Being A Woman

 I made it through the "week before period hell" ( or lady days as we jokingly call it around here...if you haven't seen the commercial that came from you must...hilarious. You can view it here ) and came through the other side. That week is what brings me down...so tired, craving anything salty or chocolatey, and all my motivation says "see you on the other side...if you make it through...". It becomes purely about mental toughness and it's a hard won fight friends. I stay off of the scale, which I try to anyway (it's my nemesis and really not a good indicator of progress) but during this week I know I am particularly susceptible to "all my hard work isn't doing anything so I may as well just give up and eat what I want...yolo baby!". I of course always regret it once I've made it through but at the time I just don't care.

I really pushed myself hard to exercise even though it was really challenging and everything ached, and I only mildly indulged my cravings. It was worth it, as I knew it would be. I took this picture to keep myself on track. That's progress...I'm actually getting some nice definition in my arms.

I got on the scale today too and after much hard work and multiple workouts a day I am down 12lbs since March 29th. That's decent for five weeks, more than two pounds a week and I am doing it with a reasonable diet which has not been my M.O. in the past. I am not cutting anything out. I get sad on no carbs and while I've mostly cut sugar I really enjoy my morning tea with sugar in it. I don't want to feel like I'm depriving myself as for me that's just not sustainable. I'm not trying to fit into a dress for an upcoming wedding in two weeks (or something else to that effect), what I want is steady long term progress. This is about becoming fit and healthy.

I am excited for the Colour Run coming up in Ladysmith next weekend. I think it will be so much fun and my daughter Ella can't wait. I'm thrilled to be able to run this with her, not only is it excellent mom and daughter time but I also feel like I'm setting a great example for her on the importance of being active and having fun while doing it. Fitness isn't a chore, it's a positive thing, both mentally and physically..a must!

I saw my sister in law last weekend and we had a nice chat about running (she runs much faster and farther than I do) and the importance of cadence. I tend to run with fairly long athletic strides, but she suggested faster and shorter strides to increase speed. I tried this at the track a couple of days ago, repeating "light and quick, light and quick" (thank you for that Mandy!) in my head while I went and my pace was quite a bit faster. My average is usually about 7.10-7.25 min/k and this run was 6.41 min/k as you can see here from my Map My Run app.

I'm continuing to do the Kayla Itsines workouts (and they continue to be really hard..lol) as well as some yoga to keep everything stretched out and limber. It's that effort everyday that brings change.

Hope you're having a great week!

Lashes For Days

I recently got lash extensions as you can probably tell from the title of this blog post, and Ladies, they are life changing.

You know how you're always on the hunt for that perfect mascara? Length, volume, no smudging, no flaking, super black, doesn't irritate your eyes, waterproof would be great but it's so hard to get off and it makes your lashes feel stiff so you usually get regular...lash extensions check all those boxes and you don't have to worry about putting them on and taking them off everyday. 

You wake up in the morning and your lashes look amazing, so amazing in fact that you can easily get away with no other make up because your eyes are on point.

If you want to glam it up a little more with some make up than the lashes are the perfect counterpoint.

These will make summer make up so easy, swim, play at the beach, sweat...your lashes continue to look amazing and no raccoon eyes.

 Please remember folks, lash extensions are getting quite popular and there are a lot of fly by night types popping up. Make sure you are going to someone who has been properly trained in application. Badly applied ones not only look bad they feel bad too. 

I had my lashes done by Eyelash Extensions by Marissa, and she did an excellent job. She was quick, thorough, and when she was done the lashes felt great, I can't feel a thing, it's like they are my very own.

Marissa and I had a great chat and I told her I would love to share these lashes with you, my readers, so she is offering all of you an excellent discount of $10 off an application of classic lashes, which is what I have, or $20 off the application of a full set.

To book an appointment you can message her through her Facebook page in the above link or call: #250-701-4247.

This post is not sponsored in anyway, I just love my lashes and wanted to share.

The necklace I am wearing is from Often Wander.

Bring on the 5k's!

I have been running quite a bit, at least three days a week, sometimes more, and I decided to enter not one, not two, but THREE 5k races.

I'm starting with a local colour run and I can't wait. I have wanted to do one of these for awhile as they just look like so much fun! It's not timed so not competitive, it's all about getting out there and enjoying yourself while running. Ella, my nine year old daughter is running with me too while husband Chris and son Marshall (6) will be along to take pictures. If you are in the Ladysmith area and think you might want to join in you can register here.

The next run will be the Goddess Run which is all about the ladies! This woman's only run is in it's fifth year and supports some amazing charities. There are lots of choices as far as distances and the whole weekend promises to be a fun one with yoga, concerts, beer gardens and prizes. If you want to join in you can click here.

The third run is the Foam Run which is muddy, foamy and full of obstacles. I suspect there will be a lot of laughter as well. I've been thinking a Mudderella run might be fun and this will be a nice taste...a baby mud run if you will. Want to join in? Click here. Don't forget to watch the video...looks like so much fun!

A big thank you to my friend Dana for committing to run these races with me, always more fun with a buddy. The more the merrier so if you decide to enter be sure to let me know.

Three Week Update

Oops..somehow three weeks slipped by without a blog post. I think I've been busy. ;)

I have been very committed to getting myself fit and healthy and have had just one rest day in the last three weeks, many times working out twice in the same day. I do some form of cardio everyday which is either hiking or running as well as a the Kayla Itsines workout I mentioned in my last post (they are killer by the way..and are a mix of cardio and strength training). 

I am starting to see changes already which is definitely encouraging. Pardon the crappy phone picture but I'm starting to see some muscle definition and I'm thrilled.

Most of these pictures are taken from my Snapchat or Instagram accounts, you can follow me @mariahdupuy for both.

Switching up the same boring workout bun with some fun braids.

I have been making sure to get at least three recovery workouts in a week as well which is either a yoga class at my favourite yoga studio Harmony Yoga, or a half hour at home of foam rolling and stretching at home. Foam rolling is my new best friend by the way, stayed tuned for an upcoming post about that.

Eating has been probably 80-85% on point. I am not cutting anything out of my diet as that has not worked for me in the past, I'm just being reasonable in my choices. Eating mostly clean with the occasional taste or two of things that I have a craving for. Even this stuff is mostly clean and unprocessed like mixed nuts with a few chocolate covered peanuts in there. Lest you think I'm always on however, I have also had some frozen yogurt with the kids and every morning I have a teaspoon of sugar in my tea. I have tried different sweeteners (honey, coconut sugar etc..) in an effort to avoid the refined sugar but quite frankly I love my sugar tea and that's how I'm going to drink it. I used to have a cup in the morning and one in the afternoon but I have cut the afternoon one out and have been drinking way more water.

We have been using the grill a lot for quickly grilling up some veggies with olive oil and fresh herbs.

This cottage cheese, cucumber, grape tomato and fresh ground pepper mix has quickly become one of my favourite snacks. Lots of protein and veg, it fills you up and it's delicious.

I'm feeling really really good. It's quite amazing the change in how I'm feeling when I'm pushing myself like this. I have way more energy, I sleep really well, I feel very driven and accomplished, and I am just overall happier.

Happy Sunday!

A New Workout Plan

 Last week I decided to download the Sweat With Kayla app. I had been following Kayla Itsines on Instagram for awhile and the before and after pictures she posts of the people doing her program (called the Bikini Body Guide) are crazy inspiring. Thanks to these photos she has become an Instagram sensation and as you can see from this pic has nearly 5 million people following her. Clearly I'm not the only one feeling inspired.

The first week is a free trial so it's a nice way to check it out and see what you think. This is a picture of me after completing a workout:

Yep, there I am in all my red faced and super sweaty glory. It's a butt kicker but it only takes a half hour and you're done baby (and sore the next couple of days!). Equipment needed is minimal so you can do it at home. 

 The app also includes an eating plan, a place to keep track of your water intake and you also take weekly progress pictures (don't worry, you don't have to share them unless you want to). My free trial just ended so I'm only a week in but I'm going to go right through the 12 week plan and I'll keep you posted on how I do and will post progress pictures at the end.

Have you tried this program? What did you think?

Sometimes It's The Little Things

I've been making a real effort to find joy in little things throughout the day. This can be easier said than done because our mind naturally wants to go to that "why me?!" place. This living in the moment and being more aware brings with it a real true happiness for me. Let me give you a couple of examples:

 I have recently started taking acting classes (way out of my comfort zone but I love it) and my daughter Ella and I run my lines together in the evening. This is so much fun, it's a little bonding time for us and there are always lots of laughs when I get a line wrong. This is just so much nicer than continually telling her to go to sleep. I think it's also a good way to help her relax at the end of the night, a bit like a bedtime story but she's completely involved and loves helping me.

My son Marshall loves to draw and will spend hours creating these very complex pictures where he perfectly captures the movement of all the little men who are running around on the sheet.

Here's just one little example:

When he and Ella left recently to spend a few days with my parents over Spring break he drew a picture for Chris, rolled it up with an elastic, and left it on Chris's nightstand. For me he left a Hershey's chocolate kiss that he had been saving from Valentines Day. He didn't tell us he did this and we didn't find them until after the two of them had left. My heart wanted to burst with love and I missed them both so much even though they'd only left that morning.

A final example? This morning I had to get up at 4am to make a trip to the airport to ship something. Rather than feel irritated that I had to be up so early I focused on how empty the roads were and how bright the stars were shining...the coffee was delicious and I got to enjoy the sunrise on the way home. By the time I got back the kiddies were just getting up for school and I felt wide awake and way ahead of the game.

Good vibes only, that's my mantra these days.

Off On The Right Foot

Having signed up for a race (see here) it was time to get new shoes. I have been using Asics for years now but the last pair I bought have not been my friends. Running in them has for the first time ever given me pain in my right knee and plantar fasciitis. I suspect this is because of the heavy arch support being just a bit too far back in my arch and therefore causing my foot to land poorly. My knee is still bugging me off and on but the PF seems to be gone.

I tried on several pairs of shoes when I went shopping at the local sports store and came home with these ones from Under Armour, they are the Micro G Limitless. 

They feel a bit like putting on a big sock, so comfy, and I love how they look. This is my first time buying UA shoes but I have had their clothing before and have been happy with it. I haven't taken them out for a run yet (tomorrow), but I think they will feel pretty good. They are much lighter than my Asics and don't have the same overdone arch support.

I have been looking ahead for the year and deciding what races/challenges I would like to set for myself, and I am seriously considering adding the Whistler Mudderella race to my list. Has anyone run one before? What did you think? I want to find things that are both a challenge and fun and I think Mudderella ticks both of those boxes. Ideally I'd love to form a team to go so if you're interested in doing that then let me know and we'll make it happen.

Are there any other races you'd recommend? I would love to hear about them in the comments section.