Morning!
I had the hardest time falling asleep last night! I kept getting up and down, turning the heat on and off, opening and closing the window….and then Dexter kept laying right on my head. For some reason I just wasn’t tired AT ALL! I think I was all hyped up from that awesome yoga class!
Today is the first official day of my Echelon Gran Fondo training!
I’m going to be working with a coach based out of Berkeley because I’m just so new at this and want to train the right way. Shawn is setting me up on a customized 12 week plan suited to my needs and endurance levels—should be interesting! Today’s training includes a 40 minute CrossFit strength workout outside with Anna and Lisa followed by an easy 30 minute ride later this afternoon and some stretching. I’m taking my bike to the shop today to have my pedals loosened a bit so its easier for me to clip in and out. I think that will make all the difference in the world! I also need to find some cheap jerseys on the clearance rack so I look more professional 🙂
To jumpstart my morning I had a big cup of a black and green tea blend (though now after yesterday I’m really craving another strong iced coffee!!!) and a bowl of chia oat bran:
I used 1/3 cup oat bran, 1 T chia seeds, 1 cup soymilk, cinnamon and almond butter. Plus a huge organic grapefruit! I LOVE grapefruit!
I mentioned last night that I was giving up meat for Lent and immediately got a ton of questions asking if I considered FISH meat. To answer your questions, yes, I will be giving up fish as well for the 40 days. It’s going to be a huge challenge for me because I rely on salmon burgers a lot for protein but I’ll just have to start thinking outside of the box.
Time to get some writing done before my workout. See you later!
Olivia
February 18, 2010 at 8:25 amHey I was just wondering if you were going to do a follow up post on the 10 lbs you gained a few months ago? Any one else curious??
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com
February 18, 2010 at 8:25 amWow, so you’re going totally vegetarian? Impressive! I was thinking about doing that, but I think for now I’m going to just try and cut back on fish and chicken as much as possible and see how I do…
Good luck with the bike training! I always find it awesome to start a new training programme with a goal in mind 😀
Janna
February 18, 2010 at 8:37 amI am uber excited for your upcoming posts! Being a vegetarian myself (2 years in April!) I’m anticipating yummy new meal/snack ideas to add to my rotation!
Good luck with your ride today! I recently bought clip in shoes as well…we shall see how that works out for me! :/
Janna
February 18, 2010 at 8:40 amOh and I meant to add…I took an “impromptu roadtrip” on my day off Monday in your neck of the woods (napa, bodega, then down hwy1 to SF) and I just have to say you’re one lucky girl enjoying that scenery daily! It is absolutely beautiful and green right now! so refreshing! I loved it
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
February 18, 2010 at 8:42 amI’m a big fan of spinning classes, but haven’t transitioned to outdoor cycling yet. Excited to read about your progress.
Good for you for giving up meat for lent! I consider myself a quasi-vegetarian (occasionally I’ll eat meat/fish at restaurants), but I’ve been making more of an effort lately to be totally veggie.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
February 18, 2010 at 8:46 amGood luck on your first official day of training!! Good for you for getting a coach– a little help never hurt anyone, right?
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
February 18, 2010 at 8:48 amSo cool that you’re gonna have a COACH! Hopefully it’ll allow you to train smart. Pump up the Greek yogurt for protein 🙂
Shannon (The Daily Balance)
February 18, 2010 at 8:48 amcan’t wait to hear about your training! I’m curious to see what he’s having you do! Enjoy! 😉
Christina
February 18, 2010 at 8:48 amI am so happy that you gave up meat for Lent, because I am curious to see what you post for meals. I, too, gave up meat for Lent this year, as I have been toying with becoming vegetarian recently. I did not give up fish, so I guess I am really going pescatarian for Lent, but love reading your blog and am looking forward to new ideas. I just wish I could find veggie sandwiches of the calibur that you post on your blog here in South Texas. The average veggie sandwich here is a sub roll with cucumbers, hummus and sprouts. Not very inventive!
Morgan @ Life After Bagels
February 18, 2010 at 8:49 amgood idea on getting a coach . . . especially when you’re new at something
I also couldn’t sleep last night 🙁
candace
February 18, 2010 at 8:51 amHow are you going to get in complete protein while training for a huge race? Perhaps you should just give up red meat unless you’re becoming vegetarian again to loose lbs!
Estela @ Weekly Bite
February 18, 2010 at 8:51 amHaving a coach is a great idea!
Have a great workout!
Adam
February 18, 2010 at 8:52 amGood luck with your training! Sounds like you are going to be quite the pro by the time you are finished!
Gabriela
February 18, 2010 at 8:56 amGood Luck with your training, Jenna!
And, about the Lent – you can do it! Haha 🙂
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
Brittany
February 18, 2010 at 9:02 amcongrats on your training kick off! keep it up!
Brittany
February 18, 2010 at 9:02 amcongrats on your training kick off! keep it up!
Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle
February 18, 2010 at 9:02 amThat’ll be great to have a coach for proper training… Good luck with your kick-off training sesh!
Millie
February 18, 2010 at 9:04 amHi Jenna–
I thought the purpose of Lent is to give up things that are not good for you, like bad habits. How is giving up salmon burgers (heathly) in keeping with this?
jenna
February 18, 2010 at 9:28 amMillie,
Hmmm I think its different for everyone. I was never brought up to give up something considered “bad”…to me, the point of Lent is to give up something in your life so that you can feel the sacrifice.
Heather (Heather's Dish)
February 18, 2010 at 9:07 amgirl, you are going to be RIPPED! i’m jealous of how great of shape you’re gonna be in 🙂 hope you have a blast!
Kat [ http://katsadventuresinhealthylivingandotherfunstuff.wordpress.com/ ]
February 18, 2010 at 9:10 amDoes this mean you’re going to Berkeley at all? Have you been to the “Gormet Ghetto” yet? I have a feeling you would love it. I love Berkeley! Best of luck~
-kat
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
February 18, 2010 at 9:17 amGood luck today! Biking seems like such fun. A new challenge is always cool!
Tara
February 18, 2010 at 9:17 amI love grapefruit too I just hate peeling them!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner
February 18, 2010 at 9:18 amThe training sounds so exciting, can’t wait to hear more!
And good luck with Lent, I couldn’t give up fish 😉
Kristilyn (My 29th Year)
February 18, 2010 at 9:23 amWow – I’m looking forward to seeing your meals as a vegetarian! I’ve been in the habit of only have 1 or 2 meals a week with meat, and I really don’t crave it. Now I crave big bowls of roasted veggies, salads, and even egg whites. It’s weird how the body works.
Good luck with your training – I hope you get where you want to be in the 12 weeks!
K
Ameena
February 18, 2010 at 9:25 amI am also looking forward to seeing more veg meals so I can get some good ideas!
Katy ( The Balanced Foodie)
February 18, 2010 at 9:25 amOne day I would love to get into cycling, my step-dad is a cyclist and loves it, he has my mom going out on long rides too! I’m sure I will get roped in at some point. Good luck on the start of your training! Can’t wait to see how you progress.
ny wolve
February 18, 2010 at 9:30 amA great source of protein is Skyr, Icelandic yogurt. It tastes like super dense Greek yogurt, and is almost 100% protein. It is technically a form of cheese, but has consistency of yogurt. Tastes great too. I like the Skyr.is brand they sell at Whole Foods. Good luck!
Light Delight with Tou Tou
February 18, 2010 at 9:39 amThe training schedule sounds so much fun!!I really like cycling outside!!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie
February 18, 2010 at 9:49 amJust a tip for protein…..greens have a massive amount of it so eat a bunch of greens (green smoothies, salads, etc) and you’ll be fine!
Lara
February 18, 2010 at 9:49 amI don’t consider fish to be “meat”. Yes it is animal flesh but maybe cuz I have been a pescetarian for so many years and consdier myself a “non-meat eater” that I see a diference between giving up meat (land animals) and going vegetarian.
Lara
February 18, 2010 at 9:53 am@Diana–greens do not have massive amounts of protein LOL
10 cups of spinach have only 8 grams. Not to say you can’t get protein be eating a vegetarian/vegan diet but it is not going to come from greens…
Monica
February 18, 2010 at 9:53 amBeans, beans, the magical fruit, the more you eat, the more you…well, you get the point…
But seriously, don’t think it’ll be all difficult to get your protein; I’m vegan so I’m speaking from experience here. 🙂 Good luck!
Becky
February 18, 2010 at 9:56 amI hate insomnia- it’s so frustrating to be laying in bed, feel exhausted, but be unable to “shut off.” Sometimes I have that after a long yoga session too. Not sure what it’s about! Good luck on the start of official training! Was the private coaching included with the donation of the bike?
Kelly B.
February 18, 2010 at 10:02 amYou are too cute with your ‘ready to ride’ face! Have a great day!!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
February 18, 2010 at 10:07 amThat grapefruit looks great! Ripe, bulbous, lovely.
Best of luck with your first official day of training!
Paige (Running Around Normal)
February 18, 2010 at 10:34 amHow awesome to have a customized training plan made for you! Good luck on your ride today 🙂
theemptynutjar
February 18, 2010 at 10:35 amI can never sleep…chocolate helps!
Gosh…I could probably go without “meat” for a while, because i have that every now and then….but I don’t think I could give up chicken, turkey and fish as easily…good luck!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
February 18, 2010 at 10:42 amInteresting choice of something to give up. I’m looking forward to your meals over the next 46 days.
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
February 18, 2010 at 10:43 amI gave up meat for lent last year… it wasn’t that hard though, since I don’t eat that much meat anyway!
This year, instead of giving something up, I’m adding something on. I’m taking some time each morning and each evening to think / pray about what I’m thankful for in my life. Lent is all about reflection, so I think that this applies…
MMiller
February 18, 2010 at 10:53 amGlad you are working with a trainer, being new to biking! Remember to incorporate Quinoa! You will do just fine!
Try looking at http://www.cancerproject.org for some recipe ideas as well! They are mostly vegan. They have classes around the country…the list of states and locations is on the site somewhere. As a cancer survivor, I took the classes and was very impressed!
The instructor I had was vegan as was her family (husband and 3 kids), and they were there helping too! I admire you for what you do, daily!
eatmovelove
February 18, 2010 at 10:54 amHmmm…I see sacrifice for Lent makes more “sense”…I still wouldn’t choose food though ;)…that’s just me…than again to each his own – some people find giving up coffee a huge nail-biter!! As for protein – I’m sure you’ll be fine….do you “do” tofu at all?? It seems there’s alot of controversy, but I like it :)…NUT BUTTERS haha …just sayin’…
Hey, I really like Amanda’s answer from above – about reflecting – nice !
Karen
February 18, 2010 at 11:08 amthat’s great training with a coach, I have been riding for a year now, 30 miles each time and still don’t really know when to change gears. I’m sure you will learn tricks to make it easier at those difficult times, going uphill!!!!!!!!!!!! Will be interested in hearing if you thought it really helped, I might consider this down the road.
ellen eats beets
February 18, 2010 at 11:22 amI am so impressed with your passion about this training. A coach will be so fun! good luck with it.
Jenn @ Livewellfit
February 18, 2010 at 11:25 amThat’s fantastic that you have a custom built program. I think this is going to be an awesome experience for you.
Here’s a thought that I came up with yesterday for focusing during Lent: sometimes our minds totally rebel when we decide to cut out or stop eating/drinking/doing a particular thing. Instead of telling yourself no meat, no this…replace the behavior with something different. I’m cutting out sugar this season so instead of everyday telling myself no sugar, instead I say I’m going to have almond milk in my coffee and spend an extra 10 minutes reading my fav book. So the focus become replacing a behavior with something else. Make sense? 🙂
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion
February 18, 2010 at 11:53 amEat more beans and greek yogurt. That should add to your protein.
Madison
February 18, 2010 at 12:00 pmI’ve never eaten a grapefruit that way… it looks like an orange! Must try!
Fran
February 18, 2010 at 12:00 pmMissy told me to visit your blog so I did. I can totally relate to the title of your blog: 3 things I love to do.
I’ve added you to my Google reader so will visit you in the future.
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans
February 18, 2010 at 12:07 pmIf my tiny bit of California geography serves me correctly, you aren’t too far from the Pearl Izumi outlet in Vacaville. They should have some killer deals on bike jerseys!
Jil
February 18, 2010 at 12:10 pmGood luck with your training!!!
Angela (The Lady Loves to Eat)
February 18, 2010 at 12:20 pmGood luck with your training! Running is my first love but I love to bike during the summer!
Jean
February 18, 2010 at 12:26 pmI like Amanda’s (#40) answer, too. Is it too late to come up with something?
I LOVE grapefruit, but for some reason have a mental block about eating it like an orange. In my head, it should be cut in the middle & scooped out of each half.
Good luck w/your training! I hope it’s tons of fun.
Marge
February 18, 2010 at 12:33 pmHey…why is your hair blonde in this pic? Maybe an older pic..am I weird that I noticed? hahaha anyway good luck w the training..love your blog. 🙂
Stef
February 18, 2010 at 12:41 pmyay! i have major berkeley pride so i smiled when i saw that your trainer is based out of there. aw you look so cute ready to ride! enjoy your training 🙂
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
February 18, 2010 at 12:48 pmHey great idea with getting a trainer! Sometimes it is hard to know how much / what training to do when preparing for an event. I love how having a trainer takes away that guess work 🙂
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete
February 18, 2010 at 12:49 pmDo you have biking shorts too? PerformanceBike.com has great deals! I use them all the time for all of my biking stuff!
Annie@stronghealthyfit
February 18, 2010 at 1:29 pmGood for you for trying so many new things! Good luck with the training 🙂 I’m jealous, I wish I got to ride a bike around Northern CA every day!
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather
February 18, 2010 at 2:39 pmGood thing you really like yogurt… It should help with your protein intake for the next 40 days. That should be real exciting having a specialized training program!
Sarah
February 18, 2010 at 2:42 pmI am giving meat up for Lent as well! I thought for a long time about what to give up, and I really don’t eat many sweets (I feel like that’s what everyone gives up). Meat is something I rely on for strength, so I thought it would be a good reminder to lean on the Lord for strength! I am excited to get food ideas from you. 😀 And of course pass some along your way if I think of any good ones!
Lauren
February 18, 2010 at 3:00 pmI just got my road bike today (looks just like yours) for my first triathlon in May. Mind you, I haven’t ridden a bike in a while, and have NEVER ridden a road bike w/ clips. My knees now look like yours did after your first day on the bike and my first “ride” went a little something like this – get on bike, fall of bike, skin knee, go home. If you have any biking tips, I’d sure appreciate it! Good luck with your ride today 🙂
Lauren @ louisianagrown
February 18, 2010 at 3:46 pmYou’re such an inspiration. Best of luck on your race training, but it sounds like with all this help LUCK will be the last thing you need!
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
February 18, 2010 at 3:51 pmGood luck with your training.
Sarah
February 18, 2010 at 3:58 pmI love the grapefruit eaten like an orange. The best way to do it! I can’t stand to see it eaten in a dish with a spoon. Everyone gawks when I eat them like an orange, but it’s much better that way!
Samantha
February 18, 2010 at 4:05 pmHonestly I am so happy you are doing this! I obviously still love your blog and have been reading it everyday for a couple of years but I loved when you were vegetarian! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
skinnyrunner
February 18, 2010 at 4:07 pmgood luck with your first day! hope all goes well.
Leena
February 18, 2010 at 4:22 pmi love grapefruit too! i think it will be a fun challenge for you to give up meat! some of my favorite sources of non-animal protein is tempeh, greek yogurt, and beans. tempeh is the top on my list though – i really love it, especially marinated in BBQ sauce and baked!
Zomy
February 18, 2010 at 4:40 pmI am curious about the weight issue too, like the first commenter. It seems like after you mentioned gaining 10 lbs, you started exercising A LOT. I know you like to be active, so maybe I’m seeing a connection when there isn’t one. In any case, good luck with your training. I’m sure it’s intense!
Becky
February 18, 2010 at 4:44 pmGood luck with the training! I hope to complete a bike race in the future and I’m interesting in following your progress. I’ve also decided to give up meat…but only for the next week! It’s the first time I change my diet so drastically, so I’m curious to see how it goes. Look forward to some of your vegetarian inspiration!
Jill
February 18, 2010 at 4:59 pmGood luck with your training – sounds like you’re off to the perfect start!! 🙂
Sherri
February 18, 2010 at 5:00 pmYou are wonderful!
Love the food idea!~
Jackie
February 18, 2010 at 5:23 pmi’m a huge athlete and i switched to a full vegetarian diet two years ago. no meat, no chicken, no fish. it’s hard, but i eat a ton of beans. beans on salads, beans by itself, beans in soup, pasta and beans haha. i also love tofu… one of my favorite tofu dishes is tofu picata (exactly like chicken picata… lemons and capers so yummy!). 🙂
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
February 18, 2010 at 5:27 pmGood for you girl! That’s so exciting that you’re getting started! I want to go for a bike ride too- too chilly out here in D.C. though!
Rebecca
February 18, 2010 at 5:34 pmHi,
I am also curious about the weight issue – I thought it was awesome you “came out” about that because it is something SO MANY of us have dealt with and it is so helpful to hear someone else’s thoughts/feelings/experiences with these often not talked about topics.
Also am I the only one who GAINS weight if I cut back on protein? Last Summer/Fall I was eating a highly vegetarian diet. And I know what you are thinking – there are a lot of very unhealthy vegetarian foods. But that is not at ALL what I was eating. I’m talking I was eating lots of fruit, butternut squash, beans, Ezekial wraps, pitas, and english muffins, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, whole wheat veggie wraps, and so on and I put on about 8 lbs….on a very small frame so it REALLY showed. This was when I was also running about 40 miles per week and not going crazy on portions. Now I have increased the animal proteins and fats in my diet, cut back drastically on starch and I am heading back down to my normal weight. Maybe I am proof that completely different foods do different things to different people?? But I look at peoples’ delicious vegetarian meals and get sad because I know I pudge out if I eat like that. Anyone else experience this??
Thanks and your blog is awesome!
Cyndi
February 18, 2010 at 5:46 pmI’m giving up coffee for Lent … it’s not “bad”, but definitely a sacrifice as you said. Good luck with your sacrifice.
diana(mymarblerye)
February 18, 2010 at 6:00 pmi’m eating fish as i type. Oops. Good luck with a soy filled 40 days. You can do it. 🙂
Suzanne de Cornelia
February 18, 2010 at 7:12 pmThought you might like this terrific/inspirational photo of Lindsey Vonn as you train. http://bit.ly/DbPaj
ari
February 18, 2010 at 7:34 pmit would be cool if you would post your crossfit workouts
ari
February 18, 2010 at 7:38 pmit would be cool if you posted all your crossfit workouts.
Jenny
February 18, 2010 at 7:45 pmI’m in desperate need of some new protein sources! I’m getting bored with the usuals…I’m looking forward to what you come up with!
jessica
February 18, 2010 at 8:25 pm@Rebecca – You lost weight by increasing protein and cutting back on carbs. Remember it take the body more energy (=calories) to digest protein than it does carbs. Vegetarians can gain weight because they are relying too much on grains (carbs) for their protein when in reality you need to eat more calories from carbs to get that protein. Concentrating on the greek yogurt and cottage cheese for protein and limiting carbs will help maintain/lose that weight.
eatingRD
February 18, 2010 at 9:35 pmGood luck on your training! I’m super excited to take it to the next level myself 🙂 yay!
Anne
February 18, 2010 at 11:14 pmI’m sure they will tell you this at the bike shop, but be sure not to have them loosen your pedals too much. The looser they are, the more you have to twist your foot to get them out of the pedals…
Rachel
February 19, 2010 at 12:52 amHaha… I think it’s funny how all these commenters are concerned about your protein when you have a huge section about it in your FAQs! Seems you know what you’re doing 😉
Tiff
February 21, 2010 at 9:37 amgood luck on the training!