I’m a runner, so most of my weekly training is focused around hitting the trails and pounding out the miles. When I’m not race training, that looks like about 75 km per week, through a combination of long runs, speed work and easy miles.  On top of that I like to throw in 3-4 strength sessions a week, 1-2 sessions of hot yoga and a cross training spin session.

What is your favorite workout?

Running. A long run on the trails in the winter or fall.

What would be your biggest piece of advice for someone just beginning their journey?

Something is always better than nothing.  Don’t get too hung up on how long you workout or how many calories you burn or how far you run – just go out and do something and get your heart pumping.  Once you make fitness a routine and a habit, then you can focus on increasing your intensity, distance covered, length of time, etc.

Have you always been interested in health and fitness?

Growing up, my mom always made sure we had healthy meals.  I became really interested in it, on my own accord, when I was in grade 6 and had to do a fitness challenge.  Ever since then, I can remember always being interested in both health and fitness, seeking to learn more, and it always playing a big role in my life.

What struggles did you have to overcome to get to where you are now?

One of the biggest struggles for me (even now) is pushing myself harder.  As a runner, I always used to run just because I loved it and it was a good way to destress and clear my head.  I was content with running for that reason and so I never tried to push myself harder to run for time, improvement, speed etc.  Now that I have learned how to do this better, I am still running because I love it, but also improving and integrating lots more into my fitness routine to help me get better and always pushing myself for more.

What is your go-to healthy meal?

My go-to meal is a big tray of roast veggies, a baked squash, and a kale salad with some braised lentils.  It’s basically all of my favourite things in one place, so it’s comfort food at its finest for me, and it’s quick to prep.

What’s your favorite splurge?

I love splurging on exciting new foodie related health products.  Things like different superfood powders for smoothies, new ingredients I’ve never used before, new herbal supplements from the health food store and new in-season produce that only comes around once in a while.  I’m also guilty of regularly splurging on a new type or brand of dark chocolate.  Anything over 85% and I’m in!

What would you recommend for someone who wants to get fit, but doesn’t have time to commit to a time-consuming training schedule?

Have you ever reached the dreaded plateau? If so, how did you break through it?

I can’t really think of a time that I reached a plateau. Sure, there’s some days that I wake up and would far rather stay in bed than go for a run, but that’s rare, and I always remind myself how good I feel after (and how crappy I feel without going), and it’s usually enough to motivate me.  I think it’s important to mix things up though.  I think you are more likely to hit the plateau when you just fall in a rut of repetition and your workouts are boring to you.  Find something that excites you and you enjoy and when you stop enjoying it, do something different!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Start today, because next month, or next year, you’ll wish you had’ve.  Take baby steps and don’t beat yourself up over little setbacks.  I still have setbacks, or bad days, and I’ve been doing this for over 10 years.  The important thing is to keep the big picture in mind and as long as you are heading in the right direction and giving it everything you can, you have no option, but to eventually reach your destination!

Thanks so much, Laura, for sharing with us! For more from Christine, follow her blog, or catch her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.