March 20, 2014

Thursday’s are for Thinking Out Loud #5

Thinking-Out-Loud

Check out the link up at runningwithspoons.com!

Admittedly, it’s been pretty hectic around here. HQ started a new job last week (yay!) meaning I’ve been doing a lot of this blog work solo (if you notice more typos or grammar mistakes, that’s why).

Dancing with the Stars

10.01.2014 Ice Dance Championships SDI’ve actually never watched this dance TV show, but I tuned in on Monday to catch Meryl Davis and Charlie White. While I’m far from the biggest fan of the show, I imagine I’ll keep tuning in while the two of them are still on the show.

Talenti Gelato

Talenti Fudge Brownie GelatoEarlier this week, I was really craving gelato, and really wanted to get some from one of the gelato places in Philly. Unfortunately, that’ll run you about $5 for a teeny tiny cup of it. Although this is fairly expensive compared to other store bought ice creams, this stuff is delicious.

Yoga Time

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My dance studio is running a “Yoga for Runners” class on Sunday that I’m super excited for. Not just because I’m a runner, but because usually yoga classes made for runners give my ballet muscles a good stretch, too!

Do you watch Dancing with the Stars? Have you taken a yoga class recently?

 

Filed Under: Ballet, Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , 3 Comments
March 18, 2014

Do What Makes YOU Happy

I have to admit, it’s been quite a struggle getting myself into gear to get to ballet class the past few weeks.  I had plans to go both last Thursday and Friday, but I couldn’t manage to get myself up off my butt and into the ballet studio. I did finally get there on Saturday, although it was no easy feat yanking myself out of bed in the morning.

My legs have done really well post stress fracture, but they’ve been really sore. Last week was especially tough. I pushed myself a bit too hard on a run  on Tuesday (I started off too fast for someone who hasn’t run much) and my legs have been pretty whiny since. They survived Saturday morning’s ballet class and pre-pointe class (in slippers) no problem, other than the fact they felt weak and quite sore.  My ballet teacher recommended more ballet classes (which is the plan, I just need to motivate myself) and not as much running.

I’ve always struggled to find a good balance between running and ballet. Often, weeks will go by where I’m completely gung-ho about ballet and then I’ll be all about one the next month. If I had a dollar for every time someone recommended I quit one or the other because of my injuries,  I’d be rich.

I toyed with the idea of giving up running completely this weekend, since I wanted to blame it for all my injuries and pain.  Then someone on Twitter gave me a little advice.

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have realized that I’ve tweeted a lot of my older posts lately. I’ve got a handy little WordPress plugin that does it automatically for me. Over the weekend, it tweeted my “Should dancers run?” post and one of my fellow adult ballerinas tweeted that she does (and I know more of you do, too).

We chatted for a little about the topic and she reminded me to do what makes ME happy, not anyone else.

So that’s what I’m going to do.

Take ballet when it makes me happy (which is a lot of the time) and run when that makes me happy. And of course, take care of my body and listen to it when it tells me I shouldn’t be doing either.

Do what makes YOU happy.

 

Filed Under: Ballet, Blog, Running Tagged With: , , , Leave a Comment
February 28, 2014

Ballerina (and Runner) Profile: Jenna of Little Green Running Shoes

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This week’s profile is on Jenna of Little Green Running Shoes. I met Jenna through the Girls Gone Sporty group, and we recently met in person when she taught a dance class in Philly.

Why did you start dancing?

I started dancing at age three and have been ever since. I received a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Elon University and have been working the the dance and fitness field ever since.

 What is your favorite part about ballet?
The world is constantly changing outside the studio walls but inside, ballet remains the same.  Ballet has been an constant in my life for longer than I can remember. No matter what was happening in my life, the barre has always familiar and comforting. For me, ballet is a lifelong friend that I never get tired of.
What is your least favorite part? 

Pointing my feet. I have terrible arches and they embarrass me.

What motivates you to keep dancing? 
I have no idea. I wish I had a fancy elaborate answer but it truly is a part of who I am.
What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?
Ballet is an art form that many people spend a lifetime trying to perfect. The beauty of dancing is always have something to work towards. Never get discouraged and always remember why you love to dance.
When did you start running? Why did you decide to take up running? 
Three years ago because my younger sister started running and I couldn’t let her be better at it than me. (She is anyways but it keeps me motivated!)
What is your favorite part about running? 

I love the community and lifestyle that come from being a runner. I also love the opportunity to be completely consumed by my thoughts while I run. It’s a time for me to escape reality and refocus my mind on what’s most important in life.

What motivates you to keep running?
I run to remember who I am and to escape from the busy”ness” of life. It’s my time to reflect and pray without interruption, worry, or distraction.
What are your hobbies outside of running and dance? 
I love to horseback ride, hike, blog, bake and read. Anything that involves athletic clothes and sweat is right up my alley. I also love my job as a personal trainer. I get to help others become more healthy and happy every day.
What advice would you like to give to those who want to start running or have just started? 

Anyone can do it. If I went from a plain ballerina with no cardiovascular endurance to a half marathon runner, it is possible for anyone to do it. Patience is always key along with listening to what your body needs.

Jenna Body
Filed Under: Adult Ballerinas, Ballerina Profiles, Interviews Tagged With: , , , Leave a Comment
February 20, 2014

Thursdays are for Thinking out Loud #2

Thinking-Out-Loud

Here we are again–another Thursday! I love this link-up since it just allows me to share whatever is going on in my life and on my mind. So here’s the second edition of “Thursdays are for Thinking out Loud”!

(Check out the link up on Running with Spoons, too!)

Monday  Night Ballet Sucked (But It Also Didn’t)

I ended up heading to work last minute on Monday (with very little make up on and disastrous hair). I headed to Monday night ballet straight after work having slept very little and eaten very little (and wanting very much to be home). Next time, I’ll pack more food and plan a little better.

If it hadn’t been for those factors, it wouldn’t have been so bad, even though it’s the advanced-beginner class. The class was also a huge reminder I need to get back to stretching regularly.

(Also–props to my ballet instructor, Beverly, for teaching while sick!)

I also got to meet Jenna (finally!) from Little Green Running Shoes before class started!

Codeacademy is my Best Friend

Screenshot 2014-02-20 10.09.39

I’ve been trying to get better with my web skills. CodeAcademy has been perfect for that because it’s allowed me to work on it little bits at a time. Right now, I’m going through HTML/CSS as a refresher and then I’ll be working on PHP (which I’m hoping will help my WordPress skills out) and then Javascript.

Sometimes You Need to Recharge

HQ and I are headed “home,” aka my parents house, for the weekend. I’m looking forward to spending time with them and getting some much needed shopping done.

What’s on your mind today?

 

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February 18, 2014

The Perks of Not Getting into the Broad Street Run

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When I first saw that people were getting emails on Sunday night saying they had been selected for the Broad Street Run, I began hyper-checking my e-mail (which I frequently do when I’m expecting an important e-mail). I could sense that I hadn’t gotten in. Yesterday morning, although I had no rejection e-mail, I checked the list and knew that HQ and I hadn’t gotten into the lottery.

At first I was upset. It was supposed to be HQ’s Valentine’s Day gift. I’ve always wanted to run the Broad Street Run and I had to give up my bib last year due to injury.  After a little while, I realized it was for the best.

Now, I can take my time with my recovery and not stress out that I have to be ready for ten miles in May. I can schedule a half marathon when I feel ready.  (Plus, it means more time for ballet).

Have you ever been upset by a setback that turned out to be a blessing in disguise? 

 

 

Filed Under: Ballet, Running Tagged With: , , 4 Comments