Running Tips

Posts About Running:

Tips for Begginner Runners Part I:

“Great results cannot be achieved at once; and we must be satisfied to advance in life as we walk/run, step by step.”

10 Ways I Became a Better Runner:

1. A runny buddy, who teaches me sooo much and I love that I have her lean on for any running advice!

2. A good pair of running shoes, my Women’s ASICS GT that I adore. I haven’t gotten a single blister from, but I did have to get a second pair after the 13th week of training.

3. My new love for running skirts. I used to think they were so girly and made fun of women who wore them, thought they were trying to be too cute or something. Well I was wrong they are not only cute, they are also soooo comfy!

4. My Garmin Forerunner 301. It’s not the new new one, but I think I like it better. It helps me pace myself and push myself, and let’s me know how many miles I have run which is a necessity when your on a 20mile run.

5. Hammer Nutrtion I wouldn’t take anything else. I use there Heed sports drink for my long runs (mild melon is my fave).The gels are just as good to, to pump me up on a long run. “HAMMER GEL is an easily digested, concentrated source of complex carbohydrates with four amino acids added to enhance performance and prolong energy levels during intense training and competition. HAMMER GEL has a syrup-like consistency that mixes easily with water if so desired. ”

6.Protein powder, a must after a long run as well as HOT YOGA!

7. My water bottle, I never used to carry one. Now that I am wiser, I know better and take one on all my runs, this one is my favorite

8. A great plan, never thought I would try and run a 3:30 marathon. When you have the plan it’s a little easier, it’s not easy just nice and convenient.

9. My wonderful Ipod Nano that gets me through those long runs. There is something about music that gets my butt moving!

10. Last but certainly not least my hubby. He has been so encouraging through all of my training. Doing drop offs, taking us to races, waking up early to make my coffee, and just being my number one fan! I love this man

My Marathon Tips

First 10 Miles:

Start out slow. I took off way to fast at the Boston Marathon, running 7 minute miles! Take it slow. I know if I keep my pace steady at the beginning my body will thank me in the end.

Run my own race. Don’t be worried if I see a lot of people passing me. Something I have struggled with in other marathons is thinking I wasn’t going fast enough,because of the folks that were speeding by me! I have to remember, they may be starting out way too fast, so I’ll catch them later at my own pace!

Don’t get too emotional. Try to stay as calm as possible for the first 10 miles. At the St.George Marathon I almost broke down because I was getting too emotional. I will need to conserve my mental energy for the ENTIRE race!

Miles 11-20:

Break up the race. Start breaking up the race into smaller segments. It will make the distance and feel more manageable. When I pass the half marathon mark I only have one more half to go, and at the 20 miler mark I could say just a 10k and I am done!

Stay mentally tough. A runners mental toughness will really start to be tested during these miles. I need not to give into periods of self-doubt and discomfort. I need to remember all the training that I have done and have faith in it. I need to constantly think about how hard I have worked and how rewarding it will be to complete the race.

Beat boredom. Do whatever it takes to keep my mind occupied: I can sing songs, play mental games, count people, talk to other runners(I am hoping to run along side Meghann).

Miles 21-26.2:

Think outside my body. These are the miles I feel the most pain! I know will certainly feel tired. I need to let my mind take over from my body and try to focus on the outside — the spectators, the other runners, the scenery.

Set small milestones. I need to break up the course, mile by mile. Start counting down the miles and the minutes.

Talk to myself. At this point in the race, I need to dig down deep for extra strength. Reminding myself what I have sacrificed( sleep, social time) to get to this point!!

MARATHON PACKING LIST

Essential Gear – “Carry On” Luggage Items:

• Running Shoes
• Socks
• Road ID
• IPod
• Garmin
• Sports Bra
• Sunglasses
• Clothes your wearing for the race, just in case your luggage doesn’t make it
• water bottle
• camera

Other Possible Clothing Items

• Singlet
• Shorts/Skirt
• Warm-Ups (Jacket and Long Pants)
• Sports Bra
• Gloves
• Hat
• T-Shirt (Long and Short Sleeve)
• Sweat Shirt

Possible* Food Items

• Power Bars
• Gel Energy Supplements
• Snack/Pre-Race Items (e.g., Bagels, Muffins, Fruit, etc.)
• Sports Drinks
• Bottled Water (especially for the airplane)

Your Bag after the Race( VERY IMPORTANT!)

• warm ups
• water
• Recoverite( you need to get this!)
• Protein Bars
• wipes to wipe off your face!!
• hat
• flip flops
• phone