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Jen's Camino Journey 2026
On June 5th 2026 I will be completing the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago with Accessible Camino; I'll be helping folks with mobility issues complete their own Camino by pushing wheelchairs, carrying gear, cheering on, and completing my own incredible comeback from Achilles surgery and knee issues.
I'll be posting a few times a week, letting you know what I'm doing to train (hiking, biking, walking, physical therapy, strength training, nutrition, mental toughness, spiritual growth, emotional intelligence and more)! I'll also be giving regular shout outs to my sponsors and supporters.
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Hiking with a friend doubles the joy!
My friend Rebecca invited me to join her on a hike last weekend at the Ted Stiles reservation in Lambertville NJ. It was perfect weather, interesting terrain and gorgeous views! But the best part was the company! Rebecca is an inspiration to many women about embracing fitness as we get older, she’s smart, funny, kind and always has a cool project or three she is working on. Chatting while we hiked made the time fly. #joy #friendship
Jennifer Griola
May 11 min read
Training is in HIGH GEAR now?
Just over a month until the trip! I’m averaging 4-6 miles day during the week and 8-10/day on the weekends as I get my body ready for the challenges of the Camino! I’ve been training in several different kinds of terrain as well. Most people don’t realize all the great hiking available in New Jersey- it’s a great state with tons of land reservations (like the South Mountain reservation near my home)!
Jennifer Griola
May 11 min read
Getting in the steps!
Trying to get 4-5 miles/day in and longer walks on the weekend can be challenging…creativity is a must! For instance tomorrow I am walking the 8 miles to physical therapy and having my son pick me up afterwards. My honey and I went to Vegas two weekends ago and got in 20,000+ everyday!
Jennifer Griola
Apr 271 min read
Sometimes you have to go backwards before you can move forward
One of the things I do a couple times a week is walk backwards on a treadmill. It has really helped me with gait mechanics and fine tuning my cadence for forward walking!
Jennifer Griola
Apr 241 min read
Family time
Taking time to visit my grandmother back home. She will be 96 on May 15th. Told her all about my trip and she said, “that sounds long!” What a blessing to still have her around. She gets forgetful from time to time but so grateful she knows who we all are and what’s going on in our lives. The wisdom of our elders is something we don’t always appreciate until we get older ourselves…
Jennifer Griola
Apr 241 min read
Working hard on this hike
It’s important to train in different kinds of terrain. This was one of my shorter, but harder hikes. I only went about 4 miles in 2.5 hours between the terrain (this was some of the milder terrain, there were stretches of just big rocks and boulders) and elevation.
Jennifer Griola
Apr 241 min read
How I managed the snow storms...SOUPS!
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!
Jennifer Griola
Mar 41 min read
Jennifer Griola
Mar 40 min read
Sleep is crucial
https://youtu.be/2YIq-_yIL68?si=nIwsNf68t_u98p1h When I started training I wanted to take a holistic approach- not just hiking and weight lifting, but all things that will help me perform at my highest level. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep allows my body to recover, heal and get ready for the next day. This ad during the Olympics really spoke to me. It's not a break from training....sleep is PART OF training! [NOTE:I don't have this mattress and have never tried it- I'm not e
Jennifer Griola
Feb 191 min read
A bit of a thaw and I was able to walk outside today
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!
Jennifer Griola
Feb 101 min read
Cold weather substitution
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!
Jennifer Griola
Feb 81 min read
Nutrient-Packed Quick Meal
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
Jennifer Griola
Feb 61 min read
Meet Glenn
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’
Jennifer Griola
Feb 51 min read
Refilling your cup is essential
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.
Jennifer Griola
Feb 11 min read
Knee strengthening
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!
Jennifer Griola
Jan 301 min read
Pumping iron
6am gym call...BENCH PRESS! I set a new personal best today...I benched 85 lbs. Next goal is 95 lbs.
Jennifer Griola
Jan 281 min read
Walking walking and more walking
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!
Jennifer Griola
Jan 281 min read
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