Sunday, 10 February 2013

The Happy Heart Project

February is Heart Health Awareness Month!

And trust me the irony is not lost on me that I went in for my most recent robot heart tune-up on February 1st of all days. It is moments like these that remind me how beautifully balance my life is and let's me see that the world is exactly how should be. Sometimes the universe is just too perfect isn't it?

This is my perfectly imperfect life. And I like to think that maybe I was given this life for a reason. And maybe this latest greatest medical misadventure has a reason too.


My heart has long been a source of sadness, frustration, and pain. But it has also allowed me to live this beautiful life than I am so so grateful for. It has been my constant companion, working hard, and beating endlessly.

It is easy to take your body for granted. To expect it to work hard, but forget to thank it for all it does for you each and every day. I started running and leading this lifestyle as a way to keep my heart happy and healthy. You always get back what you put in, so this is my promise to always to care of my heart and my health.

This month I am teaming up with Mizuno Canada for the Happy Heart Project. 

We are asking you to make a commitment to your Heart this month! And that means we want you to get moving! The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5x a week to maintain a Happy Healthy Heart. So let's thank our hearts this month for all that they do!

And I will thank you with a chance to win your choice of a Brand New Pair of Mizunos every week for the next 3 weeks! WEEEEEE!! Who doesn't want a new free pair of running shoes?! Mizuno has long been my running shoe of choice, but their commitment to health and wellness as we work together on this campaign puts them a head above the rest in my books!

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)*

Your heart is there for you in ways that you don't even notice. Mine might need a little robot assistance, but it is still strong and steady. And it is always there for me. For all of that, and for this life that I have been blessed with - I am saying "Thank You" with all that I have. I hope you will join me!

Love your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten

Contest is now closed! A winner has been chosen!
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192 comments:

  1. I tweeted: https://twitter.com/fitcheerldr/status/300613921558110208

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  2. I like you on facebook (Janice Luke-Smith)

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  3. I like Mizuno Running on FaceBook: Janice Luke-Smith

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  4. I pledge to treat my heart right by being active for 30 minutes at least 5 times a week. You are truly an inspiration to us all and remind us to respect what we have been blessed with. Good luck on your continued road to recovery!

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  5. I tweeted about the giveaway... https://twitter.com/michelejoyrn/status/300615999860899841

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  6. I follow you on facebook Michele Hoole

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  7. I liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on facebook Michele Hoole

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  8. Just tweeted! https://twitter.com/itsjustyu/status/300615760907210752

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  9. Just liked you on Facebook!

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  10. My commitment to my heart this week is a yummy one...I plan to eat lots of avocados, which are full of heart healthy unsaturated fats! Admittedly, I was going to answer with 'running', but found a large bag of hass avocados on sale at the store, so I'm going to commit to eating these babies! So far I've put one in a smoothie and had another with quinoa salad; I'll have to get creative as the week goes on... Thanks!

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  11. With such an inspiring leader, how could I not jump right on board? I'm so in. Cardio, strength training, more fresh produce for me this month.

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  12. Tweet: https://twitter.com/SushiJammies/status/300619831210831872

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  13. I tagged you in yesterday's juicing pic on Instagram!

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  16. I have started a Salad Challenge where I vow to have 5 healthy salad meals per week which are good for my heart, and also to work out 4-5 times per week for 1 hour minimum. Our hearts and bodies are so important, and you're such an inspiration for keeping such a positive attitude throughout your challenges. Keep up the great work!

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  18. I liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook

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  19. Yesterday, someone on Twitter told me to "calm down and not have a heart attack" since I tweeted about how I did a 10k and a mud run in the same day... so a 15k. I responded that "after 25 years of inactivity, I've turned my life around- I was closer to a heart attack last year with poor eating choices and inactivity than I am with a crazy day of running!"

    I lost my Gram to heart disease after suffering a stroke, many of my family members are overweight or obese- in 2013 I've been taking charge of my health by committing to 13 half marathons. I told myself for 25 years my body "was what it was, I am not an athlete" and it was the worst lie I ever told myself.

    I LOVE Mizunos- they're my shoe of choice too, since the first day I got fitted last July. With 13 half marathons I'm going to need a few pairs this year, wink wink!

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  20. I tweeted about the giveaway: http://twitter.com/FrugalBeautiful/status/300633020950523904

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  21. Liked you on Facebook :) Under my name- ShannynAllan

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  22. And just liked Mizuno Canada on FB under my name- Shannyn

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  23. I pledge to keep my heart healthy this week by fueling my body with healthy food.

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  24. I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/NattieRuns/status/300650029566291969

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  27. I think this week I'm really going to turn up the cardio and weight lifting, since I actually feel sort of better. That's good for my heart, right!?

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  29. && I like the Mizuno page on facebook!

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  30. This week will most likely be another 50+ mile week so I'm committing to some more strength training to go with the cardio.

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  31. I liked your page on facebook! FB Name: Sarah Pardus

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  33. I liked Mizuno Run Club of Canada on FB

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  35. I tweeted about the givaway - @rahk1 (Vegrunner)

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  36. And, I liked The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail on Facebook

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  37. My commitment to my heart this week was going to CrossFit, and also attending the Breast Cancer awareness snowshoe event in Collingwood. <3

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  38. My tweet is here :) https://twitter.com/spiffykerms/status/300706701185794048

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  40. Umm I LOVE Mizuno's! My mom is a nurse and I come from a long line of not-so-healthy hearts, so this month is always important to us. I've got my American Heart Association "Go Red" pin on my jacket :)

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  41. tweeted ! https://twitter.com/PushPumpPro/status/300741247188992000

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  42. i follow you on facebook of course!! :)

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  43. Here's my tweet! https://twitter.com/FoodosaurusRex/status/300740274462789632

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  44. Here's my Instagram! http://instagram.com/p/VkW224uTJt/

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  45. i like mizuno running club canada on FB!

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  46. And finally.. I liked your page on Facebook! :)

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  48. I am committing to my heart's health through running (training for an upcoming half marathon), working out with Jillian Michaels tomorrow, and 2 sessions with my TRX coach, in addition to making healthy eating choices!

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  49. I tweeted https://twitter.com/runbakerace/status/300753695077957632

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  51. I liked your page on Facebook!

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  53. I liked Mizuno Canada on Facebook!

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  54. I am committing to my heart this week by exercising for at least 30 minutes each day and including swimming. Can't wait!

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  55. I tweeted! https://twitter.com/AMcHenderson/status/300742933374709760

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  56. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  57. Tweeted you! :) Joining you're Happy Heart project!

    * Jen Nichol

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  58. Like your fabulous page on FB too! ;)

    * Jen Nichol

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  59. I am completing a weekly marathon training plan. 5 days of running, 2 of lifting, and one day of barre.

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  62. I'm getting in a good workout for my heart! (:

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  64. First of all thank you for this great giveaway!! I want/need those pink checkered Mizunos!! Keeping my fingers crossed :)

    I already like your facebook page!

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  65. I liked Mizuno Run Club of Canada on FB

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  66. You are so right! If we don't take care of ourselves no one else will!
    Every morning before my morning run I breath the fresh air and give thanks for all my blessings!!

    My commitment to my heart this week is get my morning run on at least 4 times a week and get my cardio on in between days! :)

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  67. Learning to love my own physical heart has taught me how to care for others by listening to my heart. Emotion is the catalyst for change. Great challenge. Just tweeted..

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  68. Already like mizuno run club! Mezamashii!!!!

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  69. Starting to ramp up my half marathon training ! toronto snow storms making it a tiny bit hard but the snow does look pretty!

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  73. I've started using a heart rate monitor during my workouts and learning what heart rates mean and how I can push it to it's limit as I strengthen it!

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  75. I tweeted! https://twitter.com/kitchenkm

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  76. I tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/laurel_runs/status/300831125943746560

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  77. I like Mizuno Run Club of Canada on FB!

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  79. I run 5 days a week, lift 3 days a week, and do 2-3 other cross training sessions......that's how I keep my heart healthy! And I wear my Mizunos every day!

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  80. I'm running 4x this week. Eating pure, organic food. Lifting weights 2x. And hitting my yoga mat at least 4.

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  83. I HATE CARDIO.
    I do cardio.
    IM IN IT FOR MY <3!

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  84. You are such a special person - and I love that you find a positive outlook. I know I say it all the time, but so inspiring. For my heart, I will eat cleanly, run 4-5 times this week and spend some time on my bike trainer.

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  87. Your a beautiful person inside and out and I'd be happy to join you in this Heart Healthy Awareness Challenge. I just added 5:15AM Spin classes to my workout schedule so id say that qualifies! :)

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  88. Tweeted! https://twitter.com/ndeckerrunner/status/300964453120372736

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  89. Liked :https://www.facebook.com/TheMisadventuresOfADarwinianFail on Facebook!

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  90. I am SO happy you are feeling feel! I tweeted!

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  92. I'll be keeping up with my half-marathon training, and trying to get my fruits and vegetable snacks in instead of salty/fatty ones.

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  94. AS you know, I am a workout fiend so I am in PLUS I posted today about a Bloggers Healthy Heart weekend that I am doing on top of my regular craziness! :)

    YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!

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  97. I liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook

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  98. Instagram coming at ya later today!

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  99. Amazing! I agree. It's so easy to take health foregranted. I am definitely joining this happy heart project. I'm going to make a concerted effort to take of my heart by exercising and paying attention to my emotions! :) Mizuno is my favourite shoe brand, so that's a bonus!
    I just tweeted you and Mizuno re: the project. I will also tag you in a picture on Instagram later. :)

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  100. 'Liked' the Mizuno Run Club page (I already liked your page last week)

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  101. I am keeping my heart happy with lean meals and no wheat all week, and ran 10k yesterday, swimming tonight, spinning tues/thurs and another run on weds!

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  102. Oh! And in addition to my comment above, I also liked your page on facebook and Mizuno's page on facebook! I have done 4/5 of the ways to win! I will do that last (Intagram) later today!! :)

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  106. Ah, just reread the guidelines. I need 5 separate comments. I've got 2 comments here. I tweeted you!

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  107. And I liked Mizuno on facebook!

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  108. My commitment to my cardiovascular fitness and heart health this week is to run twice this week!

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  110. Tweeted: https://twitter.com/RobynBaldwin/status/300984961991839744

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  112. I love this!! You are such a rockstar!

    This week I have a lot of runs planned, cheerleading, and yoga! It's going to be a good heart week! And I started using a heart rate monitor during my runs which I find really useful!

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  114. I liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on FB! (How have I not done this already?!)

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  115. You know I love ya where you may be! Great giveaway!

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  116. Haha I think this post just made my heart happy in itself ;)

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  118. I just posted a healthy heart picture on instagram!
    http://instagram.com/p/VmWh67JyJy/

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  121. Ooh, awesome challenge and giveaway. I love Mizuno! I'm making my heart healthy by continuing my half marathon training this week, and teaching a few spin classes.

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  124. Just went for a jog in the rain.

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  125. I follow on Twitter @Ms_AimeeC

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  126. My commitment to my heart health is training for the mud runs I'm doing this year so Momma needs some new kicks :) Join me in the mud at a Pretty Muddy event? !?

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  127. I tweeted. I tweet? I... no... not that.

    @MS_AimeeC
    I am joining the Happy Heart Project with @Darwinianfail and @MizunoRunning

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  128. I am learning how to make my heart happy by running and learning how my asthma affects my heart rate.

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  129. I tweeted about the Happy Heart Project!

    https://twitter.com/grammarissa/status/301050184597639168

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  130. I started my week with a 5k race Sunday morning and will run a few more times this week to keep my heart happy.

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  132. I tweeted! https://twitter.com/ultramundane/status/301078019743821825

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  133. ...and I liked your facebook page...

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  134. And I'm committing to heart health by testing my blood pressure regularly. Running has kept my BP down, but I still need to check to make sure it's better than it was!

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  135. Oh, and sure, I'll like the MizRunClub too. :)

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  136. I am committing to heart health by exercising regularly and eating clean. I have gotten the family in on it. It's been an adventure but they are coming around. We have been planking, walking and exercising together.

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  138. I instagrammed a pic! all sweaty after a 4 mile run, but it got my heart rate going!! yeah! dying to try out mizuno's!

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  139. I liked Mizuno Run Club Canada :)

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  140. I liked the misadventures of a Darwinian fail on facebook.

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  141. I did a workout dvd at home today-- too much snow (and unpaved/unshoveled sidewalks!) to get out for a run and I was home watching my little runners :)

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  142. I'm going to make my heart (and body) happier by cutting out refined sugar this month. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while but just haven't made a real commitment to. This seems like a good reason to commit to me! And also continue running 5 days a week with some strength training thrown in.

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  143. I want to join the Happy Heart Project too and am going to do so by ramping up my running to more days per week (yikes, marathon in just a couple months!) and also by making better food choices. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  144. I liked Darwinian Fail on Facebook...

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  145. Also liked Mizuno Run Club on Facebook...

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  149. shared a pic of heart healthy commitment on IG

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  150. Gabrielle (mareavivama)11 February 2013 22:14

    I commit to continuing to make exercise a habit!
    You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

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  151. Gabrielle (mareavivama)11 February 2013 22:15

    I just tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/mareavivama/status/301167015236861952

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  152. Gabrielle (mareavivama)11 February 2013 22:15

    I like you on Facebook!

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  153. Gabrielle (mareavivama)11 February 2013 22:16

    I like Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook too!!!

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  154. I'm back from traveling so I'm committing to getting back into my workout plan this week!

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  155. Tweeted! https://twitter.com/AColoradoGal/status/301367264215703552

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  156. I'm going to treat my heart right by keeping my thoughts positive, my attitude happy and my runs long :) My heart needs long runs and happy thoughts!

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  157. I tweeted and liked you on Facebook :)

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  158. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  159. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  160. I tweeted! https://twitter.com/kaitconquers/status/301398471225798656

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  162. I liked Darwinian Fail on Facebook!

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  163. My commitment to my heart this week is running my heart out during a half marathon Sunday :) keeping it pumping strong and giving it my all!

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  164. Hello there, You have done an excellent job.
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  165. I have been kitting the indoor bike at the gym!

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  167. I am committed to my heart and run every day. Most days is is 30 minutes but I may tuck 1-2 15 minute days in there. :)

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  169. Shared my runs so far this week on Instagram and tagged you. Thanks for the added motivation....I need it this week. You have given me the strength to do what I need to do!

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  170. Oops...I put my fb likes in one comment so here is the second. Like you both!

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  171. I liked The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail on Facebook.

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  172. I also Liked the Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook

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  173. My commitment to my heart this week is to keep running and try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

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  175. I Liked The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail on Facebook!

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  176. I Liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook!

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  177. I recently purchased a Polar HRM watch and have been using it to monitor my HR while running! #healthyheart

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  180. My commitment to my heart this week (as always) is to keep going on the healthy path. Drinking water, eating healthy and staying active. I am also choosing joy and happiness and sharing it with people around me. Life is NOW and I've decided that this life isn't going to slip away from me anytime soon :)

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  182. I liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on FB

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  183. I tweeted: http://twitter.com/evelinruns/status/301812553716215809

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  184. I posted a photo on instagram :)

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  185. Put my picture up after one of my morning runs on Instagram and tagged you ;)

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  186. I am cooking healthier options for Valentine's Day this year! I don't eat fish often, but I know it's good for us, so I'm trying baked salmon cakes, and then we're going for a run.

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  187. I "like" you on Facebook. Keep resting, and healing- can't wait to read about your next race adventure that will be here before no time!

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  188. I just liked Mizuno Run Club Canada on Facebook

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  189. I already like you on Facebook :-)

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  190. My commitment to my heart is to start eating more wisely. Cutting out the stuff that's bad for my heart & returning to those foods that are good for my heart. It's not only what I'm eating, I'm keeping a close eye on how and when I'm eating as well. Thanks!

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  191. I just tweeted:Thought I did before, but definitely doing it now - I am joining the Happy Heart Project with @darwinianfail and @MizunoRunning

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