Today’s post is sponsored by fairlife, makers of Core Power® I love them dearly, and I hope you do too. Check out the giveaway at the end of the post!
Oh, man. I look back at my early years of blogging and wonder how in the world, my body held up with the way I was training and fueling myself. Oh wait, it didn’t. I was injured all of the time and not reaching my goals. I lost my period, had osteopenia, and thought that skipping breakfast would somehow help me to run a sub-3 marathon.
I’m grateful my body has forgiven me for the way I treated it, and I’m also grateful for you guys sticking around over the years as I have worked toward understanding how to change (in many ways)!
I cannot imagine finishing a workout without refueling within 30 minutes these days and I’ll continue to do that forever and ever.
So why does it all actually matter? Why does fueling after a workout make a difference?
“It prevents further muscle breakdown, helps to optimize muscle and liver glycogen stores, and ultimately promotes desired adaptions to training. Omit this recovery meal and your body will remain in a state of breakdown, and muscle soreness in the hours and days following the hard effort is more likely.” (Source)
These workouts and runs that we do are already hard enough. Why in the world would we want to add more stress and breakdown to our bodies when we can avoid that by refueling?!
I can notice a night and day difference in my soreness, energy levels, mental state, and sleep when I make sure to refuel properly after a workout. I wouldn’t be able to keep up with life without it!
It doesn’t matter how long or how short your workout is. You deserve to refuel, and your body needs it.
Core Power is by far my favorite way to refuel after a run. I look forward to it. I crave it. I have a full discussion in my head during my last mile about whether I should go for chocolate, vanilla or strawberry banana each day. I can grab it out of my fridge and help jumpstart my body toward recovery.
The creaminess is unreal. It tastes just like a melted milkshake, and I am positive it will be impossible for me ever to be sick of these.
With 26 or 42 grams of high-quality protein and NO added powders (I cannot handle the taste of protein powders), you will be shocked over how delicious this drink is….
An added bonus for me and so many others—> It is lactose-free.
If eating after a run is hard for you, please try Core Power. It’s amazing how easy it is to drink, even if you have a sensitive stomach or don’t feel hungry!
Let’s make sure to recover after a workout so that all of our hard work can be seen on race days when we go for our goals!
GIVEAWAY CLOSED!
Today I am giving away 48 bottles of Core Power [any size/variety] to TWO readers!
To enter do these two things:
1- Visit their website HERE and take a look around!
2- Tell me the biggest lesson you have learned about running or working out since you first started?!
Open to US and 18+ years only. Winners will randomly be selected.
293 comments
Katie
Biggest lesson for me is probably the same as you. It’s super important to fuel yourself well for high mileage running. I used to skimp as well and my running was not as strong as it is now.
Kerianne Holman
Biggest lessons = fuel for the work required (ie, fuel MORE), listen to my body, and be faithful on strength training. Also – do you think that core power alone is really a sufficient recovery option, given that it is so low in carbohydrates? I bet that you would recover even better if you had a much higher carbohydrate to protein ratio! A 3-4:1 carb:protein gram ratio is generally recommended. Give it a try!
Sharsti
I am currently drinking a fair life salt caramel drink with my lunch, I LOVE them!! I have never tried their core power and would love to.
I have learned that listening to your body is 100% key to your success. I used to kill myself 6 days a week and recently moved to 5 days a week and I feel SO much better and so do my muscles.
Jackie J.
I’ve learned that fueling properly before and during a run/race is SO important. I’m still shocked at how different (so much better!) running feels when I’ve taken the time to fuel correctly. And now I’m working on the refueling part …. so this post is really timely!
Caitlin
The biggest lesson I’ve learned about running (other than long runs should be slower than your race pace!) is that running is the BEST way to spend time with your friends. Marathon training with friends = so much quality friendship time!
Sherry C
I’m not a runner, but a walker and I LOVE my Peloton bike. I’ve learned that walking and riding the bike is good for my mental health.
Patti
Honor the rest days, and that proper nutrition makes such a huge difference!
Christa
Hi! I have learned that you have to listen to your body and give yourself space for the season of life you are in. Working out can look different and that’s okay. I had foot surgery to remove a bone spur, so have been very limited in what I can do.
Autumn
The most important lesson I have learned is the importance of STRETCHING. Such an easy thing, whyyyy wasn’t I doing it?
lindsey strunk
Biggest lesson…not everyday will be your BEST workout. What matters is that you give your best for that day. THAT, my friend, is progress and progress (whether slow or fast) is what truly matters!
Cassondra
I think the biggest thing i have learned over the 10 or more years I have been running is that I don’t need high mileage to accomplish my goals. When I try and run my body into the ground, it always ends up in injury and defeat not reaching my goals no matter what they are. Run smarter not harder!
Sheri Pemberton
I have learned that mental strength, and building and training that muscle, is almost just as important as physical training. I have learned that so much about running is mental and the story I tell myself during the run. I am stronger than I think. Conquering my mind and overcoming doubts and fears is a daily challenge but I can do it and it makes me a better runner.
Jenny
Same as you….. I used to not fuel and now I see a HUGE difference in my workouts.
The Hungry Runner Girl
YOU WON!! EMAIL ME!!!
Amy Rupley
I’ve learned to fuel during a run. It blows my mind to think of how many long runs I did without any calories and how terrible I felt after!
Stacey
The biggest lesson I have learned is to use running as a way to be competitive, have fun, and take care of my body instead of using it as punishment or a requirement in order to be able to eat.
I think we’ve both come a long way!
… also, I love Core Power. I used to do a running route that took me by Wegmans and more often than not, I’d stop in Weggies to grab some for my cool down :)
Tara
I’ve learned to prioritize strength training. I’ve had so many injuries in the past but never addressed the weaknesses or imbalances. Now I lift heavy 2-3x per week and can see and feel the improvement in my running. And most importantly, it keeps me running! I know it’s so crucial for me as I get older. Plus, I’m pretty excited about having some muscle now!
Sree
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that it is not worth trying to power through an injury. It’s always better to listen to your body and let it recover before continuing training :)
Jacquie
pick me! pick me! pick me! lol, okay had to say that ;)
Biggest thing I learned and executed (this past weekend!) POSITIVE THINKING! FLEXIBILITY! and enjoying my surroundings.
I had my half marathon this weekend and when I started to doubt my ability or get too wrapped up in someone passing me, I went back to what I was reading, the mantras and passages I had repeated in my workouts this cycle.
1. The body achieves what the mind believes
2. You are only racing against yourself
3. Lean into the pain to get through
4. PR or ER!
5. Be grateful you are here in this moment and realize that soon you will be at the finish line
I PR’d by 7 minutes! I was in pain, but I pushed through and I can’t wait to find my next challenge/race!
Kathy
The biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years is that strength training really helps to make my legs stronger and to be consistent in your training, adding in strength training and a little stretch after hard workouts. Also… just go out and get started… the hardest part of a run is getting out the door!
Tracie
I’ve learned that all miles should not be run at goal pace. Can’t believe I used to do this! No wonder I couldn’t hit those paces in a race after overdoing it in training.
Kaitlyn
So many lessons over the years! Most recently I’ve learned that if my body is asking for a rest day taking the rest day will serve me better than pushing myself to run.
Sonya
I’ve learned that less can be a LOT more.
It took 3 hip stress fractures, a broken foot and IT Band syndrome (and, like you, the nutrition component) to get me to my longest injury free stretch ever!
I tried Core Power based on your recco, and it is just as good as you say :)
Kimberlee Henling
The biggest lesson I have learned is to take the easy days easy, and the hard days hard. I finally quit running in the grey zone and it’s made such a difference!
Colleen
I love those drinks too, thanks for hosting a giveaway! My biggest lesson I’ve learned is that IF YOU RUN, YOU ARE A RUNNER. I’ve had seven kids and had to start over with running seven times in my life. When even a 2 mile run sounds impossible postpartum, I would remind myself that I was still doing it, I was running, and it would come back one day. It’s so easy to think negatively and compare yourself to runners who are so much better, but IF YOU RUN, YOU ARE A RUNNER. Period.
Colleen Martin
I love those drinks too, thanks for hosting a giveaway! My biggest lesson I’ve learned is that IF YOU RUN, YOU ARE A RUNNER. I’ve had seven kids and had to start over with running seven times in my life. When even a 2 mile run sounds impossible postpartum, I would remind myself that I was still doing it, I was running, and it would come back one day. It’s so easy to think negatively and compare yourself to runners who are so much better, but IF YOU RUN, YOU ARE A RUNNER. Period.
Amy D
I’ve learned that the base that I have from running for years is still there, even after a long break. After a complicated pregnancy (which involved absolutely no exercise!) and then a post-partum break, coming back to running was still so much easier than it was when I first started. So missing a few runs because you’re sick or the weather is just that bad isn’t fun, but you aren’t literally starting at ground zero.
Becky
Learning to love the process has by far become my greatest lesson as a trail runner. The journey, the failure, the comeback are all part of the process every athlete must go through. I think this lesson alone will give me longevity in the sport as I get older but it has made me mentally and physically stronger now.
Dawn
I had to check the bottle, I had no idea it was Lactose free…that explains why I can drink it without bubble gut!
I think the one thing I have learned the most is that running is not all or nothing. It took me years to be ok that I can go for a walk if I am tired, stressed, sad, etc. The toxic hustle culture is so real and I remember listening to a Nike app interview with Eliud and he kept saying “be kind to yourself”. I used to feel if a workout wasn’t hard, it was a waste of my time, if I wasn’t running 5 -6 days a week, I was wasting my time. Now if I have a long day at work and come out of the office cross-eyed…I will take a walk on the trail and if my jam comes on and I feel like doing a bit of dance step jog…all the better! Never regret those days…and I feel better for doing it and come out stronger.
Julia
I’ve learned to always eat something before a workout. I should probably eat more, but at least I grab a couple graham crackers at 6 am!
Kelsey Wolfe
The biggest thing I’ve learned about working out is to do what you love! Don’t feel like you have to do a certain workout each day. Enjoy it and enjoy movement! So grateful that God has given me a body that can enjoy exercise! Thanks for the chance to win!
Sara
Do any of their flavors not have sucralose? Not a fan of eating Splenda 😫 but these look great!
Laura
TWO really big things!
To have actual rest days and incorporate strength training! I finally started going pelotón strength classes on a regular basis and after doing this for a few months I can see it coming through in my running.
Chelsea
Wait, it’s lactose free?!?!? I just developed an intolerance and have been having a hard time finding my new routines and go-to foods! This makes me so happy! I would love to win bc I’ve definitely noticed a huge mindset shift when I’ve starting thinking about fueling my athletic endeavors vs eating to look a certain way.
ERICA
I’ve learned to REALLY listen to my body when it is trying to tell me that it needs rest, is on the verge of possible injury, sore, etc.
Cate
Biggest lessons – so many this year! I’ve completey changed how I do things!
1- easy runs should be EASY
2- fueling during and after the run. I now take gels every 30 minutes and I used to take one an entire race. Refuel within 30 minutes.
3- hydration! So important during a run! I can’t believe I used to run without water… And now I always have skratch in my bottle.
I’ve changed so much too just from reading your blogs, so please never stop! You always set me up for success!
clk
I learned to really listen to my body. Back in my training days, if I was hurt, I’d take some tylenol or advil to numb the pain. It was masking my injuries and was taking them daily just so I wouldn’t get behind in my training. Now, I’ve learned to stop and actually take a few days off and try to get to the root of the problem. It feels good not to be so reliant on any thing.
adrienna
Beyond adequate fueling before, during, and after, the biggest thing I’ve learned is to slow down to get faster. It’s hard to grasp when you’re a beginner and there simply is no easy pace, but keep the faith and you’ll get there!
Michele Bertrand
Hmm, biggest lesson. Start slow to prevent injury. When I decided to start run, I had hard & fast, after months of recovering from terrible shin splints, slow starts seem to be best (for me). Listen to your body, if it hurts in a bad way, stop. Wear the proper shoes, makes ALL the difference. Do not underestimate how important rest/recovery are. I have never tried Core Power before.
Mary Christensen
The Biggest lesson that I’ve learned is from you: Running will ALWAYS be there for you. Whether you are recovering from an injury, recently postpartum, tired, busy, etc. running will always be there when you’re ready. I like what you said about coming back when you are injured… Take the time you need to recover and make a plan to come back.
mary
I can’t win because i’m in Canada but just wanted to come on here to say that i tried Core Power after you recommended it and i LOVE it! Unfortunately it’s hard to find and quite pricey here ($5.49/bottle). Costco sometimes gets it but the mom groups post about it and it flies off the shelf. I don’t live close to Costco so miss out. Can also order through amazon but it’s really expensive because it comes from US and they charge a small child for shipping.
Hopefully your other Canadian readers will see this comment and fill me in on any secret tips about where i can buy this? Also, vanilla is my favourite (<- see, Canadian :-) ) and the melty milkshake taste/consistency is THE BEST.
Jenn O
I’d say the biggest thing I’ve learned is consistency is key! Even if you can only fit in a short workout, it’s better than nothing for that day.
Taylor
The biggest lesson that I have learned about running and working out is to be consistent! I notice if I go too long without running I start losing my endurance quickly! I have also learned to be kind to myself when I do miss a workout to not beat myself up about it and to start fresh tomorrow!
Natalie
I learned how important rest days are and how important consistency is. Not everyone workout is going to go well but if you consistently work hard, it will pay off.
Jenny
I’ve been reading your blog for about 6 months but I’ve never commented. I am commenting now because you are the one who turned me on to Core Power. The biggest thing I’ve learned since beginning running is to evaluate what my body is telling me . For example, sometimes my tiredness is really a bad attitude masking as tiredness but sometimes my tiredness is a sign I need to rest.
Sarah
Thank you for this great pause for reflection! (: The biggest lesson I’ve learned in running – and in overall health – is to listen to and cooperate with my body’s natural gifts, rhythms, and needs. I can absolutely empathize with and relate to your experience of coming to feel burnt out and pivoting to find joy and renewed purpose in healing! Definitely an ongoing process and lots of wonderful ways for thriving to get deeper and deeper!
Michelle Maki
I’ve learned that rest is needed. And strength training is also very important. It’s so hard to rest, but I know my body needs to. Thanks for the amazing blog. I love to read it.
Samantha
I’ve learned that I can’t ignore sleep deprivation. I did that after my first child and burned out quickly. Now I respect the lack of sleep and sometimes that has meant postponing workouts or other adjustments to my running schedule to get more sleep instead. Instead of being a sleepless martyr (which doesn’t help anyone!), I have had longevity in training, multiple PRs, and am hitting new mileage goals.
Oh, and also, positive thinking in running has completely changed the game. That one has taken years to practice and become almost natural to think that way, but coming from a place where my running defined my worth, depression and panic attacks, I can now face big workouts, races, and everything else with gratitude, even confidence, and it’s amazing.
Andrea Lusk
Biggest lesson I’ve learned is to make time for strength training. It really does make my runs feel easier as I get stronger
Emily H
My biggest lesson is LISTEN – listen to your body, your surroundings, feedback from others.
Abbey
I learned how important eating before and after I run was. I used to be tired and layed on the couch post long run due to not eating enough after a run. Once I found something to eat as soon as I got done I now feel better the rest of the day!
Amy
Biggest lesson keep the easy days easy and the hard days hard.
Becky
Hi!
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to fuel my body appropriately for the workout! I, too, used to under eat and then feel terrible. There is no replacement for nutrient dense food, fresh filtered water and good sleep!
Jennifer W
Biggest lesson – running is good for my mental health
Marissa
You totally got me to try Core Power (they even have it at Costco!) and it’s so good. I love that it’s not chalky at all. As a matter of fact, my daughter had a virus this last week and was having such a hard time eating but she had no problem drinking Core Power. Win win.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to be kind to myself.
Bethany Thompson
Aside from realizing that food =fuel, I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of speed workouts! After adding in speed work to my marathon training, I took off more than an hour off my marathon time!
Kristen
FUELING correctly – and that we are each running our own race. I think it is awesome that people (You :)) can run races so fast – but hey guess what – I also ran the same distance (it might just take me longer!))
You are amazing, Janae!!
Jessica
Biggest lesson – fuel appropriately! Protein, not too heavy, something that settles my stomach.
Kellie Caughorn
I have learned to walk through all water stations!
Katie
Biggest lesson i’ve learned is its okay to have days off. Sometimes I feel if I take a day off i’ll lose all my endurance but that is not the case. I enjoy reading your blog and your ups and downs with running.
Carrie
The biggest lesson I have learned is proper fueling and cross training!
Laura
I’ve learned that more is not usually better! For awhile, I was working out (primarily kickboxing) for too long and too often, and also not fueling well enough. I lost too much weight, including muscle, and was pretty irritable. My anxiety also got a lot worse! I have a much better relationship with movement and food now:).
Ali
All.the.life.lessons! Or at least training lessons. I have ran for years on empty stomachs and finished long runs and not refueling until hours later. Gasp! It wasnt until I came upon your blog, that I really started digging deep into the nutrition aspect of marathon training (your blog also led me to Featherstone Nutrition-ah amazing source!). I feel guilty for how I pushed my body so hard, and was not recovering and refueling like I needed to. Cant wait to let my muscles recover like they need to!
Grace Dill
I have learned the importance of rest and recovery days. It is so much easier to tackle hard workouts when I take my recovery days seriously! You do a great job modeling this too!!!
Thanks for introducing me to Core power milk!!! It’s my favorite long recovery treat!
Elizabeth
Do your east workouts EASY!
Abby
We love Fair life milk and I love their protein shakes. I have no idea why I never realized they made Core Power too. My biggest lesson is to just not give up. I have been running and doing Crossfit for so many years and I just always feel like I should be better/faster/stronger but when I reflect back I have gained so much muscle/strength/endurance!
Jessica
I learned it can actually be fun instead of a slog. It just depends on your mindset
Jen
Hi gf I love your blog!! Big time reader and so proud of you/how far you’ve come :)
My biggest lesson is to take it slow, don’t rush the process. A lot of times we want to force the fitness but the hardest part is letting go. Reading your blog helps!
Jen G
Running slow most of the time has made me run faster!
Fingers crossed I can score this giveaway! Thanks Janae and Core Power
Meg
Enjoy the journey, and when racing go out slower than you think you should!
Christi
I have learned how important drinking water consistently through the week will help me stay hydrated on my long weekend runs. I have a hard time drinking water certain days due to not being at my desk as much.
Core Power is not sold at any grocery store near me. It is only sold at two stores near me and I usually do not shop at either of them.
Jess
I have learned that it is really important to strength train and stretch to supplement your running!
Rachel
After running myself to a femoral stress fracture, I’ve learned that rest and recovery are some of the most underrated but most important parts of staying injury free. When I don’t want to rest, I try to remind myself that a day now is better than 3 months down the road!
Warren Footz
my GI system has got to be the most sensitive on the planet, but, well, before I’m careful, afterwards I eat and drink everything in sight….but post, important…..and sometimes a greasy burger….
Robin Pruitt
I need to eat before and after my runs and I also need some salt before a long run or I get a headache. It took me a long time to figure out that would stop them!
Lindsey
I have learned to prioritize strength training and different types of runs! I’ve loved switching things up! Makes it more interesting. I love chocolate milk after workouts!
Alexis
The biggest lesson I have learned about running is that it will always be there for us when we are ready to go back to it. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and a blood cancer in the same year and have had a lot of ups and downs with my running since then. I am currently on a break from running (and LOVING my Peloton) and rather than feeling down about it, I am so excited for the time when I am ready to get back to it. And maybe I’ll get back to marathons some day too! :)
Samantha
I’ve learned that the key to staying consistent with exercising is doing things you love! It is so much easier to get in movement when you choose to do things you enjoy, instead of just going through the motions.
Jessica
I’ve never tried a core power but I sure want to now!
My biggest lesson is probably that I needed to slow down in order to run farther. I probably ran the same distance for over five years before I was able to go further!
Sarah
Biggest lesson I’ve learned in 14 years of running has been the importance of good shoes that fit your needs. Ran my first marathon in trail shoes b/c I didn’t know any better and they were on clearance at a local running store- definitely paid for that mistake in the long run!
Jamie
Growth Mindset. My biggest lesson is to stay strong mentally. Getting through each workout has made me stronger physically and mentally. As a teacher, there are some days I am just exhausted and don’t want to run after work, but when I change my mindset, I get through my workout and feel energized:)
Terri Ragsdale
The biggest thing I’ve learned is to listen to my body!!! Rest days are critical and you don’t always have to push you body harder and harder. It take working hard and recovering hard to grow stronger and faster.
Elizabeth Matthews
Friends will take your running and change it into your lifestyle. Their goals will become your goals and you will work together to go further together.
Kristin
We love Core Power too!! That chocolate flavor is 🙌 biggest lesson – taking rest days! It’s a hard concept for me but my body appreciates me so much (and I’m injured wayyyy less) when I’m resting properly!
Stacy E
Every day can be different so don’t get frustrated with a bad run. My family loves the Core Power drinks!
Alyssa
Biggest lesson is to make sure you’re ENJOYING it. Make changes and switch things up if you need to, but forcing yourself to do x, y, z won’t make you happy in the long run. Have variety and grace with yourself.
Trish
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is, my body is the boss. I’ve learned how to be flexible with a training plan. I’ve learned that there are other exercises I love outside of running (shocker!). But mostly, I’ve learned that running will always be there tomorrow, so I need to be sure I’m taking care of my body today.
Alexi
I’ve learned that hydration makes a big difference.
Julie
Biggest lesson I’ve learned is that every day doesn’t have to look or feel amazing. My value and worth isn’t dependent on how well my workout goes or how long it is. God gave me (and all humanity) inherit worth when He created us in His image!
Amanda
My biggest lesson was just how important nutrition and eating the right things for your body can be to your running. After being diagnosed with some thyroid issues I cut gluten from my diet and went from barely able to finish a mile for years to running 10ks and starting half marathon training within 6 months. I had so much inflammation from gluten that my body would literally not let me run.
Amy G
I like the protein Fairlife drinks, so I need to try this one too! Lately, my biggest lesson is even if I’m slower than I was before, I’m still logging the same distances. This is helping me from getting discouraged when I don’t see the times I want. Running life lessons!
Michelle
biggest lesson….don’t do all your runs as fast as you can!
Andrea Howell
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that running friends are the best type of friends! There’s something about running together at dark o’clock that brings you closer together!
Melly
My biggest lesson has been learning to rest and not wear myself down. Nutrition is definitely a huge factor as well.
Tasha Allen
Biggest lesson learned…so far…keep dreaming!!!
Melissa
I have struggled to properly fuel before and and after my runs for years . As a result of a history of ED, I have GI sensitivity and recently uncovered some triggers with the FODMAP diet. After years of “food falling outs” I reintroduced eggs and dairy, but dairy caused so many GI side effects. I enjoy yogurt and protein shakes when I need quick fuel, but many protein powders are not my friend either. I recently started drinking Fairllife milk and Core shakes, WiN! 🙌🏻
No GI side effects and the nutritional benefits as an athlete is the staple I had hoped to find. Proper post fuel helps me recover daily to combat the training demands. I learned with proper fuel I can run to my capabilities and endure higher mileage. Fairlife has been a game changer for me. Great post, thank you!
Linsie
Love this and admire you so much!!! Biggest lesson I’m trying to convince myself of is that “you can’t lose”. We do this because we love it and the fact is, we can’t lose! If you run slower, that’s ok! If you stop and walk, that’s ok! It’s you against you and you can’t lose.
Kaitlyn
Biggest lesson = LISTEN to my body! It is smart and knows what it needs. Also, I’ve learned the hard way that there is a huge difference between pushing through pain and burnout as opposed to challenging yourself/your body during a workout. I’m currently pregnant with my second sweet baby and my workouts 10,000% revolve around listening to and respecting what my body needs most these days.
Courtney
My biggest lesson is to get right back to it if I miss a day or two of working out from busy days. Life gets hectic with work, family, lack of sleep, etc. I feel so much better when I do workout so being able to get right back to it is important for me mental and physical health.
Jennifer O.
My biggest lesson I learned is to enjoy the outdoors. I only se music if I run on the Dreadmill. Exercise helps me clear my mind and be a better person. If I only walk I might use music but I prefer to just let my worries do!
Holly
Protein is so essential for maintaining muscle, these look perfect for postworkout (or anytime).
Biggest lesson I’ve learned I’d that progress isn’t linear, and fitness is a journey. I’m currently working my way through injury and modification does not equal failure!
Sara C
Biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of protein soon after a workout!! It makes a huge difference in recovery. We LOVE Fairlife and buy it every week! 👏🏻💪🏻🙂
Stacy
Biggest lesson is that I don’t have to do it all to experience big gains! Had a 7 minute marathon PR running 30ish miles per week compared to 50 miles per week before babies!
Alli
Hi!
Running has taught me so much!! Recently, I’ve learned the power of the slow run. The importance of building the mileage but not pushing every workout to be 110% effort.
Chrissie
My biggest lesson is that what kind of workouts are right for your life will change over time.
Bailey Ross
Hi Janae! I tried my first Core Power this morning and it was so good! Tastes just like vanilla milk! I also struggle with the chalky taste that comes with other brands so was very pleased to not have that with Fairlife’s Core Power! Over the years of running, I’ve learned the importance of taking easy days. Not all runs should be at my maximum effort. Hope you have a great day!
Liz
I learned that it is worth the extra money to buy quality workout clothes… both for performance and to feel good about yourself!
Sarah P
Biggest lesson – sleep is important! I used to get away with less sleep at night because I could nap during the day before kids, but that doesn’t happen anymore! I still don’t get as much as I need, but I try to make it a priority now! (I also love compression boots for recovery!)
Laura
Progress takes time and rushing it means getting hurt or giving up
Kristen
I’ve learned that cross training is a wonderful way to strengthen your muscles and cardio while giving your body a break from the pounding of running. Since adding biking to my workouts I have felt so much stronger and have less injuries. I love your blog, thank you for always staying so positive and encouraging!
Liz
The biggest thing I’ve learned about running is to vary my paces. Although I’m not a fast runner, I tend to do all my runs at medium effort. I miss out on the unique physiologic benefits of slower and faster runs. . Doing long runs with friends help keep me at conversation pace. Still a work in progress:)
Dona Abel
My biggest lesson is that wind and hills are HARD but they make you stronger and I feel so good after I’ve done them.
Lindsay
You have gotten me hooked on these things! Sooo good!! I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is how important it is to strength train. I’ve always been a fairly fast runner (not compared to you!), but once I started strength training I was able to add distance as well. Stronger muscles make the hard efforts feel less hard!
Melissa
Biggest lesson: No one else can do this for you and no one else can keep you motivated. At some point you have to CHOOSE to love yourself enough to get moving and improve your life. YOU have to do it for YOU!
Lanna
I’ve learned to enjoy running- be mindful of the mile I’m in.
Veronica
I’ve learned to run my long runs slower. It took a while to learn that every run doesn’t have to be fast. I love Core Power. I mix half cold brew cofffee with vanilla after a workout and it is soooo good!
Katherine
The biggest thing I have learned about running is to keep the easy days EASY!
Cindy
I have learned at my age that I need to give myself some grace and never give up!
Karlie
I started running when I joined the cross country team as a sophomore in high school. I’m a junior in college now, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that running is like one of those friends that you can not see for months and then sit down and start talking to like nothing happened. I’ve had some up’s and downs due to injuries, schedules, and health, but running is always there waiting and happy to welcome me like a friend when I’m ready.
Britni
I’ve learned to respect my body by taking recovery more seriously!! Listening to my body has helped me become SO much better at running! who knew! Next lesson- incorporating more strength training.
Britni R.
I’ve learned to respect my body by taking recovery more seriously!! Listening to my body has helped me become SO much better at running! who knew! Next lesson- incorporating more strength training.
Dawn
The biggest lesson I had to learn was that some races are going to stink, and that’s ok… even if all the training leading up to it was great, the race can not go as planned. Still a pretty hard pill to swallow, but I’m working on it. ;)
Sarah
Biggest lesson = my worth is not based on my pace or my race results or even if I get a run in or not! Obviously, I’d love to never miss a day and I’m ecstatic when I achieve a goal in a race or workout, but it no longer effects my mood or confidence if I don’t.
Lauren
As someone who used to beat myself up with exercise, I have really come to appreciate my body’s ability to exercise as I get older. I am more mindful of moving my body in a healthy way and I try to enjoy every workout that I do. Working as a physical therapist in an oncology setting, I see first hand every day how precious our health and healthy movement are. 💕💕
Mary Leith
I’ve learned that I cannot run hard every day! My body requires some balance and cross training!
Erika
I had no idea this was dairy free! now I must try! I’ve learned to LISTEN to my body. It makes a world of difference really trusting yourself.
Claudia Buzzard
My biggest lesson was to learn patience! Ask God to help me
fight through hard times of running. And be patient with times when running may be less
Because of children.
and have grace for
Myself bad days… just keep patient with all of it! Sending Much love
From Pittsburgh!!
Brooke
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
I’ve learned the hard way, and agree with the phrase,- Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good (enough).
Like when I’m running behind schedule and don’t have time to fit in the full workout that I wanted to do- I tell myself any few minutes of working out is better than no workout. And same mindset when the weather outside makes my original running plan impossible- I know that even a shorter or slower run is better than skipping it altogether.
Alana
Ooo I saw these in my grocery store today but they were out of my budget! Haha I am totally sold though, I would love to try them they sound so delicious. The biggest lesson I recently learned is to keep varying the way you move your body through a diversity of activities or workouts. I struggled with joint pain when running and had to take a break after doing a half marathon. I just completed 30 days of yoga and realized I need to dedicate more time to strengthening and mobilizing all parts of my body. One of my goals for this year is to say I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life!
Paige Schulz
Biggest lesson I’ve learned is to enjoy the whole training process! (And that I can be faster with age and after having babies, so not to worry about the pregnancy setback.)
Holly
A lesson I’ve learned is that the same run could feel amazing one day and like trash the next – and that’s ok! There’s always another chance at it.
Maggie C
My biggest lesson is fueling my body correctly and at the correct time. I would try to do long runs with no fuel and then not eat for hours after. This did not result in faster times on race day but was a big learning lesson! The chocolate flavor sounds delicious!
Erika
Oh gosh – so many lessons learned along the way. Eat more! Don’t need to exercise for 2 hours a day! Lift more! and Eat more! My body has been through it and I’m glad to be on the other side of ‘knowing better’.
Kim N
Wear the right shoes! Learn to pace yourself and listen to your body to avoid injury.
Jenna L
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I CAN run a marathon, finishing strong. I can run high mileage, lift, do all of the things and feel GOOD in my body. It all comes down to sleep and fuel. And running easy most of the time!
Jen S
Biggest lesson learned is hydrating and fueling during training and the race! For my first several marathons, I didn’t hydrate well and sucked on jolly ranchers during the race for my fuel. Definitely not smart! I have since put so much work into hydration and fueling and what a game changer, including Core Power.
Heather Adamo
It’s amazing to me that I used to work out for 2-3 hours per day. Cross fit, running, yoga, BeachBody, etc. How did I even have the time??? Well, I’ve since learned that I do not need to work out for more than 30 minutes per day even though I enjoy some long fun days too :) It’s nice to not feel that stress of not working out enough.
My kids love the chocolate! I’d love to try the other flavors.
alexis
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that with fitness, I’m my own worst enemy but I have to rely on my own motivation and effort to get better and knowing that helps me get over any slumps I may find myself in
Becky Przy
My biggest lesson has been patience! Patience with getting faster, recovering from an injury, adding in miles…it all comes in time and if it doesn’t, at least I put in the work