A Little Fresh Air

Hey J,
  I can't believe January is almost over, how did that happen?!?  Only 11 months left in this year... I really hope to make the best of every day.  Today was great!  While we're renovating the farm house E and I are staying in the apt we have in town.  Without having daily access to our farm I forget how much being in the fresh air and nature really helps to reset my soul after dealing with intense stress.  E spends two days a week down in the city and is leaving this afternoon, so today we decided to have a bit of quality time together, as a little family of 3 (don't forget the dog).  So we bundled up, cause yes, it was only 10* and headed outside.  There is an incredible land conservation area about 2 miles outside of town that offers incredible views and is such a restorative experience.  We covered 2.5 miles of trails, weaving in and out of the woods, over frozen streams and around fallen trees.  We sometimes complain about there not being enough date-worthy activities in town... the minute we stepped foot into the conservation area we both said, there are no dates we like better than being outside.  What a nice reminder.
  What about you?  Which do you prefer, the gym or outdoor activities?  For me there's nothing like being outside, no matter how cold it is... with that being said, I can't wait till I can walk out the door in the morning with just a light jacket on!  Yay, it's almost February!

What's going on with you today?  How will you get active?

Work hard, eat well!
xo
Jeni

Back for the second time

Hey Jeni! 

Oh my, it's been awhile! The past two weeks have been very busy, and I'm happy to report, good from a fitness perspective! 

I went to New York last weekend where I ate lots of food and had some girl time with my friends. I felt a little guilty after but remember that I work hard at the gym and it is not often that I indulge in cake, champagne, food and more food! In the end it was a great weekend! What did you do for your birthday? 

So after I got back I decided to hang out. I took about 3 days off from the gym, even though on Saturday I did some core work while watching Sex in the City! This past Monday I was tired. So I decided to take that day to regroup and think about my week ahead. I think those days are needed sometimes. I try not to beat myself up over it, I think that's something that is hard for us not to do. 

On Monday, I met with a trainer at my gym to go over my diet. I'll cover this in another post. On Tuesday, I was back in the game! Here's what I accomplished this week:

Tuesday: Zumba and Strength training

Wednesday: Inclined power walk and row machine

Thursday: Strength training and my own spin routine

Friday: Tried a new class called cycle and core- half spin, half core work! 

Saturday: off from the gym, worked at the mall

Sunday: Weight training and Zumba

I had a first this week- I went into the weight room at my gym and worked out on the weight machines! This is something I haven't done since high school. I get intimidated in there, but I went in! I also did my own core work, too. I went into Zumba feeling the work that I did. I was so proud of myself! I feel what I am trying to accomplish is the better version of me. The best version is on a bike for sure, but it is also building my arm muscles, trying to get a slightly defined core, and being in the best shape possible. Finally, the best version of me is happy with the results of my hard work. 

Tonight I made soup for the week and muffins, I am on a role! I also cleaned, which helps me keep myself on track through the week. Have you cooked anything healthy this week? 

What are your plans for this week? I hope it is getting some rest! I am getting 8 hours of sleep right now every night, trainers orders! 

Xoxo

Jenne

Inspiration

Hey girl.  Am I right in saying this past week has been insane for both of us??  I haven't had a second to think, let alone workout.  With my hectic teaching schedule and finishing up this dress for the Grammy Awards and starting class at Marist, I averaged 5 hours of sleep or less each night this week.  I also ate terribly!!  I hate it.  I have made a decision though this week that I am taking a break from Crossfit for a month and joining a gym called ixl.  I want to have use of a treadmill- running keeps me sane and the temps outside are just too insane!!  I also want access to traditional workout classes that I can attend with some of my lady friends.  I don't have enough time to be healthy, socialize and workout separately.  I hope that joining the gym will let me do all 3 in one shot.  Anyway, here is a video that I just love watching for inspiration.  Hopefully it will pump you up too.

How was your week?  Did you stay on course with healthy goals and being active??  Or was this week just as crazy for you? 

xo
Jeni

The BEST Version of ME

Jenne,
  I am so proud of your dedication and progress.  You are really doing so well!  I am so jealous of your gym.  I remember in a previous phone convo you told me that your gym has a lounge with fireplaces... I mean, AWESOME!  I love discovering new muscles.  Every spring when I ride (horses) for the first time in months, I remember muscles I forgot I had.  It is incredible how intricate and strong our bodies really are.  Do you have a "core"that you aspire to have?  Like, do you look in magazines and say, "I wish my abs looked like that" or are you just in search of strength?

  So, now, about me.  I know that cycling is your thing, you being the best version of you.  There is nothing that makes me feel more like myself or a better version of myself than when I am running.  It has been months since I have run on a regular basis.  I don't have a treadmill and I don't have a gym membership and it has been COLD outside.  I don't mind running in the cold but, my running shoes, Vibram Five Finger shoes, aren't your standard running shoe.  There is no warmth or protection from the winter elements.  I ran a few weeks ago when it was in the 20's and my toes froze so badly that for days my left food felt bruised.  Luckily Vibram came out with a winter version of my shoe!  I have been waiting weeks for them to arrive and yesterday I finally had a chance to take them out for a spin!!!  It was like HEAVEN!! I was cruisn'.  I didn't have much time, only a half hour, so I went out for a 3 mile loop of town.  The first mile is down hill and the 2 miles back are up some INTENSE hills.  I have been reading running blogs for years and have seen that everyone uses Nike+, I have always wondered what it was... yesterday before my run I downloaded the app and tried it out.  Let me tell you, it was SO cool.  It talked to me!  It alerted me when I hit each mile mark, told me my average pace and the overall time for that mile.  It also congratulated me at every mile.  I am hooked!  At the end of the run, Nike+ lets you take a picture, describe your run and prints your course on the photo.  How cool is that?!?  I can't wait to use it all the time.

So tomorrow is our bday!!  Everett is buying me a new bike.  I am really interested in doing Triathlons this Summer and he and I are planning to go touring and traveling on our bikes all Summer long and the bike I have now is a 1980's mens Schwin, that doesn't really fit me well.  He's done lots of research and found a few options that he thinks will be the best bike for the job.  We are going tomorrow to check them out.  I'm so excited, like a kid at Christmas.  He's a GREAT gift giver and I'm a spoiled thing!  This weekend is going to be insanely busy, I am hoping to go hiking on Monday, since I wont have work due to the holiday.

I hope I get to see you tomorrow!

Happy early birthday my dear!  Here's to being 29!!
xo
Jeni

No longer MIA!

Jeni! 

I haven't given up on us! I am here! It's been a busy past few days! But very productive! 

Let's see...  I've been to the gym everyday this week so far. I have been trying out different classes at my gym, it's fun to try new things right? It also lets me check on my progress.  Sometimes you start working different muscle groups and you realize there are some muscles you haven't been working! 

So on Monday I took this class called Cardio Strength. One of my areas for opportunity is strength training. I don't do a lot of it. I like my cardio burn! So I thought this class would be a good mix. Holy cow... The reps were fast, I'm not sure I even remember what I did. But it was a challenge! I hope to ace that class sometime in the future- it will certainly not happen overnight! 

Yesterday I did WERQ again. It was fun. I am definitely learning the moves so I feel less dorky! 

Today I also tried a new class! It was called Core Dynamics. It was core work, obviously, but there were some different exercises. I liked it! I tried my best in the class, I was really proud of walking in plank with sliders at my feet. I did need to take a few breaks but I found resolve when I did it to keep going. I felt the muscles working. We'll see what happens! I also rode on the bike for a bit too.  

I've made some really good recipes this week. Simple, fresh, and yummy.  But first, what have you been up to? Have you recovered? Have you been doing any core work? 

Xoxo

Jenne

Oh LORDY!

Hello my dear,
  Where do I start?!?!  This weekend went every which way but right!  For starters, I did NOT go to crossfit, I did NOT go running and I did NOT eat healthy.  Friday life just got in the way and E and I didn't make it in time to go to the 6:30pm crossfit class.  So we decided to get up early for the Saturday morning class... well, 1:00am rolled around and I wasn't feeling well and could not fall asleep... so rather than waking up at 6:30am as we planned we slept until 10:00am.  We have NEVER slept that late, ever.  Then all day I just did not feel right.  We walked Roscoe a little over 3 miles and I hoped the fresh air would snap me out of my funk.  Then, stupidly, one of my closest friends came over to  introduce me to her new man!  (They were so cute).  We went out for ice cream and cookies.  What ever was I thinking?!?!?  So the rest of the day poor E had to hear me really moan about how sick I felt.  I slept terribly last night.  Tossed and turned and had the worst stomach pains.  This morning when I woke up at 6:30, I reached over, grabbed the waste basket next to the bed and just puked and puked and puked.  I don't know what caused it.  I have never felt so terrible.  It is 7:00pm and I am just now taking my first bite of melon.  I am so far beyond dehydrated and empty and have a throbbing head ache.  I accomplished nothing today and just now got out of bed for the first time too.  So, what did I learn from this experience??  Even if the junk food had NOTHING to do with me being sick, I do NOT want or need it in my life.  I felt unfulfilled after and silly.
  So, now about your kicks and Fleet Feet.  There is one in Albany and I LOVE it there.  The staff is so cool and knowledgeable!  Finding the right pair of kicks makes a huge difference in your fitness success.  Yours are so cute!!  Over the summer, E bought me a pair of Vibram Five Finger shoes, he had done a lot of research on the benefits of them.  Especially since I deal with so much pain and stiffness after breaking my back (can you believe it has been so long?! 7 years this February).  The Vibrams have totally transformed my life!   Running is back to being fully enjoyable.
  So now tell, me, how are you doing eating wise?  Are you stretching enough after workouts and drinking enough water??  These things are so important.

Ok, my darling fitness buddy!  It is time for this little sick thing to go back to bed.

caio!
Jeni

Sneakers!

Happy Sunday Jeni!

They are essential to the gym. They are a fashion statement. They keep our feet supported and protected. Sneakers! 

I've had a pair of Asics running shoes from my college days. I'd been wearing them to the gym for the past year and had used them for spontaneous exercise and other activities in the year prior. The shoes were dated, they were for running, I was looking for an upgrade. 

First off, shoes make me nervous. I always get the wrong fit. Second, I loved my trusty Asics. The sneakers I had before were also for running. As we all know, I have been forced to retire from running (sad face). I decided to go to a local sports store where I could get more attention and work with knowledgable staff. This store was Fleet Feet. 

I went in armed with my old sneakers and determined to find a good fitting shoe. I also brought my parents so they could stop me from buying a bad fitting shoe. I tried in several different pairs, did lunges and squats and some Zumba movements in the store. I then walked on the treadmill.  I thought I found a pair of Saucony's that fit well, but then they started to feel a bit off after awhile. I was a little stuck and then Bruce, who was helping me, brought me out another pair of Asics! He said that although they were running sneakers, they were still a medium support sneaker that would work for what I wanted to do. Bruce had that extra knowledge of what I was doing because he also happens to be a trainer at Midtown, my gym! 

Not too shabby, right? I cannot wait to test them out! I am on the docket for Zumba and spin today, however, I am still feeling my hamstrings from my strength training workout today, so I may need to cut out Zumba so I don't overdo it. I'll report back on what I decided and how things turned out. What have you been up to this weekend? 

Xoxo

Jenne 

What if it's red velvet?

Dearest Jeni, 

Your post is funny. The problem is, red velvet is my favorite cake. I'm not too sure how I will handle the upcoming eating out and festivities that surround a birthday. It will certainly be a test for me. 

Tomorrow I have a big fitness day! Which is why I took today off. I am concerned about agitating an overuse injury that took months to finally feel better. My shoulders are feeling it today too, cool!

Tomorrow I am doing my second strength training class of the week. I may also pop on a spin bike for a bit of cardio. Last night I did Zumba, it was fun. I even had a mini dance party before to pump myself up. Not sure how I missed the Harlem Shake buzz, but I am having it now. Then I am going to a nutrition seminar as part of the 90 day challenge. Then, I am going sneaker shopping! I am a little nervous because my feet are obnoxious. I cannot ever find a decent shoe. Sneakers make me more nervous. I've been wearing my 5 year old running shoes for all things not running. I'm going to some specialty sneaker stores to see what the options are. I'm pumped! 

What are you plans for the weekend? I'm excited to share my nutrition knowledge with you. I've been trying out some food related changes, but I want to de what happens before I report. 

Xoxo

Jenne

Cake is a Worthless ex.

Hey Girl!
  Man, I wish I could workout with you.  That dance class sounds like so much fun.  I've only done Zumba once and really liked it.  Although, I typically think I have pretty good rhythm, I did find myself tripping over my own feet a few times, while everyone around me knew all the steps... at least I got practice laughing at myself.

   Last night and today were really crazy busy.  I had teacher conferences last night and had an 11 hour day at school and unfortunately did not make it home in time to get to the pool before it closed.  BLAH.  Today was another long day and I didn't even have time to walk Roscoe.  Usually when I am overwhelmed the first thing I drop is good eating habits.  I lean on cafe sandwiches, cookies and granola bars to get me though.  Luckily, I had a revelation last week- no one else is responsible for my health and well-being besides myself and I must respect myself enough to value both things.  It made a big difference in the way I have been eating the last week and a half. The last two days I have made the most delicious and balanced breakfasts and packed healthy, energy-boosting lunches(Hurray!)  I'm really rather proud of myself, to be honest.  I know that York Peppermint patties are so tempting, they are my favorite!! BUT, you need to remind yourself that the most delicious treat of all is reaching your goals... and if something isn't going to help you get there, it is a pointless use of your time and in this case, calories!   Today while eating my perfectly portioned salad, of protein, carbs and fats, I was reading a health magazine and saw this little tid bit...#8  I have to say I really loved it!  I told E last night at dinner that I am considering a cake-less birthday and wondered if I would feel sad or BADASS.  Then I saw this today, and I'm pretty sure the answer is BADASS!  How do you feel about it?!?!

  So on to workout duds- I have to say that I really love working out in tanks.  I thoroughly enjoy being able to watch my muscles work and gleam!!!  I also really like capris, as apposed to full length pants (well, if I've had the chance to shave my legs... which with how busy things have been and the sub freezing the temps lately, shaved legs are a major rarity).  On New Year's day I went running in Prospect Park in Brooklyn and a woman ran past with the best leggings I have ever seen!!  They had galaxies and cats all over them.... I really want some wacky leggings for sure!
 
  Alright, so now it is late and I had barely any sleep last night, so I am going to head to bed.  I will write tomorrow- I have crossfit in the afternoon and then I am planning on meeting up with two different running groups this weekend.  I need some active friends down here!!  Can't wait for the weekend, and then just one week till I see you and we turn 29!!

GOOD NIGHT!  FIT DREAMS,
xo
Jeni

You got to WERQ it WERQ it

Hey Jeni! 

I think if I saw the nutrition plan, I would have failed. Today I was HUNGRY. I mean hungry all day. I have my meals pretty planned out, but then there were the York peppermint patties. I already ate my dinner prior to going to the gym... Probably not the best choice because I'll be HUNGRY (!!!) after. I've maxed out my allotted calories for the day. 

I actually use MyFitnessPal. Have you ever tried it? It's a tracking mechanism for food. The challenge can be that you have to measure out your raw foods, but when I am on a kick, it do just that! It breaks down for your goals how much you need to eat each day, including the breakdown of carbs, protein and fat. I have only ever once met the goal for sugar. I was proud that day. I find this tracker really helpful. I am starting to use it again. Have you ever tried any of the phone trackers? 

Last night I tried a new workout! It's called WERQ. It's a dance fitness class similar to Zumba. Many of my transformational team members went! 

I thought it was fun. There was a dance move, I called it the Egyptian. At the end of class I told my team mates how I fail at that dance. Come to find out, it's the Thriller dance. Who knew? I guess I really missed the mark on that one! The most important thing was that it was fun and I felt Iike I was getting a decent workout. 

Of course... I was sure to wear a fancy outfit for this dance party. Well ok, not fancy, but a top and pants that were suitable. I also tested my new Athleta zip up jacket for our warm up. It worked nice although I really want to test it when skiing. Here's a question for you... When working out, do you like tees or tanks? Capris or full length pants? Sometime soon I will post my gym bag. She's definitely a keeper. I like having a bagged prepped at all times for working out. It helps to ensure that there are really no excuses! 

Tonight I am going to a strength training class. I haven't done one in months so it'll be interesting to see where I am at with weights. I am looking to increase my strength training and get it on my calendar as a regular occurrence. It's hard when I prefer to just spin it out on a bike or something. 

What have you learned about yourself this week? Any changes to your goals? 

Xoxo

Jenne

Nutritional Awareness.

Hey Jenne!
  Today has been such an enlightening day!!!  Monday E and I went to crossfit and it was so great to get back into it.  It is such hard work to get in shape and so easy to get back out of it. Last night we joined the 30 day nutrition challenge at our box.  We were weighed and our body fat percentage was figured, now for the next 30 days we have to keep a journal detailing all of our food intake, exercise and sleep. Each Friday we will turn in our journals to the coaches and we will be graded on our ability to make healthy meals and our other health choices. To help us better understand what it means to be a healthy, well-balanced meal we were given an article about carbs, fats and proteins and what they actually are and what is needed to succeed. OH my god!  I have been living in the dark. I had no idea vegetables are actually carbs!!!  The article explains that each meal should be comprised of equal portions or "blocks" of each, protein, carbs and fats. What makes a "block" is different for each food.  I seriously can't believe a better understanding of food isn't taught in school when we were growing up!!  In the article is a week's worth of sample menus.  I feel so excited and so enlightened and now prepared for the next 30 days and all of life. I'll have to send you the article.

So back to trivial things... Sports bras and bling. I'm just gunna go for it. Let's make turning 29 great!!    As far a gym bag goes, I actually don't own one. How weird right?!?!  I usually just stumble around carrying way too many things and dropping them all about ten times before I reach my destination. I think having a beautiful gym bag would be a great motivation to be organized and active... Hmm... I'll have to do my research for my dream bag.

I really love your new workout duds!!  You must look so fly on your workout grind.  :)

You asked me what workout I'm most looking forward to this week and it's actually tonight's!!  I'm hitting the pool for some laps. The only way to improve is to practice right!!!
If the weather isn't so bad I'd like to squeeze in a run tomorrow. That would be swell.

Alright. I must be going for now.
I hope you had a healthy and balanced day,
Xo
Jeni

Chillin' like a yogi... That is the question...

Jeni, Jeni, Jeni, 

You crack me up with your latest post. I was expecting a lot worse- metallics and sequins! 

I have noticed tons of retailers dabbling into activewear lately. It's quite interesting! 

To speak the truth, I have a sports bra from VS.  It is most definitely not of that caliber. I think it looks like a regular sports bra (surprise!)

You know of my love for Athleta (www.athleta.gap.com) and my recent gym wardrobe makeover.  I've sorta been sticking there. I feel awesome and confident in their workout clothes. Below is a glimpse of my workout fashion sense.  Here is my "arrival" outfit:

And here is my outfit for practice: 

Not too shabby huh? 

I think you should do what you want when working out. I would wear lipstick, but logistically it would likely end up all over my face. If you can make that happen successfully, I bow down to you.  There will always be someone who makes a comment or has something to say, but that is their issue.  I sometimes scoff at people who appear "done up" at the gym. That's not my place to do that.  It's their workout, not mine.  And secretly, I've been known to wear mascara at the gym myself. Why not have long lashes while I sashay in Zumba? 

What is your favorite piece of workout gear? What is your go to workout item? 

You stay saucy now, 

Jenne 

Yoga Time

Hi Jeni, 

How was your first day back at work? I cannot imagine 17 days off, I already have to hit the reset button on Monday because of the weekend! 

We must be on a yoga wavelength, my plan for this evening is vinyasa yoga. Normally I like to start my week with spin class to work off that stress and energy associated with it, but I didn't make it because of work. 

A challenge update: I am feeling good about the challenge. I am in the mindset, minus a few areas (we'll get to that later).  My team is already supporting each their. We exchange emails with our workout plans and try to fit in workouts together. I've already shared our blog with them so if any of Team Vibe Tribe is reading... Go team! 

The weigh in: I am not surprised, but I am surprised with my measurements, I thought they would be less. I am actually very disappointed in those because they make me feel like I'm back at where I started. The weight portion, I was not surprised about at all. I think I have a lot of work to do to get leaner. 

Motivation level: My motivation level is good! Today I feel a little guilty that I am not planning on any cardio, but that's ok. I need to ensure that my body is rested so I do not cause any injuries. I believe that yoga builds strength anyways! My second self guilt trip is due to soda.  I had a great day planned out with food and then during the day I felt the need for kettle chips and a diet Dr. Pepper. Naughty! I traded that out with another meal so from a calorie perspective, it balanced itself out. But that was diet soda that went into my body instead of water. I'm not so upset about the kettle chips because they have limited ingredients and non saturated fat. Whenever I track meals and really watch what I eat, I generally do not eat a lot of fat. I will need to explore the soda thing more. It's a sheer love of carbonation and diet soda taste. Perhaps this year I will get over my soda cravings. Right now I am going to aim for one 16oz. soda a week. This would be a decent goal I think. Then I can slim it down more. 

I find it interesting that when life happens, we often turn away from exercise when trying to cope. I got off the bandwagon when work got busy.  I was too tired, too stressed, etc. Well, exercise and yoga would have probably helped me more with that. I think there is a lot to be said for the power of exercise. I'm sorry to hear about V. 

How was crossfit this evening? I hope you had fun. Any updates on the sugar front? What workout are you looking most forward to this week? 

Keep me posted on your end of yoga mediation and relaxation, I should try that sometime, I am always raring to go at about 10pm.  

Xoxo

Jenne 

Saucy!?! To be or not to be...

Darling Jenne,

  Yesterday I was in search of a running jacket and landed on Victoria's Secret's super fly sports line.  Let me tell you, these threads are saucy!!  I often feel so blah in workout clothes. Sports bras are so anti-womanly and warm layers hide my curves... So I end up feeling like a sweaty ball of frizz. So I want your lovely opinion.  How do you feel about being saucy while getting sweaty?!?  Sometimes I feel more motivated by throwing on some lipstick for my long run than from the music coming out my earbuds. And what's wrong with feeling glamorous in a saucy sports bra or lipstick while pushing my limits??  I'll tell you what's wrong- I fear not being taken seriously by other female athletes.  First let me say that one of my personal goals this year is to not give a hoot what others think of my choices, especially one as trivial as lipstick or a sparkly sports bra... But with that said, I'm not there yet.  So do tell me what you think. Here are 3 of my faves. HOTSY!   TOTSY!    WHOA!

I wonder how our other lady athlete friends would weigh in on this topic. Can a woman be a serious athlete while also being glitzy?!?

Speak soon!!

Xo
Jeni

A Little Intentional Breathing

Hey Girl,
So tomorrow is my first day back to work in 17 days.  Well, technically I have been working the whole time, sewing and making dresses.  But school starts back up again and I'm afraid I have forgotten how to teach!?!?  I always get a bit anxious after big breaks.  So today I decided to skip the hot yoga in the morning and get things done.  I started to feel the anxiety building up during dinner and knew I better get in touch with some proper breathing and stretching to let it all out.  I turned off all the lights in the house and lit some candles around my mat.  It was superb- I think this might be my new nightly ritual.  Lighting makes a huge difference! I can't find my favorite yoga dvd, which super bums me out.  But I did a yoga search on youtube and ended up really liking the video I chose.  Bonus, this teacher is right in Kingston, so just 25 mins from me!  It had a lot of deep hip work, which is where I hold all of my stress, so it was perfect.  I'm posting the video for you- check it out!

Now, how about you.  How are you feeling about the challenge?  How did you feel about your initial weigh in?  Was it better/worse than you were expecting or right on what you thought?   Do you feel motivated to eat right and workout?  Do you like your teammates?  How many other teams are there?  Is there any sort of competitions between the teams? What types of workouts are you going to be doing mainly?

After work tomorrow E and I are going to Crossfit in the evening.  I am super pumped.  We had been going so regularly and I was feeling so strong and cool and then 3 weeks ago when V got put down I was so sad and depressed that I didn't go at all.  This last week I feel like I am finally getting out of my sadness rut and I can't wait to push myself tomorrow night.

Alright, it's now 11pm- aak, how did that happen.  I better go to bed.  Can't wait to hear from you.

Until tomorrow,
xo
Jeni    

 

It's Challenge Time!

Hey Jeni! 

I'm so glad you got out and enjoyed the snow today! I haven't cross country skied in a really long time- I tried it once. I am looking forward to downhill skiing this winter with my family. At chance you want to try and meet up on the slopes? 

This is my transformation challenge team. Today was our kickoff and we had a group workout! I am certainly feeling my core right now. It's a good thing! 

After that, I went grocery shopping at a few different stores. I am evaluating my eating habits. Some new and old items that I got today: tilapia filets, frozen vegetables, chicken breasts, kombucha (I am sure you aren't surprised), and Greek yogurt. I picked up baby carrots, bananas, pomegranates, and an avocado. I even bought multigrain rolls. This week I want to get back into cooking some more classic meals (read- no queso), and try eating eggs for breakfast, hence the rolls. I'm not a fan of eating eggs outright, they gross me out a bit, but they can be good for you, so I am going to try it out and see what happens! 

I am glad that you bring up sugar. One of the things that I discussed with my transformation coach was nutrition. I am looking forward to the nutrition seminars that they are having during the challenge! I've also been modifying some of my recipes to reduce sugar. Sugar is in everything. Even "good foods" like yogurt have sugar in them. Add in the flavors of the yogurt and it adds more. It's like the other "S"- salt! I have been reviewing everything I purchase for sugar and salt content. I also have been sure to try and eat portions of fruit, not binge on fruit. I am replacing that with veggies! We definitely need to check in with each other on our sugar intake! Good for you on refusing the brownies, by the way, it can be so tempting to eat these things! 

Speaking of other goals and nutrition, one of your goal this year really resonated with me: increase water intake. I fully support that goal. I am also trying to reduce coffee intake. Last year at times I would drink over 24 oz. a day! Right now I am happy with green tea throughout the day as well. Diet sides is also in my list to give up- I did that before for a long time, but I like fizz in my drinks. I am looking to get pure ginger juice and put it in with my soda stream with a touch of lemon. I love how refreshing ginger is. 

Let me know how to yoga is, I can't wait for us to meet up in a few weeks for a hot yoga class. Tomorrow I'll be on my feet during the day while I moonlight at the mall, I will report on how I feel to tomorrow after today's workout. 

Xoxo 

Jenne 

Ski Bunny

Hey Jenne,
  check me out!  today Everett and I borrowed cross country skis from some friends and took them out on the farm.  We've been looking for a winter activity that we could enjoy together, and this is wonderful.  After just five minutes my shoulders and arms were feeling it.  It was a great workout and it felt nice to be outside in nature and not cooped up on the couch or in a gym.   Have you ever tried it?  We're hoping to go up to Lake Placid next weekend for the winter fest and do some more skiing.  That would be so baller!

  How did your first day of the challenge go?

  Let's chat diet real quick.  Last week I was sugar free for 6 whole days.  It felt incredible!  My skin was glowing, I felt more awake and just much more satisfied.  Well, then I came in contact with some M&M's on New Year's eve, and I've never met an M&M I didn't like... I ate nearly the entire Party-Sized bag.  I fell into the trap and have had the need for sugar the last 4 days.  Today I woke up and knew I was only hurting myself. So I said I have to be serious about my health and stop eating things I know aren't doing anything for me.  So it's 7:36 pm and I have made it all day without eating any sugar.  Everett brought a bag of brownies in to the bedroom while we were relaxing and watching tv and I withstood the temptation!!!  How did I even do that???  Just telling you about how desperate I felt and how badly I wanted those brownies is helping me to hold fast.  How are you doing with the queso??

Alright, time for me to go.  I'm heading up to Albany tonight to visit Lis and then do some hot yoga in the am before coming back down.

Looking forward to hearing about your day.

Sweet fitness dreams,
Xo
Jeni 

Queso

Jeni, Jeni, Jeni,

I've embarked on a few things today that I haven't done before:

1. Had someone else stand at a scale taking my weight while discussing my weight with me.
2. Had my body fat measured with calipers.
3. Took a "Before" picture.

How does this all tie into queso? Well for starters, I love queso. I love chips.  I love salsa and guacamole. Cheese is a beautiful. However, continued cheese, chips and other indulgences aren't good for the body. Couple it with a sedentary lifestyle and it can lead to problems. I've gained weight since my college years.

That's where I was about a year ago. Sedentary with little regard for how I was treating myself. Then I joined a gym. I bought a road bike.  I hunkered down and lost a solid 15-20 pounds. I felt great!

Then life happened. Work. Family. Stress. Travel.  Busy.  I went to yoga less. I went to the gym less. I got tired.  I needed queso. I gained some of my weight back. I knew what I was doing the whole time and the result it had. I was ok with it. Changes happened quickly.

I snapped out of it a bit about a month or so ago. I thought to myself, there are some places I am looking to be with my fitness level that I think I could use some help with. So I joined my gym's 90 day transformation challenge. I listed my goals as follows:

1. Learning to work past life stressors that can inhibit healthy resting and exercising. Use fitness to address that, not queso!
2. Tone my hip and thigh area. I have a hard time with this area.
3. Some weight loss, due to #2.
4. Improve fitness level so I can ride a 100 mile bike ride.

Today was my weigh in! Tomorrow the challenge officially starts. I'm really excited. However, I felt the need to have a "last supper" of sorts with some queso, guacamole, chips and a salad.

I surprised myself though, I felt a bit like a glutton when I eating all of this stuff. I didn't finish everything (ok I ate practically all the queso but had other leftovers). At the end I thought, I am not sure that I really needed this last supper. I can do this. I am excited to do this!

Change happens. It does. And I cannot wait to tell you how tomorrow goes!

Xoxo
Jenne

The Goal List

Hey jenne,
  It is such a snowy wonderland in Hudson right now!!  When I woke up this morning to take Roscoe for a walk it was -5*. Um, that's cold!!!  I have spent the rest of the day inside drinking lavender earl grey tea and sewing. I finished revising my goal list for this year and I am so excited to get started on it!
Here it is: 2014's list of fitness adventures!!

1. Run 3 1/2 marathons
2. Finally run a full marathon (I'd like it to be the Hartford marathon in October).
3. Incorporate yoga into every day. Even if only for 5 minutes of stretching and intentional breathing. I am so much nicer and happier when I'm not stiff or in pain.
4. Drink more water.
5. Do 20 miles a week for Charity Miles. (Do you have the app!?  It's the coolest thing ever!)
6. Go camping somewhere you have to trek to.
7. Use my bike for transportation. I used to when living in Albany and have now gotten so used to driving everywhere.  (If I'm not in France I'd like to do the tour de cure with you!!)
8. Do my first triathlon.
9. Become a capable and confident swimmer. (As it stands right now I am neither)
10. Wear sunscreen while exercising outdoors.

Finally- I think this is the most important of all my goals-

11. COMPLIMENT my body for its strengths and achievements rather complain about its "flaws".

This list might change as the year progresses but I feel this is a great starting point.


Looking forward to hearing how your weigh-in goes today!

À la prochaine,
Jeni

A whole new year!

Dearest jenne,
  What a great way to start off a new year- reconnecting with an old friend and agreeing to support each other through our goals and journey to a more intentional and healthy life. I always love this time of year. I love clear beginnings- like the first day of school, a new apartment and especially a whole new year. It lets me reflect on the events and moments that have brought me to this point. These distinct periods of life (years) are like scenes in a play or chapter in a wonderful adventure novel. Best of all it provides a platform to let the past be exactly that and to spring ahead.  I have never really understood resolutions. I have never suffered from stereotypical bad habits. I don't want to lose weight and I don't need to quit smoking. What I do love to do is create goal lists- things I'd like to do/see in the coming year. This year my goals are mostly fitness and finance related. We are about to be 29 after all!  Only 17 days (weird!!!!).

I look forward to sharing my daily journey with you- giving and receiving support through the coming years.  I have been working on my goal list the last week and I think it will be ready to share in the morning!

This past year I gave up my serious addiction to Milano cookies and now I can say, it's alright giving up something bad that you love.  I found that rewarding myself with delicious dried fruit helps cure a case of sweet tooth.   And baby carrots really are incredible.

Adieu until tomorrow.

Biz,
Jeni

My first letter to Jeni

Hey Jeni,

I'm so glad we've started this little project. It's been awhile since we have blogged together (SGb if you remember), but this seems much more fulfilling.

It's a new year.  Some try to re-invent themselves every year, but I like to think that I can only enhance myself yer after year. This past year has been great, I have found out some wonderful things about myself on my fitness journey- a love of cycling, my need of yoga, and anobsession with baby carrots and green beans. I've made great progress in strengthening my body and soul.

So what does this year bring? Of course, some enhancements...

This Saturday, I am staring a 90 day transformation challenge through my gym. I am so excited! I thnk I only have more to learn about myself on this continued journey.  I hope to become my most fit self and eventually ride a century (100 mile) bike ride sometime this summer. There are target areas I would like to work on, which we can get not later. Perhaps I will also learn to find things more satisfying than guacamole, salsa and queso (one can dream).

It'll be a good year and I love setting goals for myself and support others in their goals. What are you hoping to accomplish this year?

Jenne