Category Archives: Uncategorized

Mar 01 2012
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Uncategorized Gallery

The (Run) Diaries

Let’s face it: running can get a little monotonous at times. This is why I decided to start my new series, The Run Diaries, where I essentially run around with a camera, snapping photos of interesting things I see along the way. I got so into it that I didn’t even feel tired by the end of my run! These photos were taken on a 10km jaunt through downtown Toronto, which is a pretty interesting place if you haven’t been. Recognize any of these spots? How do you spice up your longer runs?

Selfie taken at the start of the run – looking pumped!

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Dec 07 2011
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Yogalosophy Kicks, Firms, and Tones your Butt in 35 Minutes

I absolutely adore yoga, however being in school I often find it difficult to incorporate a class into my busy schedule. Thankfully, I was directed to this incredible dvd after reading that Jennifer Aniston is an advocate (hey, girl’s in shape good shape)! Yogalosophy combines traditional yoga techniques with a whole lot of strength training, to give you an express full body workout. Mandy is frank, often sharing her personal “mantras” that ladies can really relate to (such as: “I have a great ass, I have a great ass”). I love popping this one in after a run…so much more fun than ordinary core work and stretching, and because it’s so fast-pased you really do break a sweat. I got mine on amazon for pretty cheap. Enjoy!

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Nov 15 2011
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Tips from a Friend

One of the great things about starting this blog is I’ve been getting lots of feedback from you readers. Recently I was delighted to hear that my friend Beverly (who I always looked up to in high school), had recently started her own fitness journey and had some wisdom to pass on. Some of it counters what I’m doing, but that’s the point: I really don’t know everything, I’m just trying to figure it all out as I go, much like you guys! Ultimately I think it comes down to finding what works for you. Here’s what she had to say:

- when doing cardio as opposed to strength training, you need to include pre & post workout meals. This means slow digesting carbs (i.e. whole grains) with a bit of protein, which will sustain you through your workout.

- it’s okay to eat something right before bed. The only rule to that though is it should be a snack high in protein. Your body is deprived of food through the 7-8 hours you are sleeping, so in order to keep it from going into starvation mode and storing fat, have a snack such as a cup of cottage cheese with a handful of walnuts, a cup of greek yogurt with a little bit of fruit, etc.

- fruits and veggies are good sources of carbs but don’t overdo it because fruits are still considered carbs and they are high in sugar. It’s all about portion control!

She also provided me with this guide to nutrition (below – you might have to click on the black bar to see it). Again, it’s all about figuring out what works best for you, but I found it to be pretty useful! Thanks Bev!

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Oct 31 2011
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Final Indulgences

Happy Halloween everybody! I hope you’ve all been indulging as much as I have for this most wonderful of holidays. However, all that is good (or bad, depending on how you look at it!) must eventually come to an end, and tomorrow I start my Half Marathon Training. I have come up with a series of “lifestyle rules” for the next six months to go with my exercise plan. Here they are:

1) Take the stairs everywhere you can.

2) No alcohol except the occasional glass of red wine – aside from when I’m in Costa Rica, and during New Years.

3) No junk food except for the occasional piece of dark chocolate (except for Christmas!)

4) For drinks stick to unsweetened tea and water.

5) Fill up a water jug every day with 8 cups of water, and drink the entire thing.

6) Limit grain-type carbs to mornings when you need the energy (cereals, oatmeal, etc.)

7) TRY to go to bed at a regular time (this is tough being in school).

8 ) Read something you enjoy every night before bed to de-stress.

9) No eating past 8:30 pm

10) Record everything in a food journal.

11) No excuses, however if you are legitimately ill do not push yourself to work out – you will get worse.

Of course this will not be easy, but I am also a girl that loves a challenge..and I really am aiming for results. I actually lived very much like this when I was in London, England, and I can honestly say I was the happiest I’ve been in my entire life. Also if you are having trouble try to envision the end goal (like you wearing that sleek little dress you saw the other day for example)! Do you have any helpful “rules”? I’d love to hear them!

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Oct 26 2011
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My “Life List”

Hello! Yesterday was my birthday, and with that came a lot of reflection – namely: what am I going to do with my life? Now don’t get me wrong, I have ideas about my career and whatnot. But really, that should only be a small part of “life”. Thus, I decided to compile a Life List, or a Bucket List of everything I’d really like to do. Currently it’s not that long (38 things to be exact!), however as this is a growing and evolving process I am devoting a separate page to it so that you can keep checking in on my progress, and any new additions. It should also be noted that I’d like to “see the world”…but I guess seeing the entire thing in one lifetime isn’t too attainable, therefore I didn’t list it as a goal! I encourage all of you to start your own life lists. Not only is it therapeutic, but I think it keeps things interesting too!

The Life List of Nikki Krysa (in no particular order):

1. Learn to speak fluent Polish and at least one other language.

2. Do one extreme activity to challenge my fear of heights (like bungee jumping or skydiving)

3. Become an entrepreneur.

4. Write and publish a book.

5. Live model for an art class (just to know what it feels like on the other side of the canvas!)

6. Take a surfing lesson. 

7. Become good at surfing.

8. Speak at Speaker’s Corner.

9. Buy, repair, and drive an old muscle car.

10. Get my motorcycle license.

11. Run a half marathon.

12. Run a full marathon.

13. Audition for a band.

14. Take a road trip through the USA.

15. Sing karaoke.

16. Volunteer for an animal rights organization.

17. Travel by backpack.

18. Act as a street performer for a day, and donate the money.

19. Have an art exhibition.

20. Have a conversation with Wally Lamb.

21. Buy and wear an obscenely fancy hat.

22. Learn how to ballroom dance.

23. Get my black belt in a martial art.

24. Confront my fear of acting – act on stage at least one time.

25. Be featured in a fitness magazine.

26. Get my pilot license.

27. Climb a mountain.

28. Watch every Woody Allen film.

29. Buy an absolutely massive canvas, and just go crazy with it.

30. Find the perfect arm chair (preferably red).

31. Buy a house and make it a home.

32. Play rugby.

33. Play snow tackle football on Christmas day (I stole this one from OhJoy!)

34. Snowboard somewhere other than Ontario.

35. Adopt a dog.

36. Finally learn how to de-stress.

37. Build a tree house and have frequent picnics in it.

38. Paint a self portrait…that I like.

You can keep track of it here. What’s on your life list? Let me know!

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Oct 16 2011
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Hello!

Hi there! The name’s Nikki, and some of you may know me from my other blog, Nicranium.

I am a Toronto-based fashion design student, who has always had a passion for health and fitness. Basically this blog is a way for me to not only motivate myself to get in the best shape of my life, but to share with you the health and fitness tips that I learn along the way. Of course since I am a Fashion Design student I will be sharing some tips on that as well (such as how amazing Nike sports bras are!…more on that later). Ultimately I would like to foster a sense of community where tips can be traded and shared. With that in mind, here is my list of personal goals (some easily attainable, some a little obscure).

Goal #1: Run a Half (and eventually a full) Marathon

I have just recently registered for a half marathon in May, and am very excited. Currently I run about 40km a week, so you could say that I am already “conditioned” if you will, however I start my actual training on November 1st. Presently I’m nervous/excited/nervous. I will keep you posted!

Goal #2: Be Featured in a Fitness Magazine

I know, I know. This goal is a little bit off the wall, and may never come true (although for the record, I did say IN a magazine, not on the cover!)…but weren’t we always told to dream big? Also, is there any more motivation to get a rockin’ healthy bod than to picture yourself scantily clad in Women’s Health? Not many that I can think of!

I also have a few other less major goals such as…

Goal #3: Fit into my prom dress – After all, I did buy it with the intention of wearing it more than once! This goal isn’t a huge stretch, however…the dress doesn’t have any stretch. Still a little bit of work before I get there!

Goals #4 and #5: Run the Warrior Dash, and beat my time on the CN Tower Climb (18 minutes and 17 seconds for those of you who are interested!)

Goal #6: Get my black belt in a martial art (I have my blue belt in karate but that’s not nearly as cool).

Goal #7: Become a badass surfer…doesn’t everyone really just want to be Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush? I do anyway.

Trust me. There are more, but let’s not go overboard just yet! So what can you expect from me in the coming months?

- an open policy: I plan on being pretty frank in my subject matter because really, I am aiming for results.

- tips and discussions on fitness, running, healthy eating, equipment, etc.

- FUN. I like to have fun, and I hope that you guys will join me for the ride. I am really looking forward to getting your feedback, and maybe learning from you as you learn from me, because trust me, I’m not an expert. What are your goals, let me know! I look forward to hearing from each and every one of you.

Disclaimer: While I do adore Nike products, this blog does not endorse, and is not sponsored by Nike in any way.

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