Let's get this amateur looking... Less amateur!

First running post 👟🏃

I've been a dedicated daily runner for more than three years, but I've always thought my running gear has much to be desired.  At one time, I have either 1 or 2 good pairs of running shoes and less-than-technical apparel.  However, this hasn't stopped me from tracking 3-7 miles daily in any weather than Ontario has thrown at me! Outdoor miles beat treadmill miles (almost) anyday. Unless it's those mornings when it feels like -35 degrees Celsius with the wind chill!

So, my current footwear are in desperate need of an upgrade. When I get back to London in a week for school, I'll visit the Running Room and hopefully find my footwear match made in heaven.  As for now, I log my miles with the Nike+ Moto 9s but I haven't been impressed with these shoes.  When I purchased them, it was from a big-box sporting store and the employee was not very knowledgeable in the detailed aspects of a running shoes.  So I have felt that they are too wide for my feet but I've been making do. 

 
I would love your input on which shoes you have loved and why.  I'm a pretty typical runner with middle to high arches and no pronation.  Mizuno's seem pretty attractive to me currently since I am a regular reader of Christina and Krysten's blogs.

In addition to footwear, I've just finally bought my first "running jacket".  Before, I was wearing a bright red rain coat which was waterproof and windproof, but not breathable at all.  Most days this was okay, but when I miscalculated how warm it was some mornings, I'd overheat in an instant. I have a full range of accessories which I wear based on the weather, such as balaclava, headband, neckwarmer, high socks, thermal leggings, and shorts but it has taken years to build my wardrobe. 

I still have a few things on my wishlist though! Next up, GPS watch. I can't decide between the Garmin Forerunner 10, Nike + GPS Watch, and the Timex Run Trainer.  I could easily be convinced to spend a bit more for a more advanced model also if someone was to explain the added benefits! I've surely done my fair share of research but I am still indecisive as ever.  As it stands, I am leaning towards the Garmin which comes in all sorts of fun colours but I think I'd stick to buying the black one because I'd like something neutral to wear when I'm not out running as well.

Now for the questions...

How essential is a GPS watch to your running? Which model do you have?

What's your favourite brand of running shoe? 

When did you start to love running? I'm in third year of my undergraduate and have been a consistent runner for 3 years now.  I want to make a half-marathon goal in 2014!  

Reading Week Post #1

I wish I had more time to be a blogger! I am confident that when I graduate from university, I will keep up this blog as a way to connect with my family across the country and any other interested readers.

For now, I can practice my blogging skills since I am on reading week break from school! It's Family Day in Ontario which means my whole family had the day off from work and we had some fun planned.  The weather was calling for cold but sunny so we didn't shy away from outdoorsy activities! Seeing as this winter has been brutally cold for the months of December until now, -20 degrees Celsius with the windchill didn't even phase us.  All it takes is some thermal pants underneath the jeans and I am happy!

To start off the morning, I layered-up and went for a 6-mile run.

It was cold! But something about running around my old stomping ground while I'm back at home for the week was really exciting so I felt like I could have kept on going.








As soon as I got back, a warm shower was a must.  Body temperature back to normal.  My brother, his girlfriend Jodie, my mom, and I were then ready to head to Fulton's Sugar Bush for some of the best pancakes and real maple syrup around :)
It's a fair drive into the country to get there but it is worth every kilometer.  It opened at 9am and since it is Family Day, we knew to go right for opening or else we'd be waiting a very long time for pancakes and waffles.

First Batch... yum!

A typical picture of my plate... (my brother made fun of me for this but he just doesn't understand that you all need to see these waffles and maple-infused beans). Of course, post-picture I slathered on the butter and drenched it in maple syrup.  They also have this maple mustard which I tried for the first time and now I know to get it EVERY TIME in the future. The whole meal was delicious and was a great refuel from my run!

The pancake house also offers maple-flavoured tea and a whole bunch of maple-flavoured treats.  On your way out, you get to look at all of the maple products they offer to take home in the maple shoppe too.

It was a great breakfast and I'm glad we got to do this on Family Day.  There was a definite sugar rush that hit me in the truck on the ride home.  This resulted in a rare selfie...

In just the 2 hours we were there, we saw so many familiar faces and struck up conversation with many friends.  It reminded me how nice it is to be from a small close-knit town since I tend to forget when I'm away at school in London.  I'll cherish this week at home for sure. 

Now to warm up at home watching the Olympics!!

Have you ever been to an old-fashioned pancake house?

Are you from a small town?

What did you do today?