Halfway There...

Jen!  

  It's JUNE!   We started writing this blog six months ago as a way to share our goals, hardships and triumphs in regards to our health and fitness.  I can't believe we are already here, halfway through the year.  This weekend I took some time to reflect on my "Goal List" from January and to evaluate my progress thus far.  It was actually really awesome to see how far I've come on some things and to also refocus on some others! 

Here are the facts:

1. I was hoping to run 3) 1/2 marathons by next January.  Next weekend is my 3rd and I'm already registered for 2 more by September.

2. I planed to run a full marathon and was aiming for October... I can honestly say, I'm not to sure I want to do it.  I am really enjoying running half's and being able to set new goals for time... I may want to play at this distance a bit more.

3. Incorporate yoga in my every day... I don't know why I haven't... This will help me to refocus and realize how often I chose to stare at the wall when I'm stressed than do what is truly helpful.  

4. Drink more water... I have to say, on the whole I am doing MUCH better... although I sometimes will go almost the entire day and realize I haven't had any water... those are super stressful days.

5. Use my bike for transportation: CHECK! 

6.  I am toying with the idea of doing my first TRI next Wednesday or just volunteering and waiting until next month... it sort of seems like I should just go for it! 

7. Hopes of becoming a confident swimmer: I start swimming lessons next week! 

8. Wear sun screen while outdoor exercise: CHECK! 

9. COMPLIMENT MY BODY!  I have to say, this has made the biggest difference of all.  I am so much happier and strangely, so much faster, stronger and ballsy than ever.  (I even went sea kayaking this weekend with Everett and surprised us both with how brave I was... more on that tomorrow)

So, have you taken the time to reflect now that we're at the "halfway mark"?  How do you feel?  What have you accomplished?  What have you learned?  What do you need to refocus on?  

Now, keep making goals and demolishing them!  I sure hope to!  

xo

Jeni 

  

Goal Crusher

Hey Girl!  Today was the best day ever!!!  I did it!!  I reached my goal... better yet, I crushed my goal!  I came in at 1 hour, 54 minutes and 37 seconds!  16 minutes faster than last year!!  My first 3 miles were all under 8:29- they felt easy too.  I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep it up, so I made myself slow down a bit.  I lowered my pace to around an 8:45.  I have never felt so strong.  Last year I hit a wall at mile 10.  I was starving, dehydrated and utterly depleted.  This time it never happened.  Durning the race I reminded myself of all the things that prepared me for today, both as a way to encourage me and as a way to celebrate all of my hard work.  Since January I have run nearly 200 miles, several of my runs were over 10 miles.  I also began to refuel while running.  Today I ran with coffee chia seed bars and I know that made a positive impact on my time.  I crossed the finish line sprinting and smiling.  I had to fight back tears as I did it.  When a volunteer handed me my metal I was so overwhelmed with joy and pride.  

Following are my official results!

My soon-to-be sister-in-law also crushed her PR.

My supporter.  E.

After the race I ate more food than I have ever eaten.  Usually when I log longer miles I don't feel very hungry.  So I was uber impressed with my ability to put it down!!  What is your favorite food after a long ride?  I reach for chocolate milk right away! I fully intend on getting a massage tomorrow, boy my hips, legs and shoulders are tight!!

What did you do this weekend?  

Glad I could share my excitement with you!  Can't wait to hear about your excursions!

xo Jeni 

Me and Roooobertooo

Hey Girl!  

  Yesterday was an incredible day!!  Since October I have sold 15 dresses and have been in a constant state of stress and low on sleep.  Yesterday I shipped the last two dresses on my list!  I am now officially caught up!  To celebrate I rode my bike to the post office.  I felt so free and happy.  I had a beautifully wrapped package tucked in my messenger bag while enjoying the rolling hills and spring time sounds.  It was raining but I just could not bring myself to drive- I couldn't figure out why I had such a strong aversion to driving and as it turns out, it was Earth Day!  My subconscious knew!  I felt so baller, me and my bike.  You asked me the other day if I named it yet... I haven't really thought about it much just yet, but I'm sorta feeling Roberto, heavy on the 'o' rooooobertoooo (roll the R too).  

  How was your Earth Day?  Were you active or did you take the day to be restorative?  I really wish we lived closer together, I day dream about us biking and doing yoga. 

What are your plans for the rest of the week?  I am hoping to run 30 miles in the next 6 days.  I want to make it to 75 miles this month.  

Eat healthy and be adventurous!   

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 

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

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!

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

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

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

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    

 

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 

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