Jen Bendewish │Running Down a Dream

The Ride for Hope… Stop Saying “Just”

The Ride for Hope celebrated it’s 9th year this weekend and it was my second year being involved. The Ride for Hope, a Tallahassee cycling event, was created by two brothers in honor of their father and cancer survivor, Lou Farrah. Lou’s vision was to promote healthy lifestyles through activities and awareness. As a result, the Ride for Hope, is “‘not just a ride’, but also a family friendly event that includes the cycling courses, a health fair and expo, a family fun area, music, food, and so much more” (Ride for Hope).

During the Vendor Expo and Family Health Fair there was one thing that people said over and over when I asked them how far they were riding… just 11, just 29, just 40, just the metric century, just the century. We would never say “it’s just cancer” or I am “just riding for my loved one who is fighting cancer.” Each and every person that showed up raised money for cancer, cycled through many miles under the hot Tallahassee sun. Whether it was 11 miles or 100, I want to say thank you! Thank you for getting up early on Saturday morning and helping fight the fight. Thank you for riding for those who can’t.

Take a moment to “like” the Ride for Hope Facebook page and see more pics from this year’s event and to stay updated on next year’s event — The Ride for Hope

National Running Day

June 4, 2014
Jen Bendewish
2 comments
10k, 5k, half marathon, marathon, national running day, run, running

In honor of National Running Day I thought I would take a few moments to reflect on my love of running. First off, don’t confuse my love of running with being able to run fast. Being faster than a turtle has never been a goal.

My love of running began just after I graduated high school and happened as a result of snowboarding. After graduation, I moved to a mountain resort to work, play, and be a sponsored snowboarder. During a backcountry hike one day I realized that I did not have the stamina nor the endurance to keep up with the rest of my team. I realized I needed to pick it up a notch and decided on a whim to go for a run with my partner in crime, aka “Gizmo,” the best Siberian Husky that ever lived (so I might be a little biased). That first torturous mile felt good for about 20 steps and the rest of the time I was miserable. The joyful 20 steps kept me coming back for more.

Those 20 joyful steps turned into a regular ritual 3-5 times a week, running for 30 -45 minutes. When I joined the Army, it was during the runs that I found peace, my mind grew quiet, and I would take in the early morning smells, and the sunrises through the trees.

After serving my country I continued to run, but much less often due to school, work demands, and pregnancy. In 2011, I rediscovered my love of running and did my first 5k. Since then, I have run in several 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, one full marathon and discovered triathlon and mud runs.

I have run along the beaches on the Pacific Coast, through the snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, in deserts of Southern California, along the Atlantic Coast in Florida. My running journey has taken me through adventures in Arizona, South Carolina, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, and Hawaii. During my runs I have seen sunrises, sunsets, bears, deer, elk, rabbits, snakes, dolphins, jellyfish, other runners, famous people, dogs, things that have made me smile and things that have made me cry.

Today, I run to beat the odds that are stacked against me: sickness, failure, and those that expect me to quit. I run to be a role model for my two little girls. I run to find my quiet place. I run to keep my sanity. I run because it is a gift to be able to run. I run because I can.

Why do you run?

HERBALIFE CRANBERRY WHEAT SCONES

Herbalife Cranberry Wheat Scones

This recipe came from the Herbalife Today magazine (Winter/Spring 2014). Click HERE for a link to the magazine. I was hesitant to try the recipe due to the 1/2 c of olive oil it calls for. I thought the olive oil would make the scones taste funny and I didn’t want to lose any of my precious F1 shake mix in the process.

This lower fat, lower calorie version of the classic scone is not intended as a meal replacement. However it gets a protein boost from the addition of Formula 1 Healthy Meal shake mix.

INGREDIENTS (for 14 to 16 scones):

4 oz. Formula 1 French Vanilla shake mix
2 cups flour
1 ¾ cups wheat flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup light brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
cup extra virgin olive oil
1 ¼ cups non-fat or low-fat milk
1 cup cranberries Continue reading →

HERBALIFE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup Splenda Blend
1/2 cup Brown Sugar Splenda Blend
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup water
1/8 cup vegetable oil
1/8 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 scoops HERBALIFE Formula 1 French Vanilla Shake Mix (or Dutch Chocolate/Pumpkin Spice)
4 tbsp HERBALIFE Personalized Protein Powder
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate minichips Continue reading →