Not a Leash and Harness Type of Man

Diana (mymarblerye)

Bravo to your honesty! If your heart is not in it than don’t do it! Especially if you are a migraine sufferer: any changes will bring on more headaches! Have fun with the rest of your unpacking and fedex extra fries to me if you can!

Katie

Maybe you should donate the bike. You said cycling isn’t a passion of yours…so you probably won’t be needing a road bike in the future. Donate the bike to the cause after the race and get yourself a decent hybrid for like $250 to play around with. I totally understand the “yes” syndrome, but I think this is a way to take ownership for your “yes” until you learn to say “no”.
Good luck!!

Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)

Wow, it’s amazing what a difference white balancing can make. Whenever I forgot to white balance my video camera in broadcast classes, I got this strange purple tint. NOT good.

NB in MG

I think your motivation and training up to date will get you through it!!
I did a 200 kilometre bike ride through the rockies last summer…and…I definetly under-trained… but once you’re going…it’s hard to just GIVE UP. I’m not going to lie – it hurt like hell near the end… but I just kept saying “If it was easy, everyone would do it” and focus on the small distances (like in between rest stops)….
Good for you for signing up for the lesser mileage race….and we all know you’ll do awesome!!

NB in MG

I just read the comments that you got on this post and i was a bit surprised.

I had to add that it’s a great thing and encouraging that you’re doing what YOU feel is best for YOUR life.

You are riding to raise money for charity – which will touch many people’s lives.
You changing your distance from 60 to 100 miles – effects no one’s life but your own.

Rock on, Jenna!

Andrea

Jenna,

You go girl! The ladies who posted about you bailing on what you signed up for must not be endurance athletes. Sometimes are bodies just don’t cooperate, and sometimes we take on crazy distances. At least money is going to a great cause! You totally rock! I’ll be sending good vibes your way next weekend!

tricia

Jenna, I love reading your blog BUT… I am with a few of the other postees: from what I can tell, you havn’t trained enough. Biting off more than you can chew sometimes leads to choking… it seems like sometimes you are too easy on yourself. Now for Dexter. As an animal lover, I have to say you might have considered him more when choosing your apartment. It’s pretty obvious he is bored, lonely, and my guess is, frustrated and maybe scared (lots going on in your life these last several months) maybe you should seriously consider more of a committment to him- or perhaps you are not really ready for pet ownership. I hate to come down too hard on you but you have seemed AWFULLY self-centered of late.

Emily

Ha ha ha I am having a hard time stopping LAUGHING at the idea that you are slacking on your “commitment” to Dexter. That is ridiculous. You provide him with a secure and loving home, what else could a pet ask for?
Also, I definitely feel that everyone has the right to voice their opinions, but there is a difference between thoughtfully stating one’s views and being unnecessarily cruel and hurtful. I think a few posters have crossed that line.
Jenna, I respect your decision and truly hope you are able to ignore the obviously untruthful statements some of your readers have made.

Sara

I’m a fan of your blog but you’ve seen quite uninspired recently and blogging out of obligation. Maybe you should take some time off and rekindle the passion, or find a new passion? Good luck with whatever you do!

Danielle

I know this comment is a little late……

but, why is it people care so much about the ride itself? The money has been raised for a great cause, the ride itself is just a symbol. The money is still being donated riding 100miles, 60 miles, or none.

I’m an avid reader, seldom comment. But I don’t understand why someone should be called a liar, or accused of failing, when they are dedicating their time and efforts for a good cause. Regardless of the activity completed or not completed, the money has been donated to something great that will hopefully help a lot of people. The activity itself has no effect……

Jen

I have cats and anyone who thinks that trying to sneak out when he had a chance means Dexter is unhappy has never had a pet. Cats are curious and always do whatever they are not supposed to do. I haven’t read Caitlin’s blog but it seems like all the mean comments are from 2 or 3 of her groupies. I agree with the high-schooler who thinks these “adults” need to grow up.

Darien

tre harsh. gosh. ive read your blog just about every day for years now, jenna. i cried when you lost your brother, and i know that the anniversary of that was rough for you. but you really seemed to have handled it more beautifully than i mightve thought. moving across country, also brave. raising money for cancer research, thoughtful. straight up- you know how to handle the naysaying. you know whats right. sixty miles on a bike is as unfathomable to me as a hundred. im in the military, and am in decent shape. i wouldnt dream of it.
and for the record, dexter looks like pretty much the happiest damn cat ive ever seen. i dont care how good of a pet owner you are, your pet will still make a dash for it once in awhile. nobody can argue that point. especially when theyre in a new place? lay off, buttheads. dexters happy. jennas not stealing anybodies money, and isnt hiding things. this is a pretty personal blog, from a woman who shares her every thought with the world.
thanks, jenna.

Kate

I think Leah worded that perfectly.

holly

Hey jenna! I think that the vast majority of these comments are positive and that you shouldn’t let the others get you down. If your happy with how far you’ve come and how much you accomplished that’s all that matters! 60 miles is awesome! And its always a good idea to challenge yourself or else you’d never get anywhere. So if you do decide to do another half marathon or bike ride, don’t let the comments of a few people make you change your mind. Good luck!

Stephanie Clement

Alana, Carrie and Skylar..

Holy bitches. Are you guys serious??? Jenna is a REAL person. And not to stoop down to your ever-so-low lever..but um, you’re spending your free time reading blogs…wow, go ride 100 miles yourself, dinks! I’m 19, and 100% look up to Jenna….who the heck cares if she’s not riding 100 miles…have you tried to ride 60?? Its hard…friggin’ hard!!! Ladies, go watch your soaps and kiss your Edward or Jacob posters (guessing you sad ladies don’t have a boyfriend..dunno who’d like anyone so mean!) and go do something yourself other than make a fantastic woman feel bad. SHE READS COMMENTS…WHYYYY would you make her feel bad?? Seriously? Go read a book on Karma, maybe take a yoga class, and cleanse yourself because given your state of minds…you’re really sad people, and need some serious help.

Jenna you’re awesome. You make me smile all the time. Blogs are FUN…not serious. You keep doin’ what you do, girl. Stay amazing and best of luck on your ride<3

Karma will prevail 🙂

Ginny

Wow! I’m still laughing that you were actually ridiculed for not being a committed cat owner. That is quite possibly the funniest thing I think I’ve ever read. Hilarious!!! That is simply classic .

Dr. Phil has a line that I’ve always appreciated, it’s: You can’t make sense out of nonsense so don’t even try! Don’t waste the energy trying to even figure out why some people are so vile.

You already know this and it’s clearly been said in other posts, but you are a bright, talented courageous young woman who is living the dream and following your heart. That is to be commended. Don’t ever stop and don’t ever be brought down by some bullies in cyberspace. This blog is amazing and I can’t even tell you how much I am enjoying reading it from the start (just found you a week or so ago). You do us all a tremendous favor by writing it. It’s educational, it’s entertaining and it makes me want to be a healthier person just reading it. Keep up the good work!

Meg

WOWWWW. Jenna, I have read your blog for quite some time and have never felt such a passion to comment until NOW. To all of you haters- STOP with the negativity. Jenna voluntarily writes this blog, not only to document her healthy lifestyle and fun adventures but to also share her experiences and ideas with US. I don’t understand the point of posting negative and hurtful comments on this blog- it does no one good, especially if you’re the one writing it (just makes you look like cold-hearted jerks). So Jenna, please try to not to let these morons get to you. You are beautiful, intelligent, and full of life! These people just want to bring you down because clearly their lives are incomplete or they are just depressed and feel like pounding negativity on you. Forget them, love you!

Sara @ myfancytuna.blogspot.com

Geeze louise, these haters are ridiculous! I think you’re doing the right thing by listening to your body and 60 miles is still a HUGE deal. And I agree with Brianna – people whose days are ruined by your decision need to get a life, seriously.

You’re hilarious, I love your blog and you’re a great role model. Keep on keeping on!! 😀

Rebecca

Hey Jenna, I’m an avid reader and can’t believe how negative people are being. I guess they have forgotten the old saying “if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all.” I too am an athlete and know that it is so crucial to listen to your body. You are obviously doing the right thing and it is amazing that you even signed up to bike 60 miles and raise money for charity. Isn’t that the bottom line, the money goes to charity. Keep doing what you are doing!

katie

WOW are you kidding me?! you people need to freaking CHILL OUT!! goodness gracious. there is so much more to life than criticizing someone else, shes not perfect and neither are you. get over yourself and let Jenna be honest and live her life, she doesnt owe anything to ANY of us. she can say, do, and decide whatever the heck she wants.

Jenna- you are amazing and you dont owe any explanations. you do whatever you want, we live and learn, we go through trials to make us stronger and depend on the Lord more. Its just a bike race and people need to chill out.

okay vent session over 🙂

Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/

After looking at some of these comments I think they are down right hurtful and unfair. No one is forced to come to this blog and be interested in what Jenna is doing. Also it’s Jenna’s life and no one else’s. The choices she makes are her own.

Jenna you are a wonderful person, doing wonderful things, and taking the time to share them with us. I really appreciate that. 🙂 🙂 :0 🙂

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl

Whoah. Just whoah. I can’t imagine how you must feel after reading these comments, Jenna. I just can’t even imagine! 🙁

Well, I guess it’s kind of like the people who think that even though I’ve lost over 100 pounds, just because I’m not a stick figure, I haven’t accomplished anything. But that isn’t true at all. 100+ pounds is a LOT of weight.

And so is 60 miles. Wow. That is SO far!!!

Milestones and accomplishments come in all forms. And, honestly, when you mentioned before in posts that you rode 20 or 30 miles, etc., my jaw dropped. Those distances are HUGE to me – and many others.

Just be true to yourself, Jenna, and follow your heart. It’s all you can do. Focus on the positive, girl.

Love ya!!!!

Hugs,
Michele

Shannon, Tropical Treats

oh my gosh I cannot believe people. That is absurd of them for leaving such hateful and disrespectful comments. 60 miles is SO far and i am so proud of you for listening to your body and committing to that. You are AMAZING and I really look up to you and I think it’s pretty darn awesome how composed and mature your rebuttal is. You rock Miss Jenna!!!!

Still Life in Southeast Asia

I am very uneasy by the tone of some of the comments. The unlinked origin of the comments calls into question whether or not they are from the same person or two people. Jenna, I’m sure that there are some trolls reading this who would like to make you cry and feel badly about yourself. Please don’t let their heckling affect you. You are not a liar or a bad person.

The 100 vs 60 miles change doesn’t affect any of your readers. They should be thankful you are reducing the length of the race according to YOUR body because above all you have to take care of yourself and not damage yourself only to meet your blog readers’ expectations. I will echo others—the point of the race is charity and fun.

Keep smiling, Jenna.

Steph

.. and by bodily.. i meant physical 😉

Sarah

These negative comments are so upsetting. From what I’ve seen from Jenna’s blog (following for the last two years), she’s been through a hell of a lot in her life and I am SO HAPPY to see her enjoying herself and living life to the fullest. Jenna you are an inspiration. I think too many of us spend so much time taking care of other people that we neglect ourselves and our own wants/needs… there needs to be some sort of a balance there. Anyways, if you are angry that you donated money to the cause and Jenna isn’t biking the full distance, you are missing the point. The money is still going to go to charity, there is no change there, you just want someone to criticize.
Jenna, try to stay positive, you are still accomplishing something HUGE by biking the 60 miles, and more importantly, you are being honest with yourself ab what you can handle, and (it seems) enjoying your life!! We love you.

Carolyn @ lovinlosing

I’m sorry you’re getting such a hard time for your decision. You’re still doing a wonderful thing and I hope you don’t let it get you down.

Rachael

Unbelievable. I am floored by the negativity and personal attacks. I think you are doing a wonderful job of being raw and honest, Jenna, and I commend you for following what you feel is right for you. I, myself am learning that is incredibly hard to do, as competitive person.
Others are so quick to pass judgement on (anything) and often they know absolutely nothing about it.
Reminds me of the quote, “A critic is a legless man who teaches running.”

**hugs** I hope you don’t let the ridiculous comments get to you.
I support whichever decision you make and will be cheering you on 100mi, 60mi or 10mi! Good luck!

Lauren

Hi Jenna, I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. I just read some of the comments you received and I cannot imagine how incredibly hurtful they are. I’ve read about your faith before, so I think you understand, that we live in a really messy world, and I’m just praying that our kind and loving God just fills you up with forgiveness for these people with their nasty comments, and comfort and peace to get through it all. Wish I could give you a hug!

lisa

seriously? people? seriously? if you donate to a cancer walk or a bike ride or anything else, are you donating only because the person is doing x miles ? come on. either you want to donate or you don’t. if you donate, you are donating for the cause and nothing else. people need lives out there. i can’t imagine coming on here and posting this type of just crap that i’m seeing.
to the poster who said they were in high school and she thought that is the type of reaction that she’d see amongst her friends..i don’t even think high schoolers care that much about the type of insignificant things some of these people have posted about. jenna, get the email addresses and block them from posting, no good comes from any of it and it’s all just lame really. keep sharing your life with us, i know i look forward to it. whether you do 10 miles, 60 or 100 or even not at all, i could care less.

Namaste

I have to agree with Dana, Comment #97.

The reason I love to read your blog is because you are HUMAN. You appreciate good food, good wine, good books, good friends. You love your family, your cat, your body and YOU RESPECT IT.
I can honestly say that I relate much more to someone like you, then to other blogers who train like crazy, are obssessed with their food intake and their schedule.
I honestly don’t understand why they are still reading your blog if they don’t like what you’re writing.
TRY not to let it get to you.

Sarah

I love reading your blog. I can’t imagine putting myself out there like you do, being so honest and open with my everyday life. However, since you do blog (it is, in your words, your job) and have obviously received various perks, I think this is an example of taking the good with the bad… People are disappointed, angry and making very uneducated and negative comments. Let’s not even touch the one about Dexter…….

As far as seeing a “pattern”, the definition of pattern is frequent or widespread incidence (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). TWICE is generally not considered frequent nor widespread, so “seeing a pattern” is impossible, especially since we don’t live Jenna’s life and only “know” what we read.

In summary, I can understand why people are upset about not being informed of the change earlier, or why donors might feel slightly miffed that the original distance has changed, but take the advice you dole out (harshly, I might add) and grow up. Grow up and accept that the athlete you pledged to support faced training issues, both physical and mental. Grow up and accept that this was a possibility you knew about before donating. Grow up and be happy your money is helping people who need it and that Jenna is still undertaking a huge task.

Any haters who are still truly disappointed in Jenna have many options. They could discontinue reading the blog, accept that Jenna is human and continue reading… Or they could read each post, searching for weakness and flaws, pretending to know exactly what’s really going on in Jenna’s life, spending hours decoding how much time Jenna actually spends training, critiquing her every move… Sounds awesome.

Shanon

All I can say is WOW! She solicited donations for a charity and regardless if she bikes 0 miles or 100 miles the charity STILL gets the money. It’s not like she is vacationing with the money. As far as the comment that Jenna needs to grow up… she’s still young, not married and living lifes adventures. Eat out, drink wine, live life passionately because you are only young for a short while. Love ya Jenna and your blog! Praying for you from the south. 🙂

bobbi

WOW serious stuff here. Jenna you are amazing!!! Life happens and you have to make tough decisions!! Man people can be so cruel! I think its great that you came back with such tact! Love you girl!

Kate

Jenna,

I have been reading your blog for two years now and I think this is the first time I’ve ever commented. You have kept me interested each and every day for the past two years. You have a knack for making readers feel like they are one of your good friends. It’s a real talent. You must understand that there are many women that read your blog that suffer from low self-esteem that often manifests itself in eating/exercising disorders. It may make them feel better for a short time to knock you down. You know better than to let this bother you. When I want to take a day off of working out I feel embarrassed. I don’t even want my BOYFRIEND to know. You, poor thing, need to let THOUSANDS of readers know! Sheesh!

I love your blog. Keep it up. I’m not sure what I would sip my coffee to in the morning without it!

Kate

avi

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

your shit’s weak haha

Cat

Wow, how weird all these negative comments are to me! It doesn’t matter how far Jenna bikes the money is still donated to a good cause, right? So what the heck difference does it make to anyone how far she goes?

I’m also training for the Grand Fondo, the 60 mile, and just did my longest ride to date yesterday — 56 miles! And it was HARD. It was hot, I had issues fueling properly and the skin between my thumb and first finger chafed (hard to imagine and yes IT HURTS) amongst other things. I absolutely love cycling, am not as new to it as Jenna is and I was still glad to be done yesterday — so yes, 60 miles is no small feat.

MC

We all don’t have to agree with Jenna and we should be allowed to voice “constructive criticism”, but comments like #57 are totally unnecessary.

Katie (Life Discombobulated)

It is 60 FREAKING MILES, PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is a LONG way to ride and anyone who is willing to go for it like that is awesome! Interesting how ALL of those negative commenters don’t have blogs of their own – or at least don’t have the guts to post their blog link.
Committing to a goal and working towards it is hard. Finding time to train for a major long distance event is hard. Sometimes life gets in the way. MANY of us choose NOT to listen to our minds or bodies and try to forge ahead anyway even though we know, deep down, it’s probably not the best thing to do. Jenna, with all that you’ve gone through over the last couple of months, it takes serious guts to stay true to your commitment of COMPETING IN THIS RACE and apparently even more guts to announce to the world that you made a mistake and are trying to do what’s best for yourself. Just because you make parts of your life public (which your readers all thank you for!) doesn’t mean that you should do what the public thinks is best for you. You would be letting yourself down and all of the readers that truly care about your well being if you didn’t stay true to yourself.
One of the MOST important parts of having a healthy living blog, in my opinion (*sarcasm*), is actually LIVING a healthy life!!! Mind, body, and heart. THAT’S what your readers come for.

Debbie

Hey there you sweet, beautiful lady! The folks I truly feel sorry for are those haters. I hazard to guess what their upbringing must have been. You’re loved by family and so many. You offer more zest for life than most people I know. I congratulate you for looking out for #1. As my hubby says, you need to put the mask on yourself first. So, take care of you first Jenna and let the others around you say what they will. At least the majority here know you’re doing the right thing for you.

I offer love to you and even a big ole dose of lovin’ to the haters. They’re really the ones who stand in need a good ole fashioned dose of lovin’ Don’t Ya Think???

Blessings ~ Debbie

Rita

(jenna) that is a hug for you–these people NEED to get a life, to me it seems like they have been waiting to pounce on you and are using this “opportunity” to do so, their comments are extreme because of their own feelings of insecurity an jealousness IMO
as women we should be supporting one another, not tearing ourselves and others down, cut the girl a break
besides if you can’t handle what she is saying maybe you should stop reading, I look at this blog as entertainment and don’t read into every detail and examine and judge
it is fun to live vicariously through someone else sometimes and the blogging community makes this an easy thing to do
Hopefully you are all leading such perfect lives and perhaps share on your own blogs and we will see how much self-editing y’all have to do
Lighten up people, this is just life and we are all just going through it, some more graciously than other
keep up the good work Jenna and never let them get you down

Jaime

I have to say that reading the above comments has been far more interesting than any blog post I’ve read in the past month! People are CRAZY! Good luck with the 60 miles, Jenna!

eatdrinkandbemerrynyc

It must be a lonely and sad life some of these anonymous people live behind a computer screen with their anger and ‘hurt’ over something like dropping down in mileage. The worthy charity will still receive the funds, Jenna will still bike. In the same race. A different mileage. The fact that this matters enough to people ‘personally’ (Jenna’s blog is a great time, but she’s not your ‘friend’) to craft cruel and hateful responses saddens me. Peel yourself from your computer and try to engage yourselves more in the real world. Run, walk, bike, swim…talk to friends, go a restaurant, sit outside and listen to the sounds of nature (or ambulances if you’re me 😉 ) That’s what life is all about. Not 40 less miles. And life is too short to be mean.

That said, Jenna, ride like the wind 🙂

Michelle

I think it is kind of harsh to compare Caitlin and Jenna. Different people have different experiences.

Caitlin

Jenna – you are amazing. Be proud of all that you do.

Barbara(Blood, Sweat and Heels)

Jenna~

This is all in the name of charity right? Then I feel it’s great you raised money for this cause….it makes a difference. I also couldn’t give a HOOT if you bike 20-4-60 or 100 miles….this is about CHARITY. People want to be negative then let them….you’re doing just fine kid.

Your blog has REALLY become impressive since you moved to CA..

B

Meredith @ An Epic Change

I have to say reading through some of these comments is making me sick. In the end, the money you are raising goes to CANCER, not you personally. Why is it such a big deal if you dropped down to another category? The money still goes towards a worthy cause and honestly I think it is bs that people are so upset about it. CANCER, people! The money is not any less appreciated by those suffering from illnesses because you weren’t able to attack the training as you had planned.

Everyone over-books his or herself at some point and it isn’t like you’re not doing the race at all! 60 miles is huge and I think you should be commended, not criticized, for what you are doing and the way you’re doing it. No one is perfect. All the haters should try to commit to a 100 mile bike race and see how they feel. I think you’re awesome Jenna, and even though I’m late in the game reading your post, I don’t think it deserved the reaction it got but it seems to me like you will come back from this and handle it beautifully like the strong, able woman you are.

guitargrl

I have never commented before, but have been a follower for almost a year now. I felt compelled to comment on the firestorm that has been caused by this post. JEESUS people, give the girl a break!! It’s very easy for us to sit in judgement when we are only given glances at someone’s life and can remember in detail so much of those glances. Ever had to sit down and examine your own life with such detail?! I’m currently applying to be a medical officer in the Air Force and I have to list out every place I’ve lived in the past 10 years…and it is not a short list! I look at it and feel like it makes me look unstable, like I can’t commit to a location. Also, have any of you who are making negative comments ever signed up for an endurance race only to have something happen whether it be life stuff, injuries or whatever had to back out of it? Two years ago I decided I wanted to train for and run a marathon. I signed up for one that was 6 months away, and started training. I got injured about half-way through and contacted the directors and got it changed to a half-marathon. Then the weekend of the race, my husband got discharged from the military and came home after not seeing or speaking to each other for four months, so I chose to skip the race to spend the weekend away with him. Life happens! Does it really matter if she bikes 60 miles..doesn’t the money still go to the charity? Did she not focus enough time/dedication to training? Probably, but it is not our job to point that out. I’m sure she is well aware that she hasn’t devoted the time and probably feels bad enough about it on her own with out all of us throwing stones.

And the cat thing? Are you serious?!! The animal does a very natural cat-like behaviour and that translates into her being unfit as a cat-mom? One of my dogs will run straight towards cars if we let her(which we don’t!!) because she knows cars have people in them and she loves people….should someone come take my dog away because of this behaviour?

cat

life is a learning experience.

you look très belle in those pics.

Christie

You are an amazing writer and a truly inspirational person. You do you and do NOT let this get you down.

Paige

60 miles is still an amazing feat that most people could never accomplish! Don’t think any less of yourself because of these lame commenters – all this money is going to charity and whether you’re riding 60 miles or a 100, people still would have donated to a great cause.

And you’re a good fur mom to Dexter, I just know it. 🙂

Rachel @ Suburban Yogini

I think it is important we look at our own less than perfect live before judging the lives of others, especially the lives of bloggers who we do not know other than through the internet.

And really, are any of us in a position to judge anybody?

Molly @FuelHerUp

I realize this is an old post, but since it’s a “hot topic”, as a fan of the blog for a long time now I wanted to comment.

1) You are obviously a good mom to Dexter. That comment was completely uncalled for.

2) 60 miles is still a great accomplishment.

3) I think you should have changed the donation page a month ago when you made this decision. Obviously, all the money is going to charity, but I can see how some people who donated might be a little taken aback to know that you had already decided to change the distance but were still keeping the “100 mile” commitment on the blog. Not a huge deal ($ is going to charity, again) but if you’re doing an event for charity in the future, I would suggest making your distance clear. You made a mistake- not the end of the world.

4) You are an amazing woman. I will continue to read your blog as I have been. Good luck with your race!

Liesl Hypki

Hey Jenna!
Your blog was the first healthy living blog that I found a year and a half ago when I started reading them and feel in love with the blogging community. I loved your blog, and read it everyday. I still read it, occasionally, but i have to be honest it has dropped down on my “to read if I have time list.”
I wasn’t upset or dissappointed in your decision to drop down to the 60 miles, that’s so good to listen to your body and know what you can accomplish. But honestly, I’ve felt almost saddened by your blog lately. You went through hell and back with the loss of your brother, and I can’t imagine what that must have been like. But since you left Florida, your family, Ryan, your friends there, you have seemed like a different person…not like your “blog self” I guess. I used to enjoy your posts on your faith and Bible studies as well, and alot of joy and life seems to be missing from your blog these days.
It’s sad, but I know all of these comments will hopefully get you thinking on and pondering what life really means, what your purpose is. I don’t mean to be hateful in anyway, and even though I don’t know you at all I pray for you often because I truly respect you and all that you do. Wishing you the best for the race and the upcoming months.

Raya @ Raya Runs

I’ve actually already commented on this post but what is funny to me is that after I read it all I thought was “wow dexter is very adventurous” and that was all. It never even occurred to me to be disappointed in you or angry at your decision. The only reason I looked back through the comments was because of your next post. I know its hard but the majority of the comments are positive. Isn’t it funny how 100 people can say nice things and 5 or so say negative things and those five things have more power? Peopple are so focused on, what, two things you haven’t “finished?” What about all the things you HAVE completed? Moving across the country? Cooking school? Book? Life is a daily battle to lift ourselves-and others-up. Even gravity works against us. But I think you do an amazing job at staying positive especially considering you are away from your family and your support system. I know that I don’t “know” you but I do know that I would be honored to. Hang in there girl!

Fernando

You should do a contest for a bottle of wine. Some people here could use a little jesus juice right about now.

ky

75 amy, gag me.

Carla in Sydney

Jenna….These haters must be so unhappy with their own lives to bother reading a person’s blog and then leave horrible and unhelpful comments on it! Good on you for getting out and raising money for charity while I (and many others) sit here on our butts looking at a computer screen! You are fabulous, you are REAL and never let those awful haters grind you down!!!! There are way too many negative women in this world who love to “cut down” other women’s efforts to feel better about themselves! I am 100% supportive of anybody making an effort to be healthier and help others less fortunate than themselves. Go Jenna!!

Leslie

Give me a break.

No one donates to a cause BECAUSE the person is doing X. They donate because they believe in the cause, or because they want to win a prize being offered in exchange or a donation. No one here was under the impression they were paying you, Jenna, when they made donations. If they actually were, they’re too dumb to have use of a credit card and the internet. The mock outrage is just an attempt to make themselves feel big by making you feel small. Shame on them.

The most important part of being an endurance athlete is knowing your body. Could you have done the full 100 with more training? Yes, you probably could have done. Does real life get in the way of the best of intentions sometimes? Yes, it absolutely does. I’ve lost a brother, too, and I understand entirely what you’ve been going through, and how hard that first year is. There is absolutely no explaining it to anyone who hasn’t lived it, and because you’ve tried not to dwell on it recently and kept your grief mostly private doesn’t mean you haven’t been suffering. Anyone who can’t step back and look at the larger picture of your life isn’t worth the space they’ve taken up attacking you here.

Get a life, people. Put your self-righteous indignation and put it where your mouth is: Take your hate and use it for something good, and sign up for your own charity race and help others. Attacking someone else cheapens YOU, not them.

Jenna, honey, you’re in my prayers. You’re just fine, you’re more than fine, and you’re doing good things for yourself and others. If you’re right with the Lord, that’s all that matters. Ignore the tripe here.

Sam

I know I’m late in responding to this, but..

I guess I’m confused on all of this. I know it’s frustrating if you donated money, but the money is still going to charity, so who cares? Also, to whoever said that we’re jealous of Jenna because she’s pretty, what does that have to do with anything?

I also don’t understand how people can freak out about others voicing their opinion. Yeah, some of them maybe be a little harsh, but they are allowed to say how they feel just like the people who constantly talk about how great Jenna is. I do love this blog, but it seems like no one can say anything bad, or else there is going to be a rebuttal post , or 60 comments saying how that person is wrong.

I’m not trying to add to the drama, I just feel like this gets too personal for people who haven’t even met eachother, or Jenna for that matter.

Just read the blog, and enjoy it…if you don’t like it then don’t read it.

Sarah T.

I’d like to offer my thoughts, though I know this is quite late. I’m echoing what commenters like Molly and Sam have said, in some ways. I’ll try to be brief.

1) I love your blog, Jenna, more than any others I have ever read throughout the “healthy living” realm. I, like many readers, appreciate your honesty and joyful spirit.

2) 100 miles is a lot. 60 miles is a lot. 10 miles is a lot! I offer my congratulations (and awe!) at whatever you accomplish. I agree with other posters who mentioned that listening to your body can be tough, and it’s nice to see a role model who’s not always “obsessed” with her training, if you will.

3) Recently, I’ll admit I have been jealous of you, Jenna, partly because it does often seem like you are enjoying a TON of great food and wine and rocking a killer bod to boot! I, like many, read healthy living blogs in part to get a model of how to become healthier myself. Sometimes I do wish I could see a little more of the “actions-I-could-model” aspect here.

4) I can see why some readers might be frustrated, particularly if they had donated money, and even more so if they had donated money for another race that they felt Jenna did not complete as advertised. Those of you who focus on the cancer research aspect are missing the point. These disappointed readers have every right to voice their opinions, since this is a public blog. Many of these readers are VERY well-spoken (written?), which leads me to believe that these comments are from reasonable people with legitimate opinions that they can back up. Why would these readers – again, who are capable of articulating their opinions in a generally mature and straightforward manner – have any less of a right to comment than a reader who has only praise to offer?

The elements of this last point confuse me and, frankly, really bother me. Dissent is an integral part of society in general. People who voice their dissent cannot reasonably or immediately be labeled “haters” or “jealous” for exercising their right to speak (write?) their minds within the confines of the law. Jenna is a mature and intelligent woman. She knows that by keeping a public blog she opens her life up to criticism. I assume she also knows that by going a step further and receiving “freebies” or any other special gifts, she is likely to be held to a higher standard than the average person, blogger or not. If a reader feels that this “higher standard” has been compromised, he or she needs to be able to say so.

By the same token, readers who have less-than-articulate and/or less-than intelligent responses to posts or comments they disagree with are also permitted to speak freely.

Sometimes, though, I feel like those hasty and excessively supportive answers are the most ill-informed and least helpful additions to mature discourse. As a reader who merely wishes she could blog as well as many of these women, Jenna included, I particularly appreciate reading comments that contribute to an ongoing discussion, whether or not it is always exclusively supportive of everything the initial post sets out to accomplish. Since I have no blog of my own, comments are the only places I can participate, and it’s nice when they’re not always the same. It is no one’s job as a reader to be constantly cheerleading the blogger. As many of you have mentioned, Jenna’s primary job is to write. As I hope many of you also know, the most successful writers often encounter much criticism, and rightly so. Regardless of your like or dislike for a piece of writing, failure to be able to see multiple sides of a situation is a weakness bigger than any others mentioned here. I do feel, of course, that it is everyone’s job as a reader-and-commenter to be thoughtful and considerate.

All that said, when I first read this post, it was after I had noticed a “rebuttal” post…and I had a hard time figuring out what sort of comments could possibly have been written that would require a “rebuttal.” I didn’t (and don’t now) think any less of Jenna for admitting she needed to tone down the training. Having read the comments now, though, I can appreciate those readers’ views. A long time reader of Jenna’s blog, I can also appreciate how she must be feeling. Sometimes we all can’t be happy all the time. This is okay.

Also, I don’t have a blog, so I have no way of backing up my comments in the way many readers would like. I’m sorry. I’d welcome further comments on my post, though, and would consider giving out my email publicly to that end. I hope this dispels assumptions that I am hiding behind a cloak of anonymity.

The internet is a tricky place – Jenna, I admire your ability to participate so gracefully!

Liz

Seriously people? What the F is wrong with you guys? Give the girl a break. She’s had a really hard year. I lost a close family member and I couldn’t get out of bed for a couple weeks around the anniversary of their death. Jenna, please don’t take to heart all these hurtful, spiteful, jealous comments. It’s not like she’s keeping the money people donated. It’s for CHARITY you fools.

jess

jenna, love the blog and totally agree with everyone that has said to listen to your body and your limits.

all of this negativity is really a bummer….but there are crazy people everywhere. <3

Heather @ Side of Sneakers

I LOVE the tip about resetting your white balance on your camera- I have to try that!! I ALWAYS have trouble with indoor lighting, especially in restaurants- I usually don’t even bother with the pictures because they’re so bad nobody wants to look at them!

Heather

I can understand some part of the frustration that other people are posting about. But, I am sure that they have bitten off more than they can chew in their life before. I think it takes courage to say that you’ve tried to do more than you could and you realized before it was too late that you needed to do the 60 mile rather than the 100 mile. And you discovered that cycling isn’t really for you, perhaps that is why you didn’t train as hard as the other person that they’re talking about (Caitlin?). Honestly, I’d just say don’t feel bad about yourself. Life is a journey of learning and “mistakes” aren’t always what they seem. People need to be a bit less judgemental and a bit more understanding.