07/19/2021
๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ ๐ ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ฟ๐๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐บ๐ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐ณ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐๐ก ๐๐ฒ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐!
1. Run! This may sound silly, but I read online prior to the race that running is the only kind of workout that can fully prepare your body for running long distances. Only running gives your muscles the kind of strength and endurance they need in order to complete the race. Meaning, any other kind of workout will not help. You need to actually run and put in the time several hours a week.
2. Stretch. Before and after every run, also stretch even on non-run days. Running, unlike yoga, does make your muscles feel pretty tight if they are not stretched right. I also think stretching and foam rolling helps remove the build-up of lactic acid in your muscles and acts as an important recovery tool.
3. Invest in high-quality running shoes. I trained my first couple weeks in my Nike running shoes that I later learned were a size too small for me. This caused me a lot of pain and blisters. Did you know that your running shoes are supposed to be a size bigger than your regular shoes? I did not. Now I do! I recommend heading into your local running store and getting a professional fit.
4. Find the special sauce that motivates you. Mine was hip-hop music and an old nostalgic punk rock playlist. Colleen and Jameโs was listening to podcasts. Find whatever helps you zone out, hone in, and connect with your body to complete the dayโs run
5. Commit! Pay and sign up for the race. You can do it. I found that fully committing to the race and telling people I was doing it held me accountable.