Steep Hills < Chicken Wings

Well, rest day has come and gone - and after putting it off for as long as I could, I finally got off my ass and went to the park to do a little sweating.

I only worked out for about 40 minutes tonight, but it wasn't endurance training I was going for. When feeling lazy, it's often best to choose efficiency as your guide. Cardio and strength training rolled into one came in the form of running up and down a very steep hill, NINE TIMES. I know, I should've gone for the big TEN - but may I remind you again that I was already feeling lazy?

I did eat really well today. Lots of fruit, a couple shakes, a chicken and brown rice bowl from Freshii - (possibly half a white chocolate & macadamia nut cookie from Starbucks, but we don't need to tell anybody about that). I must admit that I desperately miss chicken wings, and anything fried. Just the smell of the kitchen at my work sends my mouth watering and it's pretty annoying that all I can do is munch on celery and peanut butter while I'm working. Not good for the moral. Happiness often comes in the form of bacon - am I wrong?

I do feel stronger, and lighter on my feet - which will definitely help me run 21K, so I think things are going well. This is a picture of me flexing my giant muscles for you:

Tomorrow morning I will do a long run - I know, I keep saying "tomorrow I'll do a long run, bla bla bla" and then I do something like run up a hill instead.. But I mean it this time. I will long run in the morning before work and it'll be AWESOME. Just awesome. I need to get into the habit of running in the morning instead of at night because the marathon starts at 8:30 IN THE MORNING on race day. I wonder how much coffee is enough coffee to get me ready? Any suggestions?

Once again I'd like to remind you that it would mean THE WORLD if I could keep raising funds for The Renascent Foundation. So far we've raised 100$, we just need another $200 to meet our goal. Any little bit counts, so if you would like to make a donation, please click here. 

Its GO time

Alright, no more messing around kids. Race day is in exactly 19 days.

With each day that brings us closer, I am becoming surprisingly less scared, and more confident. After completing my 90 minute run last night, I am beginning to really believe I can do this. Last night, about halfway through my run I stopped for a moment to check my time. I was surprised to find that stopping made me feel worse, not better. When I was close to the end I realized that endurance wise, I was capable of going further - it was just my shins and a cramp in my side that made me want to stop.

This is crazy progress from a couple weeks ago when I did that bootcamp. I remember running around that park, and on my second lap I was winded. One of the things I'm learning is that pacing yourself is MEGA important. Oh, and being ok with pain is a big part of it too. Working through the pain, accepting it - these are things that help you reach a different level. In life we often go through things that can be highly uncomfortable, but if we can find a way to not run away from it - and work through it - it really does make us stronger.

I remember running past Lee's Palace last night through a crowd of people waiting to see a show, having smoke breaks - and they just stared at me like I was a crazy person dashing through them. My face was so hot and I'm sure it was crazy red and sweaty, and I was PROUD. Nothing beats that. I'm really digging this. Even if I bitch and moan and tell you that I'm feeling lazy, deep down I feel really good about this and I'm SO glad you are all commenting on Facebook and keeping me motivated.

Tonight I'm taking some time off running and going to stretch out my muscles at a hot yoga class. Tomorrow I will take a rest cause I'm all cramped up, but I plan to do a couple more 90 minute runs this week, and then next week Im aiming to do a few solid 2 hour runs. It sounds crazy. So ima BRING IT.

terrifying picture, as promised.

Photograph as promised. Post 90 minute 12.5K run, pre hot salt water soak. Told you it would be sweaty and terrifying. 

I'll tell you how it felt tomorrow. 

Goodnight. 

2 runs - 1 day

Hello everybody!

I've been bad. I've been very bad indeed.

I spent the weekend - as you know from previous posts - 'staycation-ing'.
Oh the glorious foods I ate and oh how nice my couch felt for most of it. I had frozen yogurt, and Thai food.. I watched movies, I had bacon and eggs for lunch. It really was quite nice.

But it's Monday - and that means back to business as usual. I woke up this morning a little late and decided that it was better to do SOMETHING than nothing at all, so with the little time I had before work I went for a run around the nearby track ( 5 times around ) and ran up and down a very steep hill a few times. While that got my heart pumping and the back of my neck nice and sweaty, I'm well aware that it's not enough to help me train for 21k in - gasp - less than 3 weeks.

In a couple of hours I will do a 90 minute run. I'm terrified.

Did you know in high school I made it into the yearbook as being the 'Best at Excuses'? I'm really great at coming up with reasons why I can't do something, or even better, that I shouldn't. For example, this morning I really had myself convinced that it was much too late in the morning to go for a run. That there was no point, because I wouldn't be able to go for long. I got to say that sometimes its better to NOT LISTEN TO YOURSELF. I keep training when I don't feel like training, and I never regret it. Ever.

So I guess the point of this blog post is to let you know that I'm still working at it, even though my posts are becoming less frequent. I will admit I've been slacking a little, but this week all of that will change.

Stay tuned for a post 90 minute run picture a little later this evening. I promise it will be inspiring, and likely a little frightening.

ALSO - I want to thank my friends John Edgar and Ken Wong for donating to the cause I'm running for. It is very near and dear to me, and it would mean the world if I could keep raising funds for The Renascent Foundation. If you would like to make a donation, please click here. 

Pac-Man Run

I know, I know, I haven't blogged in a couple days. I've been taking a little bit of 'me' time.

I've got some good news though. After my last post on Wednesday night, I woke up Thursday morning feeling super motivated. I jumped right out of bed eager to try out my new running shoes. I decided it would not be a long run, but a run where I tested my limits. During my runs over the past few weeks, I have allowed myself to stop for a few minutes here and there to catch my breathe, or stretch my extremely tight calves. On Thursdays run however, I wanted to push myself and I thought the best way to do that would be to not stop moving NO MATTER WHAT.

At every light, I changed direction and kept running. It made for a very interesting route - something Pac-Man would have enjoyed. Every time I wanted to stop, I reminded myself of my last blog post about pushing your limits. I want to thank everybody who's been reading my blog, because if it wasn't for you I would not have been worried about letting anyone down. The amount of views I've received since I started this blog is amazing (over 2,000) - and you guys hold me accountable. It's incredibly motivating.

Because I pushed my limits on that run, I made the best time I think I have so far - 4.5K in 25 minutes. I've set a new goal as a result. If I can run 5k in 20 minutes, then I could do 10k in 40 - which means I could do 20k in 1 hour and 20 minutes. I know that it may not work out that way, because we get more tired after more time running, and things can change along the way, but if I aim for the stars I can land on the moon, right?

Having support is really important. I neglected the blog for a couple of days and as a result I didn't run or train yesterday, and I don't plan to until tomorrow. I took the weekend off work and I am enjoying something called a 'Staycation' - its very trendy right now. So today is a day for R&R - but knowing that you guys are routing for me will get me back on my feet tomorrow.

Here is a sweaty picture of me after my last run. It's terribly unattractive - so maybe it'll give you a good laugh. Happy Saturday!

Check cheddar like a food inspector.

Can I tell you a secret?
Every time I think about going for run, there's a little voice in my head that says "you're not gonna make it homie". No joke, the voice in my head is a ride-till-you-die thug.

Seriously though, I know I will make it - regardless of how far I need to run, but there's always an asshole inside me tell me that I can't. I hate that little gangster. I posted this up on my fridge a while ago, before I even knew I was going to run a marathon, and I guess sub-consciously I knew I would need to look at it at some point to help me get/stay motivated.

That chick's arms are mental. Totes for real. 

There is definitely something to be said about raising the bar and pushing your limits. In anything that you do. Whether you run a marathon or knit a scarf or get a masters degree - most of us often only do what we have to. And while the bare minimum can suffice, it can also get boring. I'm guilty of it  - doing just enough to get by. What I'm learning through this challenge I've embarked on though, is that it's not necessarily about results. Pushing yourself because you CAN, and not because you HAVE TO, reaps a greater reward than an A+ or being first at the finish line. It's a golden slice of gratification only you can give yourself; it's pride, it's fulfillment, its satisfaction. And it makes you hella strong. 

You know what else is good? New shoes. No more shin splints, thank you very much. 

So tomorrow morning, I will lace up my new kicks, and I will push myself to raise the bar. And if I may, I suggest you do the same. Put on a pair of proverbial Nikes and kick ass at whatever you know you can kick ass at. Oh, and tell the little homie in your head that he/she couldn't bust a grape in a fruit fight. 

Ab Fab & The 75 Minute Run

I may be drinking a Diet Coke and watching So You Think You Can Dance right now instead of running, but that doesn't mean progress hasn't been made. I want to apologize for not posting yesterday, but in my defense I had a very busy day of training, and I just needed to crash at the end of it.

Yesterday was the day I was DREADING all week. In fact, I dreaded it so much that yesterday was actually supposed to happen on Sunday, but I flaked out because I couldn't commit. I'm talking about The 75 Minute Run. I began my day at the gym for some jump rope, incline running on the treadmill and an ab work out. It was too nice outside to not take advantage, so later in the day I went for a long bike ride. I napped for an hour around 8pm, woke up, downed a shake and met with Zoran for our first "long run". Long doesn't even begin to describe how that run felt.

When I ran a 10k last March, it took something like 58 minutes. That was the longest I had ever run, besides on a treadmill. Last night, with an almost perfect mix of Kasabian, Radiohead and Led Zeppelin on my iPod, the first 40 minutes felt fantastic. I thought to myself "hey! you're a runner! look at you go!" and then - my shins happened.

Now I don't know if it's normal to get shin splints from running for over an hour, or if I have particularly weak shins, or if my shoes are crap, but gosh darn-it THEY HURT. In any case, Zoran and I completed or 75 minute run (a total of 9.5K), and went to my place where he microwaved a slice of bacon and promptly ate it before I even saw it come out.

 Then we sat on my patio and had a cigarette. We're so smart.

I figure it's been a little over a week since I began the blog with a SCANDALOUS photo of my non-existent abs, so here is a follow up progress report in the form of iPhone photo:

I know you can't see them but I'm pretty sure there are muscles in my stomach somewhere. I felt one the other day, for a second. 

It's time for my beauty sleep. Which means I'm going to yell at my T.V for a little while and likely cry at some toilet paper commercials. 'Cause that's how I get down, yo. 

Moti-gay-tion

I usually spend my Sunday lazing around, getting my nails and feet pampered, eating unhealthy/delicious food, and ending it with a few pints of Blanche de Chambly. So you can understand my lack of enthusiasm at the prospect of eating salads and running. I will admit right away that I did not do my long run today. I DID run though.

My best friend, aka my gay boyfriend Zoran, came over around 845 to peel me off my couch after the numerous texts I sent him expressing how much I did NOT want to go for a run. But he showed up in a silly little hat and a pair of running tights - how do you say no to that? It's a little something we like to call Moti-gay-tion.

The truth is I did not partake in shakes today. I ate real food - muffins, Mexican, and cake. So the run had to happen whether I liked it or not. We ran 4K in about 30min and decided tomorrow night would be long run night. By the time we stopped for a break in Little Korea, Zoran's head was steaming like a pot. See below:

See the steam? Coming out of his little hat? HILARITY. I also wore a funny outfit, which includes but is not limited to my favorite hot pink cut off Las Vegas sweatshirt. 

Well that's it. That's all I've got for you tonight. I'm pooped (that's right, POOPED) - and Breaking Amish is on t.v. So I gotta go. 

xox 

6.67K

I'm fighting my sick with Immunity FX, rest, OJ, and lots of agua. 

This morning when I woke up I felt pretty strong - then I saw Gwen Stefani on the cover of a magazine and thought to myself "man, she looks tough". So I got dressed in my coolest running outfit and did some sit ups while watching Knocked Up. 

See pictorial evidence here: 

I look just like her right? Remember when my hair was bleach blonde like that and I had that funny little top knot on top of my head? Seems as though Miss Stefani is biting my style, just a bit. 

After almost borrowing the strangest looking pair of headphones from my hilarious neighbor, I set off on my run. I decided that following the "Discovery Walk" path through the park near my house was the best route to bring me to my intended destination. It hadn't occurred to me, of course, that I really had no idea where the "Discovery Walk" takes you. I soon discovered that I was lost. Turns out I went in the complete opposite direction of where I wanted to go - but you know what? It added an extra 10 minutes to my run, and that's just great. 

For those of you who would like to track times, today I ran 6.67K, in about 40min. Not amazing. I know I can go faster, I just have to smoke less. Tomorrow I will do my first "long run" (that's runners' talk, just so you know) and it will be SEVENTY FIVE MINUTES. It's daunting, to say the least. 

Stay tuned, and I'll let you know whether or not I survive. Oh, and no more Discovery Walks. 

Oh and don't forget! I'd really love to raise some money for the cause (BESIDES MY INNER THIGHS) I'm running for - The Renascent Foundation. If you would like to make a donation to our team, please click here. 

Swimsuit picture!!!!

Let me be honest. It's raining, I'm sick, and I haven't done laundry in a month.
Today was supposed to be a big day of hot yoga and running, but I've traded in my Saturday rest day for today. Also, I needed clean underwear.

Training for a marathon seems like it could be a full time job. Now I understand why celebrities and athletes look incredible all the time - training is all they do! If I could hire someone to clean my apartment, do my laundry, do my homework and write this blog - I'd look just like Bar Rafaeli. I'd grow six inches and my eye color would change too, I'm sure of it.

Here is a picture of Bar Rafaeli in place of a picture of me today. Trust me, I'm doing you a favor.

Tomorrow I PROMISE to have a more interesting post. I just need a day off for rest and personal hygiene. K?

I'm not getting sick.

I'm not.
Really, I didn't spend the day sleeping. I wasn't in a cold sweat for the entirety of my class this afternoon. I will be fine bartending for most of the evening. I feel great.

Note: All of the above are lies. Straight up, lies.

It makes perfect sense doesn't it? Murphy's Law or something or other? What a terrible law. It's funny how when you spend a whole month going out and partying and eating crappy food, you don't get sick. And then the moment you smarten up and start being healthy again, you're body's like "Yeah? Now you want to treat me right? I'll show you!"

So, I might be getting sick. I still managed to go to the gym today and skipped rope for 20 minutes on and off between ab work outs. I had big ideas about coming home and posting gratuitous ab pictures for you all - but alas, my bed was seducing me in the sweetest way.

I need your help folks - if I am getting sick then please tell me how to continue training for this marathon without making it worse. I've got a month till showtime and I don't think I really have any time to spare. Suggestions are very much welcome.


I'll be at Betty's tending bar tonight if you want to come by for a pint. I promise to smile, and not get you sick.

I'd like to talk to you about an exciting opportunity..

Haha! Just kidding.

But seriously, I've been looking forward to this day for a whole week. Today is the day I have started something called "The Transformation Kit" by Visalus. You've probably heard about it. Basically it's a system that involves drinking a meal replacement shake twice a day (breakfast & lunch) that tastes like CAKE BATTER. It's like a protein shake, but it also has all the vitamins and minerals and carbs and stuff that you're supposed to get throughout the day. There is also a metabolism booster capsule that you take in the morning, and an omega vitals capsule that you take at night. Bam!

If you know me, then you've probably been privy to my insane bouts of going on likely unhealthy extreme cleanses (Master Cleanse, anyone?). So you must know that the prospect of drinking shakes that make you drop pounds is VERY exciting for me. Don't get me wrong, I love chicken wings, and Kobe beef burgers, and pizza. But this month, there is no place for such things in my belly.

Here is very exciting picture of the ingredients from my breakfast this morning:

Are you SO stoked? I am. See? Just look how happy I am in this next picture: 

That's a happy girl right there. It really does taste delicious. Please don't think for a second that I'm trying to sell you something, I'm not like that guys. I'm just really happy that this stuff is here. It's just more motivation to keep getting ready for this marathon. Having a meal/food/sustenance routine during such times is mega important (for me) - and if I feel like I'm doing some healthy stuff like drinking cake batter, then all the better. Batter. Better. I think I'm onto something here.. 

Oh and don't forget! I'd really love to raise some money for the cause (BESIDES MY INNER THIGHS) I'm running for - The Renascent Foundation. If you would like to make a donation to our team, please click here. 

Much love y'all. 

xxoo 

Im scared.

I participated in a boot camp last night. We ran a total of 5k, we lunged, we planked. I nearly died.

It occurred to me during the "warm up" - a few laps around the enormous park - that this is not going to be easy. OBVIOUSLY ITS NOT GOING TO BE EASY AMANDA. Silly rabbit. Ok, so I knew that when I made the decision to do this. That's the whole point: its a challenge. I just want you all to know that I'm scared.

I woke up this morning and it was dark outside. Fall, has fallen. I decided last night while limping home (my legs already in pain) that it would be a good idea to go to a 7am hot yoga class today. Get a good stretch in so I'm capable of running around serving wings to people every night for the rest of the week.  I got dressed with my eyes closed and promptly left my apartment before I could convince myself that my bed was a better option.  I took a picture of myself for your viewing pleasure.

Let me tell you that although yoga always feels good, I could barely hold myself up on the subway on the way home. There was a guy standing behind me and I'm pretty sure I stepped on his foot a total of 9 times between St.Clair and College station. Sorry buddy.

So I don't have a plan yet. This half marathon is in 4 weeks, give or take, and I have no plan. I'm just kind of winging this whole thing, which is probably why fear has set in so quickly.

I know that tonight I will try to run for about 30 minutes. It is going to be difficult because I'm already exhausted and it's only 10am. My ass is killing me, and my inner thighs HATE ME. If you have any music recommendations that will carry me through tonight's run, PLEASE let me know in the comment section below. I need all the help I can get because right now I'm daydreaming of a night that involves Thai food and Bill Murray movies.

I'd really love to raise some money for the cause (besides my ass) I'm running for - The Renascent Foundation. If you would like to make a donation to our team, please click here. 

Hello, my name is ________________

Amanda, or some of you may know me as Fong.

This being my first post, I feel I should explain myself. In just over a month, on October 14th, I will run a half marathon. For the first time. No big deal right? Wrong. I have extremist tendencies, and if I had told somebody last month when I was at a 3 day music festival of debauchery,  that I was a (half) marathon runner, they would have laughed. They would have laughed hard.

Oh I work out. I'm even quite often that annoying person on Facebook who updates her status letting you all know when I'm on my way to the gym. Or hot yoga. Or eating a salad. Seriously. Not only do I sometimes work out and eat healthily, but I read fitness magazines too - they're depressing and inspiring at the same time, its WEIRD.

I also smoke about 2/3 of a pack of Belmonts a day. I go out for beers with friends probably 3 nights a week. My hangovers last 2 days. My night job is serving & bartending at a pub with a million delicious beers on tap. Before I started working there I hated beer - now I can't get enough. It's delightful. I'm not going to get into my lust for whiskey - anyone who knows me knows Im from Montreal, and thats all there is to say about that.

This is me now. In 34 days, I will be a (half) marathon runner. I will not drink, I will try my best not to smoke, I will drink shakes and "eat clean", and I will TRAIN MY ASS OFF. Follow me on my journey and I promise to make you laugh, and show you pictures of my abs.

Not only am I doing this to challenge myself, but my best friend Zoran and I  are also running to raise money for The Renascent Foundation. If you would like to make a donation to our team, please click here.