Hi!
Thanks again for the sweet comments, yall! You guys really motivate me soooo much. I have no idea what I would do or where I would be without you! That being said, I have decided to start to take my training to the next level (kick it up a notch!!). On May 9th I will be running in a 5 mile race at the University of South Florida called “Miles for Moffitt”. Moffitt is our cancer research center here and all the race proceeds go to cancer research. Last year they brought in over $100,000 and what’s better than running for a good cause, right?! I’m doing anything too crazy with my training (sort of making up my own training plan as I go), but I am planning on running a 5K this Saturday and another one on May 2nd. In between those two races I will be slowly increasing my distance on my Saturday morning runs. Its recommended that you don’t increase your mileage over 10% each week, but I have found that with my shins I can only increase 5% each week…..easy does it! Maybe someday I’ll hit the 13.1 mark! 
Today I cross trained on my bike. I love that I have now figured out the whole bike thing and I feel like I get the BEST workout on it! Today I had the highest gear cranked and I went for a hot and sweaty 30 minute ride, keeping my heart rate up the entire time. It was great, but DANG, was it ever hot outside. I drained the camel bak, that’s for sure! Something else I did today was finally get around to ordering my road id. I know, I know…I am a bit behind the game. Caitlin has been telling me how amazing these things are for a loooong time now and I’m glad I finally ordered one!
After my bike ride, I noshed on a fat wedge of watermelon!
It blows my mind that my birthday summer is just around the corner!!
And then for dinner I made a wrap! Sadly I shared it with Mikan, who, when the doorbell rang (I <3 the UPS man) jumped up to the table where I set down the other half of my wrap and hoovered it. Super sad because it was really really really yummy!
I heated up three slices of fakin’ bacon on the stove and combined them with 1/4 of an avocado, 1/2 cup mashed chickpeas (with a little sea salt…too lazy to make hummus) and a drizzle of bbq sauce.
With Ooba to drink!
Even though I was perturbed with the little beast for eating half of my wrap, the UPS man did bring me some goodies to more than make up for it!
AMY’S SOUP!!! And s SUPER cute mug!!!! This is the gift box I will be giving away at the end of the month for Meatless in March participants. Amy’s was so generous to send me one as well! I am so excited to eat my fill of my favorite Amy’s soup….I can’t find this stuff anywhere here! And the mug is totally precious. (squeal!)
For dessert I had a tiny cup of my vanilla macadamia nut ice cream! This stuff is INSANELY rich and even though it tastes amazing, I think I can only stomach a small amount at a time. I still can’t believe how great it tastes only with raw macadamia nuts, dates, vanilla bean and coconut water. Crazy! Any raw foodies out there?! Do you have to get your body “used to” eating raw?! Is there some sort of transition period? (haha). I heard that if you soak the nuts in water the night before you use them it helps the body break them down better but I was still wondering…
I’m off to bathe and read. I finished my book last night and my heart couldn’t stop pounding (maybe this was why I couldn’t fall asleep?!). OMG….WHAT an ending!!!!!!! Man, do I ever love Jodi. She can write like its nobody’s business….what a true gift. If you haven’t read it, pick up a copy of Handle With Care and be thoroughly amazed at contemporary fiction genius! I started Ahab’s Wife last night but haven’t really gotten into it yet. Its been sitting on my shelf for YEARS and I haven’t read it yet! Hoping to get more into it tonight after bible study and Matthew!
See you tomorrow for St.Patty’s Day! Do you have any crazy traditions?! I have only been “out” once on St. Patty’s day….I was a freshman in college and had dark brown hair (I dyed it myself, if you can only imagine)!! Too bad that was pre-facebook era because there were some great pics. Every other St.Patty’s Day I have always been working. Ryan is planning on going out and having fun for the both of us….(although I might pass him at the bar on my way to work the next morning…hmmmm).
In the blogworld:
- Please check out Miles for Monika, a support blog created for Kelsey’s friend, Monika, a runner who recently discovered that she has a cyst pressing down on her lungs and heart and is awaiting surgery.Monika (obviously) cannot run for awhile so Kelsey has made it her goal for us to keep track of our miles to “give” to Monika in her time of need. The goal is to collect 181 miles in two weeks! This is a prime example of how positive this blog community can be…I really love you guys!
- Also, Meghann is gearing up to have her second blogger bake sale!!
{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
Oooh your wrap looks yummy!
Seriously, where is the time going!? How is it already mid-march!!
Have a great night!!
Your wrap looks so yummy…I probably would have stolen the other half, too!
Lovin’ the watermelon, wrap; and that Amy’s mug is too cute!!
That mug is so cute and that wrap looks delicious!
Ugh you are so tanned! I am so pale from this gross winter weather! But yes, summer is right around the corner!
Oh my gosh – I get SO mad when my dogs steal my food!! Amy’s is hooking you up!
No plans tomorrow – I’m working and then have a staff meeting
BOO!!!
I’m doing a 5-miler too (well, an 8k which is a little less than 5 miles) on May 2 so I’m looking forward to read about your training. I don’t want to increase my mileage too fast either. I’m really slow, so my time doesn’t matter to me, my goal is to just run without walk breaks. Stopping to walk is such a mental habit that I’m just dying to break!
My dog would be in TROUBLE if she ate my wrap! One time I was having a party and I set out a cheese plate on the coffee table…you can see where this is going and at first I freaked out because I don’t know that much about dogs and I was afraid cheese was like chocolate…I now know that she can eat just about anything! To funny.
Hi Jenna!
I have been reading your blog for the past couple of weeks … I stumbled across it on a blog roll and I am so glad I did. I also love Jodi Picoult’s books … I am reading an old book of hers now (Second Glance) before starting her new one. I will definitely have to try making some of the recipes you have posted on here… they all look great and your workout routines are inspiring — I have just began to get back into running after a knee injury.
I look forward to continuing to read your posts each day. Take care
oooh, the wrap looks tasty and the ooba sounds so good! Congrats on your race win btw!
No plans for St. Patty’s Day except homework : ( That wrap looks great, I need to buy Avocado I’m seeing everyone enjoy it! Hey, slightly random question, do you consider Bikram Yoga cardio? I tried my first class the other day and LOVED it and am thinking of replacing a cpl days a week of cardio with it.
ok the wrap is exactly what i needed, I can make that later this week!!
I don’t think the watermelon here is looking that good yet. I sure can’t wait for the summer farmers market
I can’t handle it when my food gets swiped! You must love that dog a LOT!
aww, thats too bad about your wrap, it looked like it was delicious!
I have a summer birthday too, and cant wait!!!!! I love that you’re eating watermelon…summer really IS almost here!
Love that wrap! I can’t believe summer is just around the corner either.
You are so inspiring!! I fell off the running bandwagon due to leg pain and am slowly starting back up. I’m thinking of doing a 5k in May and I feel like if you can come back from injury and run 3 races, I can do it too!
Mikan! Reminds me of my dog Mickey, a beagle who will seriously eat anything that resembles food…oh what to do with cute dogs who are too adorable to scold
Good looking wrap though!
I am so stealing that wrap too… YUM!
good luck with the training plan! you reminded me how much i miss tempeh bacon, it’s sooo good! i’ve never been crazy on st. patricks day, usually i miss the fun bc i’m travelling-i feel like it always comes around on my spring break- but this year i’m just recovering from surgery and missed the big party in boston- aw well
Oh no I’d be so upset if my dog ate a wrap like that!
Love the Amy’s soup package too cute!
that Amy’s soup mug is so cute!
i hope you get a full night’s sleep tonight!
I went to Boston several years ago…fun but super expensive.
My fave pic from this post it the watermelon. I have never had the talent for picking out good watermelons! The wrap looks yummy too.
I have Jodi Picoult’s latest book sitting on my bookshelf. I can’t wait to start reading it, and am glad to hear it was good. I have read every one of her books, and her endings always suprise me.
Good for you with the 5 mile race! I admire you for setting these goals for yourself gradually increasing each time. That’s awesome!
PS- Too FUNNY about the pup snatching your wrap. Mine has been known to sneak a few things off my plate once or twice. It’s so hard to stay mad when they are that cute!
My birthday is in the summer!!
That wrap looks amazing… i am starving
I’m so happy you’re able to get back into running! I can tell that it’s really lifting your spirits. That’s great, Jenna.
I can’t wait for watermelon season to be here in Ottawa!!
Yum, no wonder Mikan wanted the wrap!
That Amy’s gift box is adorable.
so sad about your wrap! That has DEFINITELY happened to me before! haha
that Miles for Monika thing is really great. Once I am able to run again (appointment with the ortho on thursday!) I’d love to contribute!
The wrap looks yummy!
The Amy’s soup looks good!
I have a summer (June) birthday too!
I did a lot of research for my own raw challenge. Here are some of my resources.
http://www.dietriffic.com/2009/02/17/raw-food-diet/
http://www.rawpeople.com
and this guest post on my blog: http://www.hangrypants.com/2009/02/guest-post-genas-raw-response/
I think there is a transitional period, but I think you have to make a pretty severe change for it to be noticeable. When I was doing raw, I did it for maybe 2 meals a day and I didn’t notice anything different at all in my body.
Hey Jenna, Not sure if you check your moderated comments, but I left a comment with 3 links about raw food that went to moderation.
Lol. Mikan is too funny. That watermelon is also making me long for warmer weather.
Congratulations on the first place finish chick! That’s awesome!!
Great time too!
I LOVE those fakin bacon strips. They are MUCH better than the Smart Bacon strips by Lightlife, FYI.
That soup mug is adorable!
I love that – while being tiny and so pretty that it’s amazing that you’re so lovely on top of it
– that you look so *healthy*. I hope you take that in the right way! You just always look very fit and glowing, not thin and anaemic the way some young celebrities and models in the public eye do.
And OMG that is one of the cutest mugs I’ve ever seen. Everyone who commented on that first post is entered, right? She says, hopefully.
I have one more book to read by Jodi that my fiance bought me for Valentines Day but then I will try to get the Handle with Care book! You’ve had such good things to say about it and I absolutely LOVE her writing so i will be sure to pick it up!!
Awesome running plans Jenna!!!
Jenna-
I am trying to eat more raw foods and recipes every day! What do you think about a raw challenge after the Meatless in March???
hello jenna..
i enjoy your posts every single day!great and amusing!
do you happen to know any online store that sends things around the whole world?
im really jealous with all these incredible snacks you get the chance to eat and the variety to chose from..
i want to have access to at least some of them..
greece is great but so behind in staff like that..
if you could help me id really appreciate it!
kisses
hehe! I love your self photo! those are the best. Happy st patty’s day!
Ha – Mikan, that little stinker. At least he has good taste!
Jenna, I’m so glad running is going well for you. I truly believe that if you slowly increase your mileage and listen to your body, you’ll make it to 13.1 miles!
Both the watermelon and your raw ice-cream look amazing! I’ve never gone all raw. However, lot of the raw desserts I have sampled are VERY rich, but it’s all natural sugars and good fats. I love that a few bites totally satisfy. Food in its natural state is so much better!
Your wrap looks delicious! So sad that someone else thought so too.
Our dog ate all of my boyfriend’s birthday cupcakes this morning! She’s so bad yet so adorable ; )
Sarah
I can’t believe it’s almost summer (and my birthday!) too! Gotta love Jodi Picoult– I’m about to start another one of her books that I just picked up from the library. And, I know you work at Greenwise so maybe it’s the same deal there, but at the regular Publix strawberries are 4 cartons for $5 right now! You should totally check it out & take advantage!
Jenna,
I was in Florida this past weekend and flew out of Orlando last night – and thought of you! Just curious, what part of Orlando do you live in?
That’s smart you are uping your mileage by only 5%. Good girl!
And that mug is adorable. Makes you want to make soup and eat it right out of the mug!
Good luck with your training and race coming up! I would really like to try a 1/2 triathlon in the future some day. I have to save up for a road bike first, which may be awhile. Those soups are so yummy! My grandma would always make corned-beef and cabbage for st. patty’s day. Now they live in NC so I don’t get to enjoy this tradition at the moment
hey jenna, i have a question to ask you: it looks like we have the same HRM– Polar f4 (mine’s blue too!). the one i bought at Target is a size medium, and now after having it for a couple of months, it’s getting to be too big! despite all the tightening!…darn, the consequences of losing weight!…anyways, do you know where i could maybe get a smaller size?? just the part that fits across your waist, not the whole thing. Thanks!
SmA033,
I really dont know! I got mine at Sports Authority almost two years ago…they might have adjustable straps? Or maybe you could check the polar website?
Kelly,
I actually don’t live in Orlando. I live in Tampa! I went to school in Orlando and then moved to Tampa last fall. Thanks for thinking of me though!
Lila,
Have you tried amazon.com ? They have tons of food you can buy and I’m sure, ship, to different countries!..maybe?
Abbie,
You read my mind??! That would be SUPER hard though I think….but very very interesting
augh! I hate sharing my food anyway, much less when I wasn’t planning to! I’ve been meaning to write about having participated in the Meatless March challenge, I’ll have to head back over to that post and make an official comment. The Amy’s box is so sweet!
Also, I have given you a Butterfly award for awesomeness, come check out my blournal for the details….. -e
OHHH, I’m sorry – I got confused! I’ve been reading for a long time. Thought you went to school in Tampa and moved back home to Orlando
Got it!
i would have devoured that wrap too, it looks delicious
Ahh I am reading Jodi Picoult’s “My Sister’s Keeper” right now, and it is soooo good, sooo interesting!!! I’ll have to read that one once I am finished! have you read many of her books?
PS you look so tan!!! I need to go bike riding more often! ha!
That Watermelon looks sooooo yummy! I can’t wait for summer!
Diana
I’m training to run a 5k and get such horrible shin splints I can hardly run 3 straight minutes of intervals. Sounds like you have trouble with your shins too. Any suggestions!??!?!
Missy,
I’ve had trouble for years! I think some people are more prone than others and we both definitely are! The things that REALLY helped me are in this order:
1. SHOES—good shoes. I think my Izumi Pearl Infinities might just be the key to success……I love them sooo much and they are made for overpronators like me (leads to shin splints). They are very stable and have a lot of support.
2. STRETCH—I stretch all day, everyday. All day..really! I stretch my calves on the stairs at work and stretch my shins constantly. Its the first thing I do and the last thing I do everyday.
3. BIKE—biking reallyyyyy helps me shins not only feel better but also it strengthens them! Its non-impact and feels so great to me.
4. STRENGTHEN— Do shin taps with your feet or do what I do, lay down on your bed and raise your legs to 90 degrees. Make big circles with your feet until you can’t stand it anymore. The stairmaster also helps strengthen.
You are supposed to ice but I’m really bad at it. Get good shoes (ones that are made for people that get shin splints) first and then work from there. Also, don’t go to fast. It took me months to be able to run 3 miles without stopping. Seriously. MONTHS. I say I do a 5% increase weekly but its more like a 12-25% increase. Go super super super slow. Good luck!
congrats on the running accomplishments, they are wonderful!
i was reading the current issue of runner’s world and there is an article dedicated to shin splints and several stretches to try and minimize pain, maybe they’ll help!
Some notable neighborhoods: Goosetown- quiet, residential, and a 10 minute walk to downtown. ,