how to get out there and do it // running tips and signing up for my first distance race

hey hey! long time no see huh? i missed this so much and it brings me so much joy sitting here post run to write a post about that very thing and something that im both excited and passionate about! this post is perfect for a seasoned runner, new runner or someone who’s never run a mile in their life. hopefully this will help out you experienced runners and inspire yall out there who dont run!

recently i ran my first half marathon. i know that seems crazy. i bet it will sound even crazier if i tell you that i didnt train for it. and i didnt even plan to do it when i woke up that morning. i woke up thinking that i was gonna run a quick 3 miles in between some school i had to get done that day. it turned into 13.1 💀 but one thing that i learned from that is that when we put our minds to something, we can do it. especially if you are already an athlete but dont do long distances. our bodies are capable or so much more than our minds trick us in to thinking we can (or cant) do. i even ran it on a treadmill with imo was way harder than it wouldve been outside because treadmill running can be BORING lol

some of the ways i actually cope with treadmill running is 1) running with the garage door open so im still getting sun, fresh air and have a bit more exciting things to look at then the wall lol so if you can, run by a window or in a open garage 2) have a good podcast or playlist to listen to is also so helpful when running inside on a treadmill (keeping it real w mayim and pearl is a great on 😉)

after that i signed up for my first 15k (i’ve never run a race other than 5ks) which is a HUGE deal for me but so exciting. after that hard long push to run that 13.1 i realized i could really do way more than i thought i could. and sometimes you quite literally have to just do it. find some good music, hydrate and just run until you cant anymore.

one thing that really has motivated me to continue to stay consistent is following girlies like renee noe and lexi watts. them getting out there and doing it led me to want to be like them and then i was encouraged and had a desire to get out there and run.

as a middle of the road runner at the beginning of this summer, i feel like i have come so far. never did i think i’d run more than 4 miles in the next year lol. mindset is EVERYTHING.

my biggest two tips are to

pre plan your run – know how many miles you are doing (you can always do more, but set a definite number), around when, and where. prepare properly and hydrate and stretch. setting out a cute outfit and picking a fun hairstyle to do makes it extra fun and always gives me the extra motivation : )

and to have a goal you are working towards. whether thats a race, joining the xc team, be able to run 5 miles, having a goal you are working towards is so rewarding and gives you a purpose other than feeling amazing and staying healthy through exercise

also, running outside is SO MUCH MORE FUN than running inside. anytime you can, go to a trail or park with friends and run a few miles in the sunshine. i know in the winter months that can be harder but it’s extra rewarding and you also get in vitamin d. running on a treadmill is also a great way to get exercise in when you cant get out of the house or its rainy, and is a great way to figure out your limits in the comfortability of a gym or your own home. find ways to make running fun for you whether thats through fashion, hairstyles, music, or doing it with friends or joining a run club!

so this is your sign. go get out in the sunshine and run. it can be fast, it can be slow. you can run a mile or you can run four. but i believe in you! YOU GOT THIS and let me know how it goes and if you want more running content, inspo and tips in the comments 👇🏼

mayim <3