My friends say I am a bit of a freak. I'd say I'm a dreamer with a type A personality. A woman of much contradiction who was probably a sailor in another life. A triathlete who loves to run and has been learning to love the water. I'm a lover of Rush, the original Top Gear, good for me food, good beer & BBQ, not necessarily in that order. I am passionate about living a healthy lifestyle but I also get that it's all about balance. Sometimes you just need that glass of wine. One of my favourite post race eats is a juicy burger & a pint of beer. Carbs, protein & fluid replenishment - perfect!
I live, love and run in the south west end of Toronto, Ontario.
I am a FitFluential & Sweat Pink ambassador. I'm also an NAASFP certified running coach and an NCCP Trained Triathlon Coach. Healthy living and helping others is right up my alley.
My Running Story
I started running over 15 years ago. At the time, I was slightly overweight and in an unhealthy relationship. I was miserable and I needed to do something. I had a background in soccer as a mid fielder so I figured that running would be the easiest thing for me to do. All I needed was a pair of shoes and the will to get out the door. It wasn't easy but I stuck with it. There are no words to even begin to describe what running has brought to my life. It has taken me places both mentally and physically that I never thought I'd go. I've met some amazing people, many that have become life long friends, one that became my partner for life. Every run is a new learning experience. Running has helped me get through some incredibly difficult times in my life. I am eternally grateful that I had the courage to take that first step.
Why I Blog: I've been blogging since 2006 when I started a blog while training for my first Ironman. It was a way for people to see just what goes in to training for an event like that. It was also a way for my family and friends to keep tabs on me. I started a second blog when I did Ironman #2. After every big race, I always write a race report so a blog seemed like a logical place to do that so I started yet another blog with all my race reports. Those 3 blogs have since been archived. I started this blog when I started my quest to run a sub 1:40 half marathon at the age for 40 after a 2 year "athletic hiatus". Somewhere along the way, I found my stride and I crushed that goal. I also had the best year of racing I've ever had. I also found that I missed writing. So what started off as "The 1:40 at 40" has evolved into Blisters and Black Toenails.
I love to race. I have a no holds barred approach to racing. For me it's a chance to test my limits. In order to race, I need to train. Thankfully I enjoy that as well. It's become so much a part of my life that's it's just habit now. It's just what I do. Sure some folks think I'm nuts but whatever, different strokes for different folks right?
Disclaimer: I'm not an expert, the thoughts and opinions expressed on here are my own. Even after 15+ years of pounding the pavement, I'm still learning. That's what keeps me going. I want to share my passion and what I've learned. If sharing what has worked for me helps someone along way then I'm a happy woman. This blog is my wee bit of space on the world wide web to share my stories, thoughts, dreams, rants & the occasional recipe.
Thanks for stopping by!
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| Running to the finish at the Toronto Women's 8km, Oct 2011 |
