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

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

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 

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

Winter RUNderland!

  

Hey Jenne!

   This "weekend" has been incredible... because of the snow storm I didn't work on Thursday or Friday, today is a Holiday and I never work on Tuesdays... so I have been ENJOYING myself!  I never really let myself relax, I always have so many deadlines to meet and things to get done.  But I really let myself just be the last few days.  Yesterday was incredible.  My friend Melissa (that I have known my whole life, but never really gotten to know) and I have been trying to get together and run the last month.  Finally yesterday we both had time.  I considered all the factors before our run and didn't expect for us to get too far.  It was in the mid-20's with slush covered roads, Melissa hasn't run in a month and a half and I am dealing with "lady issues" and was feeling so queasy.  I guess good company makes for incredible things.   Some how we made it to 10 milies!  We considered pushing for a half-marathon (13.1) but strangely the minute we made it to 10 miles, both of our phones died.  Not due to short battery, but due to the cold.  Hudson is on a slant, one direction is down hill and to get home is a direct incline.  We weaved all through the town and I made sure to push on the hills, never letting our pace fall.  We settled around a 9:42/mile pace.  Not bad for what we were dealing with.
  It was one of those moments that makes me love running- truly love it.  Each mile was filled with honest and insightful conversation and we pushed each other beyond what we could have done alone.  Female friendship is something I truly could not live without, but athletic female friendship is something I truly hope every woman has the chance to experience- it is so superior to any other experience you will know.
  So I guess this last week has really helped me to get over my doubt of not reaching my goals.  At the end of week 3 of my training I knocked out 10 miles, with what felt like little effort.  That's pretty cool!

once we got inside and recharged our phones we took celebratory photos!  look at how cheesy my smile is!! 

  I love that you and your family are active together!  Especially in Winter.  I hope you high five yourself- most people prefer to stay on the couch when it's cold... you're out there kickin butt!  Down-hill skiing actually scares me, although, I'd really like to try it again (and stay on the bunny hill).  I love treating myself to chocolate milk after an intense workout and if hot chocolate made from milk (not water) is available I certainly get excited!  I think it's a good way to indulge and get some calories after pushing myself.
  You asked if I got my bike yet.  I haven't, we've been waiting for the snow to melt so we can test drive a few more... and as it turns out, it just keeps snowing more!  We are supposed to get more tomorrow!  Isn't that just crazy!!  Will it ever be Spring?

Today I will do yoga and strength train.  I am really looking forward to both of those!  I feel so confident after yesterday that I am looking forward to attacking the strength training tonight.  Melissa has so much nutrition knowledge.  She is going to come over this week and help educate me on some healthy and delicious meal options and in exchange I am going to push her on our runs.  I want to run my half in under 2 hours.  So I will need to run each mile in under 9 minutes and 8 seconds... so, that means we need to pick up our pace!  I'll make sure to share all my lessons with you!

Enjoy your President's day!
xo
Jeni

Go the Extra Mile

  

 Hi Friend!

  The last update I gave you was about my weekend of poor running performance.  Since Sunday I started to feel doubtful of myself and if I could reach my running goals for this Spring.  Wednesday night I went to the gym.  I decided not to set an intended distance.  I don't know what it was, but I felt fantastic!  UNSTOPPABLE!  I blew right through miles 1 and 2 (I hate running on the treadmill and getting past 3 miles while staring at the wall is usually impossible and I tend to count every second...) I made it to 6 miles. Just after I hit mile 6 my phone died and there was only 20 minutes until the gym closed so I decided to end my run there and give myself some much needed deep stretching.  It was one of those runs that left me feeling so invigorated- if I had the time I know I could have made it at least 10 miles.  (i'm pretty excited about that, considering this is only 3 weeks in to training and I was sick the last few days).   I'm not really sure what happened over the last few days...Here are some things that I think may have contributed to my success.  During the day while on a break from teaching I was drinking tea and scrolling through Pintrest and saw the above Inspo quote- I want to be able to go the extra mile whenever it is asked of me: on my run, in a pinch, in love or in life.  I had also compiled a new super kick-ass play list and it started with a Maclemore and Ryan Lewis Song- White Walls, which just gets me so pumped up!  I was also wearing a new bracelet that I had ordered off Etsy a few weeks ago that says "be brave".  The company is Words to Sweat By... they have incredible things, you should check them out!  Lastly, I was feeling so exhausted before going to the gym that I got an iced coffee... so maybe the caffeine had something to do with it.  I was so happy!  I even threw in some AB exercises and squats afterwards!  Not bad if I do say so myself!

  How are things in Rochester?  We got buried in snow last night.  E and I spent the morning digging out our cars. I was actually excited to do it.  It's good cardio and a way to put our team skills to the test on Valentine's Day- we only had one shovel and we took turns digging.  February 14th has always been just another day to me, but this year I feel so happy in my relationship with Everett (and also with running!)  Why not give in a bit to "tradition" or pop-culture??  Do you have any fun plans?  We are going to Lake Placid to celebrate together, just our little family of 3 Monday and Tuesday!  We are trying to make some other plans for tomorrow- to be active and enjoy the winter wonderland.

If you were a cucumber and I was vinegar- I'd PICK(le) you for my Valentine!  

Go the extra Mile!  Don't forgot to tell yourself all the reasons why you ROCK this Valentine's day!

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!