Jarissa "Rizzy" Greenard

DAY 24 — Starting Slower Than My Ego Likes

Quote
“Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” — Pat Riley

Reflection
Day one and somehow I’m already being checked… not by distance, not by effort, but by pace. I came into this thinking, “Fourth half marathon? I know what I’m doing.” Former D1 athlete. Former cycle instructor. Fitness isn’t new to me.

But this heart rate zone training? Yeah… she’s new and she doesn’t care about my résumé.

Running in blue and green zones feels like someone put a leash on my legs. I know I can go faster. That’s the problem. But today wasn’t about capability. It was about control.

And control is humbling.

This whole process is already exposing something in me. I don’t just like working hard. I like feeling like I’m working hard. And those are not the same thing.

So here I am… running slower than my ego prefers, but probably exactly how I need.

Challenge
The mental battle today was loud. Every beep from my watch felt like a personal attack. “Slow down.” Excuse me??

Perfectionism doesn’t always show up as doing the most. Sometimes it shows up as refusing to adjust because you think your way is the right way.

Letting people pass me felt unnatural. Like I was underperforming on purpose. And that tension? That’s the work.

Because discipline is not dramatic. It’s quiet. It’s choosing restraint when everything in you wants to prove something.

Tracker
Distance: 3 miles
Pace: 11:45–12:30
Heart Rate: Mostly blue, brief green

Physically felt easy. Mentally felt like I was holding back a racehorse.

Big note: I start too fast. Every time. Need to ease in slower from the jump.

✨ Recovery Day Reflections ✨

Today I’m focusing on my recovery by soaking in the tub. I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, but water always has a way of healing me—physically and emotionally. 🌊 Whether it’s a quiet soak, watching the ocean ebb and flow, standing beneath a waterfall, or even just letting the shower wash over me, water reminds me that every challenge can be rinsed away and every moment is a chance to start fresh.

Whatever that “healing force” looks like for you—seek it, embrace it, and return to it often. That’s the key that helps us keep moving forward.

🧘🏾‍♀️ Rest and recovery are not signs of weakness—they’re acts of wisdom. They’re reminders to pour back into ourselves so that we can come back with greater strength and intention.

Think of it like sports: when a coach calls a timeout, it isn’t because the team is defeated. It’s a strategy. It’s a moment to regroup, refocus, and create momentum to finish stronger. Sometimes in life, we’re both the coach and the player. And those timeouts? They make all the difference.

So the next time you feel stretched thin or close to burning out—give yourself permission to pause. Call your own timeout. Breathe. Heal. Refocus. You’ll discover that you’ll return not only stronger…but better. 💪🏾💫

This one’s tender—but powerful.
What would it sound like if you wrote a love letter to your body—not for what it looks like, but for everything it does for you?
Let’s practice some radical self-compassion today. You deserve your flowers.

Commitment & Flexibility in Half-Marathon Training

Training for a half-marathon isn’t just about discipline—it’s also about flexibility. Earlier this month I had to travel, and I worried about how it might throw me off my routine. To stay on track, I made a plan. I looked at my itinerary, figured out when I could fit in my runs, packed my snacks and vitamins, and made sure I was drinking plenty of water (because the days were hot and long where I was going).

That experience reminded me of a saying I want to share with anyone new to this journey:
“Write your purpose in pen and your path in pencil.”

You can be firm in your vision and the goals you set, while still being flexible in how you get there. For me, that means remembering to enjoy the run—one step at a time. I’m learning to be my own best cheerleader, not my harshest critic, and to extend the same grace to myself that I give so freely to others.

So if you’re reading this: keep going. Whether you walk, jog, run, roll, or even crawl—the point is to stay in pursuit of the things that make you feel alive.

See you at the finish line. 🏁💖

Routines don’t have to be boring. They can be sacred.
Lately, stretching post-run and sipping water in silence has become my grounding ritual. It’s not fancy—but it’s mine.
What’s one routine or ritual that keeps you anchored these days?


P.S. It always helps me to drink water out of a fun looking cup.

WEEKLY RUNNING SCHEDULE 🏃🏾‍♀️✨ | August: Week of Confidence

Here’s how I’m moving this week ⬇️

📅 Sunday – REST (and hydrate!) 💦
📅 Monday – 15 min recovery run 🧘🏾‍♀️
📅 Tuesday – 30 min speed run 🏁
📅 Wednesday – REST (and hydrate!) 💦
📅 Thursday – 30 min recovery run 🌿
📅 Friday – REST (because recovery is part of the work) ✨
📅 Saturday – Long run: 6.2 miles 🏅

Confidence isn’t something you wake up with—it’s something you build.
It’s earned through showing up, putting in the work, and proving to yourself that you can.

Every mile I run, every rest day I honor, and every goal I hit—no matter how small—adds another layer to my confidence. And when doubt tries to creep in, I remind myself: I’ve trained for this. I’m ready for this.

This week’s theme? CONFIDENCE.
Because believing in yourself is just as important as the miles you put in.

Drop a 💪🏾 if you’re training with me or taking steps this week to build your own confidence.

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Just wanted to share a little reflection from my half marathon training journey so far. Yesterday I ran 6.2 miles and let me tell you, it was a mix of feeling accomplished and also realizing how important recovery is. 🏃🏽‍♀️✨

When you start adding those longer distances, it’s totally normal to feel wiped out afterward. I definitely needed a good nap today, and that’s okay! What I’m learning is that part of the process is letting your body adjust and giving yourself that time to rest. Over time, it does get a bit easier as your endurance builds. Plus, making sure you’re fueling up well and staying hydrated helps a lot.

So if you’re on a similar path, just remember it’s all about progress, not perfection. Embrace those recovery days, and know that you’re getting stronger each time.

We’ve got this! 💪🏽💖

This morning’s long run taught me more than just endurance.

I woke up sluggish, even after a rest day, a nap, and a full night’s sleep. My throat was scratchy, and I found myself saying “Oh no…” more than once. Instead of being hard on myself, I chose grace: a slow morning with stretches, vitamins, water, and even allergy meds before lacing up.

By mile 3, I realized I’d been running nonstop, steady, and strong—even through 301 feet of elevation. But the best part? When I slowed down to walk, I literally ran into a new friend I’d just met at a TEDx Nashville talk two days ago. She had just moved nearby, and the timing of our meeting could not have been more divine. If I had started my run earlier like I’d planned, I would’ve missed it.

I finished 6.2 miles in 1:10:14 (11’19/mile pace)—an improvement from last week’s 5 miles at 12’29/mile. Progress isn’t always about speed, sometimes it’s about presence.

And as if the timing wasn’t already divine enough—afterward, as I sat down at Waffle House for breakfast, she called me for help after getting a flat tire. It’s funny how life reminds you that slowing down often puts you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Recovery Day Reflections ✨

Not every day is about pushing hard—today was a rest day, but that didn’t mean sitting still. I took some easy steps by the Cumberland River and soaked in the sunshine. 🌊☀️ It was such a beautiful reminder that recovery is just as important as the miles.

Rest looks different for everyone: maybe it’s stretching, hydrating, or just a peaceful walk. For me, it’s about giving my body the chance to recharge so I can hit the pavement with renewed energy and confidence.

Training for this half marathon isn’t just about the runs—it’s about the balance. 🏃🏾‍♀️💪🏾

We all have that one track that instantly puts us in our bag. For me, it's Break My Soul by Beyoncé. Whether it’s a running anthem or a “get-your-mind-right” slow jam…music moves us.
What’s one song you always run to, stretch to, or vibe to? I’m updating my playlist this week 👀