Training for the BK Half

In less than ten weeks, I'll be running my first Brooklyn Half! I've heard such great things about this fun (yes, fun) and flat race - I seriously can not wait.

What's getting me so pumped is training in decent weather, compared to those brutal wintery months (during the polar vortex no less) the NYC Half calls for. It's going to be a walk run in the park.

Being that this isn't my first rodeo and a few of you have asked about my training, I decided to lay-out my entire plan. I've already started back on the 8th of March and have a few hundred more miles ahead until race day.

As with any training or start of a new exercise routine, make sure you get the go ahead from your physician. AND, listen to your body throughout this or any training plan you decide to go through with. Running is tough on every part of your body, so if you need to slow it down - slow it down.

 Shoes are also an important part of this equation; make sure they cushion your feet all the way to your knees. Any runner's store can help you select the perfect pair. For me, I never run in anything else but my Saucony's Guide 7 - they just complement my stride.

Last but not least, this is my running plan adjusted to fit my lifestyle and endurance. If you need to make modifications, by all means do it and power through!

Here are a few handy articles to help you understand a few key training measures:

- Learn more about cross training here. My cross training involves a spin, pilates, or yoga class.

- This video explains what and how to do a fartlek and shows an example.

- Read about tempo runs and how to do them here.

- If you rather do a regular run instead of fartleks or tempo runs, go for it but try and include some hilly terrain to help with training.

Not running the BK Half? This plan can pretty much work with any Half as long as you start ten weeks out. I always refer to it when gearing for any Half actually :).

If you're an ultimate beginner backtrack a little bit: go for 30 minute jogs until you can progress to 30 minute runs, when you're able to do a solid three miles then proceed with a version of my running plan. Remember small  steps make for big strides later on.

Until race day gets here catch me on the run at @thestyleboro or search for me with this hashtag #aileenrunsnyc.

Feel free to email me with any questions and don't forget to stretch after running!!

All photos via @NikeWomen.

Hello Biceps!

Last month I focused on my core with Classpass. A few amazing things I noticed after focusing on my core, the emergence of baby abs. Like holy cow, baby abs. Can you imagine if I did a few more barre classes and stopped eating after 10pm (old habits die hard).

For February, things were switched up to avoid the dreaded plateau.

So, after a few too many episodes of Dance Moms and watching Maddie's strong and graceful arms I decided it's time to make moves. And if all else fails, I at least want to be able to conquer 1 push-up.

I'll still incorporate my ab-focused workouts but this time around I'll make sure there are a few focused on my arms too. The classes I'll be taking (or have taken) will be listed down below if you're curious. I'm also attempting to clean up my bad habits (baby steps) to help melt the flab away. I'm sure if I weren't so tempted by macarons and Domino's this wouldn't be an issue, but unfortunately bagels are my weakness. My only saving grace is that I'm not a soda fiend - lemonade on the other hand...

After some extensive research I learned about the 80/20 rule. It's where you eat clean 80% of the time, seems easy enough and not as restrictive as some other diets - instead it's more of lifestyle change. Afterall, there is only so many slices of pizza a girl can eat before it all catches up her. 

A few changes I've made include switching my daily cup of coffee for Kombucha. I'll still have my coffee but in less quantities. Another is eating energizing snacks after intensive workouts to block my sugar/carb carvings - A favorite of mind include Nuwi which is a drinkable quinoa snack. The texture reminds me of a thick smoothies but it may not be for everyone. And for pre-workout snacks, I rely on smashed avocados on toast or hardboiled egg. Make your pre-workout snacks are eaten at least a full hour in advance, otherwise you run the risk of upsetting your stomach.

As for the bicep-inducing classes I definitely recommend for those of you in NYC:

Again, Kettlebell Kickboxing. It's tough but your arms will look amazing in a few weeks time.

Row House, the name says it all. Your upper body will be pushed to extremes but you'll feel amazing right after.

If your focus is on creating lean muscle, sign up for Flex Studios classes. I finally got the chance to take a class and loved the all-body workout.

If there are any you'd recommend leave them below in the comments, I'd love to try them out. It's crazy how much motivation a Lifetime reality show could give one person, haha! Training for my half starts next month (March 8th) but let me know if you'd like a peek into my training schedule.

Photos via Lululemon.

Fashionably Fit

Slowly but surely, one will find themselves browsing performance activewear instead of OTK boots after a few addicting workouts. Not a bad thing necessarily. 

Recently I discovered Lucy at my local running. Sure enough, the next day there I was cruising Lucy.com. Their assortment of colorful and functional jackets are perfect for long runs to Coney or skedaddling to kickboxing after work.  The Run Revolution Half Zip has been my go-to.

Lots of their tops are versatile enough to wear after gym class and straight through brunch (#winwin). One of the things that attracted me to Lucy, was their emphasis on putting out quality yet trendy pieces for women. So ladies, put away those raggedy tees and get something that will motivate you to work your hardest but feel your best. 

Jacket: c/o Lucy  Shirt: c/o Lucy  Running Tights: Old Navy  Headphones: c/o V-MODA  Sneakers: Saucony

Another must-have for long runs when the going gets tough are comfortable and well-fitted headphones. Having to deal with a pair that keeps slipping off your ears, let alone one that doesn't sound crystal clear should be avoided at all times - in fact it can kill your good-run vibes. These V-MODA headphones have been able to turn on my inner Beyonce when struggling on my last few miles. I know I'm not alone when it comes to using music as a motivator. Another #winwin - the ability to go hands-free and their "mind the gap" feature which eliminates unnecessary headroom from the headband. Here's a great review from CNET for those of you wanting more info. 

Getting fit has never been so easy. If for some reason you've fallen off the resolutions bandwagon - I know, the struggle is real - get yourself motivated with a new headphones or activewear that you'll want to work out in. In my case, new gear serve as motivation to get my butt out the door to show off what I got (literally and figuratively). 

For those of you in the NYC metro area looking to get into shape, here's a list of my favorite classes.

Photos by Anna Rosh.

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