- “Train your mind like you do your body.” We are so excited to introduce another amazing Silipos Ambassador, Jenna McHugh! This marathon runner has the best advice on how to maintain a full training schedule and full-time job, while also being a mother. You also will not want to miss what quick tip you can incorporate into your everyday routine to build your strength!
Name: Jenna McHugh
Where do you live? Cincinnati, Ohio
What type of athlete are you? Distance runner. My favorite distance is the marathon.
Do you have a day job or are you a professional athlete? I work full time and am a recreational runner for sanity.
How long have you been participating in this sport? About 6 years
Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most? My favorite marathon runner is Kara Goucher. I have had the opportunity to run with her a couple of times and she is incredibly humble. I remember asking her “what is the key to your best performance aside from the running training program?” She said, “sleeping nine to ten hours per night makes a huge difference.”
What is your training regimen? I just joined a running group and started working with a coach again! I follow my coaches prescribed plan daily and join the group twice a week. Typically I run 5-6 days per week which includes one day of speed work and one long run day.
How do you structure your days? My priority is always my kids first. So this requires my run time to be flexible. I work out at different times of the day depending upon my schedule and theirs, morning, afternoon or late at night. It happens whenever I can squeeze it in!
Do you find your diet to be a crucial part of your lifestyle? If so, what diet tips would you recommend to your followers? Food is fuel and extremely important to performance. I follow the 80/20 rule (80 percent healthy / 20 percent semi-healthy) and try to bump that to ninety percent / ten percent or better during peak training. I typically see immediate improvements in my performance and how I feel.
How do you care for your body and health aside from your sport? If I feel an injury coming on, I go to the doctor and/or physical therapist immediately without delay. Physical therapists have been able to get me back to running very quickly the few times I have been injured. I also stay dedicated to the exercises they prescribe.
What is your impression of the Silipos products we sent you? How did they add value to you? What did you like about them? Yes! My favorite product is the Silipos Active Gel Toe Protector. I have lost many toe nails over the years but the Silipos protectors provide a soft layer that is comfortable for running and helps keep my toes in shape too!
Would you recommend Silipos products to other athletes? Yes! The Silipos Active Ball of Foot Cushions also provide a softer landing while running. The best part is that they are washable and reusable.
What is something that your followers do not know about you, that you find to be very important to you personal lifestyle? I sneak in strength training while brushing my teeth. I’ve been doing this for about five years. It is the best way to squeeze in those squats – two minutes each day is almost 15 minutes a week of bonus strength training.
What keeps you motivated when you are faced with challenges? Remembering that attitude is everything. Challenges are a part of life. But just like in running, what goes up(hill), must come down(hill)!
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring athlete? Stay positive. Train your mind like you do your body. There will be really hard moments running or during any sport and that positive self-talk needs to come naturally. “What the mind believes, the body achieves!”
You can continue to follow Jenna’s journey through her social media channels listed below!
Instagram: @jennammchugh
Twitter: @jennamchugh
Facebook: Jenna Mchugh
Products mentioned in this post on Amazon: