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!

If you want to do a running event just for you this Summer, then pin this image or share it on facebook to make your declaration public! You can do it!

My running buddy is looking for the perfect half marathon event to keep us going further and further. She’s come so far since running her very first event with me this spring. I can barely keep up but so what.

Too hot to train outside? Do some indoor exercises to cross-train.

Summer travel plans? Pack light and remember your sneaks.

Ready to run? Post your race to our Eat Blog Run page.

Melody (pictured above) loves her running headband and hates to get on the road without it. But since the morning of the MCFunRun she couldn’t find it, she is also modeling the basic mid-ponytail below.

Here are your choices:

a.  Grand Rapids Kids Melody (also pictured above) has a sleek and high ponytail.

b. Make and Takes Marie is wearing her small clippy to keep her hair back.

c. Boston Mamas Christine keeps her hair back with a stretchy headband.

d.  Musings of a Housewife Jo-Lynne Shane has my go-to look: the ponytail with running cap is easy to do and keeps the hair, sweat, and sunshine out of my face.

e. Something else entirely. Not pictured are your other creative ideas. Do you fashion a bun or braid? Go free and flowing?

So, what’s your favorite running hairstyle? And is it different on race days?

Take it away ladies…

Here’s a simple circuit I love that works all the major body parts: legs, butt, abs and arms. You don’t need any equipment for this workout. If you’re just starting out, lower the reps and pause in between each exercise. Most importantly, never compromise form.

• 40 Jumping Jacks
• 20 Squats (knees behind ankles)
• 30 High Knees
• 12 Push-ups (modification: to make it a little easier keep your knees on the ground)
• 20 Speed Skaters
• 60 Second Plank
• 10 Burpees
• 20 lunges (alternating sides)
• 30 Jump Rope Without Rope
• 15 Tricep Dips (an edge of a chair or step works great)
• *Repeat series 2 to 3 times 

Get active and live whole – April & Erica

Follow Guide to Whole Living on twitter, facebook, and pinterest for more on their whole living lifestyle!

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!

My good friend Karen Merzenich blogs at offthemeathook.com, lifestyles of the carnivorous and fabulous, and while she certainly enjoys eating, she might smack me upside the head if she knew I was sharing her tips on a RUNNING website. It’s just not her thing. Instead, she has devised a clever way to keep fit without having to lace up her running shoes (or even get out of her jammies). All of her cross-training ideas work while her son is napping or nearby. Here’s what she told me:

My solution? The surprise-laden exercise bingo jar! First, I spent a little time googling good exercises to target both post-pregnancy belly and my other bete noire, that flappy underarm flab (or “chicken nuggets” as my Pilates teacher colorfully calls them.) I picked 12 exercises and wrote them down on little slips of paper. I put the target number of sets and reps on each slip as well. Then I put the little papers in a jar in my kitchen. Every day I have to pull out five slips and do whatever they say. This makes it fun because I never know what I’m going to get, and it only takes about 15 minutes to get through all five exercises. Plus, I don’t have to do the most hated exercises every day –side plank, I’m looking at you– or get bored by doing the same routine over and over.

Read the rest over at rookiemoms.com, including sample exercises for your own magic jar!

For Christmas, Jon got me a very generous gift certificate to a local running store. I’ve been wanting to put some of it towards a hydration system for longer runs and I would love some recommendations! See, the thing is, I don’t like carrying a lot of things. I don’t even carry an iPod and I usually don’t carry my phone (it gets covered in aforementioned sweat). I’ve wondered whether those water belt systems are cumbersome. Basically, I want something lightweight and easy to use that will enable (inspire?) me to tackle longer training runs.

Thoughts? What do you use for hydration on the go?

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The above image has a few scenarios that might make you run with purpose. Being chased by a meteor, aliens, or an angry monkey just might get me moving! But I’m talking more about having a running goal in mind to help motivate me.

I get stuck in ruts or I’ll go to an exercise class instead of hitting the pavement. I live in Seattle, it’s rainy a lot, and sometimes I don’t feel like getting wet. But once I get the motivation and put on my shoes, lace them up, and head out the door, I love it. I turn on my tunes and I’m ready for my run.

Christine talked about training without a possible date in mind and it got me thinking. I realized that I personally don’t run unless I have something to train for. I need purpose. I can’t get into a regular running routine unless I’ve signed up to train for a race.

A race coming up in my near future is for a conference at Mom 2.0 in May. I help manage the Run 2.0 morning run. It’s a ton of fun and this year it’s in sunny California so I’m looking forward to seeing some sunshine.

What about you? What is your running purpose? Is it a race, to get healthy, or just for fun?

photo credit: infographic by Brooks Running,

One thing that’s awesome about Boston is the impassioned running community. As you may have noticed from my race roundups, there never seems to be a shortage of runs in and around this town!

And when I got the e-mail about the VERT Sasquatch race (including the above hilarious picture), I thought: OK, maybe I should start experimenting with trail running, just so I can run this race! I’ve always been nervous about trail running because my ankles are prone to rolling and I can totally see myself wiping out. Then again, trails would give my knees a break from running on pavement.

Locals, if you’re interested, the VERT Sasquatch is on July 14 through the Fells in Stoneham. It’s a 2.35 “sprint” race (I have no idea what that means) and will be followed by an “epic” zoo party (I also have no idea what this means). I am very, very tempted to register. (And actually, in the days since I originally drafted this post, Heather shared that she just signed up to be a Sasquatch. Now I think I must sign up so we can be bi-coastal Sasquatches!)

Meanwhile, do you trail run? Do you love it?

I’ve been mulling over what to do for my next race. Unfortunately, none of the 10Ks I recently rounded up are working for my schedule and I want to do something more than a 5K. So, of course my brain leaped to HALF MARATHON. Even though the thought of a half marathon is somewhat terrifying to me.

I’ll be rounding up some half marathon options soon, but meanwhile, the reality is this: I want to sign up for a half but I also want to keep degrees of freedom open on the calendar given that this spring is already getting busy with work + family things, including my book launch this month. So I thought, what about training for a half marathon but not signing up until closer in? (The half I’m currently thinking of is in late May.)

So, do you think it’s possible to train for a half marathon without signing up for one? Would I be able to find the motivation or would it be too easy to slack off without a date locked on the calendar? If I did manage to train up, would it then be an emotional blow to go register for the half closer to the date and find out it was sold out? And if the race was sold out, would it feel like enough of an accomplishment to go run 13.1 on my own without evidence of a bib at the end?

I’m so curious about your thoughts here! Please share!