Snowy days and the dreadmill

It's been snowy and a winter wonderland at my school for over a week now, which means a week of running inside. I know I could still run outside, but the idea of it truly scares me. I have reflective running gear but it doesn't really stand out against the bright white snow, and I never run in dark clothes.

So I've been running inside on the treadmill and it's just rekindled my disdain for long runs on a glorified hamster wheel. The only thing I like a treadmill for is to make sure that I am nailing times/splits during a workout. Other that that, I'm really not a fan.

So I've been running on one for a week and let me tell you, it's been rough. On mid distance runs (5-8 miles) outside I don't run with water. I stay hydrated enough during the day, and I just don't need it. But after only 2 minutes on the treadmill I reach for my water bottle, and I continue to do that in 2 minute increments for my entire run. That is why I don't like the treadmill, because I honestly feel like it makes me a mentally weaker runner. Instead of spending my run focused on my pace and internally training myself when to accelerate, reduce, or maintain my speed, I push buttons and then adjust my stride. It doesn't make me focused, it makes me lazy.

Another issue I have is finding the correct pace. Outside I can run around an 8 min:mile on a long run, inside it's at 9:40 min:mile. How is that possible? I honestly think it's because when I'm on the treadmill I shorten my stride without realizing and I cannot move as fast. And if I set the treadmill to 8 min:mile it's too fast. Because in a real 8 min:mile pace I naturally fluctuate because 7:50 and 8:30 as the terrain changes.

I really cannot wait to get back on the road and trails this spring. It's always so nice to run outside, it's like mentally stretching your legs or taking deep breaths. It has a calming feature that gym treadmills lack. 

Cold-Weather Running Gear

Source: glassphotography.com

Ah winter running. The most wonderful time of the year. Nothing says "yuletide" like frozen extremities and a thin layer of sweat between you and the jacket that is too thin in the beginning of your run and too thick at the end of it.

I personally have had my fair share of cold weather days, including on race where I competed in shorts and a singlet, while running through 4 inches of snow and sleet. Cozy!

Yep that's me. I was near frozen to death after that 6k, my normal skin tone is a lot less reddish, blue, I promise. I made quite a few mistakes that day that I vowed not to make again. Namely, I run in pants now. There are tons of different things you can buy to protect you from the winter chill, and I'm going to start at the bottom.

FEET

Traction. While we all love our running flats lets face it, they slip and slide as soon as things get slick. Snowy trails? Forget it. I don't want to risk spraining, or worst, breaking my ankle. These are Kahtoola MICROspikes. A little on the expensive side at $64.95 a pop, but absolutely worth it. They come in red and black in a variety of sizes. They are intended to be kept in your pocket or running pack and taken out and slipped on for snowy or icy spots!

Warmth. Most running shoes are extremely breathable. Which is nice in the summer, and troublesome in the winter. These are Drymax Cold Weather Running Socks and I love them. Fairly reasonable in price ($11-15) and I love the higher rise. In the winter a lot of times that little piece of ankle that shows gets really cold, personally when that happens it's similar to having a rock in my shoe, annoying and uncomfortable.




LEGS

Warmth and protection. In general I'm a huge fan of SportHill. They divide they're clothes into three zones based on the temp you'll be wearing them in! (How smart is that?). These are the Saga II Tights for women. They come with 7" zippers and gripper elastics around the ankles. They come in 7 sizes (which includes 2 length options), and are not only are they warm they are also windproof up to 35 mph! Tons of bang for your buck (the newest model is $109 when earlier models are cheaper they lack the leg zipper and other details).

UPPER BODY

Warmth. Placed in Brooks "Extreme Warm" category the Brooks Utopia Thermal is such a good investment (men's version: Brooks Utopia Softshell). Both versions come in a solid black, which is the little black dress of runners. We all need the classic black thermal (I'm wearing one right now). These are priced from $75 to 150 (men's). 

Warmth and visibility. Being warm is just as important as being visible. Especially because a lot of the coldest runs are at dusk and dawn. This is the Women's Nightlife Ess. Run Vest II (men's version: Men's Nightlife Ess. Run Vest II). These Brooks vests are set a $75 and absolutely worth it. Place in their "Warm" category these vests are perfect to pair with my next piece of running gear.

Toasty arms. Complete with thumb holes and a key pocket the Asics Thermopolis LT Arm Warmers are great for runs that are going to start cold and end mild. Once things start to get warm just roll them off and stow them in a pocket. They can even be used as a base layer under a running jacket! They also come with gripper elastics so you don't have to worry about them riding up. These little babies are right around $24 (which is pretty standard for arm warmers)!

No numb fingers! If you're looking for thin mittens that are still super warm the Saucony Ulti-Mitts are made for you! At $45 it seems a little pricey for "just" a pair of mittens, but that's exactly what they are not. These little babies are mittens are a 3 in 1 miracle. Not only do they have the classic mitten to glove conversion, but they also have a convertible thumb and fore-finger option, that come with silicon grips. When not in use you can fasten them together with their magnet fasteners and stash them in your pocket!

HEAD

Warm necks and face. A gator is a must have for cold weather running. You need to protect your neck, cheeks, and if it can can convert into a balaclava that's just icing on the cake! The Mountain Hardware Hardface Stretch Convertible Balaclava can do all of that. It might be a mouth full to say, but it's definitely affordable at only $35. Comes in black and grey.

Ears. Sometimes it's chilly, but not chilly enough for a balaclava. That's what ear bands are for! The Brooks Infiniti Headband  is only $18 and uni-sex. The cut of the headband allows it to be worn like a headband while still fully covering your ears. If things get too steamy simply cuff up the ear covering section! The best part? It comes in 8 colors! So there is absolutely one in your favorite color!

HEY ALL!!

This is Molly coming to you live from the middle of my run! You might be wondering: Molly, why are you blogging and not kicking your butt into hire gear? Well I'll tell you.

While running with your dog is a beautiful thing, it does not work with my little pup, Dory. 

This is Dory.

I took her out for our first run together today, and I figured we'd start slow. I would run two miles with her, loop back to the house and drop her off, and then continue my run.

We are approximately 7 MINUTES into our run and Dory had to stop. She didn't have anything to do, just wanted to sit. She's 18 pounds and I couldn't move her. So we sat for 20 minutes. Then I decided this would not work, at least not today. So I picked her up and figured I could carry/jog her home. She loves being carried like the little diva she is, so I wasn't worried about her. And I thought "Hey it's only 7 minutes, right?" Wrong. 

I am not a carry things and run without your arms girl. I need my long swinging willow arms to push my legs, and instead they were wrapped around a hot, furry sausage that was trying to lick my face.

So the reason I'm blogging? Because I'm also walking, whilst balancing my pup on my hip. I have a mile left to go. And I know Dory isn't going to walk any of it.

Moral of the story? Have a dog that likes exercise, not a diva that likes sleep.

This is Dory after exercise lasting more than 4 minutes.

She is pretty cute though...

Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Strong: Tips for Runners

Source: thegreatillusion.com

Here are a few tips that I try to stick to when I'm running, just to keep me safe and focused.

1. Invest in a RoadID. My motto has always been to be proactive and not reactive. The time to get a RoadID and make sure that you are covered in case of an accident is before one happens. I waited until after I was almost hit by a truck. No one wants to think about the dangers that accompany running (biking, swimming, etc.) but they are there and you need to be prepared.
2. Brush up on safety tips. Again, be proactive and not reactive. You can look at my safety tips by clicking here.
3. Go watchless. We've all been there. You start a run, feel sluggish, get cotton mouth, and look down to see that you've only been running 3:27. It's incredibly discouraging. While your watch can be an incredibly useful tool in training, it is not necessary if you are just running for distance. 
4. Psych yourself in. There's a phrase: Running is mental. And it's completely true. Sometimes when you're running you can psych yourself out, your body can feel tired or heavy and negative, "I can't do this" thoughts start to creep up. It can happen in a short run or a marathon, distance doesn't matter. When this happens ask yourself this "If someone's life depended on it, would you stop?" Asking yourself questions like this seems very dark, but it prompt a psychological response and awakens your Phase II of running. It's your Phase II that carries you through most of the race.
5. Train smart. Follow the 10% Rule: Don't increase your mileage by more than 10% a week. R.I.C.E.: Take care of and prevent injuries with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Have a good training plan that includes a taper before your race and race smart! Follow the nothing new on race day rule! Make sure you've worn all the clothes you're going to wear, and make sure you've used all the clothes and products before the gun goes off.

My Phases of Running

Phase I: Body

25%. Your body will carry you to the race, and most of the way through it. In the beginning of your run it's all you think about, it's all you use. Your body is a combination of your cardio, stamina, and strength, and it's accumulation over your months of training. Your body is your sprint off the line and your powerhouse. It's extremely vital to be prepared for race day!

Phase II: Psychological/Mind

60%. There is always a point in the race when your body runs out, there is always be a part of a race where you doubt yourself, and when that happens you enter Phase II. There is a phrase that running is a mental sport, and that's absolutely true. This is when you have to ask yourself if you are truly exhausted, or are your legs just tired. Think outside of yourself. "If someone's life depended on it, would you stop?" Asking that question fights back at the negative thoughts that might be cropping up in your mind. It creates a psychological battle. And nine times out of ten, you can keep going. (This does not mean that you should fight through an injury).

Phase III: Heart

15%. The very end of your race. When you've conquered the mental, your energy is nearly out, and you have to think about why you are running. For someone else? For yourself? Use that to find your energy reserves and push in to the end.

Update!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you in on some updates! I have a lot of samples and goodies heading my way, so be prepared for lots and lots of product reviews!

I'll be reviewing:

Nuun Electrolyte tablets

Hammer Electrolyte bars/gels/tablets

Hammer Nutrition Casein

RoadID apparel

Halo Headbands

Nathan VaporShape Hydration Pack

Thermotabs Salt Supplements

....and maybe more!

So check back soon!

ALSO I am currently shopping for my first ultra and I have found quite a few that I'm very interested in, so my training is getting kicked up a notch and I might be writing more entries about my training, on a day-to-day basis.

RoadID!

I emailed RoadID the link to my review and they are so nice! The owners responded and are sending me a free shirt to thank me! They even made sure to send me sizing info informing me that the sizes run small! 

So thank you, RoadID!

Such a great company.

My Future?

The future is extremely exciting and scary for me. I think I want to go to law school and become a lawyer, but that's more in my head than in my heart.

In my heart I want to be outside and active. I really love the idea of working for Outward Bounds or i2P (Impossible 2 Possible). Both organizations have potential careers for me, and I really want to get out there! I hate being in my comfort zone! I want to push myself! And I want to watch and help others push themselves. 

I've decided to apply for an internship at Outward Bounds for the summer. I just want to see what I can make happen. And I also am emailing with the heads of i2P to see what I should do in the future to get to the level that they are looking for when hiring.

I know I don't have all the criteria, but I have all the drive. When I was about to be a junior in high school I went on an expedition with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and I loved it. I also was a counselor throughout high school at an Outdoor Educational Facility. 

I have enough experience to know that I like doing it. I just think an internship would seal the deal for me.

Family, Friends & A Strong Running Foundation

I love my family. I grew up with an older brother and sister and two younger sisters, both my parents were supportive through my life and allowed me to pursue an educational path that they didn't love.

I'm very thankful for having people like that in my life and I often wonder what would happen if I didn't. Where would I be? Would I have the same confidence when jumping into the great unknown? I'm not sure that I would.

While running is an individual sport, there is always a team in the background. Someone with your drop bag or someone waiting for you at the finish line. 

At my first marathon my boyfriend came too. He drove me there, held my things, took my picture, met me at the end, and drove me home. But I was out there alone for five hours (including check in time). Parking was atrocious so I just had to jump out of the moving car when we got close to the start. The second I shut that car door it sunk in.

I was alone.

I didn't have my phone or anyway to contact someone I knew. I was by myself and while it was terrifying, it was also exhilarating.

I immediately had to do what I was trained to do. Rely on myself. I found my way to the start, stood in my place, did some stretches and tried not to think about my family or friends, I wanted to focus. I thought about the 26.2 and how I had it broken down in my head and what my game plan was. I thought about when to take Gatorade and when to take water, everything was on me and on the race.

But once I crossed the start line my entire plan faded, and all I could think of was who I wished I could share this experience with. I thought about my parents. I wished they could be there with me. I thought about my friends and all the messages they had sent supporting me.

I thought about the races I had run with him and the way he's pushed me to be a better person. I thought about how he stood by me when I decided I no longer wanted to be a collegiate runner and how he motivated me to continue training even when it was extremely difficult.

I trained by myself, and so I thought I was prepared to race by myself. In fact I never doubted the idea of running this marathon alone. Any time I told someone I was running it they would always ask me who I was running it with and when I told them it was solo they always got a faint look of shock and horror. Like I was crazy for doing it, but I didn't feel crazy, I felt ready.

Despite my race day doubts I truly thought that my legs were strong enough and that my cardio was strong enough and that I had the stamina to succeed. But my legs cramped at mile 18, my cardio was weak at mile 20, and my stamina was worn out with 5 miles left in the race.

But I never stopped. And I never walked. Because I never stopped thinking about who mattered most to me and who had helped me get to where I was. My body didn't carry me through that race, my foundation did.

I run to find my limit, but as long as I have my foundation, I'm not sure I have a limit.

Minimal Running Shoes: My Experience

My favorite Disney princess is Pocahontas. Why? She runs around barefoot. I'm serious! That is why I love her, and why I hated running in what I now refer to as my moon boots. When I first started running I was told I over-pronated, and I never questioned it again, however my feet have changed since I was 11. While I do have some pronation I also have the ability to control how my feet hit the ground because I have a strong lower leg.

When I ran in my moon boots it felt like I had slabs of cement on the underside of my feet. I slapped the ground everywhere I ran, and it hurt. I had runners knee, plantar fasciitis, ITB syndrome, and my muscles were actually pulling away from my bone up and down my leg (there was significant bruising). After she examined me, I was told by a sports trainer, that it was coming from "how your body naturally is". How my body naturally is? My body naturally hated me? I bought her little schpeal and I also bought orthopedic insoles. 

As if the problems could get worse.

I was limping instead of walking.

I was then told "try running to warm up your muscles and get them to relax". So yes. I then limp-ran on my injuries.

Eventually the pain was so bad I had to stop running. Getting out of bed wasn't painful, it was excruciating. I have run and competed on injuries, and I have toughed out a lot of pain, but there is nothing like bone pain. 

I figured that my body hated the sport, and that despite my passion for it, my running career was over at 18. Over before it began.

Months later, when I could walk normally, I had a bad day. As most runners know, a bad day can be a perfect running day. I didn't have my moon boots at school, but I had some Nike Frees that I had bought because they were pretty, and I figured, why not? A 2 miler won't kill me. 

The first thing I noticed was the silence. I didn't slap at all, the soft Frees molded to my little lady feet that were too weak to bend the sole of my moon boots. It was freeing, I felt amazing. It didn't matter than my cardio was weak compared to how it used to be or that my legs were tired before I made it to the end of the block, I was running and I was thrilled. So then...

A two miler turned into a 7 miler. When I got home I felt great, but I figured it was the calm before the storm and decided to RICE anyway. Aside from muscle soreness I was aces the next day. I thought it was a fluke, but curiosity got the better of me, and I went for another run. Just 3 miles. Just to see.

Again I was completely fine.

I continued running in minimals for the remainder of the semester, never once experiencing anything that a day of rest or frozen peas couldn't fix. 

The day I returned from break I put on the moon boots, to see how it would be (I'm a sucker for experiments). By the end of my road I knew something was up. It wasn't pain, it was just like I was having a harder impact with the road...and something was way off. Dull aches were coming back and I didn't want to push it any further, so I turned around, and walked home.

I refuse to run in a shoe that is not minimal from now on, I don't need the extra support, my body is done forming itself! I don't need the extra support and stability and orthopedics -- I'm no longer a growing 11 year old! The moral of this story is to get your feet rechecked frequently, especially if you've been running in the same model for a long time.

I ran in the same model for over 8 years, and changing that was scary, and I still have a lot of nostalgia for those shoes, I mean, I ran my first race in them, I won my first medal in them. But at the end of the day, they didn't love me as much as I loved them.

If you want to learn more about transitioning to minimal running and all the benefits it can yield click here!

Review! RoadID Slim Band

I never used to think about my safety when I was running. I live in the middle of nowhere and on my runs I'll see maybe four cars the entire time, however, this also means that I rarely have a shoulder to run on. It took one time of turning a corner and having a car nearly clip me to wake me up (damn hybrids being all eco-friendly and super quiet). Actually, as much as I would like to blame that car and that driver the fault was mine, cars are supposed to be on the road, sweaty, 20-somethings, who look dead after their 9 mile run, do not. 

I tried carrying my license and I hated it, and honestly it wouldn't have given a first responder much more than my name. I was looking for something that was small, slightly discrete, but recognizable (so a first responder would actually look at it). I've been running with a paper on the underside of my shoe sole that has information, but let's be real, people who get hit by cars can lose their shoes, and if I'm unconscious how many people are going to check there right away?

Then I heard about the RoadID (this is where my rambling stops and the review begins!) and I immediately had to have one. RoadIDs come in every shape and size: from dog tags for you to dog collars for Fido.  There are also several wristbands, I chose the Slim Band which is the same size as a cause bracelet and which contains a little plack (removeable so you can change your band color) with information vital to first responders if there is an accident.

I blanked out the phone numbers, but you get the idea of it. RoadID also has helpful tutorials that show you what is important to put on your band, as well as what abbreviations first responders will understand. Without their guidance I would not have put NKDA (No Known Drug Allergies) or DOB 1993, two important pieces of information.

The plack itself is laser engraved and RoadID stands behind it 100%. 

The band comes in a variety of colors:

These are the classics, as you can see I chose a newer color! Teal!

The band is super soft and stretchy! It's more comfortable to wear than my hair ties that seem to live on my wrist... 

You can also accessorize your RoadID. And of course I had to flaunt the biggest achievement of mine!

All of this was under $20! Which is incredibly affordable, and important. This little piece of equipment could save my life one day, which is why I not only bought one for myself, but I also bought one for my little sister.

RoadID is not a company full of money-grubbing rich guys looking to make a buck. They are runners, the company started in a basement, and the owners still answer e-mails personally. It's a company that keeps you, the runner, at the forefront of its mind. Their customer service is unparalleled (none of that Don't Respond to this Automated Email crap)! I personally had a 6 or 7 email conversation with one of their staff members who was extremely helpful and made sure that I was happy, even though that meant tons of work on her end.

In conclusion: smart and safe product, amazing company, and outstanding customer service. Everyone should have a RoadID.

Company:	5/5
Affordability:	5/5
Quality:	5/5
Usage:	5/5
Overall:	A+

Female Fitties: The 3 Most Common Struggles

While I'm a runner I have participated in my fair share of sports, from lacrosse to soccer to gymnastics and dance, I've seen it all and had almost every injury and issue in the book. While a lot of issues that can arise in exercise cross gender-lines some do not, there are plenty of "lady-only" issues. Here are the top 3:

1. Iron. We bleed every month and lose tons and tons of iron. The average adult woman need 15-18mg of iron per day, but because women typically eat less than men they are more at risk of anemia. Runnersworld.co.uk says that "Good sources of calcium are dairy products, dark leafy vegetables, broccoli, canned sardines and salmon, while foods high in iron include liver, fortified dry cereals, beef and spinach". Try to incorporate these foods into your daily meals, but do not take an iron supplement before consulting a doctor as high iron levels can be toxic to your body.
2. Periods. But more specifically cramps. When I have cramps I don't want to leave the fetal position, much less leave my bed. But on days when my cramps are at their worst I drag myself to my closet, put on my running clothes, and I go for a run (walk). Start small, just a half mile, now a mile, now 4 miles. Focus on your breathing and the pain will melt away before you know it.
3. Boobs, Butts, and Feminine Bodies. Men and women are built differently (as I'm sure you discovered in the 5th grade), and so our bodies take impact (like smacking cement on one leg with twice the force of your body weight - ie: running) differently. In fact the reason that you hear that slapping noise is because your shoes are too stiff (and your less muscular female foot cannot bend the material). Another example of women being the under-dog is a single leg squat. While both men and women can complete this movement it is more stressful for a female's body. This is because a female's pelvic girdle is wider and enhances the valgus stress on the knee. For the entire list click here. 

Sources:

active.com

med.nyu.edu

runnersworld.com

runnerworld.co.uk

running.competitor.com

SAFETY TIPS! 6 rules for runners

1. Get yourself a RoadID. One of the cheapest and most important investments that an athlete can make. RoadIDs can even help you if you are in a car accident! The time to get a RoadID and make sure that you are covered in case of an accident is before one happens. I waited until after I was almost hit by a truck. No one wants to think about the dangers that accompany running (biking, swimming, etc.) but they are there and you need to be prepared.This is what the company has to say about their product: "If you are a runner, cyclist, triathlete or just an active person, Road ID is for you. In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind." -RoadID.com
2. Beware of cars. ALWAYS run against traffic. The last thing you want is a car coming around the corner at you, from behind. However, just because you can see the car DO NOT assume that cars can see you. When running on back roads, roads with a small shoulder, or running in blind turn areas, move off of the road and go a few steps in the grass. 
3. Keep one earbud out or skip headphones. This goes for the road and trails, in terms of safety completely checking out is never a good idea. Always be sensitive to your surroundings and make sure that you are aware of what is going on around you. Most of iPods and iPhones now play music through speakers than don't need headphones, if you can skip them, do it.
4. Tell someone where you are going. Always make sure someone knows where you are. Make sure they have confirmed that they know you are about to leave for a run, tell them the distance or route you plan on attempting, and give them a ball park figure of when you should be back.
5. Partner runs. There's strength in numbers! Not only in terms of mental support, but also there is someone to run and get help if something happens to you. Also there are crazy people out there who would attempt to abduct a runner, especially a female runner, however, not many of those people are going to attempt a 2 against 1 scenario.
6. Dress smart. Neon is your friend! If you have ever wanted an excuse to wear the most bright and obnoxious colored clothing than here it is! Especially if it is rainy, cloudy, or dawn/dusk time. If you would drive with your car lights on than run with your reflection on. (Reflective stripes on your shoes do not count). A good idea is to get reflective stripes that you can wear over any of your attire! They are affordable and prevent you from investing in several new pieces of running gear, I like Brooks Nightlife Arm and Leg Bands II and RoadID's Belt and Wrist Bands! (all 15 and under!).

Sources:

active.com

RoadID.com

rrca.org

My Next Goal: Ultra-marathon

I ran my first marathon a few months ago and found that what many people in the running people are complaining of is true, marathons are becoming too saturated. When I was running that race I passed people drinking Maryland's trademark Natty Boh on the course, and that's not the kind of race I was excited for.

I want a race full of other people that are trying to find their limits. And I believe that 4Deserts is that race, or should I say those races? But I don't want my first ultra to be out in the middle of the desert, so I'm hoping that I can race a practice one in 2014!

My First Marathon

4:44:55. It was heart-breaking. It was too long, way too long. I had hit the 13.1 at 2:05:xx and I was not anticipating the extra 30 minutes on my time. I had no idea what to think, I didn't run this marathon to place in the top 15 or qualify for Boston, I ran this to prove it to myself that I could do it. And as I crossed the line I felt a huge amount of disappointment. I was disappointed in myself. I was disappointed in my training and how I had prepared and how I had built myself up in my mind, but not in my body. I was embarrassed.  

Baltimore taught me a few things. 

1. Train like a champ. While crappy training can be made up for with adrenaline in a 5k (what I typically ran) it will do nothing for you in a 26.2, except maybe hype you too much and then you'll waste tons of energy in the first 5 miles.
2. Race day fuel is key. I should have been taking Nuun tablets or something! Something that I was familiar with. I love the product I actually used so I'm not going to name it, but I should have trained with it more before I went off and just tried to "wing it" race day.
3. Giving up on yourself is the worst feeling in the world, and it's completely preventable. The second I finished that race I should have been elated and instead I felt like such a failure. I felt like I couldn't do anything right. It was a huge self-esteem blow. But if I had just trained prior to the race I would have felt so much better after! And not just trained my legs, but trained my mind. I was under the impression that doing poorly meant I was a failure, when I should have been thinking of it as an opportunity for growth! 

There is so much ahead of me that I wouldn't have even dreamed of before running that marathon. It was huge learning opportunity and I highly encourage everyone to go try their hand at the half or full.

The Start of the Long Run

This is my first posting on a blog outside of tumblr and I am so excited to start. I'm an amateur athlete doing all my training and nutrition on my own (with the help of Google). Currently I am on break from college, where I am majoring in Philosophy and Anthropology. I am using my break as a jump-start for my training program, lots of long runs with short speed days.

In addition to training my body, I am spending a large portion of break training my mind. I've had several "watch-less" runs to build mental toughness. I struggle with this a lot, but it'll help in the long run. I am also cleansing my mind with lots and lots of yoga and meditation. Yoga has always been a source of solace for me, it's quiet and peaceful and introspective. When you grow up in a house full of seven people and four dogs you learn to appreciate small moments of silence.