Coach Jen B

Now that we're all recovering from Thanksgiving dinner and deserts…we're shifting our attention to the next holiday.  Especially the kids.  They can officially talk about Christmas now.  Ward and I took the kids to my in-laws woods across the street this morning and we even cut down our Christmas tree.  I haven't brought it in yet because I need to get into the attic and pull out the tree stand and Christmas tote.  Maybe tomorrow.  I know the kids are chomping at the bit!  To hold them off, I did let them pull out their tiny little silver tree we bought last year.  They already have it decorated in their room. Speaking of Christmas, do you like to order personalized, photo cards?  We do!  For the past couple of years, we've had our family photos taken in the fall and then use one of our favorites for our Christmas card.  If you haven't gotten your cards yet, I think you need to check out Minted and their Holiday Photo Cards select...

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno.   Last week, I received a call at school from Ward.  He spoke some beautiful words to me - "your shoes are here".   The torture!  I wanted to call off class and head home right away and run.  BUT, I couldn't.  That sort of thing is frowned upon in high schools.  So, instead, I asked him to send me a picture of my new beauties so I could day dream about how my run would be after school.   he's just jealous... As soon as I came home, I changed into my running gear as quickly as possible and slipped on my new Mizuno Wave Rider 17s .  It was a gorgeous blue ski day.  But rather chilly.  No worries.  Just bundle up and go for it.  I knew I was going to warm up in about a mile anyway.  And I did. First impression?  Wow!  There was enough cushion in the heel that the ride just felt so smooth.  The toe box felt a little snug...

As the holiday season gets underway…time for races gets trickier.  For me anyway.  My weekends are completely packed.  I am going to be involved in the opening of a local running store.  YES!  That's right.  I'm going to be working in a running store.  And the name of the store is Rail Trail Run Shop .   To say I'm excited is an understatement.   Then the same weekend, I have both of my nieces's birthdays to get to on the same day.   After that, each weekend only gets crazier.  I want to do a December race, BUT, unless a race director wants to go around my schedule, it probably won't happen.   Woah, wait.  I know a race director that allows you to go around your own schedule…..   JOST Running !   AND, you get to choose your distance - 5k, 10k, 13.1, or 26.2.  Oh and you get a great medal as well!    Oh, okay!  I guess I can do a December race.   On my time!  Woohoo!   ...

The following post is sponsored by 180 Communications on behalf of FLEXR Sports.    I am receiving no further compensation for this post.  As always, all opinions expressed on my blog are 100% my own.   I am a runner who really likes to be well hydrated on my runs.   I've tried a variety of different methods in staying hydrated on my runs.  In the beginning, I used to stash water bottles along my route.  But that really just took too much time.  Having to go out just before and drive along the route, hiding a bottle and then hoping it was going to be there when I got to the hiding spot.  It really just drove me crazy and caused a bit too much anxiety on my part.  Then there was a period of time I would run with money, so I could just stop at a store and buy a bottled water.  That plan was okay until the only store along my route was closed on one of those long runs…and the girls and I had to go into a bar and beg for water. ...

Today was crazy windy and cold.  Ward left at 7:30 for his run with Wade….which really meant I had about an hour decide inside or outside….how long?  Ugh.  I don't know.  Looking outside there were beautiful blue skies but the trees were swaying like mad.  ugh.  The temperature read 29 and according to Weather.com the real feel was about 19.  Okay, fine.  I'll run outside.  Although the treadmill in a warm gym was rather tempting.   When Ward came home, I asked, as I always do, how it was.  He said windy but fine.  He said he and Wade ran 5 miles.  Then he asked how far I was going to run…and I said 4 ish.  He said 'you know, the more you run, the more you can eat…'.  At that point the goal turned into 'run more than Ward'.   I set out, no Garmin, no app started on my phone.  No idea how fast I was going.  Who really cares?  I know the distance for just about every single mailbox o...

Today I am grateful for family…… and for being healthy…..   Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  

Now that I've accomplished the Spartan goal, which was pretty huge for me, I've taken a little step back to a rest/recovery mode.  I am still running, but nothing really set.  It's kind of like "I feel like running xxx miles today."   It's actually quite liberating as heck too!  I have it engrained in my brain that I will work out at least 5 times a week, so having a workout schedule really isn't necessary for me right now.   Last week we had quite the range of weather.  Last Monday it was 60 degrees and gorgeous - so I ran in a light top and Spandits shorts.   But by Friday, it was 27 degrees and I was running in a long sleeve shirt, Brooks Vest, Spandits long tights, and my new Janji hat.  I actually won the Janji hat from Erica Finds and I love it.  I just need to keep it far away from Ward.   I definitely do not want to get shot during hunting season!  I am pretty sure this is bright enough so hunters ca...

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Grain Brain.   Since I've chosen to be a healthier person in terms of fitness and food, I have been much more conscientious about my foods.  But I never really stopped to think about gluten and the affects it has on people and their bodies.   Then I was given the opportunity to read Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter and participate in a 4-week challenge.  In the beginning chapters of this book, Dr. Perlmutter reveals some pretty amazing data linking gluten and other damaging carbohydrates to a long list of medical conditions.  Here are just a few of those medical conditions: - chronic headaches - insomnia - anxiety - depression - diabetes - epilepsy - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder For me, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder stood out on that list.  I have (quite a bit) of anxiety and my son was recently diagnosed with ADHD (inattenti...

Spartan Fenway pictures were posted yesterday and I just HAD to share!  

Sponsored:  I was provided a Bestowed Box to review.  As always, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.   Yippie!  My November Bestowed Box came and I get to share with you what was in there! Bestowed is is a monthly subscription box packed full of healthy snacks and foods chosen by nutritionist Heather Bauer.  The cost to have Bestowed delivered to your house each month is $19.  BUT if you sign up now and use the promo code "HELLOTEN105" when you checkout , you'll save $9….making your 1st month of Bestowed $10 !!!  You do have to hurry.  The code expires on 11/30/13. As always, when I opened my Bestowed box , I was NOT disappointed. So, you ask, what WAS in my box? It's almost like the November box was prepared just for me. It's packed full of products to help you kid out workout regimen into gear. I didn't need that much help. But I do love products that are geared toward working out! Skratch Labs Exercise Hydr...