Just Keep Running

It's that day again, Sunday Run-day! Or at least that's what day it is for me. And this (above) is the bad boy I've been tackling every Sunday for the past 12 weeks or so. It's the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, AKA the Cooper River Bridge. Me, my mom and Larry signed up for Charleston's Cooper River Bridge Run back before Christmas and we've been training ever since. 

The race is a 10K and it's Charleston's biggest race every year (kind of like the Tulsa Run for you Okies). It's actually the third largest 10K in the U.S. and about 40,000 people race in it every year--wowza! The race is on March 31st, so we've officially passed the one-month-out mark now and I couldn't be more excited. I'm excited to accomplish a goal I've been working towards and I'm excited my mom and Larry are flying into town to complete it with me!

Race poster for this year

Since December, I've been running the bridge every Sunday. If you park on one end and run over and back it's just over 5 miles. The tough part is definitely the first leg, which is a pretty tough incline. Running hills took some getting used to! Luckily, the weather in Charleston is nice enough year-round that training outside hasn't been a problem for me. I'm proud to say I've never had to run on the treadmill! Thank goodness! I hate that thing.

I usually run two or three other days of the week, too, keeping up a distance of 5 or 6 miles. If you're coming to Charleston, here's a list of my favorite places to run outside. There are lots of options! I'll also share some of the songs on the pretty awesome run playlist I've been jamming to.

Where to Run in Charleston:

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge--- As mentioned before, it's about 5 miles

James Island County Park--- If you loop all three trails, it's about 3 miles. Do 2 loops to make it 6.

Folly Beach--- Beach running is my new favorite! You just can't beat the scenery! At Folly, I can easily start at one end of the beach, run down and back to get 6 miles. 

West Ashely Greenway-- this trail is 10.5 miles total and runs through town where an old railroad track used to be. It's nice because it's long and flat, but it runs through what I consider to be some shadier parts of town, so bring a run buddy!

Downtown---Running on the peninsula is beautiful also! I like to run through the historic neighborhoods South of Broad, loop around the Battery, Waterfront Park and Colonial Lake. Here's the route I take for a 4 mile run. It does cross over some roads and intersections so watch for traffic!

Some of My Favorite Run Songs:

(some are explicit, but you can download the clean version)

"Move (If You Wanna)" by MMS

"Riot" by Tedashi

"Dum Dum" by Tedashi----- this guy's a Christian rapper and pretty awesome!

"T.H.E" by Will.i.am

"Git It" by Ying Yang Twins

"Diva" by Beyonce

"Wobble" by V.I.C

"Lose Control" by Missy Elliot

"Run The World" by Beyonce

"Work Out" by J.Cole

"Imma Be" by The Black Eyed Peas

"Go Girl" by Baby Bash

"Gimme That" by Ciara

"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson

"Starships" by Nicki Minaj

"Good Feeling" by Flo Rida

"Lose Yourself" by Eminem----this has to be my favorite running song ever. Just turn this one on when you want to quit!

What songs are on your workout playlist?