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(run)Streaking

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, running

By now you all know how much I love, love, love running.
You also know that I love to run by my own rules, my own terms — for me, my way.

I apply that “my way” mindset to not just how I train but how I run and recover from those runs. My body responds best when I run 3-4 times per week…*sometimes* 5 times but that’s a rarity (usually only happens when I’m keeping mileage low, as I have been the past few weeks of un-training time between the last half and full marathon training about to ensue). 

I run my best,  most fresh, most happy when I stick to this run-pace per week.
…there are no junk miles allowed up in here.

So when I started hearing about runners who were streaking left and right, and then heard about Runner’s World hopping on the whole run-streak bandwagon,  I’m not gonna lie — it kind of irked me. And maybe irked isn’t the right word, but I guess I just don’t agree with the whole concept.

The idea of running back-to-back-to-back for days and weeks on end? It’s bound to do way more harm than good. No matter how seasoned of a runner you are. No matter if some of those run-streak days involve “just” a few miles. I just think it sends the wrong message for one, and for two — it’s not very kind on the body and joints.

By wrong message I mean this — why does more have to mean better?
…more “on” run days than off.
…more miles for miles sake vs. happy or fresh or strong miles.
…running to run vs. running with a purpose.

And by un-kind on the body? Well that one seems pretty obvious. While run-streaking, rest days go flying out the window. Sure, I’ve had my moments where I wanted to nix a rest day because I was antsy or whatever. But I’ve learned to quell the antsy pants on a rest day and I fully embrace them now. Not just because “rest days are good” but because rest days are just as important (in my view) as fit days are. Your body needs time to recover after all the work we put it through every day of the week. Without that recovery time, you can’t possibly expect your body to perform at peak capacity now can you? At least for me, that’s way more important than eeking out another workout, sans rest. I’d rather see my body work harder for that next workout because it can work harder, because its optimized for performance. I’d also rather see my body truly WORK for that rest day, truly earning it’s spot on my weekly training schedule.

So I don’t know — I totally feel as though I’m in the extreme minority as a runner when I say this but I am totally anti-run streaking.

But I’d rather honor my body with proper rest and focus on making every single run, every single mile count for something. Earning the rest. Working the work.

 

Am I alone on this one?

The birthday boy and his quirks

Posted by Jess Sutera in breathe

Sooooo since today is my husband’s birthday *and* I’ve been digging the “quirks” posts my sister and blog friend Momma Sunshine wrote recently about their respective men, I thought it was more than appropriate to use today’s blog post to honor my husband — and all of his quirky ways. This is *not* to say that I’m quirk-less (we know how far that is from the truth, yes??) mind you, just that my husband has some pretty cute ones I thought I’d embarrass him with share here.

Here we go….the birthday boy and his quirks:

He can be a picky eater. In fact, before we met, he basically existed on american cheese, peanut butter & jelly, ziti (with lines…no other kind of pasta will do) and butter (he never even TRIED his dad’s homemade pasta sauce until he met me – a SIN I tell you, a SIN!), and ice cream. However, he’s come ridiculously far in his eating ways since then. Eating all sorts of veggies, even wading into the seafood arena with me (only a very recent thing). He’s even eating Chobani yogurt now (and has learned to do so without making the ‘yuck’ face!). Look at him go! However, this is where his quirkiness comes in. If I want to try a new receipe using an ingredient he’s either never tried or is unfamilar with, he won’t budge. BUT – if HE finds the SAME RECIPE, suddenly he’s all over it. In other words – his idea to try a “scary” new food — let’s roll. My idea? No dice. um, what?

He would forget his head if it wasn’t attached to his body. The boy is so freakin’ forgetful it’s hilarious — but kinda scary all at the same time. Every morning, I literally have to ask him “cell phone? wallet? keys?” before he’s allowed to walk out the door. And even THEN he’s forgotten at least one of those items on more than one occassion. Which makes me very nervous as a wifey when I’m traveling for work — I seriously should install a video camera so I can see what goes on when I’m away. I bet you a million bucks he has to make more than one trip back into the house before leaving for work each morning I’m gone. ;-)

He wears his heart on his sleeve. This is one trait I love about him so, so, so much. He’s got a huge heart, made of gold — he’s a total softie and a big-time romantic (swoooon!). Give him a sappy ending to a movie or a TV show and you *might* see him well up just a teeny bit. Or better yet – those segments on ESPN (I don’t even know the name of it) where they profile children from the make-a-wish foundation getting their dying wish rewarded by a visit from a famous basketball player or some other equally sentimental story. He melts. It’s the cutest. <—and he’ll probably kill me for telling you all this!!  

He’s loud. He does everything loud. He talks loud. He eats loud. And he definitely holds phone conversations about five decibels louder than the average person. BUT its quirky and cute. And it always makes me giggle. <—my sister offered this one up so babe? you can totally blame your sister-in-law for this one!!

He’s the life of the party. He is so outgoing, so welcoming, so hysterical in general that he’s always the life of the party — his own party or as a party attendee. Nevermind at a wedding — you should see him pull out his signature “dance moves” — the ‘sprinkler,’ ‘chug-a-lug’ and ‘shopping cart’ are always a huge hit. Note to self: record these moves at the next wedding we attend. Priceless.

Speaking of shopping carts, the guy loves to grocery shop. Could be because he worked at a grocery store for a third of his life (literally), maybe? But seriously, he loves it. He goes up and down every single aisle even if he doesn’t need anything there. Diaper aisle? Sure, why not. We don’t have kids, yet maybe, just maybe, there’s something he’ll miss if he doesn’t hit that aisle on his way down to the deli. And man, don’t ever play “guess the total” during check-out. He. Always. Wins. Almost down to the PENNY. For reals. I maybe won this game once in the 12 years I’ve known him. It’s uncanny.

His smile lights up the room. The boy can’t fake a smile to save his life. His eyes SHINE when he smiles. His little laugh lines around his eyes pop out. His face glows. I love it when he smiles — because it makes me smile bigger than ever. He’s the only one that can make me smile (and laugh) the way I do when he’s around.

Case in point:

Also, he loves to photo-bomb. In fact, it’s become his fave past time recently, I swear. Happens at nearly every party we’re at. This was a couple of weeks ago at my house:

Oh – and he loves to take a picture of me and Jo only he sneakily hits the button on the iPhone that turns the camera shot onto his face instead of onto us nimwits posing away. He takes the pic, says “looks good!” and then hands the iPhone over to us eagerly awaiting to ‘approve’ the photo. Only it’s a pic of him, not us. Fail. Gets us everytime, too.

Despite how much more adventurous he’s become with food, he still has some interesting food quirks. Salmon – he’ll never touch it. Pink = raw to him. No bueno. Oatmeal = ‘pablum’ or baby food to him, won’t go near it (TRAGIC, right??). Cream cheese he “doesn’t like” yet *loves* cheesecake. You figure that one out. Peanut butter – he’ll eat on crackers as a snack, but suggest it on a banana or an apple or on toast? Nope. He doesn’t “like” peanut butter that much. Huh? Coffee – he’s never had it in his life, doesn’t drink anything caffeinated at all yet is the most HIGH ENERGY person you’ll ever meet. That food “quirk” I happen to love about him, actually. ;-)

He’s the most dedicated (and loyal) person you’ll ever meet. This is a quality I absolutely adore in him, actually. It carries through into his work, his friendships, but most importantly – his family. His family (especially his parents…who he calls daily, and if he doesn’t, they call him worried that something bad happened!) is his world. It’s a beautiful (and rare) thing these days.

And finally? He is the most loving, generous, kind, thoughtful and supportive husband on the planet. I love every single thing about him, quirks and all. Can’t imagine my life without him. Don’t even want to think about it.

So there you go – a bit of an insider’s view on Scott, the birthday boy and my best friend ever. <3

 

What a weekend!

Posted by Jess Sutera in breathe

Whew. That was *some* weekend!
…let’s recap, shall we?

Friday night:
Taught a sweatastic barre n9ne class at 5:30
Ordered take-out, poured some wine.
Party-prepped from 7-9:30
Stuffed burgers (three ways!); chopped veggies and made dip, made a giant fruit salad, guacamole, fruit and cheese, infused water (with cucumbers and lime — huge hit!)…you get the idea.

Saturday AM/midday:
Quick 5k rundate with Scott (aka the birthday boy)
Set up the final details of the party…filling the giant bucket with ice, water, beer, soda; setting up the tables, chairs and assorted party fare
Put out all the yummies for party #1 with the fam.
Settle onto the deck while waiting for the guests to arrive. The host and hostess were more than ready to start the day on a high note!

Enjoy a leisurely cookout with the fam — multiple courses including steamers, various munchies, burgers, homemade french fries, fruit salad and various desserts brought by my sister-in-law and mother-in-law (including Scott’s *favorite* — his mom’s homemade whoopie pies).
Watch Scott live it up with one of his brothers, drinking his favorite belgium beer – Duval; making fun of eachother as usual.
Cuddled with the cutest niece ever…including lots of splish-splashing in that giant bucket of ice outside (she looooves the water, especially when it splashes all over her auntie…hehe)

Saturday PM
Wrap up party #1 and set up for party #2 as friends begin to arrive
Drink wine, enjoy cocktail party style eats — including that fruit/cheese plate made the night prior, shrimp cocktail, steamed mussels, lowfat buffalo chicken dip, etc. etc. etc. (yes, we put on a giant spread when it comes to parties…can you tell?)
The night wears on, the wine and beer continues to flow…
…let’s just say it was a GREAT party.

Sunday AM / PM
Host and hostess *may* have endured decent sized hangovers for the majority of the day (sign of a good party if you ask me…)
Rally around 5pm — just in time to head to Boston for the second part of the bday weekend surprise for the hubs…a night at the Liberty Hotel (that’s the lobby below, pretty awesome, right??) and dinner at Mooo at XV Beacon.
Perfection.

Monday
Spend the morning in the city — knocking off a run bucket list item ala running the Charles River beneath a gleaming blue sky and bright sunshine.
Again…perfection.

Roll on over to the sis’ apartment for a little sunnage by the pool. Gorgeous day. Great company.
Head home for date night-in Monday-Funday style to wrap up what can only be described as an incredible weekend. Celebrating the hubs, celebrating great friends and family, truly living.

As you can tell…very few pictures were taken this weekend. Very few tweets were tweeted. Very few FB updates were made. There was no blogging. Just living. In the moment. These moments are what matter most.

…what a weekend, indeed. <3

Foodie Friday — more than *just* a salad

Posted by Jess Sutera in foodie friday, healthy eating

Know what cliche I cannot stand? That women must eat *just* a salad in order to fit the sterotypical “healthy eater” mold.

However, I *do* dig salads…but not the boring ‘ol lettuce, tomato, cucumber side salad variety (though, those have a time and a place, I probably eat one of those almost every night as part of my dinner). What I’m talking about here are meal-sized salads that pack a protein boost along with lots of antioxidants and a TON of flavor.

With that, I welcome back Foodie Friday — the “more than *just* a salad edition.

Now that spring and summer weather is upon us, I’m back to gravitating towards salads for lunch or dinner. For some reason, in the winter months, I just don’t crave meal-sized salads very often. I usually steer for wrap sandwiches (which are still in heavy rotation right now!!) and warm foods and the thought of salad is somehow far less appealing until the seasons change.

But just this week, I re-discovered my love affair with a couple of salad concoctions I ate pretty often this time last year and thought I’d share them with you here, along with my “approach” to building the best damn salad around (if I do say so myself!).

First up – my lunch yesterday:

This was a mixed green salad with fresh sliced strawberries and cucumbers and leftover quinoa on top. We had quinoa the other night with dinner and it turned out so well, I was really glad I made extra! I sauteed garlic, onions, and jalepenos and then added the quinoa to the pan and used chicken stock to cook the quinoa in. Turned out super-flavorful with just the right amount of heat from the jalepeno. Such a good pairing on the salad yesterday!!

And then – this ended up being dinner last Friday:

Neither of us were in the mood to cook. At. All. We were tired, it had been a long week for both of us given I was away most of the week for work in Cali. BUT I was craving a homecooked meal after being away. So, Scott agreed to grill if I could figure out something easy to have with whatever he grilled. And this is how our new signature grilled chicken salad was born — I do believe it’s become our new Friday night dinner staple. Takes no time at all — just assemble the salad, grill the chicken and slice it up on top. Easy peasy! This chicken is Scott’s specialty – he takes lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper and a touch of cayenne and sort of makes a rub out of it to put on the chicken. Then he grills it up while I prep the salads – simply made with fresh baby spinach, tomatoes, cucumber and salt and pepper. I also like to add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top of my salad, adds extra flavor!

There are loads of other salads I could probably tell you about but I thought I’d share my most recent faves. My approach to building a meal-sized salad is pretty simple. I always include at least one protein source — hard boiled egg, chopped almonds (1 oz goes a long way), goat cheese, avocado…you get the idea. Then I’ll add a shitton of mixed greens or fresh baby spinach, plus cucumber and tomato and the sky’s the limit in terms of toppings I mix in. I love to pair strawberries or blueberries or watermelon with either feta or goat cheese – omg so good. Or strawberries/blackberries with avocado is equally delish. Black beans, corn and red onion is an awesome pairing for a southwestern inspired salad – with some queso fresco cheese and salsa as the dressing if you’re feeling really daring. ;-) I’ve also built a mixed green plate and topped it with fresh-made tuna or chicken salad which adds a giant protein boost. So yummy. And lately, using leftover quinoa or barley has been awesome as a protein/fiber boost.

So there you have it — some of my salad faves…something I’m sure you’ll see lots more of from me this summer as I continue to get creative in the kitchen, especially as locally-grown produce becomes available. I <3 summer!!

Honest and real

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, Chicago Marathon, dream, marathon, no limits, running

It’s about to get honest and real up in here.

I’m having doubts.
…about that *little* thing I signed up for on October 7th.

The Chicago Marathon. My first full marathon.

It’s ironic — and honestly, very frustrating — that I’m having moments of self-doubt and downright fear this week after just posting about how far I’ve come this past year, thanks to the barre n9ne 60-day challenge journey I’ve been on. A journey that has shown me that I have every right to love the skin I’m in, and to be confident in my abilities, in my strengths…in ME.

Yet, I’m doubting the marathon thing. Not just a little bit. But a lot.

…can I do it?

…do I (still) want to do it?

…what am I doing?? 26.2 is ridiculous.

...why am I doing this?

It’s that last question that really got to me.
…Why.

why, why why.

Why 26.2?

Because I need to prove that I’m a serious runner? Nope, that’s not it. I run for me, not for a title, not to “belong,” but for me.

Because I said I would? Well kinda…but that’s not a good enough reason to put myself through 16 weeks of training.

Because this is my year — of no limits, no boundaries, and a helluva a lot of “getting uncomfortable?
YES.

Let’s face it — I’m only doing this thing once (and I MEAN that). And this is truly my year — both mentally but also physically. I am the strongest and fittest I’ve ever been. My body is ready for the pounding it’s gonna take from marathon training.  This is it. Game on.

So why am I afraid? I guess its because I’m human and facing something as daunting as 26.2 miles is effing scary. It just is. It’s a powerful thing to say that your body was able to overcome the odds and ran 26.2 miles (because let’s be honest, very few in this world will ever do it). And I *do* want that. I guess I just don’t want marathon training to rule my life for the next four months – and maybe that’s why I’ve felt hesitant, scared, doubtful.

So I’ve made a deal with myself. Quite simply: I won’t allow marathon training to overcome me, my life, my semblance of balance. I know it won’t be all puppies and rainbows each and every week but I’m damn committed to making sure I’m having fun along the way. That I’m still following my #1 fit passion which is barre n9ne (sorry running, you come in 2nd place!). And that I’m still living life fully, happily, healthily and my way.

Ultimately, that’s the only way I’m going to get myself through marathon training without letting fear overcome me, without letting that creeper named “self-doubt” poke his head in the door, and without letting it steal my joy for other things in life.

So yeah, this is me being real, honest and 100% me here. Running this marathon is a HUGE goal of mine. But it’s not my life. It just isn’t.

I know this might sound counter-intuitive to those of you who *have* run marathons before, but I gotta go with my gut on this one.

(and on that note, be on the lookout for my “rebel without a cause” version of a marathon training plan. I’ll be sharing that with you next week!)

Rainy run-barre-rundate: #PROOF!

Posted by Jess Sutera in #PROOF, barre, barre n9ne, rundate, runner's high, running

First of all – WOW am I blown away by all of your tweets, FB comments and blog comments on yesterday’s big reveal blog post. Seriously – you know how to make this girl blush like crazy!! You have no idea (or maybe you do!) how much guts it took me to finally decide to post the before/after shots all over the Internet for the world to see. I really battled whether or not I could do it / wanted to do it.

 But the bottom line for me? I wanted to show actual PROOF that hard work, lots of intention, and commitment to YOU can pay off in about five million ways.

So again, thank you for such support and love. You guys rock. <3

While we’re on the topic of #PROOF – I couldn’t help but post about yesterday’s totally badass run-barre-rundate with bestie, Steph. It was seriously so fitting that we chose yesterday to conquer the run-barre-rundate workout on the same day that I’d recap what an incredible year at the barre I’ve had. I thought about it the entire time we were running, barre-ing and running again.

So – for those of you wondering what exactly a run-barre-rundate looks like? This is what a rainy one looks like, I’ll tell you that (kind of hard to tell where the sweat stops and the drenching from the rain starts, not gonna lie…):

This is the workout scheme we concocted last year as a way to get some running in while conquering a sweat sesh at the barre all rolled into one. I figured out that I live exactly 2.6 miles from the studio and thought it would be genius (and environmentally conscious!) to start running to the studio, taking class, and running home – when schedules (and weather) permitted.

I’ve done this run-barre-run solo but it’s way better with friends (and sisters! Miss you Jo!). And what way better than a run-barre-rundate with friends than a RAINY one, huh? Not gonna lie, it kinda felt badass. I was riding a serious barre-run high the entire day (a high that spiked every single time I read another comment from you on my post yesterday!).

Moral of this story? Even if it’s raining, get ‘er done. You’ll feel wicked badass (and WORKED) afterwards. And the post-workout shower will feel like heaven. Trust me on this one.

(Steph, really glad we did this even though we both thought about chickening out for about .32 seconds when we saw the “on-its-just-sprinkling-lets-do-this-no-wait-its-legit-raining” rain, hehe)

60 days…one year later (before/after)

Posted by Jess Sutera in #PROOF, 60 day transformation, barre n9ne, body image, confidence, fitness, sisters

This girl?

Sad. (but very few knew this)

Feigning confidence (that most mistook for genuine confidence)

Working harder, not smarter. (and getting nowhere fast)

Frustrated with her current “path.” (career path, life path, fitness path…all of it)

…I don’t even recognize this girl anymore.

This is me.

The “me” I’ve always dreamed of being but never quite got there.

The “me” that is joyfully confident and not afraid to say so.

The “me” that loves her path…career, life, fitness, all of it.

The “me” that works smarter (not harder), always.

The “me” that is the happiest she’s ever been.

…I love this girl.

Honestly – I can’t properly put words to paper to adequately describe what this past year has meant to me. And for my sis. And our sisterly bond since we set foot in the barre n9ne studio on May 12, 2011 as the inaugural 60-day challengers and barre n9ne spokesmodels.

It’s been life changing, transformational, joy-filled, intention-driven.

Sure I could sit here and tell you how many pounds I’ve lost, how many inches I’ve whittled away and how many classes I’ve taken in the past year to get me where I am today. But that’s not what this is about. The numbers part is the obvious part. You can see it in the before/after pics clearly. What’s harder to show and share is the way I’ve changed on the inside.

This picture (below) was taken on May 12, 2012, one year to the day since we started the 60-day challenge. The look on my face and my sister’s face says it all: pure joy, happiness, confidence, pride. We did this.

All I can say is this: I am blooming right where I’m planted. And loving every single fit-filled moment.
…and I owe it all to the barre (n9ne).

Mindful (not mindless), intentional (not aimless)

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, breathe

Mindful (not mindless).

Intentional (not aimless).

Just think about the meaning –the weight – behind those words: Mindful. Intentional.

Simple concepts really — a mindful approach, one that requires intention or aim.
…but in practice? Not quite as simple.

At least for me. It’s something I’ve been working on for over a year now (since the barre n9ne challenge started last May…more on this milestone tomorrow…) — and quite honestly? I think it’s always going to be a work-in-progress for me, but a work-in-progress means I’m always moving forward, always working to be better, more mindful, more intentional, right?

Mindful (not mindless) as it relates to healthy eating. Learning to push down my OATT-ing ways and trusting my body to alert me to true hunger. To remind me when it’s not hungry, but perhaps thirsty, or bored, or itching to mindlessly eat…out of old habits attempting to sneak back out.
…Intentional (not aimless).

Mindful (not mindless) workouts. Choosing true focus at the barre — both when taking class but also when teaching class. Staying in the moment, working hard to motivate (as an instructor), and working hard to lead by example (as a student of the method) — working hard, plain and simple. Running the mile I’m in, the run I’m in…and ultimately, the race I’m in (October 7, I’m coming for you).
…Intentional (not aimless).

Mindful (not mindless) living. Continuing to chase dreams. Constantly living on the edge of discomfort — in my career (both of them!), in my relationship with Scott, in my friendships, and as an auntie. Always looking for that mindful memory or moment. Searing it into my brain. Kind of like the butterfly I saw – not once, but twice – while running this weekend with Scott. I do believe that was my Nonna swinging by to remind me that she’s always watching over us. Her death, exactly three years ago on Sunday, still leaves such a sadness in my heart. I miss her. But I know she’s always lingering nearby — and this reminds me to continue to stay mindful to every single moment in life.
…Intentional (not aimless).

Mindful (not mindless).
Intentional (not aimless).

This has become my mantra for life, one that I’ve been rolling around in my mind for the past few weeks. This weekend, the whole concept was truly solidified for me — 2012 is proving not just to be the year of ‘no limits’ but my year. It may sound selfish to some, but for me, it’s become empowering to recognize 2012 as the year that I found my stride.

Travel notes

Posted by Jess Sutera in career, fitness, healthy eating

Un-routine be damned. I still got my workouts in this week, a big time travel week. Killer workouts, in fact.

…that hillier-than-hell rundate up Death Mountain for one.

…this yoga workout I haven’t done since before starting my barre n9ne journey (surprised me at how much better I was able to hold the various poses…felt damn strong afterwards.)

…a surprisingly sweatastic set of intervals on Wednesday *and* a sweaty (albeit fairly boring) session on the elliptical before my flight took off on Thursday to round out the week.

(post intervals – see? sweatastic!)

(post surprisingly good elliptical workout)

…still haven’t tried a barre studio out here yet though. Must get on that next time around.

I struck an awesome balance, healthy eating-wise while traveling. So difficult to stick to that when so many of my meals are out of my control (i.e. not home cooked!). I’m really proud of how I managed that this week. 

…I discovered a ‘stand-in’ for my beloved irish oatmeal with sautéed apples, cinnamon and peanut butter (and I owe it all to Naomi - again – for cluing me in!). Jamba Juice apple cinnamon steel cut oatmeal – OMGGG tasted like apple pie on top of oatmeal yumminess!

…and after a really big, heavy (but delish salmon!) lunch on Wednesday (a team celebration lunch), I chose a really light dinner that night in my room (my one “free” night all week). A fresh fruit platter with cottage cheese on the side. It was perfect. JUST what I needed. And very different than how I might have planned or chosen my dinner a year or so ago. I’ve come a long way in this mindful / intuitive eating journey of mine. Note to self…

And I survived the flight out and back. Barely.

…it was long. And not altogether fun on the return flight – sitting on the tarmac for an hour after an hour-long delay in the airport and landing at midnight on Thursday. No bueno.

…but seeing this smiling face waiting for me at the terminal? (he was waiting there from 9:45-midnight! He didn’t track my flight so wasn’t aware just how delayed it was. Only he would still be smiling after all that!!). But it was worth every long hour spent on the plane. He gives the best hugs ever. >3

(this is from last summer — hands down my favorite pic of Scott, his smile is so beautiful here. And let’s be honest, he looks hot. tee hee <3)

Packing wise – I did ok this trip too. Packed just enough without feeling like I had 6 lbs’ worth of dumbells in my carry-on (oh wait…that’s because I *did* pack those on my last trip, didn’t I? <grin>)

…however, I wish I had a change of clothes for the flight home. Dress pants, open-toed heels (that I wore *all* week out here, owww) and a collared top aren’t exactly comfy airplane-wear. I would’ve killed for my lululemon groove pants (thought about wearing the dirty pair from my suitcase but upon smelling them, I thought better of it…), my I Heart Sweat tee and my flip flops. Ohhh flip flops. That would’ve been a killer score.

All told? I give myself a solid A on travel acumen. I’m pretty darn proud of myself for both embracing un-routine, while also keeping a semblance of routine in the mix of things too. A new routine maybe, but a routine, nonetheless.

…now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to face plant into my bowl of oatmeal. I think I’ve waited long enough for it. ;-)

Remember that ‘un-routine’ thing?

Posted by Jess Sutera in career, intervals, pride, rundate, sweat

When I closed one chapter on my life and opened another chapter (or chapter and a half, really) at the start of this year — switching from one job to another, while also pursuing my passion for all things barre n9ne — I started to wrap my head around the concept of un-routine.

…of allowing myself to embrace new routines, changes, etc.

…of learning to get out of my comfy little corner of the world and focus on the ‘new’ in my life.

…of pursuing discomfort in all that I do.

A big part of this new chapter in my life was getting used to a job where I’d be traveling pretty often, something that would most definitely push me out of my comfy little routine on a regular basis. The first two trips out to California for work were eye-opening and filled with lots of “new.” It was scary. It was uncomfortable. It was exactly what I needed.

Now that I’m in the throes of my third trip out to Cali for work, I’m finally getting the ‘hang’ of this thing. And y’know what? I kinda dig it out here. Don’t get me wrong — I totally miss my comfy little corner of the world (and my husband’s cute smiley face!) — but what these trips have taught me is just how much I need un-routine from time-to-time.

I’m finding a new sense of independence that I sometimes allow to lay dormant when I’m in my cozy little routine. In fact, this trip I’ve even had my own rental car which is a whole new world to me! Kinda neat toolin’ around San Jose all on my own — for some reason, this felt huge to me this week. Also helps that I’ve been driving a bitchin’ set ‘o wheels- a Toyota Yaris. It’s HOT lemme tell ya. ;-)

I’m really getting to know my coworkers better and better with time. Hell, I went on that hilliest-ever rundate with one of them just the other night! (I swear, I’m still riding a high from that run!)

I even embraced the treadmill yesterday morning, something I was totally dreading on this trip. I even told myself I’d avoid it entirely this week given these few weeks leading into marathon training, I’ve tried to make running less of a focus, allowing my body to recover and prep for all those miles coming up. But who knew? I ended up CRUSHING my interval session after I got past the dread part of things. I have never felt more badass after stepping off a treadmill in my life. For reals. Just check out that sweatastic smile!

And most of all? I’m truly embracing the whole concept of creating new routines while I’m out here which is actually helping me not to long for my routine at home *quite* as much as I used to. I’m finding ways to maintain my love of healthy eating out here. Continuing to bring my own breakfast and snack options, finding ways around some of the meal choices that aren’t in my control and ultimately just making good,  healthy choices while I’m out here. Again, don’t get me wrong — I miss my barre n9ne family. I miss my rundates with Scott. I miss my yummy homecooked meals. I miss all of that. But this trip? It’s shown me that I can thrive in un-routine if I’m open to it.

And I think that’s the key. Being open to un-routine. Truly open to it. That’s what this week has been all about for me.

(that and discovering Jamba Juice steel cut oats — Oh Em Gee. A ‘fill-in’ for my beloved bowl of oatmeal at home! A huge thanks to Naomi for telling me about them during our sushi date on Monday night! I nearly died from joy when I took my first bite on Wednesday before a meeting. I’m not kidding, I may have shed a tear. )