Starting June 3, we’re 10 weeks away from race day - that's 68 days to be precise!

Jenn and I from Rogue Running in Austin, TX (two of your official SeaWheeze Run Ambassadors) are here to help you get there. June 3 marks the start of the official SeaWheeze Tacklebox training, a 10-week, step-by-step guide to preparing for the race and getting ready for SeaWheeze domination on August 10th!

The program is designed for runners of all levels with one common goal in mind: to help you smash through your self-imposed, personal limits to reach places you never thought were possible. That means different things for everyone, but it requires opening your mind and discarding prior expectations.

If you haven’t yet – download the SeaWheeze app so you can track all of your training, or print off the TackleBox program and follow along at home.

As you enter these final 10 weeks of preparation, here are some thoughts to prepare you to get the most out of the Tacklebox program.

“If you have a body, you’re an athlete.” – Bill Bowerman

Own that statement.

If you can breathe, regardless of your size, shape, age, or background, then you are an athlete. If you can move, regardless of your starting point, then you are an athlete and therefore a runner. Own it!

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

Contrary to popular belief, improving as a runner is not about big efforts or even running fast more often, it’s about consistency and doing the small things repeatedly that will drive improvement over time.

What does this mean for the Tacklebox program?

1. Consistency is king.

The most important thing you can do is follow the program consistently starting today. The accumulation of consistent training efforts will make you a stronger runner and prepare you for the August 10th.

In addition to supreme discipline, consistency requires supreme patience.

Other than your weekly workouts (shown on Wednesday on the schedule), all of your runs (or run/walks) should be done at an easy, conversational pace. Running easy means that you can speak comfortably in full sentences and ensures that you are in the right aerobic development zone to best develop your fitness.

As we say to our groups at Rogue, “you have to go slow to go fast later”. Running easy also puts less strain on your muscles, tendons, and joints, allowing you to stay healthy throughout the program.

If you remember nothing else from this blog, remember 3 words: Consistent. Easy. Running!

2. The one-percents.

It’s about the running but also about the small things you do to stay healthy and strong as an athlete. Collier called these things “small efforts,” we call them the one-percents.

What are the one-percents in the Tacklebox program? The one percents are the Strength Circuit and Drills from Jenn and I, the Yoga routine from Kerri, and the Dynamic Warm-up routine from Blue.

These small efforts done repeatedly each week over the next 10 weeks will make you a stronger, healthier, and more efficient runner. Do them all weekly if you can. If not, prioritize them based on your weaknesses, but regardless of your situation, make time for the one-percents!

"Out on the roads there is fitness and self-discovery and the persons we were destined to be." – George Sheehan

Ok, let’s do this. We look forward to seeing you on the roads on August 10th, not as the person you are now, but closer to the person you are destined to be! Your journey to be that person starts today!

Has anyone else schnitzeled and Seawheezed this week? How's your training going?

Portrait radness courtesy of Camerabag

If something cool is on the rise, Lesia knows about it. She's the resident maven on the Digital team and the one for info on just about anything. Naturally, we wanted her list of favourite iPhone apps. Get out your phone and get ready for her list of must-haves.

lesia's favourite iphone apps

Outside of the standard must-have apps like Twitter, Facebook, foursquare, WeatherEye (way better then the weather app that comes with iPhone), IMDB, Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, Cover Orange, Flashlight, Groupon & Tumblr, there are a few others I couldn’t live without. I've categorized them by price. Enjoy!

(free) - Just download and have fun!
($) - Minimum investment for maximum enjoyment. Expect to pay around $2.
($$) - Pricier but worth every penny. Expect to pay $5 or more.

fitness essentials

If you have goals to run a marathon, do a yoga challenge or reach your personal best, these apps will quickly become your best friends.

MindBody Yoga (free)  I can quickly and easily find the closest yoga class no matter where I am, Vancouver or abroad.

Run Keeper (free)  I just downloaded this one and it looks like amazing. I’ll keep you posted once I hit the pavement with the No Excuses Run Club.

ifitness ($) Stay motivated and get fit with this app. It's currently not available on the Canadian store but it's so good, I'd hate to leave it out.

Loseit (free) This calorie-counting app keeps you accountable. Set a goal and it will help you make it happen. (My husband lost 15 pounds with the baby. What more could you ask for?)

smile! (my favourite picture apps)

Pick some of these up before you pack your bags for that hot-spot vacation or yoga retreat. It’s impossible to choose one!

Hipstamatic ($) Their slogan says it all: digital never looked so analog.

Instagram (free) My newest download. I love how easy it is to share and add filters to Instagram snaps!

Camerabag ($) My first love, if you only have one photo app, this will treat you well.

Pano ($) Hello, PANORAMIC!

8mm ($) This is where all my spare time goes lately. This video app is brilliant. Add vintage effects to everyday iPhone video. It brings new meaning to way-back play-back.

Lesia + Instagram = happiness

edible apps

Jamie Oliver’s 20-Minute Meals ($$) Hands down the most thoughtful foodie app around, especially for a newbie cook.

How to Cook Everything ($$) Featuring the NYTimes Minimalist himself, Mark Bittman.

Epicurious (free) Get healthy recipes from SELF magazine or indulge your inner foodie with a treat from Gourmet or Bon Appetit. You can search by ingredients and get complete shopping lists. If only it made dinner...

Whole Foods (free) Not only can you find amazing healthy recipes, you can also search their database by dietary preferance. Low-fat, gluten-free and vegan? No problem.

current events

For staying in the know on current events, I check out Globe & Mail, NY Times, Mashable, Huffington Post, and Pop Sugar. Best of all? They're all free.

deep thoughts

Apps aren’t all about food and fitness. I know I can always check into these apps when I need a little bit of inspiration.

TED Mobile (free) You'll never be bored or uninspired again. A few faves: Jamie Oliver's TED Prize wish, Ken Robinson’s talk on creativity, Sheryl Sandberg's (COO of Facebook) "Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders".

Seth Godin (free) I love to pop into this app to hear what Seth has to say about marketing & ideas. I’m never disappointed.

just because

Period Tracker ($) My good friend got me onto this one and I share it with every girl with an iPhone. They always thank me – ‘nuff said.

fab fashion apps

Wait! There’s more. In writing this, I’ve realized how many apps I’ve come to depend on and love. Last but not least, the beloved fashion apps I drool over. Again, all are free. ebay and Who What Wear are keepers. Style.com gives you the whole gorgeous site in the palm of your hand. Chic Feed aggregates amazing fashion blogs, most notably, the Sartorialist. Finally, Net-A-Porter. I love its wish-list function. 

Well there you have it. If I'm missing any of your must-haves, I'd love to know!

Lesia's BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) is to one day create an amazing lululemon app for you all to enjoy! Fingers crossed.