tank, bra, shoes :: Zappos
Prime running season is officially here – the weather is now nice enough to step outdoors in, races are in full swing and motivation is at an all time high because of one word, bikinis. As I recently mentioned, I have decided to complete 1000 minutes of exercise over the next 30 days [I’m currently 6 days in and 228 minutes down, woop woop]. For me, my prefered method of knocking those minutes out is running. There’s just something about letting your feet hit the pavement, or in my case often, treadmill, and allowing your mind to just think about whatever it decides to think about for that set amount of time that you aren’t preoccupied doing anything else. I stick my headphones in, listen to my favorite Spotify playlist, and just go. Here’s a few helpul hints that have helped me not just like running, but actually love it.
+ Before starting, make sure you get a few minutes of good stretching in. It is so important to loosen up your muscles and get some blood flowing beforehand. I used to skip right over the stretching part and within minutes of starting out on my run, I would feel tight and tense. Doing a few simple stretches (pictured below) will help keep your body loose and fluid during your run. It is also super important to stretch afterwards to avoid all sorts of tightening of the muscles. Been there, done that, don’t ever want to be there again.
+ Drink plenty of water on days that you know you are going to run. This makes a huge difference in the overall performance of how your run will go. Without water, you can easily get a sideache which is the quickest excuse to stop running. I’ve noticed that I am able to run so much easier and longer if I am properly hydrated.
+ Shoes that fit well, are comfortable on your feet and that aren’t too heavy. For the longest while I had running shoes that had these ginormous heavy soles. I couldn’t figure out for the longest time why I couldn’t go nearly as far as I had before and why every run seemed so much more difficult than before. It wasn’t until swapping out my shoes for something much more lightweight that I realized what a difference your shoes can make. I recently started running in these Nike FS Lite Run 2 shoes from Zappos and am hooked.
+ An awesome playlist on your phone that will keep you going and going. I have to listen to music while running or else the sound of my breathing will remind me that I am tired and all heck breaks lose. Create yourself a running playlist where you know every song will pump you up for the length of your run. Current favorites include GDFR, Moves Like Jagger, Honey I’m Good, and Shut Up and Dance.
+ Mixing it up. Nearly every run I do is different. Why? Because doing the same thing over and over gets boring easily. Intervals I have found is the fastest way to blast fat whether that means running at different speeds [I love doing either fast sprints for 30 seconds and walking for 1 minute or run faster for 1 minute and then a little slower for 2 minutes, repeating over and over] or switching up the incline every minute or so. Set out to achieve different goals on each run and do everything in your might to achieve those goals. You will be incredibly proud of yourself when you do, believe me.
+ Last but not least, look cute doing it. The fastest way to get yourself working out? New workout clothes. I love Zappos for cute athetlic wear that feels great and lasts a long time. Not only do they carry over a 1,000 different brands, they always offer fast and free shipping and offer a 365 day return policy. WHAT! I know.
If you are in the San Francisco area, make sure to check out the Zappos Bay To Breakers run [happening today!] for more information on how you could participate next year! Perhaps I’ll see you there 😉
What helps you enjoy running?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
