Category: Fitness

Five summer running must-haves (for ladies)

On By shorterandfasterIn Fitness, Running3 Comments

On a sunny spring day in Boston, it finally feels like it’s ok to start thinking about summer running. I absolutely LOVE running during the shoulder seasons in New England, but the hot weather is going to come and this year I’ll be prepared. I’m generally not someone who deals well with heat, so I learned quickly last summer what to wear to avoid scary sweaty chafe-y discomfort. Here are my top five summer running essentials for my fellow ladies–I’d love you hear about yours in the comments!a056b8a5cf153afb69b95e25a159df60

  1. A dry-fit hat: I got my Nike hat on sale a few years ago and it is amazing! It wicks a little bit of sweat and keeps me from having to squint too much on days when I don’t want to wear sunglasses. Word to the wise–pick a light color. Black not only soaks up extra heat, but it shows sweat lines like whoa.
  2. Super duper lightweight tops: I have a couple of tissue thin tanks from Athleta that I LOVE for hot long runs. The style I have isn’t currently available but I definitely recommend something light and preferably white for the hottest days. Someday I’ll have the balls to just run in a sports bra, but this will do until then 😉
  3. A sports bra that breathes: Speaking of bras, it is essential to have a good one in the summer. I am blessed/cursed with a couple of not so teeny ladies and have found Moving Comfort’s Rebound Racer to be an total game changer. MC’s bras are designed by female runners and are thin and breathable (I hate thick padding) while still holding you in place for the long haul. And not one chafing issue since I’ve made the switch!!IMG_8578
  4. Long compression shorts: Short shorts may look super cute, but hot damn, nothing burns more than the ensuing chafing. I’ve made the switch to a longer compression short and haven’t looked back once. Plus, these Old Navy ones are still short enough that I stay nice and cool.
  5. A flipbelt (or hydration belt for longer runs): I used to run with a big, clunky armband for my phone, and recently switched it out for a flipbelt, which is made of comfy stretchy fabric that you wear around your hips. I pinky swear you can’t even tell you’re wearing it–no bouncing AT all. I wore this during the NYC marathon last year and didn’t even know it was there.

Are you ready for summer running?? It’s coming in fast and hot!!

Hyannis Half Marathon 2016 Recap

On By shorterandfasterIn Fitness, Running1 Comment

Happy Monday! I’m resting up after a great race day at this year’s Hyannis Half Marathon. I signed up for the race on a whim after last year’s was canceled due to the apocalyptic snow, and I couldn’t be happier that I did. The conditions were perfect–sunny and in the mid-40s with the only downside being some strong wind off the ocean.

J and I drove down the night before the race and treated ourselves to a hotel room–nothing like a solid night’s sleep before a race in a cozy king-size bed! IMG_8410The race doesn’t start til 10 (hurrah for winter running), so I got to sleep in and chow down on my favorite pre-run bread with peanut butter and banana before we scooted out the door around 9am. We took a quick swing by Marylou’s (seriously the yummiest flavored coffees) and then were at the Cape Code Resort and Conference Center a few minutes later. The parking lots were full but all convenient to the start, and the registration area was also packed but decently easy to navigate. There’s no bag check, just like at the Harwich Half, so luckily J was able to grab my last minute layers as I headed out to the race.IMG_8411

My brother A, who running Boston this year after re-qualifying at last year’s race, decided to come down and use the race as his long training run and offered to pace me. I was hoping to PR so he and I decided we would aim for a 1:40 finish as a reach goal, while I assumed I would drop back and aim for a 1:45. After squeezing our way into the 8:00 minute corral, we were off! The course runs along shared/open roads, but there were plenty of volunteers to keep things running smoothly. Especially considering the half, full, relay, and 10k all share the the same course, this was super impressive!

A took this picture so that I could see what the start looked like. #shortpeopleproblems
A took this picture so that I could see what the start looked like. #shortpeopleproblems

I didn’t take any photos while I was running since we were maximizing time and pace, but there were some gorgeous views of the ocean and pretty rolling hills throughout the local neighborhoods.

Thanks to A’s expert pacing and patient encouragement, we kicked things off with a few 7:30 miles and were able to keep that pace up pretty much throughout the race, with a few slightly slower miles in the middle when the wind was really strong. It was definitely a challenging pace for me to maintain, but I think the speedwork I’ve done over the past few months really paid off. IMG_8421

Despite having to drag myself mentally through the last few miles, I really feel like I left it all out there and was thrilled to hit a new PR of 1:40:27, which brought me in 36th in my division! It’s nuts to me to think that just a few years back I ran my first half in 2:15. Guess race number 8 (my lucky number) did the trick!

IMG_8430After the race we grabbed some snacks and drinks (there was a nice selection bananas were the only GF edible option) and then returned to the hotel for hot showers before lunch. I’ve never gotten a hotel room for a race before and it felt super duper luxurious–despite the fact that it didn’t have the hot tub I was hoping for. Ah, well. After a quick stop by Palio Pizzeria in Hyannis (highly recommend for gluten eaters and non-gluten eaters) we were back in the car for the easy drive back home.

My favorite spectator :)
My favorite spectator 🙂

Overall, this was a great race experience and the conditions could not have been better–judging from my Facebook feed, there were PRs happening for lots of my running friends. Can’t wait to be back on the Cape soon for my first Ragnar in May!

Now, off to spend some quality time with my foam roller…

Leah

The best places to run in Boston

On By shorterandfasterIn Fitness, Running1 Comment
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Sunset gawking at Jamaica Pond

I have had the unfortunately common young adult experience of moving every year since I graduated from college. So far, I’ve lived in Somerville, Cambridge, Brookline, JP, and Fenway–where I have thankfully signed on for a second year of my lease. Even though moving is THE WORST, one of the pluses is that I’ve gotten to explore lots of different running routes in and around the city. Below is an overview of my six favorite runs in different neighborhoods, with some photographic temptation to help get you out the door. I’ve also included some notes on where to find water fountains and restrooms… so hydrate it up for those long runs!

11356970_404836979724246_630599518_nIn JP, head to Jamaica pond and the Arnold Arboretum, which are both part of the Emerald Necklace. This gorgeous series of parks/green spaces around Boston provides an incredible backdrop for your runs! When I lived in JP, I ran around the pond almost every morning and absolutely loved it. If you want to get your hill training on, head to the arboretum, where the well-marked paths will lead you up a couple of pretty steep hills (keep an eye out for some sweet skyline views). Major bonus–there are tons of water fountains in the warmer seasons! Public restrooms are also available at the pond 🙂

  • Hilly: Yes
  • Separated path: Yes
  • Cleared in winter: Sometimes 

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    Pictures of strangers are cool, right?

In Brookline/Brighton, I love the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. This little gem is a 1.5 mile dirt/gravel loop around a reservoir, just outside of Cleveland Circle. The separated path gives your knees some welcome relief and the views just can’t be beat. Bonus tidbits: this is a really easy add-on to a longer run up Beacon Street from Coolidge Corner, and it can also continue up Commonwealth Avenue to the Newton hills (see below). Hit up the Starbucks in Cleveland Circle for an easy bathroom option.

  • Hilly: No
  • Separated path: Yes
  • Cleared in winter: No

If you want a challenge in Coolidge Corner, head up Summit Ave. One of the steepest hills in the area, Summit will get your heart pumping and your quads burning. If you want to attempt this one with a group, November Project runs free workouts here every Friday. There’s a super clutch water fountain at the top of the hill.

  • Hilly: YES
  • Separated path: No
  • Cleared in winter: Sometimes

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    Good lookin’ even in stormy weather

In Cambridge/Boston, you can’t miss the Charles River Path. One of the most iconic runs in the city, this path is endlessly customizable and offers some of the best skyline and sunset views in the city. Click here for a helpful map with distances and bridges noted. In season, there are plentiful water fountains/bathrooms and the esplanade section is well-lit for nighttime runs.

In Somerville/Arlington and beyond, I love the Minuteman Bike Path. A fantastic route for your longer runs, this path runs 10+ (mostly flat) miles out to Bedford. Click here for maps and other info. I did both my 18 and 21 milers along this route and really appreciated the shade in the summer! If you veer off the path there are restrooms at lots of businesses along the way, along with public restrooms at the turnaround in Bedford.

  • Hilly: No
  • Separated path: Yes (but watch out for cyclists)
  • Cleared in winter: No

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    Blue skies, clear hearts… can’t lose!

In Newton, head up the famous Newton hills. If you’ve heard of a little race called the Boston Marathon, you’ve probably heard of Heartbreak Hill. What makes Heartbreak so tough is that it’s part of a series of hills stretching from mile 17 to about mile 21 of the race. Even if (like me) you’re not training for Boston, this is a GREAT place to run! The separated “carriage lane” on Comm Ave is pretty much taken over by runners on the weekends, making for a really fun atmosphere all year long. There is an awesome private home with a water fountain just past Lowell Ave. and restrooms at the Newton Public Library.

  • Hilly: Yes
  • Separated path: No, but when you run in the carriage lane it can feel like it
  • Cleared in winter: Yes

Where are your favorite places to run in Boston? Let me know where I should check out next!

p.s. If you like these photos and want to see lots and lots of running sunset shots (and more), follow me on Instagram @leahohh!

Fitness adventures: Barry’s Bootcamp Review

On By shorterandfasterIn Fitness1 Comment

Like many of my fellow runners, I am not at all a gym person and I don’t think I ever will be, but I’d heard enough people rave about Barry’s Bootcamp that I had to give it a go when a Gilt deal came up. Check out my recap below!Barry's logo

Location/atmosphere: Barry’s is located in the financial district near Downtown Crossing–easily accessible from the red or green lines. The locker rooms and foyer are spacious and well-appointed. The room itself seems like it would feel cramped (they have half the class start out on the floor and the other half on the treadmills, and then swap) but it actually works out really well.

The basics: Barry’s is an hour-long class that’s 50% treadmill work and 50% floor/weights/core. You swap back and forth every 10 minutes, and there’s loud, fun music playing throughout. Different days of the week have different focuses–core, arms, shoulders, etc. You can check out more here, just don’t be intimidated by the super jacked people in the video/on the website! The classes are very mixed and not intimidating.

The workout: Each class has the same basic structure, but both the floor and treadmill pieces are different each time. This helps keep things interesting but easy to follow. The classes truly do fly by, and you’ll get a decent sweat on each time. I am terrible about weights/upper body work and love how much these classes force me to do more of it. And of course, the hills and speedwork are awesome!

The takeaway: Barry’s is a great workout and I like that it’s pushing me to do the speedwork and upper body work I so desperately need. There are a few major downsides for me, beyond the insane pricing–they aren’t particularly interested in checking on injuries, there is minimal focus on proper form, and the corework just didn’t jive with me–I felt it more in my hip flexors than my core and I wasn’t super sore the next day. I really enjoy these classes and would go back if they have another sale/Gilt City offer, but I’m not sure it’s worth it for me for the $20+ per class.

Have you tried Barry’s Bootcamp? Any advice on other classes I should check out?

Leah