• Winter Runderland: Winter Running Tips for Enjoying the Season

    Shift Your Mindset to Enjoy the Best of Winter Running

    If one of your New Year’s resolutions this year was health-related, you’re not alone. Now at the end of February, you’d also be in good company if you found yourself feeling burned out from those resolutions. Instead of offering Winter running tips to help you push through and hit your resolutions, I suggest a different approach. To find more joy in the Winter season, use it as a natural time to recover and rebuild.  

    Why the Best Winter Running Tip is to Shift Your Mindset

    We know intuitively that starting off with unrealistic New Year’s resolutions is a recipe for frustration. But that doesn’t stop us from doing it. Sure, you might be able to power through for a few weeks, but you’re more likely to hit your goals through incremental, sustainable progress than giant leaps. Often, the goals we have require a real lifestyle change, which is why my best winter running tips are really all about changing your mindset. Your mindset is your relationship to running.  Essentially, it’s your approach to how you train and why you run in the first place. It forms a sort of code that you live by, and greatly reduces the need to obsessively track your progress in the form of workouts completed, miles run, or weight on the scale. It helps you zoom out to what really matters, and forms your motivation to do it. When you get this part right, it becomes so much easier to accomplish the details, too. 
     
    Some mindsets you might consider adopting are below. Try them out and see what feels right for you, or make your own.
    • I run because I enjoy it.
    • Eating healthy food gives me the energy my body needs.
    • I avoid alcohol because my sleep and energy are more important. 
    • Daily stretching supports my overall wellbeing.
    • I will prioritize how I feel over how I look. 

    If your goal for 2024 is real change, it needs to be built gradually, and consistently, so that it actually sticks for longer than a few weeks. This is why having a training plan tailored to your goals is so helpful: it sets you up for success and helps you avoid burnout! 

    Winter is a Natural Time of Rest

    Another great way to avoid burnout is to ensure that you have meaningful periods of rest both during your training program, and in between training programs.  Our modern culture emphasizes constant achievement, in everything from our careers, to our relationships, to our training. But no one can be at the top of their game all of the time, not even professional athletes. This is a recipe for burnout. Mentally and physically, we need time to recharge. This is why training programs always include periods of rest, both within the program, and between programs. 

    If you can’t remember your last easy week, now is a great time to have one. Start by decreasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of your workouts. Is it single digits outside? Freezing rain? Ice? Take some guilt-free time off, and don’t sweat it. Your fitness level won’t be negatively impacted by a day off, here or there. If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re already highly motivated in your training, which means you almost certainly need more easy days than you’re giving yourself. If you want to stay active and healthy long-term, learn how to rest and relax, too. 

    Just like the rest of the natural world, humans need time for rest. With shorter days and colder temps, Winter is a perfect time to rest and recover, so you’re better prepared for Spring and Summer training.

    Lean into Other Winter Activities

    One of my personal mindsets for running is that I run to enjoy it. While I love planning racecations or hitting PRs, I genuinely love to run for the sake of running. This mindset shift means I don’t have a “bucket list” and I don’t “cross off” goals. I want to be happy running for decades to come, so what’s the rush? To keep a good relationship with running, I take breaks when I’m not feeling it. Winter is a perfect time for this. If you live in a particularly snowy and cold climate, lean into that! Maybe that means going on a short, slow run in the softly falling snow. Maybe it means skipping a run and watching the snow from inside. Or maybe you want to go all-in on Winter activities like sledding, making snow angels, and building snow forts. My point is, don’t treat running like a chore, or just some other thing on your to-do list. Getting some exercise while doing some fun seasonal activities will leave you recharged and ready for your next run.
     

    Enjoy Winter Running, Spring Will Be Here Soon

    Like everything else in life, the Winter season is temporary; Spring will be here soon! I encourage you to try these winter running tips for yourself, and enjoy the rest, coziness, and (albeit cold) beauty of Winter, while it’s here.  

    Ready to level up your running? Reach out for a free consultation for individualized, virtual, 1:1 coaching with me! 

  • Lace Up with the Best Turkey Trot Gear of 2023

    Turkey Trot, Gobble Wobble, and Dog Jog in This Running Gear!

    Turkey Trot races have become a favorite Thanksgiving Day tradition for many, including my family. This year, we’re excited to take our Golden Retriever, Bodhi, on his first “Dog Jog,” a 1 mile fun run on Thanksgiving Day. It will be his first race ever! Whether a Turkey Trot is in your future, or you just need some good cold weather running gear, it’s all here.

     

    Turkey Trot Running Gear

    Get ready to trot in the best running gear this Thanksgiving!

    The most important piece of gear for any runner is shoes. If you’re in need of some new ones, I’m still swearing by my Hoka Cliftons. I’ve worn them for years and years–not this specific  pair, though: make sure you change shoes every 400 miles or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Shop around for some Black Friday deals; Amazon has both Men’s and Women’s styles.


    Socks are another staple, and having the right pair can make a big difference to your run! Pick a pair that feels good in the shoes you plan to run, that doesn’t bunch around your toes or slip down your ankles. It should also be a synthetic material so that it wicks sweat away from your feet to dry. Running in cotton is a recipe for blisters.

    Stance makes my favorite running socks at the moment! Their Cyber Sale is happening 11/17-11/23, where you can get up to 40% off and free shipping on orders $49+. Pick up these performance tab socks, which come in multiple thicknesses and tons of colors.

    Stance Performance Tab Socks

    I like the Light and Ultralight cushion best for running, and the Medium cushion for everyday wear. But this really depends on your shoes and personal preference for fit!

    Cold Weather Running Staples

    As the weather gets colder, this Notch Thermal Headband from Brooks is my go-to. It keeps my ears warm, without interfering with a ponytail, and it doesn’t ride up or gap like other running headbands do. Pictured here is proof that I do wear it in LA– I wore it to last year’s Turkey Trot! Ryan is wearing the Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie, too. Both are on sale for 25% off on Amazon as of this post!

    Gloves are also a necessity for me. Since Manhattan Beach is seaside, we do get some chilly winter weather. It’s still very benign compared to other parts of the US, but temps below 60 can definitely cause chapped, cracked hands, and no one wants that. I’m still running in these Nike gloves I’ve had for years. Last year I bought some Patagonia gloves that are great for everyday, running, and dog walking. Speaking of our four-legged friends…

    Running Gear for Your Dog

    To prep for Bodhi’s first Dog Jog, we bought him a new harness and new leash from Ruffwear. These are specially designed for running so they are lightweight and less likely to chafe! A new harness was a must for us because his current harness is a martingale type, meaning it could accidentally constrict him when he running, which we don’t want! We picked the Hi & Light Harness.

    We also needed a different leash because his current one is pretty heavy. It’s great for daily walks, but for running, we picked the Roamer Bungee Leash. It has a hands-free option, stretchiness for a smoother run, and a traffic handle in case we need to keep him close.

    We debated buying some dog shoes, but since this is such a short run (only 1 mile!) we’re going without them. If he really loves running and we start to do some higher mileage with him, we’ll try out some running shoes from Ruffwear. They’re pretty adorable, it was hard to not get them!
     
    Wherever you’re trotting, this year,  have a fun one!
     
    Ready to level up your running? Reach out for a free consultation for individualized, virtual, 1:1 coaching!


    Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This income goes to supporting this website. As always, ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

  • Looking for Running Motivation?

    This Iconic Catchphrase Helps Me Beat a Common Mental Block

    Now in November, we’re nearing the end of the Fall racing season. Many runners like to take some well-earned time to recover during the Winter, but if you’re training for a Spring race, your program is just starting. Need some running motivation for those cold, dark Winter months? Read on to learn how I beat a common mental block, and the iconic catchphrase that helps. 

    Where Does Your Running Motivation Come From?

    It’s that time of day: time for your run. But you’re not feeling motivated. You’re tired, it’s cold, and it’s dark. You just don’t feel like lacing up and going outside. We’ve all been there. While each of these reasons may be valid, are any of them helpful? Should you really wait until you feel like it? 

    A common mental block in running, (and in other aspects of life), is to wait until you feel motivated before taking action. But what if you never feel motivated? What if, the secret to feeling motivated, is to just get started anyway? Our bodies and minds are intrinsically connected, and they influence each other. Just as you can use psychology to tap into your body, say, challenging yourself in training, you can use this connection the other way round. You can use your body to influence and change your mind-state. 

    You just don’t feel like lacing up and going outside. Should you really wait until you feel like it?

    However, I’m not talking about ignoring or pushing through aches, pains, or illness. It’s always important to listen to your body, and seek professional, medical attention when necessary. This hack is purely for those days where you could go for your run, but you don’t feel like it–at the moment! In all likelihood, once you get started– and especially at the end– you’re going to be glad you did. 

    Don’t Rely on Music for Your Running Motivation 

    I love a good pump-up song, but I don’t think you ever want to be reliant on something external to motivate you for your run. In fact– and this might sound counterintuitive– one thing I swear by is never running with music. This forces me to be totally in the moment, enjoying the run and the world around me. It helps me tune into what my body is feeling, and what it’s needing. So much of our days can be filled with stuff and to-do’s; running with music, in my opinion, is just layering more noise onto the experience. If you feel like you just can’t run without music, that could be a sign that you’re pushing yourself too much, and running isn’t something you really enjoy for its own sake. Try running without music on your next run, and find out what your experience of running is, just by itself. 

     

    How Making Enjoyment Your Primary Goal Beats Other Running “Motivation”

    If you enjoy what you’re doing, you won’t need to rely on external conditions being “just right.” 

    I love challenging myself with a faster pace, longer distances, or a sprint workout. But I truly enjoy the process of running, and I never run something just to “get it over with.” To me, that’s not a great way to go through life. Since running is something “optional,” why should it be treated like a chore? Sure, it’s great to set goals, but crossing the finish line and hitting that PR are such small moments in the grand scheme of running, and most of your time is spent in your weekly training runs. If you’re living for your goal, consistently treating running like a chore, it’s a recipe for burnout. This ultimately makes it so much harder to meet your goals! However, if you enjoy what you’re doing, then your motivation is intrinsic, and you won’t need to rely on external conditions being “just right.” So I want to encourage you to make enjoyment your primary goal for any run or race you do. 

    To cultivate joy in your run, first reflect on your current relationship with running. Ask yourself questions like:

    • How do I feel when I’m running? 
    • Why am I choosing to run instead of doing any other activity? 
    • What could make the experience of running more enjoyable for me?
    There’s nothing wrong with setting goals, but becoming too attached to them can suck the fun right out of running. If you feel like this has happened to you, make a commitment to yourself to just enjoy your next run, whatever that means for you. Try it, and see how it changes your experience, and your results over time. 

    Lacking Running Motivation? Just Do It.

    Perhaps this is why Nike’s famous slogan, “Just Do It,” is so impactful. With great simplicity, it cuts straight through all excuses, mental blocks, and attachment to goals and gets right to the point. To me, it means that if you want something, don’t wait for external things to fall in to place, don’t even wait for motivation, “Just Do It.”  And why should you do it? For the enjoyment of it. 

     

    Ready to level up your running? Reach out for a free consultation for individualized, virtual, 1:1 coaching with me! 

  • 4 Half Marathons to Run in Early 2024

    Ready for a race-cation? Pack your bags and lace up for one of these 4 destination races!

    If you’ve never heard of it, a race-cation is a vacation you plan around your race, usually in a unique destination city. This is actually how I’ve run most of my half marathons! It’s a great way to get excited for a race, and explore a new city. When else do you run around a city on foot for 13.1 miles?! You get to see a lot of a city this way, in a short amount of time. Today I’m highlighting 4 destination Half Marathons in early 2024, so you have plenty of time to plan and train for them. Check it out! 

    >And if you’re ready to crush your goals with a personalized coaching plan, click here.<

    Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon

    Where

    Las Vegas, Nevada

    When

    February 24, 2024
    Distances
    Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

    Why You’ll Love It

    Run the Las Vegas Strip AT NIGHT in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon! Seeing Vegas in all its sparkly splendor makes the miles fly by, not to mention the rockin’ on-course entertainment! This event also offers a pre-race concert, with past headliners ranging from Snoop Dogg to Kid Rock.  It starts in the late afternoon, so it’s dark by the time you finish, which is perfect to see Vegas at it’s meant to be. After you cross the finish line, catch the famous Bellagio fountains, or get a celebratory margarita from a street vendor (these were $20, massive, but freshly made!). 
    It’s such a fun race, I’ve run it 3 times. Vegas makes a great race-cation because of all the restaurants, shops, shows, and nightlife it has to offer. Even if Vegas isn’t typically “your scene,” it’s worth a trip for the experience of running the Strip at night. Try skipping the clubs and casinos and opt for Cirque du Soleil, fine dining, and residence shows. 
    Post-race in front of Caesar’s Palace
     
    A view of the Strip from the Bellagio
    Fountain-side dining at the Bellagio
    Dinner at the Bellagio
    Bellagio Patisserie has a delicious bakery, offers made-to-order omelets, and this intricate, working chocolate fountain
     

    Surf City Half Marathon

    Where
    Huntington Beach, aka “Surf City, USA,” California
    When
    February 4, 2024
    Distances
    Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Beach Mile

    Why You’ll Love It

    Huntington Beach calls itself “Surf City, USA,” and this beachfront race should definitely be on your list. With surf-themed medals, ocean views, an open air expo, and a Beach Mile race the day before, the Surf City Half Marathon makes for a great race-cation. There are several hotels and resorts right along the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) where the race starts and finishes, so it’s a very easy walk to and from the race. Do it for the surfboard medal, the ocean view, or the motivation to train during the winter. 
     
    Southern California’s mild winters make for a nice escape from the frigid weather in other parts of the country. Huntington Beach is very walkable, with lots of shops and restaurants to explore before and after the race. Hit the beach by day and watch the surfers, or cozy up at night by a fire pit and listen to the waves crash. 
     
     
     

    Where

    Washington, DC

    When

    March 16, 2024
     
    Distances
    Half Marathon, 5K
     

    Why You’ll Love It

    The Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon is packed with national monuments– on the course! You’ll run past the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, and finish along the National Mall. The course also goes through some beautiful parts of DC. Too busy running to notice? Explore all the sites after your race, if your legs are up to it! 
     
    The average temp is 48F, but on our race day, we also had rain. That made for a very chilly run. Since Spring weather can be unpredictable, check the extended forecast, have a few race outfits in mind, and consider dressing in layers. We brought thermal blankets to the start line to keep us warm and dry–at least for a little while. In case of rain and tired legs, it also pays to have a close walk to your hotel or transportation post-race. 
     

    Key West Half Marathon

    Where

    Key West, Florida

    When

    January 14, 2024

    Why You’ll Love It

    Since the island is only about 4mi long and 2mi wide (at its widest!) you’ll see a lot of the island running the Key West Half Marathon!This is the only race on this list that I haven’t run–yet! I’ve been to Key West and loved it! So I can’t wait to run this race. Key West is known for its Key Lime Pie, gorgeous sunsets, conch fritters, and is home to the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA. 
     
    See Mile Marker 0, Hemingway’s House, and stop by this famous dive bar post-race to tack a dollar to the wall.
     
     
    If your legs still have some power, doing a bike tour is a great way to leisurely explore the island and see all the sights. 
     
     
     
    Key West calls itself the “Conch Republic.” Don’t skip out on the Conch Fritters while you’re there! Just save them for after the race: fried food can be hard to digest, and you don’t want to risk it before a long race. 
     
    Have you run any of these races? Let me know in the comments! 

    Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!

  • Warm Weather Running Gear

    Stay cool and dry on those hot summer training runs with the best warm weather running gear from Stance These are my picks for the season of Sun. 

    Warm Weather Running Gear from Toe to Head

    Performance running socks are an important piece of your warm weather running gear kit,  allowing  moisture to evaporate and reduce your risk of chafing, blisters and smelly shoes.  

     

    Subscribe to Stance.com email list and get 20% off your first order, code will arrive via email

     

    Stance performance socks are comfy, sweat-wicking, and durable, and since they’re made by Stance, you know they look cool, too.


    Stance Performance Tab Socks

    These are my go-to running socks, with the perfect tab height and a reinforced heel (my previous socks would always wear through at the heel!).

    Stance Performance Tab Socks
    I like the Ultralight Cushion or Light Cushion for runs, and the Medium Cushion for everyday wear.

    Run Light Tab Socks 3 Pack

    Try a few thicknesses to see what feels best in your current pair of running shoes. 

     

    Stance Performance Quarter Socks

    Stance is making me want to wear ankle socks again for the first time since the ’90s. 

    Stance Performance Quarter Socks

    I love this ombre color– it makes me think of summer! 

    Icon Sport Quarter Socks

    The Black and White Icon Sport Quarter Socks are a great everyday option that won’t clash with the rest of your gear.

    Icon Sport Quarter Socks

    Sun-Protecting Warm Weather Running Gear

    Stay protected from the sun so you can go the extra mile on those hot summer runs. I like to combine sun protection methods: mineral sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves/pants or UPF clothing all help me keep my cool and protect my skin! Be sure to check out my post for the best clean sunscreens that stand up to surf and sweat


    Kinectic 5 Panel Adjustable Cap

    These hats are gender-neutral and come in a variety of color ways to best match your style while keeping the sun off your face and out of your eyes.

    Kinectic 5 Panel Adjustable Cap
    Kinectic 5 Panel Adjustable Cap
    Kinectic 5 Panel Adjustable Cap

    Warm Weather Running Gear from Top to Bottom

    Depending on your climate, you’re probably going to wear shorts on your runs this summer. These will keep you cool; just remember to sunscreen your legs!

    Womens’ Work It Out Athletic ShortThese shorts are 2-in1, with an outer shell that sports tunnel storage (to stash your tank when you need to pull it off mid-run!), and a detachable compression short that has a side cell phone pocket. Comes in REBELROSE, which I love, or Black.
    Womens' Work It Out Athletic Short

    Womens' Work It Out Athletic Short


    Flux Liner Athletic Short
    This men’s short has a long, mid-compression liner underneath and zip, hip, and liner pockets, which are clutch! They come in this Green Camo color, Black, and Heat, a cool black-lime-coral graphic pattern.

    Flux Liner Athletic Short


    Complex Athletic Short
    If you prefer shorts without a liner, keep it simple and opt for the “Complex” Athletic Short.

    Complex Athletic Short
    Complex Athletic ShortSince they’re linerless, you’ll probably want performance briefs. Luckily for you, Stance has those, too.

    Stance Performance Boxer Brief with Wholester

    Stance Performance Boxer Brief with Wholester?Before you lace up and head out the door, toss on one of these shirts (or not).


    Fragment Performance T-Shirt

    Fragment Performance T-Shirt

    Womens’ Get Set Performance Tank Top

    Womens' Get Set Performance Tank Top

     Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use (or buy for a friend in the case of men’s gear!), and the income helps me run my site!