One week later...

I thought that this whole blogging thing would be easy. Apparently, I am a total slacker and really need to get into a blogging routine. I would think with my Type A personality that I would have no problem.

As for the week, my running has been awesome! When I decided that I wanted to run my first marathon I made a promise with myself that I would not sacrifice my resistance training or cross-training (XT) workouts. I believe that both resistance training and cross training are essential for any runner and/or athlete because they help with strength, power and recovery. So, when I was searching for a reasonable marathon training program I stumbled upon the Furhman College "FIRST" training program. Their method of training is exactly what I was looking for and the book published by scientists at Furhman caught my attention, "Run less, Run faster." Because of my busy schedule with the family, full-time job, graduate school, and my social life I was desperate to change up my running routine and make it more practical. Their method encourages runners to do three quality runs per week; track repeats, tempo/race pace, and a long slow distance. And during your days off from running they encourage non-weight bearing XT at a high intensity. Basicallly, a 5-6 days/week of high intensity cardio and 2 days/week of resistance training. I have to tell you that after my first official training week...I LOVE IT! The workouts are customizable and are pretty intense (just the way I like it).

As for nutrition, I am really enjoying my new-found love for cooking. I'm not sure if it is because I feel so much better when I eat a clean diet or if it is because I have more free time to spend with the Hubby after work. I do bulk cooking on Sundays therefore making my life so much easier during the week. I also chop all of my vegetables and store them in the fridge or freezer so I don't have to waste time doing that when I get home. This weekend I made our favorite meal...PIZZA...but not just any pizza. I made a delicious goat cheese and veggie pizza for myself and a chicken-BBQ pizza for the Hubby. Compliments to Jenna www.eatliverun.com for the amazing whole-wheat dough recipe. I was so proud of myself because I have never made pizza from scratch! We also went shopping at some of the local health food stores. I always have so much fun when I have the time to visit those stores...you can find so many delicious treats.

I know that this has been a long post and I will be sure to keep up with my postings regularly so you don't have to suffer through my babble. I'm also hoping to finally order a USB connection for my camera so I can share my experiences with you!

Here's to a healthy, happy life!

Cheers,

J

Never thought I would do this!

Hello bloggers,

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I'd have to say I'm a little nervous about this whole undertaking. I've read many different blogs and they have all inspired me to share my story.

My name is Jenn. I grew up in a small town in Florida, graduated from UF (go Gators), work at an awesome Institution and am currently in grad school. I married the love of my life, my best friend on March 31, 2007 and we are a happy family of three...me, my hubby, and our beautiful dog, Lars. I'm a personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and a health junkie. I feel like I know more about life than many people my age (I've got an old soul) and am blessed to have had the opportunity to experience life in the raw!

I am extremely passionate about living a healthy life and have set out on this journey to share it with you. My hope is that I can inspire others to accomplish whatever goals they have in their life. With a little support and a litttle focus we can do whatever we put our minds to (at least this is what I hope)! I have set out to train for my first marathon and want to document my experience.

So, sit back relax and enjoy!

Your friend,

Jenn