Training Tips

I am obviously not a professional marathon runner or anything close to that, but running is something I do love to do. It makes me happy and clears my mind. I go through phases sometimes where I crave a good run. It's therapeutic for me. I also love running towards a goal. It is harder for me to get out and motivated to run just because, than it is for me to get out and run because I am training for a race. Tomorrow I am running my third half and I think I am ready for it. {I hope I am ready for it!}

I've been thinking of what it is that helps me train for these races and this is my best list:

• PLAYLIST. First and foremost, get a good playlist going on your ipod/iphone. I use Pandora or Spotify on my iphone and it is the best. I love that it switches up the songs and you never know what you're going to get:)
• STRETCH. I am guilty in admitting that I am not the best stretcher, but it needs to be done! 
• PLAN. Plan your routes ahead of time. I like to have a general route in my mind before I go for my run and if I decide to make it longer by adding in a few streets or if I want to cut it short, then that's the fun part and then I'll decide as I go. But have a general idea of where you want to run.
• SEND A QUICK TEXT. This is the worrier in me coming out, but if you run by yourself, then tell someone that you are going for a run. I always text J before I start my run just to make sure he knows where I am and what I am doing. Just in case.
• REST. Rest days are so important for you body to rest and recuperate. 
• BE COMFY.  Figure out what you like to run in and what works best for you. I have a pair of running shorts that drive me absolutely insane when I am running and I cannot think of anything else while running. So be as comfortable as you can be. It will make your runs so much more enjoyable.
• WEAR SUNSCREEN. I'm an esthetician, I have to say it...wear sunscreen! It takes 5 seconds to put on. Really. Or wear a hat. Just do it..don't be dumb.
• KEEP TRACK. Find a good app that can track your mileage and routes. I use RunKeeper and love it. It keeps track of my distance, calories, average pace, etc. 

happy running!