Women’s Running: How would you describe yourself? 

Gia: I am a marathon runner, a coach, a mom of twins and a fit life connoisseur. I run to be a better mom, to fulfill my personal goals and to find myself. I firmly believe in the possibility of life balance, and the successful coexistence of a busy life and a dedicated athlete. My hope is that I can help others find this balance.

WR: How did you begin running?

G: 12 years ago I was going through a rocky patch of life – bad relationship, tough job, mean roommate. I needed a distraction – so I went for a run, in my Converse. I loved it so much that when I got home I called a friend and professed my love of running to her. She laughed and said, “You hate sports, you don’t like to sweat, this won’t last.”  I immediately analyzed my priorities. I invested in good running shoes and I ditched bad friends. I’m happy to say that 12 years later I still love running and I’ve never again kept discouraging company.

WR: What keeps you running and training?

G: My kids. In the morning when I drop them off at school, they always ask, “Mama, are you running?” They are quite the little motivators. But they are also completely intrigued by my running, they want to be a part of it, they want to watch my races. I love that and I love that I can inspire them.

WR: What type of run is your favorite?

G: Oh, I love them all so much. Long runs are the best way to catch up with a friend, speed workouts make me feel like superwoman, even tempo runs (which always scare me) are fantastic confidence boosts. It really depends on my mood and the day, I love variety in my running.

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

G: At Mile 5 of this Year’s LA Marathon…I saw my family for the first time. They were all there with signs and smiles and water. I hugged them and bent down to hug my twins. When I let go, they tried to run after me, saying that they wanted to run with mama. I spent the next 21 miles dreaming of the day they would race with me!

WR: What’s your favorite indulgent treat?

G: I have a huge sweet tooth. I’ve recently fallen back in love with chocolate. Frozen dark chocolate chips….by the handful!

WR: How do you reward yourself for accomplishing your training/running goals?  

G: In my perfect world I would reward myself with a beach vacation. There is nothing better than soaking sore legs in the ocean!

WR: If you could run with any celebrity, who would you choose and why?

G: I’m kinda dying to run with Julie Bowen. First, I think she is hilarious in Modern Family but she also has twins and is an avid runner. I’d love to chat with her.

WR: Best running advice you’ve received or given?

G: ”If it doesn’t challenge you, It doesn’t change you.” My mom always says to accept the change, even if its uncomfortable for a little while…the discomfort will go away faster if you are open to changing.

Want to read more? Head over to Run Gia Run!

Gia dreams of running with her kids one day – how do you incorporate your family in your fitness adventures?

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

We love our Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run so much that we want to inspire you to check her out! Simply leave a comment below telling us what you think about Gia’s story and you’ll be entered to win a one-year subscription to Women’s Running magazine.

LOVE RUNNING BLOGS? CHECK OUT A FEW MORE OF OUR FAVS:

Hungry Runner Girl

Mom’s Little Running Buddy

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I found myself extremely busy last week and as I returned home each night from work with my smart phone in hand, I had a hard time separating from the demands of work. By the end of the week, I was exhausted and a little grumpy from the missing endorphins usually brought on by a run. When work upped the anty, exercise flew out the door and deadlines took precedence. While I know how skipping a run affects me and my mental outlook, I didn’t know how it would influence one of my favorite running partners – my four year-old dog.

Late last week, as I sat on the couch furiously typing away to answer a multitude of emails, I glanced over to see my dog rummaging through his toy box (yes, I’m that pet owner with a toy box for my dog and I’m mighty proud of it!). After choosing the perfect stuffed creature, he carried the furry toy over to me and dropped it in my lap as if to say, “Hey mom, time to play.” Annoyed that I didn’t have time to play with him, I threw the toy on the ground and shooed him away. Five minutes later, we repeated the process. After his fourth attempt to entice me into play he finally gave up, laid down and let out a huge sigh before plopping his chin on the ground while he stared in my direction with sad eyes. As a sucker for puppy-dog eyes, it was that moment that struck me. I was making a conscious decision to work and ignore both my dog’s and my own need for exercise. Contrary to the way I want to live, technology and the demands of responsibility were cutting into my time to enjoy life – and I didn’t like it.

RELATED ARTICLE: GIRL TALK – HUMBLE PIE

I finished the email I was writing, headed up stairs to change, and then grabbed the leash as I invited my dog outside. We did an easy 3 mile run together that night and as I glanced down at him to see his tongue hanging out in pure joy with a huge grin, I realized what’s most important to me. I want to be healthy and I love running. I adopted my dog to have a running buddy. Smart phones, tablets and laptops make it very easy to stay in constant connection with the world, but it’s important to remember to unplug. When all is said and done, my best memories won’t be made from an email I sent – but rather an awesome run with my best partner.

As women we have a lot of demands between work, family and friends, but it’s important we take time to do something healthy for ourselves. How do you make sure you carve out time to run? Let me know here or tweet me @KaraDeschenes!

WANT MORE GIRL TALK? CHECK OUT MORE RUNNING THOUGHTS HERE!

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An underlying fear of developing bulky “man muscles” causes many women runners to steer clear of the weight room. Or, if they do start lifting, they’ll stick to 2-pound dumbbells, nervous to pick up anything heavier. We’re here to set the record straight: Our much lower testosterone levels mean that women cannot build the same kinds of guns as guys.

The benefits you will reap? A leaner, stronger, faster body. Studies show that lifting substantial weight just twice a week will lower your body fat by an amazing three percent. Also, balancing your running with resistance training that targets complementary muscles will help you prevent injury and become more resilient to the stresses of training.

Performing many repetitions of an exercise with a lighter weight is not optimal for runners. Instead, lift heavier weights for fewer repetitions to recruit more muscle fibers, which will improve both power and endurance. The following exercises, when performed two times per week, can correct muscle imbalances, prevent injury and help you feel stronger with every step.

Aim for 1 to 3 sets of 4 to 8 reps (resting for as long as you need between each set to encourage good form).

Proceed with Caution

Lifting heavy weights can be hazardous if not done correctly.

-If you are new to lifting, have a trained professional evaluate your form.

-Warm up first with 10 to 15 minutes of light cardio (e.g., elliptical machine, walking, stationary bike).

-Cool down after your strength workout with 10 minutes of light stretching.

-Don’t do too much, too soon! Spend four weeks using the same weight with proper form before trying to increase the weight or repetitions.

-If you are training for a big race, stop strength training two weeks before race day and switch your focus to recovery and stretching.

RELATED ARTICLE: HARD CORE ABS

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When Pulos’ sister, Kristann, was diagnosed with breast cancer, the two siblings made it their mission to eat healthier. “Watching her go through that and the changes she made in her own diet really inspired me,” says Pulos, 40, of Studio City, Calif. “For her, it was an empowering thing—it was how she fought the cancer.”

Pulos in turn cleaned up her act, eliminating most refined sugar, adding more greens, focusing on buying organic and becoming a self-described “juice fanatic.”

Kristann had a double mastectomy, underwent chemotherapy and radiation and is now, fortunately, in remission. But both women strive to keep up with their healthy ways ever since the diagnosis.

“I wasn’t even that conscious  about how important it is to get greens into your diet, or why it’s important not to drink diet soda or eat a lot of white flour or refined sugar,” says Pulos, who admits the lifestyle change wasn’t easy.

“I stocked up on tuna packets and hard-boiled eggs. When I’d get home at night, I’d use them to make a quick salad with spinach, olive oil, capers and vinegar,” Pulos says. “At first, I was like, Ugh, this is so boring. All I want to do is order thin-crust Domino’s! But after a few days, I started craving it. You really can reprogram your body and mind.”

Now, Pulos says she starts each day with some greens in her daily juice cocktail—usually a combination of kale leaves, a pear, carrots, a banana and celery. “I just feel good after I have it,” she says. “I actually feel like my brain works better when I start my day that way.”

The star’s healthy eating kick paid off last spring when she felt healthier and stronger than ever, just in time for her May 2012 marriage to husband Jonathan Nassos. For Pulos, the wedding was both a commemoration of her love for her husband and a celebration of her sister’s health. “It was this wonderful event that brought my family together and let us celebrate the fact that a few hard years were over.”

Runner-Turned-Rapper

Jenni Pulos started running as a student at UCLA after her planned stint on the collegiate tennis team didn’t work out. “My sister was a big runner, and has always been really competitive, and I found that I definitely enjoyed it,” Pulos says. “Usually, I’d just do a four-mile loop around UCLA.” To stay healthy as she’s aged, Pulos now mixes up her regimen with Bikram yoga, Pilates, hiking and interval training. She stays young at heart by creating raps for children with fun songs like “Brush Your Teeth” and “Bullies Aren’t Cool.”

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Home Stretch

Does going to a yoga class full of henna-tattooed hard bodies make you feel self-conscious? Downward dog at home instead! Researchers at the University of Maryland found that yogis who practiced in the comfort of their living room were healthier than those who attended formal classes. Not sure how to move? Visit doyogawithme.com for free videos.

RELATED ARTICLE: FEEL YOUR BEST TODAY!

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We love to celebrate the accomplishments of our Women’s Running readers. Take a look at the latest gallery of #runbrag photos from our favorite run girls – YOU!

*You must own all rights to submitted photos. 

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR READER RUN BRAG GALLERIES HERE!

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Kiwi

One of the best sources of vitamin C, kiwis protect against signs of aging, a common problem for runners who spend countless hours in the sun. In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that a diet high in vitamin C was associated with fewer noticeable wrinkles. The furry green fruit also helps you maintain a beautiful smile, according to another study linking low levels of vitamin C consumption to gum disease.

Wild Salmon

“The omega-3 fats found in these fish play a key role in keeping skin soft and smooth,” says Drayer, who recommends stocking your fridge with salmon. By reducing inflammation at the cellular level, omega-3 fats prevent scaly skin, redness and acne. Studies have found that fish oils also protect against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Although it may be a few more dollars per pound, make sure you opt for the wild variety to avoid the toxins found in farmed fish.

Yogurt

One cup of plain, low-fat yogurt supplies 450mg of calcium. That’s close to half your recommended daily dose! The bone-building mineral is key if you want beautiful nails, good posture and a radiant smile. Yogurt also packs a serious protein punch. Drayer explains, “Our nails are made of the protein keratin, so to grow long, strong nails, it’s important to consume an adequate amount of protein,” a nutrient that’s also imperative for running performance and muscular repair.

RELATED ARTICLE: NATURAL BEAUTY

Oysters

These little gifts from the sea are one of the best sources of zinc in  the world. Zinc is a major player in skin renewal because it encourages collagen creation, and it also helps maintain strong nails and healthy hair. Despite a reputation as an aphrodisiac, few studies have found that mollusks actually up your romance quotient— but, hey, whatever gets you glowing!

Blueberries

Forget an apple a day—what your skin really craves is a cup of blueberries. In one study, researchers compared the levels of anti-aging antioxidants in 40 common fresh fruits and veggies and found that blueberries ranked number one. The pigments in this summer fruit preserve the collagen in your skin, creating that healthy, dewy effect. Bonus: One cup has only 80 calories and 4 grams of fiber.

Sweet Potatoes

Don’t wait until Thanksgiving rolls around to enjoy these brightly colored spuds. Sweet potatoes contain a big boost of beauty-enhancing betacarotene, a fat-soluble pigment found in orange vegetables and fruits that prevents fine lines and wrinkles. “Our bodies convert beta carotene into vitamin A, which keeps skin soft and smooth,” explains Drayer.

Spinach

“Lack of iron can lead to dry, brittle hair,” says Drayer. “Even if you are not clinically anemic, you can experience hair loss.” The good news: It’s easy to battle a thinning mane with iron-rich foods like red meat and spinach. This leafy green veggie also boasts an exceptional lutein content to keep eyes healthy and bright. Need another excuse to have a salad for lunch? Spinach contains a significant amount of beta-carotene, as well as vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc and fiber.

Walnuts

Achieve a smooth skin tone, healthy hair, vibrant eyes and strong bones with help from these tasty little kernels. Walnuts are the only type of nut that contain a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, they provide vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free-radical damage (think healing those post-long run, wind-burnt cheeks).

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a treat for your skin as well as your taste buds! “It’s great for your complexion,” says Drayer. Dark chocolate contains high levels of cocoa flavanol—plant compounds that have antioxidant properties associated with softer skin. In one study, women who regularly drank a cocoa-flavanol beverage for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in their skin, including an increase in hydration and less roughness and scaling.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes provide an astonishing amount of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene, the bright red carotenoid pigment that gives these savory fruits their color. One study showed that people who ate tomato paste every day for several weeks experienced lower levels of sunburn. Tomatoes also offer vitamin C, another big beauty nutrient that improves elasticity while brightening skin. ■

_______________________________________________________

The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious by Lisa Drayer is available on amazon.com and in bookstores nationwide.

RELATED ARTICLE: SIMPLY STUNNING

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Chasteberry - Known as the “woman’s herb,” studies show that this plant-derived supplement may help with breast tenderness and abdominal pain.

Calcium - A report from Columbia University found that this bone-building mineral may improve symptoms by as much as 48 percent.

Naproxen or Ibuprofen - Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain associated with cramping and may decrease blood  ow.

Birth Control - Many women take birth control not for contraceptive purposes but because it alleviates discomfort caused by PMS and heavy flow.

Lysteda - This new prescription medication does not affect ovulation, but has been found to reduce severe bleeding.

RELATED ARTICLE: GIRL PROBLEMS

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Women’s Running: How would you describe yourself? 

Elizabeth: Central Park Runner born in Argentina and in love with NYC. Also a certified biomechanics coach, a USA Track and Field coach, a race organizer, RunningAndTheCity blogger and a non-profit organizations fan!

WR: How did you begin running?

E: In 2004, for no real reason, I was hospitalized for a heart attack. My heart was functioning at 20% and I got really scared; I was 28 and I didn’t want to be a heart patient for the rest of my life. Instead of the laundry list of pills and surgeries my cardiologist ordered me, I decided to take up running. I thought that if I could run, I would be ok. Really, I could barely walk without palpitations in the beginning. And I had never ever been into sports before then: I thought sweating was disgusting! Eventually, little by little, I started feeling stronger and the running bug caught me!

WR: What keeps you running and training?

E: As hard as it was to get started and get into it, I could not imagine my life without running now. I don’t even need any motivation, it’s a part of who I am. I am a Runner and it really has changed my life. But I do like to have a race scheduled sometime in the future to keep my Running organized and in check, mostly on cold, dark mornings!

WR: What type of run is your favorite?

E: I like combo runs the most! I love hardish-longish runs, like a 14 mile progression run, or a 10 miler at marathon pace, or a 10k at half marathon pace. I like combining efforts, so not just long and slow or fast and short, and also always practicing pacing, which is super important. I also love hill sprinting. It’s hard but always an amazing workout that is over fast! Whatever run, I always prefer a soft trail to hard cold pavement.

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

E: Finishing my first race. It was the 2006 New York City Half Marathon, the first year they held it, and it poured on us from mile 7 onto the finish. Given I had only had one run of 6 miles once before, I wasn’t even sure I could finish it. And coming from a heart attack two years prior, my #1 goal was to not die. Once I reached mile 11, slowly of course, I started crying. I cried nonstop for the last two miles. I had never felt so empowered and more like I could do anything. As soon as I finished I wanted to sign up for my next race, even if I couldn’t walk straight for a week! And then in 2008, when I finished the New York City Marathon… I felt like a brand new person. I carried that medal with me everywhere in a back pocket for weeks!

WR: What do you hope readers will take away from reading your blog?

E: The main thing I always want everyone to know is that anyone can do this. All the stuff we all worry about when we start, doesn’t really matter… Running is an amazing equalizer. I started running when I should have been sitting and taking pills and definitely not exerting myself. There is no excuse to not run. Not only it will make you healthier, but it WILL make you happier. And also, your whole life will definitely change, for 100X better, and you will get to eat a lot more!! Basically: anyone can do it, speed doesn’t matter, size doesn’t matter, outfits don’t matter, and you’ll be happy. It’s such simple math…!

WR: How do you reward yourself for accomplishing your training/running goals?  

E: Racing is hard for me, because I don’t have a competitive personality. But I do like seeing my times go down because of my efforts, so I used to promise myself some particular purse or jewelry or something if I PRed. I don’t do that anymore, I have enough stuff. Now  just want to overeat after a race. So, more delicious food.

WR: If you could run with any celebrity, who would you choose and why?

E: Pre! Steve Prefontaine was just so hardcore, I’ll be forever obsessed with him. He never saved anything for later, he was all out, all the time. I don’t have that competitive mentality, and could never be like that, but I find it completely fascinating when people want something that much.

WR: Best running advice you’ve received or given?

E: Run Happy. I really believe being happy is a choice, and when you are happy, your runs are just a ton better. Not having to perform all the time, or putting any pressure on myself lets me run and race better. Just relax and enjoy, then you can feel yourself running on another level.

Want to read more? Head over to Running And The City!

Elizabeth would love to run with Steve Prefontaine. Who would you run with if you could choose anyone?

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

We love our Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run so much that we want to inspire you to check her out! Simply leave a comment below telling us what you think about Elizabeth’s story and you’ll be entered to win a one-year subscription to Women’s Running magazine.

LOVE RUNNING BLOGS? CHECK OUT A FEW MORE OF OUR FAVS:

Hungry Runner Girl

Mom’s Little Running Buddy

The post Blogger On The Run: Running And The City appeared first on Women's Running.

Breakfast

11/2 cups oatmeal mixed with 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 2 Tbsp. pistachios, 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup and 1/2 cup blueberries
1 slice whole-grain toast with 1 Tbsp. almond butter
2 cups green tea

You’ll need the carbs from oatmeal, toast, maple syrup and berries for your big day tomorrow.

Morning Snack

1 banana

Bananas “provides potassium, which is an important electrolyte for muscle contractions,” says Scritchfield.

Lunch

Grain salad: 2 cups quinoa tossed with 1/2 cup black beans, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup cucumber, 1 cup red bell pepper, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and 1/4 tsp. sea salt

In a study, marathoners who ate at least 3.2 grams of carbs per pound of body weight the day before the race finished faster. This hearty lunch will help get you there.

Afternoon Snack

1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt mixed with 1 Tbsp. honey and 1 cup sliced strawberries.

A powerful mix of protein and energy-boosting carbohydrates.

Dinner

4 ounces chicken breast
1 sweet potato
2 cups roasted beets
2 cups water

Studies show the nitrates in beets help your blood vessels dilate, increasing oxygen delivery to working muscles. “Be sure to wash dinner down with water for hydration!” adds Scritchfield.

Nighttime Snack

1 ounce dark chocolate

Here is some sweet news: Recent research suggests that antioxidants in dark chocolate can bolster exercise stamina.

Daily Total: 2259 calories, 96g protein, 59g fat, 356g carbohydrates

RELATED ARTICLE: WHAT TO EAT DURING MARATHON TRAINING

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WANT MORE MOTIVATION? CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR PINSPIRING PICS HERE!

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RACE

What pairs better with a 26.2-mile run than breathtaking scenery and world-class cabernet? As long as you leave the latter for the post-race party, it’s a recipe for a fabulous weekend—and one that the Napa Valley Marathon (napavalleymarathon.org) offers runners every March. A patchwork of emerald green fields and dormant vineyards dotted gold with mustard flowers lines rural roads along the beautiful point-to-point course. In an area known for luxurious accommodations, this marathon gifts each participant a nish-line massage and a duffel bag stuffed with swag.

RELATED ARTICLE: TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT – CAPE ELIZABETH, MAINE

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When I pulled up to a favorite local trail on Saturday, I put in my order for a nice, easy run. What I ended up with was a stark contrast to my desire. An unexpected serving of humble pie was mine, whether I asked for it or not.

I started off strong – feeling confident about the path ahead, but quickly realized my late-morning start wasn’t the wisest of choices. Having been spoiled by a colder-than-usual winter, I found myself bucking the idea of running early to avoid potential heat and happily snuggled my pillow well into mid-morning. Enter mistake number one. As a native Floridian, I know better. Running in May is the beginning of sauna season. Gone are the lazy days of winter. They’ve been replaced with running at o’dark thirty to avoid the heat.

I knew I was in trouble when my GPS watch beeped to indicate the completion of a mile. Feeling like I was pushing the pace just-a-tad, my eyes almost fell out of my head when I saw the time display a full 30-seconds slower than my normal “easy” pace. Knowing that my goal included four more miles, I knew immediately that it wasn’t going to be pretty.

I soldiered on, telling myself the heat was just in my head – but my stomach and body didn’t quite agree. Perhaps the tiny banana I had two hours previously wasn’t enough, or maybe I should have laid off the diet soda the day before in exchange for water. Whatever the culprit, I hadn’t planned accordingly to prepare for the heat and my legs and ego were paying the price.

After the second mile I resolved myself to survival mode and adjusted my expectations. I still wanted to go the distance, but decided walk breaks were a must. So I ran and I walked, and then I ran and I walked – until my GPS displayed the magical number of five miles complete.

I didn’t look at my finish time as I headed over to sit in the shade, disgusted by my inability to hang in the heat. But as I sat there defeated and dripping of sweat, I made a decision to eat the humble pie I was served. I could easily let the less-than-stellar run define my attitude about my running, but not this time. I know better than to set out on a late-morning run in the Florida heat. I know better than to saturate my thirst with carbonated sodas instead of water. And I know the importance of proper pre-run fueling. But I needed a little reminder to not take these things for granted, because without them – good running doesn’t happen. A momentary lapse in judgement (or a bad run) doesn’t define me. It only makes me stronger in the long run.

My most frequent running mistake is not starting early enough in hot months and then suffering from the heat. Are you a repeat offender too? What mistake do you make most often? Let me know here or tweet me @KaraDeschenes!

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We love to celebrate the accomplishments of our Women’s Running readers. Take a look at the latest gallery of #runbrag photos from our favorite run girls – YOU!

Want to be featured in a future Women’s Running Reader Run Brag gallery? Email your weekend race photos to runbrag@womensrunning.com for a chance to be included, or tweet us @WomensRunning using hashtag #runbrag.

*You must own all rights to submitted photos. 

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR READER RUN BRAG GALLERIES HERE!

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RELATED ARTICLE: BEHIND THE SCENES – KARINA SMIRNOFF COVER

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]]> http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/05/just-for-fun/behind-the-scenes-jennifer-carpenter-cover_12644/feed 0 http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/05/training-tips/3tips-to-get-out-and-run-now_12688 http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/05/training-tips/3tips-to-get-out-and-run-now_12688#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 19:00:52 +0000 jsebor http://womensrunning.competitor.com/?p=12688 Whether it's a non-stop schedule or feeling too tired to run, we have the tips to help you get out and running - NOW!

The post 3 Tips To Get Out And Run – NOW! appeared first on Women's Running.

]]> Some days lacing up your shoes to head out for a run feels like a perfect destiny. And other days mustering up the motivation to get out there feels equivalent to driving to the dentist for a root canal. Whether it’s a non-stop schedule or feeling too tired to run, we have the tips to help you get out and run – NOW!

-Fake it ’til you make it. Your mom might have told that putting on lipstick when you’re feeling down instantly lifts your spirits. The theory is that doing something to make yourself feel good (whether that’s lipstick or something else) helps change a down mood. And the same thing can be said for running. If motivations wains, make a deal with yourself to run a short distance (like a mile). If you complete the distance and still aren’t feeling it, allow yourself to turn around and head home. But chances are, once you complete that mile, you’ll be in the groove and ready for more. Sometimes we have to trick our minds into following our feet!

-Make a play date. Running buddies provide good company AND help hold us accountable. Establish run date times with your friends at the beginning of the week and make a pact to keep the dates. Take it one step further by inserting incentive for your buddy runs – after three meet-ups, celebrate with a post-run meal! For running mommies, meeting up with other active moms will help boost your commitment. Either run together or take turns watching each other’s tiny tots while you squeeze in a run.

-Lace up immediately. Morning runners often find success by laying out your clothes the night before. Taking the guess work out of what to wear will help get you through the morning mind-fog and head out the door. If you’re an evening runner it’s easy to come home from work and get sucked into daily chores. Avoid the temptation by changing into your running clothes and lacing up your sneakers as soon as you walk through the door. Dressing the part will help you prioritize. After returning home from your run the glorious exercise-induced endorphins provide the kick you need to get through the rest of your daily duties.

What tips do you have to get out and run? Let us know here or tweet us @WomensRunning!

RELATED ARTICLE: TIPS FOR POST-WORK RUNNING!

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]]> http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/05/training-tips/3tips-to-get-out-and-run-now_12688/feed 0 http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/05/training-tips/running-clubs-for-kids_12659 http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/05/training-tips/running-clubs-for-kids_12659#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 12:24:38 +0000 jsebor http://womensrunning.competitor.com/?p=12659 Ready to get your little one running? Check out these clubs for training support and coaching!

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]]> These running clubs take the guesswork out of small-fry training by providing coaching and support.

KIDS RUN THE NATION

This non-competitive program helps children work up to running 30 minutes a day and live a healthier lifestyle. rrca.org

GIRLS ON THE RUN

Girls age 8 to 10 participate in this running, self-con dence and positive body image program for 10 to 12 weeks, culminating with a 5k race. girlsontherun.org

MORNING MILE

Over 200 schools nationwide participate in this program, which gets kids running one mile every day before school. Coaches give children special tokens for each distance goal they reach. morningmile.com

YOUNG RUNNERS

A free program for kids in New York public schools, Young Runners trains children grades 3 to 12 for every distance from 1-mile to 10k races. nyrr.org/youth-and-schools

RELATED ARTICLE: RUNNING WITH YOUR KIDS!

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]]> http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/05/training-tips/running-clubs-for-kids_12659/feed 0 http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/05/just-for-fun/girl-talk-running-naked_12677 http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/05/just-for-fun/girl-talk-running-naked_12677#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 19:00:58 +0000 jsebor http://womensrunning.competitor.com/?p=12677 Running naked (stripped of all technology) can be liberating. Read Web Editor Kara Deschenes' bare experience here!

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]]> I’ll be the first one to admit – I LOVE technology.  Especially gadgets that record loads of data. Tracking my pace, distance and run cadence to quantify improvement be stills my beating heart (run nerd alert!). And even though I adore the numbers, I periodically make a conscious effort to curb my techie enthusiasm in pursuit of living happily ever after in perfect harmony. I might be a numbers girl, but I’ll always be a run girl first.

After training all Winter to run a Spring marathon, I can recite my current miles splits and anticipated finish times for various distances upon request, without hesitation. On the other hand, I can only recall a handful of runs during that same time period that blaze my memory for reasons other than speed or distance. I don’t have memory of the scenery or experience outside of pushing myself to run stronger and faster. And that’s OK because my approach to running matched my goal to achieve a new personal best; however now that the race is done, it’s time to reevaluate my run priorities.

RELATED ARTICLE: GIRL TALK- RUNNING & MARRIAGE

In the past after I ran a marathon, I took a significant break from running to allow my muscles to heal while I sought a new focus. Each time I did that, getting back into running shape felt frustrating and muddled. To prevent that discouraging feeling this time I decided to take one week off (to let my body rest) and then run naked for a month.Yes, you read that right – I’m running naked. Maybe not naked in the sense that you know it, rather stripped of my beloved technology (and ultimately devoid of the self-inflicted pressure that comes with knowing my pace with every single step).

I’m happy to report that two weeks in, running naked is not as terrifying as I once thought. In fact, it is quite liberating. Temporarily taking away the gadgets allows me time to enjoy the run and helps renew my vow of love to the sport. Taking in the lush landscape of the trail, truly paying attention to conversation with my run buddy, or watching my dog sprint beside with the expression of pure joy provides a reward that might not be quantifiable – but amazing nonetheless.

WANT MY TIPS FOR RUNNING NAKED? READ THIS ARTICLE NOW!

Running naked recharges my running battery, but I want to know how you restart the engine. Let me know here or tweet me @KaraDeschenes!

 

 

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