As you guys know, for multiple reasons, running has been a challenge for me over the past couple of months. What was once a workout and time on the road that I savored, became an exercise that stressed me out, caused me pain and left me feeling burnt out and frustrated. Luckily, after taking a step back this Summer, I am once again craving running. Over the past week each of my four runs left me smiling, happy from endorphins, strong and powerful.  As I started running again, I took three steps to help ensure that my first few runs back would be successful. Right now, success does not mean fast paces. Instead, I use that term to describe my goal of finishing my run feeling strong and accomplished.  Since I’ve felt such a difference during my recent runs, I wanted to share my new pre-run routine with you all in case this provides inspiration to help you start the Fall running strong.

• Sip Vega Clean Energy
  • Twenty minutes before my run I sip a glass of water that is mixed with a serving of Vega Clean Energy. This “magic juice” provides me energy before my run without lots of questionable ingredients.  I like that I can easily read and understand this tasty mixture’s ingredient list. While I know many people can run or workout without this extra ingredient, I’ve found that the caffeine and electrolytes have helped me during the hot, humid Summer runs.
• I’ll Have Another Podcast
  • After drinking my pre-run fuel, I ensure that I have the latest I’ll Have Another podcast downloaded on my phone. After years of running to music, this podcast series is helping motivate me through the miles. Over 60-90 minutes Lindsey interviews a runner, talking about everything from their paces and training habits to their personal life. By the end of the podcast I feel as if I know the runner and find myself wishing I could meet them in person. The womens’ stories and the casual manner of the podcast immediately hook me and make me often want to run longer just to get to the end of the episode.  So far I have “run with” Dorothy Beal, Abby Beales, and Ashley Fizzarotti!
• Pre-Run Dynamic Warm-Up
  • Last but not least, I spend 10 minutes warming up. My PT or any of my previous running coaches would laugh at this sentence as they know that historically I’ve slacked on the warm-up. After fighting tendonitis and other injuries, I realized that this dynamic warm-up is one of the most important parts of a run. Starting a run with loose muscles that are ready to engage and fire on all cylinders is key for a successful run. My warm-up takes place in the kitchen and consists of these five simple Runner’s World exercises, one minute of planks and finally my PT exercises to engage my glute muscles.

Your turn: I love learning from everyone who is reading. What is your pre-run ritual?

Photography by Lydia Hudgens and wearing Old Navy Active.