The REAL Runner's Guide..



A chipper 5:30am run? Doesn't exit. Running "fun" to most people? No. Absolutely not. But living at home with my family and with my sister Stephanie here who recently completed her first marathon (amazing) means that 5:30am is go time. Mind you, I have only been at it for 2 days now, normally I take a mid morning run. But 5:30 is different. There is actually a 5:30 crowd! People are alive and moving the streets at this forsaken hour! Amazing. I feel kind of neat being part of the 5:30 crowd, and never regret getting  up when it is all said and done- but let me just say- it is tough stuff. My dad is basically being whipped by Steph to run faster/harder/further as are we all, but he is doing a very impressive job of it! The other day he ran 4 miles and was fine doing it. Good job dad. Stephanie is a great running coach and we are all taking notes...but here are a few things I've picked up on my own.
The REAL Runner's Guide:
1.Dad says you have to wake up and go early enough that your body just doesn't know what is happening. So true.
2. You can only push snooze on your alarm so many times before the voice in your head tells you that you will be sorely mocked if you don't get your fanny out of bed and just GO. Advice-have someone counting on you.
3. Drink a little something before you go. My choice is orange juice to give me a little something to go off of so early. Stephanie has taught us that chocolate milk is actually a great post-workout recovery drink.Ask the Runner's Magazine. They think so too.
4. Go to the bathroom prior your run of course.
5. After running for speed training, eat your breakfast very slowly...
6. STREEEEEETCH. Before and after. And don't allow other people to roll you out. SO painful.
7. Mind over matter is the real running game. When your lungs are on fire and your head is pounding and your throat feels entirely closed off...run past it. Your mind is in charge and can tell your body what to do! Don't give in to the voice that wants you to stop! Eventually you reach a good place and you will be able to breathe again if you push yourself and just think through it!
8. Make sure you have a good song stuck in your head. None that are going to make you want to scream and give up on the whole endeavor entirely. Good song-crucial.
9. Wear comfortable running gear and track your progress. We use the app- map my run. It is so great! It gives you your pace, distance, everything! Definitely an encouraging tool.
10. Don't let being prego stop you from running. Yeah, so first trimester you are way way more exhausted and feel like your limbs don't want to move at all let alone outside at 5:30am on the pavement. But let's be honest- it's good for you. And you will feel better when you do! Promise! ;)