Hi! I hope your summer has been an amazing time full of fun runs, goal chasing and lots of recovery time in the sun.
The glorious fall season is about to begin and as usual I feel myself becoming nostalgic for the days when my affinity for putting one foot in front of the other over and over again first began. September will forever remind me of middle school cross country.
For most runners September is that magical month that offers some relief from the heat and the humidity which often leads to setting a new p.r. or two.
If you haven’t yet started to see the results you hoped for after training all summer, give it some time. The hard work will pay off in time, I promise!
New seasons always offer a fresh start and I’m excited to jump back into writing a blog again. To celebrate the official launch of Race Pace Jess, Brooks Running and I have partnered up to give you the chance to win a new pair of Brooks!
The Contest: Enter to Win a Pair of Brooks Running Shoes between September 1 – September 7 2013.
Enter to win: Between September 1 – September 7, 2013 leave a comment below telling me what topics you’d most like to see covered here or with a question you have about training, racing, recovering or fueling. Then share this post on any social media outlet tagging @RacePaceJess #RunHappy (see RPJ social links on the left).
This contest is open to US residents only.
The winner will be announced on this post on Sunday, September 8th and will be contacted via email.
Good luck and thank you for joining me in this new adventure!
*** This giveaway has ended Megan W. is the winner of the Brooks Running Shoe Giveaway.
I would love tips and advice for getting started on running for someone who is very active but has not done any running in many years.
Hi, Jess! I just started training for my first half a couple of weeks ago. Things are going fine, I just get frustrated when training gets derailed. I started law school last week, so my schedule is a bit hectic. Maybe if you could cover a topic like how to get back on track after a missed workout? I’m not sure, as this is all pretty new to me!
Thanks,
Jill
I would love tips on incorporating strength training with half marathon/marathon training. I know it’s good for me, but it’s always been my weakest area.
I’ve completed two 5k this year. This is huge for me. I’ve lost 145 pounds and have finally been able to do all the things that I have dreamed of like RUN! Can you do a post all on running. With some tips on preparing for longer runs. Thanks!
Congrats on the new company launch, Jess! I like reading real-time, real people training updates. Somehow makes me feel like we’re all in it together! Keep up the good work 🙂
Tips on a healthy balance of strength/cross training for sure! It’s so reasy to fall into the run, run, run trap that it would be great to have advice on maximizing that other time!
I would definitely like to see posts on nutrition, especially what to include when ramping up mileage. It would also be helpful to get advice on how to approach difficult topics with your coach during training periods (for example, if your coach focused too much time and energy on one client while others feel that they aren’t getting the appropriate attention and that their training and goals might be starting to suffer as a result). Thank you!
I’d also like to see some posts on nutrition with regards to ramping up mileage. Having difficulties with nutrition is the number one thing that keeps me from going up in mileage – I just can’t seem to make it work. Would love to hear what others are doing for ideas.
I would love to hear more about pacing during the marathon, when to turn it up a notch if you feel good and the marathon pace runs you should be having during training. I always desk optimistic about maintaining a pace that is 10-15 seconds than goal pace for the first 20 miles and then after. I begin slowing down. If only I slowed myself down in the beginning, maybe the last 6 months would be different. Thanks and congrats on the launch!
I would love to see tips for people trying to add mileage in a safe way without risking injury.
I would love to hear about running tips/nutrition to aid with weight loss. I’ve lost about 100 pounds but I find that in my fueling for long runs (I do half marathons) I have found that it’s hard to make the scale go down while making sure I have energy to do my runs.
Congrats on the launch Jess! I would love to hear about ways to incorporate strength training into my regular routine. I know it is so important for I jury prevention!
*injury prevention!
My favorite topics are injury prevention, race recaps, gear reviews, and nutrion/fueling for training and race days. Best of luck and look forward to reading more!
I would love to see advice on race day prep. So many racers have such anxiety over race day!
Jess,
Only been running 2 years so love topics about increasing endurance & speed
Also nutrition & diet are always helpful. Not many running topics I don’t find interesting
Lolling forward to reading your blog
Katy
I would love to see some posts on how to prevent injury when training for marathons (I’m injury prone!) and nutrition/fueling. Nice new site!
I’d love to see tips for people starting out and what to eat before workouts.
Jess,
Been running only a short while so would love topics on how to increase your endurance and speed. Always lookin for new ways to challenge myself. Looking forward to reading your blog 🙂
katy
I would love to see how to balance crossfit and running.
Hi Jess! Congrats on the website! I’m looking forward to future posts 🙂 I ran Boston this past year and have been invited back to run it again in 2014. While I am honored and excited for this opportunity, I can’t help but feel in a bit of a slump from everything that happened 5 months ago. It was so surreal and I’m wondering how I can get past the tragic bombings and focus on setting new goals and crossing that finish line. I feel like Boston 2014 is a symbol for overcoming hardships and triumphing through difficult times. I want to always have that mentality but can’t help reliving the flashbacks. Thanks for any advice you can offer. Oh and side note: I LIVE in my Brooks Pureflow2s!
Fueling! I am ok with fueling for my long training runs, but what should I eat the morning of my half-marathon?
Hi Jess! I would love to see some posts on increasing speed and mileage. I ended up with a crappy hip injury and had to take july off – I think i was taking all of the wrong steps when trying to increase my mileage time! Site looks great, I am also relieved that September is here! I had an easier run this morning because of the cool air : )
take care!
Breanna
ohh boy running shoes get me so excited. Hmm let’s see really I’m always fascinated with the recovery aspect, what should we be doing to reduce inflammation and stay balanced during training
Hi Jess!
I am a new runner (just started in February of this year!) so any and everything about running is interesting to me. Right now I am training for my first half in October, and am having a hard time mentally getting through longer runs… once the negativity starts, I cant seem to shake it… I am also very interested in nutrition, fueling during runs & hydrating. Congrats on the new blog, it looks fantastic & I am looking forward to following!
Looking forward to following your blog this fall! I would love to read more about recovery and hydration. I struggle with fueling properly before my runs especially during the warmer months.
Good Luck on the website.
I like to see how to introduce a new runner to running. How does one motivate especially when there is no partner to work with. How to find groups to support and encourage them to run.
What type of sports bras because I feel self conscious when i even walk fast
Congrats on the relaunch Jess! I have a tough time with what workout schedule is the best for me. I want to be effective and not waste time. Any tips on that?
It would be great to read about how to incorporate strength training during a marathon. I know I should be, but when I’m trying to get some longer midweek runs in as well, it gets hard to find the time! What exercises are the most important to do?
I would definitely like to see tips for people just getting into running or have trouble running more than a mile. I’m planning on running a 1/2 marathon next year but running more than 10 minutes exhausts me right now!
Well duh, now I see it has to be running related. If you are training for a race, small or big, how much should you be adding to your runs every time you train? For example, should you be adding a quarter of a mile every time you run?
Always interested in good stretches to avoid injury.
Long run fuel!?!? I hate eating breakfast before my long runs, but I know my body needs fuel. I’ve used GU, but I’d like to test out some other options.
I would love to hear more on strength training for runners.
Motivation is always a good topic. Normally I’m great at Monday – Wednesday/Thursday. It is hard to stay motivated throughout the whole week.
Also, how to come back from an injury and stay healthy. Hopefully you don’t really have experience in this, but some tips would be great. I am recently coming back from a stress fracture. It was hard resting. Then hard getting myself back into it due to fear.
I would love to see tips/exercises/stretches to do when you are already injured and are waiting to recover. I’ve been suffering from PF — and have had to call off running in this year’s marathon as a result 🙁 — and have been going a bit stir crazy feeling like I can’t do much while I sit and wait for the injury to heel.
I’m going to be training for a half marathon or two again and last couple of times I’ve trained, its been hard for me to know how to run and do strength training at the same time. I would love to see a sample plan of how to increase mileage and speed but also still incorporate a couple of strength training sessions in without feeling overwhelmed!
Congrats on the relaunch Jess! I’d love to see tips on fueling/refueling for training and racing.
I would really love to a know tips on strength training exercises that would help build endurance. Also posts on safely building mileage would be greatly appreciated as well!
Hi Jess,
I start training for my first marathon next week (doing an 18 week training plan for my marathon in early January), so I’m looking for any tips, advice, etc. on first marathon training.
Also – a lot of info I’m finding so far that has the said above advice, seems to be geared toward newbie runners. I’ve been running for about a year and a half, have done 2 official half marathons, but run at least that distance every week, and am getting in about 30-40 miles/week already. As someone who’s not really a “newbie”, but at the same time, has never ran a marathon – do you have any unique advice?
Thanks!
Hi Jess!
I’m a fairly new runner and just started training for my first full marathon. I’d love to hear about your experiences in training, as far as what worked well for you and what didn’t. Did you cross train? Did you follow a specific diet? Did you notice changes in your appetite? Have you experienced injuries during training and if so, how did you deal with them? Just overall advice from a seasoned runner would be wonderful!
I’d love to see the best way to avoid injuries while ramping up the mileage training for a longer race.
I would love to see the information on recovery after a half marathon, when is it ok to start training for another race and good training plan after recovery.
I would love to see training tips such as what to do when injured, when you’re STARVING, when you’ve lost your training mojo etc!
Hi Jess,
Thanks for the giveaway! I would really love some information on incorporating other activities (strength training, yoga, soccer, etc.) while still maintaining or even increasing my weekly running without having issues with fatigue or injury. And related to that, how to tell if you are at risk of over training.
I would love to see posts about the mental part of running and how to stay mentally strong. Thanks!
I would like to see topics such as incorporating strength training into a running program & how to do it without getting injured.
Hi Jess!
I’m training for my first half marathon in mid-October and am trying to figure out fueling — any advice on that topic would be great! Also some foam rolling essentials – I do it everyday but would love some new rolls/stretches to incorporate into my routine. Thanks!
I’d love more about how to keep your training plan together when life gets in the way and you miss a few runs, or are being a couple of weeks in your training. Also, tips on nutrition/fueling for regular people (but especially for lazy people like me). I’m so excited about this blog!
I’d love to see thoughts on how to cross-train between an elliptical and running outside.
I’d love to hear more about your normal nutrition i.e. what you eat, how many meals, and how you eat before long runs and before big races!
I’d love more info on fueling long runs with natural foods and products. I always love to hear what works for other people when they use real food while running.
I dabble in running so would like to hear some beginnger/intermediate tips as well as working in mileage with other activities.
I love your posts on cross-training and strength training for runners!
I would love to see how to strength and cross train while training for a marathon! Thanks!
I have been running for years. I have always bought running shoes based on the way they looked. Recently, I went into a running store to buy my shoes, and was told I was wearing the wrong shoe. Any information on the benefits of wearing the proper running shoe and figuring out the best fit would be helpful. Thank you!
I’d love to hear about your mental tips and tricks for overcoming negative thoughts in a race!
I would like to know how to set realistic goals when considering your fitness level and balancing your life.
I am in a total mental slump after several bad runs. How do I find that loving feeling again? (Sharing on Facebook @whineless)
I would love to see something about a running plan for busy people. I am a college student who just started to love running but my schedule doesn’t allow for consistent training.
I agree with a lot of others- strength training and cross training for marathon runners. I just want to run all the time, but I know that my knees won’t last forever 🙂
I would love for you to cover doing doubles and perhaps something on where there is value in splitting your long runs.
I love motivational post and would be up for more of that!
I’d love to see some tips on staying motivated with training, as well as some advice on what sort of foods would be good to eat.
Hi Jess- please talk about training in the heat and humidity. I have struggled with weather (I live in Southern California) and it seriously feels like weather changes make every run a completely different beast, from the rain to the wind to the heat. I could REALLY use this pair of shoes- I bought my “new” ones not too long ago only to find they’re too big for me around my toes (so weird), but it’s too late to bring them back! Thanks for the great giveaway, and congrats on the new blog space. It looks great. -Jessica
I definitely would like to know the smart ways to mix adequate weight training (quads) with running enough miles for a half or a full. My quads need to be way stronger than they are….
Congratulations on re-launching! Looking forward to following the new blog! I’d love to hear about strength and cross training. I’m always looking for fun and interesting speed workouts, too.
Definitely a post about strength training… And what to do if you totally botch or find yourself unable to complete a workout. This happens to me sometimes with tempo runs… I go too fast and can’t last and would love to know how to make the best out of the situation.
I like the new look! I would love to read more about what things you have tried + like, such as hydration packs, socks, chews, etc. It is nice to find out what works for others without having to shell out the cash 🙂
I love running but would love to get faster. Anything on how to get faster or better times on my runs would be awesome. Also, anything related to getting your core in good condition. I struggle with this and would like some easy things that I can do during the day that could help this. Thanks and looking forward to reading your posts.
Would love more advice for a beginner. Thanks for the giveaway!
Tips for getting over tough long runs, especially marathon training runs! How do you mentally shift to not focus on those?!
Any tips for how I can best pace myself during my first half marathon coming up in October?
I would love some tips on how to get out of a rut. I have been running the same runs at the same pace for so long and I am so uninspired!
I would love to learn more about getting faster. I’ve got the endurance. Now I want to work on my speed.
I am returning to marathon training (11 weeks away) on Monday after a small ankle injury, nothing more than a small sprain or pulled ligament. A post I’d love to see is tips on returning to training safely and how to prevent re-injury. What would be the best way to ease into it, how do I compensate for my long runs, which will probably take another week or two to get back to.
Love the new site – CONGRATS!! Very excited for you 🙂 I would love to see something about natural fueling for endurance events – AKA how to avoid sugary gels and other artificial foods, but still get enough energy to fuel you through long workouts. Thanks! 🙂
I’d love to see topics on marathon/race pace during weekly runs while training.
Maybe some ideas for pre race fuel would be great 🙂
I would love to see a post about what to do when you’re NOT Running, i.e. having fun, water rafting, stand up paddle board, ways to be active without being in the gym 🙂
I would love to see a post about training for a half marathon and ways to cross train in the process.
Tips for getting started would be most beneficial to me. Can’t seem to figure out how to move to a run.
I would love to see injury prevention and core strengthening.
Beautiful blog! I can’t wait to read what is to come!
I am always struggling with consistency – how do you maintain a consistent training schedule but also listen to your body when you need a few rest days? My rest days sometimes turn into a rest week…and I’ve lost the momentum…
I would love to see topics helping mothers with small children in running.
As a mother of three 6 & under it can sometimes be hard to find time and still make it enjoyable with Kids. Awesome, fun and creative ways to run with them being involved, would make me ecstatic!
Thanks!
Julia
I am finishing a Couch to 5k program and would love more info on fueling before runs and other conditioning to do to help stay in shape.