Tips To Run Your First 5k or 10k Race
“You never forget your first”
Spring is just around the corner! I know it doesn’t feel that way right now, especially if you live in a city that experiences winter weather, but it’s actually not that far off. As we inch closer to spring, we’re also getting closer to the time of year when road races start to become more frequent. If you’ve always wanted to run a 5k or 10k, this is a great time to start thinking about it.
Perhaps you have started to think about it. Or perhaps you’ve been thinking about it for years but have never quite gotten there. That’s okay! You’ve got plenty of time to do it if you really want to. I’ve got a little advice to get you from the starting point to the starting line.
At Least 6 Weeks In Advance (Or More, Depending On Your Fitness Level)
Get excited – soon you’ll be here.
1. Get Psyched
Training for a race is exciting and scary, empowering and daunting, gratifying and exhausting. You know you’re going to put in a lot of hard work but you may not be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster ride you’re about to take. You’ll be energized some days, dread running others. You’ll want to push your speed some days, throw in the towel altogether others. That’s all to be expected so the best way to start is on the right foot – no pun intended.
2. Find a Training Program
You can wing it and just start running but it’s best to find a training program for your first race. Not only does this ensure your body will be properly prepped, it will help you avoid overtraining or burnout.
There are tons of programs out there – which can be a good and bad thing. My advice is to find a reputable site, like Runners World, for a standard program or trusted person to provide you with a more customized one (I’ve done this for a few friends).
3. Find Good Shoes and Clothes
Do your body a favor and invest in quality running shoes and clothes.
When it comes to shoes, one style doesn’t fit all. Be sure you find shoes that are appropriate for your arches and gait – if that sounds confusing, don’t worry! Most quality sporting goods stores have knowledgeable associates who will help you identify your needs and the proper shoe.
As for clothing, whatever is comfortable and prevents chafing. If you’re planning to log a lot of outdoor miles in chilly weather, you’ll need gear designed specifically for cold-weather running. Think layers and fabrics that wick away moisture while keeping your core warm.
A Week or Two Before
1. Find the Right Foods
This may be better as a post-run meal.
You’ve probably started to learn what foods sit well with you prior to a run – and, more importantly, what foods don’t. This is the time to refine that list and make sure you’re only eating foods that make your stomach happy. After you’ve worked so hard and spent all this time running, he last thing you want is stomach trouble ruining your race.
2. Log Some Morning Miles
With the exception of some new novelty events, most races take place in the morning hours. If you’ve only been running in the afternoon or evening, make the effort to get up early for a couple runs. This will get your body a little more used to running right away, as well as give you another chance to make sure last night’s dinner doesn’t cause issues the next morning.
3. Remember the Why
The week or two leading up to a race is often the hardest because you’re so close, yet you feel so far away. You’ve worked so hard and you’re feeling ready, yet you have several days and a few more runs still standing between you and the start line. This is the time to remind yourself why you’re training for this race.
Was it to lose weight? Unless you’ve been eating like garbage, you’ve probably achieved that goal.
Was it to get in better shape? Unless you still can’t run a mile, you’ve achieved that goal too.
Was it a bucket list item? Unless you’re really ready to quit now, you’re on the verge of crossing it off the list.
Was it just to feel a sense of pride in yourself? Congrats, you’ve stuck with it this long!
Days Before
1. Choose Your Outfit
By now you should have a good idea of what the weather’s going to be like on race day. Take the time to plan your outfit, from your race day top to your socks. One could argue you could wait until the night before to do this but doing it a couple days in advance allows you time for a last-minute trip to the store just in case you realize you need something.
2. Check Out The Course
Calm the pre-race nerves by taking a little peek at the course that lies ahead.
If you’d rather not spoil it, don’t look. Just be sure you know where the race starts and finishes, as well as where to park, where the bathrooms are, those types of things.
3. Scale Back the Miles
A traditional taper isn’t necessary for a 5k or 10k race but you should still ease up on your bod to make sure your legs are light and fresh for race day.
The Night Before
1. Set Out All Your Stuff
Your watch, your body glide, your bib. It’s amazing what you can forget on the morning of your race. Plus, your morning should be completely stress-free, with your mind clear of everything but the start line, finish line and miles in between.
2. Set Three Alarms – And Double Check Them All
Remember the episode of Seinfeld where Elaine hosts marathon runner, Jean Paul, famous for oversleeping at the Olympics and missing the entire marathon? Naturally, the gang finds a way to screw it up and cause him to oversleep again.
Calm your fears about oversleeping by setting at least three alarms – I’m not even kidding, three. A backup can fail. Having a backup to the backup is a pretty safe bet you won’t oversleep on your big day.
3. Don’t Stress About Sleep
Speaking of sleep, you know it’s important to get good rest every night. But the night before a race, it’s probably not gonna happen. You’re going to be excited, nervous, worried about oversleeping – all of that adds up to a mind that won’t shut off and likely some missed zzzzs.
That’s okay! You’ll be so energized by the thought of crossing the finish line, you can make it on just a few hours. Don’t stress over sleep or lack thereof. Plus, after you crush the race the next morning, you can treat yourself to a well-deserved (and necessary!) nap.
Are there other questions you have to help prep for your first 5k or 10k? Tweet me anytime, @runlikeagirl311. If you’d like help coming up with a training plan, send me a message and I’ll gladly help! Veteran racers, do you have other helpful tips to share? Comment or tweet me.
Why You Should Compete With Others, Not Just Yourself
“Be thankful for quality competitors who push you to your limits”
One of the best things about running is that anyone can do it. It’s not a sport only for those who have the luxury of time and can train hours every day. Not something a person has to naturally be good at or have God-given talent to do well. It’s not a sport afforded only by the wealthy, as it doesn’t require expensive equipment or machines; all a person really needs is a quality pair of shoes and some decent, weather-appropriate clothing.
And for those of us with a little bit of a competitor inside, running is a sport in which anyone can compete – as an amateur, joe-schmo adult. Competitive racing isn’t only reserved for high school athletes or those with college scholarships. Go online and you’ll find a nearby 5k, 10k or other race just about every weekend. Runners of all ages and abilities, shapes and sizes line up, weekend after weekend to compete. Granted, most adult runners don’t necessarily “compete”, in fact, most who run don’t do it for the thrill of competition at all. But there’s a school of thought among amateur runners and something I hear a lot that, when you run, it’s all about competing against yourself.
No. Compete with others to be your best.
Where did this idea come from that runners should only worry about competing against themselves? Basically, we’re told we shouldn’t worry about trying to be better than anyone else, but focus on being better than you were yesterday. Am I the only one who thinks this is bullshit? Competition is about being the best, being better than others who are on a similar playing field. Yes, sometimes that means being better than yourself and pushing past your own limits but, in a lot of cases, that success only comes from the motivation and drive to be better than someone else.
I was thinking about this as I prepare for a 10k I’m racing on Thursday morning. I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather for several days now; as a result, haven’t been running as much or as intense as I normally would training for a 10k. See, when I signed up and started training for this race, my goal was to win it. That’s right, to be the first woman to cross the finish line. Period.
A lot of people will say this is a terrible attitude. Running should be about achieving your personal best, not running faster than someone else. And, you can’t control how others perform, only yourself, so why set yourself up to potentially fail at something, no matter how hard you try. There’s definite truth to all that and I certainly wouldn’t advise a first-time runner to try and beat other runners. But for me, the desire to be the fastest on that day, in that race, against whoever else shows up only fuels my training and performance.
When I train at a 7:15 min/mile pace, that doesn’t mean I’m planning to run the entire race at that pace. When I do sub-7 min/mile sprints and intervals, it’s not so I can sprint for one minute every five minutes during the race. It’s prepping my body, my legs, my lungs and my mind to be able to dig deep and push that hard if the situation warrants. If I’m in second place in the last mile and I can kick in the gas to pass that woman in front of me, I need to be able to do that. I want to be able to do that.
It’s like the first (and only) 10k race I ever won outright. Prior to that race, I felt breaking a 44:00 10k was out of my reach. I ran that race in 42:40. I didn’t train to run it that fast, I had never run more than 2 sub-7 min/miles in a row. But passing everyone within the first mile was encouraging. Hearing people cheer me at mile three at yell, “You’re the lead female!” was empowering. And knowing the next female was only a little ways behind me when I looked back after passing mile five lit a fire inside and drove me to push that last mile faster than I thought I could. It’s what made me win the race AND put up a personal best I never thought possible.
That’s the thing about the power others have over us. Sometimes, other people force us to push past the boundaries we’ve set for ourselves. Why do you think so many people hire personal trainers, go to group fitness classes, have a leg day buddy? Even the most self-motivated person sometimes needs an outside voice to tell them they can do more, and push them to do it.
I’m not saying you should always set a goal of winning a race, of placing top three in your age group, etc. Sometimes, a personal best or just finishing is a victory in itself. And yes, you can’t control what level of runners are going to show up that day and how other racers perform that day. But that’s not setting us up for failure, that’s the spirit of competition and what makes us the best we can be. If you push yourself to the max and give that race everything you have, you’re not a loser or a failure.
Due to this nasty cold bug I can’t seem to shake, I’ll probably go out there on Thursday no longer looking to win. I’ll mentally prep myself to enjoy the run and take it easy so I don’t make myself sicker. But if I happen to feel 100% within those first few paces, you bet your ass I’m running the rest of the way with every intention to be the first woman across the finish line.
I expect to get some backlash from this, so let’s hear it. Do you feel I’m wrong? Should running be all about personal victories? Or, do you think it’s okay, even healthy, to compete against others? Comment below or tweet me @runlikeagirl311.
Slim-Fit, Regular, Curvy – Let’s Add Athletic
“One size does not fit all”
Okay, I’ve gotta vent a little about something. But don’t worry, this won’t just be 600 words of me bitching and moaning – well, it will be that, but also with a solution to the problem!
Over the years, and especially the past few, I’ve found it difficult to find nice, everyday clothes that fit well. Let’s be honest, I think most of us struggle with this. Bodies are not “one-size-fits-all” so we can’t all expect that every one of us who commonly wears a size X is going to fit into that the same size X. For me, personally, my primary struggles come as a result of my more athletic than average build. Big legs, big arms, broader back and shoulders in comparison to a smaller waist and bust. It’s always a challenge for me to find pants that have enough room in the legs without being too big in the waist; or shirts that aren’t baggy throughout the midsection, yet that can accommodate my large arms. And of course, there’s always the desire to avoid the “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” moment that comes with a broader build.
Retailers just don’t commonly make clothes that match athletic builds and conventional sizes then tend to follow – and don’t always work for every body.
This dress wouldn’t have fit without a talented seamstress
A wonderful real-life example of this happened to me last fall, when I was shopping for a bridesmaid dress. Beautiful style of dress, very fitted through the waist, legs and butt. Upon taking my measurements, the sales girl laughed a bit and said, “Well, your bust and waist are size 4…but your legs and butt are closer to a size 8. Wow, we usually don’t see that big a difference!” Thanks, lady. I’m well aware my body isn’t exactly proportionate or one that completely identifies with one size. Sigh, #athleteprobs.
I know I promised you a solution, not just bitching. Don’t worry, I’m getting there.
Now think about real life: Athletes have plenty of choices when it comes to training wearables. There are base layers and everyday workout clothes that stretch and move. You can buy shoes specific to your sport, your foot, your stride. There are even special undergarments and socks; all designed specifically for athletes’ bodies.
While it’s great to have an abundance of choice for workout clothes, what about everyday clothes? Most of us don’t make a living being athletes; we have normal jobs and normal lives where we wear normal clothes – that often don’t quite fit our not-exactly-average bodies.
So here’s my solution: I want clothing companies to take note and start designing clothes for the athletic body. Take pants for example. There’s slim-fit for those with thin builds, regular for “regular” and curvy for bodies that are bigger through the waist, hips butt and leg. But there’s really no option for those of us who embrace leg day and speedwork runs; those of us who could use a little extra room in the quads without the waist being so spacious. Imagine walking into a store, browsing the pants and having the choice of Regular, Slim-Fit, Curvy – and Athletic!
Or instead of shirts being simply Small, Medium and Large, maybe they could have an option that fits nice in the midsection but doesn’t look like you’re having an incredible hulk moment in the sleeves or the above-referenced “Fat Guy in a Little Coat” disaster. They could offer both “Regular” and “Muscular” cuts, kind of like how you can get pants in both Tall and Regular options!
I know I’m not the only one who has these struggles. Anyone else love the idea of clothing companies stepping up and making special options for athletes? Or if you’ve had a great #athleteprobs moment like me, comment or tweet me @runlikeagirl311.
Product Review – Energy Bits
“Powered by bits”
Today, I broke the cardinal rule of racing, something I frequently advise people against: I tried something new the morning of a race.
Love trying out free samples!
Gasp! Yes, it’s true. I made one change to my morning race-day ritual – Energy Bits. I’ve been curious about Energy Bits for awhile now, seeing many runners post their success stores on Twitter with the #PoweredByBits hashtag. I was fortunate to receive a sample and have been excited to try them out. But, as I mentioned in my last race-related entry, I haven’t been training like I usually do. New job, weekend trips, College Game Day being in Fargo again…Yes, yes and yes, but not trying to make excuses. Simply put, I have been slacking on my speed training so hadn’t given myself much opportunity to try them. I decided to take a leap and try them out on a race day. Results? I came in second overall for women and put up a time of 45:04 (not my best performance but not bad, considering).
Now let’s backtrack a bit. When I first heard about Energy Bits, they sounded great. Just pop a couple vs. downing a full energy gel or bar and be good to go. When they arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how tiny they were. Bits? Indeed! But reading the label, I noticed approximately 30 bits was listed as the standard serving. 30? Holy sh*t. Especially for someone who has never been a good pill-taker, that’s a lot to swallow – literally. Still, I wanted to give them a shot, so popped I did.
As I made my way to the start line, I was feeling really good – energized and ready to run. I didn’t feel any strange effects from the bits so that was a good sign. The first two miles were tough – not on my stomach, my legs felt tight and heavy. I know this was due to my lack of training yet somehow I maintained a 7:05 pace. My legs started to feel better going into mile 3 but then a sideache hit. I’ve been running long enough to know that this could be attributed to a dozen different factors and likely had nothing to do with the bits so I just tried to keep even breathing and forge ahead. My pace dropped slightly the next three miles, as low as 7:28 on mile 5. But I was pleasantly surprised by how good and energized I still felt. Sideache gone, I managed to push my last mile a bit, crossing in 45:04. All in all, I feel this was a great race for me – not my best, but still a good one.
Another solid 10k race in the books
Do I think the Energy Bits had a positive effect on my run? Absolutely. Truthfully, I had no business running as fast as I did. At the pace I was going, I should have been gassed halfway through, and especially the last mile. But I wasn’t. Granted, I wasn’t in the best racing shape to push my pace to the max of my capabilities. But still, something kept me churning and I know, today, I’m officially one who can say I was #PoweredByBits!
Side note, I believe in flukes and “good days” so I’ll need to run with bits a couple more times to draw a full conclusion. I still have a couple servings left of my Energy Bits sample, and I’m planning to run another race in mid-October – so watch for a follow up to this blog on my next experience with Energy Bits.
Have you ever tried something new on race day? How did it work out for you? Comment or tweet me @runlikeagirl311.
Race Review – Young Life Triathlon
“You were made for this”
Last Saturday, on a hot, humid and calm morning in beautiful Detroit Lakes, MN, I completed my first Olympic-distance triathlon. It was definitely one of the more challenging events I’ve raced but also one of the most fun! I truly enjoyed it all – even when I thought I would melt into the pavement during the run. Heat and humidity really mess with this North Dakota, winter-loving gal.
I did it!
Beyond the feeling of accomplishment, the event was a great experience thanks to the team behind it. From setup to friendly course volunteers to the finish line hospitality, it was a top-notch event all the way through. I’d like to share my review of the Young Life Triathlon, broken down into each very important piece.
Pre-Race
Packet pickup – which, as any racer knows, can be a nightmarish clusterf*ck – was very well-organized. It took me less than 30 seconds to locate my check-in line and have my packet in-hand.
The transition area was in a good spot and allowed plenty of room for all racers. My only complaint? The distance between the bike dismount and the actual transition area was a bit long – my jell-o legs would have enjoyed less running with my bike.
The Swim
This honestly may have been my favorite part of the course – I don’t think most triathletes would cite the swim as their favorite! Big Detroit Lake is a beautiful setting; there was a sizeable beach area with plenty of room for all the runners to gather, the water was a comfortable temperature and there weren’t too many weeds to get caught up in. And all swimmers went out in heats – Olympic men first, followed by the women, then the Sprint men and women about 20 minutes later. My heat had only about 25 people in it so I never got kicked. Plus, splashing and waves were minimal, as each swimmer had plenty of room for themselves.
As for the course, we received clear instruction (and even a jet-ski demo) of the route prior to the race so I knew exactly where to go. Also, the course had a few turns, marked off with buoys. It was an out-and-back, yet with a few side-to-side, zigzags. I loved that. Rather than one long, seemingly endless, out-and-back path, each turn gave me “check point” to look forward to; a mini goal within the long swim to help break it up and keep me feeling positive about how well I was doing. There were several lifeguards on paddle boards, jet-skis and pontoons, so I always felt safe. The lifeguards on paddle boards took care to get close enough to swimmers to make sure we were okay, as well as provide us with encouragement.
The Bike
Going into it, I knew this would be my least favorite part of the race – and it was. It had nothing to do with the course, biking just isn’t my thing.
But the course was actually pretty good. It went around the lake, there were lots of hills and plenty of nice scenery. I wasn’t a fan of the fact that Olympic athletes had to do two laps (it would have been nice to have one, long route). Also, I had a couple minutes of panic, as I wasn’t sure I was on the right course during the transition into the second lap. There wasn’t much course marking or volunteers to let me know I was going in the correct direction. I was able to stop and ask a volunteer at one point – thankfully, I was still on course!
My time to shine – the run
The Run
Although I was exhausted, I was ready and excited for the run. After all, running is kind of my thing! The course took advantage of a lot of trees and shaded areas, as well as the public beach along Big Detroit Lake.
The first and last mile went along the shoreline, while the bulk of the middle was along a wooded bike trail. While it was nice and shaded on the trail, it was very secluded – it could have been a bit lonely, especially for those who struggle with running. Luckily for me, running is my strongest area, plus I had Chris biking alongside me the whole way.
Post-Race
The advantage of doing the women’s Olympic course was that, by the time we finished, the Sprint runners were long gone and the finish line was all about us. I had about 10 volunteers waiting for me at the finish line, ready to take my ankle chip, hand me cold water and present me with my medal. I also had a lot of people cheering for me – both my family members and a few complete strangers who were waiting for their racer.
The finisher’s chute was long, with plenty of space for fans to line up. There was a big archway and large timing clock, a staple of big races. Food and water were right there at the finish, which was huge – I had to walk and search for a bottle of water after the last marathon I ran, not fun at all. The race finished in the adjacent park, giving plenty of room for runners and spectators to hang out, with the transition area close by to gather all belongings.
Gotta love the race swag!
Overall, the organizers took advantage of the best parts of Detroit Lakes for the athlete/spectator village and the course itself. The volunteers were helpful and enthusiastic. And, of course, no great race would be complete without a sweet finisher’s shirt and medal – check and check! If you’re in the Minnesota area next summer, I highly recommend this race. I plan to do it every summer I’m able to!
Have you raced a really great event this year? What made it great? Post a comment or tweet to me, @runlikeagirl311.
Since When Did Healthy, Fit and Average Become Plus Size?
“Dear Cosmo, kindly take your ideas of “plus size” and shove them up your ass, sideways. Sincerely, every man on the planet who has had to reassure his perfectly healthy and proportioned woman she’s not fat because assholes like you perpetuate this idea in her head that she’s a “plus-size”
Poor Robin Lawley. A beautiful, fit woman tries to make a point and stick it to fat-shamers by baring herself, sans-makeup, in a bikini, and has become the center of criticism and backlash.
The problem isn’t cattiness or jealousy towards her. The problem? Robin Lawley is considered to be a plus-size model…and she is NOT a plus size woman. And everyone – men and women, plus-size and those who wear single-digits, models and the rest of us – are pissed off.
Pictures are all over Facebook of Robin in her bikinis. If you haven’t seen them yet, take a look below.
Who wouldn’t want to look like this?
As you can see – and echoing back to what I said above – Robin Lawley is NOT a plus-size woman. Granted, I can’t accurately conclude her size, weight or health just by looking at her, but the only thing that appears to be “plus sized” about her is her height (but wait, aren’t all models supposed to be tall?). What I can conclude is she appears athletic and fit – and pretty smokin hot.
Me and my girls, rockin our bikinis
To try to make a real-life comparison, this is me in a bikini (with two of my beautiful girlfriends, both around the 5’3” mark). I’m 5’8”, have a broad, athletic build, wear a size 4 on the average and weigh about 145 pounds – in the most basic sense, I’m what I’d say is average or normal-sized. Now, my vision of myself may be skewed, but I’d say I look pretty close to the same size as this “plus size” woman. And I’m not one to get hung up on numbers but since when is a size 4 a plus size? You can see why people are outraged by the modeling industry calling this woman a plus size.
I hate to get on a rant of “society is giving women a skewed idea of body image”…but seriously, this is why so many women have fucked up ideas of normal, healthy bodies and, in turn, body image issues. It’s not that being plus sized isn’t a bad thing – a person can be “overweight” by BMI standards and still be healthy; everyone has cellulite and a tummy roll when they sit down, and that doesn’t mean they’re out of shape. The problem is that referring to Robin Lawley as plus size then sends a dangerous message of what’s normal or average size. Showcasing a woman who looks to be a normal size, healthy weight and fit as plus sized, tells us that a size 00 or extra-small is normal or average. And it’s not. It’s also an insult to actual plus-size models – basically a slap in their beautiful faces, bodies and curves.
Something like this really pisses me off, personally, because it’s another hit against my personal philosophy that women should lift weights and be strong, without fear of being seen as “too big” or “gross”. (I blogged about this a few months back.) Robin Lawley appears to have nice, strong legs and abs. But in the modeling industry – and the “real world” – this makes her a plus size. That’s bullshit.
But, ladies, you know who this really sucks for? The men in our lives. They become exhausted trying to convince us we’re beautiful, normal and healthy when we’re comparing ourselves to a woman like this. The quote at the beginning of this entry is from a man who posted it on Cosmo’s Facebook page. And it’s true. Something like this can have even the most confident, healthy woman questioning how she looks or have a million little insecurities pop up – myself included.
I was explaining this to Chris recently, when all this was really stirring around the internet. I made him look at Robin’s photo, and his reaction was the same as mine: “That woman is NOT plus sized.” But I couldn’t leave it at that. I kept asking him if I looked okay, if he thought of me as average size, if my muscular arms and strong, tree-trunk legs were unattractive to him. Like I needed him to reassure me that I look okay in my bathing suit. That I’m on par with a beautiful, fit model. That I’m an acceptable size.
After he reassured me about a million times, he went on to ask, “You don’t really compare yourself to other women or worry about how you look though, right?” I hesitated – me, normally confident, proud of my muscles and not one to care about my stomach rolls – but couldn’t lie to him. “Yeah, sometimes I do.”
All we can do, myself included, is try to be rational. Keep our heads on straight, and not get sucked into the negativity and bullshit. Remember – someone who wears a size 12 can be in better shape than someone who wears a size 2. A skinny person can be unhealthy and at risk for heart disease whereas someone with curves might be very healthy and have a strong heart. Size doesn’t define us and a scale doesn’t determine our self-worth. Easier said than done, I know.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you feel society perpetuates an unrealistic idea of normal and healthy, or is this sort of incident the exception, and no longer the rule? Comment or tweet me @runlikeagirl311.
What No One Tells You About Running
“If you think a minute goes by fast, you’ve never been on a treadmill”
I feel like I haven’t blogged about running in awhile – that feels so wrong! Pondering the topic I should address got me thinking about all the questions I get asked about running. A lot of them come from newbs to the sport and I always try to be very encouraging. I know it can be scary but it’s also exciting, and want them to know how great running is for the body, mind and soul. You’ll feel so great, I say. You’ll become addicted to it, I say.
This led me into thinking about the not-so-glamorous side of running. You know, the gross, awful and unpleasant parts no one wants to tell you. But I have no problem discussing freely, especially in this space! So here it goes; the 5 things no one wants to tell you about running:
1. Chafing
Young or old. Male or female. Fast or slow. Chafing can happen to anyone. It doesn’t discriminate and that’s why it’s a top fear amongst runners.
Know it. Use it. LOVE it.
For guys, the biggest worry is the nipples. I’ve seen guys with blood streaks running down the front of their shirts during a race – not pretty. I’ve also had my fair share of red splotchy armpits and inner thighs – always fun to explain during the summer months. My best advice? Find comfortable clothes that don’t rub, remember, Body Glide is your BFF and, guys, band-aids on your nipples.
2. Gross Feet
Runners have notoriously gross feet. If you’re running a lot, you’re gonna get blisters. If you’re running a ton, you’ll likely lose a toenail or two. Dry heels, calloused edges, all kinds of good stuff. You could ease this with regular pedis – but honestly, you’re fighting an uphill battle. Gut it out and remember it’s not permanent. Toenails grow back!
3. Stomach Fun
That up-and-down, jostling motion you get with running – yeah, it can make for some “gotta go, right now” moments. A few strategies can help keep this situation at bay.
First, pay attention to what you eat. Certain foods can trigger stomach urges (for me, no blueberries for breakfast before a long run and no ice cream the night before) so monitor and adjust your eating habits until you find what settles nicely in your gut. Second, make every attempt to empty yourself before a run – common sense there. Third, it doesn’t hurt to plan a route that has a gas station or two along the way. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did if an emergency pit stop is needed!
4. Love/Hate Relationship
Most runners love running most of the time (why else would we do it?). But I’m not gonna lie to anyone out there – once you become a runner, there are going to be days you hate running. You absolutely won’t want to go for that run. You’ll dread it. You’ll view the treadmill as your biggest enemy. And if you choose to suck it up and go anyway, you’ll curse every single step.
This feeling becomes especially pronounced during a race – whether 5k or marathon. Most runners will, at some point in their racing career, have that mental breakdown moment of, “Why am I doing this?” (for me, this tends to occur around mile 19 or 22 during a marathon).
Don’t worry, it’s totally normal. If you absolutely need a day off, take it. If it’s during a race, try as best you can to focus on the positives – how far you’ve come, how little you have left in the grand scheme, a post-race beer – whatever it takes to get you across the finish line (where you’ll remember why you love it so much and be so glad you did it!).
5. The Long Run Cry
As someone who has gone through this every year I’ve trained for a marathon, I feel I need to warn all who are considering running a marathon: There will be one long run that is so awful it causes you to break down and cry. Seriously. It will happen. Be prepared for it, let it happen in that moment, then move on and move forward.
What do you wish you’d been told about running before you started? Comment or tweet to me @runlikeagirl311 so I can share them!
100 Days of Happy
“When I was five years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they told me to write down what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
I absolutely love this quote, 1) because it comes from my favorite writer and musician, John Winston (Ono) Lennon and, 2) the simplicity of its message.
I’ve been seeing a lot of #100daysofhappy hashtags along with photos and updates on social media. I love photos, I’m a social media nerd & it looks like fun so I’ve decided to start documenting my #100daysofhappy tomorrow.
#100daysofhappy
Why take part in this? Why not?! I appreciate life, small moments as well as the big ones, and do my best to never take a single day for granted. I’d like to think I’m not alone in those thoughts but recognize some days are much harder to appreciate than others. Your job sucks, your kid is being unbearable; maybe you had a fight with your girlfriend or BFF. Regardless of the bullshit, there’s always something good that can be pulled out of each day – you just have to make the effort to see it. Maybe one of my moments will be an uplifter for someone out there who’s having one of those rough days. Or a simple reminder to all to try and find something memorable and wonderful about each day.
It’s like the movie, “500 Days of Summer”. Did you see it? If not, you should. This quirky flick pairs one of my fave actors, Joseph Gordon Levitt, with the always adorbs Zooey Deschanel, and follows them through 500 days of their relationship. Not a typical couple, not a typical movie romance; just very honest, very real. Although – spoiler alert – much of the latter half of its 500 days are pretty rough for Mr. JGL, I think the movie had a similar message to mine in that every day matters and should be appreciated and remembered, no matter what.
So for the next 100 days, I’ve committed to taking at least one photo to represent my #100daysofhappy. Some I’ll share, others I won’t – I realize not everyone cares to see another photo of my dog or beer I’m enjoying on a patio. On days I don’t share a photo, I’ll share a moment of some sorts (barring a situation that places me in the middle of nowhere with no internet service).
Feel free to follow my #100daysofhappy on Twitter & Instagram. Better yet? Start your own commitment to find happiness in each day for the next 100. Then, comment or tweet me your Twitter/Instagram handles @runlikeagirl311 so I can follow yours.
There’s Dumb, There’s Dumber, Then There’s Detox
“One cannot think well, love well & sleep well if one has not dined well”
We made it to June! After this hellish winter, I’m loving it. Who doesn’t want to see more sunshine and a bunch of toothless, bearded guys hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup? On the flip side, this time of year brings for many a sense of panic, as summer is here. Shorts, tank tops and swimsuits – oh my! Regardless of size or body confidence, the thought of all that exposed skin can be intimidating to anyone. I think this is why detox diets gain a lot of buzz this time of year.
I’m not going to weigh pros and cons, nor am I going to explore both sides of the argument. No beating around the bush, I’m 100% against detox diets. Cleanses, juice fasts, any diet that promotes severe calorie restriction or liquids-only gets two thumbs down.
It’s okay to eat – even enjoy a slice of pizza.
Throughout the years, I’ve heard a lot of reasons why people choose to put themselves through these unpleasant diets. Now I’m going to shoot them down one by one.
*Disclaimer – The libertarian in me wants to remind you that it’s a free country and you can and should do whatever you please. If you want to drink nothing but lemon juice with cayenne pepper for days, go for it. I’ll just be over here, eating my veggie pizza, salad and Raisinettes.
I Want To Cleanse My System and Flush Out Toxins
Toxins you say? Geez, what the heck have you been eating?! Jokes aside, “cleanse” diets are unnecessary. Thanks to your liver, your body possesses the ability to detox and cleanse itself without cutting out food or drinking bizarre concoctions.
Also, you don’t have to stop eating real food to feel lighter and cleansed. Just scale back the processed and junk foods, and instead opt for so-called “clean” foods. Fresh veggies, healthy salads, fiber-rich fruits, lean protein and low-fat dairy are all delicious, real food that will leave you feeling satisfied – not like you need to devour an entire sleeve of double-stuff Oreos.
I Need To Go Extreme To Jumpstart Healthier Eating
Back in college, I had a couple friends who couldn’t start a new healthy eating plan without an extreme kickoff – which meant forgoing food entirely and going on a liquids-only diet. I don’t need to tell you they were miserable every time, always succumbing to cravings after the second day and partaking in some serious overeating.
Unless you have a horrible stomach bug, there’s never a good reason to completely cut out food from your diet. Drastically reducing calories sends your bod into starvation mode and throws your metabolism out of whack. Not to mention no one is going to want to hang out with you if they feel they can’t eat or enjoy a cocktail without risk of being mauled or chastised. (“Yes, please stare, judge me and tell me how many calories I just ate.” Said no one ever.)
If you need to be extreme, eliminate less-than-the-healthiest foods cold turkey. Satisfy your sugar fix with berries instead of candy. Craving carbs for dinner? Nix pasta with garlic bread and instead try spaghetti squash with light sauce and veggies. It’s gonna take some willpower to make those good choices every time but remember – this way, you still get to eat!
I Want A Quick Fix For My Upcoming __________ (Class Reunion, Pool Party, Etc.)
It’s hard to argue with this one. Yes, if you stop eating, you’ll probably drop weight fast and feel lighter for said event. But what happens after, when you go back to normal eating? The weight is going to come right back and all that’s going to plummet quickly this time is your self-esteem. Then comes negative self-talk, feelings of failure and, very likely, bingeing.
It’s not worth it. Why not use this event as a reason to start a healthier eating program, rather than a reason you need to go on a crash diet? As for the event itself, focus on feeling confident and happy. Buy something new that flatters your best assets and always surround yourself with friends who don’t judge you based on the fact you have a real body with real cellulite and maybe even some arm flab (it’s okay, we’ve all got something).
Finally, a simple point that’s especially true for athletes but also applies to anyone who gets out of bed every day and lives life in some form – you have to eat. Plain and simple, you can’t survive without eating. And, c’mon, what would life be without dinner dates, a small tub of popcorn at the movies and one delish cupcake to celebrate your best friend’s birthday? Just keep it in check and reasonable. When you do over-indulge, get over it and get back on track at your next meal.
Agree with my views on detox or think I’m totally off? Comment or tweet me your opinion, @runlikeagirl311
Now What? Life After A Marathon
“Getting lost? I prefer to think of it as, ‘Going exploring’”
Remember when I said the taper is the hardest part of marathon training? Time to talk about, what I feel is the second-hardest part of training, and this one’s applicable to any distance, not just marathons – what to do after the race is over.
A friend of mine ran her first marathon last spring. Throughout training, she asked me questions and for advice on various things one would expect – how to prevent chafing, how to recover from that horrible long run that makes you break down and cry, how early to get there on race day, those types of things. It never dawned on her to ask any questions about what happens after the race, particularly the one big question that comes for most runners – what do I do now?
She was feeling something nearly all runners experience: The feeling of being lost. Race training consumes much of one’s life in the weeks or months leading up to the event. After it’s over, we go back to “normal” life, but it’s a state of normal we haven’t known for some time. No longer the race-day carrot dangling in front of us, most runners struggle with motivation to keep running, with going back to normal eating, or getting back into a weight lifting routine – in a nutshell, motivation to make healthy choices; the things most people struggle with all the time. But in the post-race phase, it’s a “new normal” that takes some getting used to and some strategy to overcome.
Hello, new friend!
For those struggling with motivation to keep running, I say give yourself a break. Whether you’re still a little sore or just burned out, take some time off from running to explore. Discover new classes at the gym or hit the weights if you never have before. Give yourself the freedom of not having your week dictated by mileage goals or speed work runs. For me personally, this was how I got into triathlons. No longer feeling the need to focus all my time and energy on running, I opted to head outside on nice afternoons to go biking. In the mornings, instead of worrying about squeezing in extra miles on the treadmill, I incorporated lap swimming into my routine; something I had never done but quickly grew to love.
If you need a kick to get back into workout habits, just in general, the best advice I can give is to set new goals. Whether it’s a triathlon, a new 5k PR or just to feel confident baring your arms in summer attire, find something that will keep your inner fire burning. If all else fails, don’t think about working out; rather, make a point to simply get outside and enjoy the nice spring weather. Go walking, take up golf, just do something active that doesn’t feel like working out.
As for advice on how to go back to normal eating, well you’ll have to look elsewhere for that…I’ve been trying to figure out that one for years!
Runners, have you had this same experience of feeling lost after a big race? Those of you who can relate, what are some tips you have for going back to normalcy? Tweet them to me, @runlikeagirl311.