There are some hardcore runners who think that treadmill workouts aren’t “real running.” Don’t believe the hype. The truth is, running on a ’mill is an excellent way to stay in shape and get race-ready.

Running on a treadmill and running outdoors are both effective training methods, so choose the one  that fits your lifestyle. If you love being outdoors, hit the streets. If you’re a busy mom who can only run at 5 a.m., before the kids wake, a treadmill is a lifesaver for maintaining your fitness (and sanity).

While both types of training are effective, it’s important to appreciate their differences so you can adjust your goals accordingly.

Treadmill and outdoor running differ in three important ways: surface, surroundings and biomechanics.

Due to these differences, you can easily injure yourself if you abruptly change your training method. Take the time to gradually transition to running outdoors and you’ll remain injury-free and hit your 5k goals. Just follow a few simple rules:

FOCUS ON EFFORT RATHER THAN PACE. Some people run faster inside while others run slower. To avoid injury and burnout, leave the GPS watch at home and focus on your breathing. In your first few runs under the sun, maintain an easy effort at which you can speak in full sentences without gasping for air. Learn to pace yourself depending on the terrain and the elements. Every day outdoors will be different!

PRACTICE PATIENCE. It might be tempting to quit the treadmill cold turkey, especially if the weather’s beautiful, but please proceed with caution. Your body needs time to adjust to the harder surface and the changes in your running form. At first, run only one workout per week outdoors. Gradually work up to a higher frequency.

START SMALL. To give your body a chance to adapt, shift your shorter running workouts outside first. For instance, if you run four miles three times per week and a six-miler once per week, your first run outside should be a four miler.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Some runners can make the transition more easily than others. If you start to feel niggling aches, slow your progression until your body adapts. As always, remember to be kind and gentle to your body. Enjoy the journey! ■

__________________________________________________________

Jenny Hadfield is the co-author of Running for Mortals and Marathoning for Mortals. You can find more of her training programs, tips and running classes at coachjenny.com.

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1. Buy new gear. Purchase a pair of shoes, running skirt or headband that makes you excited to get out the door.

2. Sign up for a race. Committing to an event gives you a good reason to create a training plan…and stick to it.

3. Find a group. Researchers at Michigan State University found working out with a buddy— even a virtual one— motivated subjects to double the length of their workouts.

4. Add a mile. Enhance endurance by stepping up  your weekly mileage. To avoid injury, increase your total mileage by only 10 percent per week.

5. Run slower on easy days. Slow down during recovery runs—your rested muscles will help you pick up the pace on hard-effort days.

6. Speed it up. High-intensity running builds power. Mix fast running into your regular workouts twice a week.

7. Run with self-awareness. Research suggests that runners can improve their form simply by becoming more conscious of their movement.

8. Try a tempo workout. Once a week, run easy for about 10 minutes, then ramp up the pace for 15 minutes. Cool down for 5 minutes to finish. Watch your PRs start dropping!

9. Caffeinate…to recover. Research has found that ingesting caffeine after a hard workout, in conjunction with carbs, rebuilds glycogen stores 66 percent better than carbohydrates alone.

10. Drink chocolate milk. The old-school beverage has the right mix of carbs, protein and caffeine to help you recover. (And it tastes pretty darn good, too!)

11. Make a parfait. Layer yogurt, berries, nuts and granola to give your body the nutrients crucial for running: calcium, antioxidants, carbs and protein.

12. Strengthen your bum. Studies have proven that a strong gluteus medius prevents lower-body injuries.

13. Hit the beach (or the snow). For an intense workout in a short amount of time, run on soft surfaces. A study in The Journal of Experimental Biology suggested that running on sand requires 1.6 times more effort.

14. Put yourself on ice. Cold-water immersion reduces muscle soreness. If you can handle it, take a quick plunge in a tub filled with 56-degree H2O postworkout.

15. Get fitted at a specialty running store. The American College of Sports Medicine revealed that the best indicator of a good shoe—beyond cutting-edge technologies, promises of better form or how much it weighs—is fit.

16. Take a walk. Legendary running coach Arthur Lydiard recommended walking  a form of recovery. Try a 30-minute walk to relieve tired legs by improving blood flow.

17. Take a hike. Find a natural area with plenty of ups and downs—the strength you gain hiking translates readily into running, plus you’ll enjoy the change of scenery and pace.

18. Hit the gym. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning found runners who weight train three times a week improve their running economy.

19. Foam roll. Massage your muscles with a roller to increase flexibility and range of movement in the knees while breaking down scar tissue and adhesions.

20. Skip pre-run pills. A recent study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise suggests popping ibuprofen before a run can cause intestinal and colonic leakage.

21. Up the incline. According to a study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning, a 3-percent slope on the treadmill best prepares you for road running.

22. Strengthen your hammies. Studies have shown hamstring fatigue may lead to knee injury. Perform dead lifts, leg curls and box jumps to protect your precious joints.

23. Run early, sleep well. Studies show that runners who work out at 7 a.m. sleep the most soundly.

24. Stretch actively. Static stretching before a workout can diminish performance, but active stretching—where you move your limbs through a range of motion—can help you improve it, according to research.

25. Cross train. Ride a bike, swim, cross-country ski or hop on the elliptical to get great cardiovascular gains without straining the muscles used in running.

26. Address your hip flexors. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning found that performing hip-strengthening exercises improves speed and agility.

27. Take a nap. Studies show that taking a mid-day nap lowers the stress hormone cortisol, which will help injuries heal and increase speed in athletes.

28. Pop fish oil. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supplements may help runners decrease inflammation, boost immunity and protect against heart disease.

29. Pump up the jams. Music helps you get to the finish line faster, according to British researchers. Make a new Spotify playlist filled with high-tempo tracks.

30. Eat more healthy fat. British researchers have found that avoiding fat is the number-one dietary indicator of injury risk for women runners. Snack on walnuts, avocado and hard-boiled eggs!

The post Become a Better Runner! appeared first on Women's Running.

1. Oiselle Clearly Jacket

Crafted by a Seattle-based design team that is more than a little familiar with wet weather, this transparent raincoat brightens up dreary days—and looks super-stylish layered over a colorful tank. $82, oiselle.com

2. Gore Air AS Lady Pant

Not a fan of the leave-nothingto-the-imagination look that thin, wet shorts create? Step into these slim-fitting pants crafted from water- and wind-resistant fabric. $160, goreapparel.com

3. Nikwax Softshell Proof Spray-On

Soggy running clothes are a total drag. Prevent wet weather from seeping in with a waterproofing spray that revives wicking gear. $15, nikwax.com

The post Gear: Stormy Weather Run Products! appeared first on Women's Running.

It’s been two months since Boston and for the past eight weeks I’ve made a conscious effort to run for the pure joy of running. No pressure, no electronic devices (yes, I run naked – read why here!), and no goals – other than to enjoy my surroundings and appreciate the fact that I can run. I’ve enjoyed the relaxed approach and reconnected to why I really run – to feel good about myself. While the break has been nice, I’m finally ready to venture out again and commit to thoughtful training. And this time, I’m dreaming big.

RELATED ARTICLE: GIRL TALK – PRIORITIES

As a writer and general lover of running, I feel very fortunate to work with the Editor-in-Chief of Women’s Running Magazine – Jessie Sebor. For those who might wonder about the woman behind the words you read each month, she’s every bit of a run fanatic, cheerleader and a geniunly sweet friend as you might imagine. In a recent conversation with Jessie, I mentioned that I wasn’t currently training for any race and trying to run just for the fun of it. She mimicked the notion and we shared a quick chat about our experience at Boston. Though Jessie finished the marathon before the explosions, she experienced the panic of not knowing where each member of the Women’s Running staff were and suffered a broken heart for the running community in the aftermath. Determined not to let evil win, she went on to run the Big Sur Marathon just two weeks after Boston as she’d previously planned. It would have been easy to hide and shy away from a race so soon after the tragedy. But not Jessie. She’s one tough cookie and an inspiration in her own right. She’s always wanted to run Big Sur, and decided not to give the Boston terrorists the power to take away her dream.

As we continued our chat, I told Jessie that I planned to run Boston 2014 and looked forward to reclaiming a finish line that was stolen from me. She casually threw out the notion that I should run Boston to Big Sur (two marathons in two weeks) next year and said I wouldn’t regret it. Raving about the incredibly scenic course of Big Sur, Jessie gently nudged saying it was an amazing experience that she’d repeat in a heartbeat.

And so the dream was born.

I’m committing to run two marathons in two weeks in order to dream big. I’m an average runner who competes only with myself and I can’t wait to push beyond my limits. I’m both terrified and excited all at once, but thrilled to chase down a new challenge. Though the races are many months away, I’m already counting down the days. I’m finally ready to reclaim the run (thanks for the encouragement Jessie!).

I’m dreaming big by taking the Boston to Big Sur race challenge. What running dreams are you currently chasing? Let me know here or tweet me @KaraDeschenes, so I can cheer you on!

LOOKING FOR MORE GIRL TALK? CHECK OUT ALL OF MY RUNNING THOUGHTS HERE!

The post Girl Talk: Dream Big, Run Strong appeared first on Women's Running.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST
DOVER, N.H.
AGE: 28

In 2008, I stood on the sidelines at the Boston Marathon with my mother as we watched the runners pass. The city had an incredible energy that day, and I was inspired by the athletes who had worked so hard to get there. The farthest I’d ever run was six miles, but I told my mom, “I want to do this race one day.” She said that she knew I could do it if I tried.

The very next year, my mom passed away unexpectedly. I was devastated. I couldn’t believe she was gone.

In the weeks following her death, I often thought back to the moment we shared in Boston. I needed to run this race. I joined a running group and set my sights on a local marathon that autumn. I wanted to finish strong and qualify for Boston in 2011.

As I formed bonds with my new running partners, I started running faster and farther. I could feel the hole in my heart slowly begin to heal. That October, I finished the BayState Marathon. Even though I pushed myself as hard as I could, my time wasn’t fast enough to qualify. Still, I was determined to achieve my goal. Just six weeks later, I ran the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon. I ran faster this time, but I was still too slow. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever make it to the starting line in Boston.

Luckily, my sister-in-law suprised me by securing a spot for me at Boston as a volunteer runner. I was thrilled!

I struggled during the race and at times wondered if I would finish—but when I turned the final corner on Hereford Street, I knew I was about to complete my goal as I had promised. I was overwhelmed with emotion. My dad, brother and husband cheered me on in the stands, and it felt like my mom was cheering for me too.

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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!

The post Cheer Station: Race Celebrations 6/17/13! appeared first on Women's Running.

“Running is my life. I know in my heart I can compete with the best in the world, and not many people can say that. I’m very grateful for the life I have.”

The post Why I Run: Brenda Martinez appeared first on Women's Running.

The best fitness gear for moms-to-be. . .

RELATED ARTICLE: BABY GATE – RUNNING FOR EXPECTANT MOMS!

The post Gear: 3 Run Products for Expectant Moms! appeared first on Women's Running.

Women’s Running: How would you describe yourself? 

Jenn: I am a 36 year old wife and mom to a five-year-old son, living in Northeast Florida with three pugs. I’m a bit of a domestic engineer, dabbling in a little bit of everything. My hobbies include photography, cake decorating and writing. I am a bookworm and film buff and I love traveling with my family.

WR: How did you begin running?

J: I started because of my husband. He was very impressed with a friend of ours who went from Couch to 5K, and onto running a half marathon. He’s had a hard time finding an activity he really enjoyed and while I didn’t really want to run, I told him I would do the Couch to 5K program with him for support. He agreed and here we are.

WR: What keeps you running and training?

J: My motivation is a combination of things. I love the way running makes me feel physically and mentally. I also love seeing how far I can go. There is no overnight or immediate payoff, but seeing the improvements in my pace, distance and stamina from week to week and month to month is so satisfying. I want to keep pushing past what I think are my limits to see what I can actually really do out there.

WR: What type of run is your favorite?

J: Right now, I’m enjoying speed work. I love the way it pushes me physically, as well as how it breaks up some of my runs. It keeps things interesting.

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

J: I have only run one race (so far), but seeing my son at the finish line, waving and calling to me, was so overwhelming.

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

J: I hope readers will be encouraged. We are average people, not elite athletes, and I hope readers can identify with that. It’s so important to be healthy and an active lifestyle is such a huge part of that, but getting started can be intimidating. I transitioned to running from power walking, but my husband went from very little exercise to running his first 5K in under 40 minutes in about 11 or 12 weeks of training. I hope readers see that and realize all it takes is putting on your shoes and getting out there, whether it’s walking, running, cycling, or whatever strikes their fancy.

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

J: It depends. After recently completing my first 5K, I want to get a new iPod (mine is seven years old and on its last leg). So it might be a new piece of gear, or something like registering for another race.

WR: Are you currently training for a race?  If so, which one?

J: I am. I have the RunDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler in October and the Space Coast Marathon in December. I am hoping to squeeze in a few more local 5Ks before the end of the year, but we’ll see.

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

J: The best advice I’ve received is “just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” Nothing else really matters but that.

Want to read more? Head over to Runs With Pugs!

Jenn just completed her first 5k and loved seeing her son cheering at the finish line. What’s your best finish line memory?

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 Jenn’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: Runs With Pugs appeared first on Women's Running.

EPIC DASH

Ever wonder how elite runners feel as they barrel toward the line? The Eugene Marathon lets you experience an epic finish on the historic track at Hayward Field, home of the Olympic Trials. Release your inner speedy chick as you take in the views of this incredibly scenic course, which traverses riverside trails in springtime. After the race, head over to the Terwillinger Hot Springs to soothe tired legs in the calming mineral water.
When: 4/28/13
Where: Eugene, Ore.
Contact: (877) 345-2230, eugenemarathon.com

RELATED ARTICLE: RAVE RACES – PARTY IN THE USA!

The post Rave Races: Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers appeared first on Women's Running.

How are you dreaming big today?

LOOKING FOR MORE MOTIVATION? CHECK OUT OUR PINSPIRING PICS HERE!

The post Pinspiration: The Power of Hope appeared first on Women's Running.

IS IT SAFE TO RUN WHILE PREGNANT?

Dr. Sheeva Talebian: Yes! That’s the one-word answer. Running is safe anytime—during the  rst, second and third trimester—if you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy. You should not run if you have complications like elevated blood pressure or, in some cases, multiple gestation, that would cause an obstetrician to advise no high-impact exercise.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

ST: Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t stay in shape. All of the same reasons you normally exercise— heart health, stress reduction, weight maintenance, lower blood pressure—are reasons to run during pregnancy. Additionally, women who exercise while pregnant have lower rates of diabetes and preeclampsia, and they are less likely to gain an unhealthy (and potentially dangerous) amount of weight. There’s even some data that suggests babies born to women who worked out while expecting have stronger cardiovascular systems.

RELATED ARTICLE: EXERCISE DOS AND DON’TS FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS

WHEN IS RUNNING DANGEROUS?

ST: In the early ’90s, the thinking was that women should maintain a heart rate lower than 140 beats per minute during pregnancy—but there was no real data to support this claim and it’s since been revoked. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now gives no specific heart rate women must stay below. I tell my patients to listen to their bodies. If your heart is racing out of control, slow down. If you can talk while running, you should be fine. Your heart aside, there are two things pregnant women need to be wary of: overheating (specifically in the first trimester) and falling (in the second and third trimesters).

ARE THERE SPECIFIC WORKOUTS WOMEN SHOULD AVOID?

ST: Again, it’s best to stay away from workouts that will lead to overheating or falling. It’s important to maintain a core temperature that is as close to normal (98.6 degrees) as possible. Maternal temperatures above 102 are related to an increased risk of spina bi da. To prevent overheating, stay inside on hot or humid days. It’s completely okay to sweat—perspiration actually helps keep your body cool—just don’t overdo it. Later in your pregnancy your center of gravity is changing, so there is a risk of falling and having direct trauma to the abdomen. Don’t run on icy paths or uneven trails. Also, make sure to hydrate properly as dehydration can lead to premature contractions.

WHY IS THERE A STIGMA SURROUNDING PREGNANT RUNNERS?

ST: Sometimes people view pregnancy as a “disability” and there is an expectation that the pregnant woman should be sedentary. But as long as a mom is smart, there’s much more good than harm that comes from exercising during pregnancy—both for her and her baby. I hope that stigma will eventually go away.

WHEN IS IT SAFE TO RUN FOLLOWING CHILDBIRTH?

ST: The general guideline is six weeks, which is when you usually go for a post-partum checkup. If you had a straightforward vaginal delivery, you may be able to run sooner than that. If you had a C-section or other complications, you definitely want to wait. ■

_________________________________

Sheeva Talebian, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., is on staff at The Valley Hospital Fertility Center in Ridgewood, N.J. A marathoner and mom of two, Dr. Talebian is board certi ed in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology, and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The post Baby Gate: Running During Pregnancy appeared first on Women's Running.

Meet Kristin McQueen. She’s a 34 year-old, 17-time marathoner who has endured 15 surgeries on her neck and brain and two rounds of radiation to fight metatastic thyroid cancer over the past 10 years. Read Kristin’s story and find out why she’s my inspiration:

Women’s Running: How would you describe yourself?

Kristin: I’m 34 and live in Naperville, IL.  I have my doctorate in Physical Therapy and work in Chicago in the outpatient setting, treating many runners and triathletes.

WR: How did you begin running?

K: I actually used to hate running but I started while in college. I was a basketball player since age 10 and missed having that athletic outlet. It took me a good year to actually like running though. It didn’t click for me until I got lost one day and wound up going twice as far as I planned. I was forced to pace myself so I could make it home and that’s when I felt the infamous runner’s high. My endurance habit was born and to this day I still don’t particularly enjoy short distances.

WR: When were you diagnosed with cancer and with what kind?

K: I was diagnosed with Metastatic Thyroid Cancer in 2003 at the age of 24. I felt a lump in my neck and went through three different doctors before one finally listened to me and got the ball rolling by sending me right to a surgeon. So far I’ve had five neck surgeries, 10 brain surgeries (the most recent was just on April 30) and two rounds of radiation. It was the second round of radiation that caused a severe complication, which resulted in all of the brain surgeries. There has been a snowball effect with each surgery resulting in more complications. In a nutshell, I deal with:a partial airway, vision loss, hearing loss, vertigo, chronic pain, and nerve damage. I have yet to hear that my cancer is gone so it’s been my unwanted roommate for 10 years (my 10-year “cancerversary” is coming up on June 27).

WR: How has running help you fight back against cancer?

K: Running helped me through everything because it’s my constant. It has given me a goal with each surgery recovery and has been a motivation to push through when the complications keep piling up. It is a time when I try to make sense of what is happening. Life is always easier to handle after a run.  I have also put my running to good use and have raced on behalf of the American Cancer Society since 2002. I’ve raised over $122,000 for them, all of them having taped “Suck it Cancer” to the back of my shirt.

WR: How many marathons have you run? How many IRONMAN triathlon races?

K: I’ve done 17 full marathons and nine full IRONMAN races.

WR: How do you fight through the long distance races? What do you think about in the final miles when it starts to hurt?

K: When I fight through the long distances it is with a smile of gratitude and a belief that if I am out racing endurance events, I am winning over all of my challenges. At IRONMAN Lake Placid 2012, I physically had a terrible race and was forced to walk the entire marathon portion. Let me tell you, that was one looooong walk but I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire time. I truly just love the opportunity to race and to be a part of everything. I’m used to having to adjust my goals based on what my body is doing so I’ve learned to just roll with it and enjoy.

WR: What keeps you running and training?

K: What keeps me running is really just my love of sport but also to show people that “anything is possible.” So many people find any little excuse not to do something out of their comfort zone but that’s where the good stuff happens. I hope to help people realize that a little rough spot in life doesn’t have to take them out of the game.

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

K: The advice I usually give my friends is “SMILE! You’re doing a marathon/Ironman/etc.” As far as advise received, probably just to run my own race.

WR: You’ve already accomplished so much in endurance racing – what goals do you have now?

K: My main goal right now is to get a spot to race the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The course looks miserable but it’s the Superbowl of triathlon.  There is no way I would be able to physically get fast enough to qualify so I keep entering the lottery every year and this year have entered the Kona Inspired contest. My other goal is to run few marathons in the Western part of the country since I haven’t seen much of that area. Races are always such a fun way to explore new sites.

Listen to Kristin tell her Kona Inspired story here (and vote for her journey!)!

Next time my run gets hard, I’m going to think of Kristin and remind myself that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE – what will you use to inspire your next tough run? Let me know here or tweet me @KaraDeschenes!

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

The post Girl Talk: Running Inspiration appeared first on Women's Running.

Congratulations on three years of running strong! What you’re describing is very common for anyone who takes up a new sport. Remember that first ride on your bike without training wheels? I do. My father hung on until I was able to balance on my own, and then I took off exploring the block. My skills spiked dramatically in the first year of riding—but haven’t improved much since. The same thing happens to new runners.

That said, you can break through this plateau—and with a strategy shift  you will smash that 30-minute mark. Your body has simply adapted to your current training regiment and needs a little kick-start. Here are a few strategies to get out of your rut safely and efficiently.

RACE LESS. If you race too often, your performance can stabilize due to fatigue and burnout. If you truly want to break a personal record, race no more than one 5k per month. It takes a little more patience, but it will pay off when you see the finish line clock.

MIX IT UP. Include a variety of workouts in your schedule. It’s easy  to get lured into running at “ho-hum” effort–the pace that helps you burn off stress and feels good. But when we stick to the same pace all the time, we learn to run well at that pace and that pace only. By incorporating long-distance runs and hard-effort speed workouts into your schedule, you’ll train to push yourself on race day by improving endurance, speed and metabolic threshold.

ACCESSORIZE. It might be counter-intuitive, but performing non-running exercises will make you a stronger runner. At least once per week, mix it up by following a Pilates DVD, taking a strength class at your gym or working with a personal trainer. A strong core will help you waste less effort stride-for-stride, and the energy saved will translate to faster race times.

BRING IT DOWN. Always scale back your training in the week leading up to your race. Getting in “just one more hard workout” will sabotage your big day. Save your strength by tapering your running volume and intensity by 60 percent. For instance, if you normally run 50 minutes four times per week, run 40 minutes only twice during race week.

FINE-TUNE YOUR RACE-DAY STRATEGY. Once per week, perform race-simulation workouts to learn how to pace yourself. Then on race morning, get to the start at least one hour early to park, use the bathroom and check your gear. Start your warm up 20 minutes before the gun: walk 5 minutes briskly, then run easy for 5 minutes, then perform four 30-second strides. During the race, go by effort rather than the numbers on your Garmin. Run half a mile at an effort that feels comfortable, the next mile and a half at a moderately difficult effort and the final mile at a difficult effort. Smile when you see 29 minutes on the clock! ■

____________________________________________________________________

Jenny Hadfield is the co-author of Running for Mortals and Marathoning for Mortals. You can  nd more of her training programs, tips and running classes at coachjenny.com.

The post Plateau Problems appeared first on Women's Running.

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!

The post Cheer Station: Race Celebrations 6/10/13! appeared first on Women's Running.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT
PORT VUE, PENN.
AGE: 24

I started gaining weight in the fifth grade. I’m not sure what the trigger was, but after age 10, I grew heavier and heavier. At one point, I was gaining 60 pounds per year. Kids bullied me at school. This made me feel worthless, and I’d cope by eating even more.

In April of 2009, I was watching The Biggest Loser when something clicked. At 230 pounds, I saw myself in the contestants. If they can do it, I thought, why can’t I? I realized if I wanted to enjoy my life, I had to make some major changes.

I traded junk food for fruits and vegetables. Within 12 months, I’d lost 110 pounds. I was thin—but I still wasn’t happy. I became obsessive with my eating habits and saw calories as the enemy. My weight dropped to an unhealthy number and my family became concerned. I didn’t feel like myself at all. The lack of nutrition made me constantly irritable and tired.

That year, I met a runner who would do crazy ultra-marathons. I had never understood running and I was curious. How could he enjoy this so much? His passion ignited something in me. I jumped on a treadmill to see how far I could go. It wasn’t pretty, but I didn’t want to stop. It took me nearly one month to reach two miles.

After my first 5k, I started to fall in love with the sport. The more I ran, the hungrier I felt. I stopped seeing food as either comforting or evil. Instead, I understood it was fuel for my body.

Last year, after intense training, I finished my first full marathon. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I pictured my old self and saw how far I’d come physically and, more importantly, emotionally, over the last few years. Crossing the line, I stomped every hang-up I had to the ground.

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Women’s Running: How would you describe yourself? 

Anne: I’m a Registered Dietitian (RD), food and fitness blogger, runner, yogi, CrossFitter, and lover of adventure and travel! In 2009, after working in D.C. area public relations and communications for 5 years, I followed my passion for nutrition and wellness and returned to school to become an RD. In December, I graduated with my Masters of Public Health in Nutrition in from UNC Chapel Hill and started an online-based nutrition counseling private practice. I love working with clients to reach their wellness goals – it’s so rewarding!

WR: How did you begin running?

A: I definitely wasn’t always a runner! I played tennis in high school and remember hating the training runs our coach sent us out on; it wasn’t really until after college that I started to love running. I did my first 5k in 2005 and finally got the courage to start doing longer runs in 2009. I started with a 10k, then a 10 miler, and then finally a half marathon in spring 2010! Flash forward 3 years and I just completed my 7th half marathon and have officially fallen head over heels with running. I’m not sure my former high school self would believe it!

WR: What keeps you running and training?

A: Honestly, it just makes me really happy! Running is my favorite form of stress release and a great way to catch up with friends, too, since I do almost all my runs with other people. There’s nothing quite like going for a run on a beautiful day with a buddy by your side.

WR: What type of run is your favorite?

A: Long runs! I love the feeling of accomplishment you get after a long run – I feel like a rock star for the rest of the day! And the post long run food is pretty sweet, too…

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

A: Crossing the finish line at my very first half marathon was such an amazing rush. It was really hot, hilly, and crazy hard and I remember being SO proud of myself when I crossed that finish line.

WR: What’s your favorite indulgent treat?

A: Gelato! I just came back from a trip to Italy and had gelato almost every day. So delicious.

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

A: Usually by signing up for another race! The high that I get at a finish line when I’ve set a new PR or completed a new distance is reward enough for me! I just set a new half marathon PR in May – 1:43:44 at the Nike Women’s half in DC. I was so excited.

WR: Are you currently training for a race?  If so, which one?

A: I actually just signed up for my very first full marathon – Richmond in November! After 7 half marathons and a bunch of 10 milers, I decided it was time for a new challenge. I start training in July and I can’t wait!

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

A: Just to get out the door! That’s seriously often the hardest part. That, and finding a buddy to run with. It’s easy to bail on yourself at 6 a.m. when your alarm goes off for a run… but if you have someone to meet, you kind of have to be there. And once you’re there, you’ll be glad!

Want to read more? Head over to fANNEtastic food!

Anne decided to register for a marathon as a way of chasing a new distance goal. How do you know when you’re ready for a new running challenge?

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 Anne’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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Nothing says race support love like funny signs. Check out these posters, featuring our favorite Grumpy Cat.

What’s the best race sign you’ve seen? Share it here or tweet us @WomensRunning and we’ll share our favorites!

The post Best Race Signs: Grumpy Cat appeared first on Women's Running.

Gather your girlfriends and toast National Running Day with an exclusive offer from Women’s Running Series! Register today for any half marathon and make plans to join us for what promises to be a spectacular weekend getaway in Nashville (Sept. 28), Scottsdale-Tempe (Nov. 3) and St. Petersburg (Nov. 24)—or all three.

For one day only, SAVE $20* when you register on Wednesday, June 5 between 12:00 am – 11:59 pm PST!

To qualify for this exclusive savings, you must register on June 5.

REGISTER NOW!
Want to Run Now? Join the coast-to-coast celebration of our favorite sport in a Nationwide Virtual Group Run on June 5.

* Discount is valid on June 5, 2013 from 12am – 11:59pm PST for 1/2 Marathon distances only. No other discount codes or promotions can be used in combination with the National Running Day promotion.

The post Women’s Running Series Special Offer appeared first on Women's Running.

P.S. Did you know you can save $$ on a Women’s Running Series race registration today (6/5/13)? Check out the details here and get ready to run!

How are you celebrating National Running Day? Let us know here or tweet us @WomensRunning!

The post Happy National Running Day! appeared first on Women's Running.