Tag: Running

Review: Apple Watch 5 vs the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro

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I have been an Apple Watch user for most of my time running. I originally purchased a watch to be able to run without my phone, and used my Apple Watch 2 for training and running for my first 3 marathons. After 4 years, the battery life on my watch was getting bad, and the software was buggy for the running app Strava. I decided it was time to upgrade to the Apple Watch 5.

After I start working with a running coach, I decided I still wasn’t happy with my new watch, and ended up getting ANOTHER watch just for running. I purchased a Garmin Fenix 6 pro, which is at the higher end of their watches, but had a lot of the features I was looking for. In retrospect, I should have just kept my old Apple Watch and gone with the Garmin.

Review: Apple Watch 5 vs the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro | Style & the Suburbs

I’ve had quite a few people ask about the differences, so I thought I would share the pros and cons of each. Right now, I use my Garmin for running and my Apple Watch 5 for every day use. Here are my thoughts on the two:

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Red White and Boom 2020 Virtual Race Recap

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Last weekend, I ran my first “virtual” race. I usually run a few races during the spring and summer, but this year all races were canceled or moved to virtual due to the pandemic. Part of me was excited to finally race, but part of me was nervous about pushing myself in a race that I was running all by myself.

The Red White and Boom half marathon is one of my favorite races of the year. It’s always on the 4th of July and usually really hot, but its so festive and a fun way to kick off the holiday. I’ve been working with a running coach the last few months, so I was excited to test my fitness to see if my work is paying off.

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Why I Am Still Training To Run A Virtual Marathon

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Until last week, I still had a slight hope that maybe the Twin Cities Marathon could happen this October. I imagined scenarios of how they could distance runners and make it somewhat “safe” in the spirit of the tradition of the marathon. Of course that was all wishful thinking, and the race was moved to a virtual event last week.

A virtual event means that you still run the race on your own and can submit your time afterwards. You still get a medal and finisher shirt, you just don’t have the same day-of experience.

For me, the day of experience of the marathon is the highlight of the fall. You work so hard to train, and then its a 26 mile celebration with lots of people cheering and tons of excitement to carry you when it gets hard. You also push yourself because of the runners around you, and I always think of my parents waiting at the end and how proud they will be when I see them. The thought of going out to run 26 miles on my own and try to run them fast seems honestly awful.

So why do I want to do it?

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From Walker to 5k Running Plan

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If you think you’re the kind of person who could never be a runner, I’m here to tell you that isn’t true! With a little bit of commitment and the right plan, you can train to run a 5k in a little over a month. I’ve created a week-by-week plan to help you from the start.

This plan only has 4 workouts per week, and most of your workouts will be 30 to 45 minutes long. It starts slow and builds over the course of a month, with the end being a 5k run, that you could also do during a race that you signed up for!

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Keeping Motivation to Run with Cancelled Races

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This has not been the year that any of us has planned. I’m trying to keep the perspective that if the biggest challenge I have this year is cancelled races, I should be thankful. But, I do think its fair to still express sadness and disappointment. Someone will always have it worse off than you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience your feelings.

This was a year of big running goals for me. After DNFing my goal half marathon last year due to illness, and having a few rough races after that, I was ready for redemption. Training was going well, and I was hitting really good paces on my long runs. And then the dominoes started to fall. My goal race in May was only cancelled a few weeks ago, but I knew all along it wouldn’t be happening.

My first reaction was to just throw in the towel. Why train hard for a race that isn’t happening. Why even keep up my fitness if there won’t be races all year. Why waste my time.

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Ultimate Upbeat Workout Playlist

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As someone who spends a lot of time running, I also spend a lot of time listening to music while running. A lot of people swear by podcasts or running without music, but I find that it really helps keeps my mood happy and distracts me from thinking about the run.

I have a couple of playlists that I cycle through- some shorter and upbeat for races, some with more variety for long runs. I’m continually adding and removing songs, but I thought I would share some of my favorites for an ultimate upbeat playlist to help you crush your next workout.

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