Personal Best

Tips & Tales from a Trainer var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-28370725-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();

[personal-best-blog]

We are ALL athletes. The difference is that some of us are in training, and some of us are not.

Dr. George Sheehan 

[personal-best-blog]

Back!

Been a while since I updated this, but thought it's important to share that I completed my first marathon in Long Branch just a few weeks ago in 3:58:26 - so happy!  I immediately signed-up for the Virgil Crest Ultra Marathon (the 50k race - 30.2mi) which will be in September.  I'm so excited for this race - it's such an enormous high that you get when you complete something that's such a challenge.  It's so fun to participate in events that will push my limits - I want to see exactly what I can DO!

The website for the races (50k, 50-miler, 100-miler & 100-mile relay) is:

http://www.virgilcrestultras.com 

[personal-best-blog]

As I ran, I thought about the unique power running seemed to have to break down barriers and unite people in strange and wonderful ways, regardless of race, creed, socioeconomic status, or age.

Dean Karnazes, The Ultramarathon Man

[personal-best-blog]

Big Day!

Today was big for me: I did my long run by myself!  14 miles of just Jen.  No hubby next to me, no running pals to my right or left. I don't know why, but running solo makes me anxious sometimes.  It's an awful feeling, especially considering how much I love the sport.

But I'm happy to report that I DID IT!!!  Running by yourself really allows for a truly cathartic experience... no chit-chat (although I love chatting during runs) - just focus.  Feeling every step (some steps more painful than others).  

So 14 miles after I first stepped outside, I trudged up the steps to our apartment and DOWNED two glasses of OJ.  Later on, I rewarded myself with some Red Mango & am now sitting here, typing this post, hoping that my feelings & experiences are relatable to others...  Because in the world of running, we're all in this together.  We all "get it."  

Have a great weekend, everyone!

[personal-best-blog]

[personal-best-blog]

Key to Success

The key to success is CONSISTENCY.  

If you're DREAMING about a goal but not actively REACHING for it, then how are you supposed to get closer to your goal?  Let's put an end to the complaining and start with the DOING!

[personal-best-blog]

An inspiration.

I don't know about you, but I get the best feeling when I'm out running & I see other runners on the road with me!  Rain or shine, those people - all shapes & sizes, all levels - are troopers.  Seeing others out and about running motivates me so much, especially on those chilly days when the last thing I want to do is squeeze into my spandex and not feel my hands or face for the first mile or two.  So, thanks to all you runners out there - you're not just pushing yourselves, you're inspiring me, too! 

[personal-best-blog]

How are you loving yourself better these days?

[personal-best-blog]

Add seafood to your diet!

My personal food challenge is to add more seafood to my diet, because...

Medical studies have shown that Omega-3 oils play an important part in aiding the development of our brains.

Sea food contains an abundance of essential minerals - iron, zinc, iodine and selenium.

Fish is a good source of Vitamins helping to maintain healthy nerve tissues, strong bones and teeth and a glowing complexion.

Fish is a low fat and/or good fat source of protein, essential for the healthy growth and maintenance of muscles and body tissues.

Read to learn more:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/printer/1,7124,s6-242-300--13840-0,00.html

[personal-best-blog]

Surround yourself with people who want to help you grow, people who will support and encourage you, people who see your true potential more clearly than yourself.

[personal-best-blog]

I love my job!

I honestly cannot think of a more perfect job for me than being a personal trainer!  Where else could I derive this immense feeling of satisfaction & happiness?  

Helping people help themselves is hands-down the BEST usage of my time here on this Earth... and I LOVE it!

[personal-best-blog]

Grocery Cart Basics

Sometimes people don't quite know what they should be eating in order to be healthy.  So, here it is:

Mostly vegetables

Some fruit

Less sugar

More water

Lean protein meats

So next time you're on the checkout line, take a quick gander at what your cart looks like - compare it's contents to this small outline of what your body needs, and you make the decisions from there!

-Credit to Frank Pucher for this gem.

[personal-best-blog]

You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.

Steve Prefontaine

[personal-best-blog]

Goal for Friday

I often get myself all stressed out over long runs - I love them but am intimidated by them all at once.

So I'm making it my goal to focus on ENJOYING my 11mi run today.  For me that simply means taking it easy, making sure to look around & take it all in... the blue sky, bright sun, people moving about their day...  and to just take note of everything that so often goes unnoticed.

[personal-best-blog]

[personal-best-blog]

One of the keys to success is staying strong mentally and having a driving purpose much bigger than just you.

Todd Durkin

[personal-best-blog]

Love the journey

Most people choose to hop on the workout-wagon because they want to look great, sometimes more than they want to feel great - probably because they haven't felt great in a long time... they don't even know what they're missing.  

So when your goal is purely aesthetic, you're honestly doomed to fail.  Because superficial goals will only push you so far.  You need to acknowledge & have a legitimate appreciation for the journey to reaching your fitness goals.  

If you want to appreciate & enjoy the journey, set out to find something that you love to do, whether that's running, swimming, cycling, yoga, dancing... Because at the end of the day, you're going to do what you want to do.  And why not fill your hours with activities that you actually LOVE doing?  

Once you find that medium of exercise that you seriously enjoy, then it becomes much easier to make it a part of your everyday life.  And then suddenly it won't necessarily matter if your waistline isn't a 1/2inch smaller than you originally wanted... because in the end it's about loving life, soaking up the good stuff, and being your personal best.