I used to say that the only way that you could find me running was if someone was chasing me. Two years ago, I inexplicably decided to start. I was probably trying to impress someone. I had heard a lot of great things about the Couch to 5K program, and I was definitely starting on the couch. Or the floor. Or bed. Whichever is the laziest.

I spent 8 weeks doing the program, and by the end I was running for 30 minutes straight, with no stopping. It’s such a great program, it helps you build up your endurance slowly, alternating between walking and running. It’s especially helpful for girls, because we can’t run for long periods right off the bat like men can.

Unfortunately, I put my neck out shortly thereafter, and quit running altogether. Life happened, and I decided it wasn’t a priority anymore, that it took up too much time. Even though it made me feel great after, it was always a struggle to get to the gym, and running outside in Calgary can be tricky.

I’ve picked it up a few times since then, but never with much enthusiasm or intensity. So, I’m trying again. It’s NOT a New Year’s Resolution because I started a few days before 2012, lol. The program is called Ease Into 5K now, and you can download a handy app for your iPhone. I also use Nike+, a little sensor for my shoe that downloads my runs onto the Nike+ website. I need this kind of stuff to stay accountable. I bought a treadmill so I now really have no excuse not to run.

I also feel like a good playlist is important for running. It makes it tons more fun, and half the time I think I’m more looking forward to having alone time to listen to music than the actual exercise. I like stuff with a good beat, but what really helps me run is angry music. I’m a total weirdo, because the angrier I feel, the easier it is for me to run. I’m sure I’m a sight to behold. I sweat terribly when I’m NOT exercising, so imagine a sweaty, pigtailed girl in short shorts and tube socks, running on her treadmill in the basement, glaring at the wall. That’s me!

I’m on week three of the program and it’s going well. Not super easy but not super hard, so hopefully I can keep up with it.
I would love to hear recommendations for running music or any running tips you may have, leave me a comment to tell me your faves!

Here are the links to:

My Running Playlist

Ease Into 5K

Nike+ App

Here’s another cutie from our Baker Park sessions, I feel so privileged to watch him grow up.

I just finished reading Mindy Kaling’s book ‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?’ and she mentioned in there loving Joni Mitchell’s cd ‘Blue’. Well, she didn’t exactly say she loved it, she actually said it makes her cry whenever she listens to it. But what normal woman doesn’t try to make herself sad once in awhile? There’s a reason why Nicholas Sparks’ movies are still being made.

So I downloaded the album from iTunes (sorry Mom, you know that I always need a second opinion) and gave it a listen while having a bubble bath. Once in, I was suddenly angry at myself for forgetting to light candles. Can’t I even do tired cliches right?

Once I stopped berating myself, I noticed was that I couldn’t understand a darn thing that was being sung. I worried that my iPod stereo was acting up. Then, no word of a lie, I wondered if maybe she wasn’t singing in English. I could catch a random word here or there, but maybe they didn’t have that word in whatever language she was singing?

Then I realized it could be like reading Jane Austen or Shakespeare. That you had to get your brain used to the way it sounds before retention could actually happen. So I listened to the whole thing again. I liked the sound of the music, the melodies. But again, I didn’t have a clue what she was saying. A singer in a bar? There’s one song that she said Canada and I got that. My ears even perked up thinking I might really relate, being Canadian and all. Nope, ’cause I lost what she said after that.
I can honestly understand Bob Dylan better, and I really think that’s saying something.

I’ve never claimed to be a sophisticated musicado. In fact, I don’t even think that’s a word. I might have just made it up. I recently told a friend that I need lyrics that plainly state what the person is doing and feeling. Rebecca Black’s ‘Friday’ really spoke to me.

I promise to keep giving Joni a try, because I might get a lot of mean blog comments if I don’t but mostly because Adele’s cd is getting old and doesn’t make me cry anymore and I need something to go with my ice cream in bed. Take that, tired cliche. I am your master!

Anyway, I have a TON of sessions to post. I think over 20? I might need to combine things. I’m almost done with the holiday season, the last orders of the year go out the door this weekend! So that means lots of time to blog. Or read blogs. Or visit Pinterest. But I’ll try to blog. Promise.

Since I am a rebel and a rule-breaker (I’m not at all), I’m not even going to post a session for this post. It’s just going to be about a fun little thing that’s going around my neighbourhood. We were ‘Elfed’, which is exactly like when we were ‘Boo’ed/Ghosted’ last year at Halloween. Except maybe a bit cuter and with more fun presents.

Here’s the link to the most adorable printables that I found: http://andersruff.blogspot.com/2010/11/free-printable-youve-been-elfed-door.html

The girls and I had a great time running around leaving presents on doorsteps. As Charlotte put it: ‘Is this where we ring the doorbell and run away? I LOVE that game!’

I met Kate and Ryan at their home a few weeks ago. They are such a COOL couple, their style is so fun and I immediately fell in love with both of them.
They are expecting their first baby, affectionately nicknamed ‘Squish’. Kate has the cutest little belly and was really up for anything. I cannot WAIT to go back and meet Squish in person.

It’s that time of year!

This year I’m doing something a little different. As some of you know, one of my very dear friends was diagnosed with ovarian cancer just under two weeks ago. I took a trip to Portland this past week to be with her during surgery and I plan to go back several times to help her through chemo.
Jen is a fellow photographer, and as you can imagine, this will put her out of work for several months. I would like to donate the session fees from both days of mini sessions to her and her two boys to help ease the financial burden just a bit.

Her blog is http://www.amistillagirl.com/ and it’s been a very real and emotional journey.

If you are interested in booking a mini session, please just email me at info@freshsugar.ca and let me know your preferred date and time and we’ll set you up. Because newsletter subscribers and previous clients get first crack at things like this, I’m very pleased to say that we only have 2 spots left this Saturday and 5 left in October, so please email me right away if you’d like a session!

Mini sessions are $250 and include a 20 minute session and 10-15 images in your gallery. You will also receive one digital image to use as you choose! The sessions are on Saturday, September 17th and October 1st. 10am-4pm.
Thanks so much and I can’t wait to see you all again this year!

-Brandy

Sorry about the large post, there were a LOT of kids this year!