What made you decide to start your blog “Eat. Host. Run. Style.” and what is your blog all about?
When I first started my blog, my intent was to alternate posts between each of the title subjects: Eat, Host, Run, Style. However, over time it’s evolved into a running/fitness blog with recipes and the occasional style and entertaining tips. The majority of my posts are about my weekly training, races I’ve participated in, workout ideas and general musings about running and fitness.
On your blog, you say your favorite running distance is 5k. Why is this, and what is some advice you have for others who want to try running a 5k?
I love racing 5ks because they’re a short enough distance that I can run at nearly all-out intensity. They’re also great because you typically don’t need as much recovery after so you can race more often.
My best advice for those interested in doing a 5k is to start with running just 2 miles, 2-3 times per week. If 2 miles is too difficult, start with a half mile or one mile – whatever you can do. And don’t be afraid to take walk breaks if you need them!
As you get stronger, you can gradually add miles and days. Just be careful not to try to do too much, too soon. If you start your training about 8 weeks out from your 5k, you should have plenty of time to build enough fitness for your first race!
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Admittedly, I don’t often cook before exercising. When I run in the morning, I usually eat an unfrosted Pop Tart and drink 16 oz water. When I run after work, I eat my normal lunch followed by a Larabar (or other cereal bar) about two hours before running.
After running is another story – I’m usually ravenous! A few favorite post-workout meals include Mexican Three Bean Chili, Tuna Chickpea Salad, Loaded Sweet Potatoes, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, and on occasion, even Pizza!
What advice do you have for someone who is having a difficult time staying motivated to train for a marathon?
Even though I love running, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to stay motivated when training for weeks on end. Here are a few things I try when the going gets tough:
- Run a new route or in a new neighborhood – Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes!
- Meet up with a friend for a few miles or run with your local running club – Good conversation makes the miles fly by.
- Schedule 1-2 smaller races into your marathon training – Having other races to look forward to can help break up the training monotony.
- Review old training logs – Seeing how far you’ve progressed can help motivate you to keep going the final few weeks before your marathon!
What does it mean to you to live a healthy lifestyle?
To me, living a healthy lifestyle means loving life. Exercise and healthy eating shouldn’t be a chore – it’s important to find activities and foods that you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with them. If you don’t like running, try cycling – and if you don’t like that, try a group fitness class at your gym. The same goes for food – if you don’t like broccoli, there are many other vegetables you can try that offer similar nutrition. It’s all about finding what you like best.
And of course, everything in moderation – exercise is important, but so are your family and friends and there’s nothing wrong with the occasional cupcake (or two)!
For more from Sun, visit her blog, http://eathostrunstyle.blogspot.com/, and follow her Twitter @storke10.
