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As I was down in Florida a couple weeks ago preparing for what was then the upcoming New Orleans Half Marathon, I spent a lot of time with my new teammates. I believe we learned a lot about one another, and I know they helped me learn a lot about myself. They finally brought it to my attention that as I head in to a higher volume of training than ever before, in order to get through the segment both healthy and (at least somewhat) happy, I have to commit to renovating/revamping my approach to training and fueling. I wrote a previous post on transitioning. The change from college to the professional ranks is obviously a very difficult one, but it’s going to be made easier if I can learn/make the commitment to let go of some habits/routines I developed in college and revamp them to properly adjust to the changes in my training and surroundings. While at this time I’m still unsure whether I’ll make the leap to marathoning, I do know I am more dedicated than ever before to finding a healthier balance in my life. It’s no longer acceptable to use the excuse that I “can’t sit still for very long” to head to the gym to perhaps lift a few weights. As my mileage/volume increases, that “excuse” will be the most important aspect of my training! So, in anticipation of this, I’ve already sought out ways to help myself relax and recover. I’ve recently tried yoga, bought a few novels to read (fallen in love with The Secret Life of Bees ), and asked other accomplished runners how they release from the rigors of training and keep themselves from going above and beyond what their bodies can handle. Recovery has been an all too often neglected part of my training. But, moving forward, I’m committed to finding the right balance for my body. I’m so thankful for my teammates and the resources I’ve been able to tap in to since I’ve moved to Michigan. I look forward to continuing to renovate/revamp my lifestyle– my routines, habits– so that I can get the most from my coaches, my training, my body– and so that I can be a better overall teammate, friend/family member, and person. Obviously all of us have certain weaknesses, certain improvements that need to be made within our lives. I believe it’s incredibly important to find within yourself these weaknesses and do your best to improve upon them and even make them your strengths. In my case, eventually I’d like to make the fueling and recovery process one of my biggest strengths. With an amazing support system and a true commitment from myself to put words in to action, I believe in due time, I’ll achieve the balance I need to become a better runner than ever before. It’s going to take patience, it’s going to take an awful lot of experimentation. Mistakes/fallbacks are going to happen, but I’m going to get this right. I love this sport so much and fully intend to be in it for the long run… to have running be a part of my life for many, many years to come! I’ll keep you all posted on the journey that is my running renovation. As I delve in to the revamping process, I’d appreciate any and all advice you may have in regards to nutrition and recovery for endurance athletes. What’s worked for you? How do you achieve balance? Thanks for reading… and for all your support! Oh, and quick race report at New Orleans: I did end up with a 96 second PR at the New Orleans Half on February 5th with a time of 1:15:58. So, 58 seconds short of the Olympic Trials Marathon qualifying standard. Now, as I stated above, I will have to make the decision whether to chase the standard via halfs or if I want to try and achieve it by running sub-2:46! I’ll make this decision soon. Even with a great PR, however, I know I must make the necessary lifestyle changes to continue to PR and achieve success at what is becoming a more and more elite level! Till next time… stay positive, stay passionate
-Jenny ~A few thought-provoking quotes: “Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things.”
- Peter Drucker “Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vintage point.”
- Harold B Melchart “Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for fewer problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenges, wish for more wisdom.”
- Earl Shoaf “The future has several names. For the weak, it is the impossible. For the fainthearted, it is the unknown. For the thoughtful and valiant, it is the ideal.”
- Victor Hugo “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
-Benjamin Franklin “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”
-John Wooden Tweet

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• Marathon, Running, Sports, SportsPLUS, Training