As I sit here cuddled in my blanket, hair several days un-washed, sucking on a throat lozenge, popping antibiotics and massaging my hip where they stuck me with a shot yesterday – I’m looking at my next 6 weeks of training-plan for California International Marathon and getting discouraged when I see all the ‘0 miles’ filling up the days. I’m trying to stay positive and keep repeating to myself that missing this many runs is OK and as soon as this sickness passes I can hop right back on the plan and conquer CIM! So, what do I do when I’m down and can’t run- I think about all the fun things about running and get pumped for when I can again! On that note, here are my training essentials- whether it be training for a 1 mile, 5k, 10k, half, or marathon:

• A training plan- with a goal in mind. Whether that goal is to just finish strong or race fast- write it down! Then, make a spreadsheet or just write on a calendar your training plan. There are so many plans out there- pick one that feels right for you! If you read my post here, you know which one I now love and have now adapted for the next 6 weeks until CIM.
• Have a good pair of shoes. {more on this to come!} Go to your local running store and get fitted. Have someone help you find the perfect shoe for you. My current favorite’s are these. You do not want a worn out pair of shoes or one that is wrong for your foot.
• Go out and buy yourself a new outfit! This will FOR SURE get you motivated to put one foot in front of the other and head out for a run. Who doesn’t love a good new outfit. I’m loving this brand right now. You can see my review of them here. Also, check out my running favorites for a few more of my go-to’s outfit wise!
• Gels. Gu’s. Energy beans. Waffles. Whatever works for your stomach- find it, and train with it. That way nothing is new on race day. I use these. Also, if you are signed up for a race, and have a super sensitive stomach like me, see what sports drink they will have during the race and train with it as well. They usually will post this on their website or in an email a few months prior.
• Don’t get discouraged. {eh-hem, I need to go back and read that sentence I typed!} You are going to have bad days. You will get sick. Your kids will get sick. Things will come up. Whatever it is, you can’t do anything about it and you just have to find your mental toughness {which you will need race day} to get over it, and pick up wherever you left off. If you keep a running journal, go back and look at your entries and see all the hard work you’ve put in thus far, to help keep you in a positive space.
• Find a mantra. Strong legs and big lungs will only get you so far and then you will need mental strength. Your negative brain will start to seep in and try to derail your plans. A strong, powerful mantra can keep you focused. It will help remove the negative vibe and restore you to a positive space – or at least distract you from the pain 😉  Pick something short, powerful and easy to remember, that you can repeat to yourself when you need a little extra ‘umph’.
• A good playlist or some audio books. I used to think people were crazy when they said they would listen to books as they ran- but then I tried it. GAME CHANGER. I use music for races now that way it’s new and fun- and books for training. I will get so excited about going out for a run because I want to see what happens in my book. A few I have finished recently are- The Maze Runner Series & The Girl on the Train.
• A watch or an app. Something to help you figure out your distance. There are several good apps you can download to your phone- my favorite, and has been for forever is the Nike Running Club. I have a Garmin Forerunner 220
  

  

So, on that note- I’m going to get off my poor-pitiful me train and go book my hotel for CIM to get me excited! I’ll be back at it in no time.

Happy training!

xox

aj

*Comment below if there’s anything specific you’d like me to cover in our energy section! As always- ask questions if you have any!