Liebster Award

I have been nominated for a Liebster Award. It is an award for new bloggers to help promote their blog. Thank you to Runner Leana for nominating me. 
These are the rules:

• Mention the person who nominated you.
• Answer the 11 questions provided by the person who nominated you. 
• Nominate 11 other bloggers with less than 200 followers 
• Create a new set of 11 questions for your nominees to answer.

With only a few posts on my blog, I was surprised to read that I was nominated for this, but I am excited to take part and it motivates me to keep blogging.
Let's get on with the questions and answers!

1.Tell me about your first race.

I can't remember my first race as I have been running for awhile on and off, but I do remember the first race that got me hooked all over again. 
I ran with my friends Payal and Kristen in the Starbucks 5k Run for Women. The truth is, we were more motivated by the cute bracelet that came in the race package then the run, but that little piece of bling motivated me to train to run the 5k straight.  
The race was a rainy June morning in Baker Park.  We were welcomed by a fresh cup of Starbucks to help warm us up.  The race took place through the park and up a big hill. We chose to walk up the hill and after the race, I regretted that decision. I had trained to run the whole race and I didn't, so I made up my mind to do another without any walking. 

2. If you could run any race, anywhere in the world, what would it be and why?
Wow... any race. I am not sure I could decide on one, so I have picked three different ones that I thought looked amazing. The first is the Marathon Du Medoc. It combines three things that I love: running, travelling and wine! The second is not a road race. It is Empire State Building Run Up.   It would be so hard, but I think the sense of accomplishment would be worth it! The last is the Athens Classic Marathon.  Greece is tops on my places to see, so I would love to combine a vacation with a great run.  Plus, where better to run than in the birthplace of the marathon!

3.  What is your favourite fuel to use? 
I use a couple different things. In my waterbottle, I usually use VegaSport or Ultima Replenisher. I love the taste of the raspberry Ultima. It reminds me of Koolaid!  For chews, I use the honey Stinger. I especially like the cola ones as they remind me of coke bottle candies.  

4.Do you train solo or with a group? 
I usually run on my own, although every now and then I can organize myself to get together with my friend Sydney. I really look forward to our runs together. I always bike alone as I usually bike on my trainer. Lately, I have been swimming with my friends Jodi, Kristen, and Bob.  

5.Have you ever had a running injury? 
Luckily only minor ones. While training for my half marathon last year, I started to develop a really sore muscle on my lower calf and a bruised foot. By following the advice of my coach Sharon, I was on the mend in no time and back out there. I always try to stretch, roll and take an epsom salt bath after long/hard runs to keep my muscles happy. 

6. What motivates you to keep training? 
There are so many things that keep me motivated. I love the challenge that being active gives me. I love that I can set goals, achieve them and see my improvement.  I also like the downtime it gives me. I find myself in a different state of mind during a long swim or with the right song on a long pathway.  The change I have seen in my body is also a motivator. I love being able to see and feel the change in my muscles and I find that clothes fit so much better. I also like how it calms me down. I have ALOT of energy and running and swimming  allows me to use that energy in a positive way.  I have found that training has been good for my mind, body and spirit. 

7. What is your favourite piece of gear? 
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my lulu lemon jacket. There are so many things I love about it (although the price certainly wasn't one of them). First, I love the colour. It is not a colour I normally wear, but I think that's what is so great about it. It allows me to been seen and the reflective patches ensure this.  I love that it is lined inside with a dry fit type material that is stretchy.  I also love that the material allows me to move easily and not feel restricted. I also love that it easily holds my cell phone in the pocket and has headphone holes and holders so that my headphones stay in place.  I love the thumb holes that help keep my hands warm on a chilly day. I also love that I can wear it year round. In the winter, I can add a wool shirt underneath and a vest on top and I am warm. On a chilly summer day, I can wear it with a tank top without my arms sticking to the arms. Lastly, I love how flattering it is. I still feel cute and feminine in it as it gives me shape in just the right places. (The picture above of me in my first race shows this jacket)

8. I’m stealing a question from Krista…what is your goal race for this year? 
I have been thinking ALOT about this lately. Originally, my plan was to race 14 races in 2014. However, lately, I am thinking I will race once a month and volunteer for at least  2 races this year. I love the crazy, hyper people on the race route and I know I could be one of those people for others. It's important to give back I think.
If I race the Okanagan Half Marathon again this year, I want to break the 2 hour mark. To my surprise, last year I was just over 2:02 and I think I can beat it this year. 

9.Tell me about your most memorable run. 
My most memorable race was the Okanangan Half Marathon.  

Crossing the finish line!

10. What made it so memorable?

Before the race

My amazing supportive family!

There were so many things that made this day amazing. Of course my time was memorable. I was aiming for 2:15 and was shocked to see 2:02. It was my first half marathon, so the energy I felt, the nerves and the excitement, are feelings that make for a memorable day. Also, my family was all there to cheer me on at the end. I remember getting close to the end and my legs were hurting. I was just lapped by a marathoner and feeling tired. I saw my brother in law with a big smile on my face and I remembered that I had a cheering squad. I gave it a final burst of energy and was welcomed at the end by my family and a fresh Okanagan apple. An apple has never tasted so good. 

11. What is the coldest temperature you’ve run in?
Last year, my friend Sydney and I decided to tackle a run every day challenge.  This started the day after American Thanksgiving and lasted until New Years. The idea behind it was to keep the holiday stress and weight off!  Of course the day we started was also the frist day of a bitter cold streak in Calgary. We persevered.  My friend and neighbour Kristen would run with me on those cold days.    After a blizzard, in the bitter cold, there we were with our ski coats, goggles, and balaclavas we would tackle the bad ass neighbourhood of Sage Hill. I'm sure the neighbours thought we were crazy! We saw the temperature drop to -30C on more than one occasion, but it was surprisingly fun and liberating. I definitely plan to do this again next year!

Share your favourite race photo! 
This is by far my favourite photo. This was after my first Try a Tri. I suffered from a really bad cramp on the run and I came to the finish line wiped. I love the expression on my face!

Now for my nominations. Although I follow quite a few blogs, none are new or have few followers. If you know of any, please let me know :)
1. Hurray for Play
2. Girl Goes Running (Not sure if this qualifies, but I love reading it!)
3. YYC Gluten Free

Now for my questions:
1. Why did you decide to start blogging?
2. Do you preplan your blog entries or are you more of a spur of the moment blogger?
3. When did you discover your passion for what you blog about?
4. What else do you like to do in your spare time?
5. If you could recommend one book to anyone to read, what would it be and why?
6. Cat or dog?
7. What is your favourite food and why?
8. If someone wanted to get started with your passion (running, baking, teaching) what is one piece of advice you would give them?
9. Where in the world would you like to visit?
10. What is your guilty pleasure?
11.Where is your "hidden gem" of Calgary? (What is the one place in Calgary that you love that you're not sure everyone knows about.