If you saw my IG stories from last Saturday, I did an accidental half marathon. And by accident, I mean I thought I could run through 3 beach side towns in San Diego and it would magically equal 5-7 miles. Nope. If you run from Del Mar to Torrey Pines State Park, then North to Encinitas and back, it is a bit longer than that. {sorry, if you aren’t from San Diego, and have no idea about these towns. But when readers ask for San Diego suggestions, I always include Del Mar}.
What I Wore:
Bike Shorts || SPF T-shirt || Running Shoes || Sunscreen || Jackson Hole Hat
Like I said in my IG post, I used to struggle through 3-5 mile runs. And by struggle, I mean on those running days, I was tired and had to push myself to get through. During this quarantine, I didn’t even really have a workout goal, besides working out each day. {at the time, I made this promise to myself, we thought this wouldn’t last much longer than a month. But now I’m committed.}
I had to look back, but my first long run was one week in and was 5.5 miles. The only truly thing I did to prepare is just set a goal. If I tell myself I’m going to accomplish something fitness wise, I will crawl to the finish line. In real life, not so much, but fitness goals I make happen. Running has always been one of my favorite things, like in the whole wide world. I like that you can do it anywhere, alone or with people and that it has always calmed me down. Even when I was obese in college, no really, my BMI was hiiiiigh, I would run a mile around campus to de stress and be so proud of myself. When I lived in Rome, I lived for my after work runs in the Villa Pamphili to enjoy the late summer nights, unwind and feel like a local. I ran through both pregnancies, and quickly thereafter and have always loved to do it. Pre kids, I even ran 5-8 half marathons.
The best advice, if you are looking to run longer, is to know yourself. I know that once I power through to mile 4, I can really go most of the day. {or so I thought until last Saturday. Mile 12 is another doozy.}
My Advice:
- Don’t Go To Fast: Pace yourself! I’ve been distancing running with a friend a couple of times and she has a running coach that says don’t push too hard. I don’t like to go slow, and my playlist makes it nearly impossible. But pace yourself, especially when you are starting out, so you don’t get injured and you get used to a cadence and pace that feels good.
- Don’t Go Every Day: I have only run back to back a handful of times during this entire quarantine so I don’t injure myself.
- Switch Up Your Shoes: I have two pair of running shoes {linked above} that I switch up. That way blisters don’t happen and I don’t get the same wear and tear on my feet.
- Have a Goal: Maybe its to run for 10 minutes straight. Maybe its to run 10+ miles. Maybe its to learn to like running. Whatever it is, have a goal so you will feel accomplished!
- Track Yourself: I use my Apple Watch and app so I can see how fast I ran certain distances, on days I was tired, how that affected my time, etc. I like to make room for improvement and push myself.
- Have Fun!: To me, running is super fun. Make sure you have a good headspace so you are enjoying yourself!
Sunday:
3.5 mile outdoor run
Monday:
30 minute outdoor walk
Sweat App PWR at Home 1.0- Week 3- Arms & Abs
Tuesday:
6 mile outdoor run
Wednesday:
45 minute outdoor hike
Sweat App PWR at Home 1.0- Week 3- Legs & Abs
Jumping rope on and off to One Direction for about 10 minutes
Thursday:
7 mile run
Sweat App PWR at Home 1.0- Week 3- Chest & Triceps
Friday:
3 mile outdoor walk
Sweat App PWR at Home 1.0- Week 3-Back & Shoulders
Saturday:
13.1 mile run by the water
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