Hi Carrots ”˜N Cake readers! This is Monica from Run, Eat, Repeat. I love running, eating and eating while running (now you know why there’s a sandwich in my sports bra)! Since Tina is partying it up in Vegas I thought I’d share some tips on getting ready for a training run.
I am currently training for my 4th marathon and have learned that what you do before a long run can be as important as the run itself. Your “pre-run” rituals can often make or break your long runs. So, here are some tips on what you can do to make it a winning run before you even lace up:
1. Get physically ready. If you are asking your body to pound out multiple miles set yourself up for success by being:
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Well Rested
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Hydrated
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Fueled
To make sure you are going out with a full tank of gas energy, fuel up well the night before (if you’re a morning runner) or a few hours before with a carb filled snack (if you’re an afternoon runner). Sure, I’m not telling you anything that’s rocket science, but these simple things can get “lost” during a busy day. Training Tip: Make sure you schedule your runs in a calendar so you know its coming and you can prepare for it. Trust me, you don’t want to do a long run unprepared – I’ve been there and it sucks.
2. Mental – Get your head in the run. The hardest part of running for me is the mental aspects of it. I have to admit that I have ruined many long runs when they got hard and I couldn’t give myself a good pep talk. To prevent throwing your arms up in defeat and going back home – be ready for the wall. Realize you will have runs that seem impossible and make a list of things you will tell yourself when they do. We are all motivated by different thoughts so find what works for you – a good song, an inspiring mantra – then say it over and over to yourself. Training Tip: I get my head in “running mode” by reading running magazines and running blogs. Lucky for me (and the producers of Hoarders) I never throw old running mags out, so I always have reading material available.
3. Supplies – Technically, all you need to run is shoes and a good sports bra (unless you want to put on a show), but having certain gear really helps make it a successful run! Just like you would prepare for an important meeting by gathering any important papers you will need, you must gather the necessary tools for your run. Training Tip: I set out my pre-run fuel and my mid-run gels before the run and always buy a big stash of them when I restock. You don’t want to be about to walk out the door Saturday at 6am and realize you don’t have any fuel (now you know why there’s a sandwich in my bra)! I’m pretty obsessed with chocolate Honey Stinger gels, it’s like chocolate frosting.
Finally, just lace up and go for it. If you have fueled up, chosen your running mantra, grabbed your Gu and you still don’t feel like running”¦too bad. Okay, just kidding. But at this point you have 2 options – you can decide to quit before even trying OR you can realize that you’re done everything right up until this point and you might as well try! I pick the 2nd option because it’s the only way I’ll get to eat that amazing chocolate Honey Stinger”¦
If you have any questions on how many times I fall during a routine run (or anything else) feel free to ask at Run,Eat,Repeat!
