Yesterday was Magic

hey Jen!  

  Yesterday was one of those GREAT days!!  Motivation was endless and everything seemed beautiful and blessed. I woke up early and despite the pouring rain took Roscoe for a 2 mile walk.  I ate only REAL food and plenty of it (I actually cooked dinner- a rarity for me). I finished my application for a job I really want but was too nervous to apply for and then went to the gym where I pushed my workout harder than I have in years!!

So, where did this motivation come from?  Well for a year and a half I have been admiring Tone It Up. Do you know about these gals??  They are beautiful and positive and brilliant. They have a nutrition plan that breaks down all the aspects of nutrition that I could never wrap my brain around. Lately, and maybe it's because turning 30 is only a month and a half away... I've become so much more aware of my body and that I am lucky to have my health- but despite all my exercise, I don't really treat it right. "You can't out exercise a bad diet". So I decided to make some changes and bite the bullet and join the Tone It Up community. Yesterday I treated life as a gift and I felt so lucky and joyful. We have organic produce and meat at our disposal year round- how privileged are we?!?!  I know I'm no fast food junkie- eating organic has always been second nature to me but I sure do allow daily over-endulgances and when life gets busy grab for cookies instead of a real meal far too often.  I know I burn a lot of calories during my long runs but I never thought to replenish with whole foods, rather than an entire box of "organic cookies/ice cream"....

  So this is it, our last 45 days before turning 30.... Let's value ourselves and our bodies and feel special and lucky to have them and now let's treat them right!!  Isn't true health the best gift we could receive?!  And we have the power to gift it to ourselves!!!!

  Let's love our bodies and our progress (just like you did the other morning on your walk/run... I'm proud of you for being positive!!)

Xo

jeni

Recuperation is KEY

Not able to catch my breath yesterday, but it still felt pretty good! 

Hey Jen!

  Where are you??  What are you up to?  I'm dying to hear your updates!!  I'm still so happy about the race last Sunday.  I've never finished so strong or felt so proud.  Usually I am so worn out and exhausted that it takes me a year to even consider doing another.  Well, Sunday night I googled a bunch of upcoming races and have already registered for next months (and planned out the next 6 months of races too)!!  

  I started the week with some major recuperation.  Monday I went to an amazing yoga class.  Sometimes the teacher just hits every spot I need and this teacher was incredible.  For anyone in or near Hudson, NY, go to Gaura's Monday night Community class at Bodhi.  I mean, AMAZING!  Then on Tuesday I went to Bodhi for an 1.5 hour massage.  Whoa, I paid a pretty penny, but when I woke up on Wednesday all the kinks were gone and I felt incredible. (shout out to Ellen, who was strong enough to get into my excessively tight muscles!)   I didn't run again until yesterday- I just didn't feel my body telling me I was truly ready until yesterday.  I was short on time so I just did 3 miles.  Every once in a while I just can't catch my breath.  It was like that yesterday.  I'm not sure why really.  But my times were pretty cool: Mile 1- 9:19, Mile 2- 8:35, Mile 3- 8:25.  

  I saw a pic of you and your bike on FB and am anxiously awaiting the story that goes along with it.  Can't wait to read your update!

xo

Jeni 

Love Your Body

Check out these abs!!  Thanks Tone It Up

Hey Girl!
  Happy Saturday!  What's better than starting your weekend with a great workout??!?  Nothing that I can think of.  I have a really important day on Tuesday (i'll discuss that further, after Tuesday) and I am looking to push really hard for the next few days.  For starters today I did the most incredible 18 minute kettle bell workout from Tone It Up, in their LOVE YOUR BODY series.  It was incredible!  I feel so strong and tight!!!  Later today Mel is coming over and we're gunna have the most incredible girls night.  Everett is away and Mel's son is with his father, so we fully intend to live it up.  What do two girls that love health and fitness do when the men are away?!? Well workout of course and geek out over running gear and sweet abs.  We're gunna start our night with a nice long run, then make an incredible dinner and then end our night with The Other Woman.  Mel was an extra on the film and we are both pumped to try to find her- the movie also looks incredible anyway!

  How was your Saturday morning??  What are your plans for this weekend?  Any good smoothie recipes that I should try??

Try this workout!  have an ABSolutely wonderful weekend!
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 

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

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

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

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

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