I RUN 4 RON

Last week we got an e-mail from our Fleet Feet running group that posed the question, "Why do you run?". It was actually a segueway into telling us about Nashville's race series, 'I Run for the Party', but it got me thinking, why DO I love to run anyway?! I love to run because growing up it was something my Dad and I shared together, just us :) He was the first person I called when I finished my first half marathon two years ago, and he could not have been prouder. He was there to see me finish last year, and even though he is no longer here, I know my biggest fan is smiling down on me saying, "Come on lil' Jessi!". I feel blessed to have spent that time with him growing up and that he introduced me to such a challenging sport, and now everytime I lace em' up, I am running for Ron.

**This pic was taken at the last race we ran together! It was the Elvis 5K in Memphis, 2006. Please notice Dad's throwback Elvis T from the 90's...he never missed one! Please don't notice my awfulness in this pic.

And with race day upon us, next Saturday(eee!!!), I would like to share with you last year's race experience...

My original plan for last year's race was to run the full marathon with Team in Training. Unfortunately, I suffered an IT band injury 2 months out and ended up doing the 1/2 instead. I never thought I would be disappointed I could NOT run 26.2 miles... My parents were coming in for the weekend for the festivities and I was super pumped to have them at the finish line. They arrived the Friday night before the race, we went out for some 'carb loading', and called it an early night because the next morning was going to come early! I let my parents have my room and I slept on the couch, (something I don't recommend before a race). 5am came quick! My dad and I left for Centennial Park around 6am and finalllly made our way there. There is no telling how he got home, EVERY road was closed and he is directionally challenged, wonder where I get it from?!


The CMM is a fantastic race, I would highly recommend it for any first timer (although, it is a smidge hilly). The Rock n' Roll series does a great job. Everything is very organized, plenty of water and Cytomax along the course, and the volunteers and supporters lining the streets are unbelievable. You are so distracted looking at everything the course has to offer you might even forget you are running! Miles 1-4 are by far my least favorite, running wise. My legs haven't warmed up yet and it feels like i'm never going to hit my stride. Luckily, the first miles along the course are jam packed with spectators so it makes the time go by fast! Miles 5-9 are the bomb.com. It takes you down and back on Belmont Blvd. which I think is the most exciting part of the course. This is always the strongest part of my run. This is also the point in which I run by work peeps, so I have to at least appear like i'm running fast! Miles 10 & 11 suck. There's really not much else I can say. I don't enjoy that part of the course, spectators get a little scarce and I'm just plain tired. The last 'hill' around mile 12 is pretty brutal, many senior citizens were passing by me at this point. But once you get up to the bridge that takes you down to Titans stadium, it is smoooth sailing!! It is the most amazing feeling running that last tenth of a mile with people cheering you on - it makes all the grueling training, early mornings, lame Friday nights, poop scares, GU gels and injuries worth it!

Now, I told my parents very specifically, 20+ times where to meet me after the race. The GIANT purple Team in Training tent by the finish area. I would not have my phone, so it was very important they went there around 9:30 am and waited. As long as it took me to get there, do not move from that spot. I had a bit of a breakdown, knee wise, around mile 10-11 so I had to walk those 2 miles, which set me back a bit in time. They figured they had missed me, and strayed from their post. Let me just say hunting down my parents in a sea of people was the last thing I wanted to do after running 13 miles. I borrowed someone's cell phone and got a hold of my parents, who were up at the fences looking for me to come across the finish line and told them where to meet me. I remember sitting in the grass and seeing this lady in a rather large brimmed straw hat coming closer...

Ahhh...oh wait. Sorry Mom ;) Our next conquest was to find the car. We logged about 2 more miles trying to find where they parked only to remain gridlocked in the parking lot for another hour. Kill me. At this point the ol' bowels start a rumblin', (my dad was in the same boat). Not a good feeling my friends. In hindsight I could have probably walked home faster than it took to drive. We finally got rolling and were almost home when we realized all the roads to my house were shut down for the race. At this point, my dad and I were ready to park the car and run home to use the facilities. We parked a couple streets down and Dad grabbed the 5 gallon bucket out of his car 'just in case'...we rolled up to the front door and wouldn't you know it - no key!!! Locked out. We were on our way to use the bucket in the back yard when one of Leah's friends who was visiting opened the door and rescued us! Hallelujah - I didn't have to share a poop bucket, with my dad, outside, with no toilet paper, in my backyard. Never thought I would have to be thankful for that. Man, what a race day. All in all it was a great weekend and a great race experience that left us with many memories.

This upcoming race weekend also holds a special place in my heart because it was the last time, one year ago, I got to see my dad before he passed away. This race is for you Ace!!

Happy running everyone!

Badge of Honor and new running duds

Well, well, well. You will be happy to know I am not writing this to you from the grave because I survived the 'Percy Warner 11.2'!!! And quite well I might add ;) I finished my 12 miles in under 2 hours, (yes, I know the course is 11.2 but if you know me, you know I am likely to 'misplace' myself sometimes.) You may also be thinking that 12 miles in 2 hours is not that speedy, to which I would reply, "bite me". The run went a little something like this...

It was around 40ish degrees when we started with a light drizzle and I was ready to rock and roll - ipod loaded and GU gels stuffed in my pants. I headed out with the 10-minute pace group and we began our journey. The first 4-5 miles were pretty solid; gorgeous scenery, great pace, strong legs - feelin' good. I kept looking ahead for the 'Mile 9 hill' (*we ran the course backwards so this hill came first) so I could size it up and mentally prepare, and then out of nowhere- BAM. We started climbing. I literally stayed about 2 feet behind our pacer, who had gigantic calves, and stared at his legs the entire time - osmosis? Maybe. Imaginary tiny ropes tied from his legs pulling mine behind him? Possibly. Whatever it was, it worked! We made it to the top and took a much needed water break. And...breaks over. Back to it. We continued on and made it to the Belle Meade entrance which was about half-way. At this point the full marathoners broke off for their extra 8 miles, which meant my inspiring man calves were gone :( I started again with a smaller group and started to hit my stride. I knew we had one more monster hill so I was trying to be mindful and save some energy in my bag of tricks. Finally, we got to it and I was ready to power through and then get ready to finish up the last few miles and BE DONE. This hill was much steeper, but also shorter, that should have been my first clue... I remember thinking, man, that wasn't too bad, psshh... I cranked up some Salt-n-Peppa "now push it real good.." and started to pick up the pace. Well...by the time I got to the actual 'Mile 3 Hill', I.was.spent. I was seriously scared that if I stopped running, I wouldn't be able to start again. It was that bad. And it never ended. Turn after turn, I snail-paced it up to the top. Victory. With just a few miles to go I was desperate to be done, my legs were in pain, I was tired, irritated and cranky. And then I got lost. .8 miles felt like 10, especially when its uphill. When I finally noticed I was running in the opposite direction of the cars I about broke my neck trying to turn around and get back on the right trail. Finally the run came to an end, and as I made my way to my car (why the hell did I park so far?!) I couldn't help but be proud. I conquered the Percy Warner 11.2 and lived to tell about it.

After such a grueling run, I figured I had earned at least 2 treats :) Here is my new running gear!

How cute are these?! Pink, sparkly earbud covers for my headphones! Everytime I come around your city bling, bling...thank goodness I moved to the 'burbs - can't be sporting these in the hood.

I know what you are thinking, they are kind of borderline lezzer, and I wasn't really sure how I felt about 'sports' glasses in general, but they are really functional and don't slip around on your face when you are running, so...hopefully the sparkly earbuds will balance them out.

The Percy Warner Experience...pre-run thoughts

This Saturday I will be embarking on what is known to Nashville area runners as a 'rite of passage'. It is called the 'Percy Warner 11.2 Loop' and after reading about people's first experiences with this course, I am quite intimidated - to say the least. This is kind of what i'm picturing in my head right now, for 11 freaking miles...(pictured above). The course is throughout Percy Warner park, which is right by Steeplechase for all you horse race fans. I have heard it is beautiful and has several breathtaking views at its highest points. I hope I will be able to see this gorgeous scenery through my tears...

This is a blurb from the e-mail we received from Fleet Feet earlier this week regarding the run.

"Part of this experience is going to be leaving your Garmins and watches at home. The goal is to complete this route. Pace does not matter. Time is no issue. You are experiencing a route like no other route and what I want each of you to focus on is the experience. Slow yourself down to run with others. Stay in a pack to encourage each other up the hills. Share why you are out there training while most of the city is still asleep in warm beds. You will leave the group a changed person, a stronger person, a blessed person."

Now, I realize this was probably meant to be inspiring and encouraging, but to me it sounded more like, "Don't even bother bringing your watch, it will probably run out of battery because it's going to take you so long to finish. Also, remember to bring a rope to pull each other up the hills, otherwise you will prob get lost and die in a cold, wet pile of leaves." Ok, ok, maybe i'm exaggerating just a tad ;)

In a twisted way, I am looking forward to this run and to pushing myself waaaay past my comfort zone, and also learning how to run while blacking out. Unfortunately my two running buddies will be MIA this weekend, Jenn is recovering from a foot injury and Mauri is away visiting her familia in Arkansas. I may or may not be cursing you both at some point during the run :) Love.you.mean.it.

I found this little diddy when I googled "Percy Warner 11.2 Loop" the other day...

"The first of the fabled hills falls just as you begin to climb towards the third mile, and stretches beyond it. This hill winds in and out, from side to side. Its wickedness comes from the combined effects of its grade and from the fact that you cannot see the efforts ahead of you; they are hidden, each, behind the next curve. Every time you approach what you perceive to be the end of the madness, you round a turn and see more beyond. By time you have reached the top, just past three miles into your trek, your will and energies have been sapped."

and this one...

"And at that moment, you face the great hill. As you mount its asphalt, the entirety of the effort ahead visible to you (but somehow unknown) there is no pace that is correct. Run too fast and you will not have the necessary fuel in your depleted legs to make it. Run to slowly and the mount will outlast your will. Best just to put your head down and go on blindly. When you reach the connector road, you are only halfway up. By time you reach the top, weakened and poor, you do not have the focus to look around you at the grand vistas on display."

If you need me, I will be busy overnighting these to myself.

Pure Barre - Ballet is not for sissies.

This is pretty much what I looked like last night...HA! Not even close...I was the girl with noodle-like legs gripping the ballet bar for dear life.

I am a newbie to this whole pure barre/barre scuplt/(ballet,pilates,yoga) fusion thing, so here is a brief description of what it's all about. The Pure Barre Technique is a total body workout that burns fat and produces lifted seats, toned arms, thin thighs, and flat abs by fusing elements of ballet, pilates and weights in a 55 minute intense session. It is the most effective, fastest, yet safest way to change your body. Pure Barre is an intelligent exercise technique- each strengthening section of the workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create strong, long, lean muscle without the bulk, while increasing range of motion. Pure Barre will not only quickly transform your body, it will clear your mind, help you focus and contribute to a happy and healthy life.

I must admit I was quite intimidated walking into the studio for the first time, but the instructors were super nice and welcoming at put me at ease immediately. (I went to Seren Motus in Cool Springs for those that may be interested - http://www.serenmotus.com/). We gathered all the equipment we would need for the class which was just a mat, a hand strap, and some hand weights. I scoffed when I was advised to just grab the 1 pound weights...um, excuse me but have you seen these guns?! But about 5 minutes into the upper body portion of the workout I was practically begging for a spotter. After arms we moved over to the ballet bar where the real fun began: thigh work. The idea is to work your muscles to fatigue, at which point my body started shaking. I think she even referred to one of the moves as the 'Ring of Fire' or something...literally muscles.on.fire.

Imagine sitting in a chair position (already tortured) and doing sets of exercises in this position while holding onto a barre. Imagine standing on your tiptoe, gripping the barre, as you sink your knees into a squat and then slowly (but repeatedly) tucking your butt in just for a extra shot of pain in your lower thighs and your gluteus maximus. Imagine sitting beneath the barre, pushing up with your hands while lifting your heavy legs up using your abs. This was what we did for 55 minutes...

I survived the Pure Barre Class and all I have is the pain in my gluteus maximus to show for it. In addition, it is my prediction that I will be bootylicious in no time. For anyone who is seeking for a different fitness experience, try Pure Barre. Your bathing suit will thank you.

Here is a video that shows what it's all about!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NNwnFp7RxU

All the mocha lattes, you gotta do Pilates...

Well, turns out Kanye knew what he was talking about when he referenced Pilates in his song, "The New Workout Plan". As you know, or may not know, my first love is running - but I seem to have re-occuring injuries whenever I start upping mileage and/or training for a race. I have injured everything from the hip down...IT band, to knees, to shin splints, black toenails...not a fun list, and definitely not fun to deal with when you are running upwards of 8-10 miles. So since I just started training again for the Country Music Half Marathon, (with my wonderful running buddies, Mauri and Jenn) I have decided to try something completely new for my 'cross-training' days.

We are running with a group through Fleet Feet, (an awesome running shoe store here in Brentwood). The schedule calls for running 3 days a week- 2 shorter runs (3-6 miles) during the week and a longer run (6-14 miles) on Saturdays. It is recommended that you do some sort of low-impact cross training on the other days - swimming, weights, spin class, etc. Well, weights and the elliptical are getting really old so I looked into some alternatives and discovered the pilates reformer! It is amazing! The Y offers traditional Pilates mat classes, where you are just on a mat on the floor - but they have recently started offering Pilates reformer classes, which are on a machine instead. I have seen these machines on info commercials featuring Chuck Norris, so I figured they MUST be legit, right?! I think Chuck Norris actually invented Pilates...

The first two intro classes were relatively easy, very different than anything I have ever done before. The moves focus intensely on your core - your abs are supposed to be engaged the entire time, during every move. They like to put a racquetball on your stomach, and if it rolls off...they call you a fatty...kidding, but its supposed help you stay tight and focused. It not only helps with strength, but helps lengthen and elongate your muscles and increase balance and flexibility. Well, I was in for a suprise because the beginner/intermediate classes took it up a notch! The moves have gotten much harder - and require a lot more flexibility. But after every class I feel amazing - its like 4 people grabbed my arms and legs and just pulled and everything stretched out and loosened up. I feel like i'm already getting stronger and the best part is that it is low-impact on your joints. I talked to my instructor and she said it would be a great compliment to running because it would keep everything nice and stretched out and help reduce the risk of injury. Anyway - just wanted to share what I was up to these days in regards to exercise. I will leave you with two videos; the first one shows basic moves and is about the level of difficulty I am at right now. The second one is bananas. This lady must be a Pilates master...I would definitely be hanging from the straps if I attempted what she is doing.

This picture is just funny and relevant to this post...

Pilates Video #1

Pilates Video #2

I just re-watched these videos...and I hope no one thinks I am a weirdo. I am realizing they look a little strange - I promise I don't listen to Enigma while I am working out!

Stole this post from Mauri! Happy Friday!

If I were a month, I’d be June.
If I were a day of the week, I’d be Friday night.
If I were a time of day, I’d be 8pm.
If I were a planet, I’d be Mars.
If I were a sea animal, I’d be a seahorse.
If I were a direction, I’d be South.
If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be fluffy L-shaped couch.
If I were a liquid, I’d be an ice cold Blue Moon.
If I were a gemstone, I’d be an embarassingly large diamond.
If I were a tree, I’d be a palm tree.
If I were a tool, I’d be a hammer.
If I were a flower, I’d be a black-eyed susan :)
If I were a kind of weather, I’d be the opening day of patio drinking season.
If I were a musical instrument, I’d be a piano.
If I were a color, I’d be PINK.
If I were an emotion, I’d be all of them, twice a day.
If I were a fruit, I’d be a banana.
If I were a sound, I’d be meow.
If I were an element, I’d be silver.
If I were a car, I’d be a Range Rover - white, with off-white leather interior. Don't even think about getting one - I will key it.
If I were a food, I’d be a pizza.
If I were a place, I’d be any beach!
If I were a material, I’d be a soft fur blankie.
If I were a taste, I’d be spicy.
If I were a scent, I’d be amber.
If I were an object, I’d be Mr. Bear!
If I were a body part, I’d be a scooter.
If I were a facial expression, I’d be rolling eyes.
If I were a song, I’d be Memphis rap.
If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be sparkly Betsey Johnson heels.