Real Life Runner: Preparing For Your First Race With Kat

I was asked by my lovely pal Shannyn over at Frugal Beautiful to write a post about me & running & my upcoming half marathons.

The funny thing is, I haven’t officially run a half marathon just yet. I plan to start running a monthly consecutive half marathon starting this November 2012 through next April 2012 (check out my detailed post here.) Not a humongous running goal if someone reading this is an avid runner, but if you were or are a beginning runner you can see that it takes time to build up to such a lofty goal. Training is a mega-beast!

So, How Did I Start Running?

Back in 2006 I was becoming more of an avid runner. I was weight training and working out around 5 times a week. I was newly single; I had a lot of free time. I then began running because some friends of mine showed off these flashy medals and spoke of numbered bibs and competition – my ears perked right up. I began running with a girlfriend of mine who worked out at my gym and we slowly build up mileage week to week (about .50 a mile each weekly run session.) Eventually I’d built up enough mileage to run an actual race. I got a rush from that first race and was definitely hungry for more. Over the course of 2006 & 2007 I ran over 5 5k races. I loved that distance; it was just enough for me to feel a great sense of accomplishment while also keeping me winded by the end. Then, I ended up in a ‘not-so-great’ relationship and my healthy and fitness took a backseat…bad Kat. By the time our clock ran out and we parted ways it was 2009, I was 25 pounds overweight and clueless about how to get my old self and body back.

I got back to the gym. I did some elliptical machine work. I jammed to my ipod.  That was a start. I also did the Insanity Program – which helped me peel off 15 lbs. and gain muscle tone that I didn’t have before. I’d gained newly found strength and it pushed me to want to do more and try more workouts. I did Zumba, TRX, Crossfit/Crossboot…I’d found my passion and it was a positive outlet for me. I even met my [now] husband in the gym – he’s a much better and healthier match for me, of course.

At the end of 2011 I decided to take my training up a level. I befriended some new running friends through a local organization – I met them through another friend who invited me out to local 5k fun runs. I began running with them once, then twice, then three times a week. Before I knew it I found myself with a 15k plan. In March of 2012 I ran my farthest distance race: the Gasparilla Distance classic 15k. From that point on, I wanted more…I wanted to keep running farther. I, first, had to take into account the many lessons I learned from that 15k … they were plentiful…and looking back, I wish I’d known better but feel better knowing I can help others learn from my newbie runner mistakes. You can read the full race report here, but I’ll spare you the picture-proof and give you a Cliff’s notes version:

Lessons learned from my first distance race:

• No NEW is good NEW on race day – never wear anything new or change your diet
• Shoes change with every year, even if the model ‘name’ is the same
• Look to the professionals to measure your feet & gait, etc. for shoes
• Find a good running group – good run support keeps you on track
• no COTTON anything
• hydrate the week of and day before your race – not just during
• Practice running in all conditions – you never know what race day will bring
• Medical issues? have your medication and or med info with you
• Start out slow, shoot for negative splits
• Be sure to know where the bathrooms are on and off the course

As I’ve begun half marathon training after the 15k, I’ve tacked on a few more friendly pieces of advice for myself and others:

• break in new shoes with a smaller run first – baby step it to break ’em in
• track mileage so you know when to change out your shoes vs feeling aches/pains as indicators
• Get in those training miles and stick to a plan (for most not all, but I need to)
• Know your body – know when to take a rest day
• Insert ‘training races’ before the big event
• Slowly increase mileage weekly – don’t jump the gun
• Accountability – meet up with others, track your runs, review progress

I have 3 weekends until my first half: the Women’s Half Marathon in St Petersburg, Florida. I am so excited. In between the 15k and the training I also got married back in May of this year and started my blog right when the planning stopped…genius timing, I know.

It’s been a great motivator and accountability piece for me. I don’t think I’d have the 6 in 6 goal if I didn’t start the blog. What do I want out of it? I want my story to inspire others to stop saying “I can’t” and ask themselves “Can I?” and just give it a shot! Life’s too short to let self-doubt or regret seep in – live it up and to the fullest!

Kat blogs at Sneakers And Fingerpaints and has worked herself through an amazing transformation with her life and fitness.  

She also has an adorable pug named Jaeden &  has an amazing fitness wardrobe.  You will adore her as much as I do, thanks for posting Kat!