Category Archives: running

(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?

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)

OMG-that-was-the-hilliest-rundate-ever

Posted by Jess Sutera in #PROOF, challenge, runner's high, running, sweat

OMG-that-was-the-hilliest-rundate-ever.

And I frickin’ loved every single, sweaty, puketastic second.

Like really, really, really, really loved it.

The verdict? Oh damn do I need to do MORE of that shiznat, and as soon as possible.
It was HELL, but it was so, so, so good.

But lemme back up a sec. The rundate plan originally. It started out as a simple “hey coworker friend, whatcha say to a rundate next time I’m in Cali?”

Her response “sure, but you’ll kick my butt.”

My thinking – no way, man. Rundates aren’t about racing eachother, it’s about the experience of it all, getting in some miles in a new city far, far, far away from home. And that’s that. The experience. Not the journey, not the miles, not any of that.

Soooo she agreed to join me (mind you, she’s getting ready to embark on her first half marathon journey which I’m super psyched about!). What she neglected to tell me? The route she had in mind for us. One that she claims she only settled on in her mind right before we left for our rundate.

I’m kinda glad she didn’t clue me in any sooner now that I think about it. ;-)

The route she had in mind took us up this winding, rolling, hilly, up, up, up trail to the top of a mountain, basically. I have no pictures to prove it (I realllly wish I had my iPhone with me for some picture #PROOF!) but when I tell you it was one long uphill drive? I.am.not.kidding.you.

It looked something like this:

Steep uphill climb to “warm-up” as my coworker put it. Up a steep incline and around the corner and up another steep incline. Leveled off for a bit where we met a bit of a rolling incline and then two more steep up, up, up incline turn-backs before we leveled off and took a very short recovery break.

Steep uphill climb number two nearly killed me. I legit thought I was either going to pass out, puke or die at various points during this section of the uphill “run” (if you can call it running, it was more like fast hiking LOL). It was a lot of uuuuuuuup and arounnnnnd and uuuuuuup and arouunnnnd. Lots of turn-backs here too. (which sucked more than the steep uuuuuups right after, I swear)

We leveled off once more and finally got a bit of a repreive before the final steep uphill and rolling climb to the very top. The rolling climb was one of those tricky ones that sneaks up on ya real good. It was at this point that I just put my head down, refusing to look at how far the rolling climb truly was and just powered through to the top.

And the top? OMG was it gorgeous. Not just scenery-wise but run-wise. I was never happier to be on flat ground in my life. For reals. Let’s just say the downhill run back to our starting point was glorious. I felt like I was running on air in comparison to what we’d just endured.

In all? This was freakin’ intense. The most challenging hill work I have EVER done. Ever, ever, ever.
…but I loved, loved, loved it.

Loved how strong it made me feel.
Loved how fit it reminded me that I am.
Loved how sweaty and endorphin-high I felt at the end.
Loved the experience of it with my fab coworker (who claims I pushed her to work harder…um, I beg to differ, she’s the one that picked the route, one that I’d have never picked on my own!).

Moral of this story?
Hills are evil. And I need more of them in my life.
Stat.

The best run.

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

The best run happened on Sunday.

…It didn’t matter how far we ran.
…Or that my lips were chapped (forgot the chapstick!).
…And I was thirsty because it was muggier than expected.
…Nor did I care that we got stopped on our return trek while the drawbridge went up to let a boat pass by.

What did matter?

…My legs were happy, happy, happy.
…My pace felt peppy.
…I got lost in my thoughts for miles and miles.
…I was in those moments. In the mile. In the run. In the rundate.
…All with the best running partner around.

It was the best run. And here’s #PROOF:

Those would be the rosy red cheeked sweaty faces of two very happy, very runners’ high-loving running fools.

It was the best run.  Intentionally goal-less, aim-less. The perfect setting for us both to let our thoughts run wild, all while enjoying that “us” time. “Us” time which was so precious this weekend as I prepared for a week in California for work.

And now? As I sit here getting myself ready to head to the airport later this morning? I’m cherishing those moments from yesterday, revisiting the miles – sure – but really revisiting those special, quiet moments with Scott, mid-run.

…the best run.

(I’m already missing him and I haven’t even left yet. Sigh. Let’s just say that I’m *really* looking forward to that giant welcome-home hug on Thursday night. His face is the one I miss most of all. <3 )

Run-less, but not barre-less.

Posted by Jess Sutera in running, barre n9ne, focus

Run-less, but not barre-less.
…is how I’d describe the week, so far.

It’s totally been by design – I designated this week, post-half marathon, as a run-less week. I wanted to give myself a bit of a breather from running. Both because I knew I’d work it really hard at the race, but also because I know that after this month is over, running will be front and center once more (hello Chicago marathon training!). And the juggling act between running, teaching and taking barre n9ne classes would ensue all over again. <–I welcome it, believe it or not! I love the challenge…glutton for punishment, much?? ;-)

A couple of things I’ve noticed this week while I’ve been in this focused mode.

 

My legs are recovering from the race a lot better than they ever have after previous half marathons. I chalk it up to a better level of fitness for sure, but also to really caring for my body leading into and post-race. Not running junk miles. Making sure to stretch often. Honoring the rest days. And yes, getting a workout in the very next day after the race <–this is a new one for me. Call me crazy but the barre class I took on Monday morning *did* help to stretch out my uber-tight quads and hammies. Did it sting? Sure did. Did it help? You betcha.

Having my sole workout or workouts *just* be of the barre variety has been really refreshing and fun. And focused. I’m an addict as it is, but to be able to focus even more on my form, on my endurance and on the mind/body connection during class has been awesome. While I’ve said a million times over that the running + barre combo is great, having the week to focus on my barre practice alone has been just what I’ve needed.

It’s been raining this week. Yet – by this weekend? Sunshine and 70s. Did a certain Someone know I was trying to avoid running this week and planned this forecast just for me? I do believe He may have. And I appreciate that. Means there has been absolutely *no* temptation go break my no-run rule this week whatsoever.

The bottom line for me? Focus is good. Really, really good. It always brings new clarity,  new thinking, new approaches to mind. Speaking of ‘new approaches,’ I have been thinking a LOT about how I plan to approach Chicago marathon training. I’m not ready to talk about it quite yet, but I’ll give you a hint — it’s going to involve lots of — wait for iiiiiit — FOCUS. ;-)

Why I run: today.

Posted by Jess Sutera in confidence, dream, no limits, relationships, running

I’ve talked about this before. Why I run.
I even revisted the topic once after that.

But after this weekend’s race – my 4th, and best, half marathon – I feel the need to revisit the topic once more.

Why I run: today.

It’s been a 2+ year process (my previous two “why I run posts” were from April and September of 2010), but I finally trust myself. To run for me, my way, with a smile on my face. That’s why I run. And continue to run. For me; for that confidence it’s given me; and for that trust it’s shown me I’m worthy of. I run from the heart.

I am who I am because I run. I strive to be better — in all areas of my life — because I can, sure. But after seeing what a little hard work and determination can do for my running journey? Anything is possible. And I now fully apply that “anything is possible” mentality to all areas of my life — an incredibly invaluable life lesson I gained through running.

I run for me, but also for Scott. For us. It’s been one of the biggest bonding moments for us — pushing ourselves through four half marathons and committing, together, to 26.2 this fall? Crazy bonding moment after moment. It’s this unspoken thing between us almost, this quiet confidence we have in ourselves, and in eachother, to see this thing through to the end. Whatever “the end” may be. The “end” of a hard-fought race. The “end” of a training cycle. The “end” of a regular, run-of-the-mill rundate. Or the “end” of a 26.2 mile jaunt through Chicago. We’re in this together. As they say, “couples who run together…”

And, as I’ve said before — I never, ever take for granted the sheer ability to run. To push harder, to strive for more (hello sub-2 I’m coming for you!), to see my body perform like a pro — running for miles and miles, something many people on this earth will never see or experience, even if they wanted to. ((Ability.)) It’s a gorgeous, blessed thing.
…I run for those who cannot.

This is why I run: today. <3

13.1 goal: crushed.

Posted by Jess Sutera in Cox Rhode Race half marathon, half marathon, no limits, pride, runner's high, running

My goal for my 4th half marathon: to run (13.1) happy.

That goal?
CRUSHED.

From the moment I went to bed on Saturday night, to the moment the alarm clock rang at 4:50am — I didn’t feel nervous. I felt ready. I felt happy.

Upon meeting up with Christine for the drive down to Providence, we chatted about our goals (goal-less, truly) for this race, both agreeing that running a happy race was our #1 priority. And Sam readily agreed when we met up with her in the parking lot near the starting line.

It just felt…right. That we were all in this to run happy, proud, strong. Much, much, much less focus on numbers than ever before. For any of us. (of course, there is now a big ‘ol number in my head after the fact, but let’s get there first, shall we?)

And that difference? The focus on running happy miles? It put me in the exact right mindset for this race.
…I felt trust.

Trust that my body would carry me through the miles.

Trust that my mind would quiet, allowing me to run freely, proudly.

Trust that I wouldn’t hit that wall, that I’d power through.

Trust in Scott who would push me when I’d start to fall into my comfy little pace on him.

Trust in my training.

Trust in me.

And that, my friends, is what carried me through 13.1 — along a beautiful course in Providence where I’m damn proud to say that I killed every hill that crossed my path and powered through the miles, never once hitting the wall (not truly anyway, though miles 9-11 felt like forever), finally trusting my body to do the work. Doubt was left in the dust.

So when I say that I CRUSHED my goal for this half marathon? It’s true. I have never felt prouder or stronger in my life.

(Pre-race — ready to rock it out)

(Post-race — those are some happy runners, huh??)

Now. Let’s talk numbers. Just for a sec. I finished this race in 2:03:10, that’s about a 2-minute PR off my last half marathon, and a mere 3 minutes from a secret reach-goal of mine. (Yes, I had a secret reach goal!).

Sub-2.

I hate to say it but I just can’t help it. I have a goal in mind now that, yes, is very much numbers-driven. I want a sub-2 half marathon. So badly. It was just three teeny tiny minutes away today. Three. I can eat those three minutes. I KNOW I can.

So now what? Is there another half marathon in my future before the big 26.2?
…I think there may be.

As Scott said to me after the race (and he is SO right) — “If you met every goal the first time you tried for it, life would be boring.”

So here’s to living as un-boring a life as possible. One filled with infinite possibilities. No limits, whatsoever.  One where I’m always game for reaching and re-reaching for dreams and goals until I capture them. And one where for now? I’m drinking in these moments. The post-race glow — a glow driven by pride and joy, above all else. <3

13.1_blank

Posted by Jess Sutera in Cox Rhode Race half marathon, faith, half marathon, running

So yeah.

May 6th is Sunday.
…race day.

And quite honestly, my mind is blank.

My mind is usually never blank (um hi, OATT??).

Everytime my mind wanders to race day, it kind of goes quiet on me. And I kind of think this is a good thing.
..a (potentially) very good thing.

Perhaps I will finally be able to run a race as “just” another long run, truly getting lost in that run.
…letting my body work.
…my mind trusting my body to do its job.
…all 13.1 miles of its job.

I suppose I’ll find out on Sunday now won’t I? ;-)

Until then, I’ll be carrying this thought — hell, it may be the only thought on my mind — on race day. It’s a goody.

A May(be) plan

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, breathe, Chicago Marathon, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, dream, focus, no limits, running

Hi, my name is Jessica and I’m a spastic-OMG-must-write-everything-down-and-create-spreadsheets-for-everything planner.

Hilarious, right? But seriously — so, so, so true, at least for me. I think this is largely why I wind up with bouts of OATT regularly…I let the days jumble together to attack me versus taking each day as it’s own “thing.” Y’know, kinda like that “in” thing I mentioned yesterday.

So anyway, when I realized that May was upon us (um hi, yesterday was May 1st, how the hell did that happen?!) — the wheels starting churning. I mean, really – how could they not churn?

…the half marathon is almost behind me.
…the barre n9ne teacher training is long gone and I’m happily in my teaching groove.
…my not new but I keep calling it new job is five months deep.
…we’re nearly at the halfway point in the YEAR.
…my year of ‘no limits.’
Damn.

So yeah, it’s been a busy, jam-packed year so far. Which kinda makes my heart soar with glee, not gonna lie. It’s been a full and happy and passionate five months. Of reaching for dreams, capturing them and chasing the rest. I dig that. This full life that I lead.

But back to my point – the whole planning ‘thang. The OATT-er in me obviously wants to plan the next month down to a science, with every little detail in place (not gonna lie, there have been spreadsheets involved…). The wannabe anti-OATT-er in me wants to *try* to go with the flow more in May. I mean, once June hits — I’ll be in MARATHON training, OMG. The next four MONTHS will be filled with schedules. FILLED.

So this is my little reminder, I suppose, to call this month the month of May(be) Plans vs. all-out OATT-filled plans.

A May(be) plan, you say? Yup, I’m calling this month the one month out of the entire YEAR where I try to stick less to schedules a little bit more. May(be). I’ll be traveling for work this month — which throws me into un-routine. Something I clearly need as a way to un-train myself of these OATT-ing ways of mine. This month also includes the Memorial Day long weekend which always means a gigantic bash for Scott’s birthday each year — and this year being his 35th (!), I want to make it extra special. :-)

The only thing I truly plan on doing this month, if I could quantify it in some way? I’d say it would be filled with lots of  “in” moments — of the barre variety for sure, perhaps of the running (without any rhyme, reason, distance or plans in mind) variety, and most definitely of the embracing each moment variety.

Hmmm…this May(be) plan is shaping up pretty nicely, if I do say so myself. Perhaps this recurring case of OATT Syndrome is on its last days afterall?

(one can only hope. and by “one” I mean my husband, who has the patience of a saint for putting up with my regular OATT-ing ways, heh)