how to {long runs}

one of my favorite things about running is switching up the routes. if I keep the exact same route, it becomes self-defeating because my mind remembers how far I have run. great routes for me are ones that are filled with things to look at like downtown houses, beautiful flowers, and large fields. those are the things that slow everything down and speed things up at the same time. slows down because you can look and enjoy the surroundings. speed things up because it distracts you from the fact that you are actually running. another thing that gets me through long runs is having something to process through. this past saturday was my first 6-mile run for the half-marathon training program, and it was a piece of cake for two reasons: 1. it rained on me and I LOVE running in the rain & 2. after a whirlwind of a week with some fun life changes I needed to process. those are the runs where I feel as if I could run for days. 

so here's the how-to part:
1. decide beforehand where you are going to run and have a good idea of the route you are going to take.
2. get a good playlist ready... something upbeat, but not too crazy where you can't think while running
3. for the first 2 miles, tell yourself you can do this. don't quit.
4. coast to the finish. don't force yourself to finish in a certain time. somedays your body can run faster than others.
5. STRETCH before and after. promise this helps. I do an ab circuit before I run along with a few dynamic stretches. after my runs I like to do a cool-down stretch & then a longer hip stretch later in the day if I have the time.
6. drink water. just do it.