Halfway There...

Jen!  

  It's JUNE!   We started writing this blog six months ago as a way to share our goals, hardships and triumphs in regards to our health and fitness.  I can't believe we are already here, halfway through the year.  This weekend I took some time to reflect on my "Goal List" from January and to evaluate my progress thus far.  It was actually really awesome to see how far I've come on some things and to also refocus on some others! 

Here are the facts:

1. I was hoping to run 3) 1/2 marathons by next January.  Next weekend is my 3rd and I'm already registered for 2 more by September.

2. I planed to run a full marathon and was aiming for October... I can honestly say, I'm not to sure I want to do it.  I am really enjoying running half's and being able to set new goals for time... I may want to play at this distance a bit more.

3. Incorporate yoga in my every day... I don't know why I haven't... This will help me to refocus and realize how often I chose to stare at the wall when I'm stressed than do what is truly helpful.  

4. Drink more water... I have to say, on the whole I am doing MUCH better... although I sometimes will go almost the entire day and realize I haven't had any water... those are super stressful days.

5. Use my bike for transportation: CHECK! 

6.  I am toying with the idea of doing my first TRI next Wednesday or just volunteering and waiting until next month... it sort of seems like I should just go for it! 

7. Hopes of becoming a confident swimmer: I start swimming lessons next week! 

8. Wear sun screen while outdoor exercise: CHECK! 

9. COMPLIMENT MY BODY!  I have to say, this has made the biggest difference of all.  I am so much happier and strangely, so much faster, stronger and ballsy than ever.  (I even went sea kayaking this weekend with Everett and surprised us both with how brave I was... more on that tomorrow)

So, have you taken the time to reflect now that we're at the "halfway mark"?  How do you feel?  What have you accomplished?  What have you learned?  What do you need to refocus on?  

Now, keep making goals and demolishing them!  I sure hope to!  

xo

Jeni 

  

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 

The Importance of Yoga

Hey Jeni, 

How has your week been so far? Mine has been really busy with some stress in between :-)

Anyways, today I was bummed because I missed my bike ride. I was ready to get out there and pedal hard and it didn't work out! This of course, made me pretty cranky. I went home for a bit to wind down and figure out what I was going to do. 

Then I remembered the 7pm yoga class tonight! Yay! I'll admit at that point I still wasn't convinced I wanted to go.

So I went! Although I wasn't able to clear my mind 100% I was able to relax and focus on stretching myself out. I made the right choice. It's yoga month at my gym and I always tell myself how I don't go to yoga enough. 

Anyways, here is a photo of my friend Maya and I posing recently in preparation of yoga month! 

May your may be stress free and bright :-) 

Xoxo

Jenne

Nutritional Awareness.

Hey Jenne!
  Today has been such an enlightening day!!!  Monday E and I went to crossfit and it was so great to get back into it.  It is such hard work to get in shape and so easy to get back out of it. Last night we joined the 30 day nutrition challenge at our box.  We were weighed and our body fat percentage was figured, now for the next 30 days we have to keep a journal detailing all of our food intake, exercise and sleep. Each Friday we will turn in our journals to the coaches and we will be graded on our ability to make healthy meals and our other health choices. To help us better understand what it means to be a healthy, well-balanced meal we were given an article about carbs, fats and proteins and what they actually are and what is needed to succeed. OH my god!  I have been living in the dark. I had no idea vegetables are actually carbs!!!  The article explains that each meal should be comprised of equal portions or "blocks" of each, protein, carbs and fats. What makes a "block" is different for each food.  I seriously can't believe a better understanding of food isn't taught in school when we were growing up!!  In the article is a week's worth of sample menus.  I feel so excited and so enlightened and now prepared for the next 30 days and all of life. I'll have to send you the article.

So back to trivial things... Sports bras and bling. I'm just gunna go for it. Let's make turning 29 great!!    As far a gym bag goes, I actually don't own one. How weird right?!?!  I usually just stumble around carrying way too many things and dropping them all about ten times before I reach my destination. I think having a beautiful gym bag would be a great motivation to be organized and active... Hmm... I'll have to do my research for my dream bag.

I really love your new workout duds!!  You must look so fly on your workout grind.  :)

You asked me what workout I'm most looking forward to this week and it's actually tonight's!!  I'm hitting the pool for some laps. The only way to improve is to practice right!!!
If the weather isn't so bad I'd like to squeeze in a run tomorrow. That would be swell.

Alright. I must be going for now.
I hope you had a healthy and balanced day,
Xo
Jeni

Chillin' like a yogi... That is the question...

Jeni, Jeni, Jeni, 

You crack me up with your latest post. I was expecting a lot worse- metallics and sequins! 

I have noticed tons of retailers dabbling into activewear lately. It's quite interesting! 

To speak the truth, I have a sports bra from VS.  It is most definitely not of that caliber. I think it looks like a regular sports bra (surprise!)

You know of my love for Athleta (www.athleta.gap.com) and my recent gym wardrobe makeover.  I've sorta been sticking there. I feel awesome and confident in their workout clothes. Below is a glimpse of my workout fashion sense.  Here is my "arrival" outfit:

And here is my outfit for practice: 

Not too shabby huh? 

I think you should do what you want when working out. I would wear lipstick, but logistically it would likely end up all over my face. If you can make that happen successfully, I bow down to you.  There will always be someone who makes a comment or has something to say, but that is their issue.  I sometimes scoff at people who appear "done up" at the gym. That's not my place to do that.  It's their workout, not mine.  And secretly, I've been known to wear mascara at the gym myself. Why not have long lashes while I sashay in Zumba? 

What is your favorite piece of workout gear? What is your go to workout item? 

You stay saucy now, 

Jenne 

Yoga Time

Hi Jeni, 

How was your first day back at work? I cannot imagine 17 days off, I already have to hit the reset button on Monday because of the weekend! 

We must be on a yoga wavelength, my plan for this evening is vinyasa yoga. Normally I like to start my week with spin class to work off that stress and energy associated with it, but I didn't make it because of work. 

A challenge update: I am feeling good about the challenge. I am in the mindset, minus a few areas (we'll get to that later).  My team is already supporting each their. We exchange emails with our workout plans and try to fit in workouts together. I've already shared our blog with them so if any of Team Vibe Tribe is reading... Go team! 

The weigh in: I am not surprised, but I am surprised with my measurements, I thought they would be less. I am actually very disappointed in those because they make me feel like I'm back at where I started. The weight portion, I was not surprised about at all. I think I have a lot of work to do to get leaner. 

Motivation level: My motivation level is good! Today I feel a little guilty that I am not planning on any cardio, but that's ok. I need to ensure that my body is rested so I do not cause any injuries. I believe that yoga builds strength anyways! My second self guilt trip is due to soda.  I had a great day planned out with food and then during the day I felt the need for kettle chips and a diet Dr. Pepper. Naughty! I traded that out with another meal so from a calorie perspective, it balanced itself out. But that was diet soda that went into my body instead of water. I'm not so upset about the kettle chips because they have limited ingredients and non saturated fat. Whenever I track meals and really watch what I eat, I generally do not eat a lot of fat. I will need to explore the soda thing more. It's a sheer love of carbonation and diet soda taste. Perhaps this year I will get over my soda cravings. Right now I am going to aim for one 16oz. soda a week. This would be a decent goal I think. Then I can slim it down more. 

I find it interesting that when life happens, we often turn away from exercise when trying to cope. I got off the bandwagon when work got busy.  I was too tired, too stressed, etc. Well, exercise and yoga would have probably helped me more with that. I think there is a lot to be said for the power of exercise. I'm sorry to hear about V. 

How was crossfit this evening? I hope you had fun. Any updates on the sugar front? What workout are you looking most forward to this week? 

Keep me posted on your end of yoga mediation and relaxation, I should try that sometime, I am always raring to go at about 10pm.  

Xoxo

Jenne 

A Little Intentional Breathing

Hey Girl,
So tomorrow is my first day back to work in 17 days.  Well, technically I have been working the whole time, sewing and making dresses.  But school starts back up again and I'm afraid I have forgotten how to teach!?!?  I always get a bit anxious after big breaks.  So today I decided to skip the hot yoga in the morning and get things done.  I started to feel the anxiety building up during dinner and knew I better get in touch with some proper breathing and stretching to let it all out.  I turned off all the lights in the house and lit some candles around my mat.  It was superb- I think this might be my new nightly ritual.  Lighting makes a huge difference! I can't find my favorite yoga dvd, which super bums me out.  But I did a yoga search on youtube and ended up really liking the video I chose.  Bonus, this teacher is right in Kingston, so just 25 mins from me!  It had a lot of deep hip work, which is where I hold all of my stress, so it was perfect.  I'm posting the video for you- check it out!

Now, how about you.  How are you feeling about the challenge?  How did you feel about your initial weigh in?  Was it better/worse than you were expecting or right on what you thought?   Do you feel motivated to eat right and workout?  Do you like your teammates?  How many other teams are there?  Is there any sort of competitions between the teams? What types of workouts are you going to be doing mainly?

After work tomorrow E and I are going to Crossfit in the evening.  I am super pumped.  We had been going so regularly and I was feeling so strong and cool and then 3 weeks ago when V got put down I was so sad and depressed that I didn't go at all.  This last week I feel like I am finally getting out of my sadness rut and I can't wait to push myself tomorrow night.

Alright, it's now 11pm- aak, how did that happen.  I better go to bed.  Can't wait to hear from you.

Until tomorrow,
xo
Jeni    

 

Ski Bunny

Hey Jenne,
  check me out!  today Everett and I borrowed cross country skis from some friends and took them out on the farm.  We've been looking for a winter activity that we could enjoy together, and this is wonderful.  After just five minutes my shoulders and arms were feeling it.  It was a great workout and it felt nice to be outside in nature and not cooped up on the couch or in a gym.   Have you ever tried it?  We're hoping to go up to Lake Placid next weekend for the winter fest and do some more skiing.  That would be so baller!

  How did your first day of the challenge go?

  Let's chat diet real quick.  Last week I was sugar free for 6 whole days.  It felt incredible!  My skin was glowing, I felt more awake and just much more satisfied.  Well, then I came in contact with some M&M's on New Year's eve, and I've never met an M&M I didn't like... I ate nearly the entire Party-Sized bag.  I fell into the trap and have had the need for sugar the last 4 days.  Today I woke up and knew I was only hurting myself. So I said I have to be serious about my health and stop eating things I know aren't doing anything for me.  So it's 7:36 pm and I have made it all day without eating any sugar.  Everett brought a bag of brownies in to the bedroom while we were relaxing and watching tv and I withstood the temptation!!!  How did I even do that???  Just telling you about how desperate I felt and how badly I wanted those brownies is helping me to hold fast.  How are you doing with the queso??

Alright, time for me to go.  I'm heading up to Albany tonight to visit Lis and then do some hot yoga in the am before coming back down.

Looking forward to hearing about your day.

Sweet fitness dreams,
Xo
Jeni 

The Goal List

Hey jenne,
  It is such a snowy wonderland in Hudson right now!!  When I woke up this morning to take Roscoe for a walk it was -5*. Um, that's cold!!!  I have spent the rest of the day inside drinking lavender earl grey tea and sewing. I finished revising my goal list for this year and I am so excited to get started on it!
Here it is: 2014's list of fitness adventures!!

1. Run 3 1/2 marathons
2. Finally run a full marathon (I'd like it to be the Hartford marathon in October).
3. Incorporate yoga into every day. Even if only for 5 minutes of stretching and intentional breathing. I am so much nicer and happier when I'm not stiff or in pain.
4. Drink more water.
5. Do 20 miles a week for Charity Miles. (Do you have the app!?  It's the coolest thing ever!)
6. Go camping somewhere you have to trek to.
7. Use my bike for transportation. I used to when living in Albany and have now gotten so used to driving everywhere.  (If I'm not in France I'd like to do the tour de cure with you!!)
8. Do my first triathlon.
9. Become a capable and confident swimmer. (As it stands right now I am neither)
10. Wear sunscreen while exercising outdoors.

Finally- I think this is the most important of all my goals-

11. COMPLIMENT my body for its strengths and achievements rather complain about its "flaws".

This list might change as the year progresses but I feel this is a great starting point.


Looking forward to hearing how your weigh-in goes today!

À la prochaine,
Jeni