Two's Company When it Comes to Running

After recently completing two 5Ks, I was feeling more and more like a runner. I enjoyed running in the mornings and passing along other fellow runners. We would nod at each other as we crossed paths. I felt like I finally belonged in the ever-so-elusive runner's club.

Then, one morning, everything changed. As I began my 6 a.m. run, I quickly realized that I was having a hard time breathing. Within minutes, I was soaked in sweat. I couldn't understand what was going on. I slowed down my pace but continued to struggle. For the first time in months, I slowed down to a jog and then succumbed to walking. I barely made it two miles before I was back at home.

I later learned that we had unusually high humidity that day. Most of my runner friends told me they rarely attempt to run in that kind of weather. However, it was July and the weather wasn't going to get any cooler.

I wasn't sure how I was going to manage running in the heat. Plus, I was also quickly losing motivation to run since I hadn't signed up for another race. I decided to turn to West Orange resident Jennifer Griola, who considers herself to be a women's empowerment expert and wellness coach. During the past few years, she has lost 100 pounds and has blogged about her weight-loss journey. Not only that, she has a master's degree in social work and has coached women in some capacity for over 15 years.

Growing up, Griola, 35, and a mother of two daughters, never had a weight issue. "I was a high school and college athlete who could always eat whatever I wanted," she said. Things changed, though, once she stopped playing sports and got married. "We started going out to dinner all the time," she said. "I packed on the weight — and packed it on fast."

She struggled with weight issues on and off most of her adult life. Once she had her first child, she realized it was time to make a lifestyle change, not only for herself, but also for her family.

"I began to think about what I was putting in my body and began eating more organic. I also began running. When I started, I couldn't even run 1/8 mile," she said.

That didn't last long.

"Within four months, I was running 5 miles several times a week and lost around 50 pounds," she said. She continued to exercise after she gave birth to her second child. "Over the past couple years, I was up and down losing weight. I finally lost the last 30 lbs this April while training for the half marathon. I love my body, I am happy with my body, I love the things it can do and I love the way I feel," she said.

I knew that Griola would help me get back on track with running, given her history.

"I've run one half marathon, one triathlon (scheduled to do a couple more this summer/fall), one 15K, five or six 10Ks, several 5- and 4-milers and about 15 or so 5Ks," she said.

Before the days leading up to our run, which was destined to be another hot, steamy morning, she advised that I drink up. Water, that is.

"Remember, staying hydrating doesn't mean downing a glass of water right before you run. It starts 48 hours before," she said. "If you are always drinking at least 8- 8 oz. glasses of water every single day, you should be good."

She also suggested that I wear a hat. Check and check. I was ready. Yet, I was also apprehensive since it had been at least a week since I had hit the pavement. I begged her to take me on a flat run, no easy feat in West Orange where there is hill after hill.

We ended up running along Rock Spring's Country Club and around the general area. During the run, Griola shared with me some of her own running tips.

"Having a partner makes a huge difference. It keeps you motivated and accountable. The company makes the time go by faster," she said.

She also revealed how she always gives herself something to look forward to on her running routes.

"There's a house that has the most amazing Wisteria. It smells so beautiful.  I look forward to stopping and smelling them," she said.

She also suggested that I tie a feeling to a song on my ipod. "For me 'I Run For Life' by Melissa Etheridge is particularly empowering," she said. "When I'm dead tired, it puts a bit of spring in my step because it reminds me that running is almost an extension of spirituality to me. It's a way to show love to my body and to love the earth."

After we completed the run, we stretched and drank water. I felt strong and powerful. The minute I got home, I began researching for upcoming races. Game on.

Do you have ideas for upcoming columns, know an athletic enthusiast, want to ask a question or can put me in touch with people who are creating a healthier West Orange? E-mail Hurtado. Hurtado is an enthusiastic fitness expert with years of experience and has spent nearly a decade on the business side of publishing as a Beauty Director at magazines such as Mademoiselle and Seventeen.