What Shall I Wear?

What to wear on those cool fall runs? I go through this every fall. In fact, it is my favorite time of year. The leaves show their brilliant colors, the crisp, cool days and the quest for the perfect caramel apple.

I have been running for years. You would think I would have this process down. Not true. Every fall, I have to figure out what to wear, how much or too little to wear on those crisp fall runs. I typically start out with too many layers fearing I will be cold then spend the entire run shedding layers. By the time I am finished, I have so many layers of clothing wrapped around my body I can't even move! I typically get it down to an outfit by the fourth or fifth cool run.

I try to follow these tips when figuring out what to wear on those cool fall runs...

-You should feel "chilled" at the start of your run. If you are toasty warm, you have too many layers on and will over heat.

-Dress for 15-20F degrees warmer than it is. If it is 40 degrees, dress for 55-60 degrees. That will allow for your increase in body temperature when running.

-Fall running clothes are cute and fun to shop for. When you buy something new, give an old piece away. Otherwise, you will end up spending all your time deciding which shirt or tights to wear rather than running in them!

Happy Trails,

Coach Jenny

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad...

Well, just arrived home from Toronto. John and I were in town for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I spoke at the Expo Friday and Saturday and had plans to run the half marathon Sunday.

One of my goals this season was to run three half marathons instead of one marathon. I thought that would be realistic since my base is not very strong this fall. I ran the Disneyland Half last weekend. I was going for the Scotiabank this weekend and conclude with the new Rock n Roll San Jose in October.

I woke up Sunday morning feeling as if I got hit by a semi-truck. So, needless to say I did not run. I've learned the hard way in life that running through illness does not turn out very well in the end. Plus, my photo finish always looks awful...

San Jose is the next stop. Keeping my head high and putting one foot in front of the other.

Coach Jenny

The Happiest Race on Earth...

I have very fond memories of Disneyworld. My mom and dad would load the three kids in the van at 2am and drive straight through from Chicago to Orlando. We called it Disney or BUST! We wouldn't be three miles down the road when one of us would ask "how much farther is it?" I am sure we drove our parents crazy with the Sound of Music eight-track playing over and over. We could NOT wait to explore the wonderful world of Disney.

When they created the first Walt Disney World Marathon in 1994, I think I was one of the first people to register! It is a great way for an adult to have as much fun as a kid for a weekend. That was more than 10 years ago and the Disney people keep creating wonderful races.

John and I were invited to speak at the Inaugural DisneyLAND Half Marathon this weekend in Anaheim, CA. I have been counting the days until this event, and although my training has been less than optimal, I ran it at an easy pace and had a ball on the course. It is the only race where you can dress up like a character for the weekend and not have people look at you funny. You can bet this running girl has a new pair of golden ears...

The Disneyland Half Marathon is a very well organized event with loads of music and entertainment. We ran through all the theme parks, down the Santa Ana Trail by the river, through the scenic streets of Anaheim with mountains in the distance and around the bases in the Anaheim Angels MLB Team. All that and a high-five from Mickey and Minnie and the finish.

What is better than that?

Coach Jenny

Back in the Saddle Again

Well, it was a tough run this morning. Although I have been running pretty regularly lately, I think the emotional turmoil is taking a toll. I felt like I was running with a 80-pound backpack on...

It confirms that when we run, we do so with our body, our mind and our spirit. All of which must work together to move us efficiently forward. I knew it would be a tough run, but by the end I felt much better. Sometimes the hardest runs are the most rewarding in the end.

Coach Jenny

A Girl's Best Friend

Saturday we had one last walk with BEAR, our 16-year old dog. Bear was an 8-pound black poodle-shitzu mix and loved to run and fetch. He earned his name because his spirit was as big as a Bear.



He had a great life and was my best buddy. He studied with me in college, rode in my backpack and cheered on runners, and even beat a greyhound dog in the local Bark in the Park 5K. He was even assistant Crew with John when I raced a 24-hour solo adventure race in the UP. He put in a lot of miles with a lot of friends and will be missed greatly.



I plan on hosting a Hike in Bear's memory in the fall. He use to be the herding dog for my Hike Like a Girl clinics and would always make sure everyone front to back of the pack was safe.

The timing on this couldn't have been any worse, but I believe my father is going for daily walks with Bear somewhere over the rainbow.

As for me, my running life has been on hold for awhile and been in what I refer to as "maintenance" mode. I feel a challenge coming on soon. I am not sure what that means, but I will keep you posted.

Happy Trails,

Coach Jenny

This Run is for You Dad

Many of you know my father has been struggling with an inoperable brain tumor for just under a year. I am torn in writing that his struggle is over and he is at peace. He passed away August 30th with his family at his side.

He was a courageous man who's spirit to live life to its fullest carries on in me every day. I have learned many lessons from my father but my favorite is to make the most out of today. There are no guarantees for a tomorrow.

Today I will run for him. He enjoyed hearing stories of where running took me and what I saw along the journey. This run is for you dad. Your life is your legacy...

Coach Jenny