Category Archives: running

On teaching myself to run…for me.

Posted by jobo in running and tagged with , , ,

Hi friends!

When my sis asked me to guest post for her while she’s away, my mind was actually pretty blank, to be honest. But today, it hit me. As I stood at mile 11, waiting for our fabulous bloggy friend Samantha to pass us (meeting up with Meaghan, who is supremely awesome!) as she ran the Hampton Half Marathon, it hit me. As I saw the runners whizzing past, at all paces, and seeing some faces scrunched up in struggle, while others had their eye on the prize, I just saw something in their faces: they were running for themselves…above all else, they were running for them, and nobody else. Sure, some were intent on finishing first, or PRing or breaking an old PR, but the common thread was that it was for them. The run. 

And that is something I have very much struggled with over the last year. Why I run. For awhile, I lost sight of that, and ran because I thought I should. And trained for two half marathons because I thought I should, because my sister and my friend Steph were running them, but after a second half marathon that just didn’t go nearly as planned, I knew I needed to throw that book out the window and start clean.

Thus, I proclaimed that I love to run, but I do not love to race. And born from that was my 6-month run challenge (read up on it here) that I built for myself to sustain some distance during the cold winter months (complete with challenging myself to run outside in the cold, something I’d never really done in seasons past) and to maybe even build up my pace a bit from my usual 10mm that I can’t seem to break.

What I didn’t expect to gain from this challenge, now, 3 months in, was this: it has helped me re-inspire and re-capture why I run and more importantly, why I like to run. I’m conquering the breathing problems that have plagued me, I am gaining some speed, I am running consistently, and I have even embraced my aforementioned abhorrence for intervals.

And in the process? I’ve learned to love running again and to ultimately run for me, and only me. In this bloggy world filled with runners of all varieties, it’s so easy for me to get caught up in what everyone else is doing…but for the first time in a long time, I’m really just focused on what I am doing, and nothing else. The way it should be.

And that, my friends, is how I’ve taught myself to run…for me. 

For anyone out there that is struggling with this very thing – running for you and not letting anything else affect that…take it from me, it can be done. I am proof and I am thrilled with how far I’ve come, moreso mentally even, than physically.

So, take that gamble, get your head in the game and figure out why you run, and then just go for it. You’ll probably surprise yourself with what you’re actually capable of when you’re focusing on just you, just running.

Love to run – winter and summer edition

Posted by JessSutera in barre n9ne, Chicago Marathon, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, rundate, running, speed, sweat

So, after seeing tons and tons of “why I love to run” style blog posts yesterday in honor or Valentine’s Day thanks to #runchat’s call for posts on the topic on Sunday, I got to thinking about my own lovefest with running.

But rather than talk about why I (love to) run – which I’ve covered a couple of times already here and there (though I feel like I could answer that question differently any day of the week!), I thought I’d take a slightly different slant.

Why I love to run – the winter and summer edition.
(mainly because, up until this winter, I used to despise winter running. And now I don’t (so much). But I digress. Let’s carry on, shall we?)

Winter:

It’s freezing.
…which makes you run faster. As in holy-hell-there-must-be-crazy-angry-polar-bears-chasing-me fast. <—this was how Sunday's run went, thanks to 15 degree temps and mad wind.

…being freezing means two things.
1 – you’re alive and ought to be pretty darn excited about that fact.
2 – you get to pick out wicked cute (and warm) running tights, running hoodies, headbands, etc. And lust after a few items over at Lululemon, wistfully hoping for them to magically appear on the “we made too much” section. Like this:

(I WANT.)

And, winter running means be-friending the dreadmill which for me translates into interval training and hill work. Both equally puketastic. Both equally needed if I want to kill my half marathon in May…and to set me up nicely for Chicago Marathon training which begins in June (um, puke…that’s coming up pretty quick…)

Summer:

You sweat. A LOT. I dig that.
(recycled post-rundate pic from this summer)

You get to run much, much earlier in the AM and outside, not on the treadmill. Which means – birds chirping, bunny sightings, warm summer air and ridiculous runner’s highs. I have such fond memories of summertime rundates with my running buddies Steph and Jo, and many long rundates with Scott. Come to think of it, summertime is actually where most of my half marathon training has taken place, to date. So I guess you can say I’m a big-time summer runner, high heat and muggies, be damned.

…which from what I hear is a good thing given the weather for the Chicago Marathon can be fairly unpredictable (but usually pretty warm). <–so choosing this as my first full marathon was a wicked smaht move, who knew?!

And – it takes far less time to “gear up” for a summertime run than a wintertime run. Don’t get me wrong, I dig all the cute winter running gear I’ve accumulated (or lusted after) this season, but nothing compares to running in nothing but Lululemon run shorts and a tank top.

(after the YuKanRun half marathon with Isabel – she’s so little here!)

…which reminds me of a little goal or “bet” that Jo, Steph and I have. That this summer will be the summer we will throw caution to the wind and run in just shorts and a sports bra. Something none of us has ever been brave enough to do (in public) before. Eek. We promised we’d make it happen this year, that we’d let go of insecurity and own that run. Call it a running bucket list item if you want, but dammit – we’re making it happen this year. Right, ladies??

So, this post turned into a bit of a rambly mess, I hope you don’t mind. Sometimes my mind wanders all over the place when I’m blogging, especially when it comes to running. It’s on my mind a LOT lately. That and barre n9ne, barre n9ne, barre n9ne. Not much room in my brain these days for much else.

…which I don’t consider a bad thing. Not. At. All. ;-)

So, what’s the (February) plan?

Posted by JessSutera in #stretchnow, barre n9ne, Chicago Marathon, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, marathon, running

Now that the urge to vomit has subsided dust has settled a bit on the whole marathon thing, I’m ready to think about how I want to tackle my running plans for the next month or so.

Why am I thinking about *just* the next month?

Well, I’ll tell you. ;-) In a month, I’ll start training for the Providence half marathon, and once I kick the crap out of that race complete that race, I’ll have about a month before Chicago Marathon training begins (early-June).<—and yes, I already have the training plan for that worked out, I’ll share it soon! 

So this month, I want to focus on just one thing: staying strong and healthy.

I really want to go into training mode feeling my best – both physically and mentally (especially mentally). This is particularly important to me as I’m realizing just how long I’ll be in training once March rolls around:
…7 months long, give or take.

That’s going to take a lot of energy and focus and drive. Sure, I’ll give myself a break between Providence and the start of marathon training, but really – even 6 months of training is a long time. And I want to do this right. I also want to do this my way – by my own rules, plans and goals. And yes, that does involve having fun along the way, like I’ve said before.

But back to my point – my plans for February. It’s going to be a VERY busy month. For many reasons (and one BIG reason that I can’t wait to tell you guys about!!).

I’ll be visiting Heather in February. Hopefully it’ll involve some super-fun rundates (complete with post-run mimosas?). I say “hopefully” because Heather is dealing with an injury – I’m sending her good vibes like CRAZY and I’d urge you all to do the same. Let’s get her back on her running feet again, mmk?

I’ll also be really busy essentially every weekend with that BIG NEWS I can’t wait to tell you about. (yes, I’m a tease). Which will limit my ability to cram much running time in on the weekends.

And I have another work trip at the end of February to contend with. Which means craptastic early-AM runs on the hotel dreadmill. Dislike. But I’ll embrace the un-routine once again while I’m there, right, right?

So anyway, my plan for February is fairly simple:
Run when I can – aiming for four runs of mixed intensity and distance, as I have been since kicking off my winter running schedule a few months ago. I say “when I can” because I know I’ll have to pull back certain weeks (particularly that week I’m traveling for work) and I need to be ok with that. And honestly – I already am. I know I’ll get MORE than enough running in after this month is over. May as well enjoy a pull-back month of sorts, right??
Hit up as many barre n9ne classes as my body will allow – it’s making a GIANT difference in how I’m running. My glutes and hammies are the strongest they’ve ever been. Which equates to very happy knees (which is huge for me given two previous knee injuries and all…).
Stretch, stretch, stretch. #stretchnow has been a success so far this week. I’m determined to keep it up. Good for the body *and* mind. I like.
And breathe. Spend time really focusing on my breath and that mind-body connection. I need to be mentally fierce once marathon training kicks in.

Wow. I was anticipating this to be a short post but it’s turned into quite the novel — apparently my mind is already spinning, turning and running away on me and I’m not even close to the start of marathon training. Oy. ;-)

What would I do?

Posted by JessSutera in breathe, Chicago Marathon, marathon, relationships, running

Let’s rewind to Saturday’s run, if you don’t mind. Scott and I set out to run our favorite 7-mile loop. It was a gorgeous winter morning, not too cold (high 30s, woo!) and bright and sunny. We set out on our run – and this time, neither of us were very chatty. I was letting my mind wander and giving Scott a chance to let his wander wherever it wanted, knowing he’s had a lot on his mind lately. Figuring, this is our own “me” time even though we were together on our rundate.

So off we went, the miles going by fairly smoothly, my breath felt calm-ish, I was working hard but happily so.

Until.

My mind wandered to February 1st, aka Chicago Marathon registration sign-up day. Just a few days from now. <gulp>

And instantly, my mind started to race. For the first time,  I felt a twinge of fear about committing to 26.2. Up until now, I’ve been excited and ready to face down all those miles. But now that the reality of it is about to set in as soon as I hit ‘register’ on Wednesday, I panicked a little bit. And mentioned it to Scott, breaking our little silence.

“I’m afraid. What if we can’t do it?”

Without skipping a beat, he said: “We are ready. Our bodies are trained for this. They are strong. We’re doing this.”

And suddenly? Just those few simple words of encouragement was all it took. I thought to myself: “Game on.” and then “what would I do without him?”

Seriously, though.
What would I do without him?

He is my biggest fan, supporting me through every challenge I take on. With a smile and never a complaint (even when I spend hours each week at barre n9ne, which eats into our time together during the week).

(just look at that smile, <3 it)

He is the best running partner and coach ever. He knows me. He knows how my mind works. He knows what I’m capable of. He challenges me to never give up.

He is selfless. He could crush a half marathon in well under 2 hours if he wanted. But he never, ever crosses that finish line without me. We cross together – well, he always has me cross just in front of him, ever the gentleman.

He makes me laugh (often at myself, mostly at him).

He is my best friend. And I adore him so.

So? What would I do without him? Thank God I don’t ever have to find out. <3

Sometimes a little reminder like Saturday is all it takes to remember to always nurture those relationships that make your world go round. But don’t just take it from me, take it from Dorry, too – her post on Sunday brought me to tears, and reminded me just how important it is to nurture, always.

Getting (or trying to get) limber

Posted by JessSutera in barre n9ne, fitness, running, stretching

Not a shock Confession: I am not flexible.

Running basically undoes any effort I put into gaining flexibility. This much I know.

But until recently – I didn’t put much effort, if any, into stretching. At.All.

Bad, bad fitblogger. Bad.

I know better. That’s the thing.

However: I now consider myself a changed woman. In the last, say, 6-8 weeks, I’ve made a concerted effort to stretch. As part of or after every single workout. Even if that means getting up earlier to get my run done *and* my post-run stretching. I get a good amount of stretching from the bajillions of barre classes I do each week. And I’ve noticed a huge difference, especially in how much quicker I recover from my runs during the week. Far less sore and tight the next day, for example.

…but I need to do more on my own. As I said, running basically negates the stretching I’m doing now.

So – as they say, if you want to run faster, you have to run fast. And if you want to gain flexibility, you gotta stretch. Duh. So simple yet here I am being all “But I’m just not naturally flexible” — essentially using that as my excuse not to focus on stretching more.

But, I’m of the mindset that there are no good excuses. So I’m tossing the whole “but I’m not naturally flexible” whiny mentality out the window. And I’m gonna focus the sh*t out of my stretching from now on.

My plan? Simple really:
…Stretch after every single run. And foam roll.
…Take fifteen minutes during the day (now that I work from home most of the week) and do hip opening stretches (think the “runner’s stretch for the hip flexor or my new fave, “happy baby“). My hips are so tight (why does that sound like a TWSS phrase to me??)
…Stretch soon after every barre n9ne class. As I said, we do a good amount of stretching during class (given the strengthening/lengthening mantra that makes up the barre style). But, I need to do more to counterbalance all the running I do. So after class I’ll spend 10-15 minutes at home doing additional stretching (while I’m still warm from class).

There. Simple, right?

Now – who wants to volunteer to be my stretch accountability artist? Fancy title, right? But hell, I need the added accountability in this area or I know I’ll fall back into that “I’m not naturally flexible, it’ll never happen” mentality.

(and bonus points if you feel like sharing some of your favorite stretches with me in the comments section below!)

Running randoms

Posted by JessSutera in Chicago Marathon, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, half marathon, rundate, runner's high, running

My brain is all over the place today so I thought I’d jot down just a few of the things I’m thinking about. Since they all basically revolve around running, let’s call this:

Running randoms

…I really like when I’m right (trust me, this doesn’t happen all too often, hehe). Avoiding miles for miles sake on Saturday has resulted in three (yes THREE) really awesome runs this week. 7 miles on Sunday; 6 miles on Monday and 5 miles (hilly intervals) today. Sweatastic. Runner’s high-worthy. And all done on the treadmill. Who am I? Let’s hope I can keep this running streak going with another goodie on Saturday – but outside this time and with my favorite running partner with me. He and I haven’t run together in weeks, sad face!

…I just looked at my calendar on my iPhone last night. Noticed a reminder for 1pm ET next Wednesday. It was a reminder to register for the Chicago Marathon.  In just one week. Am I really signing on to run 26.2 miles?? Yes. I. Am. <—wheee!

…which reminds me: I’m wicked excited about my training plans. Both for the Providence half in May and, just a few weeks later: marathon training begins. Essentially, starting in March, I’ll be in training for ohhhh 6 months or so, give or take. Whoa. (note to self: share these self-made training plans with ya’ll sooner rather than later…)

…have I mentioned lately how much I love my bloggy friends? Last night’s tweet exchange was just another example of that:

@runcupcake Hey…if plans go right…I’ll be up in MA with @jessfit654 and @jobo_determined by my side. Could happen! #fitblog
@LiveLoveNRun WAIT WHAT? SHUT UP! I’ll so be there if that’s the case! #fitblog @jessfit654 @jobo_determined
@runcupcake @jessfit654 @jobo_determined Yep! I told them I wanted to share it with them. I have fam up there now. ;) #fitblog
@LiveLoveNRun I am totally JUMPING out of my skin excited about this! @jessfit654 @jobo_determined #fitblog
@runcupcake @jessfit654 @jobo_determined Yay!!! The four of us will rock a half together…best way to spend my first! #fitblog
hriacobacci

 Totally jealous! RT @jessfit654: @runcupcake @LiveLoveNRun @jobo_determined I LOVE THIS!! Can we pick a race date soon?? Must discus via…
This little exchange lasted another round of tweets until we agreed it was time to discuss dates and other fun logistics via email. What I love about this (besides how awesome these ladies are *and* that they so readily jumped on board) is that this will be Melissa’s first half marathon. And she wants to share it with us. Love, love, LOVE. Can’t wait to cross that finish line together, my dear! <3

…sooo, I guess it’s time to figure out which race we’ll all be running together, huh ladies? Wheels. Are. Spinning. on that one. Race details to follow. ;-)

Miles for miles sake

Posted by JessSutera in barre n9ne, rundate, running

I had the best of intentions on Saturday. Our barre n9ne rundate was postponed due to snow in the area so my goal was to run before barre method class at 8:30 on my treadmill to get some miles in, and to finish out the week with my usual 4 runs/week.

However.

I woke up on Saturday morning feeling more wiped than I did on Friday morning (where I only got about 5 hours of sleep compared to the 9 I got on Friday night!). The events of the week had clearly caught up with me.

However.

I am one stubborn-as-hell woman. So I re-set the alarm clock to give myself a little more sleep before barre n9ne. I wanted to kill it at the barre, and figured I’d just get those miles in after class instead.

However.

After a *really* good class and *really* killer shake at the barre (LOVE that), I felt so worked. As if I had nothing left, leaving it all on the floor of that barre studio. A feeling I aim for each time I’m at the barre. It felt amazing.

However.

It also left me feeling so worked that I knew that adding on those miles back at home on my treadmill (remember, snowing outside – no yak trax, must purchase…) wasn’t going to be my smartest move. I try like hell to avoid that thing called “junk miles” – I know they aren’t worth doing.

Miles for miles sake.  Sure, they appease that mind of mine that never stops churning, but is it worth it on my body? Nope. Miles for miles sake doesn’t accomplish a single thing (other than calming those aforementioned mind games) – your body tells you when to pull back. The real challenge is listening and actually pulling back. Because you know what? The miles I’ll put in the next day, the day after, and so on? Will be miles worth putting in.

So next time you’re tempted to put in miles just for miles sake? Stop. Listen. Re-assess. If I can do it (remember: stubborn as hell), you can do it.

…you can thank me later. ;-)

#digdeep

Posted by JessSutera in breathe, career, challenge, confidence, exercise, healthy eating, intervals, running

I’ve found myself using this hashtag often this week on twitter:
#digdeep

Because truly – I’ve had to #digdeep, really deep, throughout this week:
…to put my game face on each day, meeting TONS of new faces, and learning way too much (all at once) about the company I now work for, all jammed into two days of back-to-back meetings.
…to get my butt up each morning to the hotel gym to log some miles this week. Tuesday’s run was what I’d call a sad 6-miler. Wednesday’s run was a puketastic 6-miler. And tomorrow’s? I’m hoping it’s a happy 6 miles’ worth of recovery (intervals nearly killed me). It might not be perfect, but the miles are happening and that’s what I need right now. A small semblance of normalcy.
…..to stay strong when all I wanted to do was crumble and cry because I’ve been missing Scott, particularly after a trying week of frustrating news (perhaps more on this later…).
…to embrace un-routine, learning to navigate healthy eats amid lots of catered meals during the day and dinners out at night. *really* glad I packed so many healthy options in my carry-on – has come in VERY handy every single day. <pats self on back>
…to stay “me” in a brand new environment, way out of my comfort zone, far away from familiarity. But a “me” that’s open to change and taking risks. As you’ve seen me blogging a LOT about this week in particular. Apparently it’s been on my mind or something??

And by far? This #digdeep week has shown me that this was absolutely the right career move for me but more importantly, I’ve surprised myself by being as confident on the outside as I feel on the inside. I *can* do this. I *am* doing this. And it feels pretty damn awesome, not gonna lie.

#digdeep in all it’s glory, people.
Worth. It.

(Editor’s note: Here’s to hoping I remember this post tomorrow AM – since I drafted this post last night - when I’m up at 4:30 to log those miles before heading into the office early to get some work done before my flight home. But as my fab blog friend Heather mentioned in her very well-timed post last night - no excuses. Despite, a very long day ahead. And, yes, this is my mental note to self, thank you for indulging me…)

Traveling – the fit and healthy edition

Posted by JessSutera in balance, breathe, career, challenge, Core Fusion, running

I’m gonna go ahead and call this post the traveling – fit and healthy edition.

I basically spent all of Sunday morning prepping for my trip to Cali this week for my second week on the (new) job.

As you can see, I packed a TON of healthy food for this trip. I made my way to Whole Foods on Saturday to stock up (for some reason I had no idea how close the one nearest our house really is, two cities over but surprisingly quick trip…I’ll be back, OFTEN. I was in heaven wandering those aisles!). Some of the items I packed:

  • Larabars – *finally* found the blueberry muffin flavor and the coconut creme, plus my favorite: pb&J. These will come in handy on the plane or as an in-a-pinch breakfast in the office
  • Instant oatmeal – not nearly the same as homemade irish oats on the stove, but it’s better than no oatmeal at all while I’m away. I chose the weight control variety because it’s higher in protein and fiber so while I don’t love the added sugars in it, it’ll work in a situation like this.
  • Bananas and apples – snacks at work or in the AM as part of my breakfast
  • Barney butter 90-cal almond butter packets – to go on top of those bananas and apples (the 90-cal pack is genius btw, love it)
  • 1 oz portions of dry roasted almonds packed in neat little snack bags – to eat before I workout or mid-flight if I get hungry
  • Protein bars – again, an in-a-pinch meal substitute. Protein = filling. Something I’ll need, particularly given how out-of-whack I’ll feel due to the time change (which I’ve learned from my sis who battles it everytime she goes out west for her job)

Whew. That’s quit the list, huh?? But I kinda dig it. I feel prepared for this trip and know that even if I can’t control some of my meals entirely (dinner, especially), at least I have some semblance of control and balance as it relates to breakfast and snack options pre/post-workout and while in flight. This is how I’m creating balance while traveling, amid all that un-routine I’ll be facing.

How else will I be creating balance amid the chaos? By packing lots and lots of workout clothes! So much so that I ended up re-packing my work clothes twice. Choosing one pair of tall boots to go with the three dresses I’ll wear to the office each day. I just couldn’t fit another pair of shoes to wear with pants plus my sneakers and my workout gear. So I swapped the pants and extra shoes for a couple more dresses instead. Priorities, people!

Just for a taste of what that workout gear entails…

  • Running shorts – x3
  • Running tanks – x3
  • Sports bras – x5
  • Socks – x5
  • Sneakers – x1 (and already packed for fear of forgetting them after my pre-flight run)
  • Loose-fitting pants from my kickboxing days (that’s another hint for those of you wondering what this “out of my comfort zone” workout I’ll be trying later tonight! and no – it’s not a kickboxing class).
  • Core Fusion DVDs – x2 (yoga energy flow and power sculpt – it’s not barre n9ne but it’s better than absolutely no core and strength work while I’m away this week!)

As you can see, I had very little room for other essentials. Y’know, like stuff to wear to the office and out to dinner at night. Like I said, I had to choose my battles packing-wise. And what can I say? The workout gear won, hands-down. ;-)

So anyway, I’m en route to Cali today and feeling ready. Anxious, sure. But I’m also excited. To continue testing the waters in my new job and to see how well I handle un-routine this week. At least I know I’ll be traveling fit and healthy this week, something that makes this girl very happy. Plus, I know I’ll have a smiling husband ready to give me the biggest welcome home hug ever when I land on Thursday night. :)

Cheers friends – let’s rock this week, shall we??

Minor tweaks

Posted by JessSutera in balance, breathe, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, half marathon, running

Minor tweaks.

That’s the name of the game lately, especially for this week and next. This is me learning to roll with the punches just a little bit more in 2012 – Type A and all.

A few examples…

Big plans to nail the remainder of my workouts this week, including a killer double session at barre n9ne I had on the schedule for last night. That is, until about halfway through the day on Thursday when my neck started to ache. Hello late-breaking pains from the car accident on Monday night, where did you come from? Please kindly go away.
Minor tweak: skip the latter half of my planned double at barre n9ne – the fusion class which includes a fair amount of upper body work – in favor of just taking the legs class followed by an impromptu (and much-needed) date night-in with the hubs.

“Scheduling” into my calendar for next week – while in Cali – my workouts, to make sure I fit them in despite a very hectic week planned. They include:

- a final barre n9ne method class on Sunday;
- an early-AM run on the ‘mill on Monday before my flight; and a possible PM workout with co-workers (Details TBD, but lemme just say, it’ll take me WAY WAY WAY out of my comfort zone!)
- an early-AM date with the treadmill on Tuesday at my hotel followed by stretching
- an early-AM date with the treadmill on Wednesday at my hotel, hopefully a Core Fusion DVD in my room that night (or after I run if I’m up early given the time difference!)
- either a quick run on the treadmill at my hotel OR a Core Fusion DVD in my room before spending a few hours in the office on Thursday prior to heading to the airport

Once I’m home? It’ll be back to barre n9ne I go, and VERY happily so. I’m going to miss it a TON while I’m gone.

Minor tweaks: Since this is my first trip to Cali for work, I will not be venturing far from my hotel/office quite yet. I want to immerse myself into the company, get to know my coworkers, etc. so I won’t be heading off to try out a new barre studio or anything until the next trip. I want to keep my nights free for socializing with co-workers, a must-do item on my list, even if it may take me out of my comfort zone now and then (like the aforementioned “workout with coworkers” above).

And finally, another minor tweak worth mentioning: my race calendar. I laid it out all nice and perty for you here. And then I revised it again and laid it out for real this time, here.
Minor tweaks: Racing with friends is much more fun. And this time around will include racing with super crazy, super awesome running friends like Sam and “Coachy” (who I am pretty sure I’m gonna love when I meet him, crazy guy and all). So rather than run the Race to Remember in May, Scott and I have opted to run the Cox Rhode Race Half Marathon on May 6 in Providence. It’s supposed to be a super fast course. And there *may* be a PR goal lurking in my mind…but I’m not giving that one up quite  yet. For now I’m just excited to race with friends…and to officially kick off half marathon (#4!) training in March (is it time yet)??