Just Throw It in the Bag

Jeni,

Part of the fun of working out for me is all of the gear.  You are well aware of my love for Athleta. I thought it would be fun today to talk about our gym/workout essentials.

See below my gym bag:

My gym bag is really important to me because I like to keep all of my "stuff" in it. It's organized, I love the color and size, I even used it to travel with to NYC.

What is in it?

Sneakers
Spinning shoes
Various Knee Braces
Face Wash
Skincare Bag
Socks
Workout Pants
Workout Shirt
Workout Jacket
Lock
Headphones
Waterbottle
Extra bobby pins, hairties
Powerbar Energy Blasts

I like to keep things pretty practical in there. Sometimes I made add more pairs of socks or additional skincare/haircare needs if I am planning on going somewhere after my workout.

What's in your gym bag?

xoxo
Jenne

Back in the game

Hey Jeni! 

How was your Monday? Mine was pretty good. 

So I have a confession- I've not been fully into trying to be at my best for the past two weeks. The good news is that I think I'm getting out of this little slump. 

Why? Food and weight! 

That's right, I've been pretty crabby about my weigh in from about two weeks ago. It sucked, I felt real bad and I kept eating A LOT even though I haven't been doing all of the work necessary! And it was a terrible cycle. Couple that with my knee issues and we have a ripe environment for negativity and self-hate! 

It's time to get out of that. I can say, "Ugh my body sucks" or "Maybe this is how I'm meant to be" but in reality those are cop outs. The way we treat our bodies directly impacts our results. 

So I started this week with a spin class. I struggled with the class, especially with my knee. I toned it down a notch and fought my way through the class.  In the end, I'm happy with how I did. I watched what I ate as well. Of course I still had a cupcake and a piece of chocolate, but I was sure to think about my hunger level all day. Now I am laying in bed thinking about what a good day I had. This is what I was doing before, but I lost sight with some gluttony! 

In the end, I felt much better! I think I am back on track, including getting my 8 hours of sleep! 

Xoxo

Jenne 

Some Old and Some New!

Hey Jeni!

Glad to see all of your progress with running, it's great!

This week has been a little difficult for me as I was feeling under the weather, but I still did a 5x/wee workout plan.  Here's how it went:

Monday: Spin
Tuesday: Icky Day, but did a 10 minute workout in the AM
Wednesday: Weight training
Thursday: Weight training and bike
Friday: Jungshin class and bike
Saturday: Work, Errands, Cupcakes, Parents
Sunday: Ski

Not too bad for feeling under the weather, huh?

So there were a few new things for me this week as well as my trusty other things.  #1- I increased my weights on my strength training.  On some machines I am doing 40 pounds (to me this is a lot). #2- I tried a martial arts style class (Jungshin). Overall, it was really fun!

This week I am hoping to step up the intensity again and maybe do a 6x/week workout plan. I was slacking on water drinking this week as well as sleep.  It is easy to let this stuff fall off, so I am hoping to stay on track this week!

How was your weekend? And new or exciting progress?

xoxo
Jenne

Facing Fears

Hey Jenne!

  I am so sore today!!  I feel as creaky as an old door and every part of me is aching.  The last few days have been so awesome!  Monday evening I went to a strength training class at the gym and it kicked my butt!!!  I forgot what it was like to be this sore!  Strangely, I can not wait until next Monday, to do it all again!  Yesterday, surprise, it snowed again.  It finally stopped around 4 o'clock and Mel came over at 5 for us to go for a quick run.  I have always been afraid to run with snow on the roads.  A fear that I promised myself I would challenge this winter (I used to never run outside bellow 40*)  It's one thing to slip in the woods on a trail, it's another thing to battle insane drivers and the ice and slush patches at the same time.  I feel beyond proud and liberated to finally do something I have feared for years.  I am really loving having Mel to run with.  Had she not be there last night I know I wouldn't have gone out for a run. 

 Today I planned on doing a tempo run, and I was really excited too... I wanted to test how far I could get. As my luck would have it, it snowed again!  My drive home from work took nearly two hours... then, once the snow stopped it turned into sleet... Everett and I agreed that I shouldn't run on the roads tonight nor do I want to drive to the gym (it is a 35 minute drive from here...).  So I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow... which is supposed to be in the 40's and sunny!!  A little confusing, but I'll gladly take it!!  

How is your day?  I can't believe it's already Wednesday!  Two more days and then it's the weekend!  I love the weekend, purely because I have time to really run some distance!   

Hope you are having a healthy and productive day!

xo

jeni

Winter RUNderland!

  

Hey Jenne!

   This "weekend" has been incredible... because of the snow storm I didn't work on Thursday or Friday, today is a Holiday and I never work on Tuesdays... so I have been ENJOYING myself!  I never really let myself relax, I always have so many deadlines to meet and things to get done.  But I really let myself just be the last few days.  Yesterday was incredible.  My friend Melissa (that I have known my whole life, but never really gotten to know) and I have been trying to get together and run the last month.  Finally yesterday we both had time.  I considered all the factors before our run and didn't expect for us to get too far.  It was in the mid-20's with slush covered roads, Melissa hasn't run in a month and a half and I am dealing with "lady issues" and was feeling so queasy.  I guess good company makes for incredible things.   Some how we made it to 10 milies!  We considered pushing for a half-marathon (13.1) but strangely the minute we made it to 10 miles, both of our phones died.  Not due to short battery, but due to the cold.  Hudson is on a slant, one direction is down hill and to get home is a direct incline.  We weaved all through the town and I made sure to push on the hills, never letting our pace fall.  We settled around a 9:42/mile pace.  Not bad for what we were dealing with.
  It was one of those moments that makes me love running- truly love it.  Each mile was filled with honest and insightful conversation and we pushed each other beyond what we could have done alone.  Female friendship is something I truly could not live without, but athletic female friendship is something I truly hope every woman has the chance to experience- it is so superior to any other experience you will know.
  So I guess this last week has really helped me to get over my doubt of not reaching my goals.  At the end of week 3 of my training I knocked out 10 miles, with what felt like little effort.  That's pretty cool!

once we got inside and recharged our phones we took celebratory photos!  look at how cheesy my smile is!! 

  I love that you and your family are active together!  Especially in Winter.  I hope you high five yourself- most people prefer to stay on the couch when it's cold... you're out there kickin butt!  Down-hill skiing actually scares me, although, I'd really like to try it again (and stay on the bunny hill).  I love treating myself to chocolate milk after an intense workout and if hot chocolate made from milk (not water) is available I certainly get excited!  I think it's a good way to indulge and get some calories after pushing myself.
  You asked if I got my bike yet.  I haven't, we've been waiting for the snow to melt so we can test drive a few more... and as it turns out, it just keeps snowing more!  We are supposed to get more tomorrow!  Isn't that just crazy!!  Will it ever be Spring?

Today I will do yoga and strength train.  I am really looking forward to both of those!  I feel so confident after yesterday that I am looking forward to attacking the strength training tonight.  Melissa has so much nutrition knowledge.  She is going to come over this week and help educate me on some healthy and delicious meal options and in exchange I am going to push her on our runs.  I want to run my half in under 2 hours.  So I will need to run each mile in under 9 minutes and 8 seconds... so, that means we need to pick up our pace!  I'll make sure to share all my lessons with you!

Enjoy your President's day!
xo
Jeni

Lazy Weekend

Hey Jeni! 

How was your weekend? Are you off today? I have a day off, it's nice to have a three day weekend! It's also been a lazy weekend! 

Friday I baked cupcakes and brownies and went to a party. Saturday I lazed around all day, but I also went to the gym, so that's good! Yesterday I went skiing with my family. It was fun, I went down the hardest slopes on the mountain and even braved an icy one (ok I didn't do that on purpose though).

This is a photo of my dad and I on the slopes.  I tend to go skiing on Sundays when the conditions are good. 

One of the nice treats I have been making lately is homemade hot cocoa. I use unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar and organic low fat milk. I'm drinking one as we speak! Sometimes I like my chocolate fix and I feel like this is a better way to do it with only three ingredients, it tastes richer too!

Today I'm going to try to get back into some more high intensity workouts because this resting the knee thing is not doing it for me! It's been fun, it's been relaxing but when I slack off at the gym, I tend to slack off with alot! 

I will keep you updated on my progress this week. Do you have any good workout plans slated for the week? Any tasty fresh treats to share with me that I need to try? 

Xoxo

Jenne

Testing some limits

Hey Jeni! 

I took a break yesterday. Still be gentle with that knee strain! This week. Had some good low impact workouts. I think my knee is going to heal up sooner rather than later and I will be back to doing some of my normal stuff! I just have to watch out, I get a little ambitious :-)

I had a lot of frustration with my weight this week and my weigh in. It did not go so well! However, there appear to be some larger factors out there, not just brownies. I have been enjoying treats and other things all throughout this whole 90 day experience because I am seeing that I do not need to deprive myself to get fit and lose weight. 

Which brings me to my next yesterday full of candy and treats. Oops! The worst part was that I ate a peanut butter cookie by accident. I saw it, it looked good and without even thinking, I ate it! I'm not supposed to eat nuts and it becomes very clear to me now that they bother me. I spelt the impact yesterday. 

What I also enjoyed were these lovely red velvet cupcakes! Three of them to be exact! 

Now, sure this could be a bad thing, but I baked them. I also used all organic products (part of my nutrition plan right now) and the best part, I shared them! The came out so good and everyone loved them. I love baking for people, it makes me so happy. So, while I do enjoy a baked good here or there, I think it's possible to work it in. Now, are three necessary? No! But every once in awhile? Why not? 

Today I did some additional strength training and tried a new dance class. It was fun. I had a late night so I was ver tired today so I didn't push my body too hard. I hope tomorrow is a different story though as I am hitting the slopes with my family! 

I hope you are having fun with all that snow, I can't wait until it melts and I'm out on the road on my bike! Hey, did you ever get a bike by the way? 

Xoxo

Jenne 

Go the Extra Mile

  

 Hi Friend!

  The last update I gave you was about my weekend of poor running performance.  Since Sunday I started to feel doubtful of myself and if I could reach my running goals for this Spring.  Wednesday night I went to the gym.  I decided not to set an intended distance.  I don't know what it was, but I felt fantastic!  UNSTOPPABLE!  I blew right through miles 1 and 2 (I hate running on the treadmill and getting past 3 miles while staring at the wall is usually impossible and I tend to count every second...) I made it to 6 miles. Just after I hit mile 6 my phone died and there was only 20 minutes until the gym closed so I decided to end my run there and give myself some much needed deep stretching.  It was one of those runs that left me feeling so invigorated- if I had the time I know I could have made it at least 10 miles.  (i'm pretty excited about that, considering this is only 3 weeks in to training and I was sick the last few days).   I'm not really sure what happened over the last few days...Here are some things that I think may have contributed to my success.  During the day while on a break from teaching I was drinking tea and scrolling through Pintrest and saw the above Inspo quote- I want to be able to go the extra mile whenever it is asked of me: on my run, in a pinch, in love or in life.  I had also compiled a new super kick-ass play list and it started with a Maclemore and Ryan Lewis Song- White Walls, which just gets me so pumped up!  I was also wearing a new bracelet that I had ordered off Etsy a few weeks ago that says "be brave".  The company is Words to Sweat By... they have incredible things, you should check them out!  Lastly, I was feeling so exhausted before going to the gym that I got an iced coffee... so maybe the caffeine had something to do with it.  I was so happy!  I even threw in some AB exercises and squats afterwards!  Not bad if I do say so myself!

  How are things in Rochester?  We got buried in snow last night.  E and I spent the morning digging out our cars. I was actually excited to do it.  It's good cardio and a way to put our team skills to the test on Valentine's Day- we only had one shovel and we took turns digging.  February 14th has always been just another day to me, but this year I feel so happy in my relationship with Everett (and also with running!)  Why not give in a bit to "tradition" or pop-culture??  Do you have any fun plans?  We are going to Lake Placid to celebrate together, just our little family of 3 Monday and Tuesday!  We are trying to make some other plans for tomorrow- to be active and enjoy the winter wonderland.

If you were a cucumber and I was vinegar- I'd PICK(le) you for my Valentine!  

Go the extra Mile!  Don't forgot to tell yourself all the reasons why you ROCK this Valentine's day!

xo

Jeni 

Choose your Friends Wisely!

Jenne,

    Let's address these brownies...  First off, while reading your post I realized junk food is such a Fr-enemy!!  It is so seductive at first and you think that they will make your life so fun and be there to support you during tough times... the next thing you know, they are stuck to your hips and talking trash behind your back!!  Girl, we're too old for Fr-enemies!!  Alright, all joking aside, I think sometimes revisiting old habits is necessary to remind us why we wanted to make a change to begin with... When I have slip-ups I try to determine why (my fr-enemey is definitely Milano Cookies).  Here are the 3 reasons why I sometimes reach for the MC's.  #1. sometimes I don't budget enough time to be able to eat real meals or search out healthy options (that's a lesson I am learning- making time for proper nourishment should NOT be taken lightly).  #2. sometimes I'm having a terrible day or I am stressed emotionally and I think, Milano's will give me the answer I need (WRONG).  #3. sometimes I am around other people that don't make their health a priority and I pick up on nasty habits (let's hope they don't jump off a bridge...) I need to remember I'm an individual with individual needs and not to follow along with my friends, just " 'cause ".  So, did you consider why you ate the brownies?  In short, I'd say I would stop feeling guilty and evaluate your reason for your over-indulgence and then go Pin some healthy eating inspo's and move forward!

How was your weigh in??  I can't wait to hear all about it!

I hope you have a wonderful day!  

Hugs and Kiss and Fantastic Fitness Wishes!

xo

Jeni 

Breaks and Brownies

Jeni! 

I've been gone! But I certainly haven't been slacking! This past week has been pretty similar for me with some "listen to your body" frustrations. 

Last year I had a knee strain which really cramped my cycling training for a while. The strain and my ability to ignore it ebbs and flows. My doctors orders are no high impact anything and avoid 90 degree angles in the knees. Welllllllll...

I've been taking Zumba, strength training (jumps, lunges, squats) and some other classes that likely could have some higher impact movements. Some may even have running laps. Oops! Thing is, I really like these classes. So, we've been teetering on a potential no no zone for my knee while also not bracing the knee up. 

Last week I took two days off, I also took off Monday. It irritates me, but I should not ignore what my body tells me. Right now I have been very careful with the knees. I am on the bike alot. I am wearing my most heavy duty knee brace and avoiding high knee impact. Today I modified jumping jacks and was happy that our class had wide squats. I then went on the bike and did a very low key ride (to recover from my endurance ride from yesterday). After this post we are going to pull out the bag of peas from the freezer. 

It's tough! It's frustrating. I wish I could just run and take Zumba classes everyday, but it's not what my body allows me to do. It is hard to accept. I think that all of my additional strength training has made these classes possible lately. I am certainly keeping that up.

This week is my midpoint weigh in for the 90 day challenge. I have some pretty mixed feelings about it, especially considering that I ate a quarter of a pan of brownies and four of my vanilla coconut spice bran muffins on Monday. My body is still feeling the effects of that. In the end, I think it was ok to do that. I don't often eat brownies. It was certainly interesting to see the impact on my body. I am back on track and crossing my fingers for my weigh in on Friday. We'll see how it goes!

Rest is important. For the past few weeks I've been getting at least 8 hours of sleep. The difference is great. I feel much more refreshed! I hope by the time you read this you are feeling better. 

Xoxo

Jenne

Don't Forget about Downtime

Hey Jenne!
  The last three weeks have all been about pushing myself.  As a result I am now teetering on the fence between full blown sickness and oh, I better rest in hopes of avoiding it.  Last night when I got home from teaching I fell instantly into bed and into such a deep sleep (only to be woken up at 9 by my phone and then stayed up till midnight).  Today has been the same so far, I just feel exhausted and have spent all day in bed drinking tea.  (I just woke up from a nap)  Yesterday should have been a strength training day and today should have been an easy 3.5 mile run, but instead I have chosen to take it easy.  I know that when I am stressed I hold so much tension in my hips and shoulders... so the last few days, in addition to not feeling well I have been insanely tight and uncomfortable.  So this morning I did a half hour "yoga for runners" practice and it made such a difference.  I notice that just being present to what is happening and breathing with intention are typically pushed aside when I am hustling and bustling between activities.  It felt great to relieve some stress and be present.

 
Even though running isn't your main event, you should try this out.  Especially if you sit at a desk for most of the day!

How important is post-workout stretching to you?  I am terrible about it... part of why I love yoga, it helps to fix my many mistakes...
Do you schedule downtime in to your routine?  How do you feel when you miss workouts?  I am trying to feel ok with allowing myself a moment to relax.  Clearly getting sick is my bodies way of communicating it doesn't get enough restorative downtime... so I guess I shall give it some now.

Hope you're having a great week!
xo
jeni  

Cabin Fever

Hey Jenne!

  I can't believe tomorrow is Friday!  I had such a crazy busy week!  (I know, I say that every week)  I really do feel that every minute is accounted for and when I let the schedule slip at all, everything is thrown off for days.  I have to say that I am really proud of myself for taking the time for my health the last 2 weeks and running no matter how much is on my plate.  Today, in between work, a doctors appointment and running to the studio at school to do four hours worth of homework, I fit in a 5k.  I was sort of feeling myself resenting the idea of running on a treadmill... but It was only 20* out... I did something I was very proud of.  I borrowed Everett's snow pants and windbreaker jacket and I layered up!  I felt fearless and so badass to be running outside.  The air hurt my lungs at first and my nose was certainly cold, but it was so incredible to be outside and viewing the incredible sights that yesterday's snowstorm provided.  About a mile in I was so overheated and the extra layers did not help my pace at all, and I sure did look like the abominable snowman... but I did it.  I ran in below freezing temps!  I now feel like I can run outside any time I want... no matter what the elements!  By the time I finished my run it had heated up to 27*-  whoa!!  Running outside in Winter has always been something that scared me.  I'm really afraid of slipping on ice (you did visit me in the hospital when I broke my back, so I'm sure you understand my fear of falling...) but look at me, one step closer to overcoming that fear!

  What about you, how do you feel about being active in questionable weather?  For me, I could never ever ever get on a bike in the rain.  Even the idea of it gives me anxiety.  

  Fridays are my non-exercise day- my training plan and everything I have read say you need at least one day a week to recover.  So I eagerly await Saturday.  I am hoping to run a 5k in under 24 minutes and 30 seconds... FINGERS CROSSED!  

Jealous of your 8 hours of sleep!!!  Some day I'll get that!

xo

Jeni   

Bad Workouts are Great Lessons

Hey Jenne!

  I know all about those days, where despite your best intentions, your workout is NOT what you hoped it would be.  I remember a few summers ago that there was a week I went from running 6 miles a day and then all of a sudden the very next week, I literally could not make it past 2 miles.  Just like you said, it's great practice to push through your training sessions, not just when it feels good.  My favorite book is called Mile Markers.  In it, Kristin Armstrong talks about how running (or cycling in your case) and all of our training prepares us for things much greater than a scheduled race.  It helps strengthen and prepare us for the worst of what life can/will throw at us.  Besides, it's the hard days that help us see how strong and far we've come and allows us to enjoy the great days/workouts!  As nutrition is something we talk a lot about, I will say, good nutrition and eating for strength can make all the difference in your ability to push or the cause of failure.  Everett always says to me that eating right for myself is like putting my air mask on in a plane-crash, I can't help others if I don't help myself... something to remember... 

  I really like rituals and habits.  I like to be spontaneous too, but need consistency at the same time.  Simple things like starting my day with a cup of green tea.  Without it I tend to feel disoriented and rushed.  As for working out, I love knowing that Sunday is my long run day.  It is guaranteed time for myself, to breathe, reflect and like you said, organize my thoughts for the upcoming week.  It also usually means eating a LOT of carbs on Saturday night!  

My dreadmill 2 miles, at least I logged something.

  I have now run 2 half-marathons and am training for my 3rd, 4th and 5th (they are all within 4 weeks of each other).  The first one I followed a training plan and the second one I just ran what I wanted to when I had the time and the race went fine.  I didn't improve my time at all, but I finished in 2 hours and 9 minutes.  This time around I want to be sub 2 hours, so I found a training plan that I think will certainly get me there... especially since I ran my fastest 3-miler just a few days ago!!!  So yesterday I was supposed to run an easy 3 miles, but the day really got away from me.  Our house is being renovated and E and I went to pickup our new fridge and grocery shop at the new Honest Weight Co-op in Albany and didn't get home until after 8pm.  I couldn't run in town, I just don't think it's safe in the dark, so I decided to just book it to the gym and log whatever I could on the "dreadmill"... I made it to the gym 20 minutes before they closed.  I hopped on and pushed out 2 miles as they were vacuuming and closing down shop.  I know I did a mile less than I should have, but I was more proud of the fact that I went and did something rather than just calling it a missed workout!  Erin, my soon-to-be-sister-in-law and I both agree that each mile logged on a treadmill should count as 10 regular miles... I really hate treadmills.   

  Today we are getting incredible amounts of snow!!  I was called last night to say that school would be closed today due to the impending weather... so I am home, not having to work.  How fabulous is that! E and I are hoping to go cross-country skiing later today, when things die down a bit!!

What would you do with a surprise day off?  Would you relax and watch movies all day or would you go do something active?

Have a great week!  Drink water, Fit thoughts!

xo
Jeni

Spin that Stress Away!

Hey Jeni! 

Happy Monday! How was your day? Mine was the typical Monday, not enough hours in it! 

I mad a pretty productive day at work. Mondays are difficult for me:

1. I am not a morning person

2. I am generally switching gears in my brain

3. There is a lot of work activity in Monday! 

So, back in November/December, I tried to start a weekly ritual- Monday spin.  I like it for a few reasons: I can generally pick up on any increased strength or improvement in fitness level, I like the instructor, it helps me think about my goals for the upcoming week, and it helps melt away stress. I find that if I am feeling stressed out, I can really focus that energy into my workout.  I feel wonderful after doing it. 

Spin isn't easy- but it helps for training and improving endurance on the bike.  So sometimes I love to hate it as well :-) in a good way. 

Today was a little tricky on the bike.  I'm not really sure what happened but abut halfway into the class I wasn't feeling my greatest.  It could have been for a variety of reasons: turbo beginning, red pasta sauce for lunch, too much water (what can I say, I was thirsty today!).  I thin it's good to try and finish things up because this type of thing could happen out on the road, it's about learning about the body and figuring out what works best. I toned it down for the rest of the ride and concentrated on breathing.  I made it through the class. 

Have you developed any fitness rituals? I'd love to hear about them. 

Xoxo

Jenne 

P.S.  I'm convinced it was the red sauce, by the way.  

Speedy Weekend

At the end of my fastest 3 miles ever!

Hey Healthy girl!

  It really seems like you are learning and growing in your journey.  I am so happy you are able to do so.  Diet has always been a hard thing for me.  I have never had to consider diet as a way of balancing my weight, my family is blessed with a high metabolism.  Although that sounds like a great thing, it has allowed me to eat lots of junk food and not see the effects of it out right.  I am now learning that eating healthy is more than just balancing weight.  I know when I don't eat healthy I have short patience, it is hard to stay focused, i am lethargic all day, regardless of how much coffee I drink and worst of all, my running suffers- which in turn makes me crankier.  I have said it before, that I eat balanced and healthy- until I get busy, then it turns in to cookies and granola bar central... that's not fueling me at all!  So it really is my goal for this year to make my 'diet' a more important part of my routine.

  So here is my weekend recap- I had two incredible runs!  Yesterday I went out for a 3 mile run and without evening intending on it I ran the fastest I ever have.  I covered 3 miles in 23 minutes and 44 seconds- that's an average pace of 7:45/mile and my fastest mile was 7:37.  That's the fastest mile I have ever run!  I am so excited that after just a week and a half into my training for my next half marathon I was able to do that!  Let me tell you why I think that happened... I have been trying for the last 3 weeks to only say positive things about my body... the minute a negative thought or a complaint pops in to my head I say, "oh no you don't... you are strong and resilient and your body does incredible things..."  Something negative jumped in to my thoughts as I was getting ready to head out for my run and I reminded myself of all the positives and boom... I ran at what I think is a pretty incredible pace!  Then today I went out and ran 5 miles.  I felt so strong, I truly could have gone 5 more.  I stayed with my training plan though, I'll get to 10 miles soon enough.  

  So after my weekend I feel pretty happy and powerful!  I can't wait until tomorrow, on my training plan Monday is stretch and strength... so i'm going to yoga and then an interval training class at my gym.  I am starting to look at fitness as "me time" that I am lucky to have instead of "uh, I have to do this thing", it makes it so much more exciting to go to the gym.  

  Well I hope you have a great Monday!  Stay motivated!  xo

Jeni 

me after my first long run of the season (5 miles)- it stayed light until after 5 o'clock! 

 I'm not sure which is more exciting!

A Week in Review

Jeni, 

I know. I've been gone again! Things have been a little hectic. I also have crafted a few notes to you, but then I've had some updates! 

I learned a few things this week: 

1. Starch= more than just potatoes

2. I can give up diet/light products

3. I am really loving avocado

4. Strength training is important

5. I <3 8 hours of sleep a night

So I've been making some dietary changes lately along with my challenge. Things have been at times easy and other times hard. I met with a trainer at my gym the day after our birthday and I got some personalized recommendations: 

1. 8 hours of sleep at night

2. Drink at least half your body weight and + when working out

3. If you want to eat something, don't bother with the diet version, eat the real thing

4. No sugar or starch after 4pm

5. No nuts

6. Organic animal products and byproducts only

Now, #5 and #6 are personalized to me based on some things but #1-4 are pretty general.  

So back to #1, I didn't know how many things were considered a starch! This week has been more difficult as I cut things down. The past few days when I was busy and having some work stress, I just wanted carbs! CARBS! Chips and salsa, ice cream, fruit, everything! I stuck it out pretty good though and I've been feeling great.  I eat more things (like cheese) that I've been trying to avoid because its "bad" and enjoying it. And I haven't gained weight! In fact, I am heading in the other direction. 

I will keep you posted on this. I am going to wind down before my new 9:30pm-10:00pm bedtime and think of my workout plans for tomorrow (spin? weight machines? row machine?) 

How has your diet been going lately? Have you made any healthy changes? Are you drinking enough water? 

Xoxo

Jeni

Charity Miles, January Recap

Hey Jenne!
  So I had a pretty ambicious goal back on New Year's day.  To walk 20 miles a week for Charity Miles.  It didn't go as well as I hopped, but I'm still happy I was able to help at all!!  Why I think it didn't work out- one because several times my phone was dead so my miles couldn't be counted and also, it was in the negatives for a large portion of this month and neither I nor Roscoe could bare to be outside for more than what was absolutely necessary.  Although I didn't reach my goal of 80 miles, I did walk 31.47 and was able to raise $.25 a mile equalling $8.00 for charity purely by walking.  Bettering my health and helping others.  I know $8.00 doesn't sound like much, but if you think about each person donating that much to charity each month, it can really make a difference! 
 

So friend, what are your fitness plans this weekend?  I thouroughly intend on spending as much time outside as possible.  It was 43* today!!!  That's a 48* difference from what it was last weekend.  Incredible right!? 

Have a great weekend!

Fit dreams!
xo
Jeni