I Joined A Gym

I am finding that I am feeling a little out of my element these days.  I am so accustom to a schedule that leaves no time to even think about how busy I actually am.  I oddly enjoy the robotic repetitive nature of my life.  It allows me to accomplish all given tasks in a set amount of time.  Lately I have had the freedom to be a little spontaneous in my adventures.  As an Urban Cow Half rehabilitation attempt I decided I wanted to try an elliptical and do some yoga today. Unfortunately I don’t, or didn’t, have access to an elliptical and the P90x video Keith downloaded was far from the Namaste vibe I was going for. 

I have actually been toddling with the idea of a gym membership for some time now.  The only thing that has been holding me back is the simple fact that I just don’t want to have another expenditure.  However, the truth of the matter is I could really benefit from the increased hip range of motion from kickboxing and the relaxation and flexibility from yoga.  I also wouldn’t mind testing out a spin class as an alternative on a cold and rainy winter day.  I had my mind made up.  I put on some workout gear, grabbed my bag and walked the maybe 2 blocks to the gym.

FYI, I used the stairs!

I was greeted upon arrival and sent back to a little cubby to discus membership with the sales associate.  I sat through his painful personal training sales pitch, which I kindly declined.  I now realize that personal training is actually where the gym makes its money with its 59-70 dollar sessions depending on bulk of purchase.  It’s certainly not the $44 dollars a month (no contract!) I’ll be paying for the membership itself.  I’ll be sure to get my moneys worth by taking extra long post workout showers and getting my cable TV fix, a luxury I do not have a home.  Just as I assumed we were wrapping things up the sales associate then insisted on bringing “Josh the personal trainer” over to talk to me about all the things he could do for me and how much I would benefit from personal training.  Feeling both bombarded by the sales team approach and leery of the personal trainers qualifications, I explained that I not only hold an advanced degree in the subject matter and successfully passed my sports medicine exam, but I am also very accustomed to 12-15 hours of hard training a week.  I guarantee I can handle my own off-season exercise routine.  He stuttered before saying anything, as he knew is online certification and rehearsed sales pitch was not going to result in any extra money in his pocket today.

HaHaHa

I finally made it over to the elliptical machine I had been dreaming about for 2 hours now.  It felt so good to move pain free!  It is a monster of a machine though.  I admit, it totally kicked my ass the entire hour I used it.  I then bypassed all the machines and found myself in the very corner of the gym all alone with a mat, foam roller and stability ball.  I did all of the core work and foam rolling that I could have easily done at home, but it was much less distracting without Mahoney in the way or the refrigerator in the other room.  I am not sure how long I will keep this membership as I hope to be back on the bike like a rock star in the coming weeks.  I can’t wait to try out a yoga class.  If I like it I may actually keep my membership.  I think I handle the nominal monthly fee if it means increased flexibility, core strength and less injury!

I guess that’s all for now.  Time to get a massage! I’ll have to tell you all about the “gym going people” in another post, quite entertaining.

Thanks for Reading

JenniferMarieJ  

Urban Cow Half Marathon – 2013

Well, I ran the Urban Cow Half Marathon on a whim this year.  Keith was headed to Sacramento for a CX race anyway, so I figured why not?!  It is the month of freedom after all.  I am not exactly sure what it was that all of a sudden prompted me to register for the half, more than quadrupling my longest run in 2 years.  Who knows, but following an epic 10-mile hike with friends on Saturday, I went straight home to do so.

Hiking Around Windy Hill Open Space Preserve With Friends

Ok, that’s a lie, I actually got a speeding ticket first, so it looks like I’ll be adding traffic school to my list of off the bike October activities.... CRAP! 

This is actually a photo from 2009..... but I thought it was funny!

Saturday night Bill put together a swank little Pinnacle team dinner at the eloquent Piperade Restaurant in SF.  I didn’t pass on the opportunity for a fine Hen dinner with a side of champagne and wine x2, maybe 3?!  Regardless of how much I had to drink, how many miles I hiked, or how little sleep I received.... I was running this thing!

Dinner Table

Me and Keith all dressed up

 Keith and I arrived to Sac at 6:15am, just in time to pick up my race packet.  My name of course wasn’t in the group of pre registrants since I hadn’t even registered 12 hours prior.  I just stood in another line, got my number and AWESOME cow shirt.  I quickly laced up my running shoes and pinned on my number. 

Pre Race Pic...... Look at my shirt!!!!

I found my way to the runners corralled at the start line in order of prospected finishing times.  I took a gamble and headed to the back of heat 1 (under 2 hour finish), and stood by the 9 min mile sign.  I knew I could bust out a quick mile or two, but 13?!  If I learned anything from pursuiting it is NOT to go out too fast! 

Nine minute mile corral sign

I listened to my country music Pandora radio and cruised along the American River.  I don’t have one of those fancy iphone holding running gadgets, so I just had to tuck mine into my sports bra.  I suppose I just figured all sportswear came fully equipped with pockets in the back.  I pulled my phone out every once in a while to make sure my STRAVA app was indeed recording my comeback run.  I needed proof.

Thirteen plus miles later I crossed the finish line and received my cowbell..... and found a cow!

Negative Splits..... the longer the distance the faster I get!! 

A cow, cowbell and chocolate milk..... SCORE!! 

My legs were instantly debilitated.  I iced them in a freezing pool, busted out the Marc Pro, and slithered into the compression tights.  All I can say is, I thank the lord for the handicap rails in the bathrooms........ my legs no longer work!

Post Race Ice Cold Pool

In the back of the truck Marc Pro'n with my feet up

Thanks for reading

Jennifer Marie

PS.  Keith won his CX race!!  I was confined to a blanket and unable to moooooove, but I was most definitely able to ring my cowbell and make a collage! 

I love this awesome CX winning stud! 

 PSS- The weekend was waaaaaaay tooooooo much fun!!!  I can't wait for my next crazy October adventure! 

Fall, My Favorite Season of All

Here we are, October.  It has been a long while since I have updated my thoughts.  Last time I was in touch, I was flying off to Indianapolis, IN.  Life pretty much remained the same throughout the summer with the Wednesday night red eye flights out to NTC racing destinations, and the Sunday night flights back into SFO just in time for the workweek.  The crazy schedule didn’t matter though.  I was having a blast racing and learning from the top women in the USA.  I had the opportunity to see other places and meet some wonderful people.  All made possible by the amazing support I received from the Hellyer Velodrome community and title sponsor Jakroo Custom Cycling Apparel. Unfortunately, this crazy cycle continued and the combination of the travel, training, racing and work definitely took its toll on me.  I ended up losing focus on the bike, which led to a string of bad judgment and injury.  I ended up crashing pretty hard the night before track nationals.  That crash ended the season early for me.  I attempted to ride, even race, but finally realized that I needed to take a mental a physical break from the sport of cycling. 

Me and Sara - My Twinsie

I must give a huge personal shout out to Michael Hernandez and Beth Newell for training, teaching and believing in me.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me on my NTC journey.  I also want to thank Bill Nicely, not only for the countless hours you spent in the car traveling to races to support the Pinnacle road team, but the time you took out of your day to volunteer and support me as an individual at the track.  I have so many memories from this past year that are mine forever, and for that I thank you all.

As of right now I am enjoying the freedom October.  Hiking, running, friends, family, sleep and hopefully soon skiing! It’s been nice to catch up on life..... and to take even more pictures of Mahoney!  

Mahoneys October Freedom Enjoyment Face

Thanks for Reading

JenniferMarie

PS. I actually intended to blog about this past weekend’s festivities, but realized I owed my readers and explanation for my absence.  As a result of the weekend, I can barely walk (please don’t say “I told you so.” Sara Clafferty), so I’m sure ill have time to update later this week.  I'm currently hungry, time to eat!