Category Archives: Ambassadorship

Fave Fix: My must-have gear for trail running

50KGear

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the past few months on the trails, it’s that running off the roads is a whole different beast than running on ’em. Aside from the obvious terrain and elevation challenges, it requires a new approach — from gear to strategy to fueling — to get from Point A to Point B, especially when we’re talking ultra-distances.

Because of that, I wanted to share an inside look at how I’m planning for my first ultra marathon — the Canyon Meadow 50K — at the end of the month. See below for what I’ll be wearing, eating, drinking and using to help me recover when all is said and done…and (fingers-crossed) run 🙂

– Feet First: The Brooks Cascadia 8 came highly recommended from several trail runner friends due to its traction and responsiveness, plus it was my favorite of all the brands and styles I tested at San Francisco Running Company. I like to buy my running shoes a half size up to allow for feet to swell, and I may add a Superfeet orthotic insole for a little extra support.

– Keeping Cool (& Chafe-Free): I love a trucker-type hat with breathable mesh and a wide brim to block the sun. And under my technical, sweat-wicking t-shirt, I’ll be wearing a Coeur Sports Checkmate Sports Bra, which has anti-chafe seams that are perfect for long race days. On the bottom, I’ll pair the Lululemon Groovy Run Short with CEP Progressive+ Calf Sleeves to promote circulation and protect lower legs, plus Balega Blister-Resist Trail Socks to try to keep my feet from getting too torn up.

– Accessories & Extras: Because I’ll be in and out of the sun, I’m slathering on Banana Boat Sport sunscreen and wearing Tifosi sunglasses, which adjust automatically when exposed to UV rays. Electronics-wise, I’m taking my Jaybird Bluebuds bluetooth headphones and am hoping for an early birthday present (hint hint, Hubby) — the Garmin Forerunner 910XT — to help me track mileage and stay on pace. I’ll also use the easy-on, easy-off Fuel Belt Race Number Belt and apply ample amounts of TriSlide to avoid hot spots.

50KJenny

One of the most essential items on the trails, though? A good hydration pack, which not only allows you to carry and consume water between aid stations, but also makes it easier to have other essentials — such as fuel, extra clothing, first aid items, etc. — at your fingertips throughout the race.

Focus on fit and function; you want something that’s comfortable, compact and efficient so you have everything you need without extra bulk. My favorite is the 2013 Trail Runner Magazine Gear of the Year Award-winning Ultimate Direction Jenny Women’s Ultra Vesta, which is made specifically for women with an adjustable fit.

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No more water bladder slapping against your back here; the Ultra Vesta’s front strap-mounted holsters offer quick, immediate access to twin 10-ounce water bottles, which are concave against the body and positioned higher on the chest to keep from bouncing against…well, you know.

Besides all the pockets for my cell phone, gels, keys, etc. there’s also a main rear compartment that will accommodate a 70 oz. reservoir (sold separately) for longer treks. And, believe it or not, there’s even an ice axe loop, two trekking pole loops, plus reflective accents for low-light visibility, making this a virtual Swiss Army Knife of packs for all kinds of outings and conditions.

50KFuel

So what am I planning on putting in the pack while running? Well, hopefully not too much…I’m aiming for that delicate balance of being prepared between aid stations (which are usually very well-stocked) and not over-packing, which will fatigue me more quickly.

– Ward Off Hanger: What’s been working well in training runs is a mixture of PocketFuel for sustained energy, Salted Caramel Gu Energy Gel for a quick hit of sugar and Bonk Breaker energy bars for something more “food”-like. And, of course, Gin Gins Candies from The Ginger People and good ‘ole TUMS to help keep my stomach settled.

– Quench Thirst: I’ll fill my water bottles with Osmo Nutrition Active Hydration for the first leg, and I’m aiming to drink every 10 minutes or so throughout the day. Ideally, I’ll refill the bottles at each aid station, most likely with a mix with water and whatever electrolyte drink they’re providing on the course.

50KRecovery

And although the first goal of the day is to cross that finish line in one piece, setting myself up to recover well comes in a close second. The body takes quite a beating over the course of 30-plus miles, so it’s key to remember a few things to aid with muscle repair and regeneration.

– Refuel and Rebuild: Immediately after finishing (while hitting up the post-race buffet!), I like to mix a packet of Vega Recovery Accelerator in a bottle of water. It’s an all-natural, plant-based recovery drink mix specifically developed to replenish energy and electrolytes, reduce inflammation, muscle and joint pain, support immune system and protein synthesis, and reduce recovery time. Then when I get home, I mix up a recovery smoothie made with Osmo Acute Recovery for Women, a banana, almond milk and ice for an extra boost of nutrition.

– Relax and Recover: Finally, one of my favorite post-race treats is a hot shower followed by an afternoon nap in compression gear, which helps reduce swelling and just plain feels good on tired legs. I’ll usually layer Coeur Zipper Tights with Vim & Vigr socks and elevate my legs to start the healing process and make it easier to get out of bed and maneuver around the next day.

What’s your favorite gear to get you through those long trail runs? 

Scenes from a Sunday ride of firsts

Source: Jess Smith

Source: Jess Smith

“Coeur” is French for “heart,” so it was only fitting that those of us in the Bay Area met up during Valentine’s weekend for our first of (hopefully!) many ladies’ bike ‘n’ brunch rides with Coeur Sports and Osmo Nutrition.

Interestingly enough, “coeur” is also the root of the word “courage,” and I ended up needing a good dose of it in order to get myself out the door this morning. To say I was nervous pulling up to our meeting spot would be putting it mildly…I mean, this group touts some serious racing resumes (we’re talking pro triathletes, Ironman finishers and all-around endurance sport superstars), and I’m still very much a noob when it comes to the swim and bike stuff.

Our hosts Hailey and Jess not only welcomed everyone with open arms, though, but they also offered encouraging words as I admitted to them that I was feeling super intimated and in waaay over my head. But before I knew it, we were off…and it was sink or swim (or more like punk out or pedal), so I rode along with my friend Amy, a fellow runner and November Project member, and we joined up with Doris, a local triathlete with whom we both hit it off immediately.

It turned out to be a ride of many firsts as we hit the road for our adventure:

First time meeting the Coeur crew in-person and cycling in a group…

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First time riding in bike shoes and cleats…

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First time helping to change a flat tire (successfully, I might add!)…

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Source: Doris Steere

Source: Doris Steere

First time taking in the beautiful scenery in Woodside, Calif. (although we did get a bit lost)…

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First time realizing how good brunch tastes after a ride, especially when you’re surrounded by incredibly inspiring women…

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And, finally, first time in a long time realizing you’re never too old to still have “firsts” — whether it’s making new friends, conquering fears, tackling challenges or simply believing in yourself…

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We ended up riding about 18.5 miles total, which included almost 2,500 feet of elevation gain for what I dubbed the “thigh-thrasher” workout. While it ended up being a more, er, “creative” route (read: we got lost and took a totally different path), it was a good metaphor for the day: It’s not always about sticking to the planned journey; sometimes it’s when we veer off track that the magic truly happens.

OWS in OWS: Overcoming Weenie Syndrome in Open Water Swimming

Aquatic Park Source: Flatstar Design

Aquatic Park, my open-water nemesis (Source: Flatstar Design)

“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne

A few months back, when I signed up for my spring Olympic-distance triathlon, I figured I’d let “Future Jennifer” deal with figuring out all the swimming and biking details (i.e. the parts that confuse, intimidate and occasionally terrify me as a runner). Of course, this included the fact that I not only lacked the endurance and technique to complete the swim distance, but also the ability to do so in open water without having a full-on panic attack…so I knew I’d have my work cut out for me.

Fast forward a few months, and “Present Jennifer” now has the endurance portion covered and the technique in-progress, thanks to some time at the local pool and the patience of Hubby and our swimmer friends. But the open water part has been something I’ve been avoiding. Like the plague.

I eased into the process with the purchase of my first wetsuit, which I wore around the apartment one evening before promptly packing it back up and stashing it in the corner of my closet. Then I read a book on women in triathlon, researched training plans and even extended my swim sessions, but every time Hubby brought up the idea of a dip in the Bay, I’d conveniently come up with any an excuse.

That is, until our local pool closed for repairs, the weather spiked to 70 degrees, and I seemingly ran out of reasons not to go. So before I knew it, we were packed up and headed out for a swim this past Saturday in Aquatic Park.

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Pre-swim: Trying to channel “heart & courage,” but not so sure about this…

Now, I’ve done a few short swims (i.e. two sprint tris) in the quarry near where we used to live in the East Bay, but there were a few things that were especially concerning to me during this new foray into the unknown, including:

  1. Water temp, which was an ice-cream-headache-inducing 52 degrees
  2. Wet suit, as in I’ve never used one before
  3. Wildlife, meaning I love sea lions, but only from behind the glass at a zoo
  4. Visibility, or complete lack thereof
  5. Water quality…I’ve heard rumors of rashes, conjunctivitis, earaches and more

Nevertheless, I knew I had to saddle up sooner or later. So amid stares and comments from tourists (“I can’t believe there are people swimming in that water; it’s freezing!”), we readied ourselves on the beach, and Hubby gave me one last piece of advice before we set foot into the water: “You know it’s going to be cold, so whatever you do, don’t stop. Just walk in as fast as you can, and dive under.”

As he started toward the water, I found myself fighting the “flight” urge to turn and run off up the beach. But A) I can’t make a very quick getaway in a wet suit, B) I already went through the struggle of tugging it on, and C) I’d never forgive myself for letting fear get the best of me (not to mention, Hubby would never let me live it down). So into the water we went.

Aquatic Park: Can't complain about the scenery! Source: Marathonswimmers.org

Can’t really complain about this scenery, though (Source: Marathonswimmers.org)

My feet, hands and face were cold during the initial plunge, but it wasn’t unbearable. The temperature actually became less of a factor than some of the other items on my list — namely the lack of visibility and (the possibility — aka imminent threat — of) wildlife. After tracking the black line on the bottom of the pool for the past few months, losing all sense of sight in the murky green water really threw me.

But aside from a flock of birds floating on the surface of the water, there were no other signs of wildlife, thank goodness. Although that certainly didn’t stop my imagination from getting the best of me; I half expected to see a sea lion face emerge from the cloudy depths. As a result, my breathing was erratic, shallow and out of control, and I flailed around clumsily after mistaking a large stick for a snake, which Hubby found particularly amusing.

But I did eventually complete the down-and-back loop (1/3 mile) that I set out to do, despite an overwhelming and near-paralyzing level of anxiety. All technique was abandoned as I entered pure survival mode, alternating 10 swim-for-your-life crawl strokes with five breaststrokes in an effort to try to catch my breath (which I never succeeded in doing).

Post-swim: I survived!

Post-swim: Smiling; I survived!

The only small victory of the day was discovering that wet suit swimming, as it turns out, is awesome! I loved the added buoyancy, warmth and compression.

And now that I know I can handle a few of those factors (temperature, wet suit; the jury’s still out on water quality…), I’m hoping my anxiety levels will be a little lower the next time around. The trick will just be figuring out how to calm myself down enough to actually focus on proper breathing and form, which I’m guessing will come with time, repetition and familiarity.

And if all else fails, I may just have to perfect my dog-crawl technique…

Have you battled open-water anxiety? How did you cope?

Tri-ing something new for 2014

Source: Soles Inspired

Source: Soles Inspired

After a whole lot of time, training and trial and error, I was able to push hard, stay healthy and get a banner year of running under my belt in 2013 (i.e. PR’s in the 10K, half marathon and marathon distances). But in typical endurance athlete fashion, I found myself spending less time celebrating and more time thinking, “Ok…what next?”

Don’t get me wrong — I definitely savored every moment along the way, but each little win only added fuel to the fire within that had been smoldering ever since getting injured and having to drop out two weeks before a previous marathon. So after proving to myself that my body can handle it (plus, older = wiser when it comes to preventing injury), and with my confidence levels returning, the question then became, “Of what am I capable?”

Naturally, since running is my first love, a part of me wanted to give the sub-four marathon goal another shot after coming so close in October (4:07), while another part wanted to push my distance boundaries and try an ultra trail race (50K) to take a break from the roads, which gave my legs quite a beating this past year.

Ultimately, though, I decided to go in a different direction and “tri” something new for 2014.

Don’t worry; those running goals above are still in progress (as evidenced on my race page; the second half of the year is still TBD), but in the words of fellow Coeur Sports Ambassador Becca Wilcox, “2013 was my year to experiment, 2014 is where I grow.”

See, I like to think I’ve only casually dated triathlon so far; I’ve completed two sprint distances, muscling through them with minimal training, more as a method of staying in shape between major running events. But this year, my goal is to grow as a more well-rounded age-group athlete — more specifically, to train properly and compete in a middle-distance event (Olympic) to see if we hit it off and can get serious, with the hope of turning it into a long-term relationship (i.e. longer distances).

It hasn’t been an easy road so far — my first pseudo-Masters workout left me slinking under the lane dividers over to the slow lane after I could neither understand the workout lingo nor keep up with anyone, and my first long bike ride after a year-long hiatus left me terrified and with leg bruises, a black toenail and a jammed wrist after colliding with a runaway skateboard — but that’s part of the thrill of any new adventure, isn’t it?

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” So, it’s with that in mind that I start this latest chapter — inspired by athletes (in particular, two former high school cross country teammates-turned-triathletes, Terra Castro and Kelly Wilson, along with Meghan Manion, another friend who just completed her first Ironman) and in partnership with an amazing brand with which I completely admire and identify (Coeur Sports, where they’re all about heart and courage).

I’m currently in the process of finalizing my training plan, which I’ll be sharing shortly, along with all the thrills, chills and (hopefully not too many) spills along the way. I’ll also be soliciting advice and tips from my fellow Coeur teammates, many of whom are Iron[wo]men and know a thing or two (…or 15) about the sport.

Get pumped, guys; we’re only a few days in, and 2014 is already shaping up to be an exciting year. Here’s to aiming high, pushing hard and giving it everything we’ve got to reach our goals in 2014!

What challenges are you preparing to conquer in the New Year?

A new year, a new family

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If there’s anything I’ve learned over the past year, it’s that the endurance sport community never ceases to amaze me.

From awesome running buddies who wait while you work through GI issues mid 20-miler…to inspiring athletes who run mileage in the triple digits (in less that 24 hours) to raise money for charity…from rockstar running crews who provide encouragement and great conversation on long runs…to the many other new friends I’ve made along the way, it’s a group that’s filled with grit, guts and a whole lotta heart.

Which is exactly why I feel very fortunate to be joining the 2014 Coeur Sports Ambassador Team — to continue the tradition of “paying it forward.”

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You see, Coeur is French for “heart,” and the root of the word “courage,” which is only fitting for a brand that has both style and substance. As you can see in this unofficial manifesto, the company encourages the gutsiness it takes to get to the finish line when all the body wants to do is lay down — along with a healthy dose of empathy and willingness to empower others.

That ability to lean on — and learn from — fellow athletes is exactly what helped me conquer my self-doubt while training for (and PR’ing in) this year’s marathon, and it’s what’s got me so excited about the year to come — not only in terms of setting new goals for myself (more details on those coming soon 🙂), but hopefully also helping to inspire and assist those around me as they strive to achieve theirs.

So, yes, the designs are gorgeous, the clothing’s super-comfortable, and I’m pretty pumped to have a fancy new kit to wear in my upcoming races, but it’s less about the gear — and more about the people wearing it. To Coeur, it’s just as much about being compassionate as it is being competitive, which is what attracted me to brand and makes me so darn proud to be associated with it.

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep, and I’m pretty sure the bar has been raised after joining this family of amazing women. But I’m excited to do my part to help make a real impact, and I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for us all.

Until then…Merry Christmas and happy holidays!