Jen's Camino Journey 2026

March 7, 2024 started out like any other day. I was at a work conference. Our annual Specialty Care/Rare Disease meeting where cross functional partners from all over come together to collaborate, learn, inspire/be inspired/get inspired, brainstorm, and more. That morning we had an early call, following the awards dinner the previous night (big congrats to Jane and Rod!). I sat down next to my colleague Brian, and wondered who would be presenting that morning as the agend

Over the past several weeks we have had a couple of major snow storms and a prolonged deep freeze. In addition to my training I spent time cooking, specifically healthy vegetarian soups. I made lentil, pasta fagiole, split pea, 16 bean amoungst others. Feeding the people I love (including myself!) is a big love language of mine. Nourishing the body and the soul!

I walked four miles around the reservoir today after work- check out that view!!! While it’s starting to thaw a little it’s still pretty darn cold so I bundled up - four layers on top, two on bottom, two hats, two pairs of gloves and some toasty warm wool socks! Now I’m off to physical therapy for some heat and recovery!

On Sunday’s I like to go for a very long walk - today the windchill was -15 so I opted for a treadmill- this was half way through my walk today…. Happy Super Bowl Sunday everyone!

This one is quick and easy- I throw it together between calls when I work from home. Can of organic kidney beans, rinsed 4-5 cups chopped or shredded organic kale (I like the bag from Trader Joe’s Olive oil Kosher Salt Sauté all in large nonstick frying pan. This is a huge portion of food but packs a major nutrient punch and gives you a nice vegetarian or vegan meal option

Meet Glenn, my amazing physical therapist! He guides me and supports me as I navigate training. When I first had surgery I told him my goal and he totally believed in me. I gave him a copy of “I’ll Push You” because I needed him to understand- it’s a great partnership! I’m taking a holistic approach to training. It’s not just physical. It’s nutrition. It’s sleep. It’s stretching. It’s mindset. It’s spiritual. Its strength training. It’s water. It’s supplements. It’

Yesterday I took a complete day of rest. I slept, relaxed, did some mild stretching, hung out with Phil, watched a movie in warm fuzzy socks, wrapped in a blanket. A weekly day of rest isn’t just a religious thing- it’s about slowing down. After a week of personal, professional, family, community, physical, PT, mental, emotional and spiritual work it’s good to shut it all down and just….BE.

Glenn, my awesome PT, devised this exercise to help with gait mechanics after determining I wasn’t get a full extension on my left knee when I walked. This is a heavy duty band that is helping me strengthen my knee!

6am gym call...BENCH PRESS! I set a new personal best today...I benched 85 lbs. Next goal is 95 lbs.

With freezing temps in NJ this week I opted to put some miles on the treadmill at PT instead of walking in the cold…it’s icy out there! Keep on training!