Please enter the MBT “anti-shoe” raffle and join the fight against cancer!

 

After applying twice, I finally got accepted into the Brooks ID Program.

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From the website:  Brooks I.D. stands for Inspire Daily. These two simple words guide the principles of the program. Brooks I.D. is made up of over 800 members who are active in their running communities and share a passion for the Brooks brand. They are runners who are winners in their own right: Winning their age divisions, accomplishing their personal goals, pushing their own limits, and, by extension, encouraging others to do the same. They are coaches, mentors, and leaders.

 

You don’t need to be a blogger (me) or a super fast runner (not me) to apply, you just have to LOVE Brooks products.  I love Brooks Summons – the shoes on my blog banner.  If you’re chosen to be a Brooks ID member, you get 40% off products – wahoo!  You can apply here.

 

I was pretty pumped to be accepted into the program, but I was a little disappointed when I received my official gear.  The shorts are too big, and the shirt is too small.  I find tight running shirts that show my stomach to be very uncomfortable – I’m always fidgeting with it and pulling it down.  Short shirts make me feel very self conscious.  Still, I’ll wear my shirt with pride (plus, the bright yellow makes me easier to spot at races!). 

 

I wore my gear on a 5.5 mile run.  My legs were kind of sore, and it was super windy out, so I took decided to walk/run.

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I “learned” to walk using the walk/run (aka Galloway) method, and I also used it to run a sub-2 hour Half Marathon this past December.  I’m not a runner who looks down on walking… I definitely think it has it’s place!  Of course, there’s a point where you can’t get much faster without cutting down on walking.

 

  • Distance: 5.5 miles
  • Duration: 56:08
  • Mile 1: 10:11
  • Mile 2: 10:15
  • Mile 3: 10:38
  • Mile 4: 10:28
  • Mile 5: 10:02
  • Mile 5.5: 4:34 (a 9:11 pace)

 

I didn’t use any set walk/run intervals; I just walked whenever I felt like it. 

 

Pre-run lunch was 2 cups of Wolfgang Puck Corn Chowder.

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And a Cherry Chocolate Bomb Green Monster, which contained 1 cup rice milk, 1/2 a banana, 2 cups spinach, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 15 frozen cherries, and a squirt of agave.  Yes, it looks disgusting, but it tasted GREAT.  I swear.

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And before my run, I had some sports beans.  I knew I needed some calories before my workout but didn’t want to eat anything that might upset my stomach. 

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Back to writing I go!  And I need another snack now.

 

Come back for dinner… I have an awesome recipe planned!

 

What are your thoughts on walking?  Do you use the Galloway Method? Do you walk/run in set intervals or just whenever you feel like it?

{ 84 comments }

 

  • Evan Thomas March 2, 2010, 4:06 pm

    I try my best never to walk. I’d rather lessen the pace and jog, or just go at a pace I feel comfortable albeit slower the whole way

    • Molly @thevegandorm March 2, 2010, 5:49 pm

      same here, but it’s different running on a team. unless I’m doing repeats with a planned break in between or seriously injured, I don’t think I’ve walked on a run in 6 years haha. I do slow down verrrry often though.

  • Madeline @ greensandjeans March 2, 2010, 4:07 pm

    I have a few friends that are in the ID program and they LOVE it! I hear you on the short running shirts. I find myself squirming around with it the whole time on my run.

  • Nicole @ Making Good Choices March 2, 2010, 4:09 pm

    I walk occasionally when I run on the treadmill and do intervals. Sometimes I’ll even put the incline up and walk and then switch back to running. The galloway method is also great – I haven’t run a half marathon, but I want to and when I sign up I can bet I will use it!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) March 2, 2010, 4:09 pm

    actually since my knees don’t really allow me to run anymore, walking is my preferred method of exercise. i LOVE it! sometimes i’ll supplement it with running to increase the heart rate, but it’s definitely something i love to do and know i’ll stick with long-term!

  • Kalli@fitandfortysomething March 2, 2010, 4:09 pm

    How funny! I got those same sport beans at Marshalls this weekend for 70 cents as well….Hee hee….
    I feel the same way about running shirts-I hate when my tummy is uncovered.
    I do like the walk/run method especially when I need to get through harder parts of a run.
    You look cute in your new outfit!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing March 2, 2010, 4:10 pm

    Can’t wait to see your dinner!!
    That is such a cool program! I agree about the shirts, hate it when they are like that. So annoying.
    I learned to run using the same method so i’m a big fan 🙂

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin' March 2, 2010, 4:10 pm

    Yep, I use Galloway’s method all the time! After seeing my dad run countless marathons, then go through TWO knee replacement surgeries, I think walking is a smart choice! My want to keep my knees just as they are. 😉

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story March 2, 2010, 4:10 pm

    I use the Galloway method and I recommend it to all of my friends who have just started running. I run as much as I can and I take short walk breaks when I need to. Some days I walk 15 times, some days I don’t walk at all. I run for myself, not to win races. With the run/walk method I don’t feel pressure. I just enjoy my run. I average a 10’ish min/mile.

  • gen March 2, 2010, 4:10 pm

    definitely walk/run program here!

    just out of curiousity, what ever happened with that thing you were filming that you couldnt tell us about? still cant tell us?

    • caitlin March 2, 2010, 4:12 pm

      you have such a good memory.

      they have halted the release of the video for reasons not related to me (its related to the network). when i did the program, i literally signed away my first born child if i revealed who the program was for or i would just tell you (that sounds help you guess, though!).

      at first i was disappointed it didnt come out on schedule, but now its kind of a good thing. the closer it comes out near my book sale, the better for the book!

  • Aneta March 2, 2010, 4:10 pm

    i have read lots on the topic. I have never practiced this method. But maybe i need to start. I have ran 3 half marathons, and cannot get my time under 2 hours. I might try it this time around.
    practice makes perfect, right?

  • Jessica @ How Sweet March 2, 2010, 4:11 pm

    I always use the Galloway method if I run, because I can’t run and really despise it. I do enjoy how I feel afterwards though – especially with walking in between!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg March 2, 2010, 4:12 pm

    Wow– very cool!!! Congrats!

    I agree– workout/running shirts that are too tight drive me CRAZY, because I’m always tugging at them and pulling them back down!

  • Tracey March 2, 2010, 4:12 pm

    Right now I’m doing a walk/run program to help prepare me for my first 5k. I haven’t heard about the Galloway method but I’m going to check it out.

  • Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) March 2, 2010, 4:12 pm

    I’m definitely going to run/walk my marathon (NYC – my first!) this fall! I’m running primarily to finish, not qualify for anything, and I want to feel as good as possible throughout the whole process 🙂

    Plus, I’m going to have to walk a good distance to get from the finish line (Central Park West) to my apartment, so I’ve got to save a little extra juice in my legs!

  • Carolyn March 2, 2010, 4:12 pm

    At what point during a run (# of miles) do you usually start taking things like GU or sports beans? How do you know when you need them?

    • caitlin March 2, 2010, 4:13 pm

      although it depends on what i ate immediately before my run, i usually take goo at the one-hour mark if i’m going to be exercising for 1.5 hours or more.

      • Emily Eats and Exercises March 2, 2010, 9:29 pm

        That’s helpful – yesterday I felt really sick after my run. Dizzy and horrible – I think I accidently let myself get dehydrated and undernourished. I’m going to try eating one hour in. What is your favorite kind of gu/beans/etc.?

        • caitlin March 2, 2010, 9:46 pm

          i like clif shots (they’re organic) but plain old gummy bears work well too!

  • julia March 2, 2010, 4:12 pm

    Congrats! I love the bright yellow but I hate short running tops too.

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) March 2, 2010, 4:13 pm

    I have a mental block against walking. I know it works well for some people, but doing walking intervals on training runs kind of de-motivates me for some reason and makes me feel like I failed. Which is ridiculous, I know!

    For some reason it doesn’t bother me to walk through aid stations at races. I think it’s because Hal Higdon says to! I’m a nerdy fangirl, what can I say.

  • megan March 2, 2010, 4:15 pm

    I like to walk. I find that if I don’t let myself walk during a run, I start to dread it, and that’s worse in my mind. of course there are times that I just go for it and run the whole time, but I don’t mind a few walking breaks now and then…at least it gets me out running!

  • Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES March 2, 2010, 4:16 pm

    that program sounds amazing! i only wear brooks even though i haven’t ran since my last injury–they are the best!

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner March 2, 2010, 4:17 pm

    When I first started running I mixed walking and running and it helped SO much, I still do it when I am doing tough intervals!

  • Beth March 2, 2010, 4:17 pm

    Congrats on getting into the program! and great bargain price on those sports beans!

  • Cheryle March 2, 2010, 4:19 pm

    When I first got to the point where I could run 30-40 minutes I wouldn’t stop to walk for ANYTHING. I would even jog in place at cross-walks, which I later learned makes you look like a noob. 🙂 Then I got injured. I’m now back to being able to run my 30-40 minutes easily and I let myself take brief walking breaks whenever I need to. And you know what? My overall time has decreased. I think by taking a rest when my body demands it I am able to push myself further than if I kept on slogging through.

    I haven’t walked in a 5K race yet. I have one in two weeks and am going to walk through the water station.

  • Mari Larkin March 2, 2010, 4:20 pm

    You are so darn cute! Yeah for you. I will have to try those Green Monsters someday…they do look nasty, but have heard from more than one person that they are good.

  • Joey March 2, 2010, 4:24 pm

    I’m definitely training using the walk/run approach. Sometimes I use set intervals and sometimes I just wing it.

    Any news on the healthy living summit? 🙂

    • caitlin March 2, 2010, 4:33 pm

      working on it! prob no new news for a while. its a long process.

  • The Linz March 2, 2010, 4:34 pm

    I am training for a marathon with my best friend and she uses this method. When we run it’s hard at first for me to get used to the running then stopping, but I decided that since we are running 26.2 miles it might not be such a bad idea.

    Your Cherry bomb Monster sounds amazing! Going to have to try it out!

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers March 2, 2010, 4:38 pm

    i think run/walking is a great way to prevent injury & it’s also an awesome way for people just getting into running to feel more comfortable. i think doing whatever feels best to you is what’s important!

  • Samantha March 2, 2010, 4:38 pm

    I do use the Galloway method a lot since I haven’t built up my base endurance much. I got really discouraged after having to withdraw from my very first race. I hope to get back on the running horse as soon as the weather outside will permit!!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 2, 2010, 4:39 pm

    I’ve never really tried a walk/run method – when I have had to walk on a run (cos I’m held up or something), I actually feel worse :S I’d be interested to learn more about it though, if it’s meant to be beneficial!

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward March 2, 2010, 4:40 pm

    I prefer not to walk if at all possible, but only because once I start walking, I have trouble running again.

    Congrats on the Brooks ID, that is really cool!

  • devon March 2, 2010, 4:48 pm

    Caitlin,

    You might want to change the Brooks ID App link cause when I clicked on it, it gave me all of your info. Yikes!

    • caitlin March 2, 2010, 4:50 pm

      woah, who’s claire pringle? i changed that link – seems like brooks id has an issue.

      • devon March 2, 2010, 4:59 pm

        Weird!

  • alli March 2, 2010, 4:54 pm

    oh i cant wait to see what’s for dinner! not beef 😉 (…i dont know if that was just an az commercial…)
    i dont look down on people who walk/run, many can finish a race before me…like your sub 2 hr 1/2 marathon. however, i wont let myself take walking breaks. (partly because i think i wouldnt start running again, i’d just walk the rest! lol) so far i’ve only been able to go 16.5 miles without stopping, but since i am marathon training, im sure i will have to do it at some point!

  • Megan March 2, 2010, 4:57 pm

    I can’t walk during a run. It’s partly from my competitive track background and honestly, if I take a walking break it is 10x harder for me to pick the pace back up and I just feel lik crap the rest of the run. *I* feel like I’m cheating myself when I walk during a run.

  • Kate March 2, 2010, 4:59 pm

    I’m a walker–I think the only way I can easily transition to running will be to run a bit then walk to recovery. Of course I’ll have to be sure I don’t slack off and keep amping up the running parts so I can run/run in time for my first 5K. (Not for awhile yet.)

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople March 2, 2010, 5:02 pm

    I do walk/run in intervals. I would love to build up my running endurance, but my mind just gets so bored while running. I always end up walking again and grabbing one of my magazines to read.

    I am totally the same way with short shirts! I just end up fidgeting in them the whole time, which is just annoying.

  • John March 2, 2010, 5:02 pm

    I learned the R/W method too. Until I get in better shape I will continue to use this method. However as I go I will shorten the walk and then increase the run. Right now I’m going R5/W2. In another week I’ll go 5/1 if things go well.

  • Lauren March 2, 2010, 5:10 pm

    I don’t walk when I run, simply because it’s so hard for me to comfortably transition back to running if I take a walking break. It makes my legs feel like lead!

  • Michelle March 2, 2010, 5:23 pm

    That’s awesome about the Brooks Gear! so is that like being sponsored?? BTW, i am totally with you on not liking short running shirts, nor am i one of those girls who can run in just their cutesy sports bra. I feel super uncomfortable! or like people think i am trying to be attractive! nope, just runnin here… !!!

    I walk sometimes after a couple hills that are in my run. i use it as a little reward during the hardest time of my runs, and it gives me something to focus on. helps me. I don’t know about the method you use, but am definitely going to be researching it!!

    • caitlin March 2, 2010, 5:37 pm

      not really like being sponsored – no one is paying me! it’s just a fun way to represent the brand and get a discount.

  • Ellen March 2, 2010, 5:34 pm

    I only take walking breaks when I’m doing hard interval runs on the treadmill. That probably makes me sound more hardcore than I really am. I haven’t ran more than five miles in one go in a long time, so I might need to do a little walking when I start increasing my distance.

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Alexandra March 2, 2010, 5:39 pm

    I wore this running skirt on my run today that was too big for me. I had to pull it up my entire run.. so annoying!

    I have the same bowl as you too. It’s actually part of my mom’s set.

    I usually try to do an entire run without walking, but I don’t think stopping to walk during a run is a bad thing at all.

  • Shayna @ cuts and curves March 2, 2010, 5:46 pm

    For some reason I always feel like I’m “failing” my run when I take a walking break. I have heard that when runners talk strategic walking breaks, it can improve their time. I just can’t do it without feeling guilty! Your recent love for green smoothies has got me started drinking them again too! I drink them all the time in the summer, but it’s a little too chilly where I live to drink them in the winter. Until today that is! 🙂

  • Katie March 2, 2010, 5:47 pm

    Congrats! I have short shirts too.

    Walking breaks don’t work well for me… it’s really hard for me to get going again. I might slow my pace some, but I just have to mentally push through!

  • Alex March 2, 2010, 5:47 pm

    I don’t think the shorts look too big – they look really cute! Nice, bright outfit!

  • Elisa March 2, 2010, 5:49 pm

    Congrats on being accepted to the program! What an accomplishment!

    Thank you for being such an inspiration! I love love LOVE your blog!! I was hoping you might be able to answer a question for me though… And I realize this might be an “out of your league” kinda question but I thought I’d give it a shot anyway 😉 Do you have any advice that you would you give to someone who is hopelessly addicted to bad food, a picky eater (no fish/tofu/tomatoes/other stuff… it’s the texture.. ick!) and has no clue how to start a workout program because they literally have full blown panic attacks when they exert themselves?? Aye. It feels hopeless!

    But seriously, reading your blog always inspires me. I’ve started cleaning up my diet and I’m still determined to try a Green Monster this weekenend after I go to the store! Thanks for all you do!

    • caitlin March 2, 2010, 6:16 pm

      Sure!

      I would say make small changes. The lifestyle you see me leading didn’t happen over night… It was a long process over the course of 5 years. Don’t go in thinking you have to LOVE tofu – just try one new recipe a week. Don’t think you have to run 5 miles – just try to go on a walk after work and throw in some running every now and then when you feel up to it. Small changes = lasting changes, and everyone starts somewhere.

      Also, even if you think you hate certain foods, I would just try them again! Sometimes we train ourselves to hate food but we haven’t even eaten it in years. It’s worth a shot.

      • Elisa March 2, 2010, 6:58 pm

        Thank you!!! The fact that you responded to lil ol me just upped your “Freaking Awesome” factor another notch! And believe me, that factor was already pretty high 😉 Thanks for the advice! Really, I truly appreciate it and will for sure try some of it! Except the tofu. lol. I don’t think I’m ready to try that again yet 😉

  • susan (stepping off the coaster) March 2, 2010, 6:01 pm

    i had a similar monster today… spinach, almond milk, banana, frozen cherries. it looks like sludge, but tastes so good!

    if i start walking during a run, it’s really hard to get going again… obviously a mental issue, but an issue nonetheless!

  • TanyaS March 2, 2010, 6:06 pm

    All these cherries going into smoothies everywhere makes me think I have to purchase some. I usually use a load of frozen raspberries, so my green monsters usually end up looking more like brown swamp water.

    You pull the short shirt off well!

  • Becky March 2, 2010, 6:13 pm

    I live for my Brooks Adrenaline 10’s! I don’t know where I’d be without them. I’m still new to running – started in June – and I’m training for my first 1/2. I’ve actually never tried the walk/run method. I know it works for some people, but it’s hard for me mentally. I like to feel like I’m running the whole time, so usually I just slow down to an easy jog when I feel the need.

  • Matt March 2, 2010, 6:13 pm

    I am in the program too! Now we are like family 🙂

  • KindraC March 2, 2010, 6:30 pm

    Soooo…this is totally unrelated to Brooks (well, I own a pair of Brooks and I <3 them) but I just made my first green monster and it is gooooooood! I was a little wary, but you really can't taste the spinach at all!

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) March 2, 2010, 6:31 pm

    I’m a relatively new runner but I see no shame in walking! I took brief walking breaks during my half marathon and ended up passing a lot of people who tried to run the whole time!

  • Nicole March 2, 2010, 6:34 pm

    I’m just like Becky above-I find it too hard mentally to run/walk. Once I stop it’s hard for me to start back up again. I’ll just slow down when I have to catch my breath or regroup. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it though, you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes!

  • Nicole March 2, 2010, 6:36 pm

    oh and I love your Corningwear! I have the same set! My mom passed it down to me. She’s had it since the late 60s!

    • caitlin March 2, 2010, 6:40 pm

      my mom gave me mine, too!

  • Heather March 2, 2010, 6:46 pm

    I only walk in races when getting water/when I need to, but I do walk a little on long runs to “recover” somewhat. Love the bright gear!

  • Allison K March 2, 2010, 6:50 pm

    I JUST decided to use the galloway method this morning. I was running for my whole runs, but ended up with shin pain/splints. I’ve decided that this time around I’m going to run/walk and see how it goes. I’m never going to be fast (i’m slower than you…by alot!)so I don’t really care if walking every couple of minutes slows me down. Plus…I guess some people feel like it makes them go faster?

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly March 2, 2010, 6:55 pm

    I personally have not followed the Galloway method but I had a friend who used it to run a sub 4 hour marathon and she did it! So I am a believer!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 2, 2010, 7:05 pm

    That top makes your boobs look great 😀

    …but i’m with you on short running tops. I’m so uncomfortable if my belly shows

    • caitlin March 2, 2010, 7:08 pm

      hahah thanks very much.

  • Jenny March 2, 2010, 7:18 pm

    I do walk/run when I’m running at faster paces than normal, and then I’ll alternate on other days with steady paced runs to maintain/build endurance. But i always try to listen to my body, and if it wants to walk, I walk!

    And I just read your post about exercise guilt. Looking at working out it from a “macro” level is SUCH a great tip! Thanks for the reminder, I sometimes freak if I think my “weekly plan” will be disturbed, but in the course of an entire month, ONE day is nothing. Great point 🙂

  • Monica @ Musings of the Granola Girl March 2, 2010, 7:40 pm

    I don’t think a walk/run program would work for me. I find that once I start walking it’s hard to get that momentum and motivation that I had while I was going, while I’ll slow down I won’t stop unless I have to (for number 1 or number 2!)

  • Jes March 2, 2010, 7:50 pm

    Way cute outfit and congrats! I have been reading about the Galloway method as a possibility for the marathon I want to run. I would probably stick with the method completely, except that my friend doesn’t seem to like the idea as much. I have noticed in other races that a short walk tends to give me more energy. Even on regular runs, stopping to wait for traffic seems to be a nice quick break that helps increase my speed. I think I will probably try to walk every few miles, but I’m not sure I will stick with an exact plan.

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad March 2, 2010, 8:19 pm

    Not a fan of the Galloway method. Once I walk, the run is officially over. My legs get too tight to start back up again.

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep March 2, 2010, 8:24 pm

    Congrats on making it into the Brooks ID program!

    I use a run/walk program I made up myself based on Galloway for my half-marathon training. I do 10 minutes of running and 1 minute walking. I plan to use it this weekend at Disney. I just hope I don’t get too excited and try to run the whole thing.

  • Amber March 2, 2010, 9:14 pm

    I love the walk/run method. My first half-marathon I ran the whole time and came in at 2:15 and my third one I took walking breaks and came in at 2:01.

    It really helps me with my joint pain. When I run the whole time after about 60-75 mins my knees start to hurt. A quick 30-60 second walking break does wonders!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 2, 2010, 9:25 pm

    I am not a “runner” yet, so I have to walk/run because I can’t run more than about 3 minutes straight. I hope to eventually not need to walk at all.

  • Jessica Lee March 2, 2010, 10:25 pm

    I try my best not to walk. If anything, I’ll jog. I know it’s silly but if I stop and walk, I feel like I’ve failed or something.

    You look so cute in your fit! You have such a tiny waist girl!

  • Jalita March 3, 2010, 1:16 am

    That casserole dish looks familiar. My mom may have had one like that before. What does it say under that fruit/veggie graphic?

    • caitlin March 3, 2010, 7:57 am

      La Marjolaine

  • Jen March 3, 2010, 4:00 am

    As a runner in training, I’ve been very discouraged by a lot of blogs where they don’t mention walking at all, except in the warm up/cool down. I feel like a failure if I walk at all during my run, so seeing a runner I really admire and look up to (you 🙂 ) talking about walking, is really motivating. Thanks!

    http://www.ifyouhavetoask.wordpress.com

  • Therese March 3, 2010, 7:43 am

    I’m a 10:1er I learned to run with a walk method (not Galloway) and ran my first 5k with no walk breaks but I find that physically and mentally, adding a 1min break every 10 minutes has been instrumentally to me for continuing to run. They’re like a bunch of little mini-rewards during my run and I’ve gotten faster as a result!

  • Kristilyn (My 29th Year) March 3, 2010, 10:50 am

    Sometimes I try and challenge myself to run the whole time, and sometimes when I’m working on speed I’ll have short walking breaks. It really depends on my mood and how my body is responding to the run. I also find if I get bored, I want to walk lots!

    K

  • Anne P March 3, 2010, 12:20 pm

    Ugh, short shirts make me totally uncomfortable, too, especially with running since that means it’ll be riding up! Lame that Brooks doesn’t make them longer!

  • Nicci@NIftyEats March 3, 2010, 2:04 pm

    I like to walk for 3-5 minute and run for 3-5. Sometimes. I don’t record how long I walk/run. If, I’m running 3-5 miles, I’ll take 2 walking breaks.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat March 4, 2010, 9:46 am

    Congrats on getting accepted into the program!

    I learned to run by walk-running, but eventually I built up to 30 minutes of straight running from the program I used.

    If I am running outside, I most likely do not take walking breaks but if I’m on the treadmill, I sometimes do to get a drink of water or give my legs a break since the treadmill is more hard on them.

    I do think if I tried walk/run intervals I could run faster, so it’s something to think about! 🙂

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