My Thoughts on Group Runs

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Last night, I had my final session of training for the Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K. The training was provided by Charm City Run, and I couldn’t recommend their store(s) or their staff enough.

Initially, I was wary of doing group runs and so many questions ran through my head – how does it work? What if I’m the slowest one? What if I utterly fail and can’t complete the run as designed?

And then I let them go and simply went with the flow. My first run, as I wrote, was decent. The runs I’ve done by myself, also not too shabby. When I ran with the group, I put myself at the front and generally stayed there. (Note: I participated as a Beginner Runner.) I had some issues along the way, but found myself really looking forward to my Tuesday night group runs. The speakers they bring in are knowledgeable and the information they offer, even if you know it or have heard it before, is valuable. The runs themselves are fun, challenging, and fuel my competitive side. The coaches are extremely supportive, enthusiastic and available to answer any question you may have.

Would I do it again? Definitely. I liked having a specific training plan and a day that I absolutely had to make time to run. Plus, the group atmosphere was ideal for a nervous beginner like me. The training session I participated in had four levels: Beginner Walker, Intermediate Walker, Beginner Runner and Intermediate Runner so there was a group for every comfort level. Training like this does cost money, but I found that it was totally worth the $25. (Side note: training varies in cost, depending on the program.)

If you’re interested in meeting new people, being active, and challenging your exercise level, check out CCR’s new training website and sign up today!

Mind Is What Matters

Last night, I went to my regular Zumba class to find that the instructor was out & we had a sub. I don’t normally appreciate substitute teachers, especially in my exercise classes. I like knowing what to expect, and the temperament and cues from my ‘normals.’

However, I had this sub before and knew (somewhat) what to expect. I accepted the fact that I wouldn’t be getting my high cardio but instead, more ab work. Once I got that in my head, I was golden. I focused more on my abs and arms and ended up having a productive class.

When things don’t turn out as planned, it’s easy to get down on yourself. Easy to make excuses. Easy to give up. But even just a small change in the way you look at things can make all the difference.

I went from feeling frustrated, upset, and ready to leave to feeling good, happy, and thankful. Amazing what such a small shift can do!

Go out and kick some butt today!

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Waterfront Wellness

Yesterday morning, I got up early (well, early for a weekend) to make my way into downtown Baltimore to partake in the Waterfront Partnership’s Waterfront Wellness series. Every weekend during the summer, weather permitting, the Partnership offers free outside fitness classes.

With a partly cloudy start, my friend and I arrived to West Shore Park for the 8:30a yoga class. Charm City Yoga served as the sponsor, and let me tell you, after another 3 mile run on Saturday, the stretching was much appreciated. The view didn’t hurt either, and the breeze that came through as the sun peeked through the clouds was divine.

the sky around 8:15a

Classes offered include Bootcamp and Zumba on Saturdays (8:-30a and 9:30a, respectively) and Yoga and CrossFit on Sundays (again, 8:30a and 9:30a). Classes run through September 29th. For more information and to sign up, click here.

I’ll definitely be attending a few more classes and hope to see you there!

Sharp Objects

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Gillian Flynn. Her twisted, dark writing blows my mind with every book I read. I recently finished Sharp Objects, and I was surprised by my reaction.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
WICKED above her hipbone, GIRL across her heart
Words are like a road map to reporter Camille Preaker’s troubled past. Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, Camille’s first assignment from the second-rate daily paper where she works brings her reluctantly back to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls.

NASTY on her kneecap, BABYDOLL on her leg
Since she left town eight years ago, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed again in her family’s Victorian mansion, Camille is haunted by the childhood tragedy she has spent her whole life trying to cut from her memory.

HARMFUL on her wrist, WHORE on her ankle
As Camille works to uncover the truth about these violent crimes, she finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Clues keep leading to dead ends, forcing Camille to unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past to get at the story. Dogged by her own demons, Camille will have to confront what happened to her years before if she wants to survive this homecoming.

With its taut, crafted writing, Sharp Objects is addictive, haunting, and unforgettable

My Thoughts:
Not as good as her other books! With Gone Girl and Dark Places, I felt that I was on the edge of my seat. While Sharp Objects was intriguing, it wasn’t the can’t-put-it-down novel that I have come to expect from Flynn. It was still a shocking, suspenseful, twisted book, and it certainly held my attention. The plot explores the sometimes sensitive subject of family and what it’s like returning home after a long time. The characters each have a distinct personality, and I never had to flip back to remind myself who was who. Flynn does a wonderful job, but in comparison to her other books, it didn’t strike as strong of a chord with me.

I will say that if you’re looking for an author with shock and awe value, Gillian Flynn is your woman. I already can’t wait for her next book!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

If you found this review helpful, check out others on my Reviews page. I’m always looking for suggestions of things to explore, so don’t be afraid to reach out via email (justcallmejanks@gmail.com), Facebook, or Twitter!

Home But Not Quite Alone

The JA was away for the evening last night & so I did what I normally do when we’re apart:

I ate well,

Was financially responsible,

(How is it that I can never come out of this store with just one item?)

And watched quality television.

Just kidding. Kind of. I did all these things, took Watson on a long walk to his favorite spot in a local park, and got through a decent chunk of this month’s Book Club book.

Now, it’s time to anxiously wait for my husband to get home. Hopefully the big storm that’s predicted for today holds off until he’s safe and sound!

When you’re home alone, how do you treat yourself?

Firsts

In the time that’s passed in my blog break, I’ve accomplished a few firsts that I’m excited to share with you

First run over 3 miles. (Which I then surpassed yesterday!)

First crabs of the season.(A sure sign of summer here in Baltimore!)

First wedding of the year. (Yay, for B+P!)

First attempt at overnight oats. (Recipe still needs a little work, but not bad!)

First call to a moving company. (Only a few more weeks…and nothing is packed. EEK.)

Firsts are a great opportunity to relish the moment and take a step back to enjoy. Sorry I didn’t bring you all along, but now that we’re basically caught up, we can move forward through new adventures

Firsts or lasts – which do you prefer?

Life Lately

Hey guys and gals,

Just wanted to pop in and let you know I’m all good. Just feeling a bit uninspired. And when that happens, I don’t write.

The weather’s been nice and I’ve spent more time enjoying it – lots of long walks with Watson and ramping up my 5K training. The JA and I are prepping for our big move in between his mountain of graduate work and my…regular work. I’m sucked in to both Dexter (we’re on season 4) and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.

Nothing too riveting. However, if you absolutely can’t live without me, I’m still posting to Instagram and Twitter, so you can follow me there to get your Janks fix

I’ve got some fun stuff lined up in the next few weeks and I’m hoping that kick starts my desire to blog on a regular basis again. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

xo,
J.