I have no idea how and why but yesterday I ran 8 miles like I’d been running for years. It felt amazing. Which is a shocker considering last week when I ran 6 miles it didn’t feel so good. Let me remind you that I haven’t ran on a regular basis since I was in middle school. Since mid-college I would run for a few weeks here and there around 1-2 miles a few times a week before a trip or when I was attempting to exercise, but running didn’t give me motivation — which is why I started doing yoga and CrossFit. Now that I have the motivation due to the Nike Women Half Marathon I’m running in April, I have to run.
Last week’s 6-mile run I ran at a 9’16″ pace. I just felt off the entire time and wasn’t enjoying it but for me, that was a good pace. The trail was boring, etc. This weekend, the weather was perfect, and I somehow didn’t psych myself up for the run. I had good runs all week, so that was encouraging. Having my husband with me on the weekends is always motivating and he helps push and pace me. With a few stoplight stops and dodging the masses of tourists looking up at all the monuments we ran 8 miles at an 8’57″ pace. Honestly, I couldn’t believe it. I felt great the entire time and felt like I could have kept going. The entire run just felt good. I was shocked and happy at the same time.
I don’t know if my body has just finally gotten used to running, or I ate the right things, or what but I’m finally starting to “get it” and I hope that the majority of my runs feel that way. It’s so encouraging. We also changed up where we ran this weekend, we went down to all the monuments so there was an abundance of interesting things to look at and keep my mind occupied.
Again, I JUST started seriously running 5 weeks ago, so if you have ever considered running, you should give it a shot. Sign up for a run, give yourself plenty of time to train, but don’t slack and just see where it takes you! I’ve continued to do yoga twice a week and I always give my body a good stretch after each run. One thing I’m still getting the hang of is that I am always hungry! So I’m having to figure out more types of food to eat (I’m super picky) and just get used to eating more often.
Do you workout a lot? What do you eat? I need good (healthy/somewhat healthy) snack ideas!
P.S. In this pic I am wearing the Nike Sphere Dry Half-Zip, Nike Dry-FIT Tank, Nike LunarGlide+4 Shoes, Nike Tech Running Tights, and Nike Sport Watch GPS.
*Nike is sponsoring me to run the DC Women’s Half Marathon. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
This is so inspiring. I think it’s important to find that motivation. I used to run a lot and was in great shape, but then it just stopped being fun. Maybe I’ll have to try again! Thanks Meg!
Go get yourself some fun new running gear & upload new music on your ipod!
When I ran my first half marathon, they said there were certain mile markers that are difficult for people to get over. 6 seems more difficult than 7, 8, or 9. Then 12 can seem easier than 12! Who knows! Keep up the good work! Running can be addicting. – Lindsay
This has totally inspired me to hop on the running train!!! I love to work out but have never really become a runner but have always wanted to! Thanks!
When it sucks you just have to keep going!
i just signed up for a 1/2 in june in SF and have no idea how to start training. like no clue. where are you getting your training info/schedule? help a non runner out! (i may have lost my mind btw but you are giving me hope!)
so inspiring! i always said that i “wish” i liked running, but maybe I jsut need to get out there and do it!
xo
I think it’s something where you just have to get through the part of training your body, and I’m not saying I’m there yet. Maybe I am, but I’m sure there will be many other runs that aren’t amazing along with the good ones!
I think weather and just the overall attitude you have that day makes all the difference! I’m training for my first half also and I’ll run 6 miles like crap one week, then run the same 6 miles the next and shave 10 min off my time. It’s crazy…such a head game I think. And perfect running weather makes such a huge difference in my runs. Good luck with your half – you look awesome!
Congrats!! Isn’t it such a great feeling? Just saying ‘ I ran 8 miles ‘ feels so good, and that’s a great pace time, too.
I’ve had a couple great runs in training for my 1/2 marathon that’s coming up in 4 weeks- and then there has also been a couple where I just think there’s no way I’m going to finish. But, when those happen, I just remember the day that I kicked 6, or 8 miles in the rear.
Love all of your running posts, Meg! I just recently committed myself to a half marathon, and am now trying to pick the right training schedule and when to schedule 5K and 10K milestones. It is nice to have something to work towards! Do you recommend any eating habits that have worked for you?
It’s really a trial and error process. And as your body gets used to running what/when you eat might not matter as much. I try to make sure that I eat enough so I have enough energy to run. At first I think that, and possibly low potassium was my problem. I try not to eat about 90 minutes before I run. You can also drink coconut water (there are flavored ones) to help balance out your electrolytes.
Awesome, Meg! And thanks for the encouragement about running! I have never been a runner and, like you, do Crossfit and yoga. I’m doing my first 10k next month and Tough Mudder in June. I’m just starting my run training and your post couldn’t have come at a better time! Keep it up!
I think having some sort of goal helps soooooo much.
Good for you, that’s so awesome! I started running (halfheartedly, I will admit) about 2-3 years ago and I’ve never really gotten the hang of it! It’s really hard for me, and like I said, I’m really halfhearted about it. I go through waves of it being really, really good and then it’s REALLY bad. I’m feeling positive about it currently, though (and got new shoes that I LOVE), so I’m hopeful for spring! Your posts about your training keep me motivated to keep trying!
xo,
Shay
That’s wonderful! Hoping you have many more runs like that. Keep it up!
Congratulations on the run! That is the best feeling! I have always been a runner, but never more than 3-4 miles at a time and just finished my first race–a 15k–earlier this year. Now I have my first half on Sunday and while I am super nervous, I am also so ready for that feeling of accomplishment! As far as health tips go, I would say the MOST important thing for me is to stay hydrated. Even weeks before the race I have been consciously drinking more water to ensure I am getting enough for race day. Good luck, love your posts about running! xo
Good for you Meg! When I was training for my half marathon, I found that some days just felt better than others. Feeling “good” or “less than good” did seem to be closely tied to how well I was taking care of myself in other areas (diet, the amount of water I drank, how much sleep I got, etc.), but I think it’s just part of the natural ebb and flow of your training. Good luck!
PS. I always found that homemade Larabars were great fuel for my runs! I have a recipe on my blog.
I will definitely be checking out those recipes! Thanks!
i was just thinking tonight that i need some good new healthy snacks as well.
a few of my favourites:
celery with some sort of nut butter
slices of apple, spread with almond butter, and sprinkled with hemp seeds and cinnamon
mini cucumbers
sea vegetable rice crackers with some type of cheese
cottage cheese (occasionally mixed with pear)