A few weeks ago I wrote that I signed up for my first half marathon. I asked for suggestions from runners and friends, as running anything more than 5 miles was outside my realm of comfort. I received so much great feedback and have implemented a lot of advice during my training. I find myself 2 weeks out from my race and have put together a little list of my own advice & tie bits learned while preparing for 13.1 miles of running.
1.) Long Runs deserve a Run Buddy – Shorter runs during the week haven’t been an issue, it’s the longer runs on the weekend where I find myself needing extra support. Running is so much easier when you have a run buddy, someone who will help you remain accountable and support you when all you want to do is stop.
it would be hard to get through my long weekend runs without him!
2.) HYDRATE – So simple and yet, as the days are getting shorter and colder, I find myself gravitating to more coffee than to more H20. I made the mistake of not drinking enough water before an afternoon jaunt and it ruined my run. My body was so dehydrated I felt dizzy and could only focus on getting to a water fountain. It was miserable. Now I make sure to bring my Nalgene water bottle to work and fill it up consistently throughout the day. If you need help remembering, Apple has a a few apps that helps you track your daily intake and receive reminders!
3.) Make Friends with a Foam Roller- It’s a love/hate relationship but my foam roller has been useful for loosening up super tight quads and calves. I look at it like a free massage…. without the scented massage oil and tranquil spa music. YOGA compliments running nicely! As my friend Kate Bobkat says, “Run like a ninja and stretch like a swami!”
giving the hamstrings a stretch
4.) Fuel the Body – I’ve figured out that my body likes to run on an empty stomach. Eating too close to a run makes me feel heavy, lethargic and has upset my body on more than one occasion. Because of this, I like to accomplish my runs in the AM if possible. However after my run I am all about a good meal. Usually it’s a loaded smoothie or a full bowl of protein packed oatmeal. If’ it’s a weekend, these pancakes made with banana and oats are delicious!
5.) Running is Emotional – I battle every sort of emotion on my long runs/trail runs. I’ve felt so upset I want to cry, so angry I want to yell and so defeated I want to stop. I’ve also experienced extreme gratification, renewed self- confidence and unshakable determination. All these feelings are fleeting, some of them lasting seconds. Before I know it my run is complete and I always finish feeling fulfilled and achieved. Once it’s all said and done, I reflect back and think.. “it wasn’t that bad..”
