Walk This Way

Very cool article about walkers in the Ottawa Race Weekend. Congrats to those walkers - I couldn't imagine doing the race in this capacity - keep it up!

Walk this way

Your's in health,
Jenna

Ovecoming Anxiety.

A little something I wrote for Lululemon Athletica Rideau Centre. Posted at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100297164821600.2675080.48902181&saved#!/lululemonrideaucentre

Take a moment and visit their new store on the 3rd floor across from American Eagle. Can't wait to see my lemons again soon...5 more days!

Beat That Anxiety! Tips for Overcoming the Pre-Race Jitters.

Its two weeks before race day for many runners. With Ottawa Race Weekend only days away, runners from across the world are preparing their taper, beginning their carbohydrate favoured diet and soaking in their last few ice baths and massages before their event. Regardless of which event the runners and walkers will partake in they will mostly all have one thing in common: pre-race anxiety.

Two weeks before I debut as a Pace Bunny for the Ottawa Half Marathon, I found myself only days ago lying on my back on the side of the road, breathing heavily, legs anchored to the ground and sweat pouring down my face. My legs were throbbing and my heart rate was unusually high. What did this mean? Why was I feeling this way before an important race? I immediately ran home, cutting my run in half, and sat down feeling disheartened and complete hopeless. As a seasoned runner with an elite V02 max score, a regimented run program and a profession which promotes consistent activity and a healthy lifestyle, I was completely taken aback by my body’s reaction to that morning’s run.

After some self-evaluation, research and consultation with some fellow fitness professionals, I determined my body had shut down on my run because it was begging me to stop and listen to it. Fortunately, it needed only a few things before it would agree to run again: water, rest and a good stretch. I listened and spent the next few days doing exactly that. When I returned to the road, I felt rested, relaxed and back on track. However, it is hard to resist the lingering feeling of failure continues to occasionally pass through my thoughts before a run. After this discouraging experience, my unease has the potential to destroy my confidence.

What happens when a runner experiences this sort of pre-race anxiety? How can a runner overcome this feeling? For every runner, participating in Ottawa Race Weekend is exciting and an opportunity to make a personal best. With that excitement sometimes will come the anxiety of not having done enough training, feeling weak or insufficient, or feeling that your muscles aches are an impending serious injury (when it really isn’t). Whatever the cause for this apprehension does not matter, but what does matter is how a runner will overcome it.

Mental toughness defines the ability of a runner and it will be in these times when the runner must summon up all their courage and confidence and believe in themselves. It of course sounds much easier than it actually is. I’ve shared a few tips below of how I beat my pre-race anxiety and how with a bit of grit and enthusiasm, you will be able to as well.

·        Join the club! - Accept that pre-race nervous energy is completely normal. Do not misinterpret the feeling for weakness or fear. The feeling will eventually weaken as soon as the race starts and your legs are moving. Harness that energy to push you further – its adrenaline after all!

·        Prepare, prepare, prepare – You’ve done the work. Now what? Determine a definite plan of what your pre-race morning routine will be, what to except on the course, and your plan on location before/after the event. Practice your plan the week before your race. Have all your necessary clothing and equipment ready and packed the day before. Allow yourself enough time at the event before the race and give yourself enough time to warm up properly, do some dynamic stretching and to get focused on the task at hand.

·        See Your Success - Every day until the event, take a few minutes to visualize your perfect race. Close your eyes and experience how you feel, your easy pace, your calm breathing, etc. Mentally rehearsing your race strategy can make the experience almost second nature - like you’ve done it before. A positive attitude going into the race will pull you through many, many miles.

·        What’s your Mantra? -  When I run a race I always write “Breathe” on the inside of my right wrist. When I see it, it reminds me to do exactly that. It pulls me back to my race strategy and reminds me to enjoy the race and relax. Stay focused on your own personal mantra when you find yourself struggling and experience the positive change in your frame of mind.

·        Find Some Joy - Whether before the race or during, find things along your way which make your smile. High-five a child cheering you on, chat with willing runners on the course, make conversation with fellow runners waiting in the chorales or just simply smile (force it if you need to!). The act of smiling or making another person smile will automatically trigger your endorphins and send a surge of positive energy through your body.

Good luck runners! Always remember to believe in your ability and in yourself, no matter what your mind is trying to say. If you believe it, you will achieve it. See you on the course!

Yours in health,

Jenna

Fresh Air.

Today I had one of the best runs I've had in awhile. Not that I haven't valued or enjoyed my runs in Ottawa, but today I was reintroduced to one of the best parts of running: being exposed to the outdoors.

On Saturday, I visited the Running Room in Thunder Bay in hopes to find out more information about their Sunday morning run club and joining in on Sunday's run. Unfortunately the group was mainly composed of new runners practicing to finish a 5k. I respectfully declined the opportunity as I was looking to run a 15k+ run to practice my pacing for Ottawa Race Weekend.

Given how Thunder Bay folk are kind and very generous, one of the employees quickly referred me to another employee who usually does a Sunday run from her home and averages several miles at a time. She and I chatted and we decided that it would be a great opportunity to run together alongside one of her good friends.

I woke up at 8:45 am this morning and started my 25k journey to Heidi's house in my rental car. Despite getting lost and calling her home twice for directions (my GPS could not pick up the dirt roads I was driving on), we began our run shortly after 9:30am.

Two kilometres later we arrived at her friend's home which was also home to 3 dogs, 3 kids and two horses, overlooking the hills of the region. With two unleashed dogs leading the way, we set off again a few minutes later.

Positioned between the two ladies, I was in a natural pacing position. Although I paced, I had no idea where I was - and I loved it! We climbed rolling hills, ran across dirt roads, followed strange dogs as they chased us past their home, witnessed the migration of great cranes and felt the fresh air fill our lunges.

Although my legs ached (I had a tough workout Saturday) and my body screamed at me for wearing a jacket in the beating sun, there was something transcendent about running where I was. I had no direction, no rush, no schedule or worry, no pace I was trying to maintain and no awkward or forced conversation with the women who shared my company.

Footfall after footfall - it was perfect. We braked when we felt like it, chased the dogs playfully away from a scared rabbit or bird, talked about our individual lives and expressed our love and respect for running as we together in occasional silence.

I love running in Ottawa, I really do. I adore running with Adrian and my friends and teammates when we can. I also enjoy my solo runs as well. However, the experience of running in the back country surrounded by farmland and untouched landscapes with two fascinating women (and their very loyal dogs) inspired me to finish the 18km with relative ease and joy.

I cannot wait to get back to my city and renew my love for its trails and paths. But mostly, I cannot wait to share similar experiences to what I had today for those who are willing to experience it with me.

Thank you ladies for inviting me to be a part of your weekly ritual today - I am blessed and very grateful. You are each an inspiration and are so strong - thank you on behalf of all runners!

Yours in health,
Jenna


Down Boundary Road, Thunder Bay. Simply stunning :)



I am exceptional.

This past Monday I arrived to Thunder Bay apprehensive and discouraged. I was shuffled into my apartment without Internet access or a phone, belly growling furiously, and with unfamiliar faces and landscapes urging me to take the next flight back to Toronto. I didn't enjoy the cold, windy or the cloudy skies. I didn't like that my room smelled like musty boxes and that the kitchen lacked a stove. Most of all, I didn't like that back in sunny, warm and friendly Ottawa my friends were laughing and planning their next few weeks without me.

You could say I was homesick. This is very unusual for me as I've travelled plenty before and not once have I really ever craved home as much as I did upon landing in Thunder Bay. I'm not sure what set off the series of emotions but I swallowed my pride, changed into my monochromatic 'professional' attire and set off to my first hour of training.

I am in Thunder Bay going through a three week intensive Fitness and Group Exercise Management Training program. It was an unexpected three weeks in Northern Ontario which will provide me with the essential tools and development to be successful in management, leadership and business in the fitness industry. I am working alongside industry pioneers, leaders and incredible athletes who all have a thing or two to teach me.

I settled into my first few hours in Thunder Bay very poorly. I struggled with the idea of being in a relatively small and remote place with no Internet, car, friends or ability to cook for the next 21 days of my life. I was overwhelmed by the experience about to take place and lacked the comfort and encouragement from my essential support system of my family, friends and my main squeeze. Before I signed off for the night, I spoke with Adrian over the Internet, on the verge of tears and with apprehension and worry filling my thoughts. We both knew my behaviour was uncharacteristic and I shouldn't really be feeling this way so we agreed to wait another day to speak again and see if things brightened up. And that they did.

The next day when we spoke, I'm even surprised he recognized the same woman at the other end of the line. This time my voice declared confidence, excitement, enthusiasm, inquisitive thought, rationalism and even peaceful happiness. What changed? Well, I did - I became myself again. But not without help.

Tuesday morning I had the opportunity to meet with my mentor, let's call him Tim. I've heard about Tim, been told of his wisdom and incredible knowledge in regards to management strategies, but I could hardly actualize the reality of all the praise bestowed onto him. In the initial three hours I sat down and spoke with Tim, my whole experience began to reshape itself. He dug into my subconscious and into my character and uncovered within me my strengths and weakness and presented them all for me to consider. More significantly Tim introduced me to the idea that I was exceptional. Naturally, I rolled my eyes and although was flattered, couldn't see the truth in his statement. Sure, I've done some unusual and brave things, but am I really all that great?

Explaining that I was grateful for his praise and admiration, I still hesitated to accept the idea. Tim turned to me in his chair and said something along the lines of:

You have the drive - I don't know where it comes from but what matters is you have it. You know you can be the best spouse, the best manager, the best artist, the best friend.

He inhaled sharply and stood up facing the back of the room.

If you want to be the best, you can.

He paused and turned to face me.

.....but what does it take?

I stopped thinking about everything else and seriously considered this idea. What does it take? How many times have I, or anyone for that matter, have wanted and aspired to do something but stopped upon discovering the overwhelmingly large, discouraging and seemingly impossible task of achieving that desire. Those who are the best of what they do see that impossible task and set forth on breaking it down bit by bit until they uncover their full potential and release it upon the world. It seems so simple but the task of being able to train yourself to embark on that quest is immense and complex.

Tim explained that my time in Thunder Bay will help me uncover the tools, techniques and practice to be able to be the best I can be in every aspect of my life. He opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities available to me to uncover while in this unfamiliar place. Thunder Bay now became a place of perfect opportunity, bountiful unexplored landscapes and incredible people filled with knowledge, experience and expertise who were willing and able to let me pick their brain and share their insight.

I spoke to Adrian that Tuesday evening a different woman. No I didn't have a breakthrough or a life changing experience, but simply I was myself again. That confident me who I temporarily lost. The strong woman who was motivated, goal oriented, enthusiastic, full of laughs and energy and held her head proud and high was re-introduced with exceptional force. And this time she realized that she was exceptional and chosen to be part of this program for a reason and she understood why.

Sure, I still wish I was in Ottawa experiencing the many things I will be missing this week (gorgeous Sarah's birthday celebrations, dear Annie's Stag and Doe, Jill's friend filled birthday, Kate's incredible first 10k race and Brent's wonderful presentation of The Spirit of the Marathon), but I realize that the way I choose to consider and value my time here will be a direct reflection of how easily I navigate down my path to becoming the best.

In the meantime, I will continue to learn and grow as an individual. Not to mention my biceps and appetite growing - living in a gym is great (my apartment in on the 2nd floor of a gym) but it poses a threat to my desire to sit and watch movies and maintain a relatively moderate appetite.

I will continue to keep you posted on my adventures in Northern Ontario and hopefully with some pictures soon!

Yours in health,

Jenna

Thunder Bay..the introduction.

So sorry about the lack of updates! I've been going through quite a transition in the past couple days and now find myself sitting in a gym office in Thunder Bay, munching on Shreddies and scrambling to answer emails before I sign off for the evening and head back to my apartment..down the hall. In the gym. You better believe it.


Why am I in Thunder Bay? Why am I living in a gym? Fantastic question - and that is also what I'm spending tonight trying to answer as well.


So hold on tight folks, a new blog will be posted tomorrow. Get your thinking caps on - it will be a doozey!


Yours in health,
Jenna

Happiness.

I sometimes wonder why it can become so hard for so many people to be unhappy. Everyone has days were their moods are down and spirits are bleak, but no matter what your story is - well, its just that, a story. Pity, sorrow, sympathy could be appreciated but are they really necessary when you could simply take a step back and celebrate what is good in your life instead of the things you want to change? How will a frown or a bad attitude help anything at all?

Unhappiness can be derived from so many factors, but it is personal choice to remain unhappy. Most simple pleasure go unnoticed and many things that make us happy aren't realized until they are taken away. If you are ever feeling down, worried or stressed out, just sit back and open your eyes up to how wonderfully lucky you are to be blessed with so many great things. Here are some ideas to consider and help you out along the way:

• You live in Canada. Enough said. Land of the strong and free. You are blessed to be living in this incredibly beautiful, kind and prosperous first rate nation with free health care, a decent government structure, healthy human rights and a diverse mix of cultures composed on top one of the world's finest landscapes.
  
• Listening to Lifehouse's 'Everything', Jason Wade sings "how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?" Every time I hear it, I can't help but smiling at the idea of being completely in love and moved by someone. Its fascinating that another human can have such a profound influence on another human being. Regardless of who this is in your life, surround yourself with people who move and inspire you. Do not settle for acquaintances, appreciate your most sincere friendships and relationships.


• Your health. Sure you might not run well or you might have extra weight you'd like to lose but if you can breathe without pain, walk up the stairs, twist, turn, jump and throw with relative ease - you've got it all. A healthy and functioning body is an incredible blessing. You can always improve it, but be thankful you've still got it and it selflessly carries you through your day!


• And finally, some completely random things in life which just plain and simply great which assure a smile: Sunshine, great music, hugs and high fives, a good sweat, the smell of cooking/baking, free gifts, hot water, compliments, smiles, animals (not the slimy or aggressive ones though, unless your into that), fireplaces, letters in the mail, the ocean and the beach beside it...and the list goes on. Make your own list of things that make you happy!

Yours in health,
Jenna

Just do it.

Just do it.


Strap on your shoes, start to run. Call up a friend, meet them for a coffee. Knock on your boss' door, provide them that feedback. Shut your eyes, and jump into the cold lake. Pretty simple eh?


If my years working at Lululemon taught me anything, it was to do one thing a day that scares you. They encouraged the 'just do it' attitude where the results you see in life are based on a confident can-do attitude. When you aspire to do something, believe you will do it and you will. Nothing can be done by sitting around and thinking about what you want to do. Get your mind and body moving and commit to seeing it through.


Just do it!


Your challenge for today: Do one thing the scares you. Try it!


Yours in health,
Jenna


Me atop Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.



Guess Who!

Get ready to be blown away. Read the following and guess 'Who Am I??'

I have…

• Married the woman of my dreams and become a father
• Embraced healthy lifestyle changes that allowed me to lose 80 lbs. and complete multiple Ironman triathlons (swim 2.4 miles , bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles)
• Realized my ongoing dream to travel the world by visiting, living and working in over 35 countries
• Helped raise over 10 million dollars for charity
• Taken control of my finances, eliminated my debt and become financially independent
• Physically and mentally overcome a debilitating back injury that resulted in major surgery, a spinal fusion and six months of bed rest
• Followed my passions and enjoyed success working as a writer, actor, entrepreneur, banker, comedian, event planner, filmmaker, fundraiser and juggler (yes, I said juggler)
• Overcome fears, allowing me to skydive solo from over 12,000 ft. (50+ times) and dive unaided to over 150 ft. below the ocean on a single breath of air
• Received funding to write four feature length screenplays, two of which were award winning scripts that were optioned by notable producers or directors
• Found a balance in life by cultivating a regular yoga and meditation practice
• Experienced a very hurtful divorce and then learned how to trust again
• Been on an ongoing journey to free myself from a material life of excess
• Experienced the thrill and excitement of performing live on stage in front of tens of thousands of people
• Embraced a simpler, more clutter free and minimalist approach to life
• Discovered ways in which one can eliminate or reduce their need for a vehicle with relative ease

Impressed? Thought so. I read this an was taken aback at how incredibly inspiring this person is - and I don't even know them. Introducing: Jason Billows. Husband to Tracy (new mother and co-owner  of Moksha Yoga Ottawa), Jason leads an inspiring website dedicated to health and wellness in the simplest of forms.

If you are already impressed, read on friends and be prepared to have your socks knocked off! Please enjoy: http://stopandbreathe.com/ .

Yours in health,
Jenna

Spirit.

What does it mean to have spirit as a runner? To me having spirit reflects one's inherent compassion, dedication, vigour and enthusiasm toward a particular idea, person, place or thing. For a runner, that spirit might be reflected before, during or after a run but regardless it is an incredible force which is vital to the success and happiness of the runner.

My friends, Jane and Brent from Team in Training Ottawa were recently featured on Roger's Daytime TV to discuss their love of running and about the film 'The Spirit of the Marathon' coming to Ottawa May 8th (http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=237&rid=4&sid=68&gid=79319). While watching their video, I began thinking about the concept of spirit and started doing a bit of research. I stumbled another inspiring story by an American writer which defines the runner's spirit.

Similarly to what Brent and Jane describe in their video, Mark Kuba describes the runner's spirit in great detail and how you not only run for yourselves, but to appreciate everything else around you.

Please enjoy :)

Yours in health,
Jenna

The Running Spirit
 

Down the road, into the woods and onto the snowy trail they went.  They ran up and down hills, around stumps, over and through streams. The boys huffed, puffed, laughed, and sweated their way through the chilly morning air and their personal histories.  Deer tracks, turkey tracks, and runner tracks were the morning’s evidence of God’s creatures.

Effort was followed by effortlessness.  Free flowing mind was followed by focused concentration.  Laughter was followed by silence except for the rhythm of the pace and the woodpecker’s distant tapping.  They were on the move not to get anywhere, but because moving is living.  As singer and songwriter Harry Chapin wrote, " It's got to be the going not the getting there that’s good.”

The boys are having a great time by any measure.   By numbers they probably average 10, 52, 9.  That’s shoe size, age, and minutes per mile. Now you know, they are not boys, but you couldn’t convince them of that as they surge down the trail.  You see, the activity of running releases them from time.  Their bodies periodically remember the physical and mental flexibility of youth and re-enact it.  This is one of the gifts that keep the “old boys” running down the road and into the woods.  They have no delusions.  They are not trying to be young.  They just know what they can do to give themselves the gift of feeling and being more alive. It helps them journey down life’s road.   And like life they usually end up where they start, except when they enter new territory.  Then they are never really lost, just temporarily misplaced.  It’s the spirit of running that keeps them going and gets them home again.  Tired and refreshed.

Too often, people run to lose weight and get in better shape.  Those are certainly valuable outcomes, but they are not good reasons to run.  Run because your bodymind needs movement.  Run because it helps you get in touch with your internal rhythms.  Run because you can focus on the beauty of Nature. Run because you can spend time with a friend or loved one.  Run with your children because together you’ll learn about each other.  Run because it helps you remember you are alive in ways other than your job or your roles in life.  Run because it can be a prayerful, life-affirming activity.   

Run, so you can more intimately know life’s wisdom.
It takes effort to experience effortlessness.
It takes concentration to allow your mind to go free.
It takes movement to have your world stand still.
It takes breathlessness to improve your breathing.
It takes patience to quicken your pace. 

Mike Kuba
West Virginia Wesleyan College

Getting Involved!

Have you noticed with the change in weather that there are about a million runners, walkers and cyclists hitting the pavement? Some have been at it all winter but most are seasonal outdoor athletes and are eager to train along our canals and rivers as soon as the snow melts and sun comes out. Regardless, I'm so glad to see the city come alive again with activity!

Race season unofficially kicked off with Around the Bay for many runners but what about those who prefer a little warmer and less hilly opportunities to be part of a new challenge? What if those people who have reintroduced their legs to the pavement want a chance to push themselves and experience a race for the first time, or the hundreth time?

I remember my first road race and still today I experience the same sort of nerves and excitement before every race as I did on that first day. Even as I type this, my stomach twists into knots and the hairs on my arms start to prick up as the pre-race jitters sink in just by thinking about it.

Today, I've listed below for you some of the local, national and international opportunities for you to challenge your legs and run with thousands of others who are as eager as you to get your brow wet and shoes muddy over the next few months. Good luck and run hard!

Local Events    

Sunday April 17^th 2011

The 2011 Ottawa Physio Race

10k,5k,2k Walk or Run

Friday April 29 2011

Law Day Run 

Saturday April 30 2011

Run to End MS Cornwall, On

Kids 1k, 5k, 10k and 21.1km

(The Kids 1k race is free to Register)  It’s a great race to get the kids ready for Ottawa race weekend

Saturday May 7^th 2011-01-11

Innovapost Share the Power of a Wish Walk/Run 2011

10k and 5k run or walk and a 1k kids race

Saturday May 7^th 2011-01-11

CBI Health Hustle for Hunger

3km Walk

5/10km Run

Saturday May 7^th

^“Where’s Franktown”

10k Run

15km Run

1km run

5km Run/Walk

Sunday May 8^th

Kanata to Bank St. Run

32km Training Run (with the running room)

Ottawa Race Weekend (WOOO HOO!)

Saturday and Sunday May 28^th and 29^th 2011

SOLD OUT!

Run with JOHN STANTON (and JENNA!) at the Friendship Run!!

He will lead the Free Friendship Run for National Capital Race Weekend.

Meet him at City Hall (110 Laurier) at 9:00am. A fun 3km run/walk with free refreshments, race pace wristband and a great photo opportunity! And I will be running with you as you in my pace bunny gear to get your pumped!!

Saturday June 4^th 2011

The 3^rd Annual Redemption Run

11km and 5km run

Sunday June 5^th

Ottawa Spring Sprint

2.5km and 5km

Saturday July 2^nd 2011

Perth Ont.

Lanark Mutual Kilt Run (5Mile)

*You MUST wear a kilt while running this race, actually.*

Saturday July 23^rd  2011

2011 Mitsubishi City Chase-Ottawa

Wednesday July 20^th 6pm

The Running Room 20min Challenge

*Registration is Free*

Sunday September 18^th 2011

Canada Army Run 2011

5k and 1/2 Half Marathon run or walk

Sunday October 29^th

Beat Beethoven 2011

21km Run

4km Run/Walk

8km Run

*Check out this one online - the race's concept is hilarious!*

National Events

May 1, 2011 – BMO Vancouver Marathon

May 15, 2011 – Mississauga Marathon

May 15, 2011 – Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon

May 16-28, 2011 – Great Wall of China Race & Tour

May 22,2011 – Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon

May 29 2011 –Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

May 29, 2011 –Ottawa Race Weekend

June 12, 2011 –The Weight Watchers Walk-It 5K Event 

July 20, 2011  –20 Minute Challenge 2011

August 13, 2011 –Energizer^® Night Race™ - Calgary

August 21, 2011 –Intact Canadian Derby Edmonton Marathon

August 27, 2011 –Mitsubishi City Chase Powered by BlackBerry

September 10 2011 –Energizer^® Night Race™ - Toronto

September 11 2011 –Credit Union Queen City Marathon 2011- Regina, SK

September 18, 2011 –Canada Army Run 2011- Ottawa, ON

September  24, 2011 –Melissa's Road Race 2011 Banff, AB

October 9, 2011 –BMO Okanagan Marathon 2011 Kelowna, BC

October 16, 2011 –Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

October 23 2011 –Niagara Falls International Marathon – 2011 Niagara Falls, ON

November 6, 2011 –ING New York City Marathon

Yours in health,

Jenna



Me,  pre-race before my first ever Marathon in 2008 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
I sat in my hostel room and read a book for a few hours after picking my kit up at the race expo.