ACE Running Series

Fitness Programs

Trainers Near You
San Diego CA change location

Paula Mantell
El Cajon, CA

Elinor Smith
San Diego, CA

John Milovich
San Diego, CA

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Pro Tip

Jennie Hoeft

Nashville, TN

Now that you have a goal, carve out time to fulfill it! Mark space every day for training, whether it’s actual running, cross training or resting. It’s all about making a commitment to yourself. Be prepared to spend around $100 on a pair of shoes that offer a great fit. I can’t emphasize how important safe and happy feet are on this journey. Make sure your fitting includes a little test run. After you choose an event, make sure you set clear, specific goals. Do you want to lose weight? Have fun? Meet friends? Win a race? Train according to what YOUR goal is for this race. My training schedule is all about making it fun and listening to my body. I like to run every other day, and cross train on opposite days with yoga, hiking, cycling, swimming or lifting. For your first race, make sure you look for a beginning training path. The program should include intervals of walking and jogging, and cross training. Taper up for at least 12 weeks. The right bra is as important as the right shoes. Start by trying on several options that fit your bust size. Test them out with high-knee jogging in a fitting room to make sure there’s NO bouncing! It’s tempting to overindulge as you start to train harder. I love a well-balanced protein shake with a banana. I feel nourished and satiated for hours!

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Pro Tip

Susan McDonald

Nashville, TN

If you work out with a buddy it’ll be hard to skip on days when you’re not feeling it. A workout buddy can also add an element of friendly competition, which may boost your performance. Be clear on why you want to run a 5K and find a plan that matches your goal. If your aim is to make new friends and rock a free T-shirt, you probably don’t need a training plan made for Navy Seals. When it comes to sports bras, remember these two words: front fastener. Trying to wriggle out of a sweat-soaked sports bra can make you feel like Houdini underwater in a straitjacket. Running is great for building endurance, but to go strong, you need a combination of cardio, strength training and stretching. You’ll minimize your risk of injury and increase overall fitness. I recommend cross training three days a week. Lifting weights, swimming laps and doing yoga can help you go the distance with more power and less stress.

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Pro Tip

Courtney Mambourg

Clarksville, TN

After you sign up for your first race, find a friend or group program to run with. It will help keep you motivated and hold you accountable on days you really don’t feel like hitting the road! Now that you’ve signed up for a race, look for a running program you can print off and put in a place you’ll see every day. Keep yourself going by marking your progress along the way. When you’re searching for a 5K or half-marathon training plan, make sure you look for one with nice, steady progression. If it has you running 10 miles on your second week, stay away! When it comes to sports bras, do not go cheap! Find a supportive, comfortable bra that’s right for you. Some of my favorites are made by Curves, Athleta and HerRoom.com. Cross training is so important! Every runner I’ve worked with has improved their race time by adding it to their schedules. I recommend you focus on cross training at least two times a week.

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Events Finder

Accomplish a goal of your own alongside others just like you. Meet ACE or one of our partners at a 5K or half marathon in your city. As the Official Training Sponsor for Women’s Running Series, we also encourage you to check out this year’s events by clicking on the image below. Take advantage of our special ACE registration rate by using discount code ACEFIT.

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