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

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 

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  

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!

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

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

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