Fall is typically the season when races tend to slow down in frequency, but it seems as though I’m just getting started. This isn’t my first rodeo race (thankfully) and hopefully not my last. But this next one I have in particular is about to cement the confidence I’ve been lacking in my body (post surgery).
It’s been just 2 years since my ACL and meniscus surgery, 3 years since the injury originally occurred, and I’m kickin’ to get back to my pre-injury days of running.
Which for me means running further, more days a week and with less gasping for air (lol).
Back in the good old days (which is slightly less than 8 years ago), I’d sign up for one race every few months and one year I signed up for (and completed) FIVE 1/2 marathons, four 10km’s and several additional 5 and 8k races… I’d love to do something similar this year, although finding enough races may be my downfall.
One thing that’s coming back to me is the serious requirement of being prepared. Typically, you can hear me say, as I run out the door, ‘going for a run, should be back in 10 minutes or 10km’, because typically I don’t know how the run is going to go and how I’m going to feel. But whether I’m out for 10 min (not usually) or 10km (more commonly now), I need a few things:
♥ ear buds and great tunes. I know it sounds silly (and some people don’t do the tunes thing), but if I don’t have the right tunes, it can actually make my run go to shit. I lose my rhythm, focus and momentum. Upbeat songs work great, and if you do some research, you can pick songs or even an entire playlist that keeps a specific running pace (a goal I have for next year). You could also go the podcast or audiobook route and just zone out for the run. I’ve done this and it makes the km go by without notice (perfect for those super long runs)! Just make sure your headphones are charged; losing your sound at any point in a run sucks balls!!
♥ fuel and or water. I’d love to say I bring water with me because it keeps you hydrated (obv), but seriously, the simple action of hydration in itself will keep your body from slowing down and feeling heavy and tired. I really want to be able to bring water with me, but it’s so bulky and cumbersome to carry, so instead, I make a point of stopping at local coffee shops to grab something when I run over 7km. What I rarely leave the house with, if it’s over a 40-minute run, is fuel, but it’s just so much easier to fit in those tiny little pockets they put in running shorts. (eyeroll) I know a lot of people don’t believe in fuel unless you’re going longer than 45 minutes or are an elite athlete, but I love the boost it gives me, allowing me to go a bit longer and finish stronger. And honestly, I’ll take any advantage I can get nowadays.
♥ I also love having my phone and watch with me. I know it’s redundant as my watch does nearly everything I need (pace, heart rate, distance, music, phone calls and texts), but I love taking pictures at times too! Getting a good selfie when I’ve arrived at a beautiful turnaround, gotten an inspiring pace or witnessed another stunning sunset, I love capturing it all! Listen, I love getting or at least attempting a PR, but I’ve also been known to stop mid-race for a great pic (I’m not ashamed!)
♥ At times, I’ll bring my little running pouch. I don’t care for anything extra around my waist, but it’s nice when I have to carry my keys and fuel and don’t want my phone in my hands. I’ve also found the coolest running bra that has a phone slot in the back between the shoulder blades and a tiny pocket in the front for some fuel (linked here), grabbing a few more of these soon for sure <3.
Although at times it still feels like I’m just getting started, it also feels like riding a bike (I hate riding bikes)… but you get my drift. There is just something so magical and comforting in putting on the running shoes and hitting the road.
what would you add to this must have running list?
