While I love to run, I really love to race. There’s something about the energy before, during and after a race that I crave. I love all distances but would have to say the half marathon is my favourite. I usually try and run about 5 or 6 a year.

How To Make Your Next Race Your Best Race:

Figure Out What You Want To Accomplish.
Do you have a goal(s) for the race? Do you want to PR, run with friends, run the whole distance, without walking, or stop and take photos every mile? From there, find a training plan that works for you. There are plans to turn walkers into runners and runners into sprinters and everything in between. 

Treat Your Body Right. 
Learn how to properly fuel your body, stretch and add some cross-training. All of the above will make you a better runner. All of them are equally as important. Also, learn to embrace the taper! You may feel like you've lost all training but your body will thank you and you'll be rewarded on race day with fresh legs!

Don't Try Anything New On Race Day.  

Think of your long training runs as a dress rehearsal. Test out your fuel, clothes, technology, runners. You don't want to deal with any "what-ifs" on race day. 

Listen To Your Body. 

If you need a break, take one. If you're feeling a little ache somewhere, stop running. If you'd rather catch up on the latest episode of the Bachelor, do it. It's okay to step away from your training sometimes. Sticking to a plan can be exhausting some days. The nice thing is, you'll usually end up craving a run.

Have Fun! 
Most of my PR's have come during the races I've trained hard for but also had fun in. The NYC Half was my favourite race! I trusted my training and enjoyed the atmosphere, trying to take it all in. Your best race doesn't have to mean a PR though. Sometimes, it's just about getting out there and having fun and enjoying running because you really do love it!

I haven't always been a morning exerciser. Before I had my son, London, I would go to the gym after work. While on a year of maternity leave, I had a lot of freedom with when I worked out. When I went back to work I realized if I wanted to run it was going to have to be in the morning.

TIPS FOR WORKING OUT IN THE MORNING:

1. Sleep In Your Workout Clothes. 
I change into my workout clothes before I crawl into bed. This may sound silly but London is still sleeping so I don't want to worry about trying to find my shorts, shirt and socks in the dark. 

2. Prepare Your Fuel And Technology. 
I don't eat before my early morning runs but I do like to eat something within a half hour of finishing. The night before I fill my water bottle and place some food (usually a banana) on the kitchen 
counter. If I'm running on the treadmill I also lay out my Ipad and headphones.

3. Make A Plan. 
I always plan my runs a week in advance. I keep a copy of my plan in my phone and have a glance at it before bed. This way, I know exactly what I'm doing the next day (the less thinking at 5am the better!) 

4. Don't Do It Alone. 
Sometimes workouts are easier when we have someone pushing us out the door. Try recruiting a friend to meetyou. Or, find a running group that meets early. You'll be less likely to skip your workout if you know people are waiting for you. 

5. Go to Bed Early. 
Put down your phone and close your eyes. It’ll still be there in the morning and you’ll feel better for getting that extra bit of sleep.

6. Create A Mantra. 
Getting up early is tough some days but, most of the time, if  I shut off the alarm I regret it later. Having an early morning power phrase is crucial for those first few transition weeks and those mornings you may want to stay in bed.

Guest Post
Hi, I’m Kaella and I blog at “Kaella On The Run.” I am a single mom and I work full-time in the media. In 2012, I made a lifetime commitment to running. It’s something I love to do and need to make time for in my busy life.

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