Friday, March 31, 2023

Continued Employment Issues in 2023

Jennifer Heiner-Pisano studied marketing at Lehigh University in Bethlehem. As a retail director with a New Jersey running company, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano participates in various aspects of business development. Some of her specific responsibilities at the New Jersey sports outfit include hiring new associates and inventory control. Inventory control or management involves utilizing your business storage space efficiently. The process involves ordering, stocking, distributing, or using a business’s products or materials in an orderly way. Supply chain management optimizes and monitors relationships with your materials providers, shipping agents, and any other parties that have a role to play in your business inventory lifecycle. Right now, so many industries are experiencing disruptions in their supply chains, leading to items being out of stock for inordinate amounts of time, and long lead times for custom items due to the inability to access raw materials. Inventory control is not the only issue plaguing the workforce and various industries right now. Jennifer Heiner most recently posted regarding the supply chain issues and work product issues in 2023, given the extended practice of work from home post pandemic. Many employees right now are doing everything from Quiet Quitting to fighting to continue for the right to work from home, which has led to a lot of open jobs on the market right now. Mortgage Quick Info notes that "There are many open jobs at the moment, but those that are within competitive sectors are continuously looking for applicants that meet their standards. If there are dozens of qualified applicants, a resume that speaks to your abilities to do the job better than anyone else is most essential. There’s no magic formula for determining what a hiring director may want to see, make no mistake, but doing research about the position and about the company/firm that is hiring are non-negotiable if you really want to nab the position. A great resume is how to get your foot in the door and from there you can really let your personality and skills ring true when sitting for an interview, but it all starts with that resume." Moreover, "Some products and goods became so expensive that consumers simply stopped buying them altogether. It is anticipated that consumers will be able to save some money throughout 2023, though. Inflation has slowed somewhat, and it is believed that there should be some reprieve experienced in certain categories. Real estate is one such area that has been creating pains for millions over the last couple years. Prices have already begun to fall throughout the last few months of 2022, and it is believed that this trend will continue through 2023. There has been far less demand as mortgage rates have risen and the peak levels of both demand and prices are nowhere near where they were during the height of the pandemic." Lastly, MortgageQuickInfo states that "With the increasing number of jobs that have gone at least partially remote, there have been questions about what employers should do to govern their new workplace ecosystem. It’s a bit murky when thinking about how much access an employer should have to their employee’s devices, although it is commonly agreed that if a device is registered to and issued by an employer, they should have full access to monitor their worker’s activities. But some employers have been attempting to monitor their employee’s activity on devices other than their own and this has raised questions about the future of the remote workplace. After the pandemic began, several employers began to allow their employees to get their work done on their own terms from locations they chose. Now that the pandemic is essentially over and the world has moved forward into a new chapter, several employers have embraced the remote work model and are at least allowing their employees to work from home or a location of their choice part-time. There are a number of questions about how long employees must be on the clock along with how much time they need to spend devoted to their job tasks without doing anything else. It’s a unique challenge that is sure to be answered in any number of ways over the next several years. What will eventually prove to be the most effective method of monitoring employees has yet to be decided." Jennifer Heiner has recently been viewing the job market and the options out there. Having the ability to work from home, if needed, is definitely a park in employment and should not be overlooked.

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Jennifer Heiner-Pisano studied marketing at Lehigh University in Bethlehem. As a retail director with a New Jersey running company, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano participates in various aspects of business development. Some of her specific responsibilities at the New Jersey sports outfit include hiring new associates and inventory control. Inventory control or management involves utilizing your business storage space efficiently. The process involves ordering, stocking, distributing, or using a business’s products or materials in an orderly way. Supply chain management optimizes and monitors relationships with your materials providers, shipping agents, and any other parties that have a role to play in your business inventory lifecycle. Right now, so many industries are experiencing disruptions in their supply chains, leading to items being out of stock for inordinate amounts of time, and long lead times for custom items due to the inability to access raw materials. Inventory control is not the only issue plaguing the workforce and various industries right now. The pandemic also created a new voice for employees regarding work from home options. Mortgage Quick Info has put together some tips in terms of work from home options, and drafting that new resume and cover letter to get you started on finding the job you want in this new era of employment. "The space on resumes and cover letters is constrained. You must be able to swiftly showcase your talents if you want to leave the best possible impression on the recruiting manager. How to begin going is as follows: 1. Evaluate the requirements for the position Start by carefully examining the requirements for the position. Examine the job description and those for similar positions with great care. Create a list of the fundamental abilities, traits, subject areas, and professional experiences that employers find most important. 2. List your advantages Making a list of your strengths is the next stage. Your talents, education, character traits, and/or life experiences can all be seen as assets. Make a list of 10 strengths that will help you perform your desired role to the best of your ability. Your strengths that most closely match the requirements of the position you want. Prioritizing your most pertinent credentials, check the strengths for which you can present the most convincing justification. Display the outcomes you generated, the value you offered, and the successes you attained while utilising [sic] your abilities." Additionally, "[w]ith the increasing number of jobs that have gone at least partially remote, there have been questions about what employers should do to govern their new workplace ecosystem. It’s a bit murky when thinking about how much access an employer should have to their employee’s devices, although it is commonly agreed that if a device is registered to and issued by an employer, they should have full access to monitor their worker’s activities. But some employers have been attempting to monitor their employee’s activity on devices other than their own and this has raised questions about the future of the remote workplace. After the pandemic began, several employers began to allow their employees to get their work done on their own terms from locations they chose. Now that the pandemic is essentially over and the world has moved forward into a new chapter, several employers have embraced the remote work model and are at least allowing their employees to work from home or a location of their choice part-time. There are a number of questions about how long employees must be on the clock along with how much time they need to spend devoted to their job tasks without doing anything else. It’s a unique challenge that is sure to be answered in any number of ways over the next several years. What will eventually prove to be the most effective method of monitoring employees has yet to be decided." Moreover, how do we get our employer to understand the need, desire, and practical reasons to continue to less us work from home? A recent blog that Jennifer Heiner stumbled across from mortgagequickinfo states the following: "Do: Create a Proposal Organize your thoughts into a tangible document to make it easier for your boss to understand how a work-from-home arrangement could be mutually beneficial. Include details such as the flexibility you're looking for, how you'll stay in touch with on-site employees, your current office setup, your value to the company, and answers to any questions your employer may have. Don’t: Wing the Discussion In some circumstances, it's fantastic to think quickly, but when it comes to crucial conversations about your job, planning is essential. It pays to enter the argument ready with information, facts, and stats, whether you're trying to work from home full-time or argue for occasionally remote days. Avoid winging it. Instead, give examples of how you and your employer will benefit from working from home. If you are concerned that you will forget what to say during the meeting, bring notes."

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Getting out of Your Running Rut

Jennifer Heiner has served as the retail director of a running company in New Jersey since 2019. Active within the New York City running community, Jennifer Heiner has helped organize a number of training runs for the New York City Marathon, including the 20-mile Three Bridges Run, where she was also a pace group leader. Training for a 26.2-mile marathon requires organization, persistence, and discipline. The first training element is base mileage, which requires running three to five times per week and gradually increasing weekly mileage. Over the course of 10 to 20 weeks of training, runners should plan to build their mileage up to around 50 miles per week. Avoid increasing mileage by more than 10 percent per week. Every 7 to 10 days, runners should plan on a long run to help the body adjust to long distances. This distance should increase over time, then drop back down in order to let the body recover. These long runs should be taken at a slower pace in order to help the body adjust and learn to utilize fat for fuel. A peak run, such as the 20-mile Three Bridges Run, ensures the runner is prepared for marathon day. A marathon training schedule should also include rest days, which are essential for muscle recovery and injury prevention. There are many on-line trainers and coaches who can provide great workouts on the treadmill to keep that monotony away. Running in the treadmill also helps with mental focus and the mental aspect of running. Kim, an Instagram trainer, coach, and influencer has had ton of successes incorporating training on the treadmill into her routine – and clearly she’s been successful as she recently ran a 3:11 Marathon to qualify for Boston. Follow @Trackclubbabe on Instagram for more amazing tips!

Friday, February 3, 2023

Marathon Training Tips - Part 3

Jennifer Heiner is a New Jersey-based professional who formerly served as the retail director of a high end running specialty store, where she was responsible for a variety of tasks, including inventory control, hiring associates, and more. During her time with the organization, Jennifer Heiner also helped host a variety of races. Before becoming involved with the running company, Ms. Heiner was involved with a variety of other firms, including Basking Ridge Animal Hospital, where she served as a client services coordinator. During this time, she helped maintain a busy team while also managing a variety of events at the hospital. Before starting her career, Ms. Heiner studied at Lehigh University, where she graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration and majored in marketing and economics. Throughout her career, she has also been involved in a variety of professional organizations, including the two major New York City running clubs and organizations. There, Jennifer works with runners and volunteers alike in a customer service role to ensure that their experience at races is the best it can possibly be. An avid runner herself, Jennifer Heiner has been tasked with helping draft training tips for runners participating in some of the aforementioned organizations’ races. Here are some highlights and things to keep in mind when training for a race, whether it is a Half Marathon or a full 26.2. Believe it or not, we as runners can experience a noticeable decline in performance with as little as 2% fluid loss. When fluid loss exceeds 2%, performance rapidly deteriorates, and the rate of fluid absorption from the intestines decreases even further once you reach 4% fluid loss, making it nearly impossible to counteract while you’re running. Nutrition and running experts alike recommend the following to ensure you’re staying hydrated throughout your run, and throughout your day!  Start your hydration BEFORE you run. Make sure you are drinking an adequate amount during the day based upon your body weight and activity level.  Carry water with you when you run, especially if your route doesn't have adequate water stops. Many supplements or additives are also available, which can add some much-needed electrolytes to your hydration routine.  Plan on running when the effect of dehydration will be at its lowest - either earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the sun isn't at its strongest or hottest. Just remember to be safe if you are going out in the dark.  Also keep in mind that what works for one runner won't necessarily work for another - practice your hydration routine now, well in advance of race day, so that you get yourself to the start line and through the race in the best shape possible. As you increase your mileage and are running longer and farther each week, you've surely experienced both good and bad days in terms of nutrition while running.  It is important to figure out what works for you, and what doesn't, before you arrive at the start on April 23rd. While there are many great guidelines and options on what to eat before, during, and after a long run, just remember everyone’s body is different. What works for your training partner or fellow runner might not work for you, and that's ok! Somewhere along the line your body is not going to fit into the general guidelines, and you may experience a hard run or two. Use every long run leading up to race day as experimental practice runs. Make minor adjustments with your nutrition to determine if it is a positive and beneficial change or not. The last long run of your training routine should be a dress rehearsal for race day itself. You should have your pre-race meals (the day before and the morning of), as well as any gels and hydration requirements determined well in advance. Good luck! 

Monday, January 9, 2023

Favorite Sights and Sounds - Running in Central Park

Jennifer Heiner is a retail director at a New Jersey running company. Working closely with the company's founders, Jennifer Heiner assists with the operation of three retail stores that furnish high-end performance apparel. This requires managing inventory control and hiring new associates during peak shopping periods. Additionally, she aids the company's business development initiatives, which include hosting multiple races each year. In this capacity, she offers coaching, race directing, and organizational assistance, from ensuring aid stations are stocked to securing winners' medals. Prior to her current position, Jennifer Heiner helped to coordinate foster families at a dog rescue in New Jersey. As part of her responsibilities, she worked to expand the organization’s impact by recruiting more foster families and volunteers. She also assisted in providing more than 100 dogs a month with foster homes by addressing immediate issues that might arise during the fostering experience. She prepared for her career by earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and ethics from Lehigh University. She earned multiple distinctions as a student, such as achieving the Faculty Invitational for Outstanding Scholars and membership in The National Scholars Honor Society. Jennifer Heiner is an avid runner - she got into the sport after being a lifelong athlete without an outlet after organized sports in school were over. Now that COVID is waning and more and more races are being put on again, Jennifer has gotten involved with another NYC area running group, NYCRUNS, and is helping with race day events and customer service questions. Whether its training for a Half Marathon or a full 26.2, these groups often have in-person or virtual training programs to get you ready for your big race. Jennifer Heiner herself has run a half dozen marathons, and countless Half Marathons and shorter races. While you typically aim to run one of these distance races in favorable terrain (not too hilly) the best place to train for these events is with some degree of difficulty. Therefore, Jennifer Heiner’s favorite place to train for her distance races is none other than Central Park in Manhattan. Central Park has so many options and running paths / trails for training, and also supplies challenging elevation gains and drops. If you can run in Central Park, you can run anywhere! There are also so many amazing sights and sounds in Central Park, some famous, some not so famous. Jennifer Heiner has outlined some of them for you here: The Loeb Boathouse, situated at the base of the affectionately named "Cat Hill" (more on that later this week), is one of Central Park's most beloved locations. Beginning in the 1860s, Park visitors could take a “passage boat” that completed a circuit of the Lake, stopping at various boat landings. This tradition has continued into modern times, as the Loeb Boathouse is still a launch point for rowboats, offering visitors an fun way to explore one of the Park’s most significant landscapes. The Boathouse also appears in many movies, providing the perfect backdrop to famous scenes in movies such as "When Harry Met Sally," the "Manchurian Candidate" and "27 Dresses." It also appears often in TV shows such as "Sex in the City." If Boats aren't your thing, the Loeb Boathouse offers great people-watching from its outdoor dining, where runners, locals, and tourists alike can enjoy drinks and a meal out in the Park. You will see the aforementioned Cat Hill twice on your journey through Central Park. Located on the East Drive and spanning from East 75th Street up to East 81st Street, the hill gets its name from the famous sculpture of a panther perched atop a rock near the peak of the hill. While the hill is only about a 1/4 mile in length, it often comes towards the end of the many races that are held in Central Park - forcing runners to climb one last time before crossing the finish line. Local runners know that conquering Cat Hill several times during a race or a long run in Central Park is something to be proud of - if you can run in Central Park, you can run anywhere. The sculpture is officially titled "Still Hunt" and was created in 1883 by Georgia-born sculptor Edward Kemeys. It was originally designed to blend in with the natural landscape of the park, instead of standing out to visitors like the Belvedere Castle or Bethesda Terrace.

Sunday, October 30, 2022

The 51st Annual New York City Marathon

Jennifer Heiner has served as the retail director of a running company in New Jersey since 2019. Active within the New York City running community, Jennifer Heiner has helped organize a number of training runs for the New York City Marathon, including the 20-mile Three Bridges Run, where she was also a pace group leader. Training for a 26.2-mile marathon requires organization, persistence, and discipline. The first training element is base mileage, which requires running three to five times per week and gradually increasing weekly mileage. Over the course of 10 to 20 weeks of training, runners should plan to build their mileage up to around 50 miles per week. Avoid increasing mileage by more than 10 percent per week. Every 7 to 10 days, runners should plan on a long run to help the body adjust to long distances. This distance should increase over time, then drop back down in order to let the body recover. These long runs should be taken at a slower pace in order to help the body adjust and learn to utilize fat for fuel. A peak run, such as the 20-mile Three Bridges Run, ensures the runner is prepared for marathon day. A marathon training schedule should also include rest days, which are essential for muscle recovery and injury prevention. The New York ROad Runners have penned a grreat article about how to prepare for the upcoming New York City Marathon, taking place on Sunday, November 6th, 2022. Download the App The TCS New York City Marathon App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services is the best way for runners, friends, families, and fans everywhere in the world to engage with the TCS New York City Marathon—whether you’re running in person or virtually. Use the app to access runner confirmation forms, track runners, read pro athlete bios, view an interactive map of the Expo, see a calendar of events, shop for New Balance gear, and more. It’s free in the App Store and Google Play Store. Read our Health and Safety Guidelines At NYRR, health and safety are our top priorities. As we welcome back a full field of participants for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, we’re working in coordination with city, state, and federal agencies to ensure the health and safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and spectators. Read up here—and stay safe and healthy! Visit the Expo at Your Reserved Time 2019 TCS NYC Marathon Expo attendee with bib number Runners must visit the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, in person to pick up their race materials. Log into your dashboard and reserve a time slot now. The expo is free and open to the public, and you’ll find friendly and well-informed NYRR staff and volunteers to direct you and answer your questions. Have a Plan for Getting to the Start… We strongly encourage you to take your assigned official transportation, which is printed on your bib; read about your transportation options and visit the Runner Support Center at the expo for assistance. Runners who signed up in advance can pre-check a bag in Central Park on Friday or Saturday and retrieve it after they finish on Sunday. Capacity for this bag pre-check option was limited and filled in September. …And Home from the Finish Finisher with medal at 2019 TCS New York City Marathon The marathon finishes in Central Park near West 67th Street. All runners will receive a poncho after they finish and most will exit the park at West 77th Street. Plan in advance the exact location you'll meet up with loved ones, as the crowds will be big and cell service may be spotty. Read more and view the finish-area map. Check the Weather and Plan Accordingly Look at the forecast Saturday night and lay out your outfit, with a few options so you won’t have to scramble if things change overnight. Check again Sunday morning before you head out the door—you may want to bring an extra lightweight layer. Read our weather guidelines here. Have a Fueling and Hydration Plan The course will have fluid stations every mile from 3 to 25 except at miles 5, 7, and 9, featuring Flow Alkaline Spring Water and Gatorade® Endurance Formula™ Lemon-Lime Flavor. Science in Sport (SiS) Energy Gels will be available at mile 12 and mile 18 to help fuel you through the finish line! You can bring your own fuel and hydration, but please note that backpacks are not allowed. Pace Yourself and Stick to Your Plan NYRR Pace Team members at 2021 TCS NYC Marathon Crowd support along the course is amazing as New Yorkers take to the streets to cheer you on. This may give you an extra boost of energy, but hold back in the early miles so you can have a strong finish. You can visit the NYRR Pace Team at the Running Lab at the expo to learn more, and plan to run with a pacer on Sunday. Thank the Volunteers and Consider Volunteering in 2023 The TCS New York City Marathon couldn’t happen without our volunteers. Show your appreciation with a word of thanks or a smile, and consider giving back by volunteering in 2023 (opportunities will be posted starting November 7). Celebrate! Cross the finish line with your arms in the air and a smile on your face so you'll look great when MarathonFoto takes your picture. Plan to come back to celebrate on Marathon Monday and Tuesday at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion Presented by Mastercard. Get your medal engraved, shop New Balance gear, purchase a copy of the New York Times special results section, and relive the memories. Author: NYRR Staff TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App The TCS New York City Marathon App lets runners, spectators, and fans around the world put the marathon in their pockets for events and activities all week long. New York Road Runners, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running, serves runners of all ages and abilities through races, community runs, walks, training, virtual products, and other running-related programming. Our free youth programs and events serve kids in New York City’s five boroughs and across the country. NYRR RUNCENTER 320 West 57th Street New York, NY 10019

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

The NYRR 5th Avenue Mile - 2022 Edition

Since joining a New Jersey running company as retail director in 2019, Jennifer Heiner has assisted with aspects of business development and overseen daily operations at several of the company's stores. Jennifer Heiner balances her professional responsibilities with membership in the New York Road Runners (NYRR) recreational running club.

As part of its mission to support New Yorkers in cultivating healthy habits, NYRR offers Virtual Group Training to provide community-based motivation and guidance. Suitable for beginners and experienced runners alike, the program is guided by a professional coach and offers access to an online community of supportive runners. Each week, participants receive access to two structured workouts that are varied in their difficulty and terrain. After completing the workout, runners upload their workouts to gain precise, personalized feedback from coaches. In addition to running workouts, participants receive resources aimed at maintaining physical and mental health. An online forum invites runners to connect with coaches and fellow runners, ask questions, and share their experiences.

Now that we are emerging from the restrictions of COVID, New York Road Runners' events are back and better than ever. "On Sunday, September 11, the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile heads into its 41st year with another popular race along Museum Mile. Lace up, then run your best mile down a 20-block stretch of New York City’s Fifth Avenue that’s home to world-class museums and cultural institutions." New Balance 5th Avenue Mile (nyrr.org)

"The Fifth Avenue Mile is an annual 1 mile (1.6 km) road race on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The race begins at 80th Street and heads twenty blocks south to 60th Street. First held on September 26, 1981,[1] the race is currently organized by New York Road Runners and has attracted big-name sponsors including United Airlines and New Balance.

The competition regularly attracts world-class runners, who compete in special heats after the regular age division heats. The Fifth Avenue Mile has also inspired similar events in the same mold, including the Anlene Orchard Mile in Singapore.

The record performances of the race are Sydney Maree's victory at the inaugural race in 3:47.52, and Jennifer Simpson's time of 4:16.2 set in 2019. Jennifer Simpson of the United States has historically been the most successful athlete at the competition, having won 8 races. The winners at the most recent edition in 2021 were Jake Wightman and Jemma Reekie." Fifth Avenue Mile - Wikipedia

Now that she is working more with New York Road Runners, Jennifer Heiner is excited to see this event from a volunteer perspective, rather than a participant - the elites and novice runners alike put it all on the line to see how far they can run a mile. 

Tune in to see this 2022 version on ABC on Sunday, September 11th!