Back at Bike for Tykes

June 15, 2015June 20, 2015Leave a comment

This Thursday I am very excited to be reconnecting with the team from Bike for Tykes to get my sweat on for some awesome social good.

Bike for Tykes is a volunteer organizing committee that partners with children’s charities in the Greater Toronto Area to host a one day spinning relay that raises funds to support programs that improve the lives of children.

Since 2012, Bike for Tykes has supported the Cancer Neighbourhood of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at SicKids. Despite enormous advances in the past 20 years, cancer is the most common cause of disease-related death in children. SickKids is the largest childhood cancer treatment centre in Canada and a major contributor to international pediatric clinical trials.

What I love about attending and participating in this event, beyond the half day of spinning, is the connection to the community and families who receive support at SickKids. Families are not only present spinning on stage, but are around the space sharing their personal stories and connecting with the cyclists. You get to hear the first hand impact of the funds raised and see how lives are changed.

If you have some spare change please consider donating it here and help improve the lives of children in need.

5 Ways to Love Running

September 23, 2014Leave a comment

With only two weeks left until the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure you may be looking for a little motivation to keep you moving. Here are five ways to fall in love with running right now!

1. Set and Track a Goal!
I’ve chatted about big Run day goals in my previous post here, so now let’s talk about every day running goals. Each time you head out for a training run leading up to October 5th, find something to strive towards. Setting a goal for each run (even if it’s just to not walk!) creates benchmarks of your progress and a sense of accomplishment when you are finished.

2. Run Somewhere New!
Running along the same path everyday can get boring. Even if you need to commute to a nearby park or conservation area add some variety and beauty to your run. If you aren’t able to try a new location, how about running at a different time of day? Sunrise and sunset can change your route by adding some great visuals and makes your regular route seem extra special.

3. Find a Running Tribe.
Running with others is a great way to pass the time. If you are completing the CIBC Run for the Cure with a team, get the whole gang out on your next run. If you are entering alone, then meet up with other like minded runners through a local run shop or community group. If you’re in the downtown Toronto area, some join my group, Tribe Fitness.

4. Treat Yourself To New Gear!
Sometimes a cute running hat, a new pair of shoes, even some new socks are exactly what you need to motivate you to get moving. Check out your local sporting goods store to find out what’s hot, so search from home using social media sites like Pinterest. Check out my pins of running style and reward yourself with something cute.

5. Give Back.
If you can’t find the personal motivation to keep running, remember you are doing it for a great cause. If you haven’t already done so you can still register to walk or run, donate or volunteer. Donate to my walk here!

Bonus!
6. Get Social. Share your running successes and accomplishments online and connect with other CIBC Run for the Cure runners and walkers by joining the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.

Setting a Running Goal

September 17, 2014September 17, 2014Leave a comment

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is only three weeks away which means it’s the perfect time to check in or set some goals.

Training Goals:
How has your training been going? Do you need to set some goals to get out and train more? How about some goals to stretch after every walk/run?
Tune in to what you can do to make each training session easier and more effective and to what you can do now to prepare yourself for the ultimate event day experience. Sure, you can push yourself to finish – but wouldn’t it be great to finish feeling great!

Event Day Goals:
For me, when it comes to Run day goals I always like to set three.
1. That is my ultimate race experience goal. If everything goes off without a hitch what would be my ultimate finish time.
2. What’s a finish time that I would be happy with? Sure it’s not your ultimate goal, but it’s something that is still challenging, but doable.
3. The third goal never has anything to do with my Run day performance. It’s often a goal about having fun, taking a really great finish line photo. Thanking 10 volunteers on course. Giving 5 kids cheering high-fives. Something that is total doable, and will leave you and in some cases others feeling great.

Fundraising Goals:
What is your personal or team fundraising goal and how will you accomplish it? My goal is $300. Help me make it by donating here.
What are some creative and fun ways you can achieve them? How about:
• Hosting a BBQ in your neighborhood and charging $3 a hotdog or hamburger,
• Have your kids set up a lemonade stand,
• Take some of your old clothes to a local consignment shop and put your profits towards the CIBC Run for the Cure, etc.

Or maybe your goal is to get involved: Register to walk or run, Donate or give your time and Volunteer.
Whatever your goals are, the best way to make them happen is to share them! Join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook and share your goals with others.