Hi everyone! No new weather updates yet….I keep checking my school’s website and the newest news is that morning classes are on tomorrow but they are “uncertain” about night classes. I’ll probably learn more tonight!
But now I bring you a Jenna News Update!!! (Doo do do doooooo!)
As everyone has I’m sure noticed, I’ve been working hard on my diet and exercise to lean out over the past month or so. I feel like I’ve gained a lot more muscle, feel a TON stronger (even Ryan told me my shoulders looked a lot more defined yesterday at the gym! Score!) and have more energy. I really feel like I totally met my goals and now feel ready for Florida running season! Today was a cardio day and, yes, I went running out in the heat of the Florida day to do a 3 mile run. The heat sucks but I’m trying to get my body used to it and gain more endurance because……………………………I’VE DECIDED TO TRAIN FOR THE GASPARILLA 1/2 MARATHON IN FEBRUARY!!!!!!!!!!
This means SO much to me because I was training for this same race last year and midway through the season got an injury, had to take three weeks out, and couldn’t finish training for the race. It was the biggest disappointment ever after all my extensive training. Basically, this would be the accomplishment of my life because I’ve never considered myself a “real” runner. The thing that really changed my mind last year was when I ran a 10K, finished with my best time every and felt like I could race the entire thing over again upon reaching the finish line. It was the best feeling ever.
I’m not officially starting training yet but I will be next month. There’s no point in training when I still work all day and get home at midnight. To train your body properly one of the most important things is rest and I know I don’t get enough right now. As for the next few weeks, I’m going to work on conditioning my body to that of a runner again. I’m going to work on endurance more than anything and aim to run three times a week as well as keep up my strength training (which I have come to adore). I’m not exactly sure yet the schedule I will be following for training. I used the Galloway Method last year and got great results (other than the injury) but I may try something else this year. I will let you all know when I figure it out myself! I am predicting lots of fun, excitement and SWEAT for myself and this blog over the next few months and hope it will inspire some others to run along with me because, seriously, if I can do it, YOU CAN TOO!!!!!!!! 🙂
Ok and now we end that segment and move back to my food, which is why you all read in the first place! After my sweaty run today I refueled with, in my opinion, the perfect meal. I had an Amy’s California Veggie Burger on a Rudi’s Whole Wheat Bun with a light laughing cow cheese, spinach and dijon. I also had 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and a pear. Perfect. I felt wonderful after eating it and drinking like 10 glasses of water.
And then I showered and headed to Whole Foods. Here’s what I got—-yes, it was quite the shop…..but the Canes’ a comin’ and a girl has gotta be prepared!
Produce:
Protein, dairy and grains:
New products: PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE LARABARS!!!!!!!!!! I almost jumped up and down when I found these at Whole Foods. I thought they were just a teasing rumor because I had never seen them before and I can hardly wait to bring one to school tonight to try! Also, Chobani greek yogurt. Cheaper than Fage and packed with more protein, I’ll be reviewing this as well…stay tuned.
I’m going to go make a snack and do some laundry—see you for dinner!
Betsy
August 18, 2008 at 6:20 pmso exciting!!!!!!! i love training and racing. there’s nothing like running a fantastic road race! good luck-i’m super jealous. i’m currently out for the week cause of IT Band problems (ugh!) but hope to get back into my marathon training soon. have fun with your training and good luck!!
caitlin (see bride run)
August 18, 2008 at 6:22 pmJENNA! I am so excited for you! I can’t wait to hear about your training! I may have to join you for the 1/2! 😀
hk
August 18, 2008 at 6:31 pmwooot woot! good for you, sounds awesome 🙂 I’ve been running and training right along with you, and I totally agree- I feel great 🙂
haya
August 18, 2008 at 6:32 pmre: the 10k, if you felt like you could go do the whole thing again at the end, you probably didn’t go fast enough!!
good luck with your training. the 1/2 marathon is my favorite race distance. it’s not too huge of a commitment wrt training, but it is a very satisfying accomplishment.
tsbrown
August 18, 2008 at 6:51 pmGood Luck with your training! What training plan are you going to use?
VeggieGirl
August 18, 2008 at 6:54 pmWow, good luck with the Gasparilla Half-Marathon!! Quite thrilling!!
**PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE LARABAR = MY #1 FAVORITE FLAVOR** (Remember, I eat Larabars everyday, so that’s saying a LOT).
BethT
August 18, 2008 at 6:54 pmI’m training for a half, too. I highly recommend training programs by Hal Higdon 🙂
BethT
August 18, 2008 at 6:55 pmAnd I agree with VeggieGirl, the PB Cookie Larabars are by FAR the best. To me they taste like a deliciously half-raw, chewy PB cookie!
erica
August 18, 2008 at 6:57 pmJenna, you’re gonna flip over the PB Cookie Larabars.. they’re AMAZING!
Danielle
August 18, 2008 at 7:01 pmWhoohoo! I’m so thrilled for you, that’s so exciting :). You’re going to do great!
Thank you for doing a big food shopping at Whole Foods! I’m planning on living vicariously through other foodie bloggers for the next few months when it comes to organic groceries, haha, so I especially appreciate it. Looking forward to your review of the Peanut Butter Cookie Larabar, it sounds incredible! As for Chobani, I hope you like it too, I’m a fan :).
Good luck with the laundry!
~C~
August 18, 2008 at 7:02 pmThat is soo exciting! I can’t wait to read all about your training!
jenna
August 18, 2008 at 7:03 pmtsbrown,
I really don’t know the training plan I’ll be using yet. I’m going to research a bunch. I LOVE the Galloway method but might want to try something new to increase my speed more. I’m definitely open to suggestions! 🙂
Kath
August 18, 2008 at 7:23 pmSO JEALOUS you found the PB Cookie!!! I heard a rumor our TJ’s has them, so I might go check there this afternoon.
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
August 18, 2008 at 7:26 pmGood luck with your training!
Erin
August 18, 2008 at 7:32 pmHi Jenna,
I just picked up the Eat Clean Diet cookbook by Tosca Reno on your recommendation. I was really looking forward to making the sweet potato risotto that you featured on the blog recently. But I can’t find it in the book! Do you know if there are different versions (editions?) of this book? I have poured over it and cannot find it!
Thanks!
Erin
jenna
August 18, 2008 at 7:38 pmErin,
Ah I’m sorry! That recipe is in her other book, just labeled “The Eat Clean Diet”(her first book). I bought both books and use recipes from both all the time. I definitely should have emphasized that. I’m so sorry!!
Serena
August 18, 2008 at 7:39 pmI second Beth T’s vote for Hal Higdon. I think his programs are great for 1/2 marathon and marathon training programs. They include a rest day and a day for strength/cross-training, but they do have a lot of running days. I’ve followed the plans (beginner and intermediate) for two marathons and two half-marathons, and I’ve felt really well prepared. And I’ve definitely taken some liberties by changing the distance or type of wokout I do every now and then and still feel like if you can follow it 85-90% you’ll be prepared for a great race. What’s really great about the plans is the interval/speedwork day.
Rose
August 18, 2008 at 7:41 pmJenna, what a great decision! Good luck with your training program – I’m sure you’ll do great! You seem like you have a really smart attitude about what’s ahead and good plans to eat right and get your body into full runner mode. I’m so excited to hear about your progress. Keep us posted (as I know you will!)
JenP
August 18, 2008 at 7:43 pmJenna,
I ran my first marathon and blew my anticipated time out of the water with Runnersworld.com SmartCoach. Good luck–I love the 1/2 marathon distance. You’ll have so much fun! 🙂
tsbrown
August 18, 2008 at 7:54 pmJenna,
I have also used smartcoach like JenP. Good luck! I am proud of you!
Erin
August 18, 2008 at 7:57 pmJenna,
No problem — I will just have to check that one out as well! 🙂 Thanks!
Erin
Heather
August 18, 2008 at 8:02 pmYea for the half marathon!! It’s so much more motivating to get out there and run when you’re training for something.
These PB larabars must be the bomb. EVERYONE is talking about them today!
Allyson
August 18, 2008 at 8:17 pmCongrats on the half marathon! Can’t wait to hear about training!
OMG-Cannot wait to try to pb larabars!
Amy
August 18, 2008 at 8:24 pmCongrats on your decision! Can’t wait to hear a larabar review- I have been looking all over for them.
What made you start loving weight training. Just a few weeks ago you said how much you don’t like it and prefer yoga. I really don’t enjoy weight training and was wondering how you made such a big change. I find it so boring.
Also, someone asked you the other day about your health habits in college, when you were living in an apartment did you cook like you do now? I find even making lentils or rice (I know both very simple) to fluster me because I feel like I have no time to do dishes etc with a full day of classes and hw. I especially never am able to find the time to exercise. You balance so much, how do you do it? You are really inspiring (as corny as that sounds)!
I asked alot so don’t worry about answering until you have time.
Heather
August 18, 2008 at 8:26 pmI’m training for a half as well and running a 10K six days before it. I’m using SmartCoach like some of the others. Good luck with your training!
jenna
August 18, 2008 at 8:28 pmAmy,
I’m not sure what made me truly start loving it. I’ve done it for years but only recently found joy in it. I think that’s probably because it is the only time I really have to myself during the day. I can just release all the stress and tension and feel strong, which I love. I also started researching new exercises and that made it more interesting that just the typical routine. Oh, and it makes me feel great!
When I was in college I did cook. I lived in an apartment for two years and was always the chef :). I’m not sure how i found time, but cooking and exercising two of my main priorities so I would sacrifice other things for them such watching tv or something. I think you really have to make it a priority or else it wont get done. I mean, yeah, it sort of sucks that I wake up SO early and go to bed SO late during the week but at the end of the day, I’m glad I woke up an hour earlier to exercise! It takes time but it slowly becomes a habit and you can’t picture yourself not incorporating it into your day.
thank you!
Gliding Calm
August 18, 2008 at 8:35 pmI know what you mean about weight training! I really enjoy lifting weights…you can take your time & go slow, and just relax with it, which is something I really love being an introvert!! I’m so excited for you to try Chobani (they are a staple in my diet), as well as carrots & PB! I used to think bananas and PB couldn’t be beat…but after trying carrots and PB….well, I ADORE this combo. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Super jealous about the PB cookie Larabar ( I hear it’s amazing ), and so excited to hear about your marathon training! Good luck!
Gliding Calm
August 18, 2008 at 8:43 pmHaha, it looks like we are playing blog comment TAG! As for the baked tofu recipe… I use an extra firm block….press it with paper towels and then put a rub/sauce all over it made up of sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ground ginger, and then sometimes onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Then I just bake it at 425 for about 30-40 minutes, turning it once. (This is all on a greased baking sheet!) Hope that helps! I seriously make this tofu ALL the time…if you search the tofu tag on my blog you can see some of the different ways I have done it!
Take care! 🙂
Jill - GlossyVeneer
August 18, 2008 at 9:15 pmCongrats on the half-marathon decision! It will be a lot of fun to read about your training progress.
And PB Cookie Larabar… yum, sounds so good. I need to try that one!
michelle
August 18, 2008 at 10:18 pmHi Jenna,
Great news on deciding to do a half!! I am going to do a 10K in september. I’m not quite ready to do a half yet but that is my goal for next year!!! Have fun training!!
So, how is the Ezekiel cereal? I’ve seen it a lot but was afraid to buy it, but i am sure its good if you eat it!!! :O)c
HangryPants
August 18, 2008 at 11:25 pmJenna, I’m a few hours late, but good luck with your 1/2 marathon training and congratulations on the decision.
Heather
Lauren
August 19, 2008 at 1:24 amI’ve gotta get those PB Larabars!! I recently moved to Houston and am still a novice when it comes to hurricanes – I’m much more used to snow storms in the winter up in the Northeast, but days off from working/school due to a hurricane must be fun too 🙂
I Heart PB
August 19, 2008 at 10:16 amI’ve always wanted to try Larabars..now I’m def gonna grab one next time I get the chance! Good luck with the weather Jenna, I love days off from school and work too, thats the best time to relax!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
August 19, 2008 at 10:24 amI need to try Larabars!
runjess
August 19, 2008 at 4:31 pmI just decided to train for my first full marathon in December. I’ve got a half lined up for early November. I’m so excited and I’m excited for you also!
I’m going to Whole Foods after work today. Excited for that too!