I applied, got accepted, and started going back to school (across the country) in 2018, so I didn’t get to write as much as I would’ve liked to. Regardless, here are my favorite editorial bylines from the last 12 months.

1. Pushing for a PR Sabotaged Me. Here’s How Embracing Failure Led to Better Results | for Runner’s World, link here

I was approached by Marissa Stephenson, an editor for Runner’s World, to see if I had any ‘interesting, personal stories’ to share. Of course I did! I am the queen of ‘I just have a lot of feelings.’ This piece got a brief space in the September 2018 print issue, but was featured as a longread on the digital site thanks to fitness editor Molly Ritterbeck.

2. No, Running Isn’t Always the Best Therapy | for Runner’s World, link here

This was my first piece ever in Runner’s World, and one of the most personal stories I’ve ever shared on the Internet. I got so much positive feedback, it was well worth it to put myself out there. Continue reading “The Best Things I Wrote In 2018” →

While spring races are wonderful, they also mean you must power through many cold weather runs. Of course, winter running isn’t easy. It’s difficult to get out the door when it’s cold outside—or worse, it’s snowing and/or there’s ice on the ground. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for cold weather runs and to have a backup plan for days when running outside is unbearable.

The Gear

Perhaps the best thing you can do when preparing for cold weather runs is to have multiple layers. That way, you can shed a layer, or add one on without much difficulty according to your personal preference. For cold weather runs, up top I like to wear a base layer like UnderArmour paired with a form fitting (AKA not bulky) fleece sweater and a vest. On the bottom, thick running tights (with plenty of pockets for tissues and fuel!) and thick socks usually do the trick. However, everyone is different. Maybe you need more than a vest over your fleece to keep you warm. Opting for a wind-resistant jacket might do the trick. Ski gloves are a good choice for keeping your hands warm, or if you’re in a bind, fuzzy socks over your regular gloves might do the trick.

When it’s wet and/or snowy outside, bagging your feet INSIDE your shoes can keep water and dampness from seeping in to your toes. You may look silly, but you’ll be WARM.

Another thing I like to do (beyond wearing a headband to cover my ears) is to cover my face as much as possible during winter runs to keep it from getting windblown and chapped. You can use a neck warmer, bandana, or the more breathable BUFF. Adding a reflective BUFF to your outfit will keep you seen on the street during dimly lit runs without sabotaging your warmth.

 

How To Layer

You may think starting a run feeling cozy is the way to go, but you should actually layer up so that your first mile or so are less than comfortable. Don’t worry — you’ll warm up as you start to sweat and heat up. Starting off too warm, or too cozy, could cause you to overheat too quickly. The idea is that your body temperature will rise as you run, leading to a more comfortable scenario a few minutes into your route.

 

Have A Backup Plan

Some days, it will really be too cold, too icy, or too dangerous to run. It’s helpful to have a backup plan during those times, whether it’s a bodyweight circuit you can do at home to at least get some exercise in, or by joining a cheap gym to have access to a treadmill. Don’t get stuck without a back up plan, and don’t let bad weather be an excuse for not getting your workout in!

 

Stay Focused

Above all things, when the weather gets tough, remember: So are you! The weather is always a gamble on race day. The chances of having beautiful weather versus a wet and windy race are quite similar, so treat your training runs as practice to make yourself prepared for whatever comes your way!

Choosing a running-related New Year’s Resolution can be difficult. As I started to think about what mine would be for 2019, nothing immediately came to mind. I feel like the most common running resolution is to achieve a personal record or personal best in a specific race distance. However, I feel like that run resolution is a little tired—and I spent a large part of 2018 chasing a PR in the marathon. I’d like to celebrate achieving that goal for a little bit, rather than immediately set my sights on a new personal best.

As part of my brainstorm efforts, here are 9 running resolutions that have nothing to do with a PR.

1. Attempt a new race distance. If you’ve been all about marathons lately, why not test your speed at a 5k?
2. Choose a challenging course. If you’ve been drawn to flatter courses in the past, why not up the ante with some hilly terrain?
3. Join a new running group. Sometimes, your standing run club can fail to challenge you. Why not try jumping in another group’s meetup for a workout or two? At the very least,  you’re bound to meet a new running buddy.
4. Make stretching a priority. Whether it’s by going to yoga once a week or making it a habit post-run, we could probably all stand to stretch a little more.
5. Resolve to run early. By changing your workout schedule to running in the mornings, you’ll be less likely to skip workouts after a long day.
6. Run for fun. Sign up for a relay race, sport a costume for your next 5k, plan a running-and-brunch date with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile, or find another way to make running a just-for-fun, just-for-you activity.
7. Try new terrain. If you’ve never given trail running a go, now might be the time. It’s fun to focus less on pace, and more on the ground beneath you, and the nature surrounding you.
8. Start speed work. If you’re more of a conversation-paced runner, now might be the time to track on some speedier workouts to your repertoire. Here are five speed workouts every new runner should try.
9. Start a runstreak. Okay, runstreaks—or the act of running every single day for as many days as possible—is controversial. And rest is VERY important. But if you are in good health and understand your limits, trying out a runstreak could be a great way to stay motivated and push yourself daily.

Two weeks ago, as I got ready to embark on my first PEAK workout of Ironman training season, my parents stared at me, quizzically, as I gathered the many materials, belongings and equipment I would need for the day’s brick: An 80-mile ride and subsequent 30 to 40-minute run.

I was not in a good mood. I had arrived at my parents’ beach house nearing midnight the night before to learn I wasn’t sleeping in an actual bed, but would be spending the night on the futon in the living room — and that was after a three-hour solo drive from northern New Jersey to Cape May Point, where I had plenty of time to contemplate the aftermath of a painful breakup. (You can think of me as bratty or spoiled or whatever you want for this anecdote … I know, I know — who complains about going to the beach?! … but I have the right to complain on my own blog!)

So, upping the ante on my already-crummy mood, which is almost a staple for me at this point given the circumstances, was a comment from my father as I half-heartedly prepared for the long day ahead of me. As I begrudgingly answered my parents’ questions, like, “Are you sure you know the route?” and “How far do you have to go again?” and “Will you call on your way back?” my father, in light of my less-than-stellar attitude, remarked, “Just remember: This is all for fun, right?” Continue reading ““You’re Doing This For Fun, Right?!”” →