half marathon

 

When my alarm went off at 4:45 a.m. on Saturday morning I kind of wondered what I was doing.

Standing in a pack of thousands, waiting for the start, I wondered again.

And at mile 11, I really wondered what made me think I could ever run a half marathon.

But on the other side of it, completely stiff and sore -- you should see me hobble downstairs -- I am absolutely astounded and amazed that I ran 13.1 miles at 7 a.m on a Saturday.

If you would have asked me a year ago if I thought I would have ever run a half marathon, I might have laughed. Why run that far and for that long?

I can answer that now.

Training and completing a half marathon has give me a small high on achieving goals -- I feel like there a lot of things that I can accomplish, if I really train and prep for it.

Running is also partially therapy for me. I don't run with music but just let my thoughts go with my feet, and that time now feels necessary. And I have to say honestly that the days that I run are often so much better -- there's something to be said for runner's highs!

The half-marathon was also fun. It was a perfect, sunny day with crowds lining the streets and bands playing every mile. I ran along an interstate, through a park lined by million dollar homes and on a major highway that crests up through skyscrapers, giving views of the moutains, Sound and cityscape.

And when I finished, I ate a huge stack of buckwheat-wholewheat huckleberry pancakes covered with wild blueberries, raspberries, fresh whipped cream and honey syrup and felt so good about every bite.

The crazy thing is that I think I'm going to run another. Portland, see you in October for the next 13.1.

xo, erika

linking up to Blair for life lately!

my favorites for running

It's official. I'm running a half marathon.


It's honestly something I never, ever, really honestly, never thought I could do, but here I am training to run 13.1 miles in the middle of June. My 10 mile training long run is this Saturday. I've never run 10 miles before.


The thing about running, more than anything, is how much of an accomplishment it feels. I can feel my body getting stronger and I amaze myself each time when I finish a run and I see that I've gotten just a little bit faster and feel just a little bit less out of breath.

Running has become so personal for me-- it's a personal triumph and I love what it does for me-- more than physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Running forces me to take time to think, pray, contemplate and just be: feet pounding pavement, heart throbbing in my chest, breath shuddering through my mouth.

On a practical level, I've learned a lot. I've learned that I need to have eaten before I run, and I know what kind of socks I like best. I also, unforuntately, learned that my toenails don't seem to like running as much as I do. Let's just say I won't be rocking open-toe shoes anytime soon.

Whether you're a first-time runner, a walker or whatever, here's a few of my have-to-haves for running:

>> loose top. I love this one from Adidas because I don't like to workout in anything too clingy!

>> sports bra. Champion's Shiny Seamless Sports bra is my absolute favorite. I'm not too huge on top, but this one is supportive and keeps its shape even after a lot of washes. (and it's affordable!)

>> hat. It rains here and I can run in the rain as long as it's not dripping down my face. This hat from Nike is also just great in general for keeping my hair totally out of the way.

>> running socks. Your basic cotton ones won't do-- especially if you want to avoid blisters. I love love love Asics' hydrology socks.

>> running shorts. I've tried quite a few different pairs, but I keep coming back to the Nike tempo shorts.

>> oatmeal with flax seed! I eat oatmeal nearly every day and especially on days when I run longer. It keeps me full and energized.

>> hydration. You have to drink lots of water to have a successful workout and sometimes water with a little extra kick is helpful. I love Nuun tablets because they don't have all the added sugar like other sports drinks do.

Not pictured: running shoes. Your shoes are really personal-- I currently run in Mizunos, but what you wear could be totally different. Go to a local running store -- especially one with a good return policy -- because you won't know if they work for you until you try them out. If you're in Seattle, I suggest Super Jock n Jill. (you can tell them you know me.) ;)

Just a note-- this is all of my honest opinion, but I've been able to try out a lot of different stuff thanks to the husband's job in the running industry.

Do you run or workout? Do you have some favorite gear?

xo, erika

so i'm a runner + tips from the husband

It was somewhere between running five miles two Saturdays in a row and googling "easy half-marathons" that I suddenly realized I was a "runner."

One evening, after dinner, I turned to the husband and asked him if he ever thought this would happen.

He nodded. "I'm not surprised," he said. "Everyone who runs a little bit ends up getting bit by the running bug eventually."

So here I am with the running bug and contemplating a half-marathon-- (insane!)-- in June.

Part of how I got here is that I'm married to a guy who really knows his running stuff. I may have mentioned that he's a crazy marathon man, but he's also the shoe buyer at one of the most well-respected (and famous) running stores in the country. And he has good advice-- some advice I thought I'd share with you.

I know running isn't for everyone, but if you run or have ever thought about running, here are some tips from him. (take it away husband...)

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>> Set attainable goals.  Running is hard enough on it's own.  Don't make it harder on yourself by setting goals that are unreachable.  If you're just starting out running for the first time ever, try alternating running and walking for one minute at a time, for twenty minutes total.  Try that three times per week for a week or two and then increase the amount of time you're running and decrease the amount you're walking.

>> Get a good pair of running shoes.  Google (and preferably Yelp) running stores in your area and head there to get fitted for a pair of shoes.  A good pair of running shoes is going to cost anywhere from $100-$120.  Any store that tries to sell you shoes for $150 or above isn't worth your time.  Running shoes will generally last you 300-500 miles, but all miles count, however.  If you grocery shop, walk the dog, and get coffee while in your shoes, you can add those miles to the shoes.  Try to only run in your running shoes.  They'll last a lot longer.

>> Be consistent. The biggest reason that people don't reach their running goals is lack of consistency.  Be hard on yourself about when you're going to run.  I run first thing in the morning, and am pretty obnoxious about it (just ask Erika). I won't commit to doing anything until I've got my run in for the day.  This is just what works for me.  I know if I don't run first thing in the morning I'll create excuses throughout the day as to why I shouldn't run.  Find a time that works best for you and stick to it.

>> Running is tough.  Most runs you go on will be uncomfortable to some degree.  Even as you get faster and more fit, running is still hard at (most) times.  Embracing the pain and realizing that it's only temporary is an absolute key in achieving your running goals.  One of the most rewarding parts of running is building confidence by running through the pain and uncomfortableness of the daily grind.  Having a "stick to it" attitude and being willing to suffer (at least a little!) will pay off in the long run.

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Have running questions or need a training schedule? Ask in the comments below or tweet my husband @eriggs. :)

xo, erika

p.s. did you see the sale (and new items) in the shop?