Fitness | Now & Jen

It’s that time of year again. Time to get your wet weather gear out. Dig out your gloves, toques, warm jackets and prepare to face the elements. This is precisely what I didn’t do the other morning when I set out for a 6am run and promptly returned home shivering to add more layers because I was dressed like it was still September.

It’s also the time of year where deals fall into your basket at the Annual Sugoi Warehouse Sale on November 14 to 16.

The Sugoi Warehouse Sale provides amazing savings on any of their over stocked inventory at up to 70% off including their Bike, Run and Triathlon apparel! Some of my favourite pieces have come from this sale including the three for $10 arm warmer sets last year and a RS Jacket for $10 two years ago.

Let’s be honest it doesn’t matter how many Downy Unscentables we add to our laundry our workout stuff ends up smelling like a donkey over time. So, any time I can get a deal for workout gear I’m all over it. Bonus for 2014, Sugoi is also featuring Sombrio at the sale – a great, bike lifestyle brand.

Sadly, the sale is only available in person and not on-line. Don’t forget to bring a donation to the Food Bank as your entry fee!

When – Friday 12-8pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 11am – 3pm
Where – 4084 McConnell Court, Burnaby

This is a big weekend in the triathlon world. The Ironman World Championships are happening in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Watching this legendary race on TV was the very reason that I got into triathlon in the first place. While the odds of me ever being fast enough to make it to this qualifiers only race are extremely slim, there is nothing more motivating than watching coverage of this race – especially how NBC dramatizes every story. You really feel like you are part of the experience.

When you say it out loud – 3.8km swim, 180 km bike ride, 42.2km run – really sounds insane and basically impossible. However, it is amazing what the human body can do when you put your mind to it. Crossing the Ironman Canada finish line was one of the best moments of my life. If you have ever considered doing an Ironman, trust me when I say it is so worth it. Every last early morning swim, crazy hill repeat bike ride, long rainy run all lead up to one truly epic day. The friendships you make during the journey, the things you learn about yourself and you will never look better in spandex. There are many sacrifices you make during your Ironman journey, but that race gives you back so much more than it takes that it is all worth while. It is truly life altering.

So if you are around on Saturday take in some if the Ironman coverage live on-line. Beautiful Hawaiian scenery and some of the best athletes in the world taking on a legendary course. There is nothing more motivating.