Learning about the Olympics

August 11, 2016 / Anna @ Piper's Run / 13 Comments

Every four years we get to experience some amazing sports through the Olympics. Growing up, whether it was the summer or winter Olympics, we’ve always watched them. It became something we did as a family and now that tradition is starting with our daughters.

Our girls are 3.5 and 6 years old, so their understanding of sport is limited to soccer, running and skiing mainly. Watching the Olympics through their eyes is well, eye opening. They know nothing about the sports being played: Rugby 7’s, synchronized diving, rowing, fencing etc. Basically we have to teach them about the sport as they are watching from the knowledge we have.

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It’s also been an opportunity for them to understand more about other countries. Saï is British and I’m Canadian, so technically the girls have two countries they can cheer on! While watching the Canadian women’s soccer team in their opening game (while playing in the sprinkler cause that’s how we roll), I asked if they wanted to play for Canada some day…they both said yes. Then came the question, do you want to play for Canada Mommy? I laughed and said yes, of course but it just not something I’m able to do.

What I’m Loving About The Olympics So Far

Its day six and I have to admit, I love that all the medals Canada has won have been by women! Strong, powerful and confident women! For my daughters, I love that they have these amazing role models swimming in the pools, running on the fields and riding on the roads. They are striving for their best and really what more can you ask for.

Watching the games online at work (yes, because we are doing that in our office) has been a fun way to see all the advances and set backs Canada (and other countries) are having. If you missed some Canadian highlights, check out this #whatittakes video as I’m sure you will be inspired and see their motivation to do what it takes to succeed.

WHAT IT TAKES

I don’t know about you but watching this video makes me want to go for a run (my passion) and just get more active in general. During my bike ride Monday (18k) all I could think about is how the cyclist do it since I was going to slow and on a trail at that. Olympic and Paralympic athletes amaze me!

What’s been your favourite “What It Takes” moment for your country?

What sport are you learning more about this Olympics?

Are you more active during the Olympics?

FLEXR Water Bottle Review

January 3, 2014January 2, 2014 / Anna @ Piper's Run / 12 Comments

Recently I was given a pretty cool water bottle to test out. It’s a FLEXR water bottle by FLEXR Sports. I remember when it arrived, Lilly and Sai came home from getting the mail and Lilly shouted out that I had a package. She was really excited to see what was inside this little box so I let her open it once I got the tape off.

Things I liked about it:

BPA Free (that’s important)
It’s biodegradable (liner and bottle!)
It’s pretty soft and when ~~you~~ your kids drop it by mistake, it doesn’t dent like some water bottles
Easy adjustable open/close feature
They provide you with a little plug so you don’t need any liners.
It comes in some fun colours: blue, pink, green, purple, red, clear and green.
It comes in various sizes: 16 oz, 26 oz
I found the water didn’t have a bad taste…even if I left water in it for a few days.
The company donates 5% to charities!
AND – my toddler has figured out how to use it. One sip for Mommy and two for Lilly!!!

What I didn’t like about it:

It took me a while to figure out how to get the plastic bladder in, however over time I got better at it.
Once – and yes it was only once, it leaked in my bag when I went to soccer. Bit of a drag but really, it was water so not that big of a deal.

FLEXR Sports also threw in this Neo Running Pouch which I thought was pretty cool and have used on many runs for various reasons. I put it on and couldn’t figure out why it had two cords randomly coming out…..

You can attach your race bib to it safely without needed to use safety pins on your favourite running shirt! Genius!
You can fit a lot in that little pouch; small camera, ID cards, money and keys – yes I put all that in at once!
It actually doesn’t ride up on your body…something I was worried about. It stayed in place and every time I wore it I forgot it was on.

They also have some other neat products: hand carriers, bottle cage for cyclists, clothing and more.

Would I recommend either product?

Yes. The size of bottle might be a personal preference…some may want the smaller bottle but you also have the option of a bigger bottle which might be better for cycling (that’s was my husband opinion).
I will use the little running pouch for my next “big” run so I can place my race bib on it…I just love this idea as I always put my race bib on last-minute AND it’s always crooked 😦

Note: I was not paid for this post but provided with the product to test out. These opinions are my own.

Have you tried this product before?

Which colour would be your favourite to choose from?

Throwback Thursday: Soccer

September 26, 2013 / Anna @ Piper's Run / 4 Comments

Last night was the first time I played (indoor) soccer in 2 years! For a girl who grew up playing, coaching and traveling all over Nova Scotia for soccer, I still can’t believe that I took two years off. I still remember my last game of the summer season; the field, the players and that we lost.

Two years ago, I decided when Sai went back to school I would take the winter off also knowing we wanted to have another baby at some point. Well, that’s all done now, I signed up for the indoor season and played my first exhibition game last night.

How did it feel to be on the turf again? Thumbs Up, FANTASTIC ! …. as Lilly say’s.

I was actually so nervous that I had butterflies in my stomach starting late in the afternoon! Seriously, who get’s butterflies at 33 years of age going to an exhibition soccer game? I hope it’s not just me.

Number 19 back in action 🙂

It was great to see the girls, meet a few new ones and realise my gear is still in good condition. It’s only a 60 minute game and I played 25 minutes in the first half and 20 in the second. Overall, I was pretty pleased with my fitness but man sprinting after the ball or someone on the other team sure got to me in the end. I didn’t feel too out of shape … guess my few runs and T25 is helping. Yeah for me!

Waking up this morning my knees and hips hurt but other than that I’m okay. I don’t think my body has fully recovered from having given birth 10 months ago. I had a few pains in my hips/pelvis, that I did during my pregnancy while I was playing last night. Let’s hope in time this goes away.

I’m hoping all the sprinting last night, a good T25 workout tonight and T25 stretching on Friday will get me ready for Run or Dye on Saturday. Yup, it’s white tutu wearing – paint the sky – run a 5k on cross-country ski trails time! Whoop Whoop!

This is me over 10 years ago!

I remember this play like it was yesterday. I lobbed the ball in the air down the line and my friend Tracey (left to me in white) sprinted down, crossed the ball and scored!

It. Was. Beautiful!

But, I have no idea what I am doing with my hands.

I do this when I run for some reason; thumb tucked in and fingers pointing.

Did you take a few years off from your favourite sport?

How long did it take your body to return to normal after given birth?

Do you do weird things with your hands when you run?

Weekend Fun Pictures

August 12, 2013 / Anna @ Piper's Run / 1 Comment

We had a great weekend visiting with my family, running with a good friend, met an Olympic Gold medalist, went swimming, returned home, reunited with Daddy, skyped with Nan in England and our first BBQ of the summer (crazy late, I know). Lots of fun had by all.

Meeting Heather Moyse, Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist – Bobsledding.

My Dad holding Hilary and Lillian holding THE Gold Medal!!!!