A Better way to Fuel (meet my new belt)

Hey Jenne,
  My computer hasn't been working the last few days and so I haven't been able to tell you about all the fun things happening or comment on the amazing things you've been up to...  Technology can be frustrating.

  Let me start with my run last night.  My half is in 9 days and I am now focusing on speed in my long runs.  In the past I have only cared about covering the miles and it didn't matter how fast or slow I went.  This round of training I have found that I have been comfortable running at an 8:30/mile pace in my shorter distance runs but I wanted to see if I could do the same at longer distances.  My goal for my upcoming half is to be running no slower than 9:08/mile, this would bring me in at just under 2 hours. (This same half last year I finished in 2 hours and 9 minutes- so I'm looking to cut off a big chunk of time this year.)  I have found that fueling and hydrating every 2 miles makes a HUGE difference in my performance.  So recently I bought a fuel belt to keep me prepared.  Last night I took my new fuel belt for our first run together.  I chose a new route that added extra hills to my run.  I remember a few years ago when I started running again after 4 years of not running (thank you broken back) I avoided hills.  Now I actually find them to be exciting..  I completed 9 miles last night at an 8:55 pace.  I am happy with the outcome but I know it could have been a lot better.  There were a few things wrong last night: 1- I felt slightly dehydrated, 2- I had not consumed enough calories beforehand, 3- my feet started blistering around mile 7, and lastly, the most painful, 4- I have this one spot under my right arm that rubs against my right armpit area that causes the most terrible chafing rash. At mile 8 I didn't think I could take another step the chafing was so painful... but I pushed myself home and hit 9 miles.  I have to go out and buy some body glide this week.  I can't possibly do that again.  The course for the Steel Rail Half is completely flat, only one DOWN hill!  So I have no doubt that I will meet my goal and possibly come in under my goal!

Now, let me express all of my excitement about your week!  First off, Jungshin class looks like the coolest thing EVER!  I can't even imagine how much fun that must be!  Do you feel like one of Charlie's Angel's?!?  I bet I would get a little too into that class! I really have gym envy when you talk about the awesome classes you can take.
  Now, tell me about yoga.  I know you said you had a difficult time letting go of thoughts... which is something I'm known for too... but what was your favorite part of the class?  Did you learn anything new?  Try a new asana or go deeper in a pose than before?  Did your teacher say anything that struck you as profound?  No matter how anxious or distracted I feel in a class I always leave with something new.  Which is an incredible feeling.

Oh my gawd, I almost forgot to tell you that I made your chia seed pudding and it was so stinkin' good!  Everett and I devoured it!  I mixed mine with almond butter and some fresh berries to give me a real shot of protein.  Delish!  E said we should always have it on hand in the fridge.  Thanks for the inspiration!

Can't wait to read more of your adventures!
Au revoir!
xo xo
Jeni

A little more about Jungshin

Hey Jeni!

I know exactly how you feel about getting outside. Sadly, we have been having a lot of rain in the Rochester area so it has been hard to get out on the bike. 

I would have liked to have gotten out there today, but my knee is bothering me after some workouts this week and past experience tells me to give it a rest! I will have to blog sometime To share the workouts that I do when I can't have a lot of knee activity. I still kept active today- mostly working the core area- so I don't feel like I'm not doing anything.

I want to tell you all about my Friday night workout! I blogged before about the Jungshin class that I've been taking; on Friday the creator of the program came to out gym and did a class. It was a lot of fun! We use the swords as part of the workout. It is part sword action, part strength and conditioning. There are even finger tip push-ups. Yes, you read right, finger tip push-ups. They are pretty challenging so I stay on my knees when I do them. Maybe I'll be on my toes by the end of summer?! 

I took some photos with my 90 day challenge coach, Christine, as well as the creator of the program, Annika Kahn. 

This is a photo of Christine and I with the swords. There are stances that have you lunging and squatting

This is a photo of the creator of Jungshin, Annika Kahn.  She led the class, it was awesome! Challenging, but refreshing! 

Overall, I think this is a different, but good workout because it feels different than yoga, Zumba or other classes. Perhaps it will help me continue to tone up for the summer. I do have my eye on a swimsuit at Athleta, you never know what can happen between now and summer? I may need that new swimsuit for the beach and lake! 

Tell me more about the kettleball workout you have been doing, how did you find it and what is it all about?

Xoxo

Jenne

Keeping the momentum going

Jeni!

I may on a roll here.  I've again been active everyday this week. I feel so energized and happy. I'm maintaining my weight loss goals. I feel the transformation happening with my lifestyle and eating habits. Although I have been working out for awhile, I just feel different about it. I respect it more. I feel like it has more purpose.

My week so far:
Monday: weights and bike
Tuesday: bike
Wednesday: snowed in but did a strength and core based workout at home
Thursday: Zumba
Friday: Jungshin and bike

Today I am planning on weight training and some more bike work.

I am amping up my time on the bike to prepare for the upcoming cycling season. I can't wait until the snow stops and I can be outside logging my miles. I am curious to see any improvements from last season.

I hope you have a wonderful time on vacation.

Xoxo
Jenne 

Lucky Number 7

Hey Jeni!

How have you been? It seems like its been forever since I wrote! 

I have been having a great time since I climbed out of my funk a few weeks ago. In fact, I've met one of my challenge goals and I also had a "7 day week" as I like to call it. 

My goal was to be halfway to my goal weight and I did it and held it steady over the week! I was so excited! I feel like the work is paying off and it motivates me to keep on going. 

My 7 day week was awesome! I did something active everyday and I feel great about it! I haven't had a 7 day week since last summer. What is even better is that I feel like I had some diversity in my workout, which is important. 

Here is the breakdown:

Monday- spin class

Tuesday- weights and bike

Wednesday- yoga

Thursday- Zumba

Friday- Jungshin and bike

Saturday- weights and bike

Sunday- skiing

I am so happy with my week. I can't wait to keep working towards my goals :-)

How have you been? An fitness milestones lately? 

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