GIveaway time!

Cleaning up my eating has become a a big part of my life, husband and I are always looking for healthy alternatives and new recipes.  One of my favorite things right now are Hemp Hearts, I use them practically everywhere; in cereal, on yogurt, smoothies, salads and of course right out of the bag.  

Hemp Hearts are delicious, and often compared to sesame seeds or pine nuts in taste, Hemp Hearts are lower in carbs than flax and chia; they are raw, vegan friendly and Non-GMO. Hemp Hearts have a whopping 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of omegas per 30 gram serving.  AND Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts are grown in Canada!  


One of my favorite post run snacks is Heap Heart Banana Sushi (relax - its fish free)


Ingredients
           -1 medium banana
           -1 tablespoon almond butter
           -1 teaspoon hemp seeds
Instructions
           First, peel your banana. Then, spread almond butter on top, making sure to coat the top and sides. Then, sprinkle on hemp hearts. Place in freezer for about an hour. Then, slice about an inch thick.


Sounds great right?  I bet a giveaway sounds even better!  Sign up to be entered to win a 2oz bag of Manitoba Hemp Hearts. *Canada & US only, must follow this blog  

Since I'm a Sweat Pink Ambassador, you can use this code HHSweatPink215 for 20% off your purchase at  Manitoba Harvest (valid until March 31, 2015)




a Rafflecopter giveaway



  

I ran away from home

A little over a week ago, I ran away from home.  I boarded a plane and headed for Toronto.

Landing in Toronto brought back memories of flying home with husband and kiddo except this time I was alone - and about to take on something that wasn't even on my radar 2 years ago - the Niagara Falls International 1/2 Marathon!!!

Saturday morning after breakfast with an old friend, we were in the parking lot saying our good-byes before I headed into the Run Expo.  In the corner of my eye I spotted something familiar - black and yellow running jackets 4 of them.  Well, I know the black and yellow!  Without hesitating I called out "Hey, PRC!" and darted across the lot - Paradise Running Club - they were in Niagara to run the marathon too!  A quick goodbye was shouted back to my old friend and off I went with my new yellow friends.

After picking up our race kits and touring the expo together I decided come Jan I am joining the super supportive PRC (even though its over 4 hour drive from where I live).

After lunch it was time for the Massage Conference and an early night.

Sunday morning - race time!  Full on panic mode!  I had been too busy spending time with friends and making now ones that I forgot husband and kiddo were not with me - I was about to run a 1/2 marathon without my cheering section - could have vomited I was so scared.  The call went out to husband and he talked me down, but the time we drove as close to the start line as the road closures would allow, I was ready!

(Pre-Race Terrified & rocking my #sweatpink laces)

I walked up to the runner's tent and cuddled into some strangers for warmth then thought it best to visit the port-a-potties before the run went off.  When I am calm I even makes friends in line for the loo!

I hit a little bit of an emotional wall about 19K in - I just wanted to stop, I was done emotionally, but didn't go all that way to quit!  I put my head down and kept plugging along.

after two hours and forty minutes I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes, and heard my name being called - I looked up saw old friends and a beautiful bunch of flowers from husband and kiddo - I did it!

(cool and calm post-race)

I never would have thought it a possibility not that long ago, I have come a long way and I am so proud of myself, but I realize that I could NOT have done it without the support of some amazing friends, my beautiful daughter and the love of my life.  THANK YOU!

Thank you D for picking me up at the airport and giving me a place to stay and putting up with my crap, for dropping me at the start line and calling my name when I was done!
Thank you S for coming out to breakfast and for understanding when I ran off to hang with the yellow jackets!
Thank you K for cheering for me at the finish, and a great day out shopping!
Thanks Mudder for coming to stay with the kid and driving me to the airport!
Thank you to PRC for being so welcoming and encouraging at the expo - see you at the Santa Shuffle!
Thank you all!

Mostly thank you Vincent and Bria for encouraging me, for going to all my races and cheering me on, for understanding, for the flowers, and for being the 2 most important people in my life. (yes I am crying as I type this)

I think a full is in my future!

I conquered it!

Well I did it!  After years of saying I was going to, I finally did it!  I was one of nearly 4200 participants to battle the 27 degree temperatures with 80% humidity at 8:00am on  Sunday morning to battle the 10 mile race.

Walking up to the start corral I was shaking with nerves, the sea of brightly colored runners daunting.  I climbed over the rope and said greeted the runners around me (I babble when I'm nervous).  The gun sounded and we shuffled forward as a group waiting for the crowd to scatter a little before picking up pace.

Did I mention how hot it was?  By the time I hit the 2.5 mile water station I was parched!  But, I kept going, listening to the pounding of feet all around me. The experience was unreal - people on the side lines were cheering, spraying runners with personal hoses, handing out water soaked sponges and ice chips, candy and raisins.  I saw several signs along the route cheering people on, there was one lady about mile 5 who had a sign declaring "free hugs" and I needed one, so I stopped to hug her and cried a little.  I shed tears a couple times when complete strangers called out my name and shouted encouragement.

Coming around the final corner I could hear names of runners being called as they crossed the finish line and it seemed so far away, I could see anxious faces awaiting their family and friends, and I wanted my family.  I kept going.

Hearing my name comping over the speaker announcing that I had indeed do it, made me spill a few more tears.  Having a finisher's medal placed around my neck and hearing "good job" stopped the tear and elicited the biggest smile possible.  I did it!

it took me 2.14 hours but I DID IT! and will do it again :)

*up next - Commander Gander! and possibly the Huffin Puffin