Happy holidays from New York! Since we left LA, we’ve spent time in Dallas (unexpected flight cancellation!), Iowa, Chicago and now New York. I’ve spent the majority of my time in pajamas and have eaten no less than 20 cookies. Overall, I’m just content I’ve gotten to see so many people I love over the past week. I’m currently typing this while ALSO playing Mario Party on Nintendo 64, which might be impressive if I won ever but I haven’t. Not even once. I did get a few workouts in this week (and yes, I am very proud of myself for doing so)… View Post

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Sooo…let’s just say it’s been hard to get back into real life post-wedding. If this gives you a sense of where my head’s at, I was just in the shower and took shampoo and started slathering it all over my arms. That’s just great. BUT, I do miss writing and recapping and talking to all of you! However, I have 1.3 million heartfelt thank you cards to write – I seriously want everyone to know how appreciate them – and I feel like blogging should take the back burner to that. Free time = card writing time.  For now let’s get… View Post

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Lora recently made me a training plan to get ready for a half marathon + lay the groundwork for fall marathon training. And no, I did NOT get in via the NYC Marathon lottery and I’m crushed. I’m debating running for a charity again but I seriously don’t think I can handle all that right now. I’ve done that 3 times already and I think my friends and family will disown me. Anyway, in her plan, my first speed workout was Yasso 800s; a workout some believe is predictive of your marathon shape. If you can run ten 800s at… View Post

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I love the treadmill for speed workouts. Not only does it help time pass more quickly, but I like being able to set a speed and not worry about checking my watch every 5 seconds – I can just GO. So, since I don’t have a training plan right now, I’ve been hopping on the ‘mill with no workout in mind; I just see where my legs takes me. I’ve been loving this speed workout lately: That last .5 is the kicker. It should be very challenging to keep the pace up. (And if it’s not, don’t be afraid to… View Post

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I made my triumphant return to the treadmill last week. I haven’t even tried to run on the treadmill since early November, when I angrily jumped off after a mile and vowed to never go near one again. (No, I’m not dramatic, what makes you think that?) I’ve never been one to hate the treadmill. I actually really enjoy it for speedwork and when I want help with pacing (like on a tempo run). As long as I bump up the incline I feel pretty good about it. So last week, on a day when I dragged myself to the gym… View Post

The post Progression Run appeared first on Kara Runs.

I try to get outside to run when I can, butttt I’m gonna be honest. Some mornings I savor being in a toasty, bustling gym and busting out an interval run without worrying about bundling up, ice, or generally feeling frozen for the first 10 minutes of a run. When I’m running short on time or energy, this is one of my go-to workouts. I love that it gets everything in: sprints, hills and alternating between a high heart rate and recovery. (Hills are especially important in winter training and the treadmill is an easy way to control the timing and degree of incline!) This… View Post

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I recently got an entry into the New York City Marathon (!!!). Running this race has always been an ambition of mine and I plan to train like crazy, become a stronger runner, and rock this race; my second marathon (knock on wood). Today’s workout was very simple but tough. It can be done outside (find the biggest hill!) or on a treadmill: As my high school cross country coach always said, “run through the top of the hill”. You know that point when you REALLY want to stop? Don’t. Pushing through the crest of the hill will help your… View Post

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