Pulling Into Motivation Station + Upcoming Race Plans

Happy Monday!

I think I’ve officially come down from the race spectating high of fall racing season. Honestly, I knew when I heard months ago that they rescheduled a lot of the delayed races from 2020 to the fall of this year — it was going to be an exciting few months. But, I do think I underestimated just how exciting it all would be with back to back to back races. From the Olympics to the Chicago to the Boston to the NYC — we’ve had a jam-packed season of racing fun.

If you’re anything like me, nothing is more motivating than watching super athletes chase down a finish line. The marathon is just magic and seeing runners go from mile to mile, sweat pouring off of them, and energy zooming off their shoes — it’s just incredible to see from start to finish. It’s even better when you can see a race in person to catch the energy of the runners and hope their endorphins somehow magically rub off on you. Well, to cap off the spectating season, Nick and I were able to watch the Ironman Florida race last week IN PERSON and I’m STILL amazed at the sheer determination of each and every one of those athletes. I’d say it was definitely in my top 3 of favorite races I’ve ever had the chance to watch. That’s the thing about running races yourself is that a lot of the time you don’t get to spectate many races. But, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past few months of my front-row seat to a bunch of really great running races.

You can check out my recap of the Ironman Florida race over on my YouTube channel!

That brings me to today –where I’ve officially pulled back into motivation station! The running bug is back and is stronger than ever. That’s the thing I feel like with running, well for me at least, is that I go through running slumps every so often where the itch just isn’t there to lace up my running shoes to go out for a run. I ALWAYS stay active in one way or another, but it’s not always running.

I walk.

I do yoga.

I spin.

Or, I run.

It’s really a happy mix of all of the above. Maybe it’s me listening to my body asking for rest? Maybe it’s me just falling into that running slump every so often? Who knows! But, I know no matter what, running is ALWAYS there for me when I’m ready to jump back into the swing of things.

I’d say right now it’s kind of a combination where I’m loving having access to a great gym again, plus great running paths all around us, and race heaven lately on TV and locally. Plus, the weather here is perfect for outside running. Not too cold and not too hot but just right. So, it’s almost impossible NOT to get sucked into the running fun. Race days are also just the best and they’ll always be my biggest motivator. This is why I’m so excited to continue into the next few months with not just one but 3 races on my schedule! (YAY!)

Here’s what’s coming up for me in December, January, and February on the racing front:

December 6th: Panama City Beach 5k

January 8th: Pensacola Beach Run 10k

February 20th: Seaside School 1/2 Marathon (One of my bucket list races! Eeekk!!)

I’m so excited to get to experience running here by the beach because the scenery just can’t be beat, no matter the time of year. Oh, and not to mention the flat routes. This non-hill runner is very thankful for the low elevation here in Florida.

In order to gear up for getting back into distance running, I’m trying to really dial in on my nutrition, stretching, and recovery. I know each of these things is going to be huge in avoiding any type of injuries along the way. Plus, as I creep into my mid 30’s, I’m already noticing a huge difference with recovery post longer runs, so I need all the help I can get as I work my way up to 1/2 marathon distances.

One way that I’m already changing things up a bit is upping my smoothie game. When we moved, we tossed our old blender so I picked up a new bullet blender at Target. This one is the perfect size for me because I have trouble downing giant smoothies. So far, I’m loving both green smoothies and berry ones post-workout.

My favorite green smoothies are made of a handful of kale, a handful of frozen mango, a handful of frozen pineapple, a handful of frozen avocado, a splash of water, and a good pour of orange juice.

Then, my favorite berry smoothies are made with a handful of blueberries, a handful of strawberries, a handful of blackberries, a handful of spinach, a scoop of peanut butter, 1/2 a frozen banana, and a good pour of almond milk.

Both of these are so delicious and always hit the spot post-run.

Lastly, the other tool in my running build-up toolkit is strength training. It’s my biggest weakness because somehow I always find myself sticking to cardio cardio cardio and skipping over my strength sessions. But, again, I know it’s huge for avoiding injury and it’s also great for building speed. While speed hasn’t always been my biggest strength, I’d love to see improvements there too which I know strength can boost.

So, I plan to add in a few workouts each week to focus on my core (for back strength), legs (for carrying the load of increased miles), and arms (for overall total body strength). I know if I can stick to it, it’ll pay off especially come February for the 1/2 marathon distance.

Alright guys, that’s the plan for the next few months. If you need me, I’ll be busy lacing up and logging all the miles for the foreseeable. I can’t wait!