Hello Sailor!

Hey girl!

  Happy Memorial Day!  I can't remember a better memorial day than this.  Everett and I had 6 friends visiting since Thursday which was a nice break in all the sewing I've been doing.  This morning, our friend Anna and I did a 9 mile run.  We planned on 10, but  let me tell you, it was HOT.  The sun was so much stronger than we expected and it was the first real "summer" run.  It was 80* at 10 am.  At mile 6 we were both so dehydrated and warn out (my little fuel belt water bottles did not stand a chance... especially split between 2 people).  We stopped to take a breath after a pretty sizable hill and I saw a family outside in their yard and Anna and I decided to humble ourselves and ask for some water.  This incredible neighbor actually got us each a water bottle.  She was a life saver!  Without that we wouldn't have been able to keep going.  I had difficulties breathing again today and I realized, it's the first week of humidity.  I've got to figure this out, or maybe just run super early or much later to avoid it.  I've been getting to know Anna over the last few months, and I have to say that running always helps bond a friendship in ways that "normal life" dones't.  I don't often talk openly about my anxiety issues or admit how much they really hold me back, but today I talked to Anna about it.  I felt free after, to be much more myself than usual.  

After we made it back from our run we jumped in our pond.  For 2 years I have been too hesitant to do that.  I'm not sure what it was that was scaring me or what it was holding me back to begin with, but I kept telling myself it was a bad idea.  I was so proud of myself for doing it. Now I can't wait to swim every day this summer!   Check out my cute sailor suit!  My mom got it for me the other day, she saw it and just knew I'd love it!

So what did you do today?  Did you get to enjoy the warmth and sunshine? How long until your Tour de Cure ride?  Are you getting excited? 

Speak soon, I HOPE!

xo

Jeni

"Tour"ific Training Thursday

Hey Jeni!

Glad to finally hear from you. I love your hydration pack, I see those often on runners. You'll have to keep me posted on how it works for you.

Right now, I am a month away from my metric century Tour de Cure ride for the American Diabetes Association. The focus is on training and working out all the kinks so I have a smooth ride! I also need to give a shameless self promotion here to my donation page as I am trying to raise $1,000 to stop diabetes!

Some of my tips as below:

1. Hydration- I try to always keep hydrated at all times so I can be ready to go. I typically drink at least half of my body weight in water daily.

2. Be mindful of the kinks and address them ahead of time- I seem to have hip flexor trouble so I ensure that I am stretching my problem areas. I have noted a few kinks when I ride so I am planning on a bike fit. I also use knee braces to ensure that my joints stay supported and moving the way they are supposed to.

3. Comfort-I focus on comfort while riding. My bike purchase was all about the feel of the bike. I have found my preferred pair of bike shorts (Louis Garneau). I am a bit concerned about your blisters and chaffing! Have you tried any of the chaffing prevention? I used to use chamois butter while biking but I grew out of it.

My training ride went great! I felt full of energy. Here is a picture of a part of our group:

I am also planning on taking a longer ride on Sunday. We'll see how I make it. I will have to continue stretching and recovery as I get into the cycling season. I often find that yoga keeps my honest with the status of my joints and muscles. 

I'm glad you like the recipe! I have another one that I will share with you tomorrow. Do you have any good recipes that I need to know about? 

Keep up the good work and keep me posted on everything!

Xoxo

Jenne