Little Miss Runshine

Photo by Nick Cosky Photography

I have the Boston Run to Remember coming up this Sunday.  At first I was hoping to really go in with a specific race goal.  However, I got distracted by the month of Everybody Fights that I purchased through Gilt.  I went to too many classes and didn’t really focus on running (story of my life).  My main goal going into this race is to feel good.  That means that if I find that I can really race it–I will.  But if I end up feeling like crap and want to use it as a training run–that’s what I’ll do.

My fastest half marathon after my hip injury was 1:41:22 and my fastest pre-injury is 1:35:43.  I’ve got some work to do to get back to pre-injury speed.  I know how much work it took to get to that pace in the first place and am excited to work on that goal.  I find coming up with my training plan and being adaptive to what I need to for training a fun challenge and so rewarding to see results once I get them.  But it’s not just about the results for me–it’s about the whole experience:  getting out there to be active, learning more about myself and growing as a person, meeting new people and enjoying the journey.  I’m just so excited and thankful that I’m back running distance.  I still remember that time period where I thought I’d never run distance again.  Now look at me!  Six half marathons and a marathon since my injury!

Portland Marathon training begins June 5th and I really need to start to focus on running.  I realize that trying to complete BBG while marathon training might be a little ambitious but I also chatted with Zoë, aka MilesFitter, about this combo (thanks Ashley for the suggestion!).  Zoë mentioned that she was able to complete BBG while marathon training and it helped her stay injury-free.  Everyone’s body is different so if I find that it’s becoming too much–I’ll cut down on BBG.

Along with being better about running, I am going to try to be better about my nutrition.  I’m trying to start to track my food in MyFitnessPal.  When I was at my peak marathon shape in the past–I was tracking food so I could be aware of my nutrition.  I could see if I was really missing the mark on getting enough of the nutrients I need (I realized I was really slacking on veggie intake!).  Zoë mentioned that she didn’t follow the BBG health plan. She ate healthy during the week and did whatever she wanted on the weekends.  Because Dave and I enjoy exploring food so much–I think that will be my strategy too!

Photo by Nick Cosky Photography

I made it through week 2 of the pre-training and I’m still feeling good and excited to keep up with the workouts!  The wireless headphones that I bought arrived last Thursday so I got to try them out on Friday’s workout.  One of the earbuds kept falling out of my ear, but I think I need to try a different bud (it came with so many!).  I find doing the workout with music is really helpful because it keeps me distracted.  Even when I did a workout with a friend last week–we both had our headphones in while we did the workout.  (PS–anyone have any good workout song suggestions?!)

My last two weeks have been something like this routine:

• Monday – 3 mile run and BBG
• Tuesday – 4-5 mile run
• Wednesday – 3 mile run and BBG
• Thursday – 4 mile run or rest
• Friday – 3 mile run and BBG
• Sat – long run
• Sun – rest

On the days I do BBG, I’ll give myself a break and not run if I can tell my body needs a little more rest.  If I do a run–I try to keep it easy so it’s more like a warmup for the workout not a training run.  I still can’t emphasize how much I love that the workouts are only half an hour.  I’ve heard a lot of people are skeptical that only half an hour can produce such results and I can’t help but also be slightly skeptical.  If I keep with it–I’ll find out!

I’m excited/nervous for today’s workout because it’s different than the first two weeks and it includes some weighted options (medicine ball squat and press).  I am doing my workout this afternoon at Republic Fitness with Daena (aka Baddie).  We both are trying to improve our running and just get stronger in general.

My legs are feeling a bit sore but I haven’t been good with the recovery and stretching so I’m not surprised.  I bought a 10 pack for Barre and Soul in Harvard Square and plan on attending a few classes this week.  I think that will help and also force me to recovery a bit for this weekend’s half marathon!  Anyone else struggle with fitting in your stretching and/or yoga?

---

Disclaimer:  I am partnering with Republic Fitness and get to use the facilities in exchange for sharing some love on social for them!  All opinions are my own.