Jen Kirkpatrick’s Journey To Be Healthier Took Her 100 Miles

Today I am going a few easy miles with Jen Kirkpatrick who has just recently finished her first 100 miler.

Jen Kirkpatrick

Not too long ago she struggled to finish a 30-minute couch to 5k workout.

Jen is the ultimate proof that consistency can take you from 0 to 100 – literally!

One Picture Changed Everything

Jen wasn’t always a runner but rather disliked it quite a bit growing up.

With her 40th birthday nearing she saw a picture of her from behind and her reaction became a turning point in her life.

She made the decision to do all she could to enter the next decade of her life being fit and healthy.

The Couch to 5k program was her first encounter with running.

Running didn’t come easy at first, but staying consistent and changing her eating habits helped her to shed 20 pounds.

While running wasn’t always enjoyable at first, she loved the feeling of meeting each new goal she set.

This Episode is Sponsored By: Health IQ

 From Pavement to Trail

It didn’t take Jen long to discover the trails and all they had to offer.

When moving from the road races to trail running she realized her motivation changed as well.

The road was always about chasing a certain performance and time goal.

The trails were all about chasing experiences.

A 100-mile race was never a part of Jen’s plan.

She was motivated to do something she didn’t think she could do.

Previously fear of failure held her back and now that it was gone she committed to go the distance.

Jen Kirkpatrick, Finishing Her First 100

Train, Run, RECOVER, Repeat

A six-month buildup for a race requires dedicated recovery, both for the mind and body.

Our bodies are smart.

• We can hear what our bodies are saying, but we need to LISTEN
• If we listen to our bodies then we can prevent them from screaming at us
• Experience will teach us what our bodies are saying

After every big goal met there is always a letdown period.

Don’t rush into the next training cycle before you’re ready.

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

• Brazos Bend 100
• CowTown Ultra
• Couch to 5k

Stay connected with Jen by checking out her Blog- CrazyCupcakeRunner, and following her on Twitter and Instagram.

Jen Kirkpatrick is proof that consistency with training is key to running success. #runchat Click To Tweet

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