Hi!
How’s your day goin’ so far? I stuck true to my plan this morning and buckled down to get work done for the first couple hours. I was pretty proud of myself! Then, around 10:30 I hopped on my bike and left for the gym. Little did I know what a workout it would be! 😉 I had never biked to my new gym before from my new apartment and it ended up being a 15 minute ride, mostly uphill over bridges, I was sweating bullets! Then, when I got to the gym I hopped on the hell elliptical machine for 20 minutes per doctor’s orders; the worst thing is that I’m not even allowed to put resistance on there!!! I just have to crank away like a hamster on a wheel. It wasn’t SO bad this morning though because I read the new Self magazine and blasted a great mix that Abbie made me :).
After the elliptical I headed downstairs to do a little strength training. I had so much energy this morning and my migraine finally went away! Must be that Green Monster! 😉 Downstairs I did 2 sets of 15 walking pushups (these are HARD!), some bicep curls, tricep extensions and shoulder raises then I hopped back on my bike and chugged the 15 minutes home. In the locker room before leaving I snacked on an unpictured fruit leather that I had in my bike bag because I felt a little faint. I had no idea I would be gone for that long and hadn’t really planned on that much of a cardio workout but I felt great afterwards! I didn’t wear my heart rate monitor but I’m pretty sure I had a maximum burn rate goin’.
Total fitness overview:
- 30 minutes biking
- 20 minutes elliptical
- upper body strength
Needless to say, when I finally got home around noon I was STARVING!! For lunch I decided to test out a new product:
It was tempeh-riffic!
I heated up half of the box, which was one serving size, and layered it on an Ezekiel hot dog bun with an ounce of grated raw milk cheese. Put it in the oven for a few minutes for the cheese to melt, covered it with hot sauce and spinach and voila!
VERY yummy! I never know what to do with tempeh when I buy it plain so I liked buying it already marinated and ready to eat. I had a bunch of fresh cherries on the side and it made for quite a satisfying lunch.
In other news, sometimes I feel like I should have my own tv show because my life is always filled with drama. I’ve spent about an hour and a half now on the phone with different health insurance companies and there’s really no getting around having to pay out of pocket for these orthotics. It really, really stinks but I’m going to have to find a way to do this because I have to run and think this might be the real turning point. I’ve also been on the phone with the podiatrist’s office and they took pity on me and said they could stretch the payments out by three but I still don’t know how I can possibly do this. I’m desperately praying to either find a $500 bill on the street or win the lottery. Ugh.
This afternoon I’m set to research and write some more articles and run some errands. I hope everyone is having a good day!
The Experimentarian
May 27, 2009 at 11:25 amI’m so interested in this raw goat’s milk cheese. I’ve never seen it/heard of it before except on your blog, and I’m kind of fascinated by it! I think it looks so yummy. Do you just get it at Whole Foods?
megan
May 27, 2009 at 11:28 ammy doctor just told me i might want to try custom orthotics too! I haven’t called the insurance company yet though…i’m nervous they won’t cover it. I hope you can find a way to pay for it!
claire
May 27, 2009 at 11:34 amhi jenna,
this might sound nuts to you, but maybe you could do a couple of one off income earning things to pay for your orthotics. eg, you could have a garage sale, drum up some temporary babysitting/nanny work, teach a “learn to bake bread” day long workshop, or even cut grass or deliver pizzas. Dave Ramsey always tells people to cut grass or deliver pizza.
Just trying to be helpful!
Jenna
May 27, 2009 at 11:37 amgood luck rounding up some $ for your custom orthotics. Your lunch looks really good. I’m not a fan of tempeh but this looks great.
Katrina (gluten free gidget)
May 27, 2009 at 11:39 amClaire- I LOVE DAVE RAMSEY!!!!
Tempeh is my next new thing to try!
We should start a fund to get you your orthotics. It’s an investment for your charity running philanthropy! I would def. donate! (I’m serious.)
Kristilyn
May 27, 2009 at 11:45 amJenna, good for you for working with the doctor’s orders! Hopefully you can come up with the money … I agree that you could teach a class, have a garage sale, do meal planning, organization – the possibilities are endless! Even if you don’t make the whole lot of money, at least it would be something.
I’m also curious where you got the tempeh – I’d like to try it, too! I’m in Canada, though, and I’m not even sure where to get the majority of vegetarian/organic product here. I work with what I get, but I’m still so envious of you guys in the states. 🙂
K
jenna
May 27, 2009 at 11:46 amKristilyn,
I got it from Whole Foods! I’ve never seen it before so it must be a brand new product. 🙂
Amanda
May 27, 2009 at 11:45 amJenna –
You should do a second round of your cookbook sales! And expand it past your blog (maybe to your new online writing gig readers). I am sure you could jack up the price a little bit and promote it as what will help you run/donate money for a good cause. Get creative!!
Shannon (The Daily Balance)
May 27, 2009 at 11:52 amsorry to hear the news on your insurance. I guess some things are worth paying for though and I’d say your health, comfort and well-being are one of those things!!
Recipes for Creativity
May 27, 2009 at 11:54 amThat tempeh looks wonderful!
Good luck getting the money for what you need, keep praying! You never know, it could show up when you least expect it.
sara84
May 27, 2009 at 11:59 amHi Jenna,
Just wanted to let you know that you got me hooked on green monster smoothies!!! My family thinks I’m nuts when they see the color of the smoothie… I’m still trying to convince them you can’t taste it.
brandi
May 27, 2009 at 12:09 pmgreat workout! that tempeh looks awesome!
If you’re meant to get them, the money will be there. It’s times like these that we find out what God’s plans are and what they aren’t. There have been a few times where we didn’t think we’d be able to pay a bill and something happens where we have the money.
kirsten
May 27, 2009 at 12:11 pmmaybe you could put together another e-cookbook to sell through the blog, i’m sure you would make the $500 pretty quickly 🙂
runeatrepeat
May 27, 2009 at 12:15 pmI couldn’t get orthodics because they are so expensive. I don’t think insurance would cover them for anyone.
Maria
May 27, 2009 at 12:15 pmI’m not sure if you’re a swimmer or not but I will always head to the pool over dealing with the elliptical, esp. when injured. You can swim laps or you can do pool/water running with a simple flotation device around your waist. Might be something to consider until you get the orthotics squared away.
Good luck!
Katie
May 27, 2009 at 12:17 pmI love your blog! It is so inspiring that I just started my own! CHeck me out at http://dancerunbefit.blogspot.com/.
Sarah
May 27, 2009 at 12:19 pmI agree with the others who have suggested ways for you to raise money for your orthotics! You could always sell your baked goods (to us and/or people there, businesses, etc.) or put together another cook book like you did when you were raising money for your race. You can come up with something I’m sure!
Alison
May 27, 2009 at 12:20 pmJenna, I was thinking about you and these orthotics this morning (on my run, of course!) and dealing with the insurance company.
Have you called the insurance company? It could be totally worth the the time to call them and plead your case, ask to speak to their appeals department. Be polite but persistent. Explain how running keeps you healthy and therefore out of the doctors office, hospital, racking up huge bills. The squeaky wheel gets the oil! Even if they won’t pay for it all, you might be able to persuade them to cover part of it. Might be worth a shot.
Bec
May 27, 2009 at 12:21 pmUgg thats so expensive and it sucks that insurance wont cover it! Heres to hoping you find a 500$ bill on the street.
mags
May 27, 2009 at 12:22 pmhi jenna!
i have to agree with the others. have a bake sale! i would for sure buy some baked goods… and even pay for the shipping! i have had persistent IT band problems in my running career and the ONLY thing that finally fixed them were orthotics. i too had to pay out of pocket… but it was worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY. i promise you that! good luck!
Alison
May 27, 2009 at 12:24 pmUgh sorry, I just reread your post and I was so excited about my idea from this morning that I didn’t read this post carefully enough to see that you’ve already been on the phone with the insurance companies. SORRY!! 🙁
Claire
May 27, 2009 at 12:31 pmJenna,
I came across your blog and read about your orthotic situation that I thought I should comment on. I’m a physical therapy student, and we have a renowned foot/ankle specialist for a professor. We had several lectures on orthotics and the research has shown that there hasn’t been shown a difference long term in results between between custom orthotics vs. over the counter ones. Have you tried OTC? Just wanted to chime in before you spend hundreds of dollars to get fitted. Enjoy your blog!
FoodsThatFit
May 27, 2009 at 12:32 pmHi Jenna!
Glad you are liking the music, I listened to the same mix at the gym this a.m. myself.
I had to get orthotics about 4 years ago for some foot issues I was having, and they made a world of a difference. I agree that they are expensive, especially if it is something that you don’t have a 100% guarantee that they will fix the problem. However, it is exciting to hear that you may be figuring out the root cause of those nagging shin splints. I hope this is the solution to the problem!
Talia
May 27, 2009 at 12:46 pmIm so sorry about your insurance- they can be so annoying- I agree that since they are letting you pay in instalments, that you should sell more cookbooks, and baked goods and things- I think you can definatly earn enough to get them, and the fact that they will help protect you from more issues later in life makes it even more important to get them!
M
May 27, 2009 at 12:47 pmI agree with many of your other readers…have a bake sale! There are so many wonderful treats that you make, that we would all love to try, but don’t have the time (or ability) to make! 🙂
Marissa
May 27, 2009 at 12:49 pmHealth insurance is such a pain! The CEOs of insurance companies are making around $30 million a year. Maybe one of them will give you free shoe things if you rave about their company? Ha ha wishful thinking! 🙂
Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
May 27, 2009 at 12:51 pmBoo about the insurance company! They are so frustrating sometimes! I spent all this money on insurance from my school, only to find out they don’t even cover annual physicals! Unbelievable!
The tempeh looks amazing though!!! And Self magazine is always fun! I am waiting till my bday on Friday to crack mine open 🙂
Michelle Hisae
May 27, 2009 at 12:53 pmShoot, that’s a tough decision. Live without running? Does that mean you can’t do ANY resistance exercise? Did your shins hurt when you went uphill on the bike?
I hope your decision gets easier!!
Leah @ Simply Fabulous Now
May 27, 2009 at 12:56 pmI have never tried that before, but it looks delish!!
I made your baked beans today! Check it out!
http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/hemp-beans-veggies/
Jennie
May 27, 2009 at 12:59 pmHi Jenna,
I just wanted to share with you my personal experience on getting custom orthodics… I have two words for you: DO IT. They will change your life… and I’m not even slightly exaggerating. I used to get the worst shin splints and tendinitis and all that completely went away after I got my first pair. Please do it… it’s worth every penny 🙂
Emily
May 27, 2009 at 1:21 pmyour lunch plate looks so pretty!
i’m sure everything will work out with getting your orthotics. but dealing with insurance companies is never fun 🙁
Nicole
May 27, 2009 at 1:22 pm🙁 I’m sorry about the insurance. I hope you can find some way to pay for them! And I’ve never had tempeh before but your lunch looks super good.
Allison K.
May 27, 2009 at 1:32 pmClaire- I love Dave Ramsey too!
Jenna-good luck with your shins and the orthotic situation.
Katherine
May 27, 2009 at 1:34 pmIf you are willing to ship your tasty foods up north, I would certainly join everyone else in helping to support your orthodics fund! I hope everything works out for you and you can get back on the treadmill, or the road, soon. I’ve been out of running commission for the past 2 months and I have not been a very happy girl. I’m thinking good money thoughts for you!
Krystle W.
May 27, 2009 at 1:38 pmI know the $500 is a lot of money but I recently had to get orthotics due to issues with my feet and hips and it dramatically changed the way I not only ran but slept. I would get sever charlie horses in my calves every night when I was sleeping. I have not had a charlie horse since and my feet do not hurt! It is wonderful.
Lyn
May 27, 2009 at 1:42 pmThat DOES look really good. I may have to try tempeh.
Angela
May 27, 2009 at 1:45 pmGood job on sticking with your workout plan! I also work best in the morning hours.
Carly
May 27, 2009 at 2:12 pmI am sure someone reading the blog will send you some money. I wouldn’t think that insurance would cover this either.
Kate
May 27, 2009 at 2:15 pmHi Jenna-
My roommate from school turned me on to your website and let me just tell you, I am HOOKED! I made my first green monster this morning and it seriously rocked, I cant believe how full it left me for a long time! Anyway I am struggling with shin splints really bad right now and I have been swimming, I think it is a great alternative to the boring elliptical and a much better workout through and through.
Amy
May 27, 2009 at 2:19 pmCustom orthodics saved my running and really helped with an injury. They are SO worth it, trust me. I’ve had mine for five years and don’t run a step without them.
Melanie
May 27, 2009 at 2:27 pmI agree about getting plain tempeh. I’ve got a pack in the fridge that I’m waiting to be inspired to open;).
I’m sorry to hear about your insurance. Perhaps you could make something and offer it through your blog for a donation? Maybe a baked good or something? I’m sure you’d have plenty of donors, and you’d be giving something in return, so it wouldn’t be like you were just asking for money….? just a thought.
kailey
May 27, 2009 at 2:31 pmtempeh is one of my favorite foods now 🙂 love the bitter/crunch taste!
Nicole
May 27, 2009 at 3:03 pmI just bought the new tempeh stuff and I’m excited to hear that it’s tasty!
Jess
May 27, 2009 at 3:07 pmI’m new to tempeh. What do you think is the best way to prepare it?
Anne
May 27, 2009 at 3:13 pmI’d pay $25 to have a batch of those blondies shipped to me!
Michelle
May 27, 2009 at 3:14 pmah!!! I was TOTALLY debating whether to buy these this morning and I literally picked it up and put it down three times cuz i had no idea what to do with them!!! YAYY thank you for the fabulous idea on how to eat ’em!!
And mann i’m sorry insurance is such a pain in the ass to deal with!!! Have you seen Michael Moore’s film on the health care industry/insurance companies?? (sicko?) It kinda shows you all the nasty sides of insurance agencies. UGHGHHG. I hope it all works out for you!
Mary Catherine
May 27, 2009 at 3:19 pmI second that, Anne!
Lauren
May 27, 2009 at 3:41 pmI’m all for the bake sale idea!
Becky@ I Heart Running & Food
May 27, 2009 at 3:45 pmYour tempeh looks great! The best tempeh I’ve had was in a “beer-baked tempeh reuben.” Sooo good! Good luck with the elliptical!
Melissa
May 27, 2009 at 4:12 pmJenna,
You should totally have a bake sale or set up a store on Amazon and sell some of your books. Good luck!
Sarah
May 27, 2009 at 4:30 pmThat is too bad about the orthodics being so expensive. Giving up running doesn’t seem like an option that would really work, so I think you should definitely try and get them. Maybe you should get another part-time job? Work at Whole Foods then you could save money on groceries too! 🙂
Good luck!
K
May 27, 2009 at 4:35 pmYou’ve just sold me on that product! I’ve been meaning to try tempeh for ages now but worried about the bitter taste in plain tempeh so this would be perfect!
Oh a bake sale would be great!!
Lele
May 27, 2009 at 4:42 pmHahaha, I totally entitled a post “tempeh-riffic”, too!
http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/2009/04/tempeh-riffic.html
What is it about tempeh that makes people need to make puns?
Cyclist Kate
May 27, 2009 at 4:57 pmCould you sell baked goods on etsy? I know some people do that and it’d be probably pretty quick and fairly easy. Hope it works out for you–I know how important running is to you!
Also, I know that this is out of the question right now, but I can’t recommend enough investing some day in a good road bike. After I found out I couldn’t run, my road bike saved me and I have had so many wonderful experiences and seen so many beautiful things on the bike, and it keeps me in shape!
bibixs
May 27, 2009 at 5:17 pmI’ve never known what’s tempeh!!! Jenna, i hope you find the way to get those orthodics, i have shin splints too and it’s HELL. I changed running for swimming classes and sometimes my ankle hurts in the water too and im like WTF?? weird…
I love your pics from Paris 🙂 and you’re right, God doesn’t care about our plans.. most of the time life is a surprise!
best wishes jenna 🙂
Sarah W.
May 27, 2009 at 5:42 pmhey, it sucks to pay out of pocket, but I would assume that you have probably saved up a nice chunk of cash by living in your parents house all this time while working….whats $500 to help further your running goals? thats what your savings account is for – for when you are out of a job and have these expenses that somehow ALWAYS (murphys law) seem to pop up when one is jobless. trust me I know allll about being jobless! the orthotics will last you and benefit you greatly. my husband swears by his orthotics – he’s a server and can be on his feet for 12+ hours – his back pain is pretty much gone! I apologize if this came off harsh, I didn’t mean for it.
FitFoodie
May 27, 2009 at 5:47 pmGreat workout! The tempeh looks really good! I’m gonna have to be on the lookout for it next time I go shopping 🙂
LK- Healthy Delcious
May 27, 2009 at 5:58 pmthe tempeh looks easy enough – I love it but never made it at home. sorry for the drama.
Lauren
May 27, 2009 at 6:31 pmOh my gosh, I did the SAME review on my page on the tempeh-tations. Only I had the Zesty Lemon flavor and I even mentioned how I wanted to try the BBQ flavor next. I am so happy you reviewed this. Too funny! We are totally on the same food wavelength today.
Sounds like a trip to see your BFF is exactly what you need. Hope you have a safe and wonderful time!
Matt (No Meat Athlete)
May 27, 2009 at 6:53 pmTempeh is great. So much better than tofu (at least, the tofu I make)!
Lane
May 27, 2009 at 7:05 pmI also hate the elliptical. I even get bored just walking. For some reason spending the same amount of time running as I would on the elliptical or walking, is just not the same. I love to run as well and know exactly what you mean.
Laura
May 27, 2009 at 7:38 pmJenna, I would be willing to pay extra to get my hands on some of those blondies, too!!! You will find a way to make the money! Take care!
Amanda
May 27, 2009 at 8:29 pmI think everyone is right-you should do cookbooks again or something and I would definitely buy one! You’re awesome girl, it will work out!
Jocelyn
May 27, 2009 at 8:41 pmmmmmmmmm that tempeh(sp?) looks so good!
do some cookbooks!! ya!! I’ll buy one! 😛
Jen
May 28, 2009 at 7:19 amHey Jenna, I am interning in a physical therapy clinic that makes custom aquaplast orthotics for patients. Pluses are that they are still custom molded to your feet, and they run about $30-40 per shoe. Only drawback is they are not as durable as the carbon-fiber orthotics your podiatrist would make and only last 6-12 months. But that would get you through the TNT training, right? Just something to consider!
Raffi
May 28, 2009 at 8:35 pmHave you tried the walking pushups on a BOSU? One hand on the floor, one hand in the center of the Bosu, do a pushup, then walk hands over to the other side of the Bosu. I love that.
Regarding orthotics – maybe you can contact a company that makes them with a great letter talking about your blog, your readership, throw in some page view stats, and they could sponsor them???
Wheatberry salad at Joe’s Crab Shack = yum.
beerab
June 1, 2009 at 1:59 pmInsurance will only cover those things if it’s something like “this patient is pre-diabetic and really needs to lose weight.”
UNFORTUNATELY since you are so fit they don’t see it as necessity. My only advice is to buy the best insoles you can- I spend like $60 two times a year to get good insoles- better than nothing…