Tag: marathon

8 Ways to Get Through an 8 Mile Run

Published on by saraandhersolesLeave a comment

Training runs greater than a 10K are what start to get my nerves going. Can I do it? Ugh, it’s so far. Procrastinate, procrastinate, procrastinate. Nonetheless, it needs to be done to get closer to that end goal. Today’s mileage: 8 miles. Course: Double Diamond to Double R, to South Meadows, to Veterans, to Steamboat Pkwy and finally back to Double Diamond. A perfect 8 miles.  Here’s how I often survive the trek:

  1. Listen to a Podcast. Today was actually the first time I chose chatter over tunes. Thanks to The Nerdist, Chris Hardwick, Daniel Radcliffe, Allison Tolman and Kelly Carlin, I found myself laughing through 90 minutes of frigid cold pavement pounding.
  2. Brush up on your boy band dance moves. My playlists are known to have a few Nsync and BSB tunes so if you ever see me out on a run, don’t take it personal if I’m motioning and mouthing “Bye, Bye, Bye.”
  3. Plan an errand mid-course. Something quick like making a deposit at the bank. Jog up to the ATM, do what you need, and keep on going. Long runs take time – gearing up, stretching, recovery and of course the actual run — so take advantage of where your feet are taking you and double dip.
  4. Stare at something pretty and zone out.
  5. Count how many times you almost get hit by a car because the driver is texting. Spend a quarter of a mile cursing them.
  6. Use a gel for an energy boost half way through. In the past, I’ve used Cliff Blocks, but might have gotten too used to them as they no longer have an effect on me. Right now, I’m testing out a GU variety pack I ordered off of Amazon and find that I prefer the fruity ones over desserty ones.
  7. Channel your inner B. Rabbit and have a rap battle with yourself. If your trail is secluded enough, don’t hesitate to belt that ish out. (Side tip: if you can’t rap/talk aloud without huffing and puffing, you’re running too fast.)
  8. Run with a friend. It never hurts to have someone along the way to motivate you. Even if you both have your headphones in, their presence alone keeps you on pace, focused and finished in no time.

On your mark, get set…

Published on by saraandhersolesLeave a comment

GO! That’s what my mind told me after weeks of deliberation on whether or not I was going to click submit.

After being unhealthy my entire life, after years of self-doubt, no confidence and size 22 pants, I finally decided to take action. I struggled with dieting, lacked consistency at the gym, and couldn’t face reality. Then, I found running. Or rather, running found me.

With the longer miles went the pounds of fat. With the need to focus on other areas, came group fitness classes and fitness friends. With the desire to fuel the body, came better eating habits. One mile on a treadmill turned into a 5K by the Truckee. Thirst quenched for longer distances and bigger medals and my wall ached to add more racing bibs to it. A random emotional panic lead to signing up for a half marathon. “Can’t imagine running another 13.1 miles,” turned into “I think I’m finally going to do it.”

You’ll learn more and I’ll tell more as we embark on this journey to 26.2 together. I plan to share my training journey, new products tested, trails explored, aches, pains and cries for motivation. Whoever you are, for whatever reason you’re reading, I hope you’ll enjoy.

See you at the finish line.