Sparkly Soul Headband Giveaway!

Hi guys!

My first week of work last week went very well. I'm in love with my office view, I really like the people I'm working with so far, and the work itself has been interesting.

Maybe I'm just...

... slightly obsessed with my view. I stare out of it fairly frequently and pretend I'm having deep legal thoughts.

I've also gotten a few runs in around the beautiful Back Bay near Newport Beach. It's currently my favorite place to run.

Anyway, on to more exciting things...


Sparkly Soul Headband Giveaway!

So over the summer I became a Sparkly Soul Ambassador. I've mentioned before how much I LOVE these headbands. I have thick but fine hair and almost no headbands will stay on my head.

Here's a Sparkly Soul headband sticking to my head in the Grand Canyon...

I have wispy hairs around my face that are really annoying to deal with when I get sweaty, so I have to wear a headband, but before I found Sparkly Soul headbands I couldn't get one that stuck to my head. 

... here's one sticking with me post-sweaty workout while volunteering at the NYC Marathon ...

This is a total champagne problem, obviously, but that doesn't lessen my dedication to Sparkly Soul for their awesome product. I'm proud to be an ambassador for the company and its headbands.

... and here's one pre-5K. It also stuck with me for my full marathon last October!

Now, the good news for you! I've partnered with Sparkly Soul to do a fall giveaway! If you win, you can choose the color and width of your choice. I'll randomly pick two winners on Friday, October 17, so be sure to get your entry in by 11:59 p.m. PST on Thursday, October 16.

Here's how to enter:

1. Follow Sparkly Soul on Twitter and post a comment saying that you followed them (or post a comment saying you already follow them).
2. Like Sparkly Soul on Facebook and post a separate comment saying you liked them (or post a comment saying you already follow them).
3. Follow Sparkly Soul on Instagram and post a separate comment saying that you followed them (or post a comment saying you already follow them).

That's a total of three possible entries (meaning you have to comment three times). Now get out there and start liking/following/loving Sparkly Soul!

One Year Blogiversary Giveaway!

Hi everyone!

Today is my one year anniversary of blogging. Yep, one year ago today, I hit publish on my first post! It's been an incredible year -- I went from being scared of running a half marathon and struggling with making it 5 miles to now training for a full marathon and loving it.

I never imagined that blogging would become a hobby of mine, or that I would make so many friends through social media.

Thank you so much for reading my blog! 
It means so much to me to be able to write about something I love and know that not only are people reading it, we're able to engage in a conversation. I love hearing from you all so much! Every time I get an email with a comment, it makes me smile to see what people have to say.

To celebrate my one-year anniversary and thank you for reading, I reached out to two of my favorite NYC fitness brands who graciously agreed to help me put together a giveaway for one lucky winner.

I am so excited to announce that Uplift Studios is giving away a free class and Sparkly Soul is giving away a headband of their choice!!!

I've talked about both Uplift Studios and Sparkly Soul many, many times on this blog. Both companies are run by amazing women, which makes me love them even more. They graciously agreed to sponsor this giveaway and celebrate my blogging birthday with me!

Uplift Studios is a women-only boutique fitness studio with cardio or strength classes. Both give you an incredible kickass workout, but the great thing about Uplift is how pampered you are before and after. Cold water and towels are waiting for you before you start the workout, snacks and coffee are available after, and the shower and locker room is literally the most beautiful locker room ever, with every beauty product necessary to get you out the door and looking great.

Sparkly Soul makes gorgeous headbands that are fun and don't slip off. They're my go-to for runs, spin classes, strength workouts, and when I just want some fun sparkle (I wear my blue and orange headband for Knicks games!). They also don't give me headaches, like a lot of headbands do.

The Giveaway!
So, how do you win a class and headband of your choice??? Enter the giveaway! I'm giving you four ways (which should total four comments):

1. Leave a comment telling me how blogging or social media has changed aspects of your fitness regime, running, diet, etc.

2. Follow Sparkly Soul on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google + and/or Facebook. Leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

3. Follow Uplift Studios on Twitter and/or Facebook. Leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

4. Tweet the following about the giveaway: "Happy Blogiversary @JensBestLife! I want to win a free class @UpliftStudios and a free headband from @SPARKLYSOULINC! bit.ly/183Yp2Q" Leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

NOTE: This giveaway is only open to those in the greater NYC area since you wouldn't be able to take a class at Uplift otherwise. Sorry to the amazing readers outside of NYC! I will have another giveaway for everyone later this week :)

Giveaway closes Monday, July 15, at 11:59 PM. Good luck!!

My Favorite Things: Hair Necessities Edition

Happy Friday!

Today, I'm sharing with you some things that make going to and from workouts a lot quicker and easier, particularly as a woman with long, thick hair. And nope, no compensation was given for featuring any of these items. They're just things I use constantly that have made my life easier!

Yep, these are my hair necessities. *cue "Bare Necessities" from Jungle Book* (or is it bear necessities because it's a bear singing??)

(1) Oscar Blandi dry shampoo. Ok, I'm going to admit to you here, on the Internet, that I only wash my hair every 3-4 days. I promise you I shower daily, but I have long, thick hair and it is a huge pain to wash and it honestly would be bad for it if I did wash it every day.

So then how do I work out almost every day and not have the most disgusting hair ever? Dry shampoo, my friends. I am a huge advocate for this miraculous stuff. Basically, it eliminates excess oil that develops at your roots. After working out, I will blow dry my hair to dry the sweat then spray dry shampoo on the roots around my face.

This works incredibly well for me and means I can work out or go for a run without also having to add an extra 45 minutes of hair-washing and -drying time!

Note that I prefer the powder to the spray, but both work fine and I think the spray is less messy, so some people prefer that.

(2) Scunci no-slip grip hair ties. I had never, ever bee able to find a hair tie that didn't have my ponytail sliding down my head at one point or another during the day. Then I read about these on Meals and Miles and decided I had to try them. Wow -- these hair ties are incredible! Despite my thick, heavy hair, my ponytail will stay up no matter how active the workout. I used these for a Flywheel and Refine double a few weeks ago and my ponytail did not budge.

Not much else to say. They're the bomb.

(3) Sparkly Soul headbands. Well clearly I couldn't do a post on hair necessities without mentioning my favorite athletic headband! Sparkly Soul headbands are so fun and they're the only headband that doesn't slide off my head during tough fitness classes and long runs.

I tend to have a lot of flyaways around my face, and it's so gross when they stick to your sweaty face. Having a reliable and cute way of keeping random strands of hair out of my eyes/nose/mouth while I'm  pouring sweat is a big win for me.

(4) Goody spin pins. I first heard about these from yoga instructor Heidi Kristoffer. They are fantastic when I want my hair totally out of the way and not bouncing around. You just take two and spin them tightly into a bun so that they cross perpendicularly.

One thing I love is that the spin pins hold my hair in a nice, tight bun, without creating any creases like a hair tie would. If I go to a spin class or yoga class and put my hair in these, I can come out, blow dry and dry shampoo my hair, then pull out the pin and have soft waves in my hair!


What are your hair necessities? Do you use any of these products?

Bb.U Model Project Review

Yesterday was a fantastic day. Nothing big happened that was great, but it was a culmination of little things that added up to make me fall asleep feeling oh-so-contented.

I got my hair blown out for free through the Bb.U Model Project (review below!). Sourabh received a job offer for his first summer. 

I received my green Sparkly Soul headband that I will be wearing for the NYC Half, which falls on St Patrick's Day. Not that I'm superstitious, but hey, can't hurt to wear green, right? 

And I received my multi-pack of 10 Picky Bars. Oh, which I used to fuel for a run. A run!!

Yes, it looks like my calf is almost all better. I was able to "run" on the elliptical for 20 minutes and then run 2 miles on the treadmill. I think I'll hold off on any speed work for a few more days, but I am so happy that I seem to be recovered from whatever Monday's weird calf pain was!!

Bb.U Model Project Review

A month or so ago, I found out about Bumble & bumble's Model Project (Bb.U Model Project), which is its way of getting real live people for its Bb. Network stylists to train on. Stylists come to Bb. from around the country to learn specific styles and techniques, so your stylist is not brand new; they have at least two years of experience.

When I walked in, I saw that there was a long row of booths to the left and another to the right. Unpictured is the gorgeous view looking south and north of the studio. I got to see the sun set over Chelsea.

There's also a waiting area for "models" who haven't yet been called up. I only had to wait about 10 minutes, so I don't think there's much of a wait typically.

The guy standing there was one of the teachers, I'm guessing, since he was constantly checking in on stylists, asking what their plan was, and assessing what products they were going to use. So for those who are extra leery of having a "student" work on your hair, be calm. There are supervisors who are stylists in the Bumble and bumble Salon!

The process took about two hours total, including wait time. A bit long for a blowout, sure, but this was a more intricate one involving putting my hair in big pin curls. Also, it was free. So I just read Beautiful Ruins and enjoyed having my hair done.

The finished product

My hair was a tad bit big at first but settled quickly and I loved it. How much fun to get a Bumble & bumble quality blowout for free? I walked back to the subway feeling oh-so-glamorous.

Ok, and promptly messed it up with my cardio sweat session yesterday evening, but I was so excited to be running that I didn't mind! And it still looks pretty great this morning.

(Side Note - I'm obsessed with this sweater and normally I'm not a monogram person. Maybe it's the fact that it cost $10 from Old Navy's online sale??)

If you're interested in signing up, visit their website, bbumodelproject.com, to sign up for a Model Call to be assessed. You can also like Bb. U Model Project's Facebook page where they post updates on openings

Depending on what you are approved for, you can get an appointment that week or a couple of months away, and you have to be free on weekdays.

Have you ever been a hair model? Do you like getting blowouts?

New to Exercise? Basic Gear

I was chatting with a friend at the law school who mentioned she'd started running in Central Park. Apparently seeing me decked out in workout gear at school all the time had made her interested in giving running a try! I can be a *bit* evangelistic about exercise--"it's the best thing ever! Try running! Try lifting! Try yoga! Yay sweat!"--so I was really excited to hear that someone was converted to my cult giving exercise a try.

She wanted a few tips on what to wear, and although I'm a relative newbie to running, I thought it was a great challenge. Put together the most necessary exercise gear for someone who is new to running and working out? Game on. Here's what I came up with!

The Necessities

Good running shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13s - $110
(source)

These had to come first because having a good, fitted pair of running shoes is by far the most important factor in safe, comfortable running. I really like the pair of Brooks Adrenalines I recently purchased on sale since they provide support for my high arches and pronation. However, your feet are probably different! Thus it's very important to get your feet assessed at a running store. I might recommend even going twice so you get two opinions -- I was told that I didn't pronate in September so I bought a neutral shoe and it led to a lot of foot pain that has vanished with proper shoes!

Crop leggings

Lululemon Wunder Under crop leggings - $72
(source)

I think a pair of crop leggings are the most versatile piece of workout clothing you can have. You can wear them to yoga, to an exercise class, to the gym, or out on a run. Make sure they are non-chafe -- I recommend Lululemon's Wunder Unders. Although they're an investment, I've never had any issues with chafing and they're so comfortable and versatile that I think they're worth the money. You can use these for most weather, except for the hottest days of summer and coldest days of winter.

Supportive and non-chafing sports bra

Nike Pro Compression Sports Bra - $30
(source)

Trust me, it is painful to be bouncing around. Nothing worse than a boob to the face mid-run. Find a sports bra that provides lots of support. Jump up and down in it to make sure it keeps the ladies strapped in. And don't be afraid to return it if it starts chafing after a mile!

Safety first! Phone/money/ID carrier

Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Lite - $17.95
(source)

I always carry my phone, a credit card and/or cash, my apartment key, and my metro card with me. I often forget, but you should also try to carry your ID with you for safety. If something happened out on a run, you would not want to be without your phone or money. I recently got an Amphipod Handheld (the larger size because I'm a water buffalo and guzzle water like it's my job) and it's a great place to also store your keys and cards.

I actually stuffed my phone in my sports bra for many months and tucked my credit card, metro card, cash and key into the mini pockets that crops often have. That can work, but it's not ideal. Still, if you're brand new to running and not going too far (under 5 miles), it might be the easiest thing to do.

Music!

Please do not judge my music taste on the basis of my running playlist. After all, I like ABBA, too. 

Once you begin to feel more comfortable running, you might not need music anymore to keep you going (and some people are fine running without music from the beginning!). For me, though, whenever I'm running alone I like to have a good playlist to listen to. These are some of my favorites for running.

Total: $240
I know, I know... you thought running was free!


Helpful (but not totally necessary)

Moisture-wicking tops

These are three of my favorite Lululemon tops: the Run:Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve top - $68 (great for chilly runs), the Cool Racerback tank - $42 (good for summer runs and cardio/strength classes), and the Power Y tank - $52 (perfect for yoga, pilates or barre classes).

Oiselle Big Run Long Sleeve Tee - $39
(source)

I also really like this Oiselle long-sleeved top. It's so comfy and a great pullover for colder weather or on its own in fall or spring weather. Oiselle has some really great tops that are less expensive than Lulu and are aimed more exclusively at running, so they're a great brand to check out.

Yes, these are all under "helpful" and not necessities, but don't get me wrong, as you become more serious about running and working out I think buying these should become a necessity. However, I started running just wearing old t-shirts and it was fine. When you're running shorter distances, as you likely are as a beginning runner, I just don't think that moisture-wicking tops need to be at the top of your list. However, if you can afford a tech shirt or two, getting some fun, cute shirts can make you that much more likely to work out, so they're a good investment if you have the means.

Headbands

Sparkly Soul headband - $15 for thin, $17 for thick
(source)

Depending on your hair type, you may or may not have flyaways that fall into your face filled with sweat while you're working out (I know, I'm turning you off to working out, sorry!). I happen to suffer from this, so I always wear a headband when running, strength training, spinning, or yoga-ing. Plus, why not add some fun color or sparkle to your workout? That's why I love Sparkly Soul headbands.

Yoga mat

YogaAccessories - $17.99
I have not tried this particular yoga mat, but I find that any basic yoga mat under $20 works fine. 
(source)

There are so many workouts you can do at home, whether by following a DVD or a youtube video or a a circuit workout put together by yours truly. Having a yoga mat at home means you never have an excuse not to sweat!

What do you think are the most basic essentials for new runners?

Holiday Stocking Gift Guide

'Tis the season for gift guides. And since I love and adore lists of any kind, I wanted to put together a guide, too! But this one is slightly different -- it's a stocking gift guide. If you don't do stockings, then I feel sorry for you, because my favorite part of Christmas is reaching into a stocking and pulling out random little gifts. So, here are a few suggestions for how to fill the stockings of your loved ones.

Oiselle runfinity scarf or rundies

Oiselle runfinity scarf - $22 (source)

I ordered the runfinity scarf because (1) it's made of wicking material so I can use it to keep my neck warm on runs, (2) it's an infinity loop so there's no figuring out how to tie it in a casual-yet-cool way, and (3) STRIPES. I love stripes. Who doesn't love stripes? I'm wearing the scarf right now. It's amazing. Stuff it into a ball then put in the stocking.

Oiselle rundies - $65
(source)

I think these are the cutest things ever. If you're a runner and you like cute undies, how could you not love these? Ball each one up individually to fit into a stocking.

Nutritional Shake Powder

Pro tip: get the individual serving packets. It'd be hard to fit the whole bottle into a stocking. 
(source)

This one seems weird, I'll admit it. However, if you're related to someone who works out a lot, then there's no way they won't love and appreciate this gift. Protein shakes are a delicious and nutritious post-workout snack/meal, and any dedicated sweataholic will appreciate this. Since some brands taste horrible, I highly recommend Vega. I've never tasted a Vega flavor I didn't like!

Justin's Nut Butter (Vanilla Almond)

$9.99 at Whole Foods
(source)

Random? Taste it and tell me it doesn't belong on every holiday list ever. Sadly, the Vanilla Almond Butter is only at Whole Foods, but I think the Chocolate Almond Butter is found in many places, and it's also crazy good. This would make an awesome stocking stuffer. Or just a gift to show a person how much you love them because after tasting this, there can be no question. These also come in $0.99 single-serve packets that are also perfect for stockings.

Magazine subscription

$19.99 for 1 year subscription (but look for deals!)
(source)

Magazine subscriptions are easy to find deals on, and you can often order an annual subscription for someone for $10 or less. I just started getting Runner's World and really like it, but there are plenty of other magazines for the health-conscious -- Women's Health, Self, Health, Fitness, Shape, Oxygen, Running Times, Women's Running, etc. etc. etc.

Run fuel

On-the-go nutrition products make great stocking stuffers. They're not that expensive so you can stuff quite a few in! Nuun is great for hydrating for long runs (drop a tab into water and drink before or during a run). Clif shot gels are another kind of running nutrition. I find they're great pre-run but I have a hard time swallowing them when my mouth is slightly dry during a run. The chocolate or mocha flavors are my favorites -- they taste like frosting! I'm a big fan of Lara bars since they have a wonderfully short ingredient list and are pretty filling for a bar. My favorite flavors are apple pie, blueberry muffin, and peanut butter chocolate chip (extra protein).

Fun hair accessories

Kitsch hair ties - $9.99 for 5-pack
(source)

Sparkly Soul headbands - $15 for 3/8 inch, $17 for 5/8 inch
(source)

I love sparkly, colorful things for workout apparel, and this extends to my head. I've mentioned my love of Sparkly Soul headbands before, but not Kitsch hair ties, which are also super cute. These would be extra fun to wrap around some other stocking gift, like a protein bar or nut butter.

Classes at a favorite studio

This sort of qualifies as a regular gift (especially at NYC class prices), but gift cards can easily go into a stocking since they're small. If you know your loved one likes taking group fitness classes, then look into getting them a class or pack of classes. This kind of gift is especially appreciated after the holiday season! Jen-approved studios include Uplift Studios and Refine Method for cardio-strength-circuit workouts (Uplift has workout+wine classes!), Flywheel Sports for spinning, and Physique 57 for barre work.

Erica Sara Designs Say It Do It bracelet

$18 for brass (currently sold out), $32 for sterling silver, and $40 for gold fill
(source)

I love, love, love these. I got an Erica Sara Designs SIDI bracelet to motivate myself to a sub-2:00 half-marathon in the next six months and I wear it every day. It really is inspirational to see a note to yourself carved into metal on your wrist. And you can customize the engraving, the strap color, the metal, and the font! It's not often that you can make jewelry quite so personal. Again, a great stocking stuffer for a family member who you know has a fitness goal or likes external motivation.

Running socks

$10 for 1 pair
(source)

Laugh all you want at putting socks on a Christmas gift guide, but if I receive running socks in my stocking I will be thrilled. (That might just demonstrate the depths of my run-nerdiness) Proper running socks can help you avoid blisters, blackened toe nails, and other running ailments. I have a pair of Injinji socks that I bought after Dori recommended them and I wear them for every long run. I haven't developed any running shoe blisters since switching to special run socks for long runs!

Do you love stockings? What are your favorite stocking stuffers?

Spoils of Black Friday

I love the week after Black Friday and Cyber Monday! Almost every day I can count on coming home to something in the mail since I can never seem to completely ignore the deals. Mostly I shop online because I like to avoid crowds, but I also do so because I love receiving packages. It's just more fun to know you have something waiting for you at home!

this is what I get to walk past on my way to and from the law school now!

Oh and I also love the week after Thanksgiving because it's now perfectly acceptable to have holiday decorations. I'm a sucker for bright colors and twinkly lights, what can I say.

So, what have I been receiving in the mail?

A Garmin!

picture of it before it came out of its package? yes, that's how excited I was for it

I'm extremely psyched about this one. I've been running Garmin-free and using Nike Plus, but as you might have read in my Stanley Park Seawall Race Recap, I realized that Nike Plus was pretty far off on distance tracking. It also wasn't great for checking in on my pace since I'd have to listen to the voice tell me my pace. I feel weird categorizing myself as a "serious runner," but it's a hobby that I'm dedicated to, so having a Garmin should be very helpful. I got the 410 because it was 50% off on Amazon over Black Friday weekend!

A new Sparkly Soul headband

I'm a huge fan of Sparkly Soul headbands

Sparkly Soul had a 20% off sale for Black Friday and I had to snap up this blue and orange headband while it was discounted. But wait, you might wonder -- why did she get NYC Marathon colors when she didn't run the it? Well, orange and blue are also Knicks colors. Since I'm not about to wear my Knicks jersey while getting my fitness on, I can wear this on runs and workouts to show my Knicks pride.

Runner's World

This wasn't a Black Friday deal, actually, but I'd subscribed recently and just received my first issue of Runner's World this week. I was surprised by how useful and informative it was. I stopped subscribing to magazines for a while because I always felt like I was reading the same thing every month, but I've already bookmarked multiple recipes and running tips in this month's issue. There are also some great stories about

New shoes!

shoooooooes

I didn't order these, instead I picked them up at the Jack Rabbit Sports clearance sale over Black Friday weekend. I am CRAZY excited about them! I've been having foot pain for a while and after meeting with Jess for a one-on-one run-coaching session to discuss my form, she advised me to get new shoes because I'd been incorrectly told by Jack Rabbit that I did not pronate (apparently I do -- a lot).

My foot pain was mirroring plantar fasciitis symptoms (suh-weet, totally what I want for Christmas, thanks Santa) so I knew I needed a new pair of shoes. But, um, shoes are expensive and I had gotten my New Balance shoes in early September so I really wasn't sure I could swing another pair. I like to think of the Jack Rabbit clearance sale as Jack Rabbit kind of making up to me the misdiagnosis the first time -- I got a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11's for only $50! The perks of having big feet; they had several options in my size in their $50 shoe sale.

The Brooks have arch support and I haven't had any foot pain in them so far, so fingers crossed the Brooks are the answer to that. Running my first half-marathon with foot pain the entire time kind of sucked. I'd like to not repeat that experience on New Year's Eve, thanks.

Oiselle runfinity scarf and long sleeved run tee

infinity scarves are awesome because you don't have to figure out how to tie it
(source)

Oiselle didn't have a sale on Friday, but they included free shipping and since I'd been wanting to try this brand forever, free shipping was just the tip-over-the-edge I needed. I couldn't get a good picture, but the scarf and top look even better in person than in the online pictures (a rarity, I've found). The runfinity scarf is way too cute -- grey with white stripes made of moisture-wicking material. I'll wear it on runs and with regular clothes!

I love how long the sleeves are! no cold wrists for me :)
(source)

I love a hometown brand. And by hometown I mean home state since they're in Seattle, WA, and I live two hours away from there, but still -- we're basically connected! The top is comfy and cozy and should be a great addition to my winter running gear. I had been waiting on this purchase almost as excitedly as the Garmin since I've heard so many people rave about Oiselle, and I wasn't disappointed. I'm going to wear it in my race on Sunday!

Iman Shumpert Knicks t-shirt for Sourabh

taken from the NBA's website because *someone* doesn't like to model
(source)

We're both Knicks fans and our favorite player is Shumpert (AKA Shump or "21 Shump Street"). He hustles on both sides of the floor and made a huge impact defensively for a rookie last year. Oh, and his twitter is hilarious. When he was injured during the first round of playoffs in May, Sourabh and I were both really upset that our favorite player was out (of course, the Knicks were out soon after that since they had no chance against the 2011-2012 Miami roster).

We've been searching for a Shumpert tee forever, but it was somehow impossible to find one anywhere. When I saw the 20% off sale the NBA Store was having online, I tried to look one more time and realized that I could customize a Knicks tee with any teammate's name and number, so I was extremely psyched to design a t-shirt just for Sourabh. I was hopping up and down when it finally arrived Thursday night and I could give it to him! He loved it and wore it while we watched last night's game.

Magnolia Bakery has the right idea...

In addition to all this, there were also several gifts purchased for friends and family, but those obviously need to remain anonymous until after Christmas! No spoilers here.


How did you spend Black Friday? Do you like to shop in stores or do you prefer to shop online (or not at all)?

Neon green laces + book club inspiration

There is no reason for this post except to put up pictures of my brand new neon green laces that I'm officially obsessed with.

On Saturday afternoon, I stopped by Modell's Sporting Goods to pick up neon laces for my shoes. As if my purple cross-trainers and blue running shoes weren't bright enough, I decided I needed neon green laces for them because I've become obsessed with having more, more, more COLOR.

my Reebok cross-trainers

I am totally obsessed with my shoes now!! How amazing is the green with the purple shoes? I wore them to a class last night with a bright pink top, blue sports bra, and a Sparkly Soul headband so that I looked like a rainbow crayon. It was awesome.

my New Balance running shoes

I also love the neon green with the blue shoes. I'm hoping the extra pop of color on my feet will inspire me on today's long run. I'm doing 11 miles alone so I'll need the inspiration!

Also inspiring me today:

(source)

I'm reading this autobiography for a book club and it's so great for this point in my training. Chrissie Wellington is a prolific Iron Man world champion and her achievements are incredible. Her book is so inspiring, especially because she didn't turn pro until her late 20's!

This quote in particular is inspiring to me:
The brain is programmed to protect us, and that can mean imposing limits on what it thinks we can or should do. Constantly push at those limits, because the brain can be way too cautious. Not so long ago I would have laughed at you if you had suggested I do an ironman. Imagine if I had allowed that attitude to persist. It is up to each and every one of us to change "I can't" into "I can."

If someone had told me I'd be able to run 13 miles in August 2011, I would have laughed at them. I hadn't run a mile ever (since I mostly walked the required mile runs in middle school P.E.). So today I am changing "I can't" into "I can," despite being tired and the weather being less-than-ideal.

Have you read any inspiring books lately?