I can’t remember where I found this fitness q&a, but since I don’t have any new recipes to share, I’m just going to ramble on about fitness. I LOVE living an active lifestyle. I’m most authentic when I’m in nature – running, walking, hiking, biking, or taking a nap on my yoga mat. It isn’t just about aesthetics for me. Well, at one time it was – in my late teens/early 20s. I thought going to the gym was just something we were all ‘supposed’ to do – like recycling, going to church and getting a yearly physical. I think my longest workouts were maybe 20 minutes, and consisted of walking at a zero incline on the treadmill while reading celebrity gossip magazines. Hahaha.
It wasn’t until a few years later that I started running as a coping mechanism for stress and everything snowballed from there. Suddenly, I became interested in eating healthier and learning more about the human body. I ditched my subscription to Glamour and signed up for Runners World. Nikes became the new “it” shoe in my world. My spirit was beginning to flourish too – and it was through running that I really started to know myself and what I was capable of.
Exercise is a tool that I use to connect with… the bigger picture. It’s taught me HOW to live in the present moment. Last summer, I was struggling up a hill on a bike ride. I kept saying to myself, “don’t look ahead, just stay focused on where you are right now – one push at a time!” it was that little mantra that kept me going – it was difficult, uncomfortable and I wanted to give up, but I made it up the hill.
I try to remember that lesson when I start to feel stuck or overwhelmed in my regular life. Ok, now lets talk fit gear!
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1. Five fitness items I can’t live without:
yoga mat
10lb hand weights
foam roller
good music
epsom salts
2. Favorite pre-workout snack/meal:
a spoonful or two of almond butter or an egg – if I’m running. Otherwise, I just workout between meals.
3. Favorite post-work out snack/meal:
a green smoothie, or a huge salad with chicken, salsa, hot sauce, cheese, etc.
However, on hot, summer hiking days in Waterton, I have an ice cold Rickards + a hot dog and sweet potato fries from Wieners of Waterton. Next time you’re in the park – EAT THERE! Their hot dogs aren’t frankenfood either – locally made, and without fillers, chemicals, etc. Even their buns are homemade! I get the “gluten free” hot dog, which is wrapped in romaine leaves. Also, I highly recommend getting your *own* order of fries, as they’re seriously addicting and you won’t want to share. Remember when this used to be a healthy living blog? Me neither.
4. On my fitness bucket list:
-climbing Crowsnest Mtn – this summer
-yoga/surf retreat with girlfriends in Costa Rica or Mexico (my dream!!!)
-destination half marathon (Hawaii would be awesome because it’s not too hot)
-Waterton-Glacier National Park 100 mile relay
-hiking Kauai’s Na Pali coast (three years later, Court is still raving about it)
Lets just say I want to do EVERYTHING. Especially if it involves running along scenic roads, climbing rocks or swimming in the sea.

Hiking to Crypt Lake, in Waterton Lakes National Park
5. Must-have tech tools:
-high quality ear buds
-Run Keeper app, for tracking distance & pace
-ipad, to read magazines while stuck on the dreadmill (I walk at a 10 incline now, haha)
6. Top exercise gear:
-anything lululemon
-Old Navy compression crops (they will change your life)
-Nike Free Runs – I run, walk & cross train in them. BEST SHOE EVER! I highly recommend them.
-Non-slip head bands – I only have lululemon bands, but I’ve heard great things about Bic Bands too! (I haven’t seen them for sale in Canada… or maybe I’m just blind. Probably just blind.)

I don’t have a gym membership, so I use a set of stairs at a parkade near my house
7. Motivational Mantra
I find making mini goals helps me to push through the mental barriers – I’ll promise myself that if I make it to “x” landmark, I’ll walk, but by the time I get there, I’m fine.
8. Next big exercise goal:
Climbing Crowsnest Mountain – 12km total, some scrambling, with an elevation gain of 1100m.
9. Favorite cardio exercise:
RUNNING. It’s my meditation.
10. Favorite strength move:
Lunge + bicep curl
Squat + overhead press
Garden-clawing weeds from the garden – best full body workout ever! ![]()
Carrying a backpack full of food, ice and water up mountains
Tell me…
What ‘life lessons’ has fitness taught you?
Where do you feel most ‘at home’ and authentic?
































































