One of the things I look forward to the most during this “stay at home” time are my morning runs. Running has been so therapeutic to me over the years… an easy way to work through my thoughts, calm any nerves (I went for a very easy run/walk the morning I was going in to be induced for labor with Camille), solve all of the world’s problems (and then some), and to feel “alive.” When my run ends, no matter what mood I was in when I started, I can typically guarantee that I’ll feel better at the end. I know that might sound silly, but it’s really something I look forward to in my life….

That being said, it hasn’t always been that way. Running isn’t something I’ve been doing since middle school or high school, and it was something that I taught myself to do over the years. And while I’m no expert at “how to become a runner,” I have learned a thing or two over the years and thought I’d take some time to answer any running questions that people had in today’s post.

I know that gyms are closed, and people are having to get creative with the ways that they choose to work out… so if you’re trying out running during this time, I hope these answers below are helpful in some way!
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Q. How did you get started?

I started running in college… more run/walks… and then right after TJ + I got married (so about 10 years ago) I decided I wanted to try to run a half marathon. I could already run 3 miles straight, so I found a half marathon training guide and decided to commit myself to the process. After I completed the race, I maintained steady running mileage (5ish miles) and haven’t looked back since.

For me, the key to starting was building up my endurance. That involved walking/running and then gradually reducing my walk times between running. Once I was able to gradually increase my endurance to run a solid mile, I started adding on increments from there. I would add .5 miles every time I ran. So, I guess in short, it was all about taking it slow for me.

Q. How did you increase your average mile time?

When I first started running, I wasn’t concerned about “time,” just about distance and finishing. As I became more confident in my ability to run longer distances, I started to work on time. The most effective way I went about doing this was through interval training. I did a lot of research into this, and it seemed to be the most agreed upon way. I remember when I was doing intervals in my spin classes, and HIIT treadmill runs, I was shocked at how much time I was shaving off of my average mile.

Q. Best breathing techniques to become a better runner?

My mom, who used to be an avid runner (back injury has limited her to walking now), taught me how to do this. Breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth seems to be the most effective way for me to breath while running.

Q. How many miles do you average a week? What’s your running schedule look like?

My mileage per week depends on how I am feeling, and if I am training to run a half (I don’t really have an interest to run a full marathon, so I stick with the half distances). Right now, I am hoping to run one when everything passes with COVID-19, so my mileage is higher than average. I typically will run about 10-12 miles a week if I am not training. I do two runs, and then a run/walk or HIIT run mid-week (depending on how I feel). Monday is a shorter run (4-5 miles) and Friday is always my longer run day (7 or more miles). I like to give my body time in between runs to recover (since it’s such a high impact activity) and have found book ending my week with runs to give myself ample time to recover.

Q. Do you run with your kiddos? If not, how do you find time to run with them?

I don’t run with the girls. I really rely on this time to clear my head and I know that bringing them along would be a little harder to get the pace and distances I want….

That being said, I wake up at 5:45am and I return home just as they are waking up (and if they wake up before I get home, TJ is there and gets them up…). We alternate when we each do our “outdoor” run days.

Q. What modifications did you make when running during pregnancy? I’m nervous to run outside again.

Fortunately, I didn’t have an pregnancy complications, so my doctor gave me the go ahead to run throughout the duration of my pregnancy. Her one criteria was that I needed to be able to carry on a conversation while I was running. So that obviously took out interval/HIIT runs, which, to be honest, I didn’t even have the energy for when pregnant. During pregnancy my pace slowed drastically (I think I was a running an 11:30 mile… so 3 minutes longer than pre-pregnancy) and I did a lot of walk/running as I got further along. I really just listened to my body. If I wanted to walk, I walked. If I felt good enough to keep running at a reasonable pace, I ran. I never felt “winded” at the end of a workout and that was something that was important to me.

Q. HOW?! I feel as if I’ll never become a “real runner.”

First of all, anyone who runs is a “runner” in my mind. Whether you run/walk, run marathons, run 5ks… you don’t have to be an elite “runner” in my mind to qualify as “real.” If you enjoy running, then do what you’re capable of…. and if you’re wanting to increase mileage or speed, I shared some tips above for that.

Q. How did you ease back into running post-pregnancy? And did you have any issues with pelvic soreness?

It was really important to me to allow my body to heal after having both girls. Other than tearing, I didn’t have any birth complications, so after 6 weeks my doctor gave me clearance to start a workout routine again (I didn’t do anything other than walking in the 6 weeks postpartum). Given that I remained relatively active during pregnancy, I went into my first run post pregnancy with the mind set of slow, steady, and listen to my body. I wasn’t looking to break any records, or prove anything, so I just started off in a slow jog, and ran as long as I could. I basically got back into running in the same fashion that I started. Worked on building my distance back up before working on pace. Now that I’m one year postpartum I am just now getting back to my pre-pregnancy (so my pace from about 2 years ago) pace. It really is a journey, and one you just have to allow to unfold. You’ll get back eventually, but giving myself the time, and no added pressure, really helped.

Regarding pelvic soreness, I didn’t have any issues. I do recommend Kara Coffin for postpartum exercises to build up your pelvic floor.

Q. How do you avoid injury?

I am very diligent about stretching after every single run (I spend about 10 minutes doing stretches… pigeon stretch is my go-to for my hips and back… those are my sensitive areas) and I am also sure to do cross-training and a full rest day during the week. Also, if I feel as if something is off (maybe my knee hurts, or my back is hurting, etc…) then I take a break for a few days so whatever might be happening can get better before I make it worse. I’ve found that to be the best way for me to avoid injury over the years.

Q. Favorite jogging stroller?

For Harper we used a BOB… with both girls we use the Thule. We love both and think they’re both great. They have the appropriate wheels for running, as well as the three wheel structure which gives a smooth ride. I don’t think you can go wrong with either stroller. I will say that if you are serious about running with children investing in a running stroller is smart. They’re made differently than an everyday stroller, meant to impact that bumps from running, so it’s safer for everyone. We waited until the doctor gave us the okay to run with both girls…

As I mentioned above, I prefer to run alone, and this is also because it’s hard to adjust to running with the stroller. TJ is much better at running with a stroller than I am. And while it’s an adjustment, it’s very much doable, just at a slower pace for me.

Q. Thoughts on running in a neighborhood? So many uneven sidewalks.

Watch the ground! Just kidding… if there are a lot of uneven sidewalks I run in the street. We don’t live in a highly congested area, so running on the street is relatively safe…

Q. What are your favorite shoes for running? Are they good for shorter distances and longer distances?

Running shoes are something I am always willing to invest in… they are basically the one piece of equipment I need to ensure support to my body… so I’m not willing to compromise here (I learned the hard way in this arena…). That being said, the Adidas Ultraboost sneakers have been my go-to for my runs for the last year

. They’re cushioned so well and still give me the support I need. They’re also super lightweight, so they don’t feel clunky. And yes, I recommend them for any length of distances (up to 13 miles… I can’t say how they would do beyond that since I haven’t run more than that in them….).

Q. Do you eat before you run? And what do you eat post run?

Since I run so early, I have either a half of a banana or a small square of Perfect Bar… it’s just enough to give me energy but not weigh me down and make me feel as if I’m going to throw up while running. When I know that I am going on a longer run the next day, I make sure to drink extra water the day/night before to ensure I’m hydrated enough in the morning. If I were to run later in the day, say 10am, then I’d likely have oatmeal + some banana slices for breakfast. Good carbohydrates to give me fuel (that’s what I have in the morning when I run a half marathon).

Post run, I eat whatever sounds good…. it’s typically eggs + avocado… but sometimes it’s a bowl of chia seed pudding, strawberries, peanut butter, and granola. I go between those two breakfasts.

Q. Silly question, but do you wash your hair after every run? That’s my struggle.

After my Monday run, I don’t… but my longest run is always on Friday, and I always wash my hair on Friday… so I’ve timed that nicely….

Q. What are your favorite running pants + shorts? I need my leggings to stay put and have a key pocket.

My favorite running leggings are the Zella 7/8 leggings (side pocket for key and stay put)… they’re the pair that has both a pocket and stay put (I have others I really like, but they don’t have a key pocket). As far as shorts go, I’m a biker short girl… love the spanx shorts (key pocket in back… wore them all last summer) and these lululemon biker shorts (pocket in back)… and both stay put when you run… both in the leg and waist area.

Q. How long do you typically get out of a pair of running shoes?

I’ve gotten better about having two pairs of shoes for working out. A pair strictly for my runs + another pair for my cross training workouts. Now that I’ve done that I can typically get 6 months out of a pair of running shoes. If I’m training for a half marathon though maybe 5 months since my distances are much longer.

Q. Do you feel like running helps reduce belly fat besides a clean diet?

I think running, just like all forms exercise, impact everyone’s body differently. Some people find they bulk when they run, I haven’t found that over the years to be true for my body. I do find it gives me the best cardio workout and that I’m typically in my best shape when I am running.

Q. Which ear pods do you recommend that actually stay in your ears?

The only airpods I have experience with are the Apple earpods…. and I haven’t had any problems with them falling out of my ear (I know some people have though). So, in my personal experience, I love the earpods (and so do TJ, my sister, and my mom)…. but this might depend on ear size?? I don’t know!

Q. What helps you run in the warmer months?

Getting out early! The earlier the better in the summer for me….

Q. Have you ever had bruised or discolored toenails from running long distances?

Yes, two summers ago I actually had an odd bruise on my big toe and was concerned it was toe cancer (I had it checked and it wasn’t….)… all that to say, I found that my sneakers were too narrow in the toe bed for me, which is what ultimately caused that….

Q. Do you always listen to music or do you like podcasts and books?

I’m all about music… I need beats and something I can sing along to in my head to motivate me. I can totally see how books and podcasts would be great alternatives though!

Q. Best half marathon spots?

My favorites are San Diego + Santa Barbara… the climate is mild and the views are usually beautiful! The Rock n’ Roll + Wine Country half marathons are my favorites.