Updates from my World

I am going to apologize in advance.  I worked out this morning and I'm mid-way through a 20 oz. coffee, so I am a bit giddy today.  If you are looking for the tired, grumpy Jen, check back about 2 p.m. and I'll likely be sleeping with my eyes open at my desk.

With all this energy, I thought I would update you on a few things going on in my world:

Blogger 101: You may have seen the banner on the right of the screen, but if not, I am going to the Healthy Living Summit!  I am so excited.  It is taking place in mid-August in Cambridge, Ma.  I am hoping to come way from it with some new blogger friends and some ways to improve your experience reading about my life.  This blog started as an outlet for my thoughts, feelings and workouts, but I really feel like I can do better.  I want to give you guys more.  I have gotten so much knowledge and inspiration from other bloggers and I want to give back.  Plus, my life has become so much more focused due to an increased emphasis on health and fitness, this just seems like the logical next step.  I know it is a commitment of more time, but I have the dedication so I will make it happen.  Just be patient, please.  It's all new to me.

Team Spirit: Several times I have mentioned that I belong to a team that trains and runs road races and obstacle course races.  The Shaolin Killa Beez is a group of like-minded (read crazy) people who support and challenge and keep each other accountable.  The team captain also tends to come up with challenges for the team to keep us moving every day.  The most recent challenge is six minutes of burpees.  Yup, that's six straight minutes of doing burpees every day for a full month.  I started at 50 burpees on day 1 and my personal record is 74 burpees in six minutes.  I have done burpees first thing in the morning, just before bed and drunk at a party.  Every day, without missing a single day!  I mention this today, because today is the LAST DAY OF THE CHALLENGE!  I am so excited to do however many burpees I can squeeze into 6 minutes today.  I may even record it!  I started tied for 9th place and I am currently in 2nd place!  It would take an act of God to steal first place but I do plan to hold onto second!  Wish me luck!

The Killa Beez

Weight/Marathon Training: I am still following the Jamie Eason LiveFit program and I'm mid-way through week 6 of the 12-week program.  While the number on the scale continues to yo-yo around the same five pounds, I definitely see results.  My muscles are definitely more visible and I am lifting heavier weights than I ever have before.  I feel strong.  The clean eating is more of a challenge.  I started strong with it, but I think I have found a level that is manageable in my life, without being too difficult to achieve.  I try to have 4-5 "meals" a day and my diet is very protein and veggie heavy.  I seldom have bread and when I do have a starch, it is never "white".  I have a whey protein shake in the morning and a casein protein shake before bed.  I plan to start marathon training in July.  I think I have chosen my training plan, but I'm just not ready to announce it and make the commitment.  I'm pretty sure that I am just nervous about actually starting to train.  Last year's training ended so crappy so, I still worry.

During my last marathon in 2008

Upcoming Races: Next weekend I am doing the Rugged Maniac obstacle course race in Brooklyn.  Then I have the third leg of the "Staten Island Triple Crown" on July 4th.  I am also doing the Underwear Run on 7/7.  It is 1.7 miles in your underwear through Central Park to kick off the NYC Triathlon weekend.  After that I am race-free for a while, unless something fun comes my way.

My Luck: Yesterday as I drove home a bird was nice enough to poop through my sunroof and right into my hair.  Some people say this is good luck.  I think it's just gross and will be using air conditioning from now on.    My good luck came earlier this week when I got an email to let me know that I won a giveaway from BexLife.  I am going to be receiving a necklace from www.dogeared.com.  I cannot wait!  By the way, if you do not follow BexLife, you should!

Now, I think I am finally coming down off my endorphin high and you have been properly updated.

Now let me know what you think:

• Try the burpee challenge and let me know how many you can do in 6 minutes
• Are you going to the Health Living Summit?
• What's your next race?
• How can bird poop be lucky?
• Do you have any updates for me?