Feel free to skip to the end of the post for the playlist. This first part is pretty self-indulgent ;)
It’s been a while since I’ve talked solely about running, but lately (knock on wood) running has been great. Other than the normal soreness and occasional blah runs, I feel like I’ve been in a steady groove. Granted, I’m not running high mileage (around 4-6 miles at a time, 20ish per week) and all of my paces are steady (more on that below), but I’m just happy to be enjoying summer running instead of dying from the Florida heat.
In mid-July I’m running the Narragansett Bay Half Marathon and then a week after I’ll start marathon training round three. The half in July will be a fun-run with my cousin as we both haven’t trained…at least that’s what she told me ;) Sarah is running it too so if you’re in the area, sign up! The course looks beautiful.
As for the marathon in November, I *think* I found a training plan that I like. I used the FREE Runner’s World Smart Coach and have a 15 week plan that’s four days a week, peaks at 40ish miles (which I know is low for most, but it works for me), and incorporates speed work, cross-training and at least 2 rest days. I’ll share the plan if anyone is interested, but I like to think of it as a rough guide not a “live and die by schedule.”
I’m excited/nervous to incorporate actual workouts into my training. I have always trained for races just to finish (steady-state) but I know that varying my pace is beneficial for many reasons, a faster time being one of them. Not sure how those speed workouts will go but I’ll take them as they come. Actually, I have a lot of (probably) irrational fears and thoughts about “training” for a race (versus just finishing) that probably warrant a blog post. Stay tuned…
Other running news…
–Warming-up has been going mostly well. I haven’t done it religiously before every run (I honestly forget) but I would say 3/5 times I stick to it.
-Hills. I’ve determined that they are unavoidable. Whether I run in Central Park, on the sidewalks, on bridges, or near the river, hills are everywhere. I know that’s good and I do feel like they’ve gotten a little easier, but still….they’re hard. Maybe one day I’ll do sprints up them. Maybe.
-The weather has been VERY runner-friendly this summer. Some people up here may think it’s too hot, but I honestly think it’s perfect, if not chilly. I’m kind of dreading having to get re-acclimated to running in the heat in Florida so I’m taking advantage of the weather now.
Now for the playlist...a little mix of everything I’ve been listening to lately. I’m always in need of new music (workout or not) so please share your current favorites!
I want to run hills more, but where I live there are NO hills, whenever I visit home where it is very hilly, I always try to get runs in on the hills since I know that it is so beneficial for me as a runner. I always love that feeling of accomplishing a run with hard hills!
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The only hills in FL are bridges and they require a drive so I have to plan for them. I agree, I love the feeling of accomplishment.
I love hearing about your run-ventures. I feel like we’re in a really similar spot oh minus you training for a marathon :P – I’ve incorporated more sprints and hills into training this time around and I actually really enjoy it, well let me clarify, I enjoy the sprints. Hills are still the worst.
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I enjoy very short sprints but hopefully I can build up to lasting more than a minute or so. Glad to hear you’ve had success with sprints/hills in your training!
I love running hills! Since I have a tendency to not be consistent with speed work hills are my go-to to keep my fitness up, and they are also hard to avoid in my area! Some are so tough they really makes a workout out of the run without trying. I don’t usually do hill sprints or repeats but like to choose a hilly route 1-2 days per week.
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Even though I don’t do much speed work, I think I prefer hills. I agree they keep your fitness up and I can already see some improvement in my strength.
It is flipping humid in Texas right now and I miss those Summer east coast runs. It is amazing how surprisingly hilly it is there and I always found it so beneficial to my training. Like Florida, Houston is FLAT!
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I don’t remember what the horrendous humidity/heat feels like so I’ll take your word for it ;)
Thanks for sharing your playlist! I love adding new tunes to mine : ) And 40 miles a week as a peak for marathon training is PERFECT! I peaked at 40 for my first two marathons : ) I never do a set hill workout, but unfortunately (or fortunately?) I am surrounded by hills so it’s pretty unavoidable haha. I just started my training plan for NYC today, yesterday was a rest day, and it will be 18 weeks long. Usually I stick to 16 week plans but I wanted to force myself to take a milage drop in the beginning. I think your plan sounds great and I’m so excited to see your progress! Totally checking out Narragansett Half… : )
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Haha some days it’s “fortunately” other it’s “unfortunately.” I feel you on that. I’m so impressed with your plan and have no doubt you’ll rock it. Seriously- look at the race!
DC hills were killer! (Well Georgetown hills). Basically, if you could run them….you’re a beast (which I did, but I also found a perfect flat…for the most part…route!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Buckwheat: The Gluten-Free Flour You Must Have
I’ve run through Georgetown before and remember walking up many hills. So steep!
Look at you girl!! Way to be so motivational! I’m no runner, but I truly admire those who are!! Keep up the great work! :)
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Thanks, Cailee! :)
Good luck with your training, please don’t be afraid of anything- it will all work out! I am also in love with Rihanna’s What Now :)!
Niki @lifewithniki recently posted…Why You’re Required To Hate Your Yourself
Thanks, Niki. I know you’re right :) Thanks for the song suggestion, too.
Love love this playlist! I did an 18 week marathon training plan but the first 6 weeks or so weren’t anything different than I’d already been running. My neighborhood is pretty hilly so I try to get some good hill workouts in a few times a week, especially for my last half marathon in San Fransisco (which had the most killer hill at mile 10).
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The first race I did a 16 week plan and the second an 18 week plan, so we’ll see how this goes. But I think I’ve built somewhat of a base to start training with a shorter plan. Running in San Fran practically requires hill work. A hill toward the end of a race is cruel.
Loving this post, Emily! So many great tracks on your workout playlist. I always listen to Power by Kanye West when I go on a run – such a good song!!!
Harriet Emily recently posted…SPICED COUSCOUS
I’ve been listening to that song on repeat lately. One day I’ll learn the words to the rap part ;)
great songs for running! i am currently training and i was looking for songs to inspire me to go farther!
xo
Orly
coffeebeansandhighheels.com/WP/
So glad to help! Hope training is going well.
So cool you’re doing marathon number 3!! I said I was going to one day do a marathon after I finished my first (and only) half marathon but it still has yet to happen. I will just cheer you on instead :) And I know what you mean about being scared to actually train rather than just finishing one. Even for my half, I didn’t really “train” because it intimidated me. I basically just said I would run the 13 miles and that was good enough because it made me nervous to set other goals. Definitely write a post about that!! <3
I’ll take any and all support :) I’m so intimidated to train for a race because I feel like even if I cross the finish line, there’s room for failure. But just crossing the freaking finish line is a HUGE win so I’m going to focus on that.
I feel you on the unavoidable hills. Somedays I just don’t feel like running up them, so I walk. Ha! Good luck on the marathon training. That’s awesome that it will be your third!
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I do the same thing. Even walking them is hard sometimes!
I promise hills get easier! They were so intimidating when I moved to Ohio, but I realized at Hatfield McCoy (a pretty hilly course) how much I had improved compared to when I ran it last year. I’m also amazed how much faster(ish) I can run on flat sections.
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I think I believe you ;) I still roll my eyes every time I approach a hill but I can tell they are getting easier.
Great playlist! I love Andy Grammer :) Well…I only know his one song. Haha. Best of luck with your training plans and with all the marathons you’ve got coming up — it’s definitely something exciting to look forward to!
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It’s exciting AND nerve-wrecking :) I think I know one or two other songs by him, but this is my favorite.
I’ve been loving Want to Want Me! And so exciting that you’ll be training for your THIRD marathon!
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That’s my dad’s favorite song too :) Jason Derulo songs are so catchy.
Hi Emily! This workout playlist is just what I needed, thanks for posting! I really appreciate what you do here. I would love your feedback on our blog and activewear line. I think it would resonate with you. Keep up the good work! <3