Coach Jen B

Enjoy this guest post from #30SaltyDays!   Do you know what happens when you become “heat-adapted?” You may notice you sweat more, or that your sweat tastes less salty. These are the results of your body becoming more efficient at cooling itself in the heat. Knowledge is essential to training success, so we thought we would share some insights about the heat adaptation process with you, to help you better prepare for hot races this summer.  A little background: Humans have studied the biological response to hot and cold environments as far back as the 1840s. A German biologist named Carl Bergmann noted that mammals tended to have large body mass relative to surface area (think dense, like a polar bear) when located in colder climates. However, mammals in warm climates tended to be tall or long and thin (think dainty, like a gazelle) in hot climates. Bergmann’s work has been referenced and improved upon since his initial work in 1847, and we now see a correla...

Hello rainy Friday!   I don't mind rain so much, mostly because it will water my garden.   Summer Track We are 2 weeks into my summer track program and it's been a ton of fun!  The middle school and high school coaches (which are husband and wife) have also offered to volunteer.  two years ago....this year she gets to run on the track!  I'm also quite grateful to have my sister-in-law helping out as well.  The kids are having a blast and I'm having fun with our practices.   Our first meet is June 26th - and it's going to be a lot of fun!   again - 2 years ago.  I cannot wait to see how he does this summer! BOKS Active Kids Day Tomorrow the kids and I are participating in the BOKS Active Kids Day event in Canton, MA.   We're quite excited to take a trip to Massachusetts because we are combining this trip with a visit with family as well.  The kids are equally as pumped to spend some time with Aunt ...

Water is something that we cannot deny our bodies.  We need it in order to function.  I could go on and on about the necessities of water and why we need it, but I'm pretty sure you know hydration is necessary.  Hydration isn't only important in the summer.  It's important year round.  However, I will say that as the temperatures outside increase, keeping my body hydrated during runs becomes more challenging, to say the least.  Of course, I'm training for a fall marathon which means running during the summer months is unavoidable.  I could run inside on the treadmill - all summer long - but I really don't enjoy treadmill running that much.  Note: I'm not saying I'm against treadmill running.  I'm simply saying I prefer to run outside.   I never would have considered running with something in my hands until that super hot day and my final leg at Reach the Beach , when I ran with a plastic water bottle for the first 3 miles, the...