Coach Jen B

This past weekend, the girls and I made our way back to MDI for our 2nd girls weekend and my 3rd time running at MDI. My Apera Bag packed full of Oofos Recovery Shoes, Spandits (because one can never have too many pairs of Spandits), Stable 26 socks.  What you cannot see:  Skechers GOrun3 and enough fuel to get me through an ultra or two. I might have a problem overpacking.   We had decided were going to have 2 relay teams:   It was all Carrie's idea!  And it was perfect.  This year our outfit was whatever Spandits you want to wear.  Last we all matched in our skulls - but this year we spiced it up a bit.   Saturday morning was the kids last soccer game which was to be done round robin style - basically short 20 minute games while rotating through the other teams allowing each team to play each other one last time.  I made it to Izzy's games and made it to half of Tucker's games before Jill and I loaded up her car, m...

55 days until MDI Marathon.  I have a few more 20/22 mile runs left in this cycle and then it's go time!   Plyometrics  One of the major components to this marathon cycle has been plyometrics.  Not really sure what they are?  Check out this article on Competitor.  There are benefits to plyometrics - faster turn over and stronger legs - which are the two reasons that convinced me to give them a shot this time around.    Earlier this summer, I received a Gymboss to review, which I used quite a bit with coaching track and  my own training.  Last week I decided to take my plyos workout to the next level and push myself with the Gymboss.   The result?  Pure exhaustion and a great workout!  I used my outdoor gym - i.e. the driveway, grass and rock wall for my equipment.  My box jumps were on the the rock wall, the jumping lunges in the driveway and burpees on the grass.   I chose to do 10 ...

Really?  October's over already?   I'm happy to report this month has been pretty fantastic in terms of running and fitness.  And life in general.  We had our family photos done again by Brianne at 179 Photo .  She is amazing and if you live anywhere in Central Maine, you should get your photos done with her. Virtual Races:  1 - Jost Running 5k Oktoberfest Races:  2  - Tufts 10k and MDI Relay I did not buy this shirt at the expo, but sure as heck hit that purchase button quickly when they went on clearance this past week.  I am in love with this shirt.    Races I helped to organize: 1!  I mapped out the course, took photos, and put out the signs.  And my dad was an age group winner. Challenges:  1 - Run Streak.  A friend put together a run streak for the month of October.  I didn't make it every day, I did miss 2.  But it felt fantastic getting out for at least ...

This past weekend the girls and I had a girls weekend in Bar Harbor.    We haven't had a getaway like this before, but I see there are definitely going to be more! Gorgeous sunny, perfect day.  Just like MDI Marathon weekend last year.  The day before was absolutely gorgeous.  And then it rained for the entire 26.2 miles.   This was our view from our room.  Absolutely perfect!  Look at what we can afford when the family doesn't join us and we're splitting a room 4-ways.     After checking in, we went in town to do some get some coffee, do some shopping, and then dinner.   Before dinner, we had to check out the starting line and do the foot shot.   l to r: Stacy, Jill, myself, and Carrie Then it was time for dinner.  We chose Paddy's, a great pub by the water.  The food was absolutely delicious, and the company was fabulous! The next morning, we had one of the best continental breakf...

This weekend was a very busy weekend!  It started out around 6:30 Saturday morning - when I got up to get ready to help out with a local 5k - after that we were off to Tucker's soccer game - then to my sister's house for my nephew's birthday party - to Freeport for a little belated birthday shopping for Ward - then to my dad's house for dinner - then home around 6:30 pm.  It was already dark - and I HATE running in the dark - so I settled for 1 mile just to keep the October Run Streak alive.  I brought Pepper along for protection, and my cell phone.   But let's back up to Saturday morning's 5k.  This was the first time I really involved in organizing a 5k. I had helped before by measuring out a course, but that was it.  This time I went to organizational meetings and actually had input.  My job was to map out the course.  AWESOME!!!!  I was so excited!   Then I had Ward make mile marker signs - which I put out, along with co...

This question was shouted at me the other day by some smoker down the road, while I crossed the road to get away from his gross second-hand smoke.   While he snickered at me. When I told Ward about it, he said I was being overly sensitive and the guy is just jealous.  Uh.  I disagree.  I am pretty harsh when it comes to smokers.  I used to be a smoker.  I was one of them. Shameful I know!  Now the smell makes me want to throw up.  I also harbor resentment for smoking in general because my mom was a smoker and she died from lung cancer just a little less than 7 years ago.  Obviously I have issues. Anyway, this guy's question got me thinking.  What AM I training for right now?  The answer is - life. I'm training to be the happiest and fittest I can be - while making the best of every moment I can with my family and friends.   When it comes to running - my race schedule is rather short.  For now.   On October 14t...

I've had monthly chiropractic appointments since August 2010 - when my IT band decided it hated me.        Since I started going for my adjustments, I have been feeling great.  Then in September, scheduling got complicated and I couldn't figure out how to make my appointments work, so I stopped going.   I was feeling good, didn't feel any discomfort, so why not? BIG mistake.  Then I ran MDI.  The last 4 or 5 miles were on cambered roads.  When for me = hell on my IT band.  Ouch!  It hurt a bit during the race, but then subsided.  Or at least I ignored it.  I didn't feel any discomfort after MDI because I had been taking it easy.   Then I started adding in more speed work to my schedule.  Last Friday night I decided to do a modified Yasso 800 on the treamill with my 800's @ 3:40, 3:30, and 3:00.  I kicked ass.  I felt great.   After Sunday's long run with the girls - I start...