How Pregnant Runner Alysia Montano Made Coming in Last a Huge Win for Women

The Chronic Marathoner: Clifton 9

If running is your life – not just a "for fun" hobby – the Clifton 9's are the shoe for you. There's a reason why they're heralded by runners everywhere!

This award-winning Hoka style (it's been granted the Seal of Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association) is super lightweight at 7.3 oz, but it's still impressively stable and soft. It boasts a plush heel designed for running and walking, so it's destined to get you wherever you're going in the utmost comfort.

These shoes have a very breathable knit upper, while the outsole is crafted with rubber for durability. Stability was top of mind in making these, and you'll have smooth heel-to-toe transitions with every step.

The Hoka Clifton 9's come in 20 different colorways for $145.

The Hot Girl Walker: Bondi 8

If you can't go a day without getting your steps in, it's important that you go for your hot girl walks with the right shoe so you can avoid potential strain and injuries. Per Hoka, the Bondi 8's are one of the "hardest working" shoes in their lineup, and it's specifically designed for walking and running (hot girl style).

It's also earned the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association for its unmatched stability and all-around support. The Bondi 8's are fitted with a pillowed tongue and a memory foam ankle lining for comfort. They're certainly on the plusher side when it comes to Hoka shoes, but they're not so much so that you feel unsure about your steps. They weigh in at 8.9 oz, so they're noticeably heavier than the Clifton 9's.

The foam bottom extends beyond your natural heel for additional support, plus they're an easy on and off thanks to the pull tab at the back.

The Hoka Bondi 8's currently come in 16 different colors for $165.

The Gym Rat: Mach 6

Gym rats, rise up! The Hoka Mach 6's boast the perfect weight, height, and cushion for taking you from the weight rack to the track. They're more streamlined in their design – the most noticeable difference being less heel height than the Clifton or Bondi models. Your foot will definitely be closer to the ground, which is beneficial for movements that involve balance.

While the Cliftons and Bondis have super thick and cushy soles, the Mach 6 soles are crafted from a firmer material for support. Though tougher, they still clock in at 6.7 oz. They're complete with an exceptionally responsive foam midsole that allows for more bounce, plus the outsole has a rubber coating for durability – making your shoe purchase last longer and look new for longer. This gorgeous colorway is an added bonus!

The Mach 6's are currently shoppable in 7 colors for $140.

The Trail Runner: Challenger 7

These Hokas were made for the granola girls who love to venture to the mountains for a cheeky trail run or hike. They have tons of grip the textured sole, ideal for road and trail running. The sole is fashioned with more aggressive lugs around the perimeter to help manage uneven surfaces without risk of injury.

The Challenger 7's boast a decently thick height for plushness to catch your steps, plus they have protective cushioning around the ankle to stabilize your movement.

These weigh in at 7.7 oz, come in 10 different colors, and are shoppable for $145.

Just like with 5K training, the first and most important step is to pick a race and sign up for it. Having a race or goal on the schedule helps with motivation and a hard timeline helps with planning training. One place you can check for local races is findarace.com — just search by the type of race you want to run and where you want to run it!

How many days does it take to train for a 10K?

Typical training for a 10K should take 8-10 weeks, however there may be other factors to consider as well.

• If you've recently completed 5K training and are feeling confident and ready to hop into the next goal, you may not need the full 8-10 weeks.
• If you're feeling fit and conditioned from a previous race, you probably only need 6-8 weeks to train for a 10K.

How do I pace myself for a 10K?

If you've run a few 5Ks and are wondering what goal time to shoot for, there are few tips to figure out where to start. First, it's important to remember that a 10K is twice the distance of a 5K. Whatever your best or most recent 5K time is, you likely cannot hold it for another 3.1 miles. I would recommend doubling your total typical 5K time and adding 3-5 minutes to get your goal time. For example if you recently ran a 25 minute 5K, shoot for a 10K time of 53-55 minutes.

How do beginners train for a 10K run?

Your training plan should look similar to a 5K training plan with 4-5 days a week of running. This should include 1-2 speed workouts, a few easy jogs, and a weekly long run. Just like with 5K training, you never want to do 2 speed workouts back-to-back — it's best to have a rest day or 1-2 easy jog days between speed sessions to allow your muscles to recover and rebuild.

While long runs and easy jogs are relatively self-explanatory, speed workouts can seem ambiguous. Instead of leaving you in the dark, here are two examples of speed sessions you could implement into your training regiment.

Example 1:

• 1 mile jog warm up
• 6-8x 800m (2 laps of a traditional track or ½ of a mile) at a hard but sustainable 7-8/10 effort. Take 2 minutes between each
• 1 mile jog or walk cooldown

Example 2:

• 1 mile jog warm up
• 3 miles steady-hard (also known as tempo pace) at a 6-7/10 effort
• 1 mile walk or jog cooldown

Long runs are the most important part of any training block for races of 5K and up. Like the name suggests, long runs should be your longest run of the week. Depending on your skill and familiarity with distance running, your long runs will vary anywhere from 5 to 12 miles. I would recommend starting with 4-7 miles at the beginning of your training block, adding one half to a full mile every week. If you're running your first 10K, I would start with 4 miles with the end goal of your longest long run to be 8 miles. Yes, that means that your longest long run will be longer than your 10K race, but trust me — this will make the race distance seem doable and way less daunting. If you're a repeat racer (10Ks included), I would recommend starting with a 7-mile-long run and working your way up to 12 miles by the end of your training block.

How do I prep for race day?

To wind down your training, make sure to taper your miles down for at least 10 days before your race. This is where you lower the distance of your longest run over time as you get closer to the actual race, allowing you to properly rest beforehand.

When it comes to race day, the number one thing to remember is: don't go out too fast. While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a race and rocket off at the starting line, it won't feel good at mile 4. To ensure that you finish within your goal time, try to go out 15-20 seconds slower than your goal pace.

For example, if you have a 55 min goal time, that translates to running an 8:52 mile. I would recommend starting off your first mile at around a 9:10 mile pace and progressing from there. This will help you to finish strong and feeling your best.

Most importantly? Enjoy race day and celebrate finishing your goal!

What is color therapy?

Color therapy is a holistic, non-invasive modality used for the body. Historical figures such as Pythagoras (circa 2,500 years ago) applied “color light” therapeutically, while “color halls” were used as a means of treatment in ancient Egypt, China, and India. The modern medical pioneer patron of color therapy was Niels Finsen of Denmark in 1877. He discovered that visible light was how ultraviolet or red light energy could heal wounds, bacterial infections, or scars. Sounds familiar? In this present, infrared light therapy is used for pain relief, improved sleep, inflammation, facials, detoxes, and more. Knowing this, you can see why color and light restores our mind, body, and emotional needs.

There are many ways in which you can work best with color therapy. To implement physical changes, you can update your selection of colors in your clothing, nail colors, makeup palette, or home decor. For the mind and emotional system, you can work with colors through visualization practices like art, meditation, or a color therapy lamp.

How Can Color Therapy and Astrology Work Together?

Color therapy works by frequency or wavelengths of colors, which can have a physiological or psychological impact on our well-being. Using appropriate colors guided by your zodiac sign can rebalance or harmonize your body’s energy centers. How can color therapy integrate with your zodiac sign? It begins by knowing and working with your Sun sign, granting you more confidence and understanding regarding your direction. It extends our overall vitality and spreads endless radiance in our lives. It fuels our well-being and emits light wherever it touches in the birth chart. In principle, our Sun sign is our destination point, our identity. Now, the Sun Sign is where we can reach that higher level of understanding about our process and how we will experience fulfillment in this life. Incorporating color therapy guided by astrology can help you obtain confidence, and when you feel balanced, you make sound choices.

​How Colors Align With Zodiac Signs

Observing the astrological signs, they are all categorized within the elemental values. Starting with fire, the signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are placed within this element. These signs hold precedence over the esoteric realm of spirit as they are meant to initiate, inspire, and teach. Fire tones are within the spectrum of golds, reds, and oranges.

The signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn reside within the earthy realm. They are supportive, detailed, and persevering in nature. The earth element enables humanity to take a firm stance involving patience or consistency. Deep greens, grays, and navy are colors that hold a grounded energy for these signs.

The signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius inhabit the air element. Those who hold this element strongly have the skill to circulate a constant flow of ideas, remain stimulated, and effectively communicate. Air energy guides humanity in the exchange of information, negotiation, and evolution. For clarity, the colors that best support these signs are yellows, pastel blues, or electric blues.

Ending with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, these signs embody the water element. Natives with a strong water element are receptive to others' feelings and can be intuitive. They can also conjure creativity, withstand intensity, and dive deep into the world of dreams. Colors such as purples, deep reds, or soft greens can help these signs invoke self-love and confidence.

Colors for Each Zodiac Sign

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Personality Traits: Aries is bold, energetic, and daring, often leading the way with confidence and courage. They are natural-born leaders who take on challenges fearlessly.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Colors like red and orange help Aries channel their energy and passion. These colors promote confidence, courage, and an enhanced sense of purpose to match their bold nature.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Personality Traits: Known for their patience, determination, and deep connection to nature, Taurus seeks stability and grounding. They are steady and reliable, with an appreciation for beauty and luxury.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Earthy tones like green and brown are ideal for Taurus. These colors promote relaxation, groundedness, and stability, aligning with Taurus' need for balance and connection to nature.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Personality Traits: Gemini is versatile, adaptable, and intellectually curious. They thrive on communication and change, with a playful and creative side. Their dual nature makes them curious and full of ideas.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Bright yellow and light green stimulate mental agility, creativity, and versatility for Gemini. These colors foster communication and mental clarity, enhancing their natural curiosity and adaptability.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Personality Traits: Compassionate, intuitive, and deeply connected to family and emotions. Cancer nurtures others and seeks emotional fulfillment. They are protectors and caretakers.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft white, silver, and pale blue promote emotional healing, inner peace, and nurturing energy. These colors align with Cancer’s need for emotional well-being and tranquility.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Personality Traits: Leo exudes warmth, creativity, and pride. With their strong sense of self, they seek recognition and joy, and they inspire others with their vitality and passion.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Gold, yellow, and orange help Leo amplify their natural creativity and vitality, enhancing their self-expression and sense of pride. These warm colors increase confidence and fuel their dynamic energy.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Personality Traits: Virgos are known for their perfectionism, sharp intellect, and organizational skills. They are reliable, practical, and thrive on productivity and efficiency.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft green and blue are ideal for Virgo, promoting balance, healing, and clarity of mind. These colors assist in maintaining a calm and focused environment, supporting Virgo’s need for order and tranquility.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Personality Traits: Libra values harmony, beauty, and fairness. They seek balance in all aspects of life, often striving for peace and cooperation in their relationships and surroundings.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Pastel colors, particularly light blue and pink, promote peace, harmony, and emotional balance. These soft hues help Libra maintain their sense of equilibrium and enhance their diplomatic nature.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Personality Traits: Scorpio is intense, passionate, and deeply transformative. Known for their mystery and depth, they possess great inner strength and are drawn to uncover hidden truths.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Deep red, black, and maroon channel passion, power, and transformation for Scorpio. These intense colors align with their transformative nature and help them harness their strength.

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Personality Traits: Sagittarius is adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical. They love exploring new ideas, cultures, and places and often share wisdom and joy with those around them.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Purple and deep blue enhance spiritual growth, adventure, and wisdom. These colors stimulate the Sagittarian desire for exploration and wisdom while supporting their boundless optimism.

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Personality Traits: Capricorn is disciplined, ambitious, and pragmatic. They take a methodical approach to life and are determined to achieve their goals through hard work and patience.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Earthy tones like gray, brown, and navy support Capricorn’s need for focus, discipline, and groundedness. These colors help them stay on course and maintain a practical mindset.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Personality Traits: Aquarius is eccentric, innovative, and idealistic. They value independence and individuality, often challenging the status quo and embracing forward-thinking ideas.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Electric blue and purple enhance mental clarity, innovation, and independence. These vibrant colors support Aquarius' need for originality and their intellectual pursuits.

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Personality Traits: Pisces is intuitive, empathetic, and imaginative. Known for their dreamy and artistic nature, they deeply connect to the spiritual and emotional realms.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft green, seafoam blue, and lavender promote relaxation, creativity, and intuition for Pisces. These calming colors enhance their dreamlike state and encourage emotional balance and creativity.

​Color Therapy Visualization Technique

Now that you know which color vibrates with your zodiac sign, you can use this visualization technique to connect more with your Sun sign. Color therapy is a powerful tool for balancing energy, emotions, and well-being. By using the healing properties of colors, you can encourage emotional release, relaxation, and revitalization. Each color carries its frequency and vibration, which can help align and support different aspects of your life, from physical health to mental clarity.

This color therapy visualization technique will guide you through grounding, relaxation, and energetic renewal. Connecting with the colors that resonate with you will activate healing energy within your body and mind, clearing away any negative or stagnant energy. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that you can do daily to restore balance and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Energetic Healing Visualization Technique

1. Position yourself comfortably or sit in a lotus position. Place your left hand over your heart area.
2. Take a deep breath through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth. With each breath, feel your body becoming more relaxed.
3. Focus on the soles of your feet and imagine an energetic pull grounding you, anchoring you in the present moment.
4. Take another deep breath, feeling a nurturing energy rising from the ground, reaching up to the soles of your feet. Allow this energy to gently move upward, relaxing and energizing your body—feet, calves, thighs, core, shoulders, arms, neck, face, and head.
5. Imagine a bright, glowing light in the sky above you. This light represents your Higher Self.
6. See the light spiraling down toward you, entering through the crown of your head and flowing through your body. As it moves, it changes into a vibrant color that resonates with you.
7. Take another deep breath and allow the colored light to fill your core center. Visualize it growing brighter and expanding with each breath, filling your entire body.
8. Imagine the light forming a dome or egg-like shape around your body, extending outward, cleansing your physical and energetic space.
9. Release any tensions, worries, or negative energy, visualizing them fading away into the ground. Trust the process of transformation.
10. Continue this visualization as long as you need. When you feel light and neutral, place your hands in a prayer position and silently offer thanks.
11. Visualize the light around you returning to its source, and when ready, gently open your eyes.

This practice can be done 1-2 times daily, ideally in the morning or before bedtime.

By integrating color therapy with your astrological sign, you can tap into a powerful tool for enhancing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These simple yet effective practices allow you to align with the natural flow of your energy and support your unique traits, helping you to feel more balanced and connected to yourself. Whether you choose to surround yourself with the colors that resonate with your sign or engage in visualization techniques, color therapy offers a profound way to nurture your overall health and personal growth.

Remember, your journey toward healing and balance is personal, and using the right colors can be an uplifting part of that process. Take time to explore the colors that speak to you and notice the subtle shifts they create in your life.

Do you wish to learn more about Lumi's work with astrology and her holistic approach? Lumi Pelinku invites you to dive deeper into your journey through an extended reading that can provide tailored insights and inspiration. Click here to book your reading today!