So this will exclusively be a running post! I want to update everyone on my recent runs and progress. First of all, this past Sunday I ran my first two-a-day, partially in preparation for the RTB Relay. In my last post I talked about the Staten Island Duathlon I ran/biked Sunday, which included 5 miles of running plus my .5 mile warm-up.
Reliving the duathlon.
But the problem was I had 8 miles on my training plan for the day. I debated with myself for a while on this one because I wasn’t sure if I should push since I had just competed, but eventually I decided in favor of it. After the race I compressed all day long, thanks Aspaeris and CEP, and in the evening decided to try for a 2.5 mile run to reach the 8 mile total. And I did it! I actually felt pretty good while running and wasn’t too sore Monday or Tuesday. That’s what some compression and good stretching will do!
I definitely have to add some more two-a-days before the big day in October but now I sort of have some idea of how my body will respond and what I need to do to stay fresh. A few more trials and I should have the routine down well. Any tips for running more than one run a day?
*****
I had another big milestone in my running this week.. I finally hit 50 miles for the month! Since my IT Band injury I haven’t come anywhere close to this so it was a great feeling to update my mileage and pass the big 5-0. Its been amazing being back in the game and able to run pain-free (knock on wood it stays like this!). I’m hoping to reach 50 again next month and then some.
For any IT Band sufferers out there, check out my page for more info on this awful condition! It was a long road for me with lots of PT and time, but it paid off. I still do my PT exercises and stretches, foam roll, and have adjusted my shoes a bit (lifts, etc) based on the advice of my podiatrist. I also switch between Brooks Adrenaline 12s and Saucony Kinvara 2s, but be careful because the “best” shoes are very much based on the individual!
******
Lastly, I ran a 3.25 mile interval run tonight and decided I LOVE them. Honestly the runs go so much faster and are really exciting. I didn’t even realize I had finished and overshot my 3 mile goal. I’m not a huge fan of tempo runs though, but I incorporate both for speedwork. I have noticed some improvements in my pace in a short amount of time, although I’m extra careful with not pushing it too much because of my IT Band.
I also need some suggestions for good running music. I haven’t updated my little iPod nano in quite some time now and always have a hard time with new music since I don’t drive anymore. Besides Call me Maybe which of course is an obvious addition to my list, does anyone have suggestions?!
Its dying for new music 
Suggestions for new running music?
What is your favorite type of running workout?
What is your highest monthly mileage ever?
Yay for all of your milestones! I recommend the group Girl Talk. They have remixes using samples from different songs. It keeps things upbeat and faster paced for me!
Congrats girl! That’s exciting! Looks like its only up from here! I love two a days but it’s hard w work…if I have a later appt I can sneak one in before work and then just go again at my normal time after work. It’s easier on the weekends though..ESP since I’m usually out at 6am for my long run and then if I wanted, I could always go again late afternoon. I have an ongoing list of music I listen to on my page (it’s the workin on my fitness tab at the top). Have a great day!
Way to go! I’m super excited that you are able to start increasing your mileage! I don’t really listen to music anymore while running – so my iPod is very much outdated as well!
I wish I could run without music all the time, I’m trying to ease myself into it. Its hard!
Way to go on 50 miles and running twice in one day! I am also using this strategy to prep for Ragnar
yay! Sounds like some nice runs!
Congrats on the first two a day! It was probably great training considering you biked earlier too. Awesome you got 50 miles in too! I’ve never actually looked at my monthly mileage, now you have me curious!
Its kind of fun to track it and see where you are! You should try it
Nicki Minaj pound the alarm is one of my favorites right now! and congrats on the 50 mile month! that’s awesome. glad the IT band is cooperating. I really wish I was better about speedwork…
Oh I love Nicki Minaj for running/working out. Gets me energized!
i am really liking music from the jay z/kanye west album these days, and i always include some Prodigy (fire starter and breathe) on my place list, they get me pumped and moving faster!
Congrats! After an injury like that I could imagine it feels great!!
Have you heard of run hundred? You can sign up for free and they don’t pester you with emails! I posted their July favorites here… I am loving the Wanted right now, great beat for a hill. http://wp.me/p21V98-d6
Oh I never heard of run hundred!! That sounds great I’ll definitely check it out.
Congratulations on 50 miles this month!! That’s great! My highest mileage for running was this month, 130 miles. Next month might be more though since we have a 20 miler and 26.2 on schedule.
I don’t really have any other advice for two-a-days, Mike and I would basically just split up one run a week for a little while in preparation for our other relay. The morning run would be shorter (more because of time) and then the afternoon one was a little longer. Just know that you can do it and that will make all the difference!
Awesome job on 130 miles.. thats amazing!!
So, I totally had not thought about doing two a days for next month. I definitely will now because I have no idea how my body will react.
Same here, I wasn’t sure! Compression gear definitely helps !
I always loop that Florence and the Machine – Dog Day’s are Over It’s so fast and when she sings about running for your children, your sisters, and brothers…it just inspires me. I need to update too!
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments hunnie xo
There is a rock song called get thru this by art of dying…the lyrircs are ‘if I can get through this, I can get through anything’ and fairly upbeat…it totally pumps me up and I put it a little over half way through my run when I need it the most. Congrats on the 50 miles. What an awesome accomplishment!
Megan!! What were your symptoms of your IT syndrome thing? was it in your hip?? I have a feeling I might have it!
Laur (your old roomie) :0)
Oh no I hope thats not what you have! I had pain on the lateral side of my knee and hip, but the knee is usually the main symptom. I think I had bursitis in my hip though, that might be it (which is better than IT Band). Maybe just take some time off from running and see if it gets better when you start again! Feel better love<3
I love intervals, too! Speedwork is my fav!!
& as for new music, anything by Calvin Harris, Avicii or David Guetta!!