Coach Jen B

losers in the big red truck.   Do you really think it's cool that you gawk at me every time you see me when I'm out running and drive by me several times during a short run? Really? I do want to thank you for slowing down - because you gave me the chance to get an awesome description of you and your truck. And I was able to find where you live.  For that, I thank you.  You're not going to stop me from running.  Nope.  Not at all.  I'm just not going to be running on my road.  I don't trust you.  I think you are big time losers that's just looking for trouble and I don't want any part of it.  I hope you enjoyed your visit from the cops you freakin' morons.

A few months back, I was sent the Wind X-treme.   When it came I was so excited to try it out, but it was so cold outside and the fabric was incredibly lightweight.  I thought for sure that it would not be warm enough for the Maine winters.  Then one chilly morning, my thicker hat was in the washing machine, so I pulled out the Wind X-treme. After a 10F day run, I was quite pleased with how warm my head was during the run. After that run I was sold.  I also loved the fun print.  It is different from most of my winter running hats (boring black) and it looked great with my fun Sugoi running jacket.  The Wind X-treme became my go-to running hat in no time at all.   Wind X-treme is a lightweight yet heavy-duty headwear designed for outdoor activities such as (but definitely not limited to): skiing hunting snowboarding snowmobiling biking motorcycling running golfing fishing hiking climbing tennis The above list is from the w...

When Tough Chik sent out the email last fall, I knew I had to join Team Tough Chik.   I am now part of a fabulous family of Tough Chiks all around the world. We had an incredible stretch of weather last week, so I had to get the singlet on and strike a pose.  Here I am.  Tough Chik, ready to take on whatever comes my way.    What makes me a Tough Chik?   - Family always comes first (priorities people!) - Weather doesn't take me away from my running - I am not going to let the end-of-year school stresses get to me - Hills do not scare me - I am looking forward to warmer weather so I can take Izzy with me in the jogger while I race Tucker on his bike - I thrive on challenging myself in running longer, faster, trying new workouts Please head over to the Tough Chik blog to read about my fellow Toughies.  If you are interested in joining this group of fabulous ladies, sign up here .  Membership will open again this ...

Check it out.  This came in the mail yesterday. But it wasn't for me.  I am incredibly proud of Ward (and Wade) for their accomplishment.  In a little over 3 weeks we'll all head down to Boston - the guys will run their race and Jill, myself and our kids will hopefully be able to cheer them on somewhere and find them after the race. Someday, I want this package to come in the mail for me.  I'm not there yet.  I have quite a bit of work ahead of me first. I'm reaching out to any Boston Marathon spectators out there right now.  How does one spectate (just enough to hopefully see the husband and brother-in-law) and then get to a spot somewhere beyond the finish line with 4 kids?  It's going to be CRAZY.  I know!  Just looking for some hints here. Also, drive in or take the T?  I've never ever driven in Boston before.  Oh this is going to be an adventure for sure!

We are a little less than 2 weeks away from Race The Runways , so the girls and I set out for 10 miles this morning.   It was a bit chilly (40F) and the forecast was calling for rain.  It drizzled a bit on our run and it was just a raw, bone chilling kind of run. I came home to homemade waffles and our own Boudreau Maple Syrup.  Today is Maine Maple Sunday - so of course we had to have maple syrup.  Why not have our own? our trees - we tap 3 of our trees we actually filled this trash can with sap - but had to dump most of it out because we didn't boil the sap fast enough & it went bad in our 80 degree streak this past week our hillbilly approach to boiling the sap - yep,  we're that cool   Photo Of The Day #25 - Breakfast.   Not exactly breakfast - but it is what we topped the waffles with.   even though we had to dump out a large part of the sap, we still ended up with these three jars and two smaller ones And i...

We had a glorious, unexpected week for temperatures in Maine.  For a majority of the week, we have temperatures ranging from in the 70's and 80's.   This was a real treat.  Although it was challenging adjusting to running in warmer temperatures with the rapid increase, it was still nice to wear a tank and skirt while running. To be honest, yesterday morning, I was getting ready to head out for my 5 mile run and was quite stumped with figuring out what to wear.  It's like 1 week of glorious weather completely wiped out my memory in knowing what to wear for normal Maine weather.   I couldn't bring myself to wear full length tights.  I should have, but I couldn't. So I opted to break in my Pride Socks winnings (from Penny at the Pink Hat Runner ).   I was happy with the pride socks during the run.  They are a thicker sock, so I was nervous about rubbing and blisters, but that didn't happen at all.  They were cushy soft and fun to...

We have some big news here in Maine, it's summer!  Well, at least it feels like it anyway.  It is still March, but for the past few days, we've had this amazing heat wave with temps in the 70s and 80s and I'm loving it.  For the most part.  My body needs a little time to adjust to running in new temps.  Most of the time it is a gradual change.  The first cold run for the fall usually has me freezing and then by February, I don't even bat an eyelash at 10F and I think to myself - not bad for February!  I have gone from a 40 degree run Sunday morning with the girls to a 70 degree run Tuesday night to an 87 degree run tonight. Wow!  Tonight's run wasn't the best of runs at all.   I didn't get out of the door until just before 5 pm.  Which means I was starving!  I did eat a lemon larabar at 4:30 hoping it would help me out for the run but I don't think it did.  It was hot.  I was thirsty.  I drank water a...

I was looking for something easy to make for lunch on Sunday.  I reached for the canned tuna and was getting ready to make some quick tuna melts, but then had a brainstorm - Tuna Burgers . Instead of checking out recipes on pinterest, like I normally do, I took matters into my own hands and chanced it.    Easy Peasy Tuna Burgers - 2 cans drained tuna  - handful of panko  - 2 eggs there really are 2 eggs in there, I think the other one is under the panko 1.  mix ingredients in bowl 2.  form patties 3.  add oil to pan - I used the panini grill and preheat 4.  add patties, cook approx 5 minutes per side 5.  eat! with or without bread, with your favorite toppings, etc.        I actually chose to put them on some bulkie rolls, add a little mayo, swiss cheese, and greens.   my panini grill has been perfect for whipping up burgers and such Ward raved about these.   An...

Photo Of The Day #18 - Corner of Your House.   And now that I'm really looking at this picture,  I am seeing that I have some more painting to do this summer.   Photo Of The Day #19 - Funny  It really doesn't matter how many times I look at the picture, I always think it's hilarious.  

I am proud to be featuring this article tonight written by Liz Davies. Cancer has touched so many of our lives. We all know that it has taken my world and shaken it up. I wish there would have been an opportunity for my mom to really fight her cancer. Running to Fight Cancer Though some doctors may still advise against strenuous physical activity for patients, the evidence shows that every cancer patient will benefit from engaging in a regular exercise program. Just how much and what type of exercise will depend on the current fitness level of the patient and form of cancer. More is better though, barring over-exertion, and everyone capable will gain even more benefits from endurance running than traditional aerobics. Overcoming Fatigue to Gain Better Health After the initial shock of diagnosis has worn away, treatments take their toll on the energy levels of the individual. Studies have shown that treatment-induced fatigue can last for years and result in greatl...

Last night was Tucker's special night - as I mentioned yesterday, one of his drawings was selected to be put on display at a local art gallery.  To celebrate his accomplishment, we took him out for dinner at our most favorite chinese restaurant in Hallowell - Lucky Garden.  Dad & Barb Ward & his mom, Kathy the kids and myself After dinner, we walked down to the gallery. We spent quite a bit of time walking around admiring the art.  I absolutely love kid art.  It is full of life and created without restraint.   Then we spotted Tucker's drawing.  I also knew that Stacy's son had a piece selected as well, so we went on looking for his.  We looked quite a bit but then I spotted it - right next to Tucker's.   In talking to one of the curators, she explained that display represnted 22 local schools grades K-8, and only 9 students from each school were selected from each school.  It is quite an ac...

Photo Of The Day - #15 Car It is mud season here & I have a huge loop driveway.  Paving that sucker is really out of the question in terms of affordability - at least until the kids are out of the house.  Ha.  Mud is my reality for a couple more weeks.  Unfortunately, it means my car looks like I've been 'muddin' in the backwoods of Maine.  Let me just tell you, my car looks so awesome sitting in the parking lot at HBS, sitting next to those nice new, shiny BMWs, Volvos, etc.  Gotta love it.  Photo Of The Day - #16 Sunglasses Today's photo is supposed to be sunglasses.  It's rainy and gross this morning, so I really don't want to put on my glasses, but I'll surely share with you.  I picked these babies up at my fave downtown Gardiner, consignment shop - Girltrend.  I bought them for my Reach The Beach relay team because our team name is Need Food Speed & would like to have aviator glasses.  Don't you love these?...