Priscila's Running Journal

Personal notes on running and on training to reach my goal of competing in one of the World Majors.

[priscila-runs]

Different ways to do a long run

Easy long run = conversational pace where the goal is to simply increase mileage and endurance

Fast finish long run = 80% conversational, 20% at half marathon or at race pace (8:00) to the finish. Goal is to practice pushing yourself when tired

Progression long run = negative splits. Goal is to practice negative splits haha

Interval long run = 2.5 miles easy, .6 miles at race pace (8:00) and repeat, goal is to incorporate speed into the middle of your run

[priscila-runs]

AVOID FIBER BEFORE A LONG RUN

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What to eat the night before a LONG run: simple carbs

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What to eat regularly

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Running Hills

The other day I was dreading my hills workout because sometimes hill workouts take a ton of mental energy and already the day was going to be long and tiresome not including the workout.

But in a moment of clarity, I thought,

Focusing on doing the work it takes (hills x 10) rather than on the energy it takes to do it,

is Being. and not wanting.

and Being over wanting is what makes life worth living.

[priscila-runs]

On Running

the value of hardship is in how you overcome it.

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Instead of “I’m ready, try “i want to.”

And it changes everything.

This can be true for so many other things in life.

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20 week training plan and countdown to Chicago, let us gooo. Nervous but excited to get started with training later this month.

[priscila-runs]

26 in 26: healing and winter jogging

For the last several months I've been actively stretching and strengthening my thighs and butt at physical therapy. No running whatsoever bc my knee and hip are working to get as strong and comfortable as possible before I can start to train for reall-forreal this spring.

Yesterday tho I went on a test jog just to make sure everything still works running wise-- after all, I don't want to get rusty-- only to discover that I have gotten rusty. My form is a little wobbly, breathing is a little sloppy, and I failed to check the weather before walking out the door which means I was unprepared for the cold wind. I had a bad run. But this is all okay because by the end of it, I still felt like I had love for myself. Younger me would have looked in the mirror and blamed the bad run on myself for being inherently forgetful and out-of-shape. And then quit. Shame never gets anyone anywhere good. It is a horrible thing that must be eradicated from every mirror on planet earth.

There is a lull before the start of my Chicago training plan, a quiet time ... which is something matters the most for the spirit before starting something anything ... because this is where the momentum builds up. Only a grateful and confident mindset builds momentum.

[priscila-runs]

Chicago Marathon 2026

I won the Lottery to run in the Chicago Marathon this year!

The cities of Berlin, London, Boston, Tokyo, Chicago, Sydney, and NYC are home to the "World Marathon Majors," or the most high-profile marathons known worldwide and, as a lifelong runner, for years I have dreamt of participating in one of them.

Bold of me to assume that my name would be drawn. Fortune favors the bold.

"26 in '26" is my mantra.

[priscila-runs]

Currently Reading

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

In 1982, having sold his jazz bar to devote himself to …

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[priscila-runs]

2025 end of year event

This fall, after following a training plan called "1 hour 45 minutes Half-Marathon", I finished my final running event of the year at the St. Louis Half with a time of 1:52:46. This puts me at a pace of 8:37min/mile, for those who celebrate.

Not bad considering my left knee nearly gave out at mile twelve, forcing me to commit the cardinal sin of walking (could have sprinted the last 1.1 miles were it not for chronic knee pain that flares up when sprinting. Note to fellow runners: Do not ignore your knee pain). Not bad considering it was 37 degrees F and windy. Not bad. Not bad at all.

I am halfway and one minute to a 7:37min/mile Full Marathon - which is one of my major goals in life.

Will I reach my goal?

Tune in next year.

[priscila-runs]

I ran a sub 2 hour half-marathon!!!!!!!! that is faster than the one I ran in high school. So proud of myself and grateful for my friends who keep me going <3

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Shoes, oh my god, Shoes.

I am back on the hunt for shoes. The two pairs I toggle between right now are Nike Pegasus 38 and the Hoka Mach 5.

Nike Pegasus 38 - There is something old school and work horse-ey about these. Like they don’t offer any bouncy super power or look anything chic. They just do the work.

Hoka Mach 5 - I went out of my comfort zone for the Hoka Mach 5 because when I tried on, it was extremely lightweight. I like how wide the toe box is. I was worried about it being too bouncy for running but it has been surprisingly sturdy for long runs.

Decisions, decisions. Goal is to break in a new pair before the half marathon in June. Funny how seriously shoes are taken by runners. Some can be so expensive. Some can be too beautiful. And still others can be so pretentiously “minimal” it’s silly. But for me, I just need a pair to get me out there.

[priscila-runs]

Ran 2 miles yesterday. Flowers and trees are blooming. I'm feeling good today.

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A few weeks ago I signed up for the chicago half marathon (June 1)