It's Coming...

Why Hello Everyone,

Long time no talk. I apologize for that, after Valentine's went by I was struck by a 3 day flu on Family Day. Having the flu while still breastfeeding meant I wasn't able to take meds to get over it as quickly as I would've liked. Nevertheless I'm back, and I've been using the last few weeks to do the following things:

• Train my ass off for the IRONMAN 70.3 Florida in Haines City 

Yes! Only 4 weeks and 2 days till race day is here!!!! Time has flown by. Last week was a recovery week with most days only having one workout and the weekends workout were shortened by several cumulative hours. This was needed after an intense week prior, and what do you know, the respite was short lived and I'm currently back into a very intense training week once again. Tomorrow I have a 3.5 hr bike ride, 30min run and a 2000m swim. I've been feeling great for the most part other than another little bug hitting me last weekend for a few hours. With the weather now after one last snow storm (I hope) done, I plan to be riding the bike OUTSIDE tomorrow! 

The still buried nutcracker I run past every Sunday on my LSD run

• Baby Iyla Skye & Kaiser Dog Dates 

Yes...You read that right, dates for both my daughter and dog. With the winter we've had (-12 to -30 and snow piles everywhere)  I am unfortunately unable to get my babes outside for a walk or run. For Iyla (and myself) to not experience the winter blues we've been going to 'Mother Goose' Free classes at our local library with many friends. She loves the singing, parachute, and just the experience of being with others. She shows her joy by rocking back and forth, smiling aplenty and clapping her hands. Sometimes even letting out little screams. After the class we go to a local mall to walk some laps. We've also had a chance to meet up with my sister and nephew at the mall for play time and tea. 

Poor Kaiser is not allowed in these facilities so we've set up times once a week to visit our friends in Bolton. One of my closest friends Katie, has a daughter only 3 weeks older than Iyla and a two and half year old boy, Hudson. Her family also includes a dog, a Golden Labradoodle, and his name is Cody. It's safe to say, he is one of Kaiser's best mates. They have a lovely fenced backyard where the two of them can run and frolic non stop. I've been packing both him and Iyla up early in the am so that we can spend some solid hours at their place before driving back during Iyla's long nap. This date for both Kaiser and Iyla helps both us moms bring more joy to our dogs who have been getting a little less attention since the babies came along. Once back home, Kaiser is simply exhausted after his exertion, lasting for 24hours straight! ha. Cody (Katie's dog), I hear, experiences the same thing. 

• Getting ready to launch my NEW BUSINESS.... www.yummymummylife.com

This venture has most recently included countless hours spent with amazing female individuals, and teams, within the Business Coaching, Marking, Public Relations, Copyright, and Design realms. All, which I must include, are women that truly are experts in their area of expertise and inspiring leaders. My new coaching business is called 'Yummy Mummy Life'. I will be working with new and soon-to-be moms. My motivation and driving force is to help moms find the joy, passion, support and answers they need to be their best self throughout their parenting journey. This is near and dear to me having recently joined the mom club with a beautiful nearly-9-month old baby girl. My business will be launching in April so stay tuned!!!

VDay 15min 'Love It Up' Mom & Baby Full Body Workout

 Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Iyla and I decided to spread love to you all today by sharing our special mom and baby workout! Kaiser our boxer dog decided he didn't feel like moving so you will see him in most pictures chilling out by our side. 

This workout is great for all you moms out there who want to tone up that post baby body of yours. In addition the workout is fun for your little one as they get to stand (with support), fly like a bird, sit strong, work on their tummy time and get tickled and kissed TONS. 

For those without a baby you could do this with a weighted plate, kettle bell, and free weight. Iyla is now 18lbs of challenging fun for me to workout with. 

When doing this workout I do 1 set with 20 reps and once I've gone through the full workout once I repeat it again. This allows for more fun with Iyla compared to trying to do 2 sets at once and her losing a bit of interest in the activities. 

Workout 1:

In this first one hold your baby under the arms as they stand on your abs. Part 1, Feet begin on the mat with knees bent. Part 2, Raise feet and knees so that your calves are parallel with the ground. 

Workout 2:

You are still laying with your back on the mat while baby stands on your abs. Part 1, Start with your legs in the air, toes pointed to the ceiling. Part 2, Slowly lower your legs down to the ground (You can do this with your knees slightly bent too). Part 3, Hold your legs a few inches off the ground for a count of 2 (keep the small of your back against the mat). If you have the energy, raise your baby into the air while your legs are floating above the ground. 

Iyla loves to laugh at me and my breathing during this one!

Workout 3:

Get those tickle fingers ready! Make a diamond shape with your legs by bringing your heels together. This allows a space for baby to sit and have your legs for support. Part 1: Raise your shoulder blades off the ground and reach towards baby while breathing out. Part 2: Reach as far as you can towards baby. Part 3: Tickle baby for a count of 2 before slowly lowering down. 

Workout 4:

Fun with tummy time. Place baby on lower legs while supporting them under the arms. Part 1, Heels begin as close to your butt as you can get them, with the top of your knees pointed to the ceiling. Shoulders are off the mat. Part 2, Slowly lift your feet/lower legs towards the ceiling. Part 3 & 4, Raise your lower legs till they are parallel to the ground, for fun I raised mine a big higher so I could get closer to my baby girl. Slowly lower your legs back down.

Iyla loves this form of tummy time and pretends to fly with her arms out.

Workout 5:

For this workout I did 20 reps on each side. If short on time you can split it. For each part, I just gave different options for holding your baby. The lunge is a pulsing lunge, so you will stay in the same position and do gentle pulses up and down. Part 1: One arm under babies legs, and the other wrapped around the tummy/side. Part 2: Baby is supported on your thigh while holding baby under the arms. Part 3: To add a bit more upper body workout into this you can hold baby straight out in front of you.

Workout 6:

I switched out my mat here for a more supportive one that has 5mm of cushioning and stability for Iyla.

Push up kisses! Part 1: Lay baby at the top of your mat in the middle. You will begin in a plank position, with your hands under your shoulders and baby underneath your face. Part 2: Lower your plank down ( you can do this from your toes or knees) and kiss baby before pushing up. 

Workout 7:

Drop down to a low squat so that babies feet are touching the ground. Have your feet wide enough so your arms can fit between to hold baby. Toes facing straight ahead and back flat, make sure your knees don't go over your toes. Hold this squat for a count of 30 seconds (just 1 rep). 

Workout 8:

Baby is back on her back at the top of your mat. Grab her/his favourite plush toy. Part 1, begin in a plank over baby. Part 2, Raise the plush toy up into the air with one arm so that you are in a side plank. Hold for a count of 2. Part 3, Lower the plush toy towards baby for big smiles. Part 4, After 20 reps switch sides. 

Iyla just thinks having her bunny fly towards her is the funniest thing. She kicks and moves her arms so much, and she is ready each time to grab her bunny. 

As mentioned above I would go through the workout once more before finishing with a classic and well needed 'Child's Pose'. 

Iyla and I hope you enjoy your workout together as much as we do. We hope you leave your workout feeling stronger and full of love! Feel free to modify it to best suit yourself and your baby. 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide For Him, Her and SELF

Valentine's Day is only 1 week away!!!! I do believe that love should be shared everyday in both words and actions AND I think Valentine's Day, while commercial, is still a time to celebrate. 

Gifts are not necessary on this day and quality time together is MY number one way of feeling and showing love. 

If you have the extra cash and want to spend on yourself, and/or that special somebody I made a few gift guides that I hope help. These guides were super fun to make and I tired to put something in there for almost anyone. You'll see many fitness items on these lists since that is a huge part of my life. 

Now to my dear husband, if you are reading this please note that you will not be receiving 14 items for Valentine's Day :) 

Okay that is it for now, enjoy the guides, and let us go spread love around this sweet world of ours! 

1. Fitbit Force Watch, What doesn't this watch do! Who's not wearing it! for $129.99
2. Zoot Ultra Tri Bag, This bag ensures he is race ready for his next triathlon at $114.86
3. Yurbuds, With a twist-and-lock system these headphones will be with him for the long hull, $49.99
4. 'Carson Check' Woven Cotton Tie, Some tartan in there, what guy doesn't love a tie! It's on SALE for $23.15
5. Good Morning Handsome Mug, A lovely message for your love to start his day with $10.00
6. Road ID, This training partner could save the life of your other half one day! Well worth the price at $19.99
7. The 5 Love Languages -Men's Edition, Helpful book on understanding the ways women feel loved, $8.49 (My husband and I both have read this book and it truly helped us understand one another better!) 
8. Frank's Red Hot, Add some heat to the mix! $4.58
9. 2014 Red Mittens, Your man can support his favourite Canadian Olympic athletes with these badboys, $10.00 ($3.33 from each pair is donated to the Canadian athletes through The Canadian Olympic Foundation)
10. Rush DVD, Adrenaline, competition, dualism, ego, hardheadedness, drive, passion, and respect! $19.99
11. Lindt Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, A favourite in our house $3.50
12. Diesel, 'Franchise' Round Silicone Strap Watch, Slick, simple, stylish, and strapping at $116.01
13. paco rabanne 1 Million, An absolute must for any man! 5 out 5 from any guy or girl I've asked, $88.00
14. David Beckham Bodywear Longjohns, Mmmmhmmmm! Who doesn't need Beckham in their lives!! $34.95 (I bought these for Kevin over Christmas in dark green and they are my new favourite lounge pants!)

1. lululemon Run: Speed Short, The ultimate running short for your lady at $54.00
2. Garmin Forerunner 220, Feel like splurging? This is the way to go, top GPS watch $314.99
3. #IWORKOUT tanktop, Great wordy tank for the gym or fitness class at $29.57
4. Multitude Hair Ties, Keeps hair dent free and fun while getting a sweat on, $15.00-$16.00
5. New Balance 996, These were released in 2012 and would show your girl much effort if found!
6. Ader Kettlebell, If you own 1 piece of weight equipment this should be it! $29.95
7. Macaroons, I can't get enough of these and hope your wifey/lady feels the same $varies            (I linked my favourite spot to buy from in Vancouver) 
8. Good Morning Beautiful Mug, Say it in words every day with this buy $10.00
9. XO Stacking Rings, Have her wearing your love in a playful, fun, and flirty way for $90.00
10. Diane Von Furstenberg Kenley Scarf, Beautiful scarf to lead into Spring at $195.00
11. Lovemarc-Matte Lip Gel, For a bold and confident women ready for some fun $36.00
12. Sex Bomb, Perfect for a post workout bath and packed with loads of aphrodisiacs at $6.65
13. Scandinave Spa Getaway weekend for two? This is the place for you! starting at $40.00
14. Canada Toque, Canadian cold front is here to stay, so keep her ears cozy for $20.00

Confessions of a Tri Mom

My husband Kevin and I are officially well into our triathlon training for our Spring 70.3 Half IRONMAN, and our Summer Recharge with Milk Triathlon Series (Multisport Canada). Located in Haines City - about 45mins from the famously known Florida destination, Orlando - this will be our first Half Ironman as we boldly tackle the IRONMAN 70.3 Florida .

Since we never trained with any real vigour for the 'Give It A Tri' triathlons over the past two summers, we thought it would be wise to seek out professional help as we make the jump to a half IRONMAN. I'll be the first to admit that going from an entry level distance in the 'Give It A Tri' race to 70.3miles is uber ambitious. I'm not one to really compete in sports just for fun, I like the challenge, the mental and physical drive it requires, and I find joy in competition. I'm almost over competitive to a fault! With saying that, Kevin and I wanted to do it right and make sure we're ready to not only finish the race in April but to each individually place in the top third of our age category. Go big or go home, right?!

We sought out THE BEST, to support our training and goals; his name is 'Sean Bechtel'. Sean is well known in Canadian triathlon/multisport circles. If you haven't heard of Sean before he is a very talented professional triathlete, who recently placed 10th at the Mont Tremblant IRONMAN, North American Championship in August 2013. He was the 1st Canadian to cross the finish line. Did I forget to mention that this was his first attempt at the FULL IRONMAN distance. Sean, as a coach, teamed up with a great group of highly experienced mentors that coach at the National and Olympic level. Their company is called Personal Best , and it is through this group we chose to build our training plan. Check out their tremendous staff at this link...http://www.personalbest.ca/home/the-pb-team

Here's a pic of their logo if you want to make sure your at the right website:

When starting out with Personal Best/Sean, we began by laying the foundation, having a face to face consultation where Sean learned our history, goals, career and our lifestyle so that he could devise a training plan tailored specifically for us.

With our wee baby Iyla, and work to consider we understood that there would be challenges, choices, and a certain amount of sacrifice. Training for such an event requires a level of commitment that resembles a part-time job. By opting to train 'at-distance' we chose to use the 'Training Peaks' option (check it out here). Training Peaks is a great online service and App, one that coach Sean can load our workouts on (in great detail) and we update it once we complete a workout. There are areas on this App that allow us to share, and post workout comments, times etc. This works best for our schedules.

Since beginning our training at the same time here's how we make it possible:

• We take turns watching Iyla while we do our pool workouts. This can be a challenge depending on Iylas feeding, pool times, and Kevin's work. Fortunately Kevin has access to a pool at his work and since recently, will often use his lunch hour to train.
• We use the community pools in Richmond hill, but at the beginning, one of the nearest pools was closed for maintenance.
• With the closure we completed our workouts (pre-xmas) by one of us going to the 7pm swim while the other attended the 9pm swim. When only one evening session was offered we'd have to be quick in order to both complete our swims within the 2hr window (keeping in mind the short commute as Iyla was in bed and required one of us at home). Sometimes this has meant being a few hundred meters short on our workout and/or adding it on to the next day.
• Post New Year, Kevin has been doing his swimming at Ryerson (where he works) and I typically do my swimming in the early AM. "Early to bed (not quite), early to rise"!!
• Running has brought its own set of challenges thanks to the layers of snow and ice, below freezing temperatures (oftentimes reaching between -20/-30), and the frigid windchill.
• Doing Pick ups and Fartleks at night is tough when there's black ice and the Garmin bezel requires the use of your fingers to light up the screen. Darn bezel! I've actually been using a plain stopwatch that has a button I can press to light it up. Typically my running is done at night once Kevin is back from work.
• We ride indoors on our trainer and this is the best because Iyla can play nearby and is fascinated by the bike. We only have one trainer so I typically do this during her long nap and Kevin will do his late into the night.
• On easy runs I take Iyla with me in the chariot but due to temperatures and sidewalk conditions this will have to wait, roll on spring temperatures.

We are truly on a learning curve that delicately balances sacrifice and time management. To help us with this we cancelled our cable, not that we have any time to watch TV. To be with one another I will go down and read on the couch by Kevin as he cycles and vice versa. We have also dedicated an hour block Tue-Thur where we lounge and read together with a hot cuppa tea. We both know right now we are sacrificing our time together to train and achieve our goals. We keep our relationship strong through open and constant communication to make sure we are on the same page. Furthermore we have a goal that we are training for and working towards 'together' which allows for a deeper level of appreciation and support.

My biggest challenge in the first few weeks of training (back in December) was a cold that I had developed. I hadn't been sick since before Iyla was born, and because I'm still breastfeeding, I couldn't take hardly any medication to speed up the process. It seemed to linger quite a long time as I was subjected to some 'good ole fashioned fluids and rest'. I'm not big on slowing down, and this presented many personal problems. I had to actually take a few days to relax, scratching off some workouts, which gradually consumed me with guilt. I like to please, I like to follow a plan, I aim to go above and beyond what's asked of me. I'm Calea, and I do not like missing my workout! 

Last Days in Scotland

This will be the last blog of what happened in 2014 in Scotland by pictures and video.  

Starting with New Years Day, Kevin and I ran/climbed Arthur's Seat, in Edinburgh while still feeling the drink a wee bit. By the end of our run (2hrs later) we felt refreshed and surprised at how quickly time passed during the run. We both truly enjoy running off the beaten path because it adds a different element of fun. You become immersed in natural beauty where time seems to pass just a little quicker. I think this is because of the surrounding scenery or maybe a conscious effort not to roll an ankle (or fall of a cliff edge!). You will notice on the video how windy it is. When we started there was but only a breeze, the higher we climbed the windier (and colder!) it got.

This video is from the top of Arthur's Seat

A quick look at the city of Edinburgh

Holyrood Park

The Crags in Holyrood Park

After returning to Portsoy we went on another hilly run up the Durn Hill. This hill used to represent a race that many of the people of Portsoy did several years ago. They would start and finish at the 'Portsoy Loch', and The Durn Hill would be the turning point - roughly a 4 mile up-and-back run. Kevin's last experience of this race was when he was around 15/16 years old and he placed 2nd. He was passed by an experienced runner on the way up the hill who gave a sly remark, "You shouldn't have started so fast". Kevin spent the rest of the run chasing him ha. 

Durn Hill is where I was headed, starting off behind Kevin's home

Part 1: Going through Kirkies Wood

Part 2: Running a trail between some farmland

Phase 3: Kevin couldn't remember the proper way up so he created his own route, via constant barbwire and mud

Phase 4: Last steep climb to what used to be a cross at the top

Phase 5: Enjoy/Celebrate the view

Video 1

Video 2: Kevin explaining what surrounds us

The next day we told Kevin we were going to Aviemore for the day. In reality we were going there for 3 nights, rented a beautiful cottage/home, and his friends were surprising him at dinner and staying over. 

The boys and Iyla went away in the car with Veronica as Carole and I went in the Van with Bruce and said we had to stop at Bruce's work (fire station) first. We drove in the direction of the fire station only to turn around, go back to the house and quickly/slyly pack up everyones bags for our days away. 

View from the van of Cairngorm Mountains, sorry about the quality of the picture from my phone

Getting closer!

Arrived at Cairngorn Mountains to take the Funicular Railway to the top for our favourite Hot Chocolate 

Iyla wanting to try the whipped cream, getting her hands messy

Soooo good

At the cottage, Kevin was in shock! Here we are enjoying a delicious Indian Meal

Craig serenading Kevin

Tammy and Dunc being entertained by Rhys playing Bop-It

Our beautiful view the next morning

Rhys teaching Iyla how to play Bop-It, due to her first cold...She wasn't too impressed

Now I think Rhys isn't too impressed with Iyla crying

Carole and Craig enjoying the hot tub

Birthday Dinner in Aviemore

Iyla in much better spirits, cold almost gone

I love this girl SO MUCH!

Iyla tucked away in her hoodie on the way home, asleep in Daddies arms

Till next time Scotland! We had a BLAST!!! Thank-you to all our family and friends in Scotland and in Canada who made it possible for us to be there and enjoy such great company. We are truly blessed!

Celebrating 2013 Edinburgh Style

Hey Everyone! Now that my family and I are back in Canada I'm playing a bit of catch up. During our last week in Scotland we had very little wifi connection, resulting in a delay of my blogging. 

Bare with me for the next few blogs as I loop you in with what went down in Scotland.

For our 2013 New Years celebrations we travelled to Edinburgh to experience what is said through magazines, books and news programs to be one of the best Hogmanay Events in the world. We also went because my brother in law, Craig and his better half Carole lived there at the time. They have since (in the last few days) packed up and moved to London, England to pursue their dreams. Craig as a singer/songwriter musician and Carole as a dancer!!

To start off our Hogmanay (New Years Eve) day, us girls (Veronica, Carole and I) went shopping. This was my first shopping experience since having Iyla. Despite being very active post baby, clothes don't sit on my body the same way. My body today is much different than what it was before Iyla. I am forever grateful to my body for it cared, provided, and created our bundle of joy. I appreciate where it is at now and love that I had the opportunity on New Years Day to take the time and find new pieces that highlight it's features.

We started at 'Top Shop' where I had a personal shopper. This was what made it my all time TOP SHOPping experience. We got to all have special treats, water and a massive dressing room was awaiting my name full of outfits (including shoes & accessories), all in my size. This eliminated the looking around for my size, carrying clothes around with my coat and purse, waiting for a room, and trying clothes on in a tiny change room. This experience opened my eyes to colours, and styles I wouldn't necessarily have tried on but loved. The stylist/personal shopper knew her stuff and had great suggestions. I walked out with some core must haves (chelsea boots) and fun new elements (tartan tights) that make me feel even more confident in my new skin. The checkout was super fast, line free at the personal shopping till. I highly recommend to all you YUMMYMUMMIES out there to book a personal shopper (ps. they're free, at least at top shop) and make a 'YOU day' out of it. Just put those hubbies on baby duty. I have to say a big thank-you to the boys (Kevin, Bruce and the Craig's), thanks for watching miss Iyla, and to the Souters and Carole for this incredibly thoughtful, generous Christmas gift. 

Veronica, Carole and I starting the day off at Top Shop

Yummy treats for our delight

About to head into the fitting room yay!

The room

Many, many outfits to try on

Next stop, Missoni Hotel for an afternoon tea! The walk to the Hotel was 'hopping' as the city was preparing for it's fireworks, and many MANY people were already out enjoying the music in the park.

Our walk past the garden to an afternoon tea

Our afternoon tea included all the scrumptious items below and a tea of choice. We were given an order to eat them in for the best taste bud experience. My favourite was the top tier, where the dessert stood. After tea we had our first drink of the night.  

Afternoon tea at the Missoni Hotel

Drinks after tea

Back at the flat we got Iyla done up in her special New Years dress before heading to bed. 

Gorgeous Iyla finishing her celebration at 7pm, she did wake briefly for the fireworks

Carole, Craig McGill, Kev and I

Check out my new tartan leggins!

Street party

Some of the thousands of people from around the world

Tasty cider that we waited in a long line for

Celebrating with my best friend, with the castle not too far away

2013 my husband and I experienced the greatest and most wonderful change in our lives by welcoming Miss Iyla Skye. 2014 has it's own milestones within it (turning 30...OUCH). I look forward to what's ahead of me with running, triathlons, family, some more Iyla 'firsts', and watching Kaiser and Iyla's bond grow.

I'll keep you updated! HAPPY NEW YEAR