Just Chillin'

I have been taking it easy this week and not doing too much of anything.  YES! I feel rather lazy, but this rest is needed.

As I wrote to you last week of the stomach flu bug that hit my home, well I think I was able to postpone some of its ill effects until after I ran my first Half Marathon this past Sunday.  They say running is mind and body, sometimes its more of a mental state than physical(I know that those of you that do not run are all thinking/saying..."Yes you are ALL mental for wanting to run 21.1K or 42.2K!"  LOL  I used to think that way too until I started training).  Well my mind overpowered the illness that was running through my body and I pushed myself to the START line and pushed even harder to get across that FINISH line.  On Monday I was feeling that ill feeling again, but with resting, I have come to feel like myself once more.  My physical activity for this weekend will be cleaning up the house that kind of got neglected over these last two weeks. 






Thank you to all of you that entered the contest to name the NEW product by Maus Wear.  I mentioned last week that the winner will be revealed this week.  Well with everything that has gone on and feeling rather ill and lazy, I didn't get the announcement written up as I liked to have done.

I can tell you the winner's name and please don't think of it as favouritism, this person had the name that I liked the best.

The winner's name is...

Steve Kraus

Yes...that is my husband.  I will let you know the winning name he came up with as soon as I have the product description written up.  I can't reveal too much or someone might steal my product's new name.

NOW...because he is my husband, that is kind of unfair that he would win the prize, SO...I will pick another name out of a hat and that person will one of Maus Wear's NEW item.  His product name wins, but someone else will reap the reward.  YAY!!!!

 

So the winner of that contest is...

 

Ashley N

 

Congratulations to you Ashley!  You can contact me via email at phatsoslim.staystrong@gmail.com with your print choice.

 

I have some other product ideas that I am also working on and hope to share with you soon.  I am hoping I have enough product to showcase the NEW Maus Wear workout gear at a show this fall.  For those of you that are local to the Kitchener-Waterloo area, I will let you know when and where I will be.

 

Until then...Stay Strong!

 

Good night

 

Trina

 

I DID IT!

I completed my very first Half Marathon today.  And I have this gorgeous medal to show for it...

My official chip time was 2:19:35

 I am very proud of this time and is now my "Official" personal best.

 

 

The reason I say Official in "..." is because as I ran the half marathon today I also ran with my Nike+ app going too and according to that, I ran a total of 22.1KM.  I started it just before I crossed the START and shut it off just after crossing the FINISH.  It recorded the course, my times and it stated that I broke three of my personal records.

 

 

 

So these are my "unofficial" official personal records.

 

 

Getting back to today's Scotia Bank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon...

 

I knew that a friend of mine, Carrie was running the Half too and would be in the green corral ahead of me.  I was hoping that I would see her some point to say hi and congratulate her on this great accomplishment.  This one would be her second Half Marathon.  Well this morning when I was heading down in the elevator at the hotel by myself (I will get to this story soon), the doors opened in the lobby and who was standing outside of it???...It was my friend Carrie.  How ironic is that???  She was there with her two brothers.  It was so great to see her.  We headed down to the main event together.  It was nice to be with people that I knew.  I was a bit sad when I woke this morning and getting the news that my husband was up most of the night, without getting into any gross details, he was sick, and I shall leave it at that.  So he was tired and still feeling rather ill, so I told him to stay there and I would go by myself.

 

I got up...

And yes Alicia, I have to put on my lipstick. 

That is the only make up I wear.

 

I checked the weather and I got dressed accordingly...

 

Yes I am sporting my Maus Wear Full Length Running/Workout Pants in the Graffiti Print.

And Yes...lots of selfies.

 

Then I made my way out of the hotel room and down to the lobby.  I wish I would have snapped a picture when the doors of the elevator opened, but I was in shocked that I ran into my friend right there in the hotel lobby so early in the morning.  CRAZY!!!!

 

 

 

 

 After hitting the bathrooms in the Hilton Hotel, made our way to our corrals...

 

Lots of these blue Running Room coats were seen out on the course today.  This was the jacket that I got for running my second 5K run on the 1st of this year in the Resolution Run. 

How are you going to start your year?

The jackets for the next Brita Resolution Run are black and red.

So again...How are you going to start the New Year???

Check it out!!!

 

This picture below was taken as we were all making our way towards the START line.

 

I didn't take any pictures but 1, out on the course.  I had to try and snap a picture to show my children who I was running beside for a few minutes...

 

That's right! 

It was Batman!

I also had to snap this picture to show my friend Robyn.  Many years ago I worked at a camp and for the first month I looked after one of the camp counsellors daughter whose name was and still is Robyn.  Since all of the counsellors had to have a nickname, for that summer I was named Batman.  We were Batman and Robyn.  After camp I went to Houston Texas with their family and watched over Robyn while her wonderful parents worked.

And to this day Robyn calls me Batman.

She is keeping me on my toes on the Nike+ app.

Thanks Robyn...Love Batman xxx





 

I ran this half marathon with only 1 stop, and that stop was to tie my shoe.  I have never had my shoe lace come undone before while running.  But today it did.  I moved off to the side, tied it up and carried on.  I didn't really grab much to drink along the way.  In my training, I never took water with me so it didn't bother me today not to have much to drink.  I did grab for maybe three cups throughout the race, but only had a sip of each.  After I crossed the finish line, I think I probably drank a litre of Gatorade.  LOL

 

As I ran down Lakeshore Blvd I heard another runner from the other side of the road running back up Lakeshore Blvd call out, "Way to go Trina!" and then I noticed his hand reach out for a high five.  I think it was one of Carrie's brothers who was running the Full Marathon.  I was kind of in a zone, but noticed what he was wearing out of the corner of my eye, but didn't look up in time to see who this person was.  My apologies.  You made me feel really good...thank you.  

 

It was also great to hear your name being called out by complete strangers, cheering you on and pushing you on until the end.  As my other post earlier last week was named "Emotion Sap".  That I was, BUT I wasn't as bad as I thought I would be.  There were a number of times where I kind of got choked up.  I thought of how great this was, my Dad, and thinking and hoping that my husband would feel better before I got to the finish line so that he and our children would be there to see me finish.  I have always thought, one of the saddest things is...Coming through the arrival gates at the airport, and there is no one there to meet you(with the exception of knowing that no one is supposed to meet you).  Well this was almost the same.  I know that they were there in spirit. 

 

I tried taking a picture of myself once I crossed the finish line, but something happened to my phone and the picture didn't save.  Then I thought my battery died, but I managed to get it working again but it was too late by then to take pictures of what occurred after the FINISH.  There were line ups for food like, bagels, bananas and yogurt.  Once you made it through those lines, you made your way to Nathan Phillips Square where you could meet up with friends and family.  I made my way over to the baggage station where I had some dry clothes.  After picking up my things I made it back to the Square and ran into my friend Carrie and her family.  Congratulations again to you Carrie, and to your brothers.

 

I was able to get a late check out at the hotel so that gave me enough time to get back and have a warm shower before heading home.  On my way back more complete strangers congratulated me on my run.  Happy face!  I snapped a couple more selfies too...

 

Oops!  I cut the top off.

I was almost to hotel and to my warm shower.

 

Here are a few pictures of the course that I ran according to the Nike+ app...

 

So whether I ran 21.1KM or 22.1KM the point is...

I DID IT!

 

And I pretty damn proud of it!

 

Now what?

 

We shall see.  For now I am going to rest for a couple days and think of what to challenge myself with next.

 

I want to thank everyone who have wished me well on this run.  Thank you!  Whether it was in person, via Twitter, via Facebook, via Instagram or out on the course...

 

THANK YOU!!!!

 

Until next time...Stay Strong!

 

Good night

 

Trina

 

P.S.  I got lots of compliments on my running pants on and off the course today.  The only problem was, I left my business cards in the hotel room. 

If you are interested in the NEW Maus Wear running/workout pants, email me at phatsoslim.staystrong@gmail.com for more information.

This item will have a name this week...I promise.

 





 

I have 2 Blue Galaxy, 1 Purple Galaxy, 1 Jewels/Black and 1 Jewels/White in stock now and ready for purchase.  They will be at a Regular price of $20.00 but these 5 will go for an introductory price of $15.00 each.  First to contact me will get to purchase them. 

Email me at phatsoslim.staystrong@gmail.com

A shipping charge will apply if needed.

 





 

 

0 Days to Go!

Well it's the night before my first half marathon. The last time I wrote to you, I wasn't feeling so good. I am happy to report that I am feeling better than last night. I am just tired and hungry now. 

My family and I arrived at the Direct Energy Centre this morning and after tasting some Oasis juices and smoothies, we made our way to race kit pick up.  I was still feeling kind of blah, so we didn't stick around the Expo for too long. After picking up my kit, they do a chip verification to ensure your chip is working. My son thought it was pretty cool when my name popped up on the screen. 

I signed the Inspiration Wall...

That's mine in the blue ink. 

We did a quick look around at the other booths. I saw a really, REALLY nice The North Face running jacket, but I had to pass on it. : (  I told you in a couple post back that I was going to make myself a jacket...it didn't happen. Well it started, but I didn't get it finished. My fabric came in for the workout pants that I had orders for so I made those instead.  

After leaving the Expo, I did hesitate out in the hallway whether or not to go back in and buy the jacket. But I was so tired, I just needed to leave. 

We made our way to our hotel and there we were able to get an early check-in and I was able to crawl into the bed and rest for a couple hours.  Then the hunger set in. 

Yep! We are staying at the Renaissance Hotel and our room is overlooking the field. The kids thought that was pretty cool. 

We got ready to go out in the rain to check things out and grab some food. The fresh air and the walk made me feel much better.  As we walked along the streets, the race set up was in full swing. 

The excitement started to build. But by this point we were all pretty wet and needed to get back to the hotel. 

So back here at the hotel, I am again under the covers resting before we go get some more food.  For our exciting evening we are watching extreme coupon. I have never watched this show before, but it's crazy how much money these people are saving. CRAZY!!!!

I couldn't do it. I don't have the time that these people devote to it. But it would be nice to get a $700.00 shop, down to $0.56. Now if they only had some extreme coupons for The North Face jacket to go from $103.00 to $3.00...I'm in. 

I got my race items ready...

I will say good night to you now. And thank you to all of you that have wished me well...Thank you!

I see you at the finish line. 

Until then...Stay Strong!

Good night

Trina

2 To Go and Not So Good

With only 2 days to go, I have come down with a flu bug of some sort.  I have been fighting an ill feeling all week, and NOW it decides to hit me. 

 Not just me though, my son too.  He is fast asleep in his bed, probably what I should be doing too.  But I am sitting in bed as I type eating crackers and drinking water, and hoping to keep it inside of me.  Talk about bad timing! 

Why didn't this happen last weekend or next weekend???  It probably didn't help when I ran 10K through the pouring rain last night either.  Oh well, it is what it is and I will deal with it.

This year has been total CRAP for me, so it figures that this would happen.  It's the icing on the cake.  I am strong and I will get through this just as I have gotten through all the other crap this year.  I will think positive thoughts and concentrate on my Long Run Sunday.


We are heading to Toronto tomorrow to check out the...

Running, Health & Fitness Expo

October 18-19, 2013

Hall D, Direct Energy Centre (DEC), 100 Princes' Blvd

• Friday October 18, 11:00am to 8:00pm
• Saturday October 19, 10:00am to 6:00pm

The Best Free Event In The Running Year

Whether you are running in the race or not the exhibition is an opportunity that's too good to miss for anyone interested in running and fitness. Don't forget the show is Free to enter so feel free to bring your family and friends and tell all your running companions that even if they are not competing it's a great day out. 

I hope my husband or my daughter don't catch this bug.  Or it will make for a very interesting race weekend.  This is more like how I should be feeling...

 

Tomorrow I will.  With only 1 day to go, I WILL feel better.

 

Until then...Stay Strong!

 

Good night

 

Trina

 

5, 4, 3...

Tonight I went out for my last run before this Sunday's race.  I ran 10K from my daughter's dance school to our home.  It was rainy, very rainy and cool.  My feet got really wet during the first 2KM and it made me feel very sluggish up to the first 6KM or so.  I always feel sluggish during evening runs, because of all the water and food that I have taken in during the daytime.  My times are always slower too, which is a bit frustrating, but I know the reasons WHY.

This once Wimpy-Weather-Runner was still wanting to end this run as the wind picked up on some of the roads in which I ran tonight, but I pushed on through this crappy weather.  I passed by another runner tonight on the wet country road, I waved as you do, and felt my wet feet lighten up a bit, and got an extra burst of energy to keep me trekking on.  I don't really mind running in the rain, well the summer rain.  Now that it is fall, and this week the temperatures have dropped from last week, tonight was a test.  I passed.  I could have easily text my husband to pick me up at the half way point but what good would that do me???  

I am looking forward to Sunday, but also feeling a little nervous.  Why??? I'm not sure.  It may be that I am worried that I will sleep through my alarm on Sunday morning.  OR That I will not sleep the night before. If that's the case, then I won't have to worry about sleeping through my alarm.  LOL I would only have to worry about passing out at the start line.  It will ALL be good I'm sure.  I am just going to keep thinking that it's just my long run day, just like during my training.  The ONLY difference will be is, that more than 20,000 other people decided that it is their long run day too.  It's going to be AWESOME!!!!

I will try and write again tomorrow night.  I am going to be working on some of the Maus Wear workout gear tonight and tomorrow night.  You still have time to get in on the contest to name the NEW Maus Wear product...

One item...many different ways to wear it.

 

Be creative and think of name for this product.  Remember...

Maus Wear puts the FUN in functional.

 

 

Submit your product name idea to me at phatsoslim.staystrong@gmail.com

Contest closes tomorrow night and the new name will be revealed next week along with the winner.

 

I wish you all good luck!

 

 

I will talk to you again soon.

 

Until then...Stay Strong!

 

Good night

 

Trina

 

Emotional Sap

Yesterday morning my son and I were talking about my upcoming race, the Scotia Bank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half for me as you know.  He asked, "how big is it?"  My reply, "It's bigger than any race that I have run in before."  That got me thinking, I must show him just how BIG it will be.

While the kids were have snack, I went to the STWM website and started watching the video highlights from last year's race. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9SBtVm00bw&feature=player_embedded

I told him to come over and watch.  While he watched in wonder and awe, I got all teary eyed just thinking about the whole thing.  I'm such an emotional SAP.  Can you imagine what I will be like on race day????  LOL <<<oh yeah, I laugh now, but I will probably be blubbering like a complete idiot.  I'll have to get someone to smack me to regain my composure in order to be able to run the full 21KM.  All of my training runs I have gone out by myself, so to be surrounded by thousands of people running and/or cheering will be a totally different experience for me.  Any of you remember how when I ran my first 5K last December first in the 1st Annual Santa Pursuit?  I got all teary when I looked around and saw all us runners dressed up as Santa.  And when a lady in a car gave me a high five, tears to my eyes.  I'm such a sap.  So this will be multiplied by a gazillion.  So please...no pictures...just kidding.  This MUST be documented.  I hope my husband will be able to get close enough to get some good pictures as I start and finish so that I can share them with you.

In 8 days, this will be me...

 

But they will be tears of pure joy, I guarantee.

 

My sister ran a marathon a number of years ago and I remember watching her cross the finish line...yes, I had tears of joy flowing from my eyes.  She gave me some tips a few weeks back and now I am thinking more and more about them as the race approaches.  One of the tips was: Don't wear anything new.  Make sure you have worn it before and that it will be comfortable.  So with that tip in mind, I will be packing my most comfortable pair of running socks and I am still trying to figure out which bottoms and top to wear.  I might try and make myself a running top this weekend and test it out before the big day.  Yes I will be sporting Maus Wear workout gear, but the question is WHAT?!?!

 

In my last post I mentioned about my long run Saturday possibly happening on Sunday...that it will.  Today I had my Halloween Decoration Garage Sale.  I was up early and ready to sell some of my most spooky possessions.  My garage sale ran from 8am-NOON today.  I sold some stuff, but since I have SO much, I still have quite a bit left.

 

Here are a few pictures from today...

 

 

Tomorrow after my run I will decorate the outside of our home with the decorations that I have kept for that purpose.  I am still a lover of Halloween, so I would be crazy to sell ALL of my stuff.  Plus my children didn't want me to sell hardly anything, except for this one...

 

 

 

They wanted this thing GONE!  It didn't sell though.  Maybe it was too creepy for everyone?!?!?! LOL

 

Here is my crazy little daughter acting well...

 

 

CRAZY!!!

I LOVE her!

 

Even though I didn't sell everything today, I was able to organize the remaining decorations so that they will be easier to find.  Plus, I have posted some of the things on Kijiji just in case some of you in the area still are in need of some Halloween decorations to make your home spooky this Halloween.

 

I have a tote full of cheese cloth...

 

 

 

Great for making a room look spooky.

 

At least too with the sale of some stuff and sort things out, I was able to empty 3 totes.  And those totes were originally bought to put Christmas decorations in.  I finally got them back, and my Christmas stuff can get out of the garbage bags they are in and placed into these green and red totes...

 

 





 So getting back to running...

Tomorrow I will get out for probably my last long run before next Sunday.  I'm not too sure how far I will run, but with the weather the way it has been this past week, I may just go for a really long run.

As of today...

Looking forward to it!

I must go now as I about going to make myself a running jacket.

Have a great night!

And Stay Strong!

Good night

Trina