You completed your first half marathon on May 5 – go you! Do you have any top tips for runners thinking about taking the plunge to try a half marathon?

I did finish the Navigant Half Marathon which runs part of the way along the Blackstone Valley bike path. Because it was in early May, I knew I’d want to train all winter which meant learning to love to run in the cold. Surprisingly, I DID love it—with the right gear and the right attitude, the cold weather feels so refreshing and it was awesome to run outdoors when almost everyone else was feeling housebound.

For me, that distance—13.1 miles—was HARD. It took a lot of out of me to run anything more than ten miles in training and during the race itself. In hindsight, I wish I had done some strength training to build up my legs more, and I wish I had sought out some hills too. Running on flat roads is great for confidence but I’ve learned my lesson: Hill training will be part of my life from now on.

For runners who have done a 10k, a half marathon is a very real and attainable goal. I ran/walked at a 4 minute: 1 minute ratio which felt right for me, and I finished with a smile on my face. No, I wasn’t a speed demon, but it was still such a feeling of accomplishment.

We here at EBR like food. What are your favorite pre and post race snacks/meals?

In the mornings, I must first start with a cup of coffee (coconut creamer and sugar too!) and a banana. Anything more than that and I feel like my stomach has a lead weight in it. If I’m running more than 4 miles, I bring a “GU” and water to slurp down. GU is truly disgusting and you should see the faces I make when I eat it, but it gives me the biggest kick in the pants and is pretty easy to get down. I’ve tried the chews and my jaw gets tired trying to eat them!

After running, I usually don’t have much of an appetite for a while. But, after a long run, I definitely down a big glass of chocolate milk which has all but eliminated the crushing fatigue I used to feel after an hour (or more!) of running.

Tell us about your essential running gear.

I’ve been wearing Brooks’ Adrenaline running shoes for years and years. I just buy the latest-and-greatest model whenever I get a new pair. I love how much room my toes have;  these are just the perfect shoes for my feet.

I really like Target’s C9 by Champion line of running clothes which don’t cost a fortune but fit really well. And I just started wearing a Brooks running baseball cap which keeps my head cool and keeps the sweat out of my eyes. I can’t do without my Nathan Running Belt for my longer runs, and I put NUUN tablets into my water bottles for a little extra boost.

In the winter, I run in my old Hot Chillys skiing tights which are awesomely warm but not too bulky or hot, and then I layer, layer, layer on top. And, for running on snow, I adore my YakTrax which come on and off so easily and really do keep me from slip sliding away.

And finally (wow, I am a high-maintenance runner!), I prefer to run with music, so my iPhone is another essential piece of equipment. Tucked into my SPIbelt, it’s easy to reach if I need to take a call or check my pace on RunKeeper.

We know you dig tech. Tell us what social tools have helped you keep accountable while training.

The entire reason I am still running more than a  year later is because of Jeff Galloway and his wonderful apps.  I used his run/walk method to safely build up mileage without injury, and I will say it is a great way to get established as a regular runner without a lot of aches and pains which would normally derail me a couple of months into a training program. My pace was always pretty good, even with the walk breaks. I am now working on “only running”, and I credit Jeff Galloway’s method for preparing my body for this more intense workout.

I also love logging my runs on Daily Mile where friends can come and cheer me on or offer suggestions. And I just started tracking my progress on Run Keeper which allows me to see my progress day-by-day and also motivates me during a run by telling me my split times.

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

I love the Another Mother Runner website started by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea who both wrote the Run Like A Mother and Train Like A Mother books. Their articles and podcasts are perfect for anyone who is trying to juggle fitness and family, and their sense of humor always makes me smile. Also the women on their forums and on the Facebook page (also known as BAMR’s–bad-ass mother runners) are so supportive, funny, dedicated, and helpful, they make me want to be the best runner I can be.

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Christina Refford is a homeschooling mama to three kids, Senior Associate Editor at Cool Mom Picks and Cool Mom Tech, and blogger at The Fairly Odd Mother. She lives south of Boston with her husband, kids, and lazy black lab who refuses to run with her. She hopes to do a triathlon in 2014, and maybe tackle another, flatter half marathon in the not-too-distant future.

Personally, the City Sports Back in the 10K turned out to be a pretty tough race, due to the stifling heat and humidity and the hills (like, really freakin’ steep hills). I was mentally prepared for both and in general, started well; I went at my own pace and tackled the first three hills and several miles with determination. Then the heat and hills started to get to me (though man, thank you to the people of Somerville who sprayed me off with a hose). I ended up having to walk some of it, which was a bit of a bummer because I know I can run 6.2 miles, but I did finish strong (man, I look so serious in the photo below…I should have had what #583 had for breakfast!) and it was a nice surprise to have Jon and the girls waiting for me at the finish line.

Image credit: Racewire.com

I definitely want to tackle another 10K…possibly even a half marathon. But I think next go around I need to take the course details a bit more seriously and either only opt in to a race that’s generally flat (since that’s what I train on in my neighborhood) or train appropriately for the type of course (so, go train on hills if it’s a hilly course). Because the reality is, when I run a race, I want to run it without walking (even though really, I know there is no shame in walking!). Given that I’ve been running pretty well in the heat this summer, I think that despite the stifling weather I could have finished without walking if the course was relatively flat.

As for details of the race itself, hats off to City Sports! The race was well organized, with plenty of people and signage offering directions, several water stops, the aforementioned unexpected community hose-downs, and lots of great sponsors at the finish (sorry I drank so much of your product Vita Coco). I think I would do it again next year if I could motivate to train on hills! Meanwhile, I’m looking at a straight 10K (no walking) and/or a half marathon as my next goal!

Nathan has a few different options (touted for being lightweight and bounce-free). Here are the main standout features with the model I picked (btw, it was awesome to have the dude at the running store break down the major differences for me!):

• 8 ounce bottles: You can choose from 8 or 10 ounce bottles. I wanted to go smaller; less weight to carry.
• High-flow race cap: just squirt and go. Other Nathan belts have bottles with spouts you have to open but I figure, why bother with that?
• Velcro belt: The other option is an adjustable buckle. The velcro seemed easier to me.

One other noticeable difference between the 8 and 10 ounce belts is that the 10 ounce belt had a bigger (zippered, if I recall) pocket, perhaps more convenient for carrying your phone. This was definitely something I wrestled with because when I run races I like having the option of carrying my phone so I can snap pictures. However, given that it’s going to be hot for my weekend 10K, I’m just going to forego the phone. I’ll probably be too sweaty to handle it anyway!

I’ve done a few trial runs with this belt and it’s worked great; easy to gear up and the bottles are easy to take out and put back in while running. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a lightweight hydration system!

This past week I hit a local running store to get a water system and hat (my RHS has not been ideal) in preparation for my upcoming 10K. Just before I left, I paused in front of the array of GU and other energy products. I felt like I should get something for during-race fuel, but in the past I have just wanted to gag whenever I have tried these products.

However, it was clear from my latest longer training run (60 minutes) that I need something en route. I did that run without carrying anything (per usual) and in the last 10 minutes I was getting pretty thirsty and my energy was starting to flag. It was a good experiment and confirmed that for the 10K I needed to figure out fuel.

I’ll report back soon on the water system I bought (which I have to exchange for a different size before I try it out…I really should read labels better…), but meanwhile, I wanted to share this post I found on the best natural fuel for runners. I was THRILLED to find this article, given my aforementioned gag reflex to GU. The article shares everyday food recommendations (and scientific rationale…yay, science!) for fuel consumed 3-4 hours pre-run, 15-60 minutes pre-run, during the run, and post-run.

YAY. The recommended foods are not unusual given what I normally eat pre-run and I’m going to experiment over the next couple of weeks with during-run fuel.

Does GU make you gag or is it essential for your running fuel? What are your favorite pre-, during, and post-run fuels?

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net (with text added by Christine Koh)

I’ve been wrestling with toddler-induced plague for two weeks now but, knowing that I have a 10K at the end of June –and because I always feel better when I exercise — I’ve kept running. Last weekend while I was in the height of feeling like crap, I hit the number of minutes I wanted to run (45), even though I was mentally prepared to not hit that target. And it wasn’t onerous. In fact, I loved the idea that toxins were pouring out of my body with each passing minute! After that run, I realized that my current approach to running has served me really, really well. Today I wanted to share my 5 tips for less stressful race training.

1. Start now, even if you don’t have a race on the books. When I first started experimenting with running, I loved the Couch to 5K plan; probably because the segments were short and doable. However, every time I have looked at 10K and half marathon training plans, I feel completely daunted. I mean, I totally understand the need to prepare properly, but these plans look so regimented, and with no degrees of freedom to account for things like toddler induced plague or work travel. So, I recommend getting into a running routine now to build your general fitness and endurance, even if you don’t have a race on the books — the below recommendations will flesh out why.

2. Remember that short runs count. I once read in a running magazine that 10 minutes of running is better than nothing. That recommendation has always stuck with me; in fact, it’s similar to what I used to tell my violin students (5-10 minutes practice a day is better than an hour the day before the lesson).

3. Build runs into your everyday tasks. I have two kids and I work full-time. Time is pretty tight. On the weekdays, it’s easiest for me to work in fitness if I’m on my way somewhere, these days in the form of transporting Violet to day care. I walk her in the jogger (20 minutes) to wake up my legs and run home (or a longer loop to home).

4. Go for consistency. Consistency is the key, and will be supported by #1, #2, and #3 above. I usually run 3-4 weekdays, via the Violet-to-daycare approach + one weekend day. After the slushy winter roads cleared a few months back I spent one month simply walking Vi to school (20 minutes) and running home (11-12 minutes) and on the weekend I would do a 20-30 minute run. The next month I upped my weekday runs to 20-30 minutes and my weekend run to 30-40 minutes. This month I’ve been trying to keeping my weekday runs in the 25-30 minute range and upping my weekend runs (so far to 45-50 minutes) in anticipation of the 10K on June 30.

5. Be flexible. The reality is this: some days you will have the plague, some days the weather will be against you, and some days your legs just won’t carry you. Instead of feeling bad about these things, change your mindset and be flexible.  For example, I have had days where I’ve gone out intending to run for 30 minutes and just felt like crap; I keep #2 in mind and even if I can only run 10-15 minutes, I do it and celebrate the fact that I did something. Or this week two of my weekday runs (including today) were deterred by downpour. So, instead I did yoga, which in my opinion is the best way to stretch and prevent running injury. I’m actually now feeling well positioned for a nice longer run tomorrow.

I cannot say enough how well the short, consistent, and flexible approach to running has worked for me. Based on my ability to run 45 minutes with the plague last weekend, not only is this approach clearly helping with my general fitness and endurance, but the approach is fun and not stressful; I don’t feel horrible that I’m not checking off a specific box on a specific day yet I’m still pretty certain I’ll be properly trained up for the 10K. I’ve got two more weekends to experiment with longer runs (hopefully, 55-60 minutes this weekend and 60-65 the next…but I will retain a flexible mindset!) before the 10K and I’m feeling good. If all goes well with my approach, I’m thinking that I want to extend this approach and take the plunge and sign up for a half marathon!

So I was thrilled when I received an e-mail last week about the City Sports 10K on June 30. The timing and location are perfect. The only thing that scares me a little is that there will be HILLS. But, I’ll walk ‘em (or run ‘em really slowly) if I have to. I’m super excited to finally have a 10K on the calendar; it’s my first and I hope it will be awesome. Want to join me?

Totally awesome right? My only challenge is that I usually run device free so it’s a matter of remembering to bring my phone with me. But I’m inspired and ready to log my miles for good!

Christine, Marie, and I were lucky enough to run along the oceanfront this month at the Minute Clinic Fun Run. We donned our sparkle skirts and set out with dozens of other lady bloggers for either a one-mile or three-mile course. Both routes were along the water and featured stellar views and opportunities for chatting with the nurses on-hand.

There were two big difference between the two courses. One milers were encouraged to stop, do exercises, and ask and answer health-related questions. And three-milers had a hill to climb (and an expectation of being competitive).

Marie ran and walked (and giggled and photographed!) with my blogging buddy, Whitney.

Christine and I ran for the three but sneakily turned around early for more of a two-miler. The net result of turning around early was that the finish line monitors thought we might be the big winners of the “competitive race” — ha! The only way that Christine or I would win a race is… well… never.

Everyone had a wonderful time with the scenery and camaraderie. We were all treated by CVS to a goody bag shipped to our homes and a technical running shirt (pictured above). Thanks so much for sponsoring such a terrific morning run, MinuteClinic!

Marie really captured the spirit of the run with her sweet little video:

It makes me want to get out there and run it all over again!

[Photo credit: me, Marie, me, Marie; Video: Marie LeBaron]

Ironically, when I finally got health insurance as a grownup, I was both like, “Wow, awesome, this appointment will be covered!” And then also like, “Wow, what’s up? Why is it so hard to get an appointment?”

If you want the convenience of a drop-in clinic without the hassle and delay of scheduling an appointment with your doctor (assuming, of course, that your medical issue is fairly routine), check out MinuteClinic. They sponsored the Mom 2.0 Fun Run and ironically, I actually could have used them the morning of the run since I was suffering from some kind of GI distress. ANYWAY, I’ve been curious about MinuteClinic since I’ve seen them sprouting up at local CVS stores (oh, how I love prowling the cosmetics aisle…) and recently dropped in to check out how it works.

I originally was planning on visiting MinuteClinic about a skin rash I had developed but by the time I went in, things had cleared up (turns out, I was allergic to my new facial lotion). However, here was my major takeaway: I stopped by at ~2:30pm (you don’t need to book an appointment) and there was NO LINE and you could check yourself in via an easy touch screen system. AWESOME.

MinuteClinic locations are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They treat common family illnesses and injuries, administer vaccinations, conduct physicals and wellness screenings, and offer monitoring for chronic conditions. You can check out more about their services here. They accept most insurance plans and also take out of pocket payment.

It’s basically an awesomely convenient way to get basic medical needs met. Weirdly, I’m looking forward to visiting them for real. Hopefully, not for a running related injury!

Katie (right; rocking her finisher shirt!) with running buddy Alison (left)

We love that you’ve joined us for all three of our virtual gatherings (Fall Fun Run, Winter Dash, Spring Fling); how has social media helped inspire your running journey?

Without social media, I wouldn’t be a runner. It’s as simple as that! My sister got me started three years ago, and since she lives in Arizona and I’m in Massachusetts we relied on social media to encourage each other. The virtual community and online social networks I’m part of keep me honest, keep me on track, keep me accountable, and give me unwavering support.

You recently completed your first half marathon on April 28 – go you! Do you have any top tips for runners thinking about taking the plunge to try a half marathon?

The Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington DC was a fantastic experience for a first half. It’s definitely more of an Experience Race (with 15,000+ runners!) than a pure Road Race, and that atmosphere of fun, camaraderie, and energy was definitely what I needed as a first-timer. I could focus on just enjoying the experience and finishing, and not worry about time. So my tips:

• Find a race that really interests you – whether it’s a large Experience like Nike or a small road race where you can push yourself for time. You have to want to be there.
• Do the long training runs. I worked up to a 12.3 mile run a couple weeks before the half, and the last two miles during the race were still very challenging for me. Do-able, but quite challenging.
• Just pick one and register! There’s nothing like a looming race date to provide great motivation.

We here at EBR like food. What are your favorite pre and post race snacks/meals?

I was experimenting with different pre-run foods during the training runs for this half. I can’t eat peanut or nut butters, unfortunately, so that was one typical suggestion that wouldn’t work. I tried half of a whole wheat bagel, which definitely disagreed with me on the long runs. In the end, I found that a banana and Luna bar with water pre-run was the best for me.

Post-run, I would really only need lots of water (sometimes with a splash of fresh lemon juice) immediately. After a couple hours, then I needed something rich in good protein.

I’ve also found that if I’m doing a run longer than about 90 minutes (I’m slow, so the half took me about 2:40), I need to fuel with something. What my body tolerates best during a run are gummie snacks. My favorite is the mixed berry flavor of Life Saver Gummies.

Tell us about your favorite running gear.

My Brooks Dyno 7 shoes (they’re actually wide enough for my feet!). My Garmin Forerunner 405. My Flip Belt (I need to order a second one!). Running capris from Old Navy. And for winter running in New England, fleece lined pants and tops from Brooks and inexpensive, lightweight fleece gloves and hats from Old Navy.

Are you inspired by any running bloggers? If so, who?

In addition to Eat.Blog.Run? I love the community at Another Mother Runner. And I find great tips at the Brooks Running Blog. Otherwise, my inspiration comes from my fellow runners, especially other running moms who are just struggling to find time, that I connect with online and in real life – like my sister Dani, my friends Katharina and Alison. One of the amazing things about the Nike Half was looking around at the hundreds, even thousands, of other runners who were running at my pace and we were all so supportive and proud of each other for doing our 12:00 minute/miles together. That was truly inspirational.

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Katie lives about 30 minutes outside Boston with her husband, three kids (11, 8, and 4), and two cats. She works part-time as a Director with media relations firm Savoir Media. She blogs occasionally at Katie’s Korner and likes to overshare on Twitter (@bunnums).