Marathon Monday: Mother's Day Gift Guide for Runners

(WARNING: This post contains a picture of my foot. Don't say I didn't warn you.)

It's Fargo's Marathon Monday! Only five days until the half marathon and six days 'til Mother's Day!

This week started out on an interesting note. I woke up at 6 a.m. to sneak out for an easy 3-mile run and had a shoe malfunction. I didn't change anything - same shoes, usual sock style - but my heel was feeling a tad bit uncomfortable. A few hours later, I looked down at my heel and noticed this bad boy -->


My last two long runs were 14.67 miles and 10 miles, both went without a hitch. Of all days, I happen to have shoe issues on a 3-mile day! My shoes and I had an issue in the past but I fixed it right up with some duct tape. Classy, right? Duct tape did the trick until today...

...

Enough whining, on to race goal paces.

On my longest-long run, the 13.1 mark passed at around 1:50 or so, which is 10 to 20 minutes slower than my "A-Goal" time. The idea of running a 7:00 to 7:30/mile pace for 13.1 miles makes me want to spit my coffee all over the computer right now. (Don't worry, I won't. I'm on Leo's computer.)

Long runs are vital, yet they aren't a solid predictor of the pace you will maintain on race day. This article from Runners Connect sums up my thoughts about race day.
"The secret is, you should almost never feel like you could run a full marathon at goal pace in training. If you do, it’s likely your goal is far too easy." View full article here.
My goal pace does feel like a big stretch right now, so looks like I'm right on track! A good taper + race day adrenaline can do wonders. Now to enjoy a taper week, prevent any further blistering, and play outside with Mr. E!


Do you have any races coming up?
How do you determine your goal race pace?

5 Mother's Day Ideas for Running Moms

If you are looking for a gift for that special momma in your life, here are a few ideas! These are my personal opinions of course :)

1. Make a card or handmade gift.

Who doesn't love handmade gifts!? I helped E out with the card below, but the scribbles are all him.


2. Take her on a coffee date.

Caribou is amazing AND roasted in Minnesota. Medium vanilla cappuccino, please :)


3. Take her out to supper.

OR make her supper (and do the dishes if you're feeling crazy). It's hard to beat homemade pizza!


4. Give her a race entry.

A race entry is a wonderful gift (for a running mom)! This weekend's half is the day before Mother's Day. Weekend with family + running + cute race gear = AWESOME.


5. Get active as a family.

Go for a family walk, play tennis, run around the playground. Just do something to move together. I told Leo that running as a family is my love language. Maybe I will ask Dr. Gary Chapman to add that to his "5 Love Languages" book!

5a. For pregnant moms, the cutest shirt ever!

If the Lord blesses us with another pregnancy, I want to hunt down a "Running for Two" shirt! Finding shirts to cover the baby bump in the last trimester can be tricky and this shirt looks like the perfect solution. Plus it's adorable.


What is your most memorable Mother's Day?

Linking up at Thank Goodness It's Monday and Whimsical Wednesdays.

Comments

  1. I've only got one Mother's Day under my belt so far, so I guess that's an easy choice for me :) I'm excited for the days when he's old enough to make me cute little presents. Maybe next year!

    ReplyDelete
  2. love your ideas! Pinned this post to my runner's board. Thanks for linking up this week!

    ReplyDelete

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