Running Routine
/I had never craved Peanut M&M’s so much in my life. I’d go to the grocery store, buy a “sharing size” bag of the candy, and eat it in about 10 minutes. I did this several times per week. It was a wonderful time, but it was also tough on my body.
This was how I spent the first three weeks training for my marathon. I felt hungry and incredibly exhausted. I didn’t pay much attention to fueling my body.
It wasn’t until a tough 7-mile run that I decided to make a change. During this run, I reached a point where I really struggled. I felt like I was dragging more than usual — both mentally and physically. A long distance run is never easy, but this was different. For the first time, I felt like my body was trying to tell me something.
When I got home, I did a lot of research and talked to friends who finished marathons. They had all different tips and techniques, but one topic was constantly revisited: nutrition. I realized I wasn’t fueling myself strategically. Marathon training is hard on the body, and I wasn’t making it any easier for myself by eating carelessly.
Since then, I’ve developed a morning running routine that’s more beneficial for my body. (Disclaimer: I’m not an expert in nutrition, and this is all from personal experience)
On long distance running days, I wake up 30 minutes ahead of time, eat a piece of toast, and do some dynamic stretches. I pack some mid-run food (like Gu, chews, or frozen grapes) and stick a water bottle in my mailbox. Then, I lace up my shoes and run. About one hour into the run, I’ll have a snack and drink some water.
After I finish running, I immediately rehydrate with water with Nuun dissolvable electrolytes. I also make a healthy smoothie packed with nutrients to help my body recover.
Since making these changes, my body feels balanced and restored. I ran 9 miles recently, and I couldn’t believe how much better I felt. It wasn’t easy, but it didn’t feel impossible like before. I’m amazed at how small changes can have such a dramatic effect.
These lessons in learning to take care of myself run parallel to marathon training itself. There is a lot to learn and study, but I can’t do it all in one day. It takes time and effort.
Persistence. Faith. Self-love. Patience. And most of all, an unwavering commitment to become a better version of myself.
Sierra grew up in a small town in New Hampshire and moved to Naples, Florida after graduating from Penn State University. While in college, she studied journalism and French. Running and yoga were always part of her weekly routine, but it wasn’t until graduation that she realized fitness was her lifelong passion.