Coach Jen B

Time is flying by!  I cannot believe September has come to an end already!    How many days until summer break?  Just kidding.  Not really. Headsweats, Brooks Ghost, ProCompression, and Inferno Spandits Shorts I just realized that I have 50 more days until the Philadelphia Gore-Tex Marathon!  I'm working on my goals for this race and I'm seriously hoping it all comes together.  I am not sure I can handle 3 horrible marathon performances in one year.   Here's to new running friends....a local Boston Qualifier! Hoping she doesn't think I'm too slow and will continue to run with me! Training I'm following the Hanson plan this time around and it's kicking my butt. Just like it did last time when I earned that marathon PR at Sugarloaf.    my afternoons mostly consist of me running until the bus shows up! September Mileage Not my biggest mileage month, but still a solid running month! Year-to-Date But lo

I can’t believe its already week 3 of the #BosuStrong challenge, time flies when  you’re having fun! Last week we focused on balance and I was proud of myself for improving my balance. This week its all about stretching and toning – so make sure you join in on the fun!  Since we’re talking about stretching here are 5 of my all time favorite stretches: I love to stretch my legs by doing pigeon pose. My favorite total body stretch is down dog. I swear when I do 3-legged down dog, it feels like my hips are opening finally. I stretch my mind by closing my eyes and taking in the smells and sounds around me. I try to stretch out of my comfort zone with camel pose. And if you’re looking for a great way to tone your legs, here are my fave 3 tips (tricks, advice, words of wisdom, etc): * lunges are your friend * squat as much as possible * stretch, stretch, stretch So I want to know – are you #BOSUStrong? Copy and paste the above, fill it in and make it y

If you forgot to join me last week for the #BOSUStrong challenge or just weren’t up for the cardio, make sure you join me this week as it’s all about the balance! We’re standing on one leg, lunging, and BOSU squatting our way through the week. But balance means more than just being able to stand on one leg, it also means being able to do what you love while making healthy choices at the same time. It means putting in the work and still finding time for family . Or eating the chocolate cake with peanut butter icing but balancing it out with a 15 mile run . Or getting on the trainer and sweating in front of the tv or strength training at home when you can’t make it to the gym. Here are the 6 ways I stay balanced - what are yours? I make time for myself by sitting on the deck . My favorite me time is shopping . My rule when it comes to a balanced diet is 80/20. Eat healthy most of the time, but allow myself that one cheat here and there. Otherwise I fin

Good morning and Happy First Day of Fall.  Oh and it's the husband's birthday.   Happy 40th birthday, Ward!    While I LOVE summer - for many, many reasons, fall comes in a close 2nd.  The crisp air, cooler mornings, gorgeous changing leaves, pumpkin and apple everything.   homemade apple cider is the best!   Marathon training is getting a bit challenging with crazy work and kid schedules, but I'm getting it done!  Even if I have to split up my runs and do a couple of 2-a-days...I'm getting them done!   In order to get in my run in the morning, I have to run in the pitch black.   I could drive to the gym.  I know.  But I'm trying my best to maximize my sleep as well...because rest is important too!  I'm saving 30+ minutes by not driving to the gym...which means a little more sleep and more mileage.   Maybe someday I'll have my own treadmill, but until then, I'm going to have to suck it up and get out there!   In addit

The school year is back in full swing and when the husband and I are not running or working, we will be spending TONS of time sitting on the sidelines at soccer practices and games.  With two very active kids, we're always on the go!   (and I'm completely exhausted!) I love to keep foldable chairs in my car so when I get to games I have something to sit on.  But they take up space in the car and often times get taken out and then I forget to put them back in!   For the next 2 months, my Saturday morning routine is going to be - get up, run, and meet the family at Izzy's soccer games.  And when I get there, I want to rest those tired legs.   I'm super grateful I was sent the Aurorae Aqua Microfiber Beach Swim Towel to review.  It has turned into my go-to soccer blanket for these soccer games.  It won't get taken out of my car because it takes up virtually no space at all!  And now that my son has made the middle school soccer team, it's g

Tomorrow I am embarking on a 4 week challenge with BOSU and Sweat Pink to prove to the world that I am #BOSUSTRONG . I will squat, mountain climb, plank, push-up, lunge, bridge and balance my way to a stronger and more fit body.  And I will encourage Carrie and Smitha to join me on this fun journey because we are one big, happy #FitFamily . Being #BOSUStrong is not just about movement, sweat, or even owning a BOSU , its about being a leader, an inspiration to others, and sharing my own fitness journey with others. The 5 things that make me #BOSUStrong are: My strong attitude. My ability to smile when things get tough. My love for family. My healthy smoothies. And my ability to find peace during a hectic day with a run. So I want to know – are you #BOSUStrong ? Copy and paste the above, fill it in and make it your own and then tag me in it and share with your friends! Let’s all be #BOSUSTRONG . The daily prompts are below. You can also follow along HERE .

Marathon training takes a toll on your body regardless of the plan you are using.  I've come to find out that rest days are just as important to the training as the running days.     For me, a rest day is a day I do not run, but will often times do yoga, roll or do some strength training on those days.   Recently I was sent a TKO Soft Grip Jump Rope to review. I've read that plyos workouts enhance a marathon training, so why wouldn't incorporating jumping rope?  It's worth a shot and it's fun!  It definitely helps you feel like a kid again.  And who wouldn't want to feel younger?   I will say that jumping rope is harder than I remember.  It definitely gets your heart pumping and jumping for 10 minutes is a great workout!   I came up with this simple (and portable) jump rope workout above.  I have to admit that jumping rope on one foot is SO HARD.  But once you get it down, you will rock it!   Some facts about the TKO Soft

Summers just seem to fly by so fast!  Jeez.  It seems like yesterday I was heading out to my car anticipating what this summer would be about.  I knew it would have a lot of running and had hopes of lots of beach time. Like all summers, time got away from us.  Track took over our lives for a majority of it.   But we still managed to have a great summer.  Lots of swimming, camping, and letting my kids just be kids.  It was perfect!    And just like normal, the last week of summer comes and I feel like I need to provide my kids with a fun activity each day - so we did.   There was one rule though.  I had to keep it low key because Tucker had a cyst removed last week and had doctor's orders to not overdo it.   Monday was all about the mini golf and ice cream.   Low key.  Fun.  Lots of laughs.  Completely perfect.   And of course jump trampoline jumping! Because that's why I bought the trampoline...  I think I like it more than the kids