I made it!
25.5 miles. done and done.
Before:
After:
I love to chug green smoothies out of applesauce jars. I swear it makes them taste better 😉
My ride was actually pretty hard this morning. In both running and cycling I think the first three miles are always the hardest because your muscles just haven’t really warmed up yet. However, my body warmed RIGHT up and after two miles I pretty much shed all my layers (vest + arm warmers). Stuffed everything into the pockets of my jersey and just kept pushing!
I rode a new loop on west dry creek and westside road today and there were TONS of hills. It seems no matter what, I just can’t escape them. I kept thinking of Bobbi’s mantra if this were easy everyone would do it. I repeated that to myself over and over while my quads were literally on fire. Stopped after 16 miles to stretch and take 2 shot blocks. I need more of those, stat!
However, despite the burning sensation in my legs, I actually really enjoyed myself. It was so quiet and I saw neat things like sheep and squirrels. I used to freak out at the idea of not listening to music while exercising but its actually nice to just have some quiet time and collect your thoughts without kanye and black eyed peas blasting in my ears.
When I got home I made an Amy’s california veggie burger with goat cheese, hot sauce and ketchup on an ezekiel muffin and also made a green monster using this vegan protein shake, a ton of spinach and ice, all blended up in the Vita-Mix:
Now its time for a shower and then I’m getting my hair cut. Just a trim…it’s becoming quite the lion’s mane.
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
March 17, 2010 at 11:36 amI wish I would look that good after a 25.5 mile bike ride! 😛
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
March 17, 2010 at 11:48 amCongrats girl! That’s awesome!
I agree – exercise is lovely without music. Sometimes it’s nice, but those head clearing walks without noise are so wonderful.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Oh – and I agree about the apple sauce jar thing. We use Bonne Maman jars for everything. Even oats in the morning. I swear they taste better that way 😉
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
March 17, 2010 at 11:51 amWow *Big pat on the back* – AWESOME bike ride! You’re a wonderwoman 😛 I bet that GM tasted pretty darn good after all that 😀
Kelly
March 17, 2010 at 11:52 amHi Jenna! I actually found out about your blog via kath’s. I LOVE reading your posts every day. You are SO real and such a breath of fresh air. Honestly, I have struggled with body image my entire life and you are very much an inspiration for me. It is really amazing to see someone with such a healthy and normal relationship with food and exercise that is so positive about life. Can’t wait to read your book and please keep up the good work!!!
Jessica @ How Sweet
March 17, 2010 at 11:55 amGreat job on the ride! I love that you drink outta the applesauce jar. So rugged. 🙂
Lizzie
March 17, 2010 at 11:57 amWe should collaborate on some sort of goat cheese lovers web-site. I enjoyed my lunch today, but yours looks really good!! I agree on the warm up thing – I feel like rubbish the first two miles and then it works itself out 🙂 I’m getting a haircut on Friday after almost 4 months without one – eek! 🙂
Lauren @ Eater not a runner
March 17, 2010 at 12:02 pmGood work on the ride! How was that protein drink? I almost picked one up today……
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
March 17, 2010 at 12:03 pmIs it weird that I think that’s a really cute outfit? Oh well! 🙂
I definitely think that the first two or three miles and the last two or three miles are the hardest, at least when it comes to long runs! Sounds like an awesome ride!
Estela @ Weekly Bite
March 17, 2010 at 12:05 pmAwesome job on the ride! It must feel so good!
Enjoy the haircut 🙂
Heather (Where's the Beach)
March 17, 2010 at 12:06 pmWay to go! I don’t bike, but always feel like the first mile (at the very least) running is the hardest.
Becky @ flybynyght
March 17, 2010 at 12:07 pmMy favourite saying is “Anything worth doing – is worth the hard work”
Kalli@fitandfortysomething
March 17, 2010 at 12:07 pmYou are awesome! Just sold my bike……first time being without a mt. or road bike in forever-kind of freaking me out. I am buying a new one though and can’t wait to start riding again 🙂
Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES
March 17, 2010 at 12:08 pmhaha i definitely thought you were chugging green applesauce at first glance. i was gonna say, that’d be pretty serious st. patty’s day dedication.
Cynthia (It All Changes)
March 17, 2010 at 12:12 pmCongrats on the great ride.
I love that you use random containers for food. I always love to eat my yogurt mixed straight in the container. And the OIAJ concept is so fun too.
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
March 17, 2010 at 12:14 pmGreat job. I agree that the first few miles are the toughest, you gotta break through that wall.
Kamaile
March 17, 2010 at 12:17 pmThree words: margarita shot blocks!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
March 17, 2010 at 12:19 pmThe first few miles of a run/ride are definitely the hardest. During my long runs I tell myself “only 40 minutes until FUN”. For some reason after I’ve run 40 minutes, the run gets a lot more manageable. I know that sounds weird…hehe.
Suzanne de Cornelia
March 17, 2010 at 12:38 pmAwesome bike ride and fab biking look! I love TJ’s veggie burgers, and always feel better when the ends of hair crisp, too.
BTW my son’s b-day is St. Patrick’s Day–so always the Luckiest Day of my life. He’s quite the neat guy-I did a post re Rob [favorite world in the world]. Every girl in the world should be lucky enough to have the motherhood experience I did. Truly hit the jackpot in the baby pool. http://tinyurl.com/oe4ezq
Marina
March 17, 2010 at 12:40 pmGreat job on your ride!
I too love the quiet during my rides, it helps my mind clear up, and come up with some cool stuff 🙂
Laura J. (Health and Hotness)
March 17, 2010 at 12:50 pmwow!! I’m so impressed!! 25.5 miles?! get it girl! 🙂
*Andrea*
March 17, 2010 at 12:53 pmhaha love the applesauce jar double usage 😉 so cute! you’re looking so great lately (you looked gorgeous always) but i just noticed you seem very happy and glowing!
Terri
March 17, 2010 at 1:38 pmYou are wonderwoman ! Congratulations on your run! Your food looks out of this world healthy and delicious. You are such a cutie patutti!! May I ask why you use PARSLEY in your juice?
eatmovelove
March 17, 2010 at 1:39 pmLove english muffins!
That picture looks so…peaceful and country-like 😉
Wow your rockin’ the smoothies and the workouts lately! I need a hair-cut too …oof.
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
March 17, 2010 at 1:51 pmAwesome work on the bike ride!!! Great effort 🙂
Lauren
March 17, 2010 at 1:53 pmYay for your long bike ride! I can’t even fathom… this girl was just not made to climb on a bike. And I seriously need a haircut, too. You haven’t SEEN lion’s mane.
Elis
March 17, 2010 at 2:28 pmYou make me want to go do all that! Ahh, I think I might to do so. I’m so glad that I stumbled across your blog. Check mine out (: Friend request? Haha. You’re awesome!
Jenny
March 17, 2010 at 2:41 pmCan you put a picture of your entire tattoo up?
Adam
March 17, 2010 at 2:46 pmLove those green monsters in a jar! Congrats on the ride, that is great!
Danielle (Coffee Run)
March 17, 2010 at 3:45 pmCongrats on the ride!! GMIAASJ <– new blog world trend? 😉
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
March 17, 2010 at 4:08 pmOh I TOTALLY agree! Every run I go on…the first 3 miles is always the hardest! After I get past that 3 mile hump I am good to go!
Meghan@traveleatlove
March 17, 2010 at 4:38 pmThats a great mantra! I will have to keep that in mind on my next looooong run!
Annie@stronghealthyfit
March 17, 2010 at 4:59 pmSounds like a great ride 🙂 I got to appreciate running without an iPod after mine wore out and I didn’t have the money for a new one. Now it’s been about 3 years and I haven’t even wanted another one! I LOVE the time to be outside and just think.
Pam (@ TotalHealthCounseling)
March 17, 2010 at 5:20 pmGreat job on your bike ride!
Love the green smoothie served in the applesauce jar.
Megan
March 17, 2010 at 5:38 pmI love the smoothie in the applesauce jar! Very unique! 🙂
Catherine
March 17, 2010 at 5:46 pmAwesome job on the 25.5 miler!! I loove green smoothies after hard runs bc it gets all the nutrients I need inside me quick – which means less soreness later on.
Lauren
March 17, 2010 at 5:47 pmWay to go Jenna!!! Totally worth all the burning sensations in the legs, I’m sure of it!! That GM will surely help with that! 😉 And in great timing for St. Patty’s Day!
Jen S.
March 17, 2010 at 5:48 pmI think it’s great that you transitioned so easily from running to cycling. If I was ever injured running I doubt I would be able to do that. Mostly because of my demon bike that tried to kill me twice on my first ride last summer and then fell apart to the point of me having to walk it the two miles home. I think I’ll stick with running 🙂
diana(mymarblerye)
March 17, 2010 at 5:58 pmgreat job on that ride. It’s always the first couple of minutes/miles/feet that takes the most energy!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
March 17, 2010 at 6:10 pmGreat job on the ride! I used to think of cycling as a tame sport…until I started spinning. Oy, how naive I was….
I like the occasional long run or walk with only the soundtrack of the outdoors. Especially if I’m stressed and just need to sort out my thoughts, sweat and silence do wonders for problem solving.
Your post-ride meal looks very yummy and replenishing!
Kelly (Local Foodie's Fight)
March 17, 2010 at 6:11 pmbahahaha out of an applesauce jar. love it.
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
March 17, 2010 at 6:15 pmWhat a great bike ride. Being able to just get out in the fresh air and bike away from it all sounds so nice.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
March 17, 2010 at 6:22 pmWow girl… that’s a looooong ride!!! I’m not sure if I could do that alone. You rock!! GM’s – the perfect way to refuel 🙂
eatmovelove
March 17, 2010 at 6:23 pmHow do you find the biking? What kind of bike? I used to bike back in school but it was weird…either just pedalling and not really getting anything out of it or dying up a hill…but I haven’t ridden for about 3 years now I guess! Post a bike pic !
jenna
March 17, 2010 at 7:11 pmeatmovelove,
I actually really like it. Its a great alternative to running!! And you can DEF. get a workout out of it….today I burned 1100 calories! Wowza! I have a FELT bike and really am happy with it…
Steph: Exercise Physiologist & Artist!
March 17, 2010 at 6:29 pmAwesome Job!!!
Funny thing is that you don’t look very different at all in the pics! I guess that is a good thing 🙂
Hope your hair comes out beautiful!
Steph
Heather (Heather's Dish)
March 17, 2010 at 6:56 pmthe burger/GM combo looks incredible!!! what a great dinner 🙂 way to finish up the run/bike…going strong til the grand fondo!
Tara
March 17, 2010 at 7:17 pmcongrats! that is so awesome. good for you!
Valen
March 17, 2010 at 7:26 pmYeah, I feel the same way about exercising without music, sometimes. I ride my bike for only 30 minutes every morning because that is all I can stand (i have shin splints and i have always hated riding my bike). I wonder how long your ride was today, 3-4 hours?
Kelly
March 17, 2010 at 7:27 pmWow! Congratulations!!! And I love that you drink your smoothie out of an applesauce jar. 🙂
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
March 18, 2010 at 5:03 amCongrats, 25.5 is awesome! And no biggie with the applesauce jar- recycling is COOL! I do it, too =D
xo
K
Kim
March 18, 2010 at 6:00 pmLOVE arbonne protein powders and shakes! I have been a consultant for 5 years and i love all of their stuff! cheers for posting it on your site ;o) it made my evening!
eatingRD
March 19, 2010 at 11:04 amomg hills kiiiiiilllll me! my speed just drops lol My friend who does crazy ironman and 508 mile rides (yes!) says to convince yourself you like hills. I’m still working on that one 🙂