Well I have 2 full weeks of training under my belt and I am feeling good. The treadmill is a constant bummer but I am dreaming of the mild spring air approaching. It hit the 30 degree mark on Saturday, so I did get to run my 4 mile long run outside. I ran with my 2 friends who are also training for the marathon and I have to say we had a great time! Running buddies really make the time go by fast. I will be doing a dedicated post to running attire in the next few weeks but here is what scrounged up from around my house to run outside the other day.
I wore a pom pom hat. A Lands End rain jacket. Underneath I wore a running tank and a running long sleeve to wick moisture away. Then I had on a pair of lined nike running pants. They are super warm. I just wore a pair of target finger/mitten combo gloves and a pair of warm boot socks. It did work good for being outside but I would like to get some actual running outdoor gear.
Training this week is still relatively easy. I got my new Runners World in the mail and here are some tips that I thought were helpful:
4 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE
1. SIGN UP, ALREADY
Don’t wait to enter a race until you think you’re fit enough. Register early so you have a goal to work toward and a guaranteed spot in the event.
* I always have to register for the race way before hand. It is what gives me the motivation to train.
2. GO THE DISTANCE
Afraid you won’t finish? Aim to complete three runs one or two miles longer than your race distance. Marathoners may stop at 22.
3. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Tell yourself that you are capable of achieving your goals- and say it out loud if that helps. It may sound corny, but if you think you can’t do something, you probably won’t.
4. FOLLOW A ROUTINE
Do you always race in the same shorts or do the same warmup? Good. Experts say following prerace routines can make you feel more confident and physically prepared to run your best.
*agreed. When I ran my last marathon there was something very comforting about getting up and wearing the same thing I wore for every other long run in training and eating my same Luna bar. You know what to expect and that makes you less stressed.
I am in awe of your energy. You go, girl!
Jen – I’ve been thinking about your training a lot as I aim to get into better shape. I’m so inspired by you! Thank you so much for sharing your mileage and your tips! I don’t have a marathon to train for, but I think to myself – if Jen can do it, I can do it! I’m sure so many of your readers feel the same way!
Go Jen, Go!
(also- really excited to see you in a couple weeks!!!)
Great post! I just signed up for my first 8K which will be my first race ever. I am not a runner at all so I’m trying to start slow and train! Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
I love your blog and have been following for awhile. I would really love to start running, but like you I have a little one. Do you take Rowan with you or do you have someone watch her while you are running?
You look adorable! =) I can’t believe how different our weather is. My brother and I got rained on toward the end of our run a couple days ago. Today it’s all blue skies and fluffy white clouds with the ocean breeze. I’m definitely going to push myself to do awesome today since it’s the last day of my running “week.” For some reason I’m logging Wednesday-Tuesday. I don’t know how that happened!
I just registered for the Chicago Marathon today. *gulp*.
Big races always make me nervous until I’m midway through training.
You are such an inspiration! you had a baby relatively not too long ago and now you are training for a marathon!! Now I can’t use the excuse that I just had a baby cause you are already going out there and doing it! Go you!
Thanks for sharing the tips, Jen! One of my goals this year was to take up running. I’ve never ran more than a mile in my life, and the last time I ran at all was in high school. I’m aiming for 3 times a week, but I’ve gotten a little lazy lately (including skipping out today!) I think I’m going to try making a schedule to have something to stick to.
I wish I could train for a marathon! I had a knee injury in high school and running ever since has just not been the same. Whenever I run a couple miles (after working up to it), I am so sore for the next few days. I run intervals to still get a little running adrenaline in, though, and I am hoping to start doing what my Dad does with his running. Every year for his birthday, he runs the number of minutes of the age he’s turning that year. He’s my hero! Good luck with your training and finding good warm weather gear. I wore underarmor for lacrosse outside in cold Feburaries and it was very helpful!
Thanks for the tips Jen!
I just wanted to pass on to you as well that a few weeks back I was toying with the idea of training for a 10k, and when I read that you were going to run a marathon it was some extra motivation for me to get going with my 10k. This will be my first race and I’m super excited! So thanks for sharing your running inspiration with a first-timer!!
thanks for posting those tips from runners world! those are all such great ones too, definitely things i live by as a runner 🙂 i have been reading your blog for a while and i do love it, but i’m so excited to be able to following your training now! good luck girl!
hi! i’m new to your blog (via designmom). I’m in awe of your dedication. Also your style 🙂 May I ask what kind of Lands End jacket that is? It’s super cute but I’m having a hard time locating it online.
thanks in advance!