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 

A Challenging Run

A difficult run!  But proud I pushed through!

Hey healthy girl!

  I love the idea of your salad!  I'm not a huge fan of store bought tomatoes but when E's are ready on the farm they are outstanding!  (He actually made me a tomato salad on our 5th date that made me like tomatoes, I knew he was the one after that!!) I can't wait to try this once they are ready!  

  There's a line from the song "Sorry Ms. Jackson"- "you can plan a pretty picnic, but you can't predict the weather."  That was my day today.  E and I made plans to go to Millerton to run the rail trail and eat at the Oakhurst diner.  Just one week until my race and today should have been 11 miles.  I wanted to test myself to see if I could do 11 miles at the sub 9:00/mile pace... I did all the things I should have done to make this possible.  I hydrated sufficiently, bought body glide gel so I wouldn't suffer from chafing, and applied sun screen as not to burn.  However, this morning I was having some stomach troubles... I thought it would be ok after my 5th trip to the bathroom... however, at mile 3 I had to dodge in to the woods to avoid a complete p**p disaster.  Let me tell you, it is not fun to be unprepared for this...  all of the grass and greenery seemed to vanish when I needed it... 1" blades of grass are NOT comparable to toilet paper...   So, I know this is a bit of an over share, but if you can't tell a girl friend that is also an endurance athlete, who can you tell?!?!?  Have you ever had this experience??  I felt so sick, I was instantly dehydrated and weak.  I considered turning around and walking back to the car but I realized I'm way too determined to let a little p**p get in the way of my run!  I ended up running much slower than I wanted to but when I called the Nike+ customer service to add my run (my phone died part way through the run) I told him the story and we laughed about it together and he told me I was badass!  AAAAW YEAH!  

So what did you do this weekend?!?  Did you do outdoor workouts or stay indoors?  It was so beautiful the last 2 days!!  Sadly the next 5 are supposed to be thunderstorms.  Oh well, I guess I can have a bit more time to work on healthy meals and yoga.  I have a great paleo muffin recipe to share with you tomorrow! 

Looking forward to your update!

xo

Jeni 

Accomplishments and Selfies

Jenne Jenne Jenne!  

  Girl, I am in a great mood!!  Tonight I was feeling anxious and knew that if I didn't act fast a horrible mood would take over.  So I threw on my running gear and hit the road.  It was so extremely windy that the first mile was a struggle (might I also add that our house is surrounded by rolling hills, so this was NOT a flat course).  Some how though, I kept every mile below 9 minutes and once I hit mile 5, I felt unstoppable.  I ran my FASTEST 7 mile run EVER: 1 hour 1 minute and 41 seconds.  I have NO doubt now that in 4 weeks from now I can and will crush my goal of a sub 2 hour half marathon.  Each time I set a new record I am surprised at just how "easily it came".  Tonight I was aware that I was pushing myself to stay strong and steady, but I never felt like I was pushing myself to the max.  I just can't believe what I am actually capable of.  If I can run at this pace for the entire 13.1 miles, I could finish in 1 hour 52 minutes.  That's nearly a 17 minute difference from last years time of 2 hours 9 minutes and change.  I mean, that's pretty awesome.

So, what's with the super selfie pic?  Today I saw a great motivational quote on Pintrest.  It said "make your body the sexiest outfit you own".  I love that!  And my entire run I repeated that as my mantra.  I decided to celebrate my accomplishment with making myself my motivation and not needing to stare at Fitspo models.  So, this pic is to cheer myself on.  To mark the changes I see physically.  I will have a 6-pack this summer!

Do you have a mantra?  Do you ever take shameless selfies when you are feeling extra saucy or proud?  I have to admit I like to look at photos of myself from the time of a big accomplishment- they keep me determined and motivated.  

One more day and it's the weekend!!!  What do you have planned.

Good night darling, Fit Dreams!

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 

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!

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