Today’s Workout – Easy Run
Total Mileage: 10.10 miles
Total Time: 1:37:17
Average Pace: 9:38 min/pace
I was a little nervous about this run. I mentioned in yesterday’s post I am trying to take advantage of this “off” time and work on getting into higher mileage. My husband has made me PROMISE that I would take my easy runs EASY and not push myself too hard. The last thing I want is to deal with is an injury.
I wasn’t feeling too positive going into this run because my legs were TIRED.
I started the first mile crazy slow and worked my way into it. Around miles 4-5 my legs kicked in and I was able to cruise pretty much the rest of the way. The tiredness in my legs came back around mile 9, but I was close enough so I finished it out.
The weather was beautiful and I was able to get the run in before the heat picked up.
I stopped a couple times to stretch and take a few pictures of the scenery.
There are a few keys to picking up your mileage. My husband is a VERY high mileage runner (averaging 120+ miles per week). I will never be at his level but I wanted to give my hand at upping my mileage.
The biggest tips and advice he has given and I have learned are:
1. Take care of yourself. You have to be diligent about stretching, rolling, and keeping your legs and body well taken are of. This is always important but when you are running more miles it is much easier to get injured.
2. Stay hydrated. Hydration is a big key to proper recovery. While it is important to get the calories you need in as well, one of the biggest things that helps me recovery is hydration. You need to constantly (or at least consistently) be drinking fluids and make sure that some of those fluids contain electrolytes.
3. Take the easy runs SLOW. Like I mentioned earlier my husband made me PROMISE that I would take my slow easy days SLOW. One of the common mistakes many runners make is they go hard on every run. This is not necessary. If you are working on speed 2-3 days of speed work is more than enough, most of the other miles should be easy and not stressful to the body.
What do you do to make sure you recover properly between runs?
Great tips, I never spend enough time stretching or rolling. My tip is to properly refuel. I find that getting the right nutrients into my body at the right time help me recover and can impact my next workout.
Refueling is SO important as well! Sometimes as runners we just feel so hungry we eat whatever – and I of COURSE have some treats thrown in but it is important to get the RIGHT foods in our bodies so that our legs and body can recover properly!
I really don’t stretch enough. I can feel it in my hips and hamstrings when I do minimal stretching, and need to incorporate that into my workout. I agree, I always hydrate before, during, and after a good workout!
Yeah I used to be real bad at stretching and I still am sometimes. It is something I have to focus on each and every day that is for sure. Hydration is key – being properly hydrated can make or break a run for me!
I’m totally impressed by all the miles you’ve been putting in! I’m training for a marathon at the end of September right now and I only run 4 days/week (sometimes just 3 – one easy – one speed work – one long). I would love to up my miles come fall though. I try to eat soon after a long run making sure to get carbs and protein as well as staying hydrated is huge. I use nuun tabs and water while running. I’m not great at drinking liquids throughout the day though so I need to work on that.
Great tips. I’ve been trying to be more disciplined about rolling, but there are so many times when I’d rather just skip self-inflicted pain.
Foam rolling helps in so many ways! Its amazing what it can do! yes every little pain can make a run so much worse – even the smaller one! Keep up the good work on the foam rolling!