My love for running has definitely changed over the year. I started running for health, but the more I ran the more it was for different reasons. When I first started running I didn’t realize how out of shape I was. It became clear if running was my exercise of choice then I really really needed to keep working at it. I never wanted to look like a runner I just wanted to run and not be seen. I decided I didn’t want to run by myself so one day I walked into a running room store and that’s  when everything changed for the better.

I was in the learn to run group which is a great idea if you have never ran before. The group starts out slow running for 1 min, walk for 2min and so on until you can run 10min walk 1 min then run another 10 min. Basically you learn to run for 20 minutes with a 1 minute walk at the half time mark. After the learn to run group I decided it was time to buy some running gear. More running shoes for sure. It’s always a good idea to have 2 pairs of  good quality runners. Any running store will fit your foot to the right kind of shoe. If your a pronator which is basically you walk  on the outside of your foot. I also have low arches so motion control runners are the best for me. I highly recommend making sure you have the right running shoe, less injury in the future.

I also got my dad involved in running which he began to love. Our goal was to run the Run for the Cure 5 km in October. We had 2 months to train for it . We ran it together which was nice to have my dad running with me, especially when I thought I needed to stop. But we did it in 31 min. That’s pretty good for first timers!! Months went by and we kept running together and with running groups. That’s when my love/hate relationships with running started. I know we all have good days and bad days when it comes to running. It all depends on your diet and how much sleep your getting each night. I was so happy about finishing the 5 km race I competed in other 5 km races. Sometimes I would hate running and have to push my self to meet with my dad but I still ran. Other times I felt such a high when running with my dad or by myself. It was an escape from my 4 year old daughter. Don’t get me wrong I love her to pieces but it was nice to do something for myself with no guilt. Just last April I ran in the Times Colonist 10k. That was amazing, what a feeling to cross the finish line. My dad didn’t run in that one but there’s always next year. I finished the race in 67 mins. I was so proud of my self!!

Oatmeal w/flax

Another wonderful way to give my daughter a great start to her day is good quality oatmeal. Steel cut oatmeal is highly nutritious and packed with protein and fiber. Steel cut oatmeal takes about 30- 40 min to cook. What I like to do is make a big pot of oatmeal at the beginning of the week and then just keep in fridge. To make steel cut oatmeal it’s about 1 cup of oats to 4 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Cook uncovered once the oatmeal starts to thicken up.

Once cooked, sprinkle organic ground flaxseed. Top with yogurt or milk either one is delicious with a handful of fresh berries.

Pancakes are definitely a staple in our household. We can have pancakes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The variations to making pancakes goes on and on. I myself is always looking for the next healthy combo. Whether it’s blueberry bran, strawberry & banana, chocolate chip & flax. Basically I try to make pancakes that are delicious and packed with healthy ingredients for my picky daughter. Also I like to make something quick and easy even if it’s pancakes for supper. Here’s a favorite that I tend to make often.

Banana Bran w/berries

• 1 1/2 cups of your favorite pancake mix (Bob’s Red Mill)
• 1 mashed up banana (smooth)
• 1/2 cup of bran
• 2 tbsp flax seed
• 1 tbsp wheat germ
• 3/4 cup mixed berries

The recipe usually calls for milk you might have to add a splash more of milk to get the right consistency for the pancake batter. I like to add the berries once I’ve dropped the pancakes into the non stick pan. I scatter the berries evenly on the one side. Or leave them plain depending on your little ones preference. Maple syrup is the way to go when topping these pancakes!!

Have left over pancakes? Put them in freezer bags place in freezer for another quick meal time.

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