At the time of the initial publication of this post, social distancing due to the COVID-19 virus necessitated solo runs. Running alone in April 2020 is a social obligation, a small sacrifice for the greater good. (If you are reading this during the pandemic and still running with a buddy or group, please considering running alone for the next few weeks.) Solo runs, however, occur all the time. Your schedule, training plan, or the weather may warrant solo runs. Solo runs can be enjoyable, even ...
Weekly Workouts: Increase in Frequency
At six months postpartum, mileage feels better than intensity. I feel like I'm responding better with frequent, predominantly aerobic runs, so I decided to increase my training load by trying six days of running right now. All of my runs this week were 30-60 minutes in length and I ran 31 miles total, which felt very good. I also decided to add an extra day of running based on stress of everything. We have been extremely fortunate so far in the situation, yet there is so much anxiety ...
4 Ways to Stay Motivated When You’re Not Training for a Race
(This post has been updated to be relevant to the COVID-19 shutdown of races in 2020. Some previous suggestions - such as trying fitness classes or other sports such as skiing or swimming - have been removed for the time being). For many runners, seeing a marathon or half marathon on calendar provides all the motivation needed to lace up their shoes and head outside for a run. However, you can’t rely on races year-round to provide motivation. Seasonal weather or, as in the publication ...
The First Week of Stroller Running
Right now, running is an outlet. It feels a little weird to give focus to running during these times, but I need it (and I know many of my athletes feel the same). I need the normalcy of running, the anxiety release it provides, and the tiny sense of accomplishment. Last week, I started running with Isla in the jogging stroller. She turned six months old on Monday, which met the cautious recommendations of our Thule stroller. I also desperately needed fresh air, especially as I am still ...
At-Home Strength Workouts for Runners
There are times where external circumstances hinder workouts. While you can run outside in many conditions, a blizzard, the current coronavirus pandemic (at the time of this publication), a busy schedule, or other circumstances may prevent you from going to the gym. However, you can still do your necessary strength training with these at-home workouts for runners! Yes, strength training is necessary for runners. You improve your performance, including improving speed in the 5K and ...
More Postpartum Base Building
Like many other runners, my spring race (originally scheduled for the first Saturday in April) was postponed. It is the biggest spring race in Northwest Indiana, with over 600 participants, so postponement makes sense. I’m not upset, because flattening the curve of the spread of COV-19 is exponentially more important than a race. I do plan on doing a time trial the first week of April, along with many of my athletes who have had cancelled races. My training focus will shift also back to ...