training

5 Steps to Start Training for a Half Marathon

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / Leave a comment

We’re less than 12 weeks away from the Cleveland Marathon and Half Marathon events, which means it’s time to get training! If you’re planning on doing a spring race but don’t know where to start, here are 5 steps to get started:

5 Steps to Start Training for a Half Marathon

Step 1- Find a training schedule. If you’re already able to run 2-3 miles, then you’re in luck – there’s plenty of time to train for a spring race. I’m a big fan of Hal Higdon’s training plans because they give you time to build up your mileage (their beginner half marathon plan is 12 weeks long), come in different levels and are somewhat flexible, which is key for any parent. For example, if you have a long run scheduled for a Saturday but find yourself tied up at 3-year-old birthday parties all day Saturday, you can switch things up and move it to another day in the week. 

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Kicking off Cleveland Marathon Training Season

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

Now that we’re in the New Year, it’s marathon training season! I am once again an ambassador for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, which means that I will be having a giveaway (THIS MONTH!) and have a discount code (MC2019) for you to use (see below):

I haven’t officially decided which race(s) I’m running. I’m a fan of the Challenge Series, where you run an event on Saturday and Sunday, mostly because you get 3 medals (a medal for each event and a special Challenge Series medal) AND a cool gift (my favorite was the year we got a fleece blanket!). I’m hoping that this year I’ll do the 8k / half marathon, pending sleep/nursing/schedules/no injuries.

If I do that, I technically won’t need to start training until next month, so this month I’m working on enjoying having no training plans but trying to keep my mileage up. This week, I got in one of my highest mileage weeks since LM was born and it felt great! Here’s how the week went:

Keep an eye out for my official training plan, coming soon. And in the meantime, I’ll be enjoying some casual runs without any commitment. Here I am after this weekend’s 5 miler. I was so excited to wear capris.

In Cleveland excited to kick off training? There are 2 kickoff runs planned, and I hope to be at at least one of them!

  • When are you planning to train for your next race?
  • What type of training plan do you follow?

I’m linking up with the weekly wrap.

Tuesdays on the Run: No Running

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

This week’s Tuesdays on the Run update will be a little less mileage-focused than usual. Why? Because last week didn’t have any runs.

Due to orders from my doctor, I’ve stopped running for the time being during this pregnancy. That’s right, just as the weather is getting nicer, I’m not running.

I’m hoping this is temporary (and it could be, pending some test results next week!) and the hiatus will be short-lived. But until then, this 32-week pregnant chick has been ordered to take it easy, rest, and stay off my feet when I can.

Am I going a little stir crazy? Just a little … but I know this is not only for my health but for the health of baby #2, so I’m listening to my doctor and playing it safe.

In the meantime, go out for a run for me! And sign up for a race. And if you’re planning on running the Cleveland Marathon or any of the events this may (half marathon, 5k, 8k 10, 1 mile (new!) or kids run, use the code MCCLE10 for 10% off your entry fee. I’m an ambassador for the race, so I get to have fun discounts AND I’ll have a giveaway coming up!

Some questions for you:

  • Are you running any races this spring?
  • What’s the longest you’ve taken off from running?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: Ups and Downs

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

The theme for last week is “ups and downs.” It was one of those weeks that had a few good days (two outdoor runs), but then there were some bad days due to lack of sleep and massive headaches. Here’s where it ended up:

This week’s running highlights:

The ups: I got outside two days for a run and those days the weather was pretty good.

The downs: Those were the only real runs this week.

I’ve been plagued recently by some serious headaches. They started slightly last weekend, but have been getting worse as the days go on. On Wednesday’s run, about 1.5 miles in, I felt one come on; let’s just say it was a painful run home. Thursday, I opted to walk a little bit to see if this would help – I started out painfree but about a mile or so in, started feeling the pain again. The same thing happened Friday. And Saturday, I didn’t even attempt to run – I pretty much woke up with the headache. I’m thinking I have a sinus infection, since the pain is pretty much only in my sinuses, but I’m sick of them! I can’t wait to get out and run without a headache again.

Some questions for you:

  • Any headache or sinus infection cures?
  • If you’re not running, do you try to get in walks?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: Running for TWO

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

Yes, in case you missed last week’s announcement or were still unsure by the title, I’m pregnant with baby #2 and trying to keep up my running. We’ll see how it goes, but if anything, I’ll be sharing the journey again here!

Here’s how last week went:

The week’s running highlights:

The week started off STRONG! I got in my longest and fastest (in a while) run on Sunday with B and FW. It was SO great being outside with the 2 of them, while B pushed FW in the stroller. We had plans to do 3-4 miles, and then when we got to 4, I told B that I hadn’t run 5 miles in a long time, so he suggested we just keep going. So we did.

We ran around some local lakes and then found another path that I’d never been to before and ran through there.

Miles 1-1.5  were okay, miles 1.5-3 were rough but I got a second wind a little after mile 3 and felt good enough to finish strong.

The rest of the week was just so-so in terms of running. Pregnant running his time around has been much harder, not sure if it’s because I’m so tired with FW or because this winter has been so cold and snowy, or a combination of the both. The rest of the week I mostly walked/ran on the treadmill.  I’m hoping to get outside again though soon.

I definitely need to raid B’s drawer for some workout tops!

Some questions for you:

  • Are you running any races this spring?
  • Do you like running on your birthday?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: Birthday Week Runs

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Last week was my birthday week! My birthday was on Tuesday, and though we celebrated the weekend before, I also got to celebrate a little on the day-of with a birthday run (and semi-nice weather!) and birthday dinner. Here’s how last week looked:

The week’s running highlights:

I got in TWO runs outside! Monday morning it was drizzly but semi-warm and for the first time the snow and ice we had gotten the past few weeks had melted and I felt safe running outside. And because it was warm (40s-50s), running in the rain felt pretty amazing.

And Tuesday – my birthday – I got in another run outside! It made the best birthday gift to be outside, wearing capris, and running 4+ miles.

The rest of the week I stayed inside, but stuck to the treadmill in the mornings and still got in a few miles. Which is important – I’m trying to build a good base this winter so when it gets warm again, I’ll be back outside and running more again!

Speaking of being outside – here’s a friendly reminder, if you’re planning on running the Cleveland Marathon or any of the events this may (half marathon, 5k, 8k 10, 1 mile (new!) or kids run, use the code MCCLE10 for 10% off your entry fee. I’m an ambassador for the race, so I get to have fun discounts AND I’ll have a giveaway coming up!

Some questions for you:

  • Are you running any races this spring?
  • Do you like running on your birthday?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: Stuck Inside

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

The theme for last week is “BRRR.” Really – this past week was frigid. The high most days was less than 10 degrees, with wind chills making it much, much colder. When the “feels like” temps are in the negative teens, it’s very hard to go running outside.

Still, I got in a few run/walks on my new treadmill and made it to just over 20 miles for the week.

Check out my new watch! It was a gift from B for Christmas and I LOVE it. After my FitBit broke down AGAIN (4 times!), I knew it was time for something better. And so far, I’m loving this beautiful Garmin.

And — introducing my other BIG gift. My treadmill! It’s thanks to this, that I had been able to get in any runs this week. 

ALSO – I’m so excited to share that once again I’ll be returning as an Official Ambassador for the 2018 Cleveland Marathon! I reapplied this year and feel so so so fortunate to be able to represent this great race.

Check out some of the other ambassadors – their names and blogs are all here.

As an ambassador, I will receive free race admission AND get race admission to give away to you, so stay tuned. Also, stay tuned for information on my training and which race(s) I’ll be running. (See here for my recap of last year’s race – I did the 8k/half marathon challenge!)

Some questions for you:

  • Do you have any spring races on your radar yet?
  • Did you stay inside or brave the cold on your runs this week?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Some Weeks You Don’t Run As Much

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

It was a pretty ordinary week of running here. In fact, it was a little low – I only was able to get out 4 days this week, which is the fewest days I’ve been out in some time. Here’s how this week turned out:

Some of the highlights from this week:

The beginning of the week started with some warmer-than-usual weather. Meaning, it was in the 40s, and I got to wear capris 3 days in a row. I rocked my Cleveland Marathon capris AND Skirt Sports Redemption capris (I love the stargaze print!).

Work has been pretty busy lately, and unfortunately that has been interfering with my runs. Thursday I had a 6+ hour car trip, plus work, so a run didn’t happen. And the other days I was up late working, making getting up at 5 a.m. to run pretty hard. This week will also be another relatively low week – B was out of town over the weekend and Monday, and I wasn’t able to get out for a run with just FW. That being said, it’s almost time for my vacation, so I’m hoping to get some more runs in soon!

Some questions for you:

  • How do you balance life + work + running when one gets busy?
  • What is your favorite season for running?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: A Connecticut Turkey Trot

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

Happy Tuesday! This week was a pretty low mileage week, mainly due to spending time with family for the holidays, plus 20+ hours in the car 3 days this week. But, I was still able to get out and get in a few runs, including a run in NY and a Turkey Trot in Connecticut! Here are some of the miles:

And some of the highlights:

I got to run with B and FW twice this week! We ran together Wednesday before our car trip and Thursday for the Turkey Trot. AND B even pushed the stroller both times, so I just got to run along next to them.

Post Turkey Trot:

Also, I was able to run on a beautiful and “warm” (40s) day in New York when I was home. I got in a few miles while FW was at a playground with my parents. And I finished up and met up with them!

Also, I saw this floating around on the Instas and had to share it in case you haven’t seen it. Ha! I’m so happy I married into a family where my spouse is up for the crazy turkey day running tradition with me 🙂

View this post on Instagram

Can I get a clause against this in my prenup?

A post shared by Betches Media (@betches) on

Some questions for you:

  • Did you run a Turkey Trot?
  • How cold has the weather been near you?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!

Tuesdays on the Run: Step Challenge, Week 2

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

Week 2of my office step challenge is under way, and my team is in 3rd place. Third place! Ugh. I’ve really stepped up my mileage this week, running nearly 5 miles each day — the prize is money toward a fitbit and you know I need a new one! I’m hoping my team members are taking it as seriously as I am ..

This week’s running highlight:

A drizzly run with FW on Sunday, followed by watching the NYC marathon. As much as stroller runs are hard, it’s a nice tradition with FW if it’s not too cold out (the weather turned after the weekend and we had a cold rest of the week!). And sometimes he even falls asleep 🙂

And watching the marathon was great. I loved watching Meb and holy cow Shalane!! It was definitely emotional.

Also, this was my highest mileage week in months!! Guess that’s what being in a step challenge will do for you.

Some questions for you:

  • Do you have a Fitbit? If not, what do you have?
  • Did you watch the marathon?

Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs!