Author Archives for Jen Bendewish

About Jen Bendewish

Mom, triathlete, runner, skateboarder, and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

Great list. Couple of these made me laugh. I need to work on my very own,list.

1. You do not have to dry yourself off from a swim before getting on your bike. The Wind and Sun will do that for you.

2. You can eat whatever you want during long runs and long rides. On second thought, afterwards as well because you “earned” it.

3. You have a decent excuse for not attending that dinner party you were invited to.

4. You find yourself keeping so much equipment in your car that you are prepared to swim, bike or run at any time and anywhere.

5. People think you might be nuts and generally do not want to bother you.

6. You get to wake up for races in the middle of the night. On a Saturday or Sunday nonetheless!

7. The smell of chlorine becomes a part of your “essence”.

8. You form a special bond with your bike seat. Kind of a love-hate relationship. It’s complicated.

9. Runner’s high.

10. You…

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Tri Training…. First Brick of 2013

January 26, 2013
Jen Bendewish
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3 miles, 5k, crossfit, ear plugs, exercise, half marathon, healthy-living, IT band, running, sprint, swimming, training, tri, triathlon

I got in a 1,250 yd swim in this morning. I built up to 2,500 yds in October and have been able to maintain easy swims of 1,600 -2,500 yds since October. Today was the first time I opted for a shorter swim and focused on some sprint work: Warmed up with a 250 easy free, then 500 pull buoy, and then concentrated on swimming easy for 25 yds, then sprinted for 25 yds. I did this for 500 yards and man could I feel it in my whole body.

Afterwards, I ran 3 miles, which was really supposed to be a 30 minute run or a 3 mile run, whichever came first. I ran 27:50 at an easy pace and my knee hasn’t bothered me at all (I ran 6 miles yesterday). I was doing swim/run or swim/bike bricks last year and would always get nauseaus during the run or bike. I started wearing ear plugs b/c that’s what someone told me to do, and it seemed to help. I did not wear ear plugs today and did great on the run (which I approached hesitantly). I am wondering if I was just way more fatigued from swimming before? Not real sure what the difference is now.

I am hoping to run 8 miles on Monday morning and then do a couple of short runs during the week in prepartion for next Sunday’s Half Marathon.

A Plank a Day Challenge: Day 10 of 30, 2:00 minutes! New PR

January 26, 2013
Jen Bendewish
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30 day challenge, challenge, core, crossfit, diet, exertion, health, plank

I decided to take on the plank a day challenge for 30 days. I have never held the plank position for more than 90 seconds at one time so I am wondering if I will really be able to hold it longer than that as time wears on.

Recap:
(1.17) Day 1 – 30 sec: Pretty Easy. I did two sets to help prepare for what is to come
(1.18) Day 2 – 40 sec: Almost forgot about the challenge already. Ended up doing the plank at 11:00 at night just before bed
(1.19) Day 3 – 50 sec: Still hanging in there. Feeling strong like this is doable.
(1.20) Day 4 – 60 sec: Doing okay. Hubby got down and had to show off by holding plank way longer than my 60 seconds.
(1.21) Day 5 – 70 sec: Almost forgot about my challenge already. Had to get out of bed and did alright.
(1.22) Day 6 – 80 sec: Thought I would change it up and start my day with this challenge. Dismal failure. Lasted 30 seconds, then 15 seconds, than another 15 seconds. Going to attempt to revisit this challenge tonight. Starting t think I should have added 5 seconds a day.

(1.23) Day 7 – 90 sec: I did a 2 hr bike ride first thing this morning and then worked chest n tri’s at lunch. Did not look forward to my 90 second plank after dinner. Anyhow, got down on the floor and had my hubby time me so I couldn’t see the clock. I swear he set the timer for 2 minutes or more. I did survive the 90 seconds, and I literally felt my body temperature increase and start perspiring with each passing second.

(1.24) Day 8 – 100 sec: With sore tri’s and chest and a belly full of pizza, I grudgingly took on day 8 of this challenge. It is amazing the gamut of emotions that can go through one’s mind in 100 seconds. 0-30s, felt pretty good… I think I can do this…. 30-60s, okay not so bad…. 60-70s, okay I am starting to sweat and my body is beginning to shake… 70-80s, why the heck am I doing this I am screaming in my head… 80-90, still screaming at myself and convinced I am going to have heartburn from the exertion, 91… 92… each second felt like forever… 99, 100… held it. Officially a new record for me. What will 110 seconds bring tomorrow?

(1.25) Day 9 – 110 sec: I am proud to say that I was able to hold the plank position for 110 seconds. It did not feel much harder than the night before (which was hard) and knowing that tomorrow I will hold for an even 2 minutes, made tonight a little easier. I’m setting up an oscillating fan for tomorrow though.

(1.26) Day 10 – 2:00 minutes!!! Whooohooooo!! Yes, held it for the full 2:00 minutes. Not going to tell you how tough it was — too stoked at the moment.