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