Fri - Surf City Marathon Expo
2/2 Sat - Surf City Marathon Expo
Sunday - Surf City Half Marathon Huntington Beach

Carlsbad Half
Go Chargers! Watch Video


January 20 - January Weekly mileage: 36.25
1/20 Sun- Carlsbad Half Marathon 13.1
1/21 Mon -rest day
1/22 Tue -4 miles easy
1/23 Wed-cross train
1/24 Thur -4 miles easy
1/25 Fri -7 miles intervals
1/26 Sat - 8.25 miles



















Sunday - today was the Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon. It was a little chilly at the start, but sunny. The half marathon started with a bit of a hill climb (the entire course traverses rolling hills along the coastline in Carlsbad) so we warmed up quickly. Christy and I ran together and had a great time. We were representin' the Chargers before the big playoff game in our navy yellow skirts. We made a point to do a double fist pump along with a "woohoo" everytime someone from the crowd yelled "go chargers!". It was a great run - lots of fun!

January 13 - January 20 Weekly mileage: 25
1/13 Sun- Long Run 10.5 miles
1/14 Mon - Hill Repeats (chiro/physio)
1/15 Tue - Rest day
1/16 Wed- Cross Train / easy run 5.25
1/17 Thur -Treadmill Workout - Intervals 5.00
1/18 Fri - Carlsbad Marathon Expo
1/19 Sat - Keebler Marathon Mile & Carlsbad Marathon Expo - 1 mile

Saturday a.m.- Today was the Keebler Marathon Mile at Legoland in Carlsbad. We had a team of "mini skirts" little girls running the mile race in their skirt gear. This is a huge running event for kids and families. There were several different heats for each year age & the mile course ran in around and out of legoland. Christy & I pushed the boys in the strollers, and it was pretty tough! I have a whole new respect for all those moms and dads that marathon with strollers. (Of course it probably helps to be properly equipped. I was pushing the bugaboo, not a jog stroller.

Monday a.m. - woke up to about 6" of the white stuff....It's baaaaack! I will not be doing my hill repeats today. Bummer! After yesterdays long run, my quads are just as sore as they were the day after Boston Marathon. Something's just not right! I honestly thought returning marathon training after childbirth would go so much smoother. I was gun-ho & ready to join the starting line of any boston qualifier this winter.....unfortunately my hips, pelvis and legs have really been slow at joining the rest of me. As for today's hills, I think I'll save that workout for when I arrive in San Diego (temp yesterday 73 degrees).

On a optimistic note, I have arranged a consultation with a CHEK Institute Trainer (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology) in Carlsbad. He has been helping Christy get her running back on track and more importantly stay injury free along the way! After my telephone consultation and initial interview with the trainer about my health, goals & current challenges, I immediately received a follow up email along with a comprehensive 7 page health questionnaire and 7 day food and sleep diary to be completed before my initial evaluation. Wow! This guy means business - I'm so excited to get his advice & assessment!

It's been a long time coming. Running Skirts new website is live! Check out our running bride pictures from the Las Vegas Marathon! We are also introducing our new Maternity Fitness skirt for spring the "fit momma skirt" .Still more videos and features to come.

January 6 - January Weekly mileage: 25
1/ 6 Sun- Rest
1/ 7 Mon - Extra rest day
1/ 8 Tue - Sprint workout (6.75 miles)
1/ 9 Wed- cross train (chiroprator day) easy run
1/10Thur -Treadmill Workout - Intervals 7.25 miles
1/11 Fri - Rest
1/12 Sat - Long Run (sunday)

Tuesday - It was significantly warmer today - the snow is melting! I was hoping to jog over to the local high school track for a REAL track workout. After slogging my way through the slush and mud I arrived at the track to find it was no longer covered in snow, but now completely under water. I forgot to consider where the multiple feet of snow would actually go when it melted in a matter of hours....the ground is totally saturated. I had to do my sprint intervals in the roundabout parking lot driveway of the high school. I think the janitor lady thought I was nuts. I also "christened" my shiny new white wave riders with about 4" of mud on my way to the track. I don't know what I'm going to do with them at this point - I left them on the front doorstep in hopes that the running fairy will come tonight and make them sparkly and clean for me again. How do you clean running shoes? I've never muddied them quite this bad before. I've heard mixed opinions about whether or not it's ok to wash them....I will deal with it in the morning!

I just added this photo of the last race I ran hard before getting pregnant (in hopes that it would inspire me to stick with the training regimen and hopefully overcome these little injuries that keep popping up) in hopes that I can get back to where I was speed-wise as quickly as possible. After physical therapy/chiro visit last week, I realize I have been suffering from an inflamed SI joint (sacroiliac joint) and a bit of water on the right knee cap (from ice fall on driveway about a month ago). After some sports massage (aka torture) on Thursday and a rest day on Friday, I was able to complete the long run on Saturday with minimal discomfort. My lower left back/hip area is still aggravated though and I'm getting frustrated. I really don't want to take a lot of rest time off now that I am planning to run the Carlsbad half marathon with Christy on the 20th. We'll see how things feel after today's workout.

Here's the route I've been running that is mostly snow free! There are a few icy patches and secondary residential areas that aren't plowed completely, but for the most part it's as good as it gets in Barrie in January! Gonna have to get creative as my mileage starts to increase!

Pictures truly are worth a thousand words.....
the hubby snapped this one on New Years day.

Note "the stick" and tennis ball in the background above my head (my IT Band and pirioformis) therapy tools along with the baby jungle gym play thingy that he hates! It was one of those baby items I was told is a "must have" but every time I lay him down on it he revolts!

Baby is sleeping longer stretches at night now (we had a 4.5 hour stretch last night) I'm hoping this will continue...who would of thought I'd think 4 hours of sleep was a heavenly amount!

Congrats to Arma on her running pregnancy and healthy birth of little boy December 8th 2007! Arma ran her way right past her due date of December 5th! Look how quickly she's bounced back.











December 30-Jan Weekly mileage: 25
12/30 Sun- 9 miles
12/31 Mon -cross train
1/ 1 Tue - rest day nursing leg/hip injury :o(
1/ 2 Wed- 45 minutes spin bike & cross training (chiro)
1/ 3 Thur - 7 miles intervals (physical therapy)
1/ 4 Fri - rest day
1/ 6 Sat -50 minutes zone 1, 20 minutes zone 2, 5 minutes cool down (9+ miles)

After my last week's long run I've developed tightness almost sciatica in my left hip/leg area. I have been forced to take a few days off from running. Going to chiropractor on Wednesday and hoping some deep tissue sports massage therapy will help get things loosened up and back in order. The countdown is on for the 1/2 marathon training run in Carslbad!

On a lighter note - here are some new pics - Baby is smiling all the time now!

December 24-Jan Weekly mileage:
12/23 Sun- rest day
12/24 Mon -cross train
12/25 Tue - Merry Christmas!
12/26Wed- 4.5 miles
12/27 Thur - Rest Day
12/28 Fri - 7 miles Intervals
12/29 Sat - rest day (will do long run tomorrow)
Here's our Christmas workout (watch video).

December 16- 22 Weekly mileage:
12/16 Sun- rest day
12/17 Mon -cross train (still a little knee pain)
12/18 Tue - travel day
12/19Wed- Home for the Holidays!
12/20 Thur - 7.5 miles Intervals
12/21 Fri - rest day
12/22 Sat - 5 miles (had to cut run short - leg pain)

I took a few extra days off since I have been having some knee pain (running in the snow or my slip & fall on the ice or a combo of both are probably the culprit). I had a post pregnancy chiropractor visit also on monday which has helped realign all the parts!
























We flew down to California to surprise my family for the holidays (they didn't think we had the baby's passport and therefore wouldn't be able to make it). We dressed baby up in a little red santa suit and put him on their doorstep, rang the doorbell and then hid. My mom answered the door to the biggest surprise! Photos coming soon. Christy and her family are driving up from Southern California today - can't wait for them to get up here. I can't wait for Christy to get here so I can get in a few runs with her this week. My last 2 weeks of solo running have become a bit monotonous and lonely!

Still Snowing!
December 9-December 14 Weekly mileage:
12/9 Sun- 6 miles
12/10 Mon -rest
12/11Tue - 4.25 miles 4x800s
12/12Wed-
12/13 Thur - 4.4 miles 2.5 miles tempo
12/14 Fri - cross train
12/8 Sat - 5.5 miles
Although it feels really great to run outside again, running in the snow is working me over! I have to run about .5 miles in the slippery slush until I get to the plowed streets that are free of snow.. I have been feeling a little knee pain after the tempo run last night. I think I'm going to stick to my treadmill until I find an entirely snow free route to run. I can't wait to get to California again so I can get in some good training in San Diego and along the American River trail again. I really miss that route and also the Lake Natomas Loop in Folsom! I am definitely feeling a bit stronger again with each run, but I have a long way to go! I am hoping to run a half marathon in January with Christy, so I've got to keep the training going!
This little guy has been waking up every 2 hours to eat so fatigue doesn't help the endurance and muscle recovery process either:

Tuesday morning run!
December 4, 2007
December 2-December 7 Weekly mileage: 19.5
12/2 Sun- rest day
12/3 Mon - 2 miles hills, 1 mile medium pace
12/4 Tue - 4.5 miles snow run
12/5 Wed- 2 miles tempo
12/6 Thur - rest day
12/7 Fri - 5.5 miles
12/8 Sat - rest day

Tuesday - today is the 4 week anniversary of baby delivery! It is also the day the doc said it would be ok to start running again! Yippee. Take a look at the photo - I had some rough conditions for my welcome back run. Running in the soft snow is a lot like running in sand only a bit more difficult as your feet slip and slide and you don't get the traction so it's almost like running on banana peels. It felt so good to be out on the road again in the fresh air.