Guys, I’m excited to be this year’s Woman2Warrior Ambassador, Vancouver’s only women’s charity obstacle adventure race, spreading the news about the race and helping you to train and care for your body pre and post obstacle challenge with my workout and nutrition tips.

Now in its fourth year female media and supporters from across Vancouver are invited to participate in the Woman2Warrior race Sunday May 15th, 2016 at Swanguard Stadium and Central Park in Burnaby, BC. Media and local women can participate in any wave between 10-11:15AM. The charity obstacle race encourages you to try something new, take on new challenges and help raise money to send 800 kids and young adults with disabilities to one of three Easter Seals Camps in BC.

Myself along side my teammates will be tackling five kilometres of trails, track and grass, along with a dozen secret obstacles designed to test strength, determination, agility and endurance. I encourage my fellow female warriors to participate as individuals or in teams and you’ll need to fundraise a minimum of $300 each. Registration costs $35 each and includes a finishers gift, technical t-shirt and prizes for best costumes and fundraisers.

                                    

To get ready for the charity race you’ll need to start training. Here are my top 5 fitness and nutrition tips so you’re ready for the big day!

Fitness Tip #1 Prep with Magnesium – Prep your body with Magnesium rich foods prior to Woman2Warrior. Eat a handful of pumpkin seeds, dark leafy greens or almonds for a healthy, nutritious snack that is required for muscle contraction and relaxation. Zinc is also found in pumpkin seeds and is required in the muscle growth process.

Fitness Tip #2 Restore with Bananas – Eat a banana immediately after competing to restore glucose to your muscles as well as potassium.

Fitness Tip #3 Dynamic Stretching: Prevent injury by Dynamic Stretching before your workout and to improve range of motion.

Fitness Tip #4 Plank It Up:  Build up your core and upper body strength with a simple plank prior to the big day. Hold this pose for 60 seconds. Rest in child’s pose. Hold this pose again for 60 seconds, change to Mountain Climbers for 30 seconds finish with Mountain Climber Hybrid for 30 seconds.

Fitness Tip #5 Protein: A scoop of vanilla protein powder in your favourite smoothie is a great way to prepare to take on the Woman2Warrior challenge. Here is one of my fave recipes.

Natalie’s Fave Protein Shake

• 1 scoop of Vega Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup of berries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup of almond milk
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon of flax seeds

Blend until smooth. Add more almond milk if needed for desired consistency.

Tip: I like to make a large batch on Sunday night. I pour into 5 jars to freeze for the week. This makes for an easy drink to grab and go. Just triple the recipe.

Fitness Tip #6 – Interval Training: Interval training, also known as interval workouts or interval runs, are short, intense efforts followed by equal or slightly longer recovery time. Interval running is fantastic to increase your cardio and an exercise you can easily do anywhere, anytime. For example, after a warmup, run two minutes at a hard effort, followed by two to three minutes of easy jogging or walking to catch your breath.

So all you warriors this is a shout out to get involved, help support a great cause and make a real difference! To Register click here!

I’d like to offer one of you the chance to win the Ultimate Warrior Kit valued at $230!!!

• 1 box of Clif Bars (12)
• 1 $25 Subway gift card
• 1 Woman2Warrior t-shirt
• 1 free pass to The Daily Method
• 1 copy of IMPACT Magazine’s latest issue
• Free registration for a Woman2Warrior team of 4

To enter leave a comment below with who your warrior is. Winner announced Wednesday. I can’t wait to see you out there!

Natalie xx