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Since I wrote about running the Nike Women's Half-Marathon, I've run two more half-marathons and, thanks to Airbnb, I'm also running the NYC Marathon this Sunday. Yes, it's still a bit crazy, but I've picked up so many tips along the way. Here are a few things I've learned in my training that can help anyone, whether you're running a mile or 26.2 of them.
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Take a run test at your local running store: Before you set out on this journey, go to your local running store (Niketown, Jack Rabbit Sports, etc.) and do a run test. An employee will analyze your running gait on a treadmill and fit you with the right pair of shoes. After all, the same shoes that you wear during a gym class or short-distance run may not be what you need to get you past the five-mile mark. Other things to keep in mind: Does this shoe have enough room in the toe box (width and length)? Am I happy with the weight of this shoe? Do I want something lighter or with more support?
A lot of this is mind over matter: Whether you're training for a 10K or 26.2 miles, adjust the way you think of every long run, and consider them to be a series of short runs instead. Six miles is just two three-mile runs. Which, if you think about it, is 15 amazing songs on your iPod. Seriously! Anything you need to do to trick your mind into getting it done.
Cross-train, cross-train, cross-train: At one point during my training I started to resent running. I needed a change! It was on those days that I would turn to Nike Training Club workouts, Flywheel, Flybarre, and Twerk Aerobics (yup!) to switch things up. Workouts and strength-training classes that don't tax your running muscles are equally as important during training as the actual runs you do. They will also keep you sane.
Pump those arms: I ran a lot of hills during this training because I knew there would be some bridges on the course. The best piece of advice I got regarding conquering them was to shorten my stride, keep my arms at a 90-degree angle, and pump them forward as I ran through the hill.
Channel your inner rock star: Some people choose to not run with music, but I, on the other hand, view long runs as epic karaoke sessions. And since there are very few things I love more than an epic karaoke session, I've downloaded my favorite jams by everyone from Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift to Migos and Bobby Shmurda and plan on blasting them when needed throughout the course.
If you're in New York City this weekend and want to cheer me on, my bib number is 61893, and I could use the support! Wish me luck!