In case you missed out last week… the most viewed posts were:
*How Skye has helped continue the blending process for us + are you going to do this?
*How my zits taught me a lesson + I am OBSESSED with this for running.
*Monday Matters + Workout of the Week + a Lot of Pictures!
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I am really excited because I’m currently on day #5 of having a running coach again. I am the type of runner that really loves having a coach. I love having a plan to follow. I love having someone cheering me along and someone that pushes me and helps me to find my potential. Having a coach really is so motivating for me. I see my biggest running improvements (mentally and physically) when working with a coach so after a few weeks of building up my mileage/speed a bit on my own after having Skye, I just started working with Mary! A bit after having Skye I decided I wanted to work with her! I’ve followed her for a long time and I really love her coaching philosophies and her approach to training. I feel like I can relate to her on a lot of things and a lot of the workouts that I have seen her do/prescribe are very different than anything I’ve done before and I’m ready for the challenge. We talked on the phone for a while in February to see if it was a good fit and it is:) PS I know I’ll get questions about why I’m not going back to previous coaches and the answer is they have all been amazing and I LOVED working with them but I just felt really good in terms of working with Mary. It is the perfect set up for where I’m at now!
She sent me my plan for this week on Saturday and I’ve already looked at it about 45 times because I am so excited about it.
This is something I’ve been meaning to ask you… When you have a training plan for a race, do you tend to follow it exactly or change it around to better fit your needs/schedule/how you are feeling? I have only really ever followed two training plans before (this one and the one from Hansons Half-Marathon Method) and with both of those I followed them mostly but switched things around a bit too. When I have a coach I am SOOO type A about it and follow things exactly (unless I’m having a bad day and can’t hit the workout)… it helps me to keep my easy days easy and my hard days fast.
Now let’s talk about Sunday. It was Skye’s first Sunday at church!
Bur first, we practiced our selfie game and she is getting really good them.
Brooke and I had chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast (Andrew was fasting and I talk about why we do that HERE once a month but I won’t be fasting until I am done breastfeeding).
Skye was pretty excited to get in her dress and go to church.
We woke up to some new snow but it melted on the sidewalks pretty quickly which is good because I’ve got some running to do this week.
One thing that I’ve noticed since Skye was born is that Brooke wants to be on my lap way more than she used to… I’m wondering if that has something to do with the fact that I am holding Skye a lot so if I’m not, she wants a turn.
For dinner we invited over a bunch of Andrew’s cousins (he has 37 cousins on just his mom’s side of the family) for tacos! The group that came over are all in college right now so they were just thrilled to be fed and to be in a house:) It was fun to hear about all of their dating and school stories!
The highlight of the meal for me was this pico and this guac.
They brought this amazing sheet cake and left some at our house when they left.
Brooke impressed them all with her gymnastics of course.
After they left, we got a few things done around the house. I not only put out my running clothes for the morning at night but also each of the kid’s outfits to help the craziness of morning.
These guys finished off the night with Homeward Bound.
PS on Saturday before my run I tested out a new pre-run fuel (literally seconds before leaving… I just needed to grab something fast) and it was not my best idea. I don’t think I like Fruit by the Foot anymore. I need to stick to something extremely plain and eat it 30-60 minutes before I start.
PPS I love watching youtube videos of a day in the life of different athletes (especially runners) and really enjoyed this one about Amelia Boone… She makes me want to do an ultra marathon.
Time for an easy run today! I’m looking forward to my final episode of Dirty John (such a crazy podcast) and getting my legs moving after a rest day.
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I’ve got another workout of the week for you! I LOVE Ladder Intervals. They keep you from getting bored because you are switching off between so many different paces/distances and they kick your bootie:) You choose your active recovery… a walk, a jog or a slow run. Let me know if you try it, I love hearing from you!
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Training plans… where do you get yours? Do you follow them exactly or alter them or just use a training plan for the big workouts and do your own thing for the rest?
How many cousins do you have?
What type of run do you have today?
Who has done an ultra before? If you haven’t, is it something you ever want to do?
59 comments
Catie
I am following a couch to 5k and so far I have followed the program to a T. I do have a macro coach and a cross training coach. I’ve been working with my macro coach for about 10 weeks now and I’m loving it! And my cross training coach I worked with last year before I was pregnant and today is my first day postpartum. I love having a cross training coach because she has a list of all of the equipment I have in my home gym and she comes up with workouts for me. It keeps me accountable to get in those lifts and ab workouts after runs.
Total I have 10 cousins: 9 girls and only 1 boy!
The Hungry Runner Girl
The cross training coach sounds incredible! I need to do that too! Only one boy cousin.. that’s crazy! I hope you have a beautiful day and congrats on your new baby!
Natalie
So exciting that you have a new coach! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!! I currently don’t really have a plan and have kind of just been making things up as I go on a daily basis. When I used to have a coach, I pretty much followed the plan to a T, and I miss having the structure and accountability.
I did an easy two-mile warmup and some circuit strength training this morning, and then I have my weekly Monday evening run on the boardwalk tonight with a fun group of girls I met through church. It’s always a nice way to start the week. :) Happy Monday!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Yes, the accountability makes a big difference for me too! I want to come to your Monday evening runs.. that sounds so fun! Thanks girl, you too!!
Jenny | Running On Life
I have 33 cousins on one side (not counting anyone’s spouses) and 21 on the other side. We all grew up together so we are really close. I have 7 girl cousins on one side that are my age,within a few months to two years of me and I’m the oldest. So that was super fun for me because we were more like sisters and we hung out on a daily basis.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Okay, that is amazing Jenny!!! I want that!
Ali
I know BYU does a lot fo research in the way of running. Have you ever considered a local coach with an already established local group to do all the track, speed, etc workouts together? I feel like you live in such a perfect area for that! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Ali! I have thought about doing that but right now my running is at such weird times and never consistent each day… depending on when Andrew works/has tests, when skye wakes up to eat, when she naps etc.. each day is a surprise when I’ll run and whether it’s on the treadmill or not. That is definitely something I’ve talked to Andrew about doing once our schedules are more set in stone and I know I could meet daily! I hope you have a beautiful day!
Erin
I have about 40 cousins but don’t see them much as an adult. I had lots of fun with them growing up!! All that taco stuff looks yummy!
Still not running. Thinking I had food poisoning Thursday night and I’m starting to feel human again but now I have 2 out of 3 of my kids home with fevers?. So I’m finally well enough to snuggle with my youngest (6) while he’s sick.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Erin, nooooooo I am so so sorry about your food poisoning and now your kids being sick too. I am glad you are feeling better and I hope everyone else is healthy ASAP!
Marie
Oh no, Erin! I hope you all get well soon!
Bethany @LuluRuns
Yayyy! So exciting to be working with a coach again! I’m a run coach and usually design my own plans, but I’ve been wanting to find a coach for myself recently :) I’ll have to look into Mary!
I would love to eventually do an ultra! It is a long term goal, but definitely on my list!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Bethany! Thank you so much! It’s so nice to have a coach, let me know if you end up getting one (although I’m sure your plans for yourself are amazing)! Have a beautiful day!
North-Anon
Great choice! I love Mary’s Insta, and her lifting tips are first rate. Plus she just seems so nice and grounded. Oh, wow, this is going to be awesome, can’t wait for updates.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Yes yes yes!!! Thank you! I hope you are having an amazing day and have a great run!
Katrina
I just completed the advanced Hanson plan and finished yesterday at Little Rock Marathon with an 18 minute PR!! That PR gives me a sub-4 marathon time – I was so excited!! Next goal = BQ qualifying! You inspire me to keep going!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Katrina, this made my morning! You are incredible.. 18 minute pr! Please keep me updated with everything, so happy for you! Next up—> BQ!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I have three cousins – my dad is an only child and my mom only has a sister. I can’t imagine having 37!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Right?!? Soooo many!!!! I hope you have a fabulous day Fiona!
Eleanor
Happy Monday!
I generally tailor running plans to my needs. I have a lot of other things going on in my life so I find I’m setting myself up for failure if I just follow one strictly. I also think its important to listen to your body–if you have speed scheduled for one day and you’re feeling really exhausted, may not be the best idea, etc.
I’ve thought many times about running with a 1-1 coach. I’ve run with group coaches before. But I’ve never felt I was “good enough” runner for a coach which is silly. But with my goals this year I think it would definitely benefit me!
Not sure if I’m running today or not. I ran the Rockn Roll half in New Orleans yesterday and it was AMAZING, but my body is real sore today. I ran a 15k about 3 weeks ago, and other than that really didn’t train for the half. Got a concussion the day after the 15k so the past 3 wks have been either no running, or recovery. So I still went for my half since I was signed up. And God is so amazing and I PR’ed by 15 minutes, and joined the 2:10 half marathon club! Some days we’re just feeling it! But I’m definitely sore today;) Also a really cool thing is that Kathrine Switzer ran the half so I’m really stoked that I can now say I’ve run a half with her;)
That’s my random overshare for the day! Hope you have an amazing day! Stay positive!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Eleanor, oh my goodness… huge congrats! A 15 minute pr! Wow! That is huge! Second, you are beyond good enough for a coach and don’t think anything different! That is so cool that Kathrine Switzer did the half too. Thank you for sharing and I really hope your concussion is 100% better!
Rhiannon
I have a weird fascination with reading training plans. There are SO many out there! I generally find a couple that I like and try to combine them into something that works for me. I usually don’t plan out my speed workouts until the week of – I put together a bunch of options and then decide what works best for me that week – increasing speed/distance according to my plan of course.
Cousins – I only have 5. My grandparents on my dad’s side had 4 kids but the rest of the family didn’t continue that tradition :), and my mom’s sister is handicapped so no kids for her. The nice thing is, all the cousins are now adults, so we have a lot of fun at family events. We get along much better now!
No run for me today – I ran on Saturday and mayyyybe overdid it a bit with my strength training yesterday and I am SORE! Plus I still have a cough and my body is telling me today is a power yoga day, so I am listening!
People who do ultras are amazing and I can’t even imagine it.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Rhiannon! Good call on the power yoga today.. I hope that cough is gone fast! I have a love for looking over different training plans too. It’s so much fun and I like your method of combining a few! I hope you have a great day and feel 100% soon.
Virjinia @ With Purpose and Kindness
I think I want to do have a coach for Chicago but I’m not sure because I also want to incorporate cycling into my workouts too. I’m just building endurance so I’m working on comfortable runs and longer bike rides on my stationary bike. I do want to do an ultra and it may become my goal for next year!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hey Virjina! I’m so excited for you to run Chicago.. I’ll want to hear/read all about it! I bet if you really want to use a coach there is one that would include cycling into your workouts each week! I hope you have a wonderful day!
SnowEcho
Nice on signing up with the new running coach Mary! wondering where it will take you – good luck, sounds like it will be a great ride.
Training plans… where do you get yours? Do you follow them exactly or alter them or just use a training plan for the big workouts and do your own thing for the rest?
i’m currently looking at training plans now for the half marathon and for the marathon which will be my first marathon training and marathon race. i’m looking at Hanson’s and Daniels Running Formula. i also have to curtail each to my calendar b/c i can’t do the calendar they each suggest. previously i did group training with NYRR, and i will do it again if i can fit it into my schedule…! mostly b/c a much more experienced runner i know (he ran 3:07 in the Chicago!) said that speed work is hard to do alone and i might get much more out of it in a group setting. so if i can work it in the schedule, i will do it.
How many cousins do you have? sooo many. non in-laws, i got 10.
What type of run do you have today? i had speedwork scheduled today but i think it will have to be an easy run b/c my body has been beat down – by running and skiing bumps…
Who has done an ultra before? If you haven’t, is it something you ever want to do? i haven’t, but i do want to get there at some point in the future. at the very soonest it will have to be next year or the year after though if i can manage training for a marathon for this year.
Chelsea
This is my first training cycle working with a coach and I’m loving it!! I figured it would be smart to use a coach since I have some big goals and am coming back from an injury. I’m actually meeting him today for lunch to get the next few weeks of my plan! I just finished 4 building weeks and now that my hammy is better, it’s time to get back to some speed work before my half in April! I’m shooting for a PR, so I have lots of work to do!
Happy Monday!
~R
I have 8 cousins one side and about 24 (plus 6 step cousins) on the other side (that side of the family has been a little messy since 1944). I know all of the eight and some of the 24.
Crazy, crazy wind today so probably a treadmill run after high school meeting, errands, and lunch.
I haven’t run an ultra and probably will never do an official one. But I am seriously considering running the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail this May. It’s “25-30 miles depending on start point and who you believe”…so that may be ultra-ish. Or just crazy. ;) =)
The Hungry Runner Girl
The Skyline-to-the-Sea sounds incredible. Let me know if you end up doing it, I seriously want to hear all about it! That is a lot of cousins, how fun! I hope your day is going great so far.
R Kay
Maybe not for today, but def for the future :).
https://twitter.com/des_linden/status/970675824654401536
Have a good one, Janae! Thanks for feeding fellow college kids and SO WELL!
The Hungry Runner Girl
THANK YOU for sending this over to me, I have to share it too. Thank you, such a great reminder that they have those terrible days too! Have a wonderful day.
Linda @ the Fitty
OH. my. LORDY. I CAN DEVOUR that bowl of guac and have the most iconic poop of my life. Let’s do it. LOL!
Erinn
I’ve never had a coach! But I would love one :) Maybe someday…
I had an easy 3 miles with the dog this morning…it was chilly but a great way to start the day!
I’d rather do a triathalon than an ultra!
Elizabeth
I’ve used on online coaching service in the past and it worked really well for me. One thing I didn’t like was that it had me resting after short races…like a 5k!
I’ve been working with a coach for almost 6 months. I’m trying to regain some of my running fitness I lost being injured during 2017. It’s been really good for me. He emphasizes that it’s a process and I am constantly building. I love seeing all the small improvements. I know they will add up soon.
I have two boy cousins…that’s it! I also have two brothers and 6 nephews!! I was so glad when my older brother finally had a girl! And I’m very grateful for my awesome SILs. I waited a long time for some sisters haha
Rest day for me!! Maybe some yoga and core work after work.
Please keep up the Podcast recommendations! There are so many and it’s hard to keep up with. I know if you like one, it will be something I like too. So please make this a regular thing if possible :) Thanks!!
Kristine
I ran with a group marathon clinic for years, and so I never really needed a plan. I did start to make my own and just recently I bought a training plan for a particular race I am tackling this summer. I am flexible – I try to keep the long runs in place more or less and then everything else is flexible.
Today is a rest day.
I have done a few ultras and I have 3 ultras coming up this summer- 2 in July and one in August. I enjoy running long distances but it does take a lot out of you because you can’t shortcut your way to the finish line – not without a lot more suffering than necessary anyhow hah. I think there is something about trying to find your own personal limits – hitting in the point in a race where you think you can’t go on and want to quit and then realizing you have more in you than you thought. Running an ultra is still one of the best experiences I have had because you can run in some pretty incredible places, among other things.
5 first cousins, probably more I haven’t met.
Have a wonderful day!
Jen W.
You’re in great hands with Mary. She really helped me to come back to running and training after my femoral stress fracture. Excited for you. You might even really get into & love the strength stuff :) ha ha
As far as working with old coaches. I get it. I’m actually not with Mary any longer, but I still think she’s a fabulous person and coach. There are just different coaches that are right for different times in your life and training; you have to go with what your gut tells you to do, and you sound super happy and excited. That’s an awesome sign and how things should be!!!! :)
My run today is 5 easy. I had 11 yesterday with 3 speedy ones thrown in there, so I’ll definitely be in recovery mode today. We’ve been dealing with crappy weather and nasty winds since last Thursday. That can be just mentally tough. WHERE’S SPRING??? (I’d love a “no wind” spring, too, btw! lol Mother Nature, are you listening??!!)
Michele
I’ve never had a running coach but I LOVE working with a personal trainer. I just started up again after my last baby (hurray) and I’m enjoying it. I do aspire to get back into fighting form enough to run a marathon and I could see myself getting a running coach for that. I love the aspect of having someone who is as invested in the journey, not necessarily as a police officer but as a guide.
I have LOTS of cousins 8 on one side 25 on the other, and that is JUST first cousins… many of whom are old enough to be my aunts or uncles. Their kids feel more like cousins and there are SO many. My husband has a ton of cousins as well (within 2 years of him on either direction there are 16 and that went on for YEARS) that we are really close to. We have cousin family reunions and it is a blast. So my kids are growing up knowing and playing with his cousins’ children. It is awesome!
No runs today (every other day) worked with my trainer at the gym and my body is SO ready for a nap!
I love the IDEA of ultra running. Seems like a cool community and I read a lot of books about it and follow certain races, but I don’t think it is for me JUST yet! ;)
Cathy
I ran my long runs with a training group last year when I trained for Chicago. It was SO much better than the year I trained by myself. It helped a lot to have others going through the same experiences, especially since I am a pretty inexperienced runner. The training group also gave us a weekly plan in addition to the long runs, but I didn’t follow those too well because I am addicted to group fitness classes, and I just could not give them up. I did run, but not as much as the plan called for on the shorter (midweek) runs. I really think those other classes helped me build up my endurance and stay injury free. My goals are to finish and enjoy myself, so not particularly speedy!
Rosie
I only have 14 cousins and 10yr old daughter only has 5-we are a small family compared to some of the replies I read above.
I have thought about getting a coach and who knows, my next marathon (I’m registered for Chicago in October) I may just get one. No run for today as I ran the Napa Valley marathon yesterday. I am pleased with my time (4:15:08) but I was hoping for a PR which was 28 seconds faster at last year’s Big Sur marathon. I am taking a good month off of running and a good week off of any other activity to allow my body to heal. The course was much tougher than my body was ready for and my legs are feeling it today.
Have a great day!
The Hungry Runner Girl
ROSIE!! Huge congrats on your marathon yesterday! I have always wanted to do that marathon too. You are going to rock Chicago, I want to hear all about it too. Recover well and enjoy that post-race endorphin high:)
Ali
I think I have 17 cousins. I feel like I’m forgetting someone though. Your shirt/dress that you wore to church is SO cute! Where did you get it?
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you so much Ali!! It is from here:
https://www.roolee.com/dresses/
They don’t currently have it but they have so many cute dresses right now, they are my favorite. Enjoy your day!
Hillary
I follow training plans for the big races, half marathons and marathons and just do my own thing and run the occasional 5K and 10K. I am currently not running due to a stress fracture in my foot and haven’t since Christmas :( Hoping I get the OK to start introducing running again after my doctor appointment next week. Cross your fingers for me! I totally respect the idea of running an ultra, but I don’t think my body is designed for that distance! Although isn’t an ultra defined as longer than a marathon? So maybe I could pull off 28 miles ;)
I am intrigued by the idea of having a trainer. And that guac looks AMAZING.
Sarah
Did the run at the end of your post today and it was awesome! I’m working on getting some speed back after having two babies within 20 months…slowly but surely it’s coming back. Thanks for sharing!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh that makes me SO happy! Way to go Sarah:) Two babies in 20 months… you are amazing! Keep me updated with how everything is going.
Jennifer
I’ve never had a coach, although I’ve thought about it before. I tend to just follow plans I find, or my version of a plan, that I tailor to fit my schedule. Money-wise, and schedule-wise, with two kids who have crazy sports schedules, it has never quite fit to hire a coach.
I have 7 cousins, spread out around the world, none of whom I see much at all. That’s why I love that my kids are growing up with two of their cousins (my nieces) and they are great friends!
I have run quite a few 50 millers, a 100k, and also done half-ironman races and an ironman. I love ultras because I don’t have a lot of fast speed for short distances but I can keep up a medium pace forever.
Hope you have a great day! ps. tell Andrew that my daughter and I are going to see the Angels vs. Rockies next week at Spring Training! She is playing in a baseball tournament in AZ.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Jennifer, that is incredible that you have done many ultras and half-ironmans and an ironman. WOW. Oh you guys are going to have the best time at Spring Training!! Enjoy the sunshine and have fun at her baseball tournament too!
Arthi
I want that chocolate sheet cake.
Run today – 8 SUPER easy miles. My legs and body were dragging hard this morning so I took it nice and slow!
Kerri
I kind of make up my own training plan, but I follow it! I found a few online that didn’t work well for me in years gone by, so now I kind of piece together a plan based on my strengths, weaknesses, and schedule.
I have 25 cousins on one side and 12 on the other. It’s A WHOLE LOT to keep track of!
Today is an easy 3 miler with my students. I’m already freaking out a little bit about my 20 miler this weekend!!
Alicia @Bridges Through Life
I have a coach right now for weightlifting and I love not having to think about my plan before heading to the gym. I follow it, but sometimes I switch day 3 and day 4 depending on what I am doing that day. My coach also gives me nutrition advice and I realized I wasn’t eating enough for my amount of training. While it’s annoying to track food, it does give me insight on my nutrients and macros. I always find a way to fit in some cookies here and there, especially now that I have my Girl Scout cookie order :)
Dawn
i have over 100 cousins! My grandfather had more than one wife, and they each had LOTS of kids, who in turn also had LOTS of kids… I am pretty sure I have cousins that I haven’t even met yet. haha! :) The taco spread looks pretty incredible, especially that guacamole! I love guac so much and could put it on anything :)
Emma
Congrats on getting your new coach! Maybe I’ll try working with one in the future.
Also.. I finally tried Cafe Rio yesterday! I didn’t realize I had one in the area. It was great!
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH I am so so so happy you tried it:) Have a beautiful evening!
Eva
I have 8 cousins and 2 stepcousins on my mother’s side and 10 cousins on my dad’s side. Good luck with your new coach! I don’t think I’ll ever have a coach although it would be very nice to have someone else decide on a training plan, and for encouragement. I’ve used training plans from the internet, and from the running course I took the past two summers. For my half I chose the same source (a running store) where I got the 15 k training plan from. That worked quite well, even if the 15k got cancelled. It’s a plan for three times a week, but because I cross train too, i’m not too upset if I have to skip an easy run. I try not to run two days in a row. Tomorrow I have an easy run with 5x a minute of faster speed thrown in. Our twins are going to a day trip with school and they are leaving really early, my goal is to run after they leave.
Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy
OMG, Skye’s pretty little dress. I’ve never hired a coach (my hubby used to coach in college so he kinda takes on that role) but I can imagine it is helpful for those of us who like a set plan, mileage and support!
Heather
I wasn’t able to open the links to the guacamole or pico. Can you link again? They looked SO good!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh no! I’m sorry! Here are the links:
https://www.inspiredtaste.net/20172/our-favorite-guacamole-recipe-with-video/
https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/pioneer-womans-pico-de-gallo/
Patty
You are going to love Mary! She coached me when I ran the NYC Marathon last November. I loved her training plan. Good luck!
Ella
I purposely ran past the finish line at Chicago until I saw 0.1 mi tick by on my Garmin so I could say I’d done an ultra! So yeah, no biggie. I did a 26.3 ultra.