Announcement!! Find Yourself. Find Your Finish Line.

Hi! I have a big announcement!! This is an opportunity I don’t feel like I deserve, but it’s such an honor and way too good to turn down. So in an effort to Be Brave and say ‘yes’ to things that scare me – I’m going for it.

 

Hyland’s Leg Cramps, the official cramp relief partner of the Boston Marathon, has put together a team of runners to share their journey as we prepare to run the Boston Marathon in April. It’s a social media project that is challenging us to share our motivation, adversity and preparation to run 26.2 miles. They asked me to be on the team and I said YES.

So, you can follow along with me and the other runners on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and blog updates – we’re planning on sharing different aspects of training at least 3 times a week!

This is extra special for me because:

1. Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is one of my big life goals. My best race time is about 2 minutes away from the qualifying time = sub 3:35. I’ve been working on getting in shape to train and run a goal race (a race where I’d go for a specific goal vs. just running as training or for fun which is what I do most of the time) since the beginning of the year.

That’s still the long term plan – train hard, pick a race, run hard. But, since I just started training and trying to get back in real race shape it’s not going to happen before April. So, things are a little out of order but most of the time goals aren’t as simple as a straight line from A to B.

*Here’s my video on why I stopped training for a PR for a while.*

2. This is the 50th anniversary of when Kathy Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon with a bib, ran the race!!

Rumor has it one of the race officials tried to physically remove her from the course because women weren’t allowed to run.

This article is noted by Switzer as the true account of what happened at the 1967 Boston Marathon. –> Kathy Switzer Boston Marathon Her Real Story 

How is this related?  Well, this team is all about celebrating girl power like Switzer’s!

The 2017 Hyland’s Boston Marathon team is all female and includes  super inspirational, hard-working ladies who are doing great things for girls, minorities and the less fortunate. Love.

I’m just over here keeping my local pizza place in business… gotta step it up!

 

Boston Marathon Announcement Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sg_7Clib8E

I’m not the fastest or fanciest or fun-est or funniest or anything-est run blogger – but I am a girl who is open to sharing the ups and downs of a big challenge with her peeps on the internet.

Over the next 12 weeks I’ll be sharing my training, thoughts, fears, struggles and other fun (and not so fun) stuff that comes with training to run 26.2 miles. Follow along here and on RER’s social media:

Run Eat Repeat Instagram

Run Eat Repeat Facebook

Run Eat Repeat Twitter

Run Eat Repeat YouTube

Run Eat Repeat home address – just kidding unless you’re sending me food.

 

In non-running news…

Spark is changing their packaging. I know there have been questions about it but it’s the same magical drink mix, just updated boxes to bags. I think the canisters are staying the same but the ‘on the go’ stick packs are now coming in these bags.

*Check out my shop page for my favorite flavors list.

 

Question: What is your BIG goal for this year? What is the plan to get it?

The post Announcement!! Find Yourself. Find Your Finish Line. appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/01/31/announcement-find-yourself-find-your-finish-line/

Last Day of Run Camp First Day of Marathon Training

Hello! It’s the last day of Run Camp! It’s not really the first day of training for the LA Marathon, but it’s the first day I’m keeping track of my training and eating. I’m trying to be better about logging everything to get better. I have a lot of big goals and big races coming up!!

First, let’s talk about food. I have been craving GOOD chips and guac so I grabbed some from Trader Joe’s… it didn’t do the trick. I really need to make it myself. womp womp.

In running shoe news… I hit up Road Runner Sports for some gels for my long run and there is a BIG clearance sale right now.

In cat news…

Vegas is sleeping. That’s not news, that’s all he does – but it does it well. Go Vegas!!

Now… RUNNING!!

Yesterday was the most gorgeous day ever in the history of the world (I have to double check that, but I don’t have time to research right now).

Pre-run rituals… Singing, Spark, Sunblock… the usual

Run – 20 miles. I kept a good pace, but a few of the miles were pretty rough. And after I felt wrecked. I need to focus on stretching and core work.

God Bless California.

In running eating news…

I hit up Smart & Final for grapes. I am obsessed with grapes when watermelon is out of season.

Anyway… I saw Lean Cuisines were on sale AND if you bought 4 you get a box of Drumsticks FREE. I could not turn that down. But isn’t it kinda funny to give people buying Lean Cuisines – ice cream? But who am I to question free ice cream?! I was all about it!

Run Camp Day 21

Last day of Run Camp!! For the last 21 days we’ve been doing small changes and check-ins to run faster, stronger, longer and better!

Over 1000 RER-ers joined Run Camp and a few hundred were in the Facebook group. Seriously – You ROCK!!! So so proud of all the work and support of each other. I love it.

I’m going to be putting the Run Camp Calendar, log and all the challenges and tips in an e-book you can get in one shot soon. Stay tuned for that!

Final Run Camp Challenge:

1. Finish your running log for this week.

2. Compare it to the last 2 weeks.

Check in and ask yourself –

What did you improve about your running?

What do you still want to work on?

What was your BEST run from the last 21 days?? Why was it awesome?

What was your WORST run? Why was it bad? What can you do next time to prevent a similar situation?

What is your biggest strength in running?

3. Give yourself a high five / hug / thumbs up selfie for signing up for Run Camp and working to be a better runner. It’s not easy to run. It’s not easy to add a challenge to your schedule. You are getting better everyday.

 

Share your best run or runfie (run selfie) or something fun with #RunEatRepeat on Instagram and/or Twitter to share the awesome!!

Question: What was you BEST run from the last 21 days? Why was it awesome??

The post Last Day of Run Camp First Day of Marathon Training appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/01/29/last-day-of-run-camp-first-day-of-marathon-training/

Running Gear for Marathon and Half Marathon Training

Hi!! Run Camp is almost over!! By now we’ve hit most of the basics on getting on track to run faster, better and stronger. Go back over the previous posts if you have any questions or want a review. It only works if YOU do!

 

In the first two weeks of run camp we talked about running shoes and running clothes. This final day covering running gear is about the extras. These are things you don’t necessarily need to run, but they make running a lot easier if you have them to help!

The items on this list are most helpful for longer distance runners like those of you training for a  half or full marathon. But if you are having issues with hydration, fuel, tracking your time / distance or just want to make it a more pleasant running experience – check it out and stock up on things you need. These items can be pricey, but remember this is an investment in a hobby that keeps you healthy and happy!

 

Running Gear for Marathon and Half Marathon Training

These are all the ‘extras’ that aren’t 1000% necessary to run a half marathon or full marathon – but they make it a lot easier.

1. Fuel belt or hand held water bottle. I use the Stay Fit Running Belt and  Nathan Hand Held Water Bottle (I think you can get 25% off with code repeat at StayFit linked there)

2. GPS watch. There are tons of running watches with GPS capabilities out on the market. I’ve used Timex, Tom-Tom, Garmin in the past.

3. Body Glide or Vaseline.

4. Sunblock and Chapstick with SPF. Don’t forget your lips and ears when putting on sunblock!

5. Compression socks. I wear Pro Compression socks for long runs or for recovery after a long run.

6. Electrolyte drink. (I use Spark pre-run and during my run sometimes since I always have that on hand and run out of Rehydrate fast.)

7. Chews or gels for mid-run fuel. Buy these one at a time from a local running store at first so you can try out different flavors and brands to see what you prefer. Then, you can buy them by the box to save money.

8. Foam roller. Buy it. Use it.

9. A lot of food. Buy extra. Suggestions include, but are not limited to: ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, popcorn, pickles, tuna sub, pizza, churros, chocolate Chex cereal, Pad Thai, french fries, tortillas, sharp cheddar cheese, Snickers ice cream bars…

 

Question: What is your #1 FAVORITE piece of running gear?

What is on your running gear wish list?

The post Running Gear for Marathon and Half Marathon Training appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/01/28/running-gear-for-marathon-and-half-marathon-training/

Runner Visualization Exercise for Race Day Confidence

Self Doubt City sucks. But I get it, I’ve been there. Sometimes I hang out there. Sometimes I stay for a while.

Even though I’ve run dozens of half marathons and full marathons – I still get nervous. So it’s something we’re going to work on together. Here is a race visualization exercise to help train your mind.

Watch/listen to it somewhere that you can close your eyes and really visualize yourself rocking your race. Make mental toughness a priority by remembering your mantra, staying positive and using training techniques like the video below to get you in a positive place.

Runner Visualization Exercise Video:

Happy Running!

The post Runner Visualization Exercise for Race Day Confidence appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/01/27/runner-visualization-exercise-for-race-day-confidence/

10 Minute Booty Workout

Hi! I have a 10 minute booty blast below. But first let’s talk about how I had this weird glitch on my computer where the fonts were locked in CAPS. I think I missed an update or something because I was creating some graphics and all the words were in caps. Some of the templates for the graphics default to CAPS to I figured it was that?

I just worked with it for over an hour when I finally realized… THE CAPS LOCK WAS ON and I am dumb.

Dear, Monican. Get it together.

The end.

Moving on… to Vegas! (The cat, not the place.) I walked into the room to find him just chilling in the plastic container for sheets. He sat there and tried to ignore me while I snapped a pic, which I appreciate. Thanks buddy.

This morning I hit the road for a 10 mile run. It was such a pretty day. I love it.

I also got a special package from Health Warrior and opened up the Mint Chocolate bar. Sometimes you just need a little chocolate-y snack to make the entire world a happier place, ya know?

In random news… I got a manicure today at a new-to-me place and asked if they had gloves to use for a gel manicure. I haven’t done enough research on the UV lights and when I asked about it last time my usual place gave me fingerless gloves to wear. This place cuts the fingers off plastic gloves.

So I’m telling you all this just to share that I am the proud new owner of a pair of fingerless pink surgical gloves. I’m feeling so fancy.

 

Run Camp Day 18 – Lower Body

For the most part I don’t do lower body because I run a lot and have noticed it just tires out my legs. But if you want to do lower body – do it. You do you boo. And/or if you don’t run that much and/or have other goals… this 10 minute booty blast is short and sweet but burns in all the right ways.

 

Question: Would you have immediately realized the caps lock was on? What is my deal?

(Don’t answer the what is my deal part – I have a therapist for that.)

The post 10 Minute Booty Workout appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/01/26/10-minute-booty-workout/

How to Check If You Are Hydrated

Hi! How’s it going? It’s cold over. And not just ‘cold for California’ – really actually legit cold. Promise.

Me: It’s so cold!

(you): “How cold is it??”

It’s so cold … I actually had HOT coffee this morning instead of my usual iced. What. I don’t even know who I am anymore.

Wait. I do know who I am – I am someone who finally did an Instagram live story. For some reason my phone wasn’t giving me the option!?! I restarted / reset the app… but nope it wasn’t working.

Then, this afternoon it popped up as an option!! So I did a short one to make sure it was working. Boom. I want to do these all the time so I actually have a semi-human interaction with you everyday.

I also chugged water and was super productive with email and a few new projects.

(That’s my Nalgene waterbottle. Do you have one like this?)

 

Now we’re talking about staying hydrated. It’s an important part of keeping your body healthy and it’s super important if you are running.

I posted about this in the past, but it’s easy to let it slide. So check in with yourself – how much water have you had TODAY? How much did you have yesterday?

How to Stay Hydrated in Winter:

Staying well hydrated is always important. But it’s more challenging in the winter – without summer’s warm temperatures to make you thirsty hours and hours can go by before you realize you haven’t had anything to drink. Often, when you’re super thirsty you’re already dehydrated!

1. Keep a waterbottle with you through out the day.  Make a goal to finish it before the end of the day (or before lunch if it’s a small bottle).

2. Keep track of your water intake with an app (Waterlogged is one option), notes OR challenge your friends to make sure they are getting enough and check in with each other. This is a great way to keep you honest on days you’re not feeling it.

3. Make your water more appealing by adding cucumber, lemon, mint, strawberries OR your favorite fruits. This gives it a great pop of flavor!

4. When it’s cold it’s fine to count water and tea. Water based beverages can count toward your daily intake. But save yourself time and money by making your own at home or work instead of hitting the café.

5. Remember water at meal time and happy hour. Order water when you sit down at a restaurant and drink it while you look at the menu.

Sip water in between cocktails when you go out for drinks. Order water before soda or alcohol when you go out to eat. This will help keep you hydrated and save you money!

 

How to determine how much you need to drink during a run:

1. Weigh yourself (nude) before a workout.

2. Exercise for 1 hour.

3. Keep track of the amount of liquid in ounces that you take in from weigh time to when you are done working out.

4. Record weight after the workout (nude). Subtract starting from finish weight and change it to ounces.

5.  Add the ounces of weight difference to ounces of fluid consumed. That is approximately about how much you should drink an hour.

6. Keep in mind changes in climate/season/other will affect this and plan accordingly.  *Do this again as the weather gets warmer and update your hydration plan.

 

Question: How much water have you had so far today?

Is that a good amount or should you track down your water bottle??

The post How to Check If You Are Hydrated appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/01/25/how-to-check-if-you-are-hydrated/

30 Minute Treadmill Speed Workout

Hi! How’s it going? Today we’re talking about running faster.

Do you want to get faster?

Yes?

Me too.

Good talk. Now we gotta do the work I guess.

This morning I woke up to gloomy skies. I checked the forecast and saw there would be a break in the rain from about 8am to 10am so I waited until then to run.

As I was checking email / sipping coffee / updating Instagram I suddenly heard a MASSIVE storm outside. What?!? I was surprised since it didn’t look like it was about to really come down hard.

I peeked outside and saw..

HAIL. Real actual hail, which I guess is like rain but frozen? I don’t know, I’m born and raised in Southern California.

I took a short video of it and shared on Instagram here.

But seriously, what is going on??!

Luckily, it cleared up for a bit and I got out and ran 10 miles. The first 5 miles where dry and then the rain started up just as I turned around to come back home.

The path I run on completely flooded in a few places and was washed over with mud and debris in other places. I had to go around the flooded parts and just either walked to slowed down over the super muddy areas so I wouldn’t slip. It’s very slippery!

That reminds me –> if you are somewhere that is slippery – be careful. There are times to push yourself to run harder or faster, but when you are at risk for falling or twisting an ankle err on the side of caution. You are not going to improve your running if you fall and hurt yourself. Run smart.

Anyway. I ended up having a really good run because it started to rain on the way back and I was getting colder and colder by the second so I hurried home. Boom.

Now it’s nice and pretty outside, but there’s supposed to be one last storm before we go back into real California life again. I’m glad we’re getting out of the drought – supposedly it was so bad we’re not even completely out of it yet – but seriously, I am not used to water falling from the sky.

 

 

Run Camp Day 16 – Speed Session II

Here is a 30 minute treadmill workout you can do if you are just starting speed work or have limited time.

Start with a warm-up. Then, go to you ‘happy pace’ – the pace you feel comfortable doing your usual easy, zone-out run.

Take the speed down 1 mph for the speed sections. Example: If your happy pace is 5.0 mph – the first speed section should be 6.0. If you are totally new to speed work cut that in half = 5.0 mph happy pace –> 5.5 mph for speed session.

Speed workout ideas for every level runner

How to do Strides

Bonus: 7 Changes to Run Faster via Women’s Running

These are some ideas – but if you have a training plan with speed work, stick with it! Do what you need to get faster, better stronger.

Question: Do you have speed work on your running plan this week?

Already run it? How’d it go?

 

Reminder: Be mindful of your body and effort when running. Take a break if you need to and walk or stop. Safety first! Run smart.

And always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.

The post 30 Minute Treadmill Speed Workout appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/01/24/30-minute-treadmill-speed-workout/

Monday Mini-Goals and Meal Prep?

Hello! How are you doing? I’m good and hunkered down inside because of the rain. Is this El Nino or what????!?! I’ve lived in Southern California my entire life (expect for that one year in Maryland when I was young and dumb and full of love). Anyway. It has NEVER rained this much here ever ever ever. I don’t even know what is going on here.

(Sporting Sketchers Go Run 4. They are super light and dried super fast after my last run)

I ran 10 miles this morning aiming for a good pace. Running quicker on tired legs is going to help me since I have a lot of races coming up!

I’m running the Los Angeles Marathon coming up in March and just put up a countdown on the fridge. I am on a mission to really train hard and get it together. I really want to PR this year and have a few races coming up already. But, I didn’t realize how soon LA was so I’m eating, sleeping and breathing marathon training right now. And I really dig it!!

Post-run I made a big green smoothie. I hold it with a towel so my hand doesn’t freeze.

Vegas is keeping me company as I blog and check email. After lunch time he moves from the bedroom to the front room for a little while. I think he considers this a nap. Then, he eats 4 bites of food and goes back to sleep in the room.

I’m roasting up a big pan of cauliflower right now and it reminded me about something I wanted to ask you about…

Last night I was talking to my bff about meal planning. She is a single mom who works full time and doesn’t like to cook. So she wants quick, easy dinner ideas that her kids will eat. I’m working with her on this – but I’m curious what (if any) kind of help you need on this.

Do you meal prep? Do you meal plan? Why or why not??

Run Eat Reader

Lindsay emailed me this week to share her victorious post-race picture!! She ran her first marathon last weekend! Congratulations Lindsay!!! I thought this was super awesome and wanted to share.

If you want to share your Running Win feel free to email me with what you did and a picture. It doesn’t have to be a race – just a pic of your win that you want to share.

 

Run Camp Day 15 – Monday Mini-Goals

What are your mini-goals for this week?

What 1 thing can you do this week that will help get you closer to goal?

Name 1 or 2 mini-goals and write them down on your Running Goals Worksheet.

Examples of mini-goals:

Stick to training plan – specifically –> Make sure to leave work on time so I am able to run… Wake up early enough to be able to run…

Buy a foam roller and use it 2x this week.

Sign up for the race I’ve been thinking about.

Note distance, time and how I felt in running log after every run.

Question: What are your mini-goals for the week?

Do you meal plan? Do you meal prep??

The post Monday Mini-Goals and Meal Prep? appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.

source http://runeatrepeat.com/2017/01/23/monday-mini-goals-and-meal-prep/