Long Sleeve / Capris / Shoes / Watch
Long Sleeve / Capris {color sold-out, similar here} / Shoes
Pullover (I sized up) / Shorts / Shoes / Headphones
I’m recommitting to running this year.
Most people–myself included some of the time–have a love/hate relationship with running. Well actually I think most people just hate it but tolerate it and very few truly love it. Over the past 4 years I’ve grown not so much to love it but to appreciate it. I appreciate the solitude of it. I love how I feel after a few quick miles or a long run down pretty trails. I enjoy the mental clarity I get, whether it’s spiritually or a relief from life’s stresses, afterwards. But last year was a year that I kind of hated running. I nursed a knee injury off and on, the weather seemed to never cooperate on days I had long weekend runs planned and life just seemed overwhelming more than usual. I wasn’t consistent with just plain old running and when I would go out I would get mad at myself for my split times not being where I thought they should be or for having to cut my distance short because of knee pain. So I started to loathe running. Which is fine because I mean it’s not like I’m forced to do it. But then I started to miss it once the weather here got so bad there was no chance of hitting the pavement. Being at my parents’ for a good chunk of December allowed me to log some miles on the concrete and it rejuvenated me and re-lit the passion that I had for pushing myself in that aspect. So much so that I’ve decided on 3 Half-Marathons {Glass City Half in Toledo in April / Dam to Dam in Des Moines in June / Dallas Marathon’s Half in December} and looking for a 4th to do sometime in the September/October time frame. I’m sharing below the 3 ways I plan to keep up with my running resolution:
Accountability Partners
My sister Cassidy and SIL Lindsey are each running a Half with me so we are all going to be able to keep each other accountable. Both Monday and early this morning I Snapchatted {@kristinkruse} Lindsey my distances on the treadmill to keep myself accountable. Checking in with others who are doing the same thing makes me WANT to finish and not cheat or cut anything short. With a lot of different things in life, having people to hold you accountable is key so it is no different with this goal.
Training Plan
Having a set plan/schedule is crucial for me. I’m uber-organized in my every day life so when it comes to training for a race, I’m no different. I’ve always been a fan of Hal Higdon’s Training Programs and for the Glass City Half I’m using his Intermediate 1 plan with some modifications. Since I pay for 8 OrangeTheory classes/month I plan to incorporate 2 of those each week in place of his ‘cross-training’ day and one short run and I will always aim to do my long runs on Saturdays because that seems to work best for me. Mostly I want to stick with his weekly mileage total so I make it as easy as possible to crank out those 13.1 miles at each race. I’ll also be adding various 5k & 10k races into the mix so I have something else to look forward to!
Flexibility
Last year is the perfect example of how things don’t always go according to plan. This year I’m keeping my approach to running flexible. If I miss a run or have to alter distance or flip-flop a workout, it is OK. I’m aiming to be less rigid and forced with running and just let myself run. I’m also going to take intentional rest days and focus more on how my body feels during my runs than what my splits and overall time are at the end. Allowing myself some grace is key because life happens. I don’t want to end up despising the God-given ability to lace up my shoes and just be in the moment.
Anyone else recommitting or starting a new commitment to running in 2017? Anyone interested in actually joining me in any of my races!? Or do you have some awesome race near you that I need to come and run?! I’m always up for a good race and using it as an excuse to travel somewhere else! 😉 What are your fitness goals for the upcoming year? I’d love for you to share below!
I love the pink shorts & your mint sweater. I am also trying to commit more to running this year, but it has already been a struggle. I definitely think I need to find an accountability partner!
-xoxo, Azanique
LotsofSass.com
Great post! I did a run with my girlfriend a few years ago and we ended up walking as I can’t run..I know weird right me and running are not friends my knees can’t handle it 🙁 But.. I LOVE people who commit to a race, its exciting and practice is necessary so you end up getting fitter haha
Have you ever tried agility training? I love that!
Ah help me get motivated to start running again! I think the first step is buying cute, new workout gear, don’t you think? 😉
xo Kelsey | http://www.chasingcinderellablog.com
New gear is always the best first step! 😉 Lets connect via text or on Insta or something and we can hold each other accountable!!! <3
I have the same goal for this year! I have not always been a runner, but want to start running this year more often!
Also your pups are so cute!
xx, Jamie
theblonderlife.com
I’m training for a couple races. I feel like setting a goal (like a race) makes me accountable and more likely to stick with it
OMG those pups — too cute!! Love this idea of Workout Wednesday!! I also love posting it on the blog, totally keeps motivations in line! xx
layne
Come to the Miami Half! Its the last weekend of January 🙂 It’ll be our second year there! One thing you and I have in common Kristin is that we have sisters, mine runs half, marathons…I can only do 5k’s as of now but would love to train for a half this year.
That puppy omgosh dying of cuteness!
Vanessa | http://www.vanessarenae.com
Love this! I was really good about running regularly at the beginning of last year and then when I started my fashion blog I stopped doing it. I really need to get back into it as you’re absolutely right you feel so good after you do it!
Love this! I have just started to run again, as the staff at my church is running a 5k in March. So I have started training for that! Good luck!
XOXO, Nikki
http://www.casualblonde.com
You go girl!! I’m one of that tolerated running for a long time, then happily abandoned it when started Crossfit a couple years back haha. I’ve been trying to get back into it because I hate having zero endurance with running! You’ll do awesome– so exciting that you’re training and running a race!!
Meaghan xx
Love this post Kristin- having partners to do it with is awesome! I used to hate running for years, but then once I actually tried it and started doing it, I grew to like it a lot and as you said appreciate it. It definitely is good for my mental state 🙂 Good luck with all your training!
xoxo, Jenna
Boston Chic Party
Hi Friend!
Love all the different workout gear and tips! perfect for kicking off 2017!
Xo, Jasmine
Thesignaturecoast.com
@jasminenhorne
You go girl! I myself am trying to get back into running and yoga like I used to.Good much this year!!
Gisel // http://www.mintandthrift.com
First of all, your workout gear is always ON POINT!! I am also so proud of you for holding yourself accountable and re-organizing for 2017. Running has always been a hate/hate relationship for me 🙁 I can’t let my mind go…have tried music, have tried running outside, have tried it all…I can only think about “how much further do I have left?!?!” So, I had to move on to different types of working out and since I am fairly happy with my fitness level, I’ll stick with spin and weights 🙂 But, how fun would it be to train for a race together even half way around the country from each other!!
xoxo
Tiffani
http://www.tiffaniatbretonbay.com
Love this post! I’m a lot like you, super organized and committed and need a plan to succeed! Great pointers for getting on track and you hit the nail on the head with being flexible. Keep it up girl! Plus, your doggies are ever so cute 😉