Hello hello!
Currently watching super intense Ohio State/USC game with my daddy 
I’m just gonna say it……..GO BUCKS!!!!!! I’m pretty much born and bred Ohio State; this is serious business over here.
Anyways, had a great day today with a mix of work and fun. Got some writing done, went to the jcrew outlet (muhaha) and then ran 8 miles! More on that in a bit. First, lunch!
Boar’s head turkey and hummus wrap on Ezekiel with hot sauce and honey mustard. Delish!
A balance bar while at the outlet stores!
No photo, but I did get a super cute tweed jacket/blazer. I heart it.
When I got home, the clouds were out and I made the executive decision to just run the 8 miles today rather than waiting and waking up at 5:30 tomorrow morning. I really prefer to save Sundays for total rest and knew I would feel better once it was out of the way.
I was glowing (literally) as I head out the door!
The run was…….hard. I’ve never done a long run in the middle of the day and have gotten so used to fueling the same way every morning so this was weird. Luckily, the balance bar did not upset my stomach or anything, but just running at a different time sort of threw me off. I averaged a 9:30 mile for the first 4 miles and then slowed down a bit to 10:00 for the return. On mile 6 it started to POUR but this time I welcomed it!!! People say if you can run 7, you can obviously run 8 but I’m here to tell you that there is DEFINITELY a difference between running 7 and 8. That last mile felt soooooo long and I stopped to walk a few times….my legs were feeling like lead. Finally, I started giving myself a pep talk (literally, talking out loud…I’m crazy) and I made it. Woohooooooooooo!!!!!!
My dad found me like this:
Alas, I pulled myself together
I’m also here to say that running skirts are seriously the best invention ever. I LOVE mine! I got it at Target for like $10 and I WILL be wearing it at my race next month! It’s my lucky skirt
I immediately ate half a banana and iced!
And then made a big shake. I like to follow Brendan Brazier’s advice about refueling with liquid after heavy duty exercise because it digests easier than solid food. Tonight for the first time, I tried his “Vega” powder in my shake.
This consisted of 1 scoop Vega, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup almond milk, frozen blueberries and a big spoonful of almond butter. Would have thrown some spinach in for a true GM but we’re out! 
My thoughts? Meh. Sorry y’all but I’ll always give you my personal honest opinion and I just wasn’t a big fan of this. I don’t know if it was the Vega or my combination, but this was waaaay too sweet and had a weird aftertaste. I much prefer chocolate Amazing Meal and luckily I have some coming my way this week….I’ve been out for too long!
Regardless, I drank it down while soaking in an epsom salt bath Classy, I know.
And then…..it was time for beer and football with my daddy!
Around mile 7, all my favorite icy cold beverages were floating before my eyes and started to envision cold, cold water, POM iced tea, sweet tea, pumpkin beer, blueberry beer, MG fume?!! It was my driving force.
***
I’m off to make a snack.
…………….OHIO STATE FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
Born and bred Ohio State – what part of ohio? I grew up in Southeast
Deva,
Well, I wasn’t actually born there..more in spirit. My dad’s side of the family all lives in Columbus and he grew up in Ohio
I despise the Vega products, sorry, haha – so no worries about not liking your shake
HELL YES OHIO!!!
I’m not sure about the Vega powder, but I definitely agree with liquids after long runs. I always feel ill when I try to eat solid foods after a long run. Smoothies are the ultimate recovery food for me and a great way to sneak in all your nutrients, including protein.
great job on your run!
I don’t even know what vega powder is. is it protein powder?
I grew up in Southeast Ohio! Currently living in Seattle and if I meat Ohioians here, 99% seem to be from Toledo LOL I’ll be in Columbus in two weeks and I can’t wait! Glad your dad’s a fan Jenna
Pryor is SO much fun to watch!
Nice job on the long run! Its weird how it feels different to run at an abnormal time of day. Somehow that always throws me off. Congrats, on getting through the run. Have fun watching the game with your Daddy!
I’m watching that game with my hubby too! I’m all about the BIG 10!
Great job on the run, too bad about the Vega stuff, never tried it!
I’m not a huge fan of the Vega powders either. Amazing grass is waaay tastier! I’m just crossing my fingers for a 40% off coupon again
I bought 3 the last time and it’s all gone (I share it with my mom)!
Congrats on the 8 mile run! I know what you mean by the difference between 7 and 8. I think I ran 7.75 miles at the most, LOL!
You will definitely thank yourself in the morning that you can sleep in, or read the newspaper, or have a really big hearty breakfast!
yay for 8 miles!
Congrats on the 8 miles! I find that running on the spur of the moment usually ends up working out better for me. I end up running because I actually feel like it as opposed to running because it was planned.
That smoothie sure looks delicious, even if it didn’t taste quite up to your expectations. I bet it at least felt good to have something to cool you down after the run.
Enjoy the rest of your evening!
Great job on the run, Jenna! I’ve yet to run 8. I’ve gotten to 7, but 8 just…scares me! Looks like you’re having a blast tonight!
“O-H…..I-O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
I grew up in Ohio too (you are automatically an OSU fan) and lived in the SF Bay Area until about 4 months ago – We are in Tennessee now! GO BUCKS!
Congrats on your 8 miles……………
Have a great visit to SF, it a great city to visit! =)
if you love running skirts, check out this website:
http://www.runningskirts.com
I don’t run/bike/workout in anything else now. Love them!! Plus the owners are very nice and customer service is great. They might seem a little pricey, but my black and white one just lost it’s decal after 2 years (and many, many washes!).
Great run!
yay for Ohio State!!! I’m not watching but I’ll still support my dad’s home state too
sweet job on the run! I’m trying to psych myself up to start running, and I know you are always posting on Running but if you can do a post (or refer me to something you’ve written) about how to get a jumpstart and prepare yourself??
thanks!
I have been SO snacky today after my 10.3 miler (and always am). But I love it
. What a great excuse to eat and eat and eat!
Great job on the 8 miler! As Stephanie tweeted to both of us, the Trader Joe’s blueberry beer is wonderful!!
I’m still trying to adjust all of my calorie intake in order to adjust for longer runs and am trying to figure it all out. I know you don’t count calories (and neither do I), but do you find yourself needing about one to two extra snacks a day on longer runs?
That is what I am finding. On longer run days, I am needing well over 2,000 to fuel me properly
I agree, running skirts rock! I despise running shorts and was so glad when skirts came out! Mile 8 of long runs (about 10-13 miles) is always my tired point. I think getting over that hump is hard. It’s where I just start needing fuel. But, knowing that is half the battle. Good job on your run, now you can relax tomorrow!
Lisa
8 miles is seriously awesome! I have been totally out of the exercise rut during the summer, as in, not doing any at all. I NEED to get back into it, it’s nice to see you stick to it.
? for Jenna-I never see you stick very many veggies in your sandwich (no judging!!!!!)…I always seem to add them for volume, and flava, have you always eaten them w/o veggies?
? for Everyone-what is in your typical sandwich?
I’m all for sleeping in and doing my 25 miles at the end of the day, for some reason I always have far more energy after dinner. Bummer, that the days are getting shorter. Do we have a j-crew outlet close to Tampa?? that may be on my agenda tomorrow as it is supposed to rain again.
Yay for Buckeye fans! Born and raised there but I support them from AZ now. Good for you for cheering and being a fan with your dad
go ohio!! my dad is also from ohio, cleveland to be exact, so i’ve always gotta soft spot for that state as well
you are lucky to have such a lil baby face! hehe you are gonna age so well! I am lucky too i’m 22 and ppl still think im 16.
I’ve heard that saying about running and totally don’t believe it. Before I started running I always thought to just add on another mile would be no prob bob….not the case. I have to build up to it or my body quits.
Glad you made it through and got to enjoy your beverage….I don’t watch a lot of college football but I had two great friends in seminary where one was an OSU fan and the other was a Michigan fan. So funny to watch them go at it on game day
GREAT JOB on your killer run! I’m so impressed!
And thanks for giving your honest opinion on the smoothie/shake; your readers trust you and appreciate the honesty!
Well done for your 8 miles, it sounded tough!!
I live in Ohio ( Columbus ) and love the buckeyes They played a great game. Soooo sad right now
FYI Jenna you look adorable in that running skirt. Great job !!!!
Great run girlie!! But as a USC alum I am afraid we are at odds this evening….I almost had a heart attack the entire game.
Since we live so close to Ohio State, we are definitly fans! Mallard went camping this weekend and the guys actually took a TV and satelite dish for the game. However, when they got finished riding 4-wheelers, they discovered couldn’t get signal. So, Mallard called me and said they all chipped in for a hotel room so they could watch the game lol.
i ran 7 today, and it was purdy hard. its only my second time running that far. maybe next time i will go for 8
it nice you allow yourself to walk, for some reason, i cant! if i say im going to RUN 7 miles, i run it, no matter how much pain i am in … not such a good idea!
Love the running skirt! I am SO asking for one for Christmas:)
I feel the same way about Vega powders–I just can’t make myself like them.
Ok, I’ve been wondering this for awhile but never thought to ask it for fear of sounding like a total weirdo, but here it goes! Has anyone ever told you that you sort of resemble Lauren Conrad?!? Is it just me or do you guys not have the exact same smile??? Haha…it’s random I know, but I can’t help but think that everytime you post a picture!
Girl – you are GLOWING!! haha. And your abs are rocking
I totally know what you mean about mid-day runs being so…off. I always feel more sluggish. But great job!!!!
Can you tell us your iPod running mix for 8 miles?? PleAs!! Thnx!
Haha. Sorry about the Ohio State loss…actually not really =P
I’m just a lonely USC fan!
Good job on your run!
Woo! congrats on the 8 miles lady!! No kidding there’s a big difference between 7 and 8!
I’ve been increasing my mileage by just 5 minutes each week, I like to eeeaaase into things. I’m not a fan of mid-day running either. I always feel super sluggish if I do it any time after lunch.
I love that Vega stuff! To each her own I guess
My magic combo is 2 scoops with a box of coconut water and frozen papaya chunks. I find thinner liquids work best with it, almond milk makes it kinda chalky.
totally agree with teh 7/8 thing! I did 12 last saturday and did 13 this saturday…lets just say i died in the last mile hahaha
Great job today! If you can run 8, then you can run 10! And I’m NOT joking… once you pass that 8th mile, the last 2 feel natural. =D
congrats on the nice run today!
jenna
Cute skirt! It’s always more fun to run in something cute. BTW I want your abs!!
Great run!! I hope you had a nice night with your daddy… blueberry beer sounds incredible!
xo
K
congrats on the 8 miles!! The most I have ever done was 7..so yes, I would say there is a huge difference between 7 and 8 cause I don’t dare go to 8 yet!! ha! Also, I noticed in your pictures that you didn’t have your garmin heart rate strap. I saw the garmin, but not the strap. Is this because you were only focusing on mileage? Does the garmin still work without it for your heart rate and calories burned? I am about to buy one, sorry to pick your brain about it, but I am very curious to find out everything about it before I take the expensive plunge! Thanks!
Alyssa,
the strap was hidden underneath my sports bra..it was there!
I love your blog! great job on the 8 miles! There is a huge difference when you are extending a long run by even a little bit! good luck with your race!!! love your recipes and your food philosophy as well!!
No wonder I love your blog – you’re a BUCKEYE! Too bad about the outcome last night for football, but great job on the runs for you! Keep being so inspirational for all of us out there.. and GO BUCKS
Jenna, I am soooo happy your running has rebounded after that small blister ordeal. I cant wait to hear how awesome your race is in October – I know you are going to rock it!!
Ah! I went to OSU. Although I am not a football fan… I never have liked sports much, and then I just got so mad when dumb football fans parked in my reserved parking spot on my on-campus apartment (super close to the stadium). It has worked out in my advantage when everyone else is depressed when they win and I’m indifferent. My boyfriend went to the game last night and came home pissed… hah! Poor guy
WHOOPS… that should be “everyone else is depressed when they LOSE”
Awesome abs! Of course I noticed that first because after three babies my abs are….lets just say “not what they were five years ago”:( However, I’m working on it and your blog is a great source of inspiration on my quest to getting healthy and active again. THANKS! Keep up the great work!