Monday, 25 February 2013

Happy Heart Project + the Perks of Winter Running

I have known for a long time that my ticker performs better in the cooler weather, so I have always favored the winter run (or at least the cool-ish weather run). It's ideal for long runs and Marathon training. And since it is week 3 of The Happy Heart Project I am encouraging to try something new, push past those boundaries, and get moving!! Even with all this crazy weather we are having.


Here's why you should consider giving Winter Running a whirl...

Well to start, its pretty well known that exercise floods you with feel good endorphins. But did you know that because your body has to work harder in the cold, your endorphin levels get that extra boost. So when you finish your cold weather workout you feel that extra bit happier. Definitely a bonus for this stressed-out crazy-pants.

The Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise recently published an article trumpeting the effects of the chilly workout. Your body has to work harder to stay warm; so you are more likely to run faster and burn more calories. WOOHOO! All good news in my books (especially as a Canadian gal)!

And all of the snow and slippery surfaces we face during this delightful season also offers us winter runners extra resistance training. You are forced to utilize your smaller stabilizing muscles as you navigate those treacherous paths. And the resistance created while trudging through the snow offers a more intensive workout and allows runners to get the benefits of both cardio and strength training. (** always use your caution and discretion though to avoid injury**)

Definitely worth ditching the Treadmill right?! How are you gonna get moving this week and make your Heart Happy?? Share with me and And I will thank you with a chance to win your choice of a Brand New Pair of Mizunos! WEEEEEE!! Who doesn't want a new free pair of running shoes especially when they are this fabulous?! 


How to Enter: 


Leave a comment here sharing your commitment to your heart this week

Tweet: "I am joining the Happy Heart Project with @Darwinianfail
and @MizunoRunning"

Instagram: take a photo showing me how you are making your Heart Happy this week and tag @darwinianfail so I can see your progress!




*Each action gets you and additional entry, so make sure you leave a separate comment here telling me what you did (ie. if you do all 5 leave me 5 separate comments so you get 5 entries)*
Love your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!
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204 comments:

  1. I actually have found that while I don't like cold weather, I definitely prefer it for running. Sure beats feeling like you're going to suffocate in the heat! This week I am having to switch up my workouts to care for my foot and then (fingers crossed) run my next half on Sunday.

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  4. I liked Mizuno Running Club Canada on FB

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  5. I love cold winter running, something about it is very peaceful.I am planning a long early morning run tomorrow for my Happy Heart Project.

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  6. I am committed to my heart today and every day.

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  8. I liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook.

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  10. I kind of enjoy running the cooler weather.

    This week, I will make my heart healthy by eating right and getting in all my workouts.

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  11. I tweeted. https://twitter.com/NattieRuns/status/306037014074109952

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  14. I liked Mizuno run club of Canada's FB page

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  15. I tweeted about your giveaway! (@amchenderson)

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  16. I like you on Facebook!

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  17. I like Mizuno Running on Facebook!

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  18. I am committed!!!!! I do the gym though during the week so I can do my weights too & outside on the weekend. :)

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  19. I am committing to keeping my heart happy this week with two TRX training sessions, half-marathon training and Spin 4 Kids on Saturday!

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  21. I already like you on Facebook!

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  23. I already like Mizuno Canada on Facebook

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  24. I prefer the slightly cooler temps for running. The 60s are great! This week, I will get back into my running schedule and bike again.

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  25. I was going to take an Instagram to prove that I was swimming, but I didn't want you to lose any followers ;)

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  26. I tweeted from @splintergirl

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  27. I already like your FB page but did like Mizuno's

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  28. And, or my contribution to a healthy heart this week, I plan to hit all 3 of my recovery runs this week and get out to walk 2 times.

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  29. I am committed to my heart. I swam this am, but today as I run errands and the what not, I plan on parking further away than normal, a little brisk walk never hurt anyone before ;)

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  30. I have my first 8 miler coming up this week on my half marathon plan. I'm scared and excited all at once! I'm really hoping for good weather on Friday to enjoy it outside! I will have my trusty Mizunos on though!

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  33. I tweeted from @RunChantRun

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  34. I liked Mizuno on FB

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    1. Forgot to mention my name Chantal :-) and I already like you on FB

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  35. This week, I'm tackling one-on-one strength training for the first time. One of my coworkers is going to help me come up with a set of weight lifting exercises to improve my strength. I've always been a little scared of "looking stupid" when I work with weights, so it's about time I got over it!

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  36. I already Like you on Facebook.

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  37. Today I start training for my first half marathon! Excited to get started. I've been running outside all winter, but with no set schedule and now it's time to buckle down.

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  38. I liked your page on Facebook as well.

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  39. I like Mizuno Canada on Facebook as well.

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  40. I also prefer running in winter than summer. :) It can get pretty slippery out there, so when it does, I just let myself enjoy the run at a comfortable (and safe) pace!

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  41. I tweeted that I'm participating in this happy heart project. :)

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  42. Of course, I liked your post on facebook.

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  43. This week to get moving and make my heart happy, I am going to continue with my 10k race training plan...I am also running in a Frosty 5K race in my home city this weekend! I love cold weather running!!!

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  44. I Tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/YarnDragon20/status/306049756843622400

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  45. And I definitely like Mizuno Run Club Canada on facebook.

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  46. After a entire weekend of doing nothing but sit in front of a computer writing a Masters paper I am looking forward to some great workouts at the gym. I so need to get moving.

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  47. I "liked" The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail on Facebook!

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  48. I "liked" Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook!

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  49. I posted a photo on Instagram recently. :)

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  50. This track training a few days ago -->> http://instagram.com/p/WCjbVnvZC3/

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  51. I already Like The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail on Facebook

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  52. A already Like Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook

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  54. My commitment to my heart this week is to try to meet my running goals and add in some cross training.

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  57. I am caring for my heart this week by listening to it! Oh and of course doing some wonderful runs in my Mizunos.

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  60. I am committing to a healthy heart by getting back into my running sessions. I strained my lower back recently and listened to my body and rested...but I want to start running again!

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  61. This morning I did a Jillian workout. I'll go to a Yoglates class twice this week, run Wed. & run the Race for the Cure 5K Sat!!! I'd love a new pair of shoes!!

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  62. I tweeted!! https://twitter.com/tracit1997/status/306062009995243520

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  63. I LOVE cold weather running (soooo much more than running in the heat!) but I've definitely struggled this winter. Snow removal in my city has been less than desirable and I'm SO scared of hurting myself on the ice (every time I see someone running in crazy winter conditions I'm always impressed, for they are of a harder core than I). Still, it beats the treadmill or track. I was back out this morning at 5 am for a 5km and loved every minute of it :)

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  64. This week I'll be focusing a quality workouts, particularly speed/tempo runs. And staying committed to my marathon training plan.

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  65. I will Make My Heart Happy by getting 3 runs in this week!

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  66. Helping my heart by running and spinning four times this week!

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  67. I liked your Facebook page!

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  68. I already Like Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook!

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  69. I like your Facebook page now!

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  70. Helping my heart by continuing my training for my first 1/2 marathon. Its in April in Nashville. I would love to win these shoes for my race!

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  72. I am going to up my cardio this week! My long run yesterday really validated the fact that I suck these days so I really need to get back into it if I want to come out of Around The Bay 30K alive!

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  78. I'm going to try to run at least 20 miles this week!

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  79. I'm back at Crossfit this week, but I'd really like to get out and run 2-3 times also. I've been neglecting it and I miss the miles!

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  81. I tweeted! https://twitter.com/kristy_joy/status/306071861903642624

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  82. I love cold weather running...I am committed to three runs this week and spin class on Friday! Love my mizunos!!!

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  84. liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on facebook too!

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  85. I am going to run for 20-30 minutes most days this week on top of me strength training routine.

    I will also eat lots of healthy food, get lots of sleep and work on reducing my stress!!

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  90. I am preparing to move from the east coast to Kansas so it will be hard to put in a lot of running time, so I am committing to running 30 mins. each day...and using the moving stuff up and down the stairs as additional cardio! :)

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  92. According to my 1/2 plan, I've got 3 miles today, yoga tomorrow, 2 miles of speed work on wednesday, barre class on thursday and 5 mile run on saturday! Keep that tickers pace up!

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  93. Check your Instagram; I tagged you! (@sheenabean_13)

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  94. I already like you on Facebook :)

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  95. And I like Mizuno Canada on Facebook as well!

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  97. I tweeted the giveaway! Thanks!

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  98. I like the Mizuno Canada page on FB!

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  99. I have a new gym membership and have been going every day to try out the new classes and also running on the treadmill and elliptical. Love these shoes.

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  100. Today I will be preparing some meals and snacks for this week to stay committed to keeping my body as healthy as possible!

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  102. Krysten, I like your page on FB

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  103. And I like Mizuno Run Club Canada on FB too.

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  104. I am running about 45 miles this week in total, and walking with my pups and baby, weather permitting. And since we're getting a snow storm tomorrow, probably some shoveling too!

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  105. I am fortunate that winter running for me involves no snow or rain, a little chill (if you consider 50 degrees chilly), and a lot of sunshine. My commitment to my heart is my commitment to my training--running about 25 miles a week.

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  112. I'm going to use my heart rate monitor with my runs this week. I would like to hit a consistent sub 10 pace for my halfs, but I need to figure out if it's my lungs or my heart rate that does not agree with that pace.

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  113. I like Mizuna Canada Running on fb.

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  114. Twitter'd it! ;) https://twitter.com/melissyk/status/306111664334454785

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  116. Ooh, didn't know there was a Mizuno Running Canada. I liked them on Facebook. ;)

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  117. And you know, I will be sharing on Instagram!

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  118. Is there anyone that doesn't already like you on Facebook? Shame on them ;)

    {I already did}

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  119. I've decided to swim every single day this week- thats totally heart healthy! need to give my hips a break after walking all around NYC for a couple days.

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  123. I'm committed to my heart. I have to be. Heart disease runs in my family.

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  124. I already like The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail on Facebook. :)

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  125. I will be running 4x this week and doing a few strength training workouts as well!

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  126. I already Like Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook. :)

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  127. I just tagged you on Instagram. :)

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  128. I'm usually a huge fan of winter running, but I've had a tough time getting outside as much this year with the dark and cold combined. Need to suck it up! :)

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  129. I commit to runnign this week!

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  130. I run 7km five days a week. Also, I ski and snowboard on the weekends. I liked your FB page and the Mizuno Run Club Canada page.

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  131. This week I will be running my last long run before my first half marathon!

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  132. I tweeted! https://twitter.com/LifesaBowl/status/306146629830967296

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  135. I also liked Mizuno on Facebook! Yay for Canadian winter running!

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  136. I continue to keep my heart healthy by running, eating well, drinking my water and maybe most important of all.. I keep on smiling!

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  137. I tweeted: http://twitter.com/evelinruns/status/306154823030546433

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  139. I like Mizuno Run Club Canada on FB

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  140. I instagrammed a photo of my happy pre-run me :)

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  142. I like Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook!!

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  143. I like your Facebook page too!

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  144. This week I'm going to try to do an hour or two of something active every single day!

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  145. I am making sure to get my exercise in as usual and focusing on adding more heart healthy fats!

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  149. Gabrielle (mareavivama)25 February 2013 20:08

    I commit to continuing to run (whether it's out in the snow/ice by the river or inside on the treadmill...but hopefully more of the former rather than the later) at least four days a week, bike, walk to work, and make a point of packing healthy meals to last thru the day!

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  150. Gabrielle (mareavivama)25 February 2013 20:08

    I like Mizuno Canada on Facebook!

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  151. Gabrielle (mareavivama)25 February 2013 20:09

    I like you on Facebook too!

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  152. Gabrielle (mareavivama)25 February 2013 20:10

    ...and I just tweeted too!!!

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  153. I follow you everywhere u go ;)

    Tweeted!

    Oh and I much prefer running on a cooler day than a hot and humid on!

    Kierston @candyfit

    p.s. I couldn't comment unless I picked anon.!

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  154. I'm committing to my heart this week by promising to take my vitamins every day!

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  155. Those shoes are badass! I've always wanted to try a pair of Mizunos. This is going to sound dumb but I'm committing to my heart by working on stressing less. Stress is not good for your heart and it's something I really struggle with.

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  156. This week I'm going to do some interval training and yoga!

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  159. I mentioned you on instagram! :)

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  160. This week I am committed to 30 minutes of intense cardio to make my semi robotic heart happy!

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  162. And Liked Mizuno on facebook!

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  163. I had no idea about the extra boost of endorphins! But I guess it does make sense. I HATE running in the cold but always feel great afterwards. :) Hope your recovery is going well!

    I jumped out of my comfort zone over the weekend with a hill run. Lessons learned and I definitely need to do more of them!!!

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  166. posted a pic on instagram and added you to the picture :)

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  167. I'm making the commitment to my heart this week by getting to the gym and lifting some weights, as well as getting outside and running!

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  170. I like Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook!

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  171. Another benefit of winter running you forget: Vitamin D from sunlight. We seriously lack it in Canada during the winter. Vitamin D is a cancer fighter, helps prevent MS, and low levels of Vitamin D may increase the risk of heart attack.

    So that's what I'm doing for my heart (and yours!)

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  172. I am making the commitment to a happy and healthy heart this week :)

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  177. My heart is happy this week because I've been giving it the extra special attention it needs and deserves: evening walks with my 8 year old and saying no to afternoon Starbucks runs with co-workers. I can finally fall asleep at night without my heartbeat racing faster than a speeding bullet.

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  178. I tweeted about this awesome giveaway by the way @mariacornucopia

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  179. I liked The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail on Facebook :D

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  180. I also liked the Mizuno Run Club Canada page on Facebook :)

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  181. I'm taking break from my usual weights today and going for some sweaty cardio - a spin class!

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  182. We've been keeping our hearts healthy this week with nightly walks (in the snow and cold even)! :)

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  183. I already like your facebook page :)

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  184. I also like the Mizuno Run Club Canada page on Facebook :)

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  185. My heart is happy this week because I workout no matter how much time. Because I am surrounded by love everyday!

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  186. I put my picture up on Instagram and tagged you! :)

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  187. This weeks motivation is the Chilly Half Marathon on Sunday so a few final running tweaks this week and alot of hopeful thoughts of nicer weather on Sunday.

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  190. I am getting my winter running on this weekend at a half marathon! I am hoping it will pull me out of my winter racing slump. It's just been too cold this year. Ugh

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  191. Thanks for the inspiration Krysten! I've setup up my happy heart room in the basement and have been running almost every night.... I feel great! Would love to get some new Mizuno shoes!

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  192. I liked Darwinian Fail on Facebook!!!

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  193. And I liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook too!!!

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  194. And my very firs tweet as a shout out to the Happy Heart Project!

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  195. And lastly, I don't have Instagram, so I made Tyler help me with that one... hope it still counts!

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  196. My commitment this week is to have at least four days of a solid core work out, plus stay on track with my training, which includes a 9-10 mile run on Saturday, despite Buffalo's ify weather!

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  197. I like your Facebook page! : )

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  198. I Ig'd my #happyheartproject results so far : )

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