Jenna’s BCBSR Diary, Week 2: Juice Cleansing and Running Don’t Mix

Jenna Bergen

MONDAY, MARCH 7
I started Catalyst‘s five-day juice and raw foods cleanse today. While I’m excited to try the program, which promises to detox the body and give your over-worked digestive system a break, the first three days are nothing but straight juice. That’s right: No chewing whatsoever. The six juices that you drink throughout the day add up to about 1,200 calories. Enough energy to keep your body from going into starvation mode, but for a girl who is used to eating, it doesn’t sound like much. I’m a little worried about how I’ll feel on my runs. Tonight I’m actually headed to Platoon Fitness’ new location at 8th and Walnut for a personal training session with Mike Smaltz, so I’m taking the day off from training.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8
This juice thing is going to be a lot harder than I thought! Mike put me through a great workout last night—he incorporated everything from jump rope and the row machine to kettelbells and gymnastic rings—but I paid the price in hunger later that night. I went to bed early so I wouldn’t be tempted by the kitchen. While I was hoping to run today after work, I think I’m going to take the day off so I can get through tonight without being too hungry. I don’t want to mess up my cleanse!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
Today is my last day of just juice—tomorrow and Friday I get to enjoy a few raw food dishes from Catalyst as well—so I hit up the gym after work and did an easy two miles. I know. Sigh. Not much at all, but hey: I’m cleansing. Cut me a break. At least I’m still on schedule according to the novice workouts.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10
Catalyst made a second juice/raw food drop-off this afternoon at my office. I was planning on going to the gym after work, but because I had to schlep everything home and get it to in the refrigerator, I went home instead. I also had some work weighing on me that I had to get out of the way. The plus side: I had some very tasty raw pizza and raw jicama fries for dinner.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11
Okay, this week officially sucked in terms of training. I didn’t work out again. My excuse: I accompanied my boyfriend to an art show after work instead of hitting up the treadmill. But I am feeling quite slim and energized thanks to my raw foods and juices. I guess if there was one week where my training/exercise was going to fall apart, this would be the time to do it!

SATURDAY, MARCH 12
Four miles! Outside! In the beautiful, spring-like air. Total heaven. I finally remember why I love running. It feels good to end the week on a positive note.