In 2011, I chose to sign up for the Rocky Mountain Soap Women's run.I was going to be my furthest distance - I had only done a couple 10k runs. But this was 12k. And in the mountains. And hilly. But I had someone encourage me to do this race and try to go just that little bit further. I didn't know anyone going, but I trained hard, losing about 30 pounds in the 5 months before the race. I was so excited and nervous. But the route was so beautiful I quickly forgot about the nerves. That first year, ran the 12k route in 1.5 hours. I won a bra, a book and had an amazing time. The next year, I signed up again. And told all my running pals to come out. I had, by then, ran a few half marathons. And, I ran the same distance 15 minutes faster. It was one of those runs where the paths, the trees, the mountain air seem to make you feel limitless. The hundreds of awesome participants also make the day. There is so much cheering and the volunteers also make the race such a fantastic experience. For me, the run all about the atmosphere. But every time I am out there I just feel stronger, and am so pumped to be out there. Since those first two 12k runs, I have run the half marathon on Saturday and followed it up with a 10km on the Sunday. Both were strong races and I proved to myself I really can push further and be stronger. Last year, I was a week out of a marathon, so I ran the 10km race both days - heck I ran the second race faster than the first! I love running out in the mountains, it must be something about the air here. I always feel great and the view is spectacular. Another part of why I love this race is also the awesome swag. If you haven't done it before, the buff is my favourite piece of swag! I wear mine often. That scented wash cloth at the finish line comes a close second. This year, I decided to try doing the half marathon (its going to be my 35th) on Saturday and 10km on Sunday. I am so stoked to have come so far in my running journey. And, of course, I look forward to another great weekend in the mountains with a whole lot of amazing women. Guest Post Tina Garstat Twitter: https://twitter.com/crantina Blog: http://fabulosi-t.blogspot.ca Instagram: http://instagram.com/crantina
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WHAT I WEAR FOR WINTER RUNNING As many of you may or may not know, I am a huge fan of winter running. I love the cool, crisp air, the fresh tracks in snow, and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with a run in sub-zero temperatures. Lately, I have received a lot of questions about how I dress for these winter runs. Shockingly, less is more when Winter Running, because our bodies warm up a surprising amount the second we start moving. Here is a brief overview of how I will dress based on temperature. 0 to -5 -Long Tights (such as Lululemon Wunder Under Pants) -Moisture Wicking Tank or Tee -Light Fleece or Athletic Jacket -Thin Athletic Socks -Running Shoes -5 to -12 -Long Tights -Moisture Wicking Tank or Tee -Long Sleeve Top or Base Layer Top -Light Fleece or Athletic Jacket -Medium Athletic Socks -Running Shoes -Lightweight Gloves -Earmuffs -Face Cover, such as a Buff Multifunctional Headwear -12 to -25 -Base Layer Top and Bottoms -Long Tights -Fleece or Light Sweater -Light Athletic Jacket -Medium Athletic Socks -Running Shoes -Gloves -Buff Multifunctional Headwear -Earmuffs or Toque -25 and below This is where I draw the line. I will opt for an indoor workout such as yoga or an hour at the gym instead. Tips for Winter Running -Less is more. Leave the bulky clothes at home. As soon as you get moving, your body will warm up and you will not feel as cold. -Stay close to home. During a long run, consider several loops of a shorter route. This way, you won't freeze for long if you end up needing to walk home. -Do your warm up inside so you can get running as soon as you get outside. -Shower immediately after arriving home. You'll be surprised how much more you sweat when you run in the cold, and waiting too long to shower will likely result in catching a chill. -Bring lip balm and a bank card in case you get injured and need to call for a ride home. Tips for Running in Snow and on Ice: -Expect slower times. Your stabilizer muscles will be working harder on slippery surfaces and it's not worth a fall to push yourself too hard. -Run on snow when possible for better traction, but beware that there may be ice underneath. -Invest in traction footwear like YakTrax for especially slippery days. -Wear Moisture-Wicking socks. Guest Blog Ashley is a twenty-something hairstylist, jewelry designer, writer and runner. Her running journey began a few years ago as a way to stay fit and spend time outside, and she is now training for her first Half-Marathon in August of 2015. You can read more about Ashley's Running, Travel, Hiking and Lifestyle on her blog, adventuretoanywhere.com. Ashley adventuretoanywhere.com instagram | twitter | facebook | pinterest | bloglovin 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! 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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July 2019
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