Breakfast/ Dessert/ Dinner/ Exercise/ Fitness/ Lunch/ Product Reviews

You Say You Want A Revolution…

Well Heck! Seems like yall really wanted some granola!!!

Now before I announce the winner, I wanted to tell yall that MixMyGranola was SO impressed by the feedback to the dream granola question that they offered EVERY Eat, Live, Run reader a $3.00 discount on their order!!!! All you have to do is, when you order, type in the promotion code “EATLIVERUN”.

Now, the actually winner of the $25 MixMyGranola gift certificate goes to………………comment #352, LISA!!! Lisa wrote: “My dream granola: muesli base, strawberries and cherries, cashews and hemp seeds, and chocolate espresso beans”

Congrats, Lisa! =) Now go and create your granola!!

Now, on with the day’s events!

Happy Thursday!

I’ve actually had a rather hard day today, which I will get into depth at the end of this post. My yummy, fresh and healthy foods though have definitely helped to keep me energized and sane even when I wanted to throw something against the wall (it was just that kind of day!).

To start off, I tried a NEW BAR this morning! Product review at the end of this post!

img_6640

I also had a fresh fruit cup, which consisted of a kiwi, blackberries and two huge strawberries. Yum!

img_6639

Later on, at work, I made a big bowl of oat bran with all the fixins’ for breakfast—-

img_6641

This was SO yummy and full of volume due to the extra water that I added! Here’s the combo today:

  • 1/2 cup oat bran with 2 cups water
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/2 scoop Sun Warrior
  • big scoop fresh ground peanut butter
  • sprinkle of Eat, Live, Run Granola!

It expanded like a balloon in my tummy and kept me full for hours. On my way home from work at 12:30 I dug into THIS beauty, which I had been looking forward to noshing on all morning long!

img_6642

Review at the end again…but let’s just say this did NOT disappoint!! 😉

Thursday is my biking + bible study combo and I love it. It was a gorgeous day and immediately upon getting home, I leaped onto my bike and pedaled away! See I told ya I had mucho energy today and I am attributing it to my diet of course. I biked the 4 miles to Sarah’s house and then took an hour break while we watched Beth Moore discuss the book of Esther—-

img_6651

Just kidding, that would be Sarah living up to the Green Vibrance challenge of drinking a serving plain with water. I was very impressed with her mad dirt chugging skills!!! After she succeeded in the challenge we did actually sit down and watch Beth. And I ate an apple and a banana before biking the remaining 4 miles home. I also hammered out 20 man pushups upon arrival.

img_6652

Dinner was a short time after and I decided upon something different………breakfast! =)

img_6653

I haven’t had breakfast for dinner in FOREVER and have missed it so! I made Caitlin’s french toast waffles with evening using 2 HempPlus waffles soaked in a mixture of 1 egg + 1 egg white, splash of vanilla almond milk and tons of cinnamon. Then, I cooked ’em on the skillet until crispy and golden brown. Served with a morningstar soysage, obviously! 😉 It was good but not as filling as I expected it to be. Hmmm…..

Dessert did the trick though—-2 of Abbie’s raw donut holes! Holy yum!

img_6658

Oh! and I ordered this book from Amazon and it finally came!—–

img_6655

Any thoughts?? Has anyone read this? I ADORE nutrition books and cannot wait to sink my teeth into this tonight. I am known for finishing books like this in one sitting….I just really love to read about different ideas about nutrition and food I guess! I will be doing a full review of the book once I have finished reading it.

As for why I have had a crummy day………….

This morning I made the conscious decision to take 3 weeks off of running. GASP. I know. I felt like I was about to burst into tears all morning at work. The reason is this: my physical therapist said that by taking a few weeks off I will achieve the BEST results in getting rid of my shin splints. I need to let my shins heal (by not running) and while they are healing, I need to be constantly working on stretching and strengthening to get in tip-top condition. Luckily, my TNT training does not begin until May 19th, so I do have some time on my hands. This upsets me soooooo much though because I finally feel like my endurance is really great and I am just LOVING it! However, I understand that I do have a chronic problem that will never 100% heal unless I do what the doctor says and rest. If I keep wearing myself into the pavement (literally), my half-marathon training this summer will be very very painful. And I don’t want that. So, as upset as I am, I guess I am willing to take 3 weeks and throw myself into the OTHER portion of my training, i.e. swimming and biking. Three weeks really isn’t THAT long and I hope to return to training stronger, faster and fitter than I have ever been before. I’m going to religiously do my strengthening exercises 3X a week, like my PT advised, and also incorporate some aqua jogging and more yoga in the mix. Hopefully these next couple weeks will fly by and I will be back running better than I ever dreamed! So I am telling you all this with hopes that you will YELL AT ME if, after two weeks, I claim that my shins are healed and “a little 5 miler won’t hurt anything”. No. No. No. Swim, Jenna. Swim, swim, swim. Bike, bike, bike. I WILL return from the break stronger and faster….just in time for my official training to begin!

Product Review!

Raw Revolution Bars

img_6629

Raw Revolution Bars are principally raw and free of refined sugars, cholesterol, peanuts, grains, gluten, preservatives and all animal products. They are also produced in a peanut and gluten-free vegan factory!

Raw Revolution Bars boast to be extremely nutrient dense and of superior quality than other bars on the market these days. They are moist and easily digestible. These bars are great for athletes because they are a great mix of protein, healthy fat, carbs and minerals, all with zero sugar spike.

Here’s a list of all ingredients used in the Raw Revolution Bar varieties:

  • Agave Nectar
  • Almonds
  • Cocoa
  • Coconut
  • Dates
  • Sprouted Flax Seeds
  • Hazelnuts
  • Mango
  • Raisins
  • Raspberry
  • Spirulina
  • Vegan Chocolate Chips

Most of the bars contain about 260-270 calories and around 15-16 grams of fat, making them ideal for a large snack or part of a meal. I was sent one of each flavor variety to taste test so I will just review each variety as I get to it! 🙂

This morning for my pre-work snack, I tried the smaller version of Raw Revolution Bar—the chocolate chip cookie dough variety! This bar has 200 calories in it, which makes it ideal for an anytime snack whereas the larger bars are more fit as part of a meal (in my opinion). This bar was dense and chewy with tons of rich chocolate-y flavor. It actually DID taste like cookie dough! However, I got a sort of weird aftertaste from it but that might be because I ate it with kiwi ? Haha 😉 Chocolate and kiwi don’t go?? What what?

Anyways, I think the thing that I liked the most about this bar was that it really didn’t cause a sugar crash. A lot of times I will eat a morning snack and be satisfied for about two hours and then suddenly hunger hits me so hard that I feel like someone is punching me in the tummy. I’m not a doctor or an RD but that definitely sounds like a sugar crash to me. I hate it! However, this bar (when combined with fruit) held me over quite nicely all morning long and I didn’t have that “sock-ya-in-the-stomach” sort of attack.

After work, I was very eager to try out another Raw Revolution bar—the chocolate hazelnut!

img_6643

Being a HUGE lover of anything chocolate and hazelnut (hello nutella!!), this was obviously my first pick to review. The thing that struck me the most about this bar was DANG IT WAS DENSE! When the Raw Revolution people say their products are “nutrient dense” that ain’t no joke. There was a TON of stuff packed into this little bar and I loved every bite. It actually was quite amazing…it tasted like I was eating a dark chocolate bar and I had to constantly remind myself how healthy it was! I would take this over a sugary sweet Clif Bar ANY DAY and highly recommend it. This bar held my appetite for a long time and I feel like I really got a great bang for the buck. There were whole pieces of hazelnuts in it and it was just divine! Well done, Raw Revolution!

Phew! Now THAT was a long post!

Tomorrow is finally Friday (insert happy dance) and I am going out to lunch after work with Amanda, a local blog reader, at one of my favorite places. Can’t wait to meet you Amanda!!!! =)

See ya tomorrow kiddies!

You Might Also Like

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    April 16, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    Boo for no running but it will be great for you to be 100% at the end of it!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

    Have so much fun with Amanda at Lunch. I love that place!!!

  • BethT
    April 16, 2009 at 3:25 pm

    Don’t you worry that you might be doing long term damage by continuing to run on your shins? I’m really not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but I worry for you – especially as you start the really long mileage of the 1/2 marathon training.

  • polly
    April 16, 2009 at 3:25 pm

    Happy dance for your sweet spirit and Esther and biking and don’t forget the secret ingredient of yummy legs… YOGA! 😉

    Love you, my friend Jenna!!
    XOXO

  • b
    April 16, 2009 at 3:29 pm

    no veggies?

    • jenna
      April 16, 2009 at 3:46 pm

      b,

      Nope! Not today. Although I did snack on some carrots that missed the camera’s eye while making dinner. I just couldn’t do a salad tonight! 🙂

  • Nicole
    April 16, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    MMmmm, I really want to try those bars! They look extremely tasty.

  • Rachel
    April 16, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    Give yourself a rest – you deserve it! Cross-training will help and I know we all like the blogs from a happy, healthy Jenna! 🙂

  • Shannon @ TheDailyBalance
    April 16, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    The bars look delish! The break in running is prob for the best. It’s good you are listening to your body — it will pay off I’m sure! YAY for Friday 😉 Have a great night 😉

  • Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness)
    April 16, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    Good luck with the shin splints!

    I’m glad to hear those bars are good. I’ve considered buying them many times, but never knew what to expect. I’ll have to try them now!

  • Rebecca
    April 16, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    Jenna, I’m so sorry to hear about your forced running hiatus! You’ll come back stronger than ever, though. I know how you feel… I was supposed to run a half marathon this weekend (I had trained for 3 mths) and last week I developed a stress fracture in my foot. Now I’m out for who knows how long. SO depressing. I’d rather rest it and let it heal and be able to run a marathon this fall, though, than push it and fracture it completely. You’re lucky that you are only out for 3 weeks. The time will fly!! 🙂

  • Gina
    April 16, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    Hi Jenna!
    I found your blog a few months ago from Kath’s blog and have enjoyed reading about your baking and fitness adventures! I’m so sorry about your shins! I feel your pain! It is sad to give up something you love. You are right to stop and rest! Running with pain is a recipe for disaster! I know from experience 🙂 Anyway, they will heal fast if you stay the course and rest! Hang in there! You will come back stronger than ever! I keep telling myself that everyday as I sit and recovering from a stress fracture. Was training for the Rock n Roll Marathon here in San Diego 🙁 It won’t be healed in time for my race . But you will be! Rest, rest, rest and then rest some more. Sometimes resting is your training! 🙂 Hang in there!

  • Shelly
    April 16, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    Jenna,
    So sorry that you have to take a break from your running! I just got over a cold and it killed me to not run or work out for a few days while I was getting better- I was so worried that I would lose the great momentum I’ve had going this spring once I took more than a day off. And I just don’t feel very good if I can’t get out and move around- but I know I needed to rest up. Fortunately I’m all better and back in the swing of things and ultimately, I would have just felt worse had I pushed myself when I didn’t have any spare energy. I’m sure that after 3 weeks, you will come back a stronger runner than ever, and in the meantime, enjoy biking and swimming! Both are so fun!
    I just wanted to say that I made your enchiladas last night and they were delicious! (Adding 2% greek yogurt instead of sour cream worked out fine, and the only other change I made was to add a roasted poblano pepper that I needed to cook in with the chicken. It was a very tasty addition.) I even overheard my boyfriend on the phone telling his friend about the enchiladas afterwords! Success! 🙂

  • Sarah (now in FL)
    April 16, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    Gosh, I look insane. D was so proud of me for surviving the challenge. And my dear, you will TOTALLY survive the running hiatus. I will walk, swim, pool run with you any time and I mean this! 🙂

  • Sarah (lovINmytummy)
    April 16, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    I thought Sarah was drinking wine at your Bible study, and I thought, “That’s interesting!”

    I think you are making a great decision to take a mini-running break, your body will thank you for it!!!

  • skinnyrunner
    April 16, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    cute pictures and great bar review!

  • Run Sarah
    April 16, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    I hope the break helps your shin splints…swim can be great for joint healing as well. I have brinner (breakfast for dinner) so satisfying!

  • Elizabeth
    April 16, 2009 at 4:30 pm

    Hi Jenna,

    I’m new to your site and very inspired to work harder at eating semi-raw and running. I have that Thrive book on my Amazon wish list. I’m doing his Thrive in 30 program which is free (I learned about it from the Fitnessista). It’s REALLY interesting. I look forward to your review of his book (also I have to check out the study book on Esther that’s in the background of one of your pics, that looked interesting!)

    Anyway, sorry about the run hiatus. I hope you can find other things to pour your energy into. I was wondering if there is an indoor rock climbing gym near you? That might be something you would really love, it’s challenging enough it might distract you from not being able to run, and it will work a whole different set of muscles you may not use often (unless you can run upside down on your hands).

    Take care! Now I’m off to eat TUrkish figs and pretend they’re donut holes.

  • K
    April 16, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    First of all love the song your title is referring to! Thanks for the reviews!! Sorry to hear about your difficult decision but it is for the better 🙂 You’ll be back running in no time!

  • MaryBe
    April 16, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    That is great about the discount, thanks! And congrats to the winner!
    I think you are smart to take a break

  • Danielle
    April 16, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    Remember, although taking 3 weeks will be one of the hardest things to do, in the end it will be the best decision you could make! Let your body heal and then rock that goal run!

  • Life.Art.MidnightSnacks
    April 16, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    Hi Jenna- I have been following your blog for a long time but this is my first post. Actually the granola one was my first….either way…just keep the ultimate goal in mind!! I have a hard time remembering that myself but you will be so thankful for it later! By the way Sarah (loveinmytummy) I also thought Sarah was drinking wine for a second! haha.

  • Anna
    April 16, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    I’ve got a Raw Revolution review up my sleeve too! Glad you liked them.

  • Lisa D
    April 16, 2009 at 4:51 pm

    Sorry about the running but hopefully your shins heal for reals! Also, that chocolate hazelnut bar looks and sounds delicious!!!! and I think chocolate goes with EVERYTHING, kiwi included! hopefully tomorrow you feel better!

  • VeggieGirl
    April 16, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    I’VE READ THRIVE DIET – EMAIL ME AND I’LL GIVE YOU MY IMPRESSION ON THE BOOK.

  • Anais
    April 16, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    Ok, I totally just ordered some raw revolution bars and chia seeds…Am I easily influenced or what?? lol hope they’re good 🙂 !

  • Shelby
    April 16, 2009 at 5:03 pm

    I hope your break from running is beneficial!!! Don’t stress too much, just think of it as a way to try new things =)

  • Hallie
    April 16, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    I think the most important thing to remember is like you said, 3 weeks really isn’t that long when you think about it in the grand scheme of your life. I tell myself that whenever I’m not looking forward to something…”it’s only an hour of my life, it’s only a day of my life, etc.” Also, look at it this way: this time next month, you’ll be running again. Think about how quickly last month flew by. Three weeks will be over before you know it.

  • Leila
    April 16, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    Hey Jenna – I’m recovering from an ankle fracture and had to completely stop all the activities that I loved doing and had to take up completely new ones (I’m on week 7 of recovery and still can’t do most of the activities I love). But the great thing about doing all the other stuff which has included a lot of upper body strength training, swimming and pilates is that I’ve been working muscles I never worked before. I was shocked after 3 weeks how crazy strong my core was getting from pilates something that I never would give the time of day to before my injury. I’ve had to totally reset my mentality. Now I see it as a blessing in disguise. Plus with more swimming you’ll be able to rock those one piece tan lines a lot more 😉

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner?
    April 16, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    HUGS to you my dear!!! You can do this!

  • Alison
    April 16, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    Good luck on stopping running. It’s so hard to give up, even temporarily, something you love. But it’ll be good for you.

    Thank you for the detailed review of Raw Revolution. All the information made me much more likely to buy the bars. The manufacturers should be very happy with your post.

  • Sharon
    April 16, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    Oh wow, I totally want to try those Raw Revolution!

  • Brianna
    April 16, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    mmm chocolate and hazelnut = love love love! Can you do any for of my cardio now, like biking? or are being told to go cold turkey? Breakfat for dinner always a classic!

  • Claire
    April 16, 2009 at 6:23 pm

    Sorry you’re so bummed about your running break. You know, maybe God will use this break to grow your strength in other areas…never know! “For such a time as this!!!” 🙂

  • KatieF
    April 16, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    I now have the song “Revolution” stuck in my head. 😛

    Sorry to hear about your running break, but better now than right before your race…I was supposed to run the Boston Marathon this coming Monday but developed what my doctor thinks is a stress fracture two weeks ago. Needless to say, I’m deferring my eligibility until next year. Better three weeks off now than eight to twelve weeks later. Good luck, I hope your shins feel better soon!

  • Ida
    April 16, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Three weeks isn’t so bad- you can do speed drills on your bike and keep your endurance without any trouble. Plus you can aqua jog, it’s boring but super effective.

  • Katrina (gluten free gidget)
    April 16, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    I am sorry about your forced running hiatus. But, at least it is not permanent! 🙂 Just think of all the fun new kinds of exercise you will have the opportunity to try!

  • Michelle Hisae
    April 16, 2009 at 7:01 pm

    You can still keep up that endurance with biking and swimming, though! Just bike at inclines and try to speed up your swimming and you’re good to go! I know it’s not the same as running, but I’m sure you’ll have fun with it. Another reason to get back into yoga more, too. 🙂

  • Cecile
    April 16, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    I love Ben Brazier and the Thrive book you bought!! I think he has some really useful information for vegan athletes (which I am) and some good recipes too. I really like his recipe for homemade energy gels (for endurance sports). I also like his Vega protein powder. It helps me get a TON of nutrients that are super important for endurance athletes and can be difficult to get as a vegan. It doesn’t taste great (because it’s mostly hemp protein) and neither do the Vega bars, but the nutritional stats make it worth it.

    Sorry to hear about you not being able to run. I would be SUPER bummed too! Just use this as an opportunity to concentrate on your other forms of exercise…swimming, biking and shredding. Are you still planning on doing the triathalon? If so, this is a great time to concentrate on training for the non-running legs.

    Cheers!
    Cecile

  • Sarah
    April 16, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    yay for the granola coupon code!!! Thanks!! And I ADORE Beth Moore- I’ve done the patriots and Daniel. I would love to do Esther soon, I just love her story!!

  • justrun
    April 16, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    I almost bought some of those bars at Whole Foods today, but since I don’t like chocolate, pickins can be slim on the other varieties.
    And good for you for taking the running break. I’ve had to do the same thing in the past and it is the right thing to do. It’s gonna be hard for sure, but you are right on about coming back better and stronger.
    Something I usually tell myself when I have to take injury breaks is “better to deal with it for 3 weeks now than for three years later” or whatever time period applies. Bike bike bike, swim swim swim. 🙂

  • Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
    April 16, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    Awww – sorry about the running! Taking time off sucks, but it REALLY, really does help. I took about two weeks off this winter after my knees were just completely shot, and it really made a difference! Good luck!

  • Meg
    April 16, 2009 at 7:52 pm

    Sorry about not running, but I am glad you are taking care of yourself. Thanks for the reviews. I definitely need to check out that book!

  • Matt
    April 16, 2009 at 8:23 pm

    Sorry about the bad news 🙁

    I’m sure you’ll be even stronger when you get back to running.

  • Adi (oatonomy.com - repaired!)
    April 16, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    Do you have a secret bar supplier that sends you the most varied, awesome, delicious-looking box of bars every month?! You always seem to be trying new ones and I’ve never seen any of them in stores! Hmm maybe one day they’ll make their way to Ottawa…
    In the mean time, I’ll live through your reviews. 🙂
    I was just talking to my mom about making french toast out of gluten free raisin bread! Haha! Gotta love breakfast for dinner.

  • Jessica
    April 16, 2009 at 8:32 pm

    Sorry about having to take that break from running Jenna, but it’s really going to help you out a lot in the long run!!!! Literally 😉

    I want to try these bars, they sound great!! And now I am seriously craving a breakfast-dinner…it will definitely have to include some of those soy sausages!

  • Ryan (Chase Daylight)
    April 16, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    I just discovered the Raw Revolution bars last weekend and I LOVE them! Definitely a wonderful snack and I might actually prefer them to Larabars because of their moist, dense consistencies!

  • Brianne
    April 16, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    Thrive is AWESOME- I have it and love it. I read it often. Enjoy!!

  • Amandaaa.
    April 16, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    I hope those shins of your’s are okay! Ouchhh.
    Abbie’s donut holes look so yummy! I bet they
    are equally as delicious in the mouth!

  • Caroline
    April 16, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    You know it’s springtime when fresh berries start popping up around the food blogs!
    I’d love to read that book as well–I love that kind of reading:)
    Thanks for the product review too!

  • Daneen
    April 16, 2009 at 10:12 pm

    I’ve read Brendan Brazier’s book and it’s great. I’ve had it for the past couple of years and I still refer to it often. Also, on my blog I just started taking about Brendan’s Thrive in 30 program. You should check it out. You can watch free video’s of him discussing nutrition – they are pretty cool. I’ve decided to follow the program for the next 30 days. Also, I enjoy your blog and those raw bars look delicious.

    Daneen

  • Christine
    April 16, 2009 at 10:57 pm

    Running injuries suck 🙁 I had to stop for a month, last year due to a foot injury. To maintain my cardiovascular endurance, I combined aqua jogging, swimming, and spinning. If you haven’t taken a spin class, I highly recommend it! It is really intense and made my return to running effortless!
    Hooray, for Beth Moore! I loved the Esther study!

  • Kailey (SnackFace)
    April 16, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    Jenna I’m sorry you have to take the running break! Things have been going so well, and after this break they will only get better.

    I know this sounds cheesy, but I read about this 10-10-10 thing today in Glamour. When you make a decision, think about the impact it will have in 10 minutes, then 10 months, then 10 years. So in 10 minutes, your decision not to run could make you upset and frustrated. In 10 months, you could be incredibly thankful for being able to run to your heart’s content thanks to that 3-week break you took a while back from running. 10 years from now, you’ll barely remember you had to take a break.

    You’ve already thought this out very well, though. I just thought I’d share that interesting way to think about things (I totally need to use that method!).

    I bought the bar you had yesterday morning because you made it sound so good! Haha AND the Cool Chocolate Mint Clif Bar because you raved about it.

    Anyway, I hope you have a fabulous Friday!

  • lizzie
    April 17, 2009 at 6:17 am

    I had to give up my dream of running any type of race. My shins have the same problem as yours! I did everything; rest, stretch, ice, but notnhing worked. I was dissapointed at first, but have come to embrace what my body CAN do, which is jog occasisionally, go on long walks/hikes, yoga and pilates, and fun classes at the gym. I feel healthy and fit for who I am, not compared to what other people or my friends may be do able to do. You have even said yourself a while back that you may just not be a runner and you wanted to stick with yoga, but I have not seen you do as much as you used to. Anyways, I guess you just have to do what feels right for you. Take a break likew the doc says, then try again. If it is still not good, then maybe the body you were given was just not made to run…and that is OK!

  • Sarah W.
    April 17, 2009 at 6:43 am

    I LOVE the raw revolution bars BETTER than lara bar -they hold me over better and don’t cause me to crash! plus they have flax 🙂 – like you said a great mix of protein, carbs & fat!

    They aren’t in any of my local stores 🙁 So I was excited when Brian sent me more!

  • brandi
    April 17, 2009 at 6:51 am

    3 weeks isn’t too long, and you want to be as healthy as you can when you start your TnT training!

  • Melissa (Nibbles and Wiggles)
    April 17, 2009 at 7:14 am

    Good for you in making a committment to do what your body needs to heal. Injuries alwasy suck – especially chronic ones – but if we don’t take it easy on ourselves they become an even bigger pain in the butt (or shin in your case). Three weeks will be gone in no time and then you can come back stronger than ever!

  • Organic Girl aka AshleyH
    April 17, 2009 at 9:38 am

    Just think that everytime you have to stop running it makes you want to run even more. That by itself could power you through your half marathon. I think you are very blessed to have found out now that you need to take a few weeks off instead of right it the middle of your training. Picture yourself crossing that finish line whenever you get frustrated with your shins and just think not running now is helping you to run a great race later.

  • Lisa
    April 17, 2009 at 9:42 am

    I am so excited that I won!! Thanks for the granola giveaway! I already ordered mine and can’t wait for it to get here! 🙂

  • rhodeygirl
    April 17, 2009 at 10:51 am

    Hey Jenna,
    Sorry to hear that you have to take time out of running, but you are definitely doing the right thing. I did not listen to my doctor and after I fell at the half marathon and injured my ankle I kept running. Instead of 6,7,9 miles at a time it was 2, but it was still 2 too many. Enjoy some cross training, ice those shins, and with some rest hopefully you will avoid the long term damage I have (I can’t run more than 4-5 miles still a year later, and my ankle hurts every day)

  • rachelNC
    April 17, 2009 at 11:38 am

    taking a break is good! I had to do that for other health reasons. when i started back a few weeks ago it was amazing! I ran 6 miles in 42 minutes with no problem! amazing! i think part of it was the excitement of being able to use my legs like that again;)

  • Amandamoo
    April 17, 2009 at 11:59 am

    Hi Jenna,
    I’ve been keeping up with your digestive issues and pursuit of holistic health options and I’m wondering how Ryan responds to your interests. It’s hard on me and my desire for healthy options when the boyfriend isn’t satisfied with dinner unless it’s covered in meat and cheese… We’ve lived together for years and I’ve gone through phases of preparing separate options, a “fend for yourself” approach, eating out so we can each have what we want, forcing healthy food on him, etc, etc, etc. I know you and Ryan don’t live together (yet) but how does it work? Are his choices as healthy as yours? Are you influenced by his choices? Does he think your nuts sometimes? (that’s where I’m at most days) : )

    Sorry so long and involved, it’s just something I’ve been wondering and trying to deal with in my own life.

    Hope you’re having a great Friday!!

    • jenna
      April 17, 2009 at 6:08 pm

      Amandamoo,

      haha I understand completely—I get so many questions about this! Ryan will admit himself that he has eaten a LOT healthier during the prior 3 years of us dating. Before we started dating he frequented taco bell and now he has oatmeal with pb and banana every morning! I’m so proud 🙂 I haven’t had to cross that bridge yet of living together and preparing meals that we both can enjoy but I can see it being a struggle at first as we each get used to each other’s patterns. What will PROBABLY end up happening is that I will prepare two meals. I eat and enjoy incredibly simple meals so my meal isn’t a problem or time consuming but I really like to make him happy as well. A great example of compromise was when I made enchiladas (his favorite meal) and I put tempeh in mine instead of chicken and used reduced fat cheese. My enchilada featured a sprouted wheat wrap and I used his favorite flour burritos for his. It was a simple way for us to enjoy the meal together and we both got out of it what we wanted!

  • Bree
    April 17, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    Hi Jenna,
    I understand how you feel about not running. I just got started again last month after taking the winter off and then had to decide on Monday that I needed a break (probably 2-3 weeks) because I was beginning to feel my tendinitis in my knees. Time will fly by, just remember to take it slow when you start back up!

  • Erin
    April 17, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    I hope you survive your running hiatus, I’m sure you will! I second the other commenter who mentioned indoor rock climbing. I got into it recently, at a time I couldn’t run, and it’s been awesome. It’s nice to do something different, and boy does it work some new muscles!!
    so jealous of your raw revolution bars too! i love the spirulina and cashew and haven’t been able to try anything else yet!

  • Gadergirl
    April 17, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Hi Jenna, I found your blog a few months ago and I LOVE it! I love your approach to eating and your outlook on life. I also love that your boyfriend is a Gator, I graduated from UF last year! I am so sorry to hear about your forced hiatus from running, I know how difficult that can be. A few months ago, I was forced to take a break from running because of inflamed tendons in my ankles. I thought I was going to go CRAZY, but now I’m back to running again and I am stronger and faster than ever. Don’t despair, you will get through this and be a better runner for it.~Katie