Jenna Pardini

April Fitness Goals

04.09.2013

Let’s talk goals. Do you set long-term or short-term goals for yourself? Goal setting has just come up at work, as we approach a new quarter. Ok, so job related goals aren’t as exciting as fitness or personal for that matter, BUT extremely beneficial. So I usually start off my week with a couple of goals in mind (partially because I am uber organized). Some consist of food prepping on Sunday nights following church, others consist of planning my workout schedule for the week, or as simple as doing my weekly laundry ritual. Sounds a little monotonous but you get the point. What about fitness related goals? I have found that goal setting is another way to set yourself up for success. Actually, I like to think it’s the only way to be successful. So with that said, I like to set my long-term and short-term goals for the month and see how they pan out.

I find that sharing them with you all keeps me accountable, and acts as a journal in sense. Hopefully my personal goals will get you thinking and lead you to jot some down as well.

Short Term Goals:

Drink 1 gallon or more water/day
Bring my lunch and snacks to work each day this week
Continue to build muscle through heavy lifting
Prep for my 10k this coming weekend
Only have 2-3 cheat meals per week
Drink one cup of green tea/day

Long Term:

Run a half marathon this year
Schedule a photo shoot (to get me 110% committed)
Obtain my personal training certification (I have already purchased the classes!!)
Spend more time bloggging, attending expos and exploring other outlets
Help someone else achieve their fitness goals

Above all have fun with it! I wouldn’t be 100% dedicated if I didn’t absolutely love what I am working for. This journey has been so exciting for me and I can only hope to grow in the fitness world, gain as much knowledge as possible and enjoy every minute.

This is a very appropriate time to give a big shout-out to a woman who is the ultimate goal setter and motivating me to get my butt in gear. My lovely Mom decided to set a large goal for herself last year as she has become more and more interested in organized running events. She decided to find at least (1) 5k per month to run in our local area. This month, I was blown away with her commitment to running (3) 5ks and (1) 10k! She has outdone herself and I am so happy for her. Mom, you’re the best! Now would you commit to running an organized race each month?

It’s your turn, get thinking about how to accomplish your goals. Another thing to remember, it’s about the journey as much as the outcome, so enjoy the ride! The dedication, commitment and belief in yourself is the most exciting part. So, believe in yourself a little more and it will be so worth it in the end.

Thanks for reading!!

Women Who Run San Francisco Interview

04.06.2013

I recently had the honor to interview and be featured over at Women Who Run an Francisco.

Jessica Schimm, a journalist here in San Francisco, ‘started this blog about a year and a half ago on Tumblr and created the foundation to what she hopes will become the number one resource for fun, intelligent, highly driven, working women, who are “running” the city of San Francisco.’ Jessica comments that “the core of this blog is to write profiles on women who have shown strength or confidence in one way or another, prevailed/endured hardship, started a new endeavor or who have an incredible talent. I am ultimately looking to highlight women who are working hard to make a positive difference in their communities or are taking charge of their own future.”

I am so honored and grateful of this feature as I can only hope that this will encourage more women to take charge of your future with confidence, follow your passions and believe in yourself a little more.

To read my interview: www.womenwhorunsf.com

(photo by Jessica Schimm)

Thanks for reading!!

Healthy Swaps Towards Your Future

04.03.2013

One of the most important things to think about while transitioning to a more healthy lifestyle is the things you can easily swap out to take the place of your current routine. Choosing a healthier alternative is probably one of the easiest and most important steps, in my opinion.

Start at the grocery store. When you are at the market, opt for the better alternative and you will not be tempted at home to go devour the sweets drawer or frozen packaged food in your freezer. Make yourself a grocery list of better options, and try your best to stick to that list.

I have listed a helpful guideline below to get your started, but in order to learn exactly what your body needs you must do the research. This came to me with a lot of mistakes, and experimentation, but with all the research and reading I have done, I have finally found what works best for my body. Now it’s your turn to do the job and make the swaps.

As I have said before, I am a preacher of making the right decisions and the right decision lays in the food you choose. Hours upon hours of exercise and NOT feeding yourself properly will only put you in the same spot with little progress. Diets, pills and shakes will not do the trick. You need to fuel with protein, whole grains, veggies and then some.

Almost every cuisine can be adjusted to fit your healthy lifestyle. There are so many different variations out there, even if you go out to a restaurant. Ask your server to make the swaps and eye the healthier options on the menu. I have found ways around all types of food, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, even pizza and burger joints! They are out there, you just have to do the work and find it on the menu.

Start here. Start today. Try to make as many healthy swaps as you can and see how you progress. Be strong with your choices, think positive, and have fun with it!

Butter < Avocado

Sour Cream < Greek Yogurt

Peanut Butter < Almond Butter

Milk Chocolate < Dark Chocolate

Whole Wheat Bread < Ezekiel Bread

French Fries < Sweet Potato Fries

Hamburger < Turkey Burger

Soda < Water

Juice < Fresh Fruit

Iceberg Lettuce < Kale or Spinach

Salt < Mrs. Dash

Cereal < Oatmeal

Sugar < Cinnamon

Relaxed Run < Interval Training

Hours in the gym < 1 hour of high intensity training

Emotional Eating < Writing down your thoughts

Criticism < Self Love

Perfection < Progress

Treadmill Interval Training

03.26.2013

More often than not, I am bored out of my mind on a treadmill. Staying in the same spot for 30 minutes or more seems so monotonous, but often times I neglect getting outdoors for a run and stick to the treadmill. Interval training not only adds excitement to my workout but also leads to a calorie burn way more effective than running the same pace. Ditch the constant pace and pick it up a notch with interval training! Or experiment with both and see the difference in calorie burn.

Try this interval workout and let us know what you think!

Remember to always start with a warm up, and end with a cool down. You can also add an incline to pick it up a notch. Keep in mind that this pace (MPH) listed may not be suitable for some, so please adjust to your own physical ability.

(Disclaimer: This blog is meant to follow my lifestyle of health and fitness, and inspire others who may be on the same journey. All opinions are my own and not everything I post may be right for you. Anything I discuss is what I believe and I am not responsible for errors or omissions. I am not a certified trainer or nutritionist. Anything posted relating to these fields are my beliefs and what has worked for me. Thank you for your support!)

Emerald 12k Across the Bay

03.22.2013

We had an absolute blast this past weekend at the Emerald Across the Bay 12k. Celebrating St. Patty’s with beautiful weather, gorgeous views and an 8 mile run is pure bliss. Being its 30th year running and with over 4,000 participants, I would have to say this is my favorite race I have been a part of. Starting off in Sausalito, running across the Golden Gate bridge and ending in San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, made up for the nasty 250 foot climb in the first 2 miles. I was barely prepared for the run, but the excitement took over.

(most photos c/o Gene Cohn Photography)

It was my pleasure to be put in charge of our sponsorship events for Diamond Foods (Emerald) and this was my first event of many. I think I have a new passion for event planning…especially when it’s in the fitness realm.

To sign up for next year’s Emerald Across the Bay 12k visit: rhodyco.com

Thanks for reading!! xo

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