Facing Fears

Hey Jenne!

  I am so sore today!!  I feel as creaky as an old door and every part of me is aching.  The last few days have been so awesome!  Monday evening I went to a strength training class at the gym and it kicked my butt!!!  I forgot what it was like to be this sore!  Strangely, I can not wait until next Monday, to do it all again!  Yesterday, surprise, it snowed again.  It finally stopped around 4 o'clock and Mel came over at 5 for us to go for a quick run.  I have always been afraid to run with snow on the roads.  A fear that I promised myself I would challenge this winter (I used to never run outside bellow 40*)  It's one thing to slip in the woods on a trail, it's another thing to battle insane drivers and the ice and slush patches at the same time.  I feel beyond proud and liberated to finally do something I have feared for years.  I am really loving having Mel to run with.  Had she not be there last night I know I wouldn't have gone out for a run. 

 Today I planned on doing a tempo run, and I was really excited too... I wanted to test how far I could get. As my luck would have it, it snowed again!  My drive home from work took nearly two hours... then, once the snow stopped it turned into sleet... Everett and I agreed that I shouldn't run on the roads tonight nor do I want to drive to the gym (it is a 35 minute drive from here...).  So I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow... which is supposed to be in the 40's and sunny!!  A little confusing, but I'll gladly take it!!  

How is your day?  I can't believe it's already Wednesday!  Two more days and then it's the weekend!  I love the weekend, purely because I have time to really run some distance!   

Hope you are having a healthy and productive day!

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

Don't Forget about Downtime

Hey Jenne!
  The last three weeks have all been about pushing myself.  As a result I am now teetering on the fence between full blown sickness and oh, I better rest in hopes of avoiding it.  Last night when I got home from teaching I fell instantly into bed and into such a deep sleep (only to be woken up at 9 by my phone and then stayed up till midnight).  Today has been the same so far, I just feel exhausted and have spent all day in bed drinking tea.  (I just woke up from a nap)  Yesterday should have been a strength training day and today should have been an easy 3.5 mile run, but instead I have chosen to take it easy.  I know that when I am stressed I hold so much tension in my hips and shoulders... so the last few days, in addition to not feeling well I have been insanely tight and uncomfortable.  So this morning I did a half hour "yoga for runners" practice and it made such a difference.  I notice that just being present to what is happening and breathing with intention are typically pushed aside when I am hustling and bustling between activities.  It felt great to relieve some stress and be present.

 
Even though running isn't your main event, you should try this out.  Especially if you sit at a desk for most of the day!

How important is post-workout stretching to you?  I am terrible about it... part of why I love yoga, it helps to fix my many mistakes...
Do you schedule downtime in to your routine?  How do you feel when you miss workouts?  I am trying to feel ok with allowing myself a moment to relax.  Clearly getting sick is my bodies way of communicating it doesn't get enough restorative downtime... so I guess I shall give it some now.

Hope you're having a great week!
xo
jeni  

A Week in Review

Jeni, 

I know. I've been gone again! Things have been a little hectic. I also have crafted a few notes to you, but then I've had some updates! 

I learned a few things this week: 

1. Starch= more than just potatoes

2. I can give up diet/light products

3. I am really loving avocado

4. Strength training is important

5. I <3 8 hours of sleep a night

So I've been making some dietary changes lately along with my challenge. Things have been at times easy and other times hard. I met with a trainer at my gym the day after our birthday and I got some personalized recommendations: 

1. 8 hours of sleep at night

2. Drink at least half your body weight and + when working out

3. If you want to eat something, don't bother with the diet version, eat the real thing

4. No sugar or starch after 4pm

5. No nuts

6. Organic animal products and byproducts only

Now, #5 and #6 are personalized to me based on some things but #1-4 are pretty general.  

So back to #1, I didn't know how many things were considered a starch! This week has been more difficult as I cut things down. The past few days when I was busy and having some work stress, I just wanted carbs! CARBS! Chips and salsa, ice cream, fruit, everything! I stuck it out pretty good though and I've been feeling great.  I eat more things (like cheese) that I've been trying to avoid because its "bad" and enjoying it. And I haven't gained weight! In fact, I am heading in the other direction. 

I will keep you posted on this. I am going to wind down before my new 9:30pm-10:00pm bedtime and think of my workout plans for tomorrow (spin? weight machines? row machine?) 

How has your diet been going lately? Have you made any healthy changes? Are you drinking enough water? 

Xoxo

Jeni

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

What if it's red velvet?

Dearest Jeni, 

Your post is funny. The problem is, red velvet is my favorite cake. I'm not too sure how I will handle the upcoming eating out and festivities that surround a birthday. It will certainly be a test for me. 

Tomorrow I have a big fitness day! Which is why I took today off. I am concerned about agitating an overuse injury that took months to finally feel better. My shoulders are feeling it today too, cool!

Tomorrow I am doing my second strength training class of the week. I may also pop on a spin bike for a bit of cardio. Last night I did Zumba, it was fun. I even had a mini dance party before to pump myself up. Not sure how I missed the Harlem Shake buzz, but I am having it now. Then I am going to a nutrition seminar as part of the 90 day challenge. Then, I am going sneaker shopping! I am a little nervous because my feet are obnoxious. I cannot ever find a decent shoe. Sneakers make me more nervous. I've been wearing my 5 year old running shoes for all things not running. I'm going to some specialty sneaker stores to see what the options are. I'm pumped! 

What are you plans for the weekend? I'm excited to share my nutrition knowledge with you. I've been trying out some food related changes, but I want to de what happens before I report. 

Xoxo

Jenne

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

You got to WERQ it WERQ it

Hey Jeni! 

I think if I saw the nutrition plan, I would have failed. Today I was HUNGRY. I mean hungry all day. I have my meals pretty planned out, but then there were the York peppermint patties. I already ate my dinner prior to going to the gym... Probably not the best choice because I'll be HUNGRY (!!!) after. I've maxed out my allotted calories for the day. 

I actually use MyFitnessPal. Have you ever tried it? It's a tracking mechanism for food. The challenge can be that you have to measure out your raw foods, but when I am on a kick, it do just that! It breaks down for your goals how much you need to eat each day, including the breakdown of carbs, protein and fat. I have only ever once met the goal for sugar. I was proud that day. I find this tracker really helpful. I am starting to use it again. Have you ever tried any of the phone trackers? 

Last night I tried a new workout! It's called WERQ. It's a dance fitness class similar to Zumba. Many of my transformational team members went! 

I thought it was fun. There was a dance move, I called it the Egyptian. At the end of class I told my team mates how I fail at that dance. Come to find out, it's the Thriller dance. Who knew? I guess I really missed the mark on that one! The most important thing was that it was fun and I felt Iike I was getting a decent workout. 

Of course... I was sure to wear a fancy outfit for this dance party. Well ok, not fancy, but a top and pants that were suitable. I also tested my new Athleta zip up jacket for our warm up. It worked nice although I really want to test it when skiing. Here's a question for you... When working out, do you like tees or tanks? Capris or full length pants? Sometime soon I will post my gym bag. She's definitely a keeper. I like having a bagged prepped at all times for working out. It helps to ensure that there are really no excuses! 

Tonight I am going to a strength training class. I haven't done one in months so it'll be interesting to see where I am at with weights. I am looking to increase my strength training and get it on my calendar as a regular occurrence. It's hard when I prefer to just spin it out on a bike or something. 

What have you learned about yourself this week? Any changes to your goals? 

Xoxo

Jenne