Another Trail Run is in the Books!

Thursday:

Great run with the Brentwood Breakfast Club!

Yes, her name is Jen too.  Yes, we regularly wear the same clothes to group runs!  This was the second time in two weeks.

Jason and I are getting ready to head to the beach.  That calls for a pedicure.

It was National Burger Day, so of course I celebrated with a Veggie Burger for dinner.

For dessert I heated up a packet of San Clemente Cookie Dough to make a gooey partially baked cookie…so good!

Friday:

Because we’re about to head out of town, I moved my long run up a day.  My sweet friends joined me in the woods.  🙂

It was the hottest, most humid run I’ve had so far this year.  We got to see the coolest owl!!  (Thanks to fellow Dirtbag, Jennifer for taking a great picture!)

I was definitely a muddy mess by the end.

I must have lost a lot of salt, because I was craving avocado rolls and stir-fried tofu for dinner.

What type of wildlife do you typically see on your runs?  What’s the craziest animal you’ve seen on a run?  I usually see deer, chipmunks, squirrels, but rarely do I get to see an owl up close.  Sometimes I see snakes…oh and once we saw two bobcats!

Do you have any summer vacation plans?  Where to?  

Are you racing or running long this weekend?  Share!

Sushi…yay or nay?  What’s your go-to order at a sushi restaurant?  

Happy Weekend and Choose Joy!

She’s a Brick House

Tuesday:

The sunrise was gorgeous on the way to the track!  (Don’t worry, I was in the passenger seat…not driving.)

Track Tuesday was the return of the Brick Workout.  It’s all about running fast on tired legs…long distance at a slow pace, medium distance at a medium pace, short distance at a fast pace.

Note: For the next few weeks I’m doing “trackish” speed work, because I’m training for a trail ultra and I’ve learned to not push my speed workouts year round.  I’m running based on effort and less on goal split times.

4 mile warmup plus strides
2 x 1600m (1 minute recovery)
2 x 800m (400m recovery jog)
2 x 400m (400m recovery jog)
1 mile cool down

I can’t let a Tuesday pass without a Taco Tuesday joke!

I am addicted to my fruit infuser water bottle.  My current favorite is lemons with a drop or two of liquid stevia, because I have to trick myself into drinking water by making it taste like lemonade.

Our dinner was a kitchen sink dinner.  It didn’t make a lot of sense, but it’s what I was craving.

Wednesday:

I met up with some friends at Percy Warner Park for a trail/road combo run.  It was super hot and humid, but we had a blast!  Apparently my crazy hair and I were pumped to take a finish photo!  Oh, and logged another 1,050ft of gain.

I devoured this pineapple when I got home.

Not only do I love their mango margaritas, I love the Rosepepper Cantina in Nashville for their hilarious signs.

Tequila…yay or nay?  I like it in a frozen fruity drink, but can’t do it straight.

Do you do speed work year round or do you take some time off?  I’ve learned that I can’t push it year round.  I still do light speed work, but the downtime is good for me.

This is big debate in our house.  Do you consider fruit healthy?  I could live off of fruit alone.  My husband tries to limit the sugar.

#choosejoy

Three Day Weekend Wrap-Up

Saturday:

Pre-run coffee in my Boston mug.

On Friday, I ran a 4 hour trail run.  Saturday, I joined Jason and ran a little over 2 hours to practice running on tired legs.  I don’t focus on pace when I trail run, but I’ve had quite a few folks ask about it.  I’m definitely a lot slower on the trails!

When I got home, I made a dateorade.  It’s creamy, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon goodness!  It’s also vegan and raw!

I was craving salt, so we headed to Chuy’s for lunch.  I promise there’s a salad in that bowl!

Sunday:

First person in an empty gym and a recovery run on the treadmill…

Yes, I was listening to T Swift!

I followed the gym with breakfast with Jason.  I definitely have a healthy appetite….fruit, oatmeal, green juice, and coffee!

And we headed to Smith Park for a little more trail time.  It was a gorgeous day and we wanted to spend as much time outside as we could!

I picked up my first Go Pro!  I have no idea how to use it yet, but I’m excited to learn.

To get some more outside time, we had dinner on the Burger Up patio.  Sunday Funday!

Monday: Memorial Day

Click HERE to read 10 Facts About Memorial Day!

We woke up to ominous skies and headed to Percy Warner Park to get our run in as fast as possible.  We finished just in time!

After a full weekend of running, I made sure to drink Tart Cherry Juice for recovery.

Now, I feel just like Caroline!

Who has a GoPro?  Do you like it?  Share your tips!!

Dates…yay or nay?  They’re like candy for me!

What’s your favorite song to workout to right now?

Share your peak and pit from the weekend?  Peak: Having a low-key weekend at home with Jason.  Pit: The rainy Memorial Day weather.

#choosejoy

Shhh…I Eat Carbs

Thursday:

After celebrating our Anniversary on Wednesday night, Thursday involved a lot of coffee.

We met up with the Brentwood Breakfast Club for a run and breakfast at Puffy Muffin. (Follow The Brentwood Breakfast Club on Facebook to see our weekly routes!  Everyone is welcome to join us!!)

We hung our patriotic swags for the Memorial Day weekend!

Normally, I run a double on Thursdays, but I moved my long run to Friday this week.

Friday:

First car at the park just after sunrise.

4 Hour Trail Run.  3,000ft. elevation gain.  I felt great!!!

With wonderful company from Corrie and Sam!

Fleet Feet Nashville is having a big Memorial Day weekend SALE!!  I stocked up!

Check out their $50 shoe table!!

I ordered two venetian mirrors to go above our nightstands and they arrived…love them!  I wonder how long it will take Jason to hang them? (hint, hint)

And for dinner, I was craving pasta!

Lots and lots of carbs!!

A couple of housekeeping items…

Congratulations to @brivers14 on winning the Garmin Forerunner giveaway on my Instagram Page!

Cocogo is having a big Memorial Day Sale!!  I use Cocogo in my handheld for long runs and track workouts…love it!  Save an ADDITIONAL 10% when you use code: JENCHOOSESJOY (all caps) at checkout…30% TOTAL SAVINGS!

Do you carry a handheld or pack when you run? 

What do you drink during your workout?

What are your Memorial Day plans?

#choosejoy

7 Years, No Itch

Monday:

We kicked off the day with a 5:30am run.  That calls for coffee!

Can you believe it was already daylight?!!  I love the early summer sunrise!

Early morning light, peonies, and coffee = perfection.

I never drink enough water, so I am loving this fruit water diffuser.  This one had cherries in it!

Track Tuesday:

It was so humid and soupy outside, but we were all smiles during the warmup!  I drank my entire bottle of Cocogo (discount code: JENCHOOSESJOY (all caps) and my post-it fell apart from sweat.

My workout:

4 mile warmup plus a few strides.

6x800m (400m recovery jog)

1 mile cool down

Post run smiles!

I saw Robin at Franklin Massage for a much needed deep tissue massage.

In honor of Taco Tuesday…

With Chipotle on the brain, we grilled out and made a chipotle-lime cauliflower…yum!!

And we’re obsessed with this baby bunny that’s living in our backyard.

Mercury is back in retrograde again until June 11.  Read all about it HERE.

Wednesday:  7th Wedding Anniversary!

I met up with Dave, Corrie, and Jen for a run through Percy Warner Park.

Elevation gain: 1350ft.  We mixed it up and ran half road and half trails.

I put on a dress and even fixed my hair…

And Jason and I went to Moto to celebrate our anniversary!  Thanks to Corrie and Sam for the bubbles!!!

I had my favorite blueberry and mushroom lasagna.  It sounds strange, but it’s perfect.

And Jason surprised me with a new Louis!!

 

It was a wonderful day.  Thank you to everyone for your well wishes!!!!  

Married folks…how long have you been married and where was your wedding?

Rumor has it that Chipotle is testing delivery.  Are they delivering in your city?  Have you tried it?

How do you get motivated for early morning run?

 

50k Trail Training

You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been spending a lot more time running trails lately.  Here’s a look at my current training plan!

Race: North Fork 50k

Goal: Have fun!  My girlfriend Corrie is turning 30 and wanted to run her first 50k to celebrate.  We’re heading to Colorado together…she rocks!!

About the race: 

• It takes place in Pine Valley Ranch Park outside of Denver.
• 100% trail.  Mostly single track.

Elevation: 6,700ft. to 8,100ft.

Training: Nashville sits around 600ft. elevation.  I expect the altitude to be the toughest part of this race.
Current Fitness: My last race was Boston and I consider myself to be in road marathon shape.

Plan:

• Continue with my regular weekday miles…on the trails if possible.
• I’m paying more attention to elevation gain during my runs…seeking out the hills!
• Long runs are on the trails, and I’m running for ‘time on feet’ versus mileage.
• **Note: this is such a freeing and fun way to train.  I don’t worry about pace or distance.  I just spend the hours moving.

Saturday: 3 hours trail
Sunday: recovery run

Saturday: 4 hours trail
Sunday: 30 minutes trail

Saturday: 3.5 hours trail
Sunday: 1 hour trail

Saturday: 2.5 hours trail
Sunday: 2 hours trail

Saturday: 5 hours trail
Sunday: recovery day (easy run or rest)

Saturday: 1 hour trail
Sunday: 45 minutes trail

Saturday: Race Day!

16 Reasons to Run an Ultra!
I wrote this list last year and this seems like the perfect time to revisit it.  As you’ll see, we have a great Ultra Dirtbag trail running community in Nashville and I’m super proud to be a part of the group!

1.  Fun Food.  The aid stations have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potatoes, soda, pretzels, candy, etc…

2.  You won’t have to fight crowds for parking or a porta potty.

3.  Beautiful Scenery!

4.  Great way to reconnect with your love of running.  You don’t have to worry about paces or splits…just keep moving and do your best not to fall!  Trail running makes me feel like a kid again.

5.  Awesome People.  Ultra runners are a small, super-friendly community.  Everyone is laid back and encouraging.

6.  I feel like I’m competing with myself instead of others.  It’s very possible that you’ll be alone for some of the race leaving you to focus being your best self.

7.  Big bragging rights for “only” going a few miles longer than a marathon.

8.  Power hike the hills.  Walking is encouraged!

9.  You are regularly reminded to slow down.  The race is long.  If you go out too quickly, you will pay for it later.

10.  Age group awards.  Fewer runners means a much better chance at placing in your age group!

11.  The post-race hang.  Everyone brings lawn chairs, drinks, and eats more food.

12.  Buckles are so much cooler than medals.

13.  Starting lines aren’t near as stressful.  Everyone is hanging out talking and the race director just says “ready-set-go.”  It’s very chill.

14.  Training is often based on time instead of miles (like I mentioned above).  I love the idea of just spending the morning in the woods without worrying about pace.

15.  Water crossings to cool off and refresh.

16.  Most people don’t even ask about your finish time.  Every ultra is so different that it’s hard to compare finish times from one race to another.  You get big respect just for finishing!

Anyone else have trouble adapting to higher altitudes?  Just breathing trouble or altitude sickness?
Do you ever race “just for fun” or are you always going all out?
Do you ever train based on time instead of distance?

#choosejoy

Garmin Giveaway!

Saturday:

I lay everything out the night before my long run.

Jason and I met up with Corrie for a 3 hour trail run.

The rain began right after we started running, and we were soaked the entire time!  We picked up Christi Beth midway through the run.  P.S. I promise I was wearing shorts.  Wet run clothes are not flattering.

We all wore our Nike Terra Kigers.

That evening, we had a Fleet Feet Racing Team barbecue!  This fruit salad was my contribution….well…and wine!

We take ourselves very seriously.  HUGE THANKS to Roy and Dar for hosting a wonderful dinner!!!

Sunday:

On the way to the gym, I passed this little nugget trying to cross the road.  I stopped and delivered him safely to the other side.  🙂

I had a nice recovery run…

and met Jason for breakfast!

My sweet friend Christi Beth gave me a Boston charm that is the perfect addition to my cross necklace.

Sometimes you have to treat yo self!

I ended the day with cupcake perfection…

to celebrate my Instagram account hitting 5,000 followers!

AND…to say thank you, I’m giving away a Garmin Forerunner 10!!

To enter:

Follow @JenChoosesJoy on Instagram

Tag 2 of your friends in the comments

Open to US residents ONLY

Winner will be randomly selected Wednesday, May 20th at 11:59pm CST.

That’s it!

Do you run in the rain, reschedule your run, or move to the treadmill?

Are you on Instagram?  Share your account name!!!

What was your Peak and Pit from the weekend?

#choosejoy

Let’s Catch Up!

Wednesday:

Waking up in the wee hours of the morning is a little easier when I get to drink coffee in my Boston mug!

I met up with Dave and Jen to do a road run through Percy Warner Park.  It was gorgeous!

And then I headed up the big steps to add a few trail miles.

Thursday:

This was the sunrise on the way to run with the Brentwood Breakfast Club!

Love this quote from Lauren Fleshman

And I wore one of my favorite Oiselle shirts…Head up, Wings out!

I decided to meet up with Corrie for an evening trail run.  2 runs in 1 day calls for 2 coffees!

I wore my new St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital visor!

Friday:

A little gym workout followed by Daily Juice.

It’s supposed to be a rainy weekend, so I made sure to enjoy a some outside time with my porch swing. 🙂

And I stopped by the nursery to buy the cutest dwarf boxwoods!

And, not to end on a down note, but blues legend BB King passed away.  Just a few weeks ago, I visited his star in LA.

Long run or race plans this weekend?

Do you enjoy yard work?  Do you have a green thumb?

Do you have a favorite mug?

#ChooseJoy

Amputee Blade Runners

Monday:

Monday’s are tough.

 

I met up with friends for some Monday morning miles…

and did some strides after.  I wore my new Saucony Kinvara 6’s and really liked them!

I’m definitely a numbers nerd…love this!

Monday evening, Fleet Feet hosted the Amputee Blade Runners.  Fleet Feet Nashville gives each blade runner their first pair of shoes when they first get their new running blade.  Just another reason why I love Fleet Feet!

Running prosthetics are NOT covered by insurances and considered “not medically necessary” so our organization helps amputees keep an active lifestyle.
The Goal of Amputee Blade Runners is to provide a running prosthesis to one amputee athlete in all 50 states by 2016.

Track Tuesday!

I was excited to wear my new Amputee Blade Runner’s visor!

Thanks to recommendations from JCJ readers, I tried the Chocolate Honey Stinger gel.  Oh my gosh…it rocks!!

Track workout:  After a bunch of spring races, we wanted to ease back into speed work.

3.5 mile warm-up

8x400m at 5k pace (400m recovery jog)

1 mile cool down

I recently started training for the North Fork 50k, so I headed out to the trails for a few “runch” miles.  Everything was so beautiful and green!

Fun mail!!  I have resorted to ordering my favorite Umpqua Oats by the case!

And, I made another batch of chia seed pudding.  It’s been my craving lately.  This one has almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and peanut butter!

What food have you been craving lately?  

Are you usually a salt or sweet person?

What run shoe are you currently loving?

#choosejoy

Weekend Wrap-Up

For those of you that subscribe to my blog via email, I’m so sorry I accidentally posted a draft!!  I was loading notes and clicked post.  Oops.  It was bound to happen.  Here’s the finished post:

Saturday:

It was my first real long run since Boston and CMM.  I joined the Run 4 Others group for 12 miles.  It was also the first hot and humid run of the year.

I went over to Juice Bar for a much needed green smoothie afterwards.

Then I had more fruit and some breakfast quinoa when we got home.

We cleaned up and Jason and I headed to Kentucky to spend the day with his family.

Sunday:

Mother’s Day is always tough for me.  I haven’t seen or spoken to my mom in years due to her addiction problems.  It rarely bothers me except for certain holidays.  Thankfully I’ve been blessed with some incredible women in my life!  This really resonated with me today.  I don’t have room in my life for pity parties.  Period.

My next race is the North Fork 50.  It’s trails in Colorado, so for the next month I’ll be spending a lot of time in the woods.  We had so much fun running this morning!

Cocogo in my handheld.  It is so hot and humid in TN right now!  Use discount code: JENCHOOSESJOY (all caps)

I know it doesn’t look pretty, but I made some chocolate chia seed pudding the night before and it was the perfect treat after our hot run!

T-shirt du jour!

For lunch we enjoyed some patio time.  Deviled eggs and champagne…can you tell I’m southern?!

We must have been in the mood to spend the entire day outside, because we also grilled for dinner: cauliflower steaks, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and Arrington Firefly Rose!

Has the summer heat hit you yet?  I saw that Denver had snow…crazy!

Who raced or had a long run this weekend?  Share!

Are you a trail runner?  

What’s the longest distance you’ve raced?

#choosejoy