I remember in middle school I hated running. We had to run a mile in P.E. every week and I loathed that day. Always. Then I oddly decided to do track + field in high school as my “spring sport” (I did volleyball the first couple of years and then switched to golf…) and still didn’t care for any form of running much….
It wasn’t until I got into college that I picked it up as a regular form of exercise and form of mental health. I was fortunate enough to go to school in San Diego and live footsteps from the beach, so lacing up and heading out for a morning, or evening, run was easy, and fun (not to mention beautiful). And from there my love of running flourished.
I decided to start training for my first half marathon 11 years ago, right after TJ + I got married. I was wanting a challenge, and the most I could run at that point was 3ish miles straight… so the thought of running 13 miles was fairly daunting. I remember searching for a fitness tracker, the right shoes + socks, and scouring the internet for half marathon training schedules. Every week felt like a good challenge, and left me feeling so proud of myself after I accomplished the goal I had set for myself. The feeling of crossing the finish line after that first half was amazing.
Needless to say, I’ve been hooked on running since, and I’ve learned a few things through trial and error over the years. And while I’ve done a few running posts here and there, this is by far my most comprehensive one and I hope it will be helpful in some way. In it you will find:
My Training Schedule
My Go-To Running Gear
Question + Answer Submitted From Instagram
My Post-Run Stretching Video
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MY TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR A HALF MARATHON
You can modify this however you need to! I followed a a different one when I was first beginning and my base mileage was 3 miles. I maintain a higher base mileage now (7 miles) so I start there whenever I start training again. I hope it helps gives some guidance as to how I space out my cross training with longer runs.
I also want to note that I follow this schedule with a baseline of 7 miles on Friday when I’m not training.
MY GO-TO RUNNING ITEMS
I’ve come to rely on some go-to running items over the past several years, so sharing them below. These are items I use regularly on my runs (and other workouts). They provide maximum comfort (i.e. the pieces stay put so I don’t have to worry about wait bands falling down, or socks that don’t provide enough coverage), and they are good quality and made to last.
You can read my full review of the Garmin Venu here.
(Align Biker Shorts | Adidas Ultraboost Sneakers | Earpods | Puffer Scrunchi | Garmin Venu | Long Sleeve Running Top | Cropped Running Tee | Sports Bra | No Show Socks | Thule Running Stroller | 7/8ths Pocket Leggings)
RUNNING Q+A
Q: Did you run when you were pregnant? Do you have any tips? I feel so sick but want to run.
Yes, I ran throughout both of my pregnancies. I was given the okay from my doctor, and I definitely reduced my intensity and exertion during these runs. I went from running an 8:45 minute mile to an 11:15/12 minute mile. Also, towards the end, I moved more to a jog/walk routine because it’s what felt best for my body.
That being said, the first trimester can be such a challenge. I always say talk to your doctor, but also really listen to your body. If you aren’t feeling it, then maybe just a walk? Or some other form of movement like a yoga flow?
Q: Has a rough night’s sleep every impacted your training the next day?
Yes! I’m typically slower the next day if I have a rough evening of sleep the night before. I expect it, so I try not to let it really get me down.
Q: Best running sneakers? And do you size up in your sneakers for longer runs? And how often do you recommend buying new shoes?
They aren’t cheap but I can’t recommend the Adidas Ultraboost sneakers more. They are so cushioned and give great support. No “break in” time either, which is always a plus with running sneakers.
I typically purchase new running shoes every 6-9 months… depending on how active I am. I can usually tell when my running shoes are wearing down when my knees + ankles start to get sore.
Also, I only use my running shoes for running… and have cross training sneakers for all other workouts. That way I don’t wear down the shoes sooner.
Q: Is running your solo time or do you bring the girls?
It’s my solo time, so I don’t bring the girls. I am very intentional about running before they wake up so that I can do this. It’s funny, I was thinking last Friday about this… about how this is the only time during the day (until after they go down) that I have completely uninterrupted time to myself… it’s something that I value so much.
Q: Complementary strength training for runners?
I prefer a mix of alternative cardio exercises (like cycling and hikes) and strength routines to help improve and support my runs.
It’s funny because once I started doing these alternative exercises my running speed and endurance improved dramatically. That being said my favorite strength routines, specifically for running, incorporate legs and core: lunges, squats, dead lifts, side lunges, curtsey lunge, calf raises, anad planks for the core (various forms).
Q: Favorite Running clothes, hats, hair ties, shoes??
See above for some of my go-to items! I also run in the Free People Karma leggings, Alo Airlift leggings, and this sports bra provided excellent support when I was nursing (i.e. had boobs).
Q: Do you do easy runs and speed drills?
I mix up my running a lot. I really like the Peloton outdoor guided runs… I can choose intervals, walk/runs, and HIIT runs… which all serve a purpose in my training. The HIIT + interval runs help me increase speed and endurance, and the walk/runs aid in recovery.
Q: How did you get faster?
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: How to schedule strength and running in a week?
The way I schedule it can be seen in the half marathon training schedule above. I follow this even when I’m not training.
Q: Do you hold your phone or use a belt bag?
I hold my phone, not ideal, but I’ve found that since the phones are so big now having it on my arm or around my waist doesn’t feel comfortable while I’m running.
Q: Eating schedule?? Timing and meal size is so difficult for me.
Since I run so early, I have either 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 9-10am, 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 breakfast
Q: What are your favorite stretches?
Pigeon pose is my go to post run stretch… press play on the below video and it will take you through my post run stretching routine.
Q: I get stuck at 4 miles. How to get over the hump?
Whenever I get stuck I focus on small increments…. so instead of trying to go from 4 miles to 5 miles, I add .25 miles and then add another .25 the next time I run. That usually helps me get over the hump.
Q: What do you do if you have a run that doesn’t go as planned (i.e. too tired, etc…)?
Jess Sims (a peloton instructor) said in one of the guided runs I took that:
“Not everyday can be like a day at Disneyland… and the same goes for every run. Not every run is going to be great, and that’s part of the process.”
And that’s the mentality I take for all my runs.
Q: How do you prevent muscle soreness?
A nice warm CBD bomb bath! It helps so much!
Q: What’s the best running stroller for 1 baby and for 2 babies?
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: How long after Camille did it take you to get your stamina and endurance back?
This took me an entire year. It wasn’t until this time last year, when I decided to train for another half marathon (my first post pregnancy) that my speed and endurance came back… and that was okay with me. I knew it was going to take time and that I just needed to be patient.
Q: I’ve been trying to pick up running every morning, having a hard time finding motivation. Any tips?
My key to getting out of bed and running in the morning is finding my “why.” Once I have my “why” as to why I am running then that’s my motivation every time. This can change over time, and some mornings motivation can be low, but this is what helps me!
Q: How do you regain strength postpartum just had baby #2 and I feel so weak!
My motto was slow and steady… I knew it would take time so I just went slow. I started to incorporated strength back into my routine since I always feel stronger when I lift weights. I also recommend Kara Coffin for postpartum exercises to build up your pelvic floor.
Q: Best Tips for a beginner runner?
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 .25/.5 miles every time I ran. So, I guess in short, it was all about taking it slow for me and that’s always my recommendation to other people starting out.
Nice steady breathing is so helpful as well. My mom taught be early on that breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth helps it stay steady.
Hydration to prevent cramping- so the night before a run have a little more water than usual, and if you think you will need it bring a running water bottle with you (I don’t).
Also, your pace/distance/ability doesn’t need to be compared to someone else. I know some of the best runners (who have been running races for years), who have slower paces than some of the fastest runners I know. Everyone’s body is different, so not comparing it key.
