Extra LSR: How I Trained for My First Race. | Ash from Le Stylo Rouge

Extra LSR: My First Race.

Extra LSR, Fun and Friends, 96 Comments

by Ashley

Ashley Style Blogger + Creative Director

How I trained for my first race.

Full disclosure: I’m not a natural runner. I’m not someone who goes for a run to relieve stress, or whose preferred method of exercise is a good long run. My previous approach was, “I’ll run when I’m being chased, thanks.”

My boyfriend, on the other hand, is naturally gifted at running. Dave doesn’t have to train for marathons (this is not hyperbole) and he doesn’t flinch at logging an 8-10 mile trail run on rocky ground with elevation. We have polar opposite fitness approaches: he loves challenge, pain, and pushing himself to the limit. The tougher, the better. The more insane, the longer, the grittier– bring it, he’ll show up with bells on. I do not like to sweat, particularly. I’ll do it, of course, and if it happens naturally as part of a game, I’m fine. But I have things like extending blowouts to think about, people. I can’t be bothered with washing this mane every day! I love a workout that gets my heart rate up and burns calories, but in a temperature-controlled environment (air conditioning or you can piss off) for a finite period of time (like an hour or less, please). I’m willing to put in the work, yes, but I’m not going to work out for hours on end.

Extra LSR: How I Trained for My First Race. | Ash from Le Stylo Rouge
Geared up and ready to run my first race, the Westport St. Patrick’s Day Run.

This sets up a nice dichotomy: Dave routinely signs up for local races, and I routinely sleep in while he goes and runs them. However, this year he prodded (bribed?) and was able to convince me to run the Westport St. Patrick’s Day Run. “It’s only 4 miles– you can run 4 miles, I know you can,” he said. “I’ll run the whole thing with you, at whatever pace you want.” (How about a crawl…?)

For whatever reason, it seemed like something achievable. I had joined my boyfriend spontaneously on a few short neighborhood jogs over the past few months, mostly out of the need to get a workout in and the promise of rosé after. Surprisingly, I hadn’t died. The runs were all under 2 miles, over mostly-flat sidewalk-laden ground, and my pace was borderline geriatric. But, still– I had survived. And that gave me whatever confidence to agree to this 4-mile situation.

The race was on March 10th; I signed up the weekend of February 3rd. This gave me right around 5 weeks to train. You’re probably rolling your eyes at this if you’re a runner because 4 miles isn’t much. But you’re a runner. Before this, I had about 8 miles under my belt as a lifetime total, and never more than 2 miles at a time. Also, I like to be overly prepared for things; I like to get A’s. So I wanted to crush this race– not in time, per se, but in being able to complete it on my own terms, no problem, no biggie.

I should probably list what I was already doing as part of my fitness regimen, outside of race training:

  • 1-2 spin classes a week
  • 3 resistance workouts a week via the BBG program (so a 30- minute circuit workout each for legs, full body, and then arms + abs)

Not exactly a couch-to-5k situation; I already had some cardiac ability and endurance from spin. Dave suggested I run twice a week in order to feel totally prepared for the race. Nothing major, anywhere between 2-3 miles, with maybe one full-length 4-mile run a week or so out from race day.

I needed to log an extra cardio session as part of the BBG program anyway, so adding a run dovetailed nicely with that larger program. Here’s how my running schedule looked:

  • Week 1: two runs; one at 1 mile and one at 1.5 miles
  • Week 2: two runs; each at 2 miles
  • Week 3: two runs; one at 2.5 miles and one at 3 miles
  • Week 4: two runs; one at 3 miles and one at 4 miles (mega slow, mind you)
  • Week 5 (race week): two runs; one at 3 miles and one at 2.75 miles

I would typically run on Tuesday or Wednesday, and then one day over the weekend. The full fitness schedule was a variation of the following:

  • Monday: spin
  • Tuesday: run
  • Wednesday: BBG (full body)
  • Thursday: Spin + BBG (arms + abs)
  • Friday: BBG (legs)
  • Saturday: run
  • Sunday: rest

The morning of the race was cloudy and windy with temperatures in the mid-40s. Not great patio weather, mind you, but that’s actually decent running weather. (Which, I’ve learned, is a thing.) I hadn’t eaten before we left the house (meaning I was in a fasted state), and so we grabbed some donut holes at Beer Kitchen and split ’em between our little race group (which consisted of the guys Dave works + runs with, and then me, The One Who Doesn’t Normally Run). A big breakfast would’ve been a rookie move; you don’t want something heavy on your stomach during a race. You just need something light that’ll burn off quickly and fuel the run. (Also, 4 miles isn’t so long of a race you need to worry about in-race fuel.)

Finishing a race is a time when I’m a strong advocate for participation trophies, in this case, a medal.

We slotted into the crowd a few minutes before start time. Everyone was decked out in Irish kelly green– there were tutus, four leaf clover-printed suits, and lots of green beads. (I was focused on light layers to stay warm but not too warm, so a palm-printed Adidas sweatshirt was my compromise.) National Anthem, check. Pre-race pep-talk from someone on a mic, check. Then suddenly, the crowd was inching forward. You could see runners picking up the pace up ahead, but it wasn’t until we crossed the start that we broke into a jog. Headphones on, Spotify queued up, Garmin activity started. (I was getting credit for those miles and calories, thanks very much.)

As promised, Dave ran alongside me the entire race– which was not only comforting, but a sacrifice considering his pace is surprisingly not in the 12’s, as is my preferred speed. I pushed it a bit at the beginning, slowing when I realized we were cruising at about a 10: 55-mile pace and I didn’t know how sustainable that was for me. Again, my goal was not time. I could not have cared less who passed me (old people, dudes pushing strollers full of toddlers), I just wanted to finish and finish feeling good. Not wheezing and side-stitched within an inch of my life.

At some point around mile 2, I decided I didn’t like running in the road with all the other people. (One of my main beefs with races is that other people run them with you. Like ugh, give me space.) Because it was a run/walk race and we weren’t exactly amongst the throngs of elite Mega Runners (sorry, babe), there was a lot of traffic– people cutting in front, only to stop to walk a few feet later, people looped together as part of a centipede group (how is that even fun…?), etc. This made it difficult to get into a running rhythm, which is essential. To the sidewalks we went! Running on the sidewalk (race adjacent, but still on the course) made it so much easier. Plus that’s where I trained– on the sidewalks of my neighborhood– so it felt a bit like home? Dumb, but when you’re on mile 2 and you know you’re only halfway there, having a little familiarity helps. Running surface muscle memory.

Extra LSR: How I Trained for My First Race. | Ash from Le Stylo Rouge
This guy, though. ♥️

The sun came out on mile 3, and suddenly I realized I was almost done. Only a mile left. I could do that. (Which was a stunning thought coming from someone who picketed the single-mile tryout component of volleyball in high school.) My pace was good: a bit quicker than my usual 12-and-change, but nothing strenuous. I focused on my foot strike (you want to hit with the ball of your foot first, not the heel– essentially, running a bit on your toes), my breathing (deep!), and my alignment (slighting forward without putting too much stress on the knees). A little Drake via Spotify helped, too.

The last quarter mile brought us back around to Westport, where the main street was lined with Irish flags and cheering race-watchers. We sprinted a bit to empty those tanks, and I crossed the finish line at 47:36 (an 11:45-mile pace).

I have to admit, I was pretty proud of myself. There was a definite runner’s high situation happening, and it was quite gratifying to complete something I thought I would never be able to do. Dave’s encouragment– both during my training and the race proper– was amazing. His quiet confidence in me was so reassuring and helped ease those pre-race nerves. It’s really remarkable to have someone believe in you– and also support you when taking on something new and scary (even if it’s just a silly fun-run race).

I was ready to celebrate– and I had definitely earned myself a beer. Guinness was my drink of choice; I couldn’t resist jumping on that St. Patty’s bandwagon. I also needed food– those tiny donut holes I had popped pre-race were long gone, and my stomach was growling. Chicken tenders and fries, thank you! Dave and I met up with the other guys from his race group, and we ended up doing a little bar hopping (complete with Irish Car Bombs, as you do). Westport was packed with racers and people wandering out to celebrate the sunshine and warmish weather, so the mood was ripe for a solid Saturday of revelry.

Extra LSR: How I Trained for My First Race. | Ash from Le Stylo Rouge
Celebrating with the boys post-race.

My first race is done and dusted– but will I run another? I don’t know; I certainly don’t have anything on the docket in the near future. I could definitely tackle something in the 4-6 mile range, with enough time to prep and train. (Apparently, you can’t run a single race and be in race shape for the rest of your life– a fact I find really rude.) Depending on the terrain (this race was mostly flat) and the weather (cool, perfect for easy running), I might consider it. Definitely not ruling it out, though, which is something I never thought I would say even 6 months ago.

Linking up with Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, I Do DeClaire, Straight A Style + On the Daily Express, Get Your Pretty On, Rosy Outlook + Seeking Sunshine, Pumps and Push Ups, and The Pleated Poppy.

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96 Comments

  6. I loved every bit of this. Running is HARD. We have the same attitude about it, “only if someone is chasing me.” I especially loved Dave’s encouragement. Y’all are the dream team.

    Reply

    1. Thanks, gf! Dave was awesome through this- running is so not a big deal for him, but he understood it was for me and was super supportive!

    1. Thanks so much, Rach! It was a big undertaking for me, not being a runner by nature- the training definitely paid off!

  11. I am sooo PROUD of you!! Running is hard if you’re not a natural and you ran and you conquered girl!!

    Reply

  12. Big kudos to you, Ashley! I am NOT a runner whatsoever. I can barely make it through 1 mile without walking. So I definitely think it’s a big deal that you did 4 miles in such good time. Congrats! A beer was well deserved at the end.

    Reply

  13. I could totally relate to this Ashley. I’m not a runner (and there truly is a biological reason that men can run so much easier than women—it has to do with the placement of the leg bone on the hip). But you certainly made the blog post and the run so successful!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Reply

    1. I do enjoy that it’s a free way to exercise that (if you do it right + take care of your body) can burn calories and increase longevity!

    1. Thank you, babe! Dave was really sweet to run it with me- I know he would’ve finished in like 20 minutes if he were running alone, lololol!

  16. This is amazing Ashley! I totally envy your dedication and preparation for this race. I was laughing out loud because I could have written the first paragraph. I always say if I were being chased I would try to run, but I would succumb quickly. And literally I plan my life around blow outs… so I get that girl! You should be so proud of yourself!

    xx, Elise
    http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, sista! Haha- glad I could make you laugh! And blow outs are liiiiife- gotta preserve ’em at all costs!

  17. Congrats on your first race! Sounds like you did great! I love to run, and I desperately miss running. I like long, slow runs. I am hoping to be able to get back to running by fall. Also I LOVE BBG! It is amazing. I also can’t do that either right now, but can’t wait to get back. Even though Charlie thinks that is what got me in the mess I got into to begin with.

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

    Reply

    1. I hope you get back to it soon! I know how it can drive you crazy not being able to do SOMETHING- I’m totally the same way!

    1. Oh, you’re a CHAMP! I wish I could run a bit longer- we’ll see, maybe with time! 🙂 Thanks for swinging by, doll!

    1. Thanks, lady! Running is definitely something that doesn’t come naturally for me, so training and working up to it was a must!

  26. You are a superstar even running 4 miles! I am with you that running is just the worst – give me any other workout any day of the week haha!

    Matt is like your boyfriend where he is just naturally good at running. He doesn’t hardly ever run but then will wake up on a Saturday and be like, I feel like running, and casually do 9 miles. Hate him for that. So when we first started dating, his family does this 8k every Summer (like 5 miles) and similar to you I legit TRAINED for this run and they all were like “oh you’ll be fine” and I was like “I guarantee you I won’t”. As the story ends, I did in fact survive but only barely and every year since I just meet them at the finish line for breakfast after the race lolz. Not my thang.

    So glad it turned out to be a good experience, and even better yet a really fun one! I’m sure your boyfriend really appreciated you putting in the effort to do something that he really enjoys!

    xo Mary-Katherine
    http://www.goldhattedlover.com

    Reply

  33. Oh, such a fun post! Love it!! I love long distance running, but I’ve only done one marathon. I’ve done way too many half marathons, tho. It’s fun to try something new, right? You should make this a yearly tradition or something!!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    Reply

  35. Im so proud of you! We totally have the exact same views on running hahaa I absolutely hate it! My brother just did a half marathon last weekend and made the sarcastic comment I should do the next with him since he knows I would probably shrivel up and die ;P One day I want to push myself to do a 5k!

    <3 Shannon 
    Upbeat Soles

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Shannon! Lol, I hear you- running is so not my thing! I learned to co-exist with it, though- which is something I never thought I would do! I bet you could totally do a 5k!

    1. Thank you! It was definitely a big undertaking for me- even though the mileage wasn’t a ton, it was more than I was used to! But I’m really glad I did it!

  39. It’s so fun to participate in runs like this because you feel SO accomplished afterwards! I’m definitely not a natural runner either so it takes a lot of prep for me! Happy Wednesday!

    Rosy Outlook

    Reply

  40. Oh man, I am so like you when it comes to running! I used to hate it so much! Now, it’s not too bad but still not my favorite thing. I ran my first 5k last year and this year I did my first half marathon (never doing that again).
    Congrats on making it!!

    Reply

  45. Get it girl! CONGRATS! You sound just like me when it comes to running, I’ll rock a spin class, barre, yoga, bike riding, etc… but just good ol’ fashioned running – ugh! I trained for a 5k a few years ago, and I’m happy I did it but probably never again because this girl can’t run like Forrest Gump – ha! Love that Dave ran alongside with you, and yes to training that ended in rosé <3
    Green Fashionista

    Reply

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