Q+A

Sarah asks: What advice do you have for someone looking to get into serious running?

My first tip is to run for you- run at your own speed and for your own reasons. I recommend the Couch-2-5k program to set a foundation for further training. Once you have a healthy base of a few miles you can sign up for longer running races. I suggest signing up for a race months away so you have extra motivation to get out there and train now. I use Hal Higdon’s training plans and modify them for my own needs. I run 3-4 days a week, including one longer run every weekend. Don’t forget cross training and yoga

Leila asks: I’m wanting to get into running but really have no experience. …I am also a vegan – what are good things to eat pre and post runs?

I rely so much on peanut butter for satiety during training. Peanut butter on oatmeal, a banana or a piece of whole grain toast is a great vegan post-run snack!

Joe asks: Are you still planning on doing the 100 mile race?

I officially signed up months ago, but to be completely honest I’m not 100% committed yet. Running 37 miles hit me hard and brought out an injury, so I need to assess the injury and look more into what training would look like for me.

Jessica asks: What has been your all time favorite fitness experience?

My favorite race was Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN. I PRed by more than 15 minutes and had a blast doing it. The entire town is full of parties for the race weekend and the entire community comes out to support runners with live music, beer trays and fun posters.

My favorite experience was the swim leg of my first half Ironman 70.3.  It was my first open water swim and I had a panic attack two minutes into the lake swim.  My entire body froze up and everything in me fought to get out of that water. I couldn’t breathe. I held onto a canoe for a few moments before calming myself enough to slowly swim on my own.  My breathing was short and I never completely relaxed, but I did it. Conquering fear in every part of my body when all I wanted to do was quit was incredibly rewarding.

Michelle asks: When training for a trail run, how many runs do you do on dirt vs. on the road?

In an ideal world you’d do all or most of your training on terrain that is close to what you will be racing on. From my experience, running on pavement allows for a smooth stride and hits your bones the hardest; running on trails makes for an awkward stride (to avoid roots and rocks) and works more on your muscles.

I completed my first trail marathon without ever training on a trail, so it is possible that any training will prepare you for a trail run. The more trail running you can fit into your training schedule, the more prepared your body will be for the race.

Valerie C. asks: How do you deal with blisters when you run? I always get horrendous blisters after mile 6 and no matter what i do I can’t seem to prevent them.

In all my training runs and races I’ve only dealt with one or two blisters. My advice is make sure your shoes are the proper size (including width). Also, choose moisture-wicking technical socks, preferably ones without seams.  A product like Body Glide can keep moisture away from your feet. If all else fails, consider using moleskin in areas you typically blister.

M asks: Do you miss your friends? How are you coping with so many sudden changes in your life without being overwhelmed (moving to a new place, quitting your job, getting engaged after a whirlwind romance, being away from family & friends, leaving your place and moving into anothers,and just change in general?)

I do miss my friends and family! I’m okay because I know everything has a season and I’m focusing on the positives of the new season I am in. I’m with the love of my life in an area overflowing with natural beauty. Friends and family will always be close to my heart, but I’m living for me!

M also asks: PS Are you still working for Bondi?

I haven’t worked an event for a while, but I am still contracting with Bondi Band. I love them!

Alyssa asks: I was wondering if your friends, family or fiance read your blog?

The answer is sometimes. I actually recommend it to family and friends who I don’t get to talk to on a regular basis. My blog is an account of my life and what I’m working on.

It’s also a place to get a very honest look at my vulnerabilities (like in this post). For that reason I actually kept the blog secret for the first 1.5 years.

Sure, my fiance has 24/7 access to me and hears most of what I cover on the blog anyway, but he reads every post because I present my thoughts in depth and in entirety here.

I’m not offended when my real life friends and family don’t read my blog, but I think it’s an awesome resource for them to check out and get to know me better! If you really want your loved ones to read through your blog, I suggest telling them why you blog and how much it means to you.

Will asks: Your blog is amazing and was curious on how you afford organic food. I feel like I’d have to give my first born to afford it.

Organic food is just like anything else- there’s really cheap stuff like organic oats, quinoa and bananas and more expensive items like organic greens.

If you’re eating organic on a budget I suggest checking out the dirty dozen to prioritize what needs to be organic. Also, check out local farmers markets to see if they carry organic produce.

C asks: I LOVE your love story! Its so amaxing. I was just curious what your parents thought of it all? And did Richard ask your dad??

Yeah yeah hot man!!

My parents love the whole thing, but only because it is him. They’ve been impressed by him for 7 years! And my mom just loves the love story part of our relationship

And he did ask both of my parents!

Have a question? Leave it in the comments!