A Running Mom

Photo Credit: www.blavish.com

1. You could try these training chutes

2. Try striding for 2-3 each time you run

3. Consider covering double the distance at least once a week and then watch the seconds fall away

4. Run with someone whose pace is a touch faster than yours

5. Create a playlist that keeps you motivated to run faster

Each of these techniques can offer you the opportunity to drop time. The best way to see which one suits you is to give each a try. You may find that by simply trying a couple of these techniques will help you identify a faster running pace that you can sustain for longer than you originally thought, and that your secret to your personal best race time is just opening up your stride a little bit… nothing too dramatic!

Can’t wait to hear how you get yourself running faster!

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

After only running a couple of times this past week, I had planned for a really good run this weekend. My fave person to run with was away, so I asked a couple of people to run with me in his place. Just in case they changed their minds, I  chose the perfect songs and made this incredible play list to keep my company. I was ready for a great run no matter what.

Of course, both people bailed (it was a snowy morning after all). Better, I left my ipod at home. Brilliant. What would I use to keep me plugging along since I was feeling a tad sluggish?

I decided to pick off people and pass them as I ran. At first it was easy. Lots of people were walking dogs. Or really jogging slowly. And then I saw her: The lady in the Crazy Hat. She wore black running pants, a black shirt and a black vest. On her head she wore a black hat with orange spikes that spanned the middle of the back of her head to the front. Like a mohawk. I had seen her take off as I entered the bathroom for my last chance trip to the loo, but she had been out of sight until now, since the path was curvy. Now it straightened out. She was running pretty fast, I thought. I felt certain I wouldn’t be able to pass her. But I set my sights on catching her.

In little increments, I gained on her. We had covered about 3 miles when I found myself within a distance to catch her. I even started to think I might be able to pass her. Then she stopped! So I decided to stride and pass her quickly. I was about 25 yards away, uphill, when she decided to run again. Are you kidding me?

I had to settle into a slower pace to catch my breath.

The distance between us was starting to increase. I had about 3/4 of a mile left in my run, so I decided to try and catch her again. I slowly increased my pace and could tell I was gaining on her. Even though I felt tired, I continued. I could see that the spikes were actually orange and yellow, as I drew closer. Crazy Hat.

15 yards away, and she stopped again!

I flew passed her but felt so short-changed. How disappointing not to be able to pass her on my own! Lady in the Crazy Hat!

Of course, I am grateful for having tried to hard to catch her. I remained focused and unaware of how quickly I was running. I came close to running my race pace!

Crazy, I know. But it ended up being a really fun run.

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

No running for me yesterday or today. Fighting a sore throat and feeling tired. So I’m planning a good one for this weekend. Should I try for 6? What’s your strategy after not running for a few days? Go for all you’ve got? Or take it easy and ease back into a good routine?

Would love to hear what works for you.

I have to add some great tunes to yesterday’s post, for all you peeps out there getting fit with your kids. I did hear back from more Twitter friends with more music, so here’s a few with a bunch from Chris Lovett:

unwritten - Natasha Bedinfield
it’s my life - Jon Bon Jovi
treehugged - Kimya Dawson
bye bye bye - NSync
soak up the sun - Cheryl Crow
viva la vida - Coldplay
anything by - David Archuleta

I’m always fighting tight hamstrings. When I do pilates I can’t hardly touch my toes! Check this great bit at the very bottom of this page… and may your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

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