Category Archives: Big Sur International Marathon

Big Sur Marathon Training: Week Five

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Pre-rainy long run selfie!

Pre-rainy long run selfie!

Training went really well this week and I didn’t have any problems getting my runs in. I had my first two-a-days experience because I had to run 7 miles on Wednesday, which is too much for a lunch run so I split up my runs. I also adjusted my training plan because the plan I was following had me run three 20-milers between now and Big Sur and after consulting with a bunch of my coworkers, I thought it would be best to cut it down to two 20-milers. I want to make sure I make it to the starting line injury-free and not burned out. I’m looking forward to this week’s runs though because I bought new running shoes (Brooks Ravenna 4s) and I can’t wait to try them out!

Monday: Cross-training day. I did a 20-minute yoga for recovery class from Lululemon to recover from my 18-miler the day before. I also did 15 minutes of ab exercises which included planks, plank variations, Russian twists and crunches.

Tuesday: 5 miles in 47:00 at 9:12/mile pace. I had 5 miles at easy pace on my schedule for Tuesday and I decided to do them on the treadmill because it was raining/snowing/sleeting and I just didn’t feel like getting soaked.

Wednesday: 7 miles total at easy pace. I split this into two runs, I ran 4 miles at lunch and finished in 33:58 at 8:29/mile pace. This was an amazing run and felt really great. I surprised myself with my pace but it didn’t feel like I was really pushing it, it actually felt kind of comfortable. I then ran 3 miles after work in 27:20 at 9:00/mile pace. I also did some ab exercises and arm strengthening exercises.

Thursday: 5.6 miles in 51:00 at 9:06/mile. This was a really great lunch run with two of my coworkers. We did a new running route which was nice because we usually stick to the same loop.

Friday: Rest and foam roll!

Saturday: 15 miles, long slow distance, in 2:20:38 at 9:22/mile pace. This was by far the best long run I’ve had for this training cycle. Despite the dreary weather, it was misting pretty heavily during my whole run, I felt really great. My legs felt fresh, I didn’t have to stop or walk at all and my pace was really solid the whole time. I also conquered all of the hills of this run without a problem.

Sunday: 20 minutes of yoga for recovery, foam roll and planks.

Weekly Mileage Totals: 33 miles

See all training recaps here.

Fueling Up for Long Runs

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One of the key parts of marathon training is figuring out what works for you during runs and what doesn’t. This goes for everything from shoes, to gear, to hydration and finally, to fueling. I’m still trying to figure out the best fueling strategy for me, and while every runner is different, I decided to seek some advice from my followers on Twitter. Here’s what they had to say! – H.M.
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  1. Any other fuel suggestions for long runs? #runchat #marathontraining http://pic.twitter.com/LUQMD8mfKt
    Hannah McGoldrick
    ·

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 12:50:26

  2. FitHappyGirl

    Hannah McGoldrick@FitHappyGirl
    Question for runners for my blog: What’s your favorite long-run fuel? #runchat

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:26:49

  3. megrunnergirl

    Megan Hetzel@megrunnergirl
    @FitHappyGirl Gummy bears and Gatorade! Yummy!

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:28:22

  4. javierrios99

    Javier Rios@javierrios99
    “@FitHappyGirl: Question for runners for my blog: What’s your favorite long-run fuel? #runchat” sandwich! :)

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:28:42

  5. mcktll

    Mack-E Flowers@mcktll
    @FitHappyGirl water and Gu and sometimes jelly beans. Everything else hurt my stomach even Gatorade

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:29:58

  6. melissalicia512

    Melissa @melissalicia512
    @FitHappyGirl PB&J squares (15 mi), @HoneyStinger chews, and @nuunhydration. #runchat

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:30:20

  7. TodaysMiles_com

    Today’s Miles@TodaysMiles_com
    “@FitHappyGirl: Question for runners for my blog: What’s your favorite long-run fuel? #runchat”WE ARE GU PEOPLE!

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:30:31

  8. janieliz19

    janieliz19@janieliz19
    @FitHappyGirl starburst!! Or mint chocolate gu. But really… Starburst :)

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:31:43

  9. The_Poolester

    James Poole@The_Poolester
    @FitHappyGirl at the Vanguard Way 65 Ultra @Helen_10pt and I fuelled ourselves on sausages & cheese. Yum! LSD is fat burning pace…

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:37:51

  10. LAMhookem

    leticia ana@LAMhookem
    @fithappygirl gu chomps and sports beans. Basically I want to be eating candy.

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:45:08

  11. mrcostello

    Maureen@mrcostello
    @FitHappyGirl Cliff Shot Blocks and peanut butter crackers. #runchat

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:56:59

  12. SMACKELI

    SMACK! MEDIA@SMACKELI
    @FitHappyGirl @nuunhydration & @GUEnergyLabs. Sounds simple, but it works!

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 07:59:53

  13. meghgrace

    Meghan G. Loftus@meghgrace
    @FitHappyGirl Strawberry Banana PowerBar Gel! Not as thick as other gels. Tastes like melted fruit snacks!

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 08:15:28

  14. GPescatore

    Gerard Pescatore@GPescatore
    @FitHappyGirl Gu Vanilla Bean

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 08:25:10

  15. GPescatore

    Gerard Pescatore@GPescatore
    @FitHappyGirl …and sometimes Swedish Fish!

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 08:26:01

  16. amyrushlow

    Amy Rushlow@amyrushlow
    @FitHappyGirl pre: loaded oatmeal. During: Clif shots and Gatorade

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 08:29:11

  17. NutButterRunner

    Nut Butter Runner@NutButterRunner
    @TodaysMiles_com @FitHappyGirl I love GU or Hammer!! The chocolate tastes like dessert #strangebutgood #runchat

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 08:37:08

  18. caitlingiddings

    Cait@caitlingiddings
    @FitHappyGirl Peanut butter sandwich crackers. I generally have 1-6 of ’em stashed on my person at all times, long run or not.

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 08:43:29

  19. MstarMeagan

    Meagan Dunn-Cole@MstarMeagan
    @FitHappyGirl honey stinger pink lemonade chews or peeled brand unsweetened dried cherries

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 08:45:08

  20. dnardi710

    Danielle Nardi@dnardi710
    @FitHappyGirl I use honey stinger organic chews and pretzels

    Thu, Feb 21 2013 08:48:16

Big Sur Marathon Training: Week Four

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Leave Fears BehindI was a bit nervous about training this week because my work week/schedule was a little hectic. While my workouts didn’t exactly happen in the correct order, I got all of them done and had my highest mileage week ever and ran another distance PR with my 18-mile long run. I’m hoping this upcoming week will be a little better in terms of my schedule but I’m learning to not be so rigid with the training plan, if I have to swap training runs, it’s not the end of the world! Here are my workouts from this past week:

Monday: Cross-training day. I took a 50 minute flow yoga class at the gym at work. Because I ran my long run the day before, I was a bit sore still so I thought doing a yoga class would be a good way to relax and stretch out my muscles. I definitely need to work on my flexibility but I really enjoyed this class. I also did 15 minutes of ab exercises which included planks, crunches and other exercises.

Tuesday: Easy 5-miles in 47:15 at 9:26/mile pace. My legs were definitely still feeling the 16-miler from the weekend before so I took it slow on this run. I also tried out a different route which was a lot hillier than my normal 5-mile lunch run route but it was good to mix it up. I also did about 10 minutes of planks when I got home.

Wednesday: 4.15 miles in 39:00 at 9:23/mile. My legs were still tired and I was just actually tired because I went running before work. I haven’t gotten up to run before work since the summer but it did feel really good to get my run done for the day. Also, I ran with my roommate which was really great because if it weren’t for her it would have been much easier to press the snooze button when my alarm went off!

Thursday: I was supposed to do a 5-mile run with 4x800s at marathon pace but my day at work was so hectic I couldn’t run at lunch. I wanted to run after work but when I got home and ran to the track, it was locked and the lights were off. So, no run. Instead I did a 30-minute power yoga session online and ab exercises. I was pretty bummed I missed my workout but it was out of my control so there wasn’t much I could do about it.

Friday: 5-miles in 44:00 at 8:48/mile pace. Since I was angry with myself for missing my workout the day before, I went balls to the wall with this 5-miler. My average pace was 8:48/mile but my last 3 miles were hovering around 8:20/mile and 8:30/mile which was really good for me, especially during a middle distance run. I felt SO much better after this run!

Saturday: Easy 3 miles in 26:52 at 8:57/mile pace. I switched my long run from Saturday to Sunday because I had to cover the Millrose Games in NYC for Runner’s World on Saturday evening and knew if I ran my long run the same day, I would be absolutely dead. So, I opted for an easy shakeout with my roommate and it went really well!

Sunday: 18 miles in 2:58:00 at 9:52/mile pace. Another distance PR this weekend with my long run! It definitely wasn’t easy though. My legs felt pretty dead from standing at the Millrose Games all day the day before and I didn’t realize how much that would affect me. Also, the wind was incredible during this run (20mph+) and it was VERY cold. But, I powered through it and finished the run strong. I was really proud of myself too because I ran by myself which is definitely not easy, especially towards the end of the run when my mind is trying to give up. Besides my tired legs, I felt pretty good throughout the run. I wish my pace had been a bit faster but the wind was just too much and I had a headwind the entire second half. Overall, good run!

Weekly Mileage Total: 35 miles

See all training recaps here.

Only You Can Celebrate Your Running Milestones

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Thing about running

Image by Rachel Greenhouse, ilbelfarniente.wordpress.com.

Yesterday, after my long run, I walked up the stairs to my apartment, took off my running shoes, sat down in butterfly pose to stretch out my hips and thought, “Oh my God, I just ran 16 miles.”

In less than a year’s time, I’ve gone from not being able to run a mile, to running a four miler, then jumping up to running two half-marathons and now I’m training for a full marathon.

I still remember the day, back in May, when I ran 6 miles with my cousin along the beach in Maine. It was my first breakthrough with running. The first time I saw “the wall” and just leaped over it like I was jumping over a puddle. We got back to her house that day and celebrated because it was a huge deal for the both of us. During these first few months of running, every little bit further I went was a milestone. It was cause for celebration and reflection on how far I’ve come.

This weekend I hit another milestone by running my longest run ever and logging my highest mileage week ever. When I woke up Sunday morning, I saw my running clothes laid out on the floor with my Gu packets meticulously placed and ready to be ingested and I didn’t feel nervous. I felt excited and anxious about taking on the challenge of running a new distance.

The run went flawlessly but during those two and a half hours on the road I couldn’t help but think back on how much progress I’ve made. With every run, whether it goes well or not, I’m humbled by the results.

I know many runners, much more experienced than I am, who will say they have a long run of “just” 10 miles on a given weekend. I have been guilty of this very same thing saying I “only” have to run 4 miles on a weekday. Well, there are so many runners out there who see 4 miles as challenging and may feel like 10 miles is impossible. I have a good friend who will run a 10-mile race next Sunday and she typically runs 3 to 4 miles during the week. But, on Sunday she texted me, excited to tell me she ran 6.5 miles, her longest run ever. I was so proud of her and how far she has come.

Running is an individual sport and each milestone is relative to each individual runner. What is a huge accomplishment for one person, like hitting a new distance or nailing a new pace, may be routine for another but that doesn’t make each milestone less sweet. I don’t take for granted for a second how far I’ve come already. After my run on Sunday, I realized, although 16 miles is not the longest I’m ever going to run, it’s still a milestone and I will celebrate it as such because it was my own personal accomplishment and no other runner can one-up me on that.

Big Sur Marathon Training: Week Three

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#PROOF

#PROOF

Training went really really well this week! I hit some major milestones including my highest mileage week ever and I ran my longest long run ever- 16 miles! This was a really huge deal for me because it hasn’t even been a year since I started running (my run-iversary is March 8). It’s insane to see how far I’ve come in such a short amount of time.

I was also able to maintain my strength-training with boot camp, incorporate more ab exercises, and maintain my yoga practice, which was great. I also tackled the major hill workout again and saw improvement. It’s all up from here! Here are my workouts from this week:

Monday: Cross-training day- Did 45 minutes of metabolic boot camp at the gym and was able to increase the weights I was using from last week.

Tuesday: 3 miles easy in 26:19 at 8:46/mile. I did an easy lunch run with the whole Runner’s World crew after we finished out RW Building Run-Up (in honor of the Empire State Building Run-Up). I was second place female, no big deal. Really it wasn’t a big deal but it was fun.

Wednesday: 5.3 miles in 54:00. This was the crazy hill workout again on 10th Street. I definitely felt an improvement climbing the hills this week over last week. I still had to walk about half of the inclines but was able to run more of it than the first time. Progress is all I ask for!

Thursday: 4 miles easy in 34:40 or 8:39/mile. Ran during lunch with two of the other RW ladies and had a really great run! I always run faster with them which is nice. I also did 45 minutes of a gentle flow yoga class after work. The instructor mixed it up this time and did some newer poses that felt really great.

Friday: Rest and foam roll.

Saturday: 3.11 miles at 9:38/mile. My roommate and I decided to brave the Storm Nemo ravaged roads in PA (they weren’t that bad just really slushy) and go for a run. I was supposed to do my long run on Saturday but because the road conditions weren’t great I opted to switch it to Sunday. There was almost no shoulder on the road because the plows didn’t do the best job of removing snow so we ran on the snow almost the whole time, which slowed us down considerably but overall it was a great run.

Sunday: 16 miles in 2:34:00 at 9:38/mile. This was my longest run ever and I felt surprisingly really good for the whole run. I wasn’t nervous going into the run because I repeated my mantra to prepare myself mentally, “Settle in for the ride.” My legs felt good and it wasn’t too cold so it was a lot better than last weekend’s long run. The route I took was really hilly but I surprised myself and was able to run all of the hills with no problem. The only time I doubted myself was at the very end, during the last 1.5 miles. I think I was just realizing how close I was to being done that I started to realize how tired I was. I think next weekend on my long run I need to fuel better. I only took one GU and some gummy bears, maybe two GUs next time? Live and learn, that’s what long slow distance training runs are all about! Overall, it felt amazing and I was really proud of myself!

Elevation chart for the 16-miler.

Elevation chart for the 16-miler.

Weekly Mileage Total: 32 miles

See all training recaps here.

Best Tips for Running Hills

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I survived my second week of hill running today and while I was pushing up the hill, I thought, there must be some sort of trick to this? As I’m still relatively new to running (started last March) and am now training for Big Sur, a race known for its hilly course, I thought I’d take to Twitter and ask my followers, what are the best tips for running hills? Here’s what they said…
  1. Isport
    ·

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 12:07:36

    ·

  2. FitHappyGirl

    Hannah McGoldrick@FitHappyGirl
    Ok runners, I need your help. What are your tips for running up really, really big hills? #marathontraining #runchat

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:20:34

    ·

  3. Newport10Miler

    Newport Ten Miler@Newport10Miler
    @FitHappyGirl Lean foraward.

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:21:01

    ·

  4. missnighthawk

    M to the O to the@missnighthawk
    @FitHappyGirl PRAY! Lol

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:21:09

    ·

  5. AndrewByrom1

    Andrew Byrom@AndrewByrom1
    @FitHappyGirl Short steps, pump those arms, head down, focus on steady breathing, most of all enjoy the process of climbing the hill.

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:22:58

    ·

  6. welshontoast

    Richard Wilcox@welshontoast
    @FitHappyGirl #runchat #believe you can do it for staters!! Pump the arms and push from the knees and also practice hill #sprints

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:24:53

    ·

  7. NMoralesNBC

    Natalie Morales@NMoralesNBC
    Get a power song “@FitHappyGirl: Ok runners, I need your help. tips for running up really, really big hills? #marathontraining #runchat”

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:29:15

    ·

  8. dmedirect

    DME-Direct@dmedirect
    @fithappygirl Try powerhiking or run short strides, drop shoulders, lean forward slightly, maintain steady pace. #marathontraining #runchat

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:29:17

    ·

  9. thesaturnbull

    Saturn Bull@thesaturnbull
    @FitHappyGirl Attack it like a knight approaching a dragon. Slow and steady at the base, save your strength for the head ;)

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:30:13

    ·

  10. stevenwiener

    steven wiener@stevenwiener
    @NMoralesNBC @fithappygirl taxi cab

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:30:35

    ·

  11. SB_Strider

    Southborough Strider@SB_Strider
    @FitHappyGirl Don’t look up and get your breathing right!

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:33:49

    ·

  12. RVAgreenrev

    Preach@RVAgreenrev
    @FitHappyGirl don’t feel defeated if you have to walk it

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:36:34

    ·

  13. jmclain0011

    John McLain@jmclain0011
    @NMoralesNBC @fithappygirl stay on your toes, slow down, watch your heart rate. If you are heart rate training you might even need walk

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:34:47

    ·

  14. runhers

    runhers women’s assn@runhers
    @NMoralesNBC @fithappygirl What’s the ‘downside’ in this? Is @ryangosling at the bottom of said hills w/wine & flowers? “Hey girl …”

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:37:23

    ·

  15. Greg_Payne

    Greg Payne@Greg_Payne
    @FitHappyGirl Lean into the hills and raise your knees up as you stride.

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:41:36

    ·

  16. runnerspalate

    The Runner’s Palate@runnerspalate
    @FitHappyGirl Good knee lift and arm swing…

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:45:20

    ·

  17. shopper61

    sdh@shopper61
    @NMoralesNBC @FitHappyGirl trail runner 4 years, don’t look up, don’t look for the top. You will get there, keep the head down n push!

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 11:51:23

    ·

  18. MLynnCooper

    Megan Cooper@MLynnCooper
    @FitHappyGirl Fast walking instead of running, making sure my breathing stays steady and then resuming normal pace at the top. #runchat

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 12:20:30

    ·

  19. dimityontherun

    Dimity McDowell@dimityontherun
    @NMoralesNBC @FitHappyGirl small, mincing steps; keep your eyes up; power up your arms swing; and mentally break up the hill. #gogetem

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 12:20:37

    ·

  20. ryanjknapp

    ryan knapp@ryanjknapp
    @fithappygirl @NMoralesNBC Don’t underestimate walking big hills in terms of saving energy and your legs.

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 12:24:36

    ·

  21. ProvenSport

    Proven Sport@ProvenSport
    @FitHappyGirl – 1- Get mentally ready for pain 2- slow down and focus on both quads and both calves 3 – endure pain from #1.

    Wed, Feb 06 2013 12:54:42

    ·

Big Sur Marathon Training: Week Two

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try hard every dayWeek two of training went really well. It was a lower mileage week than week one but that wasn’t bad because next week is going to be pretty intense- I’ll be hitting my longest run ever and I think highest mileage week ever.

I did well integrating strength training into my training this week however I would really like to start getting back into doing more ab work, especially planks. Over the summer I was able to do a 4-minute plank and now I struggle to hit 1:30. That needs to change. Here are my workouts from this week:

Monday: Cross-training day. I went to a 45 minute boot camp class at our gym at work. We did a lot of different strengthening exercises. I was still a bit sore from my 14-miler the day before so the instructor, Kari, gave me some modifications.

Tuesday: Easy 3 miles in 26:40 at 8:53/mile. Ok, this was a little faster than “easy” pace but I ran half of it with some of my speedier coworkers and when I left them to run the other half, I felt really good so I decided to keep up the pace.

Wednesday: 5.2 miles in 51:26 at 9:58/mile (hill workout). This was my really, really tough hill workout that I wrote about earlier this week. This hill is no joke and takes no prisoners. I’m going to incorporate this hill into my training as much as possible throughout my training schedule because it will get me in the best shape possible to conquer Hurricane Point at Big Sur.

Thursday: 3.25 miles in 28:29 at 8:45/mile. Again, faster than I should have run but I felt good and it was freezing so I wanted to be done fast.

  • Also, I did a 45 minute Gentle Flow yoga class after work- perfect way to finish off my runs for the weekdays.

Friday: REST and foam roll.

Saturday: 10 miles long slow distance in 1:35:39 at 9:33/mile. This run was probably the coldest run I’ve ever experienced. It was not fun or enjoyable and breathing was really hard. Besides it being uncomfortable, I got the miles in and my pace was pretty good. My hips were super tight though for the rest of the day but I think that had to do with the cold.

Sunday: 4 mile recovery run in 39:00 at 9:33/mile. I’ll admit, I was supposed to run a 10-K today but after my long run on Saturday, my hips were still tight, the ground was blanketed in snow and I didn’t want to risk hurting myself at a race I didn’t plan on actually “Racing” just because I signed up for it a few months ago. So, I opted out and I’m not ashamed. I had a good run (albeit it was SUPER snowy and icy on the roads) with the roomie instead and that was fine by me.

Weekly Mileage Totals: 25 miles

See all training recaps here.

Embrace the Hills

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HillsWhen you register for Big Sur you have some idea of what you’re getting yourself into- hills, lots and lots of hills.  In fact, it’s known for the infamous Hurricane Point, a two-mile long stretch around mile 10 that has runners climbing 520 feet, but they swear the view at the top is worth it!

Well, I grew up and lived in eastern Massachusetts my entire life and while we do have some significant hills, they are mostly rolling hills. So when I moved down to the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania for my job at Runner’s World, I knew the hills were going to be a shock to my running system.

I was scared, I’ll admit it. I’ve never been a huge fan of hills and my cousin, and closest running buddy, can attest to that. Whenever she suggests a race I ask- are there any big hills or is it mostly flat?

But now that I live in the hilly valley and am training for a very hilly marathon, there’s no more avoiding the hills. Yesterday during lunch I went out for a run with a few of my coworkers to tackle a monstrosity of a hill- the 10th Street Hill. This hill has roughly the same elevation gain as Hurricane Point but over about half of the distance. So, it’s steeper but shorter.

Screen Shot 2013-01-30 at 1.41.40 PM

I knew it was going to be really hard but after my hilly 14-miler last Sunday, in which I ran all of the hills, I thought I’d be ok. I told myself it would be fine if I had to walk part of it or maybe run the flats and walk some of the hills. Take it easy, find a rhythm and breathe.

We did a 1-mile warm-up around the neighborhoods and then as we began to head up 10th Street, Tish Hamilton, an executive editor at Runner’s World, gave me a run down of what was ahead. She said we’d start to climb a hill, then there would be a false flat, followed by a steeper hill which would take an almost 90 degree turn to an even steeper hill that would climb to the top.

I was glad to have an idea of what was ahead but I honestly wasn’t expecting it to be as steep as it was. I had to walk about half of the distance and even walking it was a hard effort. It took me awhile to get to the top but once I got there, after running the last incline, I felt proud. Yes, I had to walk some of it. Yes, I was disappointed because everyone else was able to run the whole thing. But this was my first attempt and a first attempt is better than no attempt.

We finished the run with an additional hill and then started our descent back down. The whole run was just over 5 miles for me (the other ladies did one repeat at the last hill) and I finished feeling good. More importantly, I finished knowing I was to try it again and again until I can run the whole thing.

Did I mentally psych myself out? Yes. Could I have pushed harder? Probably. But for me, the key with training for this marathon (my first marathon) is to get to the starting line healthy and prepared. This won’t be the last time I see the 10th Street hill, in fact I’m going to incorporate it into my training as much as possible, but it was the first time and it’s only up from here.

Until we meet again, 10th Street!

Follow my training here.

Settling in for the Long Run

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My run included 2 miles of very peaceful trails along the river.

My run included 2 miles of very peaceful trails along the river.

I ran 14 miles this past Sunday on a chilly, yet very sunny, eastern Pennsylvania morning for Big Sur training. I’ve tackled a 14-mile run only once before- last September- while keeping my cousin and friend Lindsey company on a long run for their first marathon. But last Sunday was the first time I’ve ever tried the distance solo.

I’m actually a big fan of solo long runs. I might not be saying that when it comes time to run 18 or 20 miles but for now, and in past half-marathon training cycles, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I get a lot of thinking done during these runs- about work, my family, friends, this blog, what I’m going to eat post-run and everything in between. I also listen to music and am guilty of singing along out loud during my run. While the time spent during the long run is enjoyable, it can only be made possible by properly preparing yourself mentally beforehand, in my opinion.

So, how I do this? I look at a long run kind of like a long car ride. You know it’s going to last awhile. You also know you need to pace yourself, don’t go too fast to avoid burning out, but don’t go too slow to prolong the time spent traveling longer than necessary. While it’s tempting to look at your speedometer during a long car ride to see how many miles you have left, the same can be said about constantly checking you GPS watch during a long run. It’s like asking, “Are we there yet?”

Instead of the fervent watch-checking and constant song-changing, opt to settle in for the ride. That’s what I tell myself at least, in preparation of a long run. I know it’s going to be long, I know it’s going to take a lot of energy but I know it’s going to be a fun and probably memorable ride so I settle in to my comfortable pace, sit back and enjoy as the miles fly by.

How do you mentally prep for a long run?

Monday Motivation: Never Give Up on a Dream

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Dreams and big goals take time and hard work to achieve. A friend this weekend said she couldn’t imagine training for a marathon because of the time it takes. To me, I know it takes a lot of time, but that’s what makes the achievement and success of finishing 26.2 miles even sweeter. So, there’s no way I’m giving up on my Big Sur dream. I’m going to enjoy the crazy ride that is training and relish in the finish line. Dream big and happy running!

(via Pinterest)

(via Pinterest)