Waddup!
I hope everyone is enjoying their week. It’s Wednesday, but do not expect a WIAW here. Sorry to disappoint you all.
I can’t believe my blog has over 1,000 comments now… all from me. No. But seriously. I never thought my blog would come along. Thanks you guys. I owe you a vlog soon. Maybe a Q&A vlog. I think I’ll do that so if you any questions, ask away.
By the way, I got a new phone! It may not be an iPhone because AT&T directly told me I could not get one. I’m not joking so I bought the Samsung Infuse. Two-hundred dollars out the door now… of my own money. I’m broke again. I guess that’s why I work like 24/7.
It is awesome though. It’s the closest thing to an iPhone, but without the whole Apple buying my soul deal. Check this motha out.

So, I was thinking that if anyone you bloggie boos want to be my texting buddy, hit me up. Just send me your number at lifttorun@gmail.com and we can exchange numbers. I promise I’m really not a fifty year old guy pretending to be an 18-year-old crazy runner.
Also, let me know what your favorite apps are! I’m totally on the lookout for some really good ones. Dailymile anyone?
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So, you want to train for a race?
I have run several races including 5k’s, 15k’s, 20k’s, 3k’s, 800 m, 1500 m, and one half marathon. I personally love training for races. As of now, I am training for another half marathon that is trail race. While I may have not done an abundance of races since I have only been running for about two years, I have learned from past mistakes. I thought I would share some tips for training for any race.
How to train for a race Christy’s way:
1. Buying perfect running socks is just as important as buying running shoes. I am so meticulous about the socks I run in. My favorite pair is a pair of wool socks that are semi thin. They are perfect year round despite the fabric being wool. In the winter, they keep my feet warm and in the summer, they keep my feet dry from sweat. I also get blisters so they are awesome for that. Lululemon has amazing running socks except I think they are too thin. Invest a good pair of socks. While Adidas and Nike socks work very well, sometimes socks from your local running store do wonders. Also, buy compression socks. I sleep in my mine and wake up with healed legs.
2. Before investing in a pair of shoes, get your feet tested. By tested, I don’t mean take a quiz or something like that. I mean get your gait/stride/running style analyzed. Many running stores offer an analysis of how you run free. You may think you are a neutral runner, but find out you need stability shoes. Ahem, like me. Running in the wrong shoes that do not fit your feet correctly is awful. You may not feel it right away (like me), but eventually you will be injured (like me) and it sucks. Period.
3. Aches and pains happen, but it should not sideline you. Don’t be a baby. Your calf hurts and you think you should skip a day of running? No. Don’t do it. Get out and run. Aches, soreness, and some pain happens when you run. It is a part of the territory. Suck it up and get out there. Running may help (Source). I may have a sore knee, but I ran anyway. If you are saying “ow” with every step then maybe you can pass up a run. Just know your body. Sometimes I think runners are such cry babies about every ache and they think they should take a day off. How will you ever get stronger?
“Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.”
4. Don’t be afraid of taking pain relievers. I know they say don’t take any pain relievers before a run, but if just you have a little knee ache, take one. If it still hurts on your run then maybe you should just slow down your pace or just cross-train instead.
5. On that note, cross-train! Cross-training is vital to being an all around athlete that will make you stronger in the long run. Spin class is great for getting faster and the elliptical is great for any recovery days.
6. Strength train; especially the back of your legs. Runners typically forget or just ignore the back of their legs when strength training, but strengthening your glutes, calves, and hamstrings will help you run better. In addition to strengthen your legs (do not be afraid to go heavy), lift weights with your arms. You do use your arms while running anyway so work them, girl, as well as your back muscles. Don’t forget your core! I do abs every night before bed. No six-pack yet though.

I need to catch up with Kara still.
7. Don’t be afraid of running seven days a week. As long as you include three easy days, you’ll be fine. Your body will adapt. We were born to run.
8. Include tempo, hills, and easy runs in your training schedule. Simple as that. Even if you don’t have any hills in your race, do them. They will make you stronger that when you run on a flat course, you will speed right along.
9. Do one training run that is the length of your race. This will prepare you for the actual race day. Wake up the time you would on race day, eat what you need to, stretch, run the distance, and yada yada yada. Then change what you need to change accordingly.
10. Do at least one run longer than your race distance. Say you are running a half marathon that we all know is 13.1 miles. Before your race comes up, it would be a great idea to run maybe 14-16 miles with the last few miles being fast pace. This will test your legs and make you beast. On race day when you have that .1 mile to go, it will feel like piece of carrot cake. I love cake.
11. Foam roll!

Make time for it. I know how difficult it is to ‘fit’ in foam rolling, but the best time to do it is before you hop into bed or immediately after you run. Don’t forget to roll out your feet too with a tennis ball or rolling-pin.
12. Ice aches when needed and take a hot bath at least once every week. I know every runner says take an ice bath, but hot baths with epsom salt help a lot and they are relaxing.

13. While taking that hot bath or when you are icing your knees for 10-15 minutes, read a running book. I recommend finding an inspirational running book or even an educational one because it will motivate you.
14. Use IcyHot. I love Icyhot.

I have the roll on stick and if my knee is bugging me, I just rub it on there and viola!
15. Just run.

If you don’t feel like doing tempo run or strides, just run for the fun of it.
16. Don’t forget your competitive drive. Be fierce during a race! It’s a race after all. I don’t want to hear that bullshit of, “Oh, I just race for fun and everything is just fun and dandy. This is just a training run. Fun times, everyone!” No. Race hard. Let your animal out.

How not to train for a race:
1. Stay up until eleven watching Seinfeld while sitting on your foam roller. Hi, I did this last night. I had good intentions though.
2. Make every run speedy. It’s okay to run 7 mile paces. That’s what I tell myself. Yours may be different.
3. Have fun. Running is not about fun. No fun allowed in running.
Do I look happy? No, because running doesn’t involve having a good time.
Things to not worry about while training for a race:
1. Eating too many sweets. You will burn them off.

Who cares? Froyo the night before a big race? I did it and I ran fine.
2. Not doing track workouts. I hate the track with a passion. If you want to do a speed workout, do it on a regular run by adding sprints that last 30 seconds to a minute.
3. Wearing underwear as your racing outfit. Save it for the big league.

I hope you enjoyed my racing/training tips. I guarantee you will win your next race.

I guarantee it or your money back. Send me the money first though. I need it.
Questions:
Do you have any tips to add?
What was your best race?
‘Somewhere in the world someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win.” – Tom Fleming
* FYI, take this with a grain of salt. There is added sarcasm in here, obviously. And every runner is different. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa.