30 Day Running Challenge: Day 30
Show us a sweaty post-run picture!
So this is a terrible picture of me, but it was right at the finish line of the Bayshore Half Marathon this past Memorial Day. I am in the green.
In better news, I had a great run today. My pace was quick (for me) and I just felt great! Which was shocking, seeing as I ate terribly today.
Happy running! I’m sad the 30 day challenge is over 😦
Do you like running with a buddy, in groups, or solo? Why?
I used to HATE running with people. I always found running to be very personal; a great time to reflect and be alone with your thoughts. I have found, though, that with training, I love having a running buddy, or at least someone to ride a bike along with me. I find it much harder to stop when there is someone with me.
On a side not: I FOUND MY IPOD LAST NIGHT!!! Victory for me!
Happy running! I can’t believe the 30 day running challenge is almost over 😦
Headphones in or out? If in, what music gets you the most pumped up for running?
This makes me so sad because I last used my Ipod 2 weeks ago and now I cannot find it ANYWHERE! I am so good with it, always putting it in 1 of 3 places if it is not with me. But alas, it has disappeared.
So I guess that answers the question of whether I listen to music. I love rocking to music during races especially, and when I am wearing them while training, I try to avoid busy roads, or have one out at a time. I also try to turn my music down or take one out when I pass people just because, as crappy as it is, being a girl (or anyone really) you need to be aware of your surroundings.
Sometimes, though it can be very relaxing about running without headphones. Some of my best runs have been when I don’t have music, so it is a nice change of pace.
I don’t have a particular genre that gets me pumped for running. Some days I need something super upbeat but other days I need something mellow to keep me happy and focused on my pace. “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay is probably my all time favorite chill song to run to 🙂
Happy Running!
Sorry, I missed yesterday!
Day 26: The only day in the challenge where I’m going to ask you to run: go run a mile as fast as you can and tell us about it!
7:57! I am ok with that. I think it is because it is cool and rainy out, not to mention I have been resting my legs all week to recover from my half marathon last weekend.
I love running in the rain, and tonight, it actually made me excited for fall (even though I generally consider myself a summer girl). It has been such a hot summer here in Michigan, so the rain is a welcome change.
Day 27: While running do you use any watches or apps? What technology do you utilize?
I use my Garmin Forerunner 305 and I love it! I feel bad because I don’t use it to its fullest potential, I just want to know how far I’ve gone and how long it has taken me 🙂 I originally chose this one because of the heart rate monitor feature, but I have gotten away from using that too. Maybe that will be a goal of mine.
What’s your favorite post-run snack or meal?
It has to be good mixture of protein and carbs, so I will generally grab a Mix1 shake, if I don’t have those, carrots and hummus.
I will admit that I am pretty bad at refueling after a run. I am great after strength training, but runs, not so much 😦
What’s your favorite pre-run snack or meal?
I always take my BCAA (branch chain amino acids) about 30 minutes to an hour before I run, that is my staple. Aside from that, I would say whole grain toast with almond butter and a little bit of honey. Always does the trick 🙂
Just because, who doesn’t love a penguin?
If you couldn’t run for the rest of your life, what other exercise would you start doing in its place?
I would start playing volleyball and soccer more competitively again and make those my main focus.
I am sort of heart broken for the USA women’s marathoners, Flanagan and Goucher, but 10th and 11th is not bad.
Way to go!
Hate!!! Today is thriving with hate!
I’m just kidding. I would say “love/hate” is the best way to describe it. As I have written before, it can be your best friend or your worst enemy, it is basically the physical equivalent to my conscience, if I can just beat myself, then it will be great, if I can’t, it will be disheartening.
But that is why I love it, even when it is tough. Some days are easier than others, but you can never get away with less than your best.
What advice would you give to someone looking into running?
“Just keep at it!”, would be my #1 piece of advice. Running can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Yesterday was an easy victory, today may be a battle to even finish a short run, but just keep at it! It is one of the things that makes it so rewarding.
Have you ever followed any sort of training plan? Which ones and how did you like them?
Yes! I would be completely lost without a training plan. For my first marathon I was training for (then got sick for 😦 goodbye $140) I used the Runner’s World training plan from their book “Marathoning For Mortals”, but for the last marathon and for my next one I am using Hal Higdons Intermediate training plan. I like it because it doesn’t include a required amount of hill or or fartleks. Though I think these are very necessary, I find this training plan to be effective and not intimidating.
This picture has nothing to do with running, but I love it.
Adventures of S 