Training For Fall Races

Well this summer has sure been toasty. I am a morning runner but I’ve been clocking runs at 80 degrees at 4:30am! Y’all, the sun is not even up at that time. Even if I end up sweaty and gross, I’m thankful for morning runs.

I am running the Texas Bridge Series this fall. I picked this series as my challenge for the year. These races are run on bridges in the southeast Houston area. Two 10k races and a half marathon with multiple passes over some steep bridges? If that doesn’t scare you, then you are my hero!

I’ve done a half marathon before and it was so-so. I did not hydrate properly so I got killer calf cramps on mile 10. I never want to experience that again. Not only that but the day after the race, I could hardly walk because the cramps. Boo.

This time around, I wanted to prepare my body and learn more about endurance so I can succeed this time around. At the beginning of the year I started trying indoor cycling. It definitely kicked my butt the first few times but I slowly got used to it. It was good cardio that didn’t beat up my knees so I did it weekly along with my other strength training workouts.

Now that it’s summer time and getting closer to the races, I’ve switched mindset and started running three times a week. I am adding distance and working up to the 10k and a good pace. I have been running around 8:50 pace but I know that the incline of the bridge will slow me down. I still keep going to spin classes so my little legs are getting stronger.

The first race is September 18 and I’m excited! After that race, I’ll add more mileage and officially start my half marathon training. I’ll be running four days a week and sprinkle in strength training. The half marathon isn’t until November but I am going to do everything possible to take care of myself and prepare properly. Stretching, foam rolling, and mobility exercises are top priority!

How do you guys train for races? Are there any training plans you like to use? Do you mix in other workouts with running?