"Nobody can understand being paralyzed, until your paralyzed".
I'm sharing with you tonight Tara Llanes's story - a reminder that if you can walk, jump, lift, lunge, pull, twist, hop, run or even walk - you are blessed with the gift of a remarkable body which can do so much for you and in return, you can do so much for it as well.
Tara Llane's lost her ability to do almost everything and began to really recognize what a privilege a fully functional body is to anyone who could do everything she dreamed of doing again. Featured in the article below is a introduction to Tara and a pre-trailer of a film following her and other paraplegic athletes. May her courage, passion for sport and understanding that life is about digging deeper and overcoming adversity, be an inspiration to all.
Please enjoy, http://www.pinkbike.com/news/tara-llanes-rider-perspective-2011.html
Yours in health,
Jenna
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
A Different Kind of Runner
Two nights ago I joined my Team in Training group for a potluck dinner and a good luck send off for all those running the Rome Marathon next week and those running the Around the Bay 30k in two weeks. Every person in the room was a runner in some sort of capacity, but what I found fascinating was the fact that although everyone was a runner, what defined them as a runner drastically differed from one person to the next.
One of my teammates has entered dozens of races this year and was explaining how he thrives off running through snowstorms, freezing rain and subzero temperatures. His drive and passion for the sport is incredible and his enthusiasm and dedication to supporting the team is amazing. He is the first one to email us about a 25km training run and the last one to stay after the run to make sure everyone gets home safely and with a coffee in hand.
Next to him were more runners, some never having run before and some preferring the treadmill and the comforts of indoor training rather than to be exposed to uncomfortable weather conditions (which I can understand sometimes). Talking to another teammate, she explained how she had never had a race before and was hardly a runner months ago. In one week she will run her first marathon in Rome. When I asked her which race she would do next, she quickly answered "none". She explained that it just wasn't for her. The lifestyle of a long distance runner didn't appeal to her and although he experienced the benefits of running, she wouldn't continue running as much. This idea was completely respectable and admirable as it takes great courage to continue training for a marathon after you understand that you would prefer an alternative sport to master.
Every runner in the room had a story and a reason that they run. It was wonderful to experience the stories of runners who were veterans, and those who were just hoping to cross the finish line. As a runner, you forget sometimes that for those who don't run, that the idea of simply being able to jog for 10 minutes is a feat worth sharing. To some of those runners in the room, they praised me for having run Boston at such a young age and I was humbled. Although I explain that thousands upon thousands of people every year run Boston, or a marathon in general, and that is completely possible for anyone to complete it eventually. Still, the idea that to some this opportunity is beyond their dreams is absolutely inspiring.
Regardless of our skill level or passion for the sport, everyone that evening was a runner. Whether they preferred the gym or the icy winter roads, they were still a runner. Next time you meet a runner, ask them why they run and I guarantee their words will inspire you, maybe even to pick up your trainers and try your hand at the sport.
Yours in health,
Jenna
One of my teammates has entered dozens of races this year and was explaining how he thrives off running through snowstorms, freezing rain and subzero temperatures. His drive and passion for the sport is incredible and his enthusiasm and dedication to supporting the team is amazing. He is the first one to email us about a 25km training run and the last one to stay after the run to make sure everyone gets home safely and with a coffee in hand.
Next to him were more runners, some never having run before and some preferring the treadmill and the comforts of indoor training rather than to be exposed to uncomfortable weather conditions (which I can understand sometimes). Talking to another teammate, she explained how she had never had a race before and was hardly a runner months ago. In one week she will run her first marathon in Rome. When I asked her which race she would do next, she quickly answered "none". She explained that it just wasn't for her. The lifestyle of a long distance runner didn't appeal to her and although he experienced the benefits of running, she wouldn't continue running as much. This idea was completely respectable and admirable as it takes great courage to continue training for a marathon after you understand that you would prefer an alternative sport to master.
Every runner in the room had a story and a reason that they run. It was wonderful to experience the stories of runners who were veterans, and those who were just hoping to cross the finish line. As a runner, you forget sometimes that for those who don't run, that the idea of simply being able to jog for 10 minutes is a feat worth sharing. To some of those runners in the room, they praised me for having run Boston at such a young age and I was humbled. Although I explain that thousands upon thousands of people every year run Boston, or a marathon in general, and that is completely possible for anyone to complete it eventually. Still, the idea that to some this opportunity is beyond their dreams is absolutely inspiring.
Regardless of our skill level or passion for the sport, everyone that evening was a runner. Whether they preferred the gym or the icy winter roads, they were still a runner. Next time you meet a runner, ask them why they run and I guarantee their words will inspire you, maybe even to pick up your trainers and try your hand at the sport.
Yours in health,
Jenna
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| Team in Training Ottawa Chapter - go Team go!! |
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
What's in a shoe?
Today I ran 10km on new shoes. While teaching my core conditioning class 2 hours later, I found myself subconsciously massaging the middle of my foot. One of my students interrupted me and asked if I was okay. Not realizing what I was doing I stopped, cocked my head in question and sighed a large "oooh!" as I understood why my foot was a bit sore.
A few days ago I bought new Saucony Kinvara shoes (my first ever purchase from the Saucony brand). I surprised the attendant at the store when I announced that I wanted a shoe with no support, no motion control, no cushion. He pointed jokingly at the casual Converse shoes on display and I started marching toward them when he caught my arm and steered me toward the Kinvara's. The Kinvara is the first step to a minimalist shoe - a good transition shoe from a traditional runner to a more extreme minimalist style. With a race looming two weeks from today, I knew it wasn't the best choice to go to any extremes quite yet. I promised myself I would use my Kinvara's for the next two weeks and during my race and afterward as a long run shoe until I can comfortably fulfill marathon distance almost barefoot.
 |
| My new Kinvara's :) You'll see me coming with this pink shoe. |
I strongly believe in the idea of minimalist running (http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=19196) and re-programming your body to run naturally, without the correction or support of a traditional running shoe. I have had custom orthotics, exceptional motion control trainers and even ankle braces but it wasn't until a running injury I experienced in 2010 where I considered the idea that my shoes might be doing all the work and my body was weaker for this compromise. My solution was my purchase of Vibram Five Fingers and I wore them while rehabbing my injury (a torn IT band in my ankle) with the intention to feel and strengthen every fibre and muscle in my feet and legs. And it worked. Although I did not run in my Vibram's initially, they were worn while at work (its acceptable in my line of work) and during every alternative fitness activity I did.
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| My Vibram KSO's. Similar to frog feet - get ready for some comments! |
Within weeks, my gait started to change, my Achilles stretched further and my legs were rocks. I trained stronger, ran faster and was less tired. I started to believe that those who preached about these types of shoes might have a point. Through experience, research and discussion with fellow runners and experts, most seem to agree that we are experiencing the decline of the era of high tech shoes, bulky runners and traditional advice on gait and form. Instead, professional runners, coaches and healthy related corporations are really encouraging runners to go back to basics, train your body first and bring you shoe along for the ride.
My feet will probably be sore later today and my calves and shins will ache and throb, but instead of tossing my new shoes aside, I will run longer, faster and further tomorrow. I know that my aches and pains are cries of thanks from muscles who have gone to long unsupported - and no support with they receive.
Yours in health,
Jenna
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
My Coach Always Told Me…
My Coach Always Told Me…
(sung to the tune of Van Morrison’s My Mama Told Me There’d Be Days Like This)
When it's not always raining, there'll be races like this:
When there's no one complaining, there'll be races like this:
When everything falls into place like the flick of a switch,
well my coach told me, there'll be races like this.
When you don't need to worry, there'll be races like this:
When no one's in a hurry, there'll be races like this:
When you don't get betrayed by that old Judas kiss,
oh my coach told me, there'll be races like this.
When you don't need an answer, there'll be races like this:
When you don't meet a chancer, there'll be races like this:
When all the parts of the puzzle start to look like they fit,
then I must remember, there'll be races like this.
When everyone is up front, and they're not playing tricks:
When you don't have no freeloaders, out to get their kicks:
When it's nobody's business the way that you wanna live,
I just have to remember, there'll be races like this.
When no one steps on my dreams, there'll be races like this:
When people understand what I mean, there'll be races like this:
When you ring out the changes of how everything is,
Well my coach told me, there'll be races like this.
Oh my coach told me,
There'll be races like this.
Oh my coach told me,
There'll be races like this.
Oh my coach told me,
There'll be races like this.
Oh my coach told me,
There'll be races like this.
Thank you coach Rick (http://www.zone3sports.com/) for sending our teammates this remix!
(sung to the tune of Van Morrison’s My Mama Told Me There’d Be Days Like This)
When it's not always raining, there'll be races like this:
When there's no one complaining, there'll be races like this:
When everything falls into place like the flick of a switch,
well my coach told me, there'll be races like this.
When you don't need to worry, there'll be races like this:
When no one's in a hurry, there'll be races like this:
When you don't get betrayed by that old Judas kiss,
oh my coach told me, there'll be races like this.
When you don't need an answer, there'll be races like this:
When you don't meet a chancer, there'll be races like this:
When all the parts of the puzzle start to look like they fit,
then I must remember, there'll be races like this.
When everyone is up front, and they're not playing tricks:
When you don't have no freeloaders, out to get their kicks:
When it's nobody's business the way that you wanna live,
I just have to remember, there'll be races like this.
When no one steps on my dreams, there'll be races like this:
When people understand what I mean, there'll be races like this:
When you ring out the changes of how everything is,
Well my coach told me, there'll be races like this.
Oh my coach told me,
There'll be races like this.
Oh my coach told me,
There'll be races like this.
Oh my coach told me,
There'll be races like this.
Oh my coach told me,
There'll be races like this.
Thank you coach Rick (http://www.zone3sports.com/) for sending our teammates this remix!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Never Say Never
"We are like magnets - like attract like. You become AND attract what you think." - Quoted from The Secret
A couple days ago, I went to see the Justin Bieber movie. Surrounded by dozens of pre-teen girls and giddy mums, I entered the theatre with a bit of reluctance. The next two hours of my life would be devoted to watch someone 6 years my junior conquer the world of music, dance, film and media. Great.
Much to my surprise though, I was actually engaged in the film and blown away by the 17 year old Canadian boy's talent. Sure, the movie iconized Justin - an artist who as far as we know could be swept away from the limelight tomorrow.However, the most impressive part of Justin's character was not the fact that he could play the drums before he could write but that his drive and passion for music and entertaining was real and relentless - a theme which was emphasized throughout the film. I don't need to list the features of his success or gush about the film but instead I'd like to relate some ideas from the movie which struck a cord.
The idea of 'never say never' is powerful. I've always believed that if you believe something is possible, it is. The moment you start doubting yourself or believing you can't - well, you can't. Goals are not part of 'wishful' thinking, they should always be willful. Although Justin's case is an incredible and unique story, his motivation, drive and determination is what makes success possible. Yes, he had help and of course he has incredible talent, but the same passion and drive can be found in every person, regardless of their support systems or raw talent.
If you believe you can run a marathon, you can. If you are confident you will fall in love, you will. If you know you wil lose 10 pounds, you most certainly will. Elimate the 'maybe','try','want','could','should' thoughts from your vocabulary and replace them with 'will','am','can', "have" and 'are' - right away. I can run Ottawa marathon in 4 hours, I will fall happily in love and I have lost 10 pounds in 6 months. The power of positive thinking will fuel your fire and drive you toward success more than any help, support or talent you have. If you believe, you will.
Take it from Justin - never say never.
Yours in health,
Jenna
A couple days ago, I went to see the Justin Bieber movie. Surrounded by dozens of pre-teen girls and giddy mums, I entered the theatre with a bit of reluctance. The next two hours of my life would be devoted to watch someone 6 years my junior conquer the world of music, dance, film and media. Great.
Much to my surprise though, I was actually engaged in the film and blown away by the 17 year old Canadian boy's talent. Sure, the movie iconized Justin - an artist who as far as we know could be swept away from the limelight tomorrow.However, the most impressive part of Justin's character was not the fact that he could play the drums before he could write but that his drive and passion for music and entertaining was real and relentless - a theme which was emphasized throughout the film. I don't need to list the features of his success or gush about the film but instead I'd like to relate some ideas from the movie which struck a cord.
The idea of 'never say never' is powerful. I've always believed that if you believe something is possible, it is. The moment you start doubting yourself or believing you can't - well, you can't. Goals are not part of 'wishful' thinking, they should always be willful. Although Justin's case is an incredible and unique story, his motivation, drive and determination is what makes success possible. Yes, he had help and of course he has incredible talent, but the same passion and drive can be found in every person, regardless of their support systems or raw talent.
If you believe you can run a marathon, you can. If you are confident you will fall in love, you will. If you know you wil lose 10 pounds, you most certainly will. Elimate the 'maybe','try','want','could','should' thoughts from your vocabulary and replace them with 'will','am','can', "have" and 'are' - right away. I can run Ottawa marathon in 4 hours, I will fall happily in love and I have lost 10 pounds in 6 months. The power of positive thinking will fuel your fire and drive you toward success more than any help, support or talent you have. If you believe, you will.
Take it from Justin - never say never.
Yours in health,
Jenna
 |
| Fan love at a JB concert. So many girls.. |
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Can You Help?
"How wonderful it is that noboby need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world" - Anne Frank.
Three weeks left until my race, but you can still help save lives today.
Please sponsor me and help cure blood cancers
Yours in health,
Jenna
Three weeks left until my race, but you can still help save lives today.
Please sponsor me and help cure blood cancers
Yours in health,
Jenna
Saturday, March 5, 2011
I'm Addicted.
It's official. I have an addiction.
I am absolutely, whole heartedly and utterly addicted to Moksha Yoga. I've been practicing Yoga in general for about 7 years but it has only been within the past four months where my casual practice has become a full fledge addiction.
I can get enough of Moksha! Moksha Yoga is a relatively new studio in Ottawa and my favourite to visit. All of Moksha's classes are hot. And I mean HOT. Not for the faint of heart or for those who favour a cooler climate - at Moksha you will sweat from every pore and orifice while twisting, bending, lunging and breathing deeper than you could have imagined you could.
There is something about building muscle and toning naturally through the resistance of your own body, which sweating out toxins and garbage that I've ingested throughout the day. The idea of taking each session at your own pace and listening to your body while never, ever feeling pressures to do more or work harder, is what fuels my addiction.
I rave about the benefits of Yoga to all my clients. Whether in a hot room or not, Yoga is one of the best compliments to any exercise regime. It promotes strength building, weight loss or gain (depending on your goal), pain relief, greater flexibility, improved V02 max due to the increased lung capacity from all that deep breathing and the chance to meet inspiring and motivational instructors from across the City. Ottawa hosts some incredible studios with world class instructors and its worth experiencing if you haven't already.
Below are a list of links which I'd recommend checking out if your are remotely interested in practicing Yoga or just giving it a test run. You won't regret it!
Yours in health,
Jenna
Bend, stretch and breathe:
www.lululemon.com (check out the community section of each store of links to local studios)
www.mokshayogaottawa.com (my favourite studio..but be prepared for serious heat!)
www.ottawayoga.com (all things Yoga related in Ottawa)
www.passporttoprana.com (a class pass for multiple studios in Ottawa so you can test them all out!)
I am absolutely, whole heartedly and utterly addicted to Moksha Yoga. I've been practicing Yoga in general for about 7 years but it has only been within the past four months where my casual practice has become a full fledge addiction.
I can get enough of Moksha! Moksha Yoga is a relatively new studio in Ottawa and my favourite to visit. All of Moksha's classes are hot. And I mean HOT. Not for the faint of heart or for those who favour a cooler climate - at Moksha you will sweat from every pore and orifice while twisting, bending, lunging and breathing deeper than you could have imagined you could.
There is something about building muscle and toning naturally through the resistance of your own body, which sweating out toxins and garbage that I've ingested throughout the day. The idea of taking each session at your own pace and listening to your body while never, ever feeling pressures to do more or work harder, is what fuels my addiction.
I rave about the benefits of Yoga to all my clients. Whether in a hot room or not, Yoga is one of the best compliments to any exercise regime. It promotes strength building, weight loss or gain (depending on your goal), pain relief, greater flexibility, improved V02 max due to the increased lung capacity from all that deep breathing and the chance to meet inspiring and motivational instructors from across the City. Ottawa hosts some incredible studios with world class instructors and its worth experiencing if you haven't already.
Below are a list of links which I'd recommend checking out if your are remotely interested in practicing Yoga or just giving it a test run. You won't regret it!
Yours in health,
Jenna
Bend, stretch and breathe:
www.lululemon.com (check out the community section of each store of links to local studios)
www.mokshayogaottawa.com (my favourite studio..but be prepared for serious heat!)
www.ottawayoga.com (all things Yoga related in Ottawa)
www.passporttoprana.com (a class pass for multiple studios in Ottawa so you can test them all out!)
Friday, March 4, 2011
Being Selfish.
My friends have a hard time believing that I find the time and energy to train for marathons with my busy schedule. I surprise them by saying that there is always time and energy, but sometimes it comes with a bit of sacrifice by being selfish. Most nights I have to get to bed relatively early because I know I will not be able to function well at work or train the next day without an adequate amount of sleep. Some dinner parties I'll have to pass on as I have a long run scheduled the next day and need to practice my pre-race dinner and sleep routine. And sometimes I just can't be somewhere that I'd like to be because I need 'me' time and to relax and put my feet up.
Yes, some would call this selfish and anti-social. But the benefits of setting, following through on and achieving your goals with small compromises in between are far greater than the occasional scowl or eyebrow raise when you are leaving the party early so you can run the following morning. Being selfish isn't about gloating, belittling your peers or becoming obsessive about your goal, but its about finding time to honour and respect yourself. You dearest friends and family will understand and your commitment and passion in achieving your goal might inspire them to follow suit.
So go ahead - be selfish!
Yours in health,
Jenna
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
It's Simple, Really.
One of the biggest questions I get as a runner and trainer is" how?".
Try it!
Yours in health,
Jenna
- How do I get better at running?
- How do I lose the last ten pounds?
- How do I increase my bench press?
- How can I walk upstairs without losing my breath?
- To be a better runner, you have to RUN! Commit to your program, persevere through it and increase your mileage by 10% each week.
- To lose the last 10 pounds, you have to EXERCISE and EAT CLEAN! Commit to your adapted healthy lifestyle, perservere through temptation and bad days and increase your weight loss by 10% (1 pound) each week until you reach your goal.
- To increase your bench press, you have to BENCH! Commit to your exercise and nutriton program, perservere through your tough workouts and a stretching routine, increase your load by 10% each week.
- To walk upstairs without losing your breath, you have to WALK UPSTAIRS! Commit to regular exercise, including taking the stairs, persevere through elevator temptation and grogy moods and increase the number of stairs you take or the length of time you exercise by 10% each week.
Try it!
Yours in health,
Jenna
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Running for a Reason
Today's post is about my personal goals. This is my story:
12 years ago I helplessly watched my wonderful Grandfather Ladd lose his long battle against Leukemia. Never wishing to experience the same sort of loss, I was confronted again with the disease in 2010. Last year I almost had to go through watching my boyfriend, Adrian, lose his Dad to Lymphoma. Thankfully, he won his battle and is a survivor today. He was even there, only days after his final hospital stay, cheering me on from the sidelines of a race in his hometown.
This year, I do not want to helplessly stand by as those I love fight cancer without my help. This year I am joining them in their fight and running the Around the Bay 30k race in Hamilton on March 27th with Team in Training and with a goal to raise as much money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada and to help those like my Grandpa and Kelly.
I understand that in the New Year, our wallets are fairly empty and our budgets are tight, but if you have a moment to donate any amount at all – I would be immeasurably grateful.
Thanks everyone – please follow the link below to access my fundraising page and to donate!
Yours in health,
Jenna
Online Donations accepted at: http://tinyurl.com/jennafightscancer
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