A New Running Method

I took a little “spring break” off from blogging last week and I feel quite refreshed and ready to catch up with you all! Race training has been going much better lately (in other words, I’ve actually been sticking to it lately), here’s what I did in the past week:

• Monday– Rest and stretching
• Tuesday– cross train (Hip Hop Abs)
• Wednesday– 30 minute run
• Thursday– cross train (Piyo Sweat)
• Friday– 30 minute run
• Saturday– Yoga
• Sunday– 8.5 mile run

I’m still on cloud nine that I finished an almost 9 mile run yesterday! I honestly cannot believe that I can run that far. It’s amazing to me how many of my limitations were in my own head.

I ran down to Piedmont Park and it was glorious! The weather was amazing, sunny and warm but with a lovely breeze, and I just kept thinking how amazing it was that I actually ran to a place that we would normally spend at least 15 minutes driving to!

I was feeling really tired the first couple of miles but then once I got in a groove I felt amazing! I actually switched to a new running method a couple weeks ago called the Galloway method. It’s essentially interval running, where you run for a certain number of minutes and then walk for a certain number of minutes. I decided to switch to this for a couple reasons. 1) I know a lot of people who have injured themselves or had joint problems from running. I have NEVER had an injury of any kind and I’m not about to start now. The run/walk method is a lot easier on your joints and greatly decreases chance of injury. 2) I’m a beginner and I’m taking on a pretty long distance with a half marathon. I want to make sure I can finish and finish strong, which this method will help me do. I was already taking SO many walk breaks with the Hal Higdon plan that I figured I should learn how to do it correctly. So far I’m loving the Galloway method! It makes my time slower, but it’s well worth it for how much better I feel during and after the run.

 Another new thing I introduced a couple weeks ago is some new kicks! My parents got me a gift card to a specialty running store called Big Peach Running Company for my birthday. I’ve never actually had my feet/gait assessed so I was really excited about this! They used video gait analysis and determined that I do overpronate (tilt my foot inward) on my left side and I have high arches, so the guy helping me recommended stability shoes. I went with the Brooks Ravenna 4 and I love them so far! This picture doesn’t even do them justice but they’re so bright they practically glow in the dark!

I’ve been really committing myself to the healthy lifestyle lately and I know that’s helping to support my running. I’m doing my best to eat clean (with the occasional treat) which is going really well! This my #WhatIAteWednesday from last week (Starbucks added a coconut milk option to their menu!):

I’m also sticking with some good low impact cross-training which I think is building my strength! I did an ab routine on Tuesday with my mom and then on Thursday my sister and I did Piyo Sweat together. Piyo just about killed me, in a super awesome way. We were both sore for days!

And yoga has been something else I’m incorporating! I have a dedicated day for it on Saturday but I do a short practice almost every day to help keep me loose and flexible.

I’ve got a 10 mile run on the books for this weekend! Another big milestone I can’t wait to reach!

-Lauren