Maybe it's because I'm feeling inspired by the New York City marathon, maybe it's the fact that the holiday season is near: I'm trying to re-commit to a regular running routine. My sister's friend recently went on a running spree to get in shape and set a goal of running 100 miles in one month. She did it! What's cool about this plan is that it comes with flexibility. Maybe one morning, you only have the energy/time for 2 miles, but another day, you can fit in five. It's a fitness plan that's challenging, but accommodates busy work schedules, lives, etc.
So, I've decided that I'm going to give it a try—and I'm tracking the miles I log using a big and colorful oversized post-it as a visual reminder of my goal. I will say, I'm going to go a bit easier on myself and try to do 50 miles. But it's a good starting point (that means I need to run about 12 miles a week). We'll see how it goes!
Do you have any tricks/games/apps/motivational tools for getting in shape when you're short on time? I welcome any and all tips!
(Image via iVillage)
With summer winding down, I've been feeling a bit panicked about not taking enough advantage of living close to Brooklyn Bridge Park. So, I've started a pattern of evening runs after work. In a perfect world, I'd be a morning person who gets out at dawn to pound the pavement first thing. But there's something so lovely and peaceful about running at night—especially with the twinkling New York City skyline as your backdrop. I'm telling you, if you cue up the right song (truthfully, I've been working out to this soundtrack a lot) and pair it with this view, it's quite empowering at the end of a long day.
Do you run outside? Is there a view you look forward to along the way? Would love to hear about it!
This past weekend, my parents came to New York and my dad and I ran another race together in Central Park. It was a 4-miler and it felt amazing—almost like dusting off the winter cobwebs. It didn't hurt that it happened to be a gorgeous and sunny day (although a tiny bit chilly).
I never used to be much of a runner before, but there is something so energizing about running in a road race. On the treadmill, it's just you setting the pace and the length you're aiming to run. During a road race, your run somehow feels like a team effort. I love all the volunteers that line up along the route to cheer you on as you pass by. It's probably my favorite part.
I'm looking forward to being able to take my running outdoors a bit more now that spring finally seems to have arrived.
Have you run in a road race before?
PS: My first race.
Happy Friday my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I am excited to be running a 5K on Sunday—wish me luck! I have to admit that I've been a bit of a running slacker since my 10K last year. This race has been my motivation to get back on track. Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead! Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:
Fun football moves (courtesy of NikkiFitness).
Early bird v. night owl.
Congrats to my favorite blogger, Elephantine!
A stunning blue skirt.
Adding pesto to cauliflower soup.
Shark attack!
Because sunsets are important.
My new favorite San Francisco love song.
Floating art frames.
Subway inequality (wowza!).
(Image via Pinterest)
Now that I live in Brooklyn, I'm looking forward to branching out and exploring several of the local parks. This includes Prospect Park. What better way to get acquainted than to register for my first Brooklyn 5K? It's the first weekend in May, and I can't wait! But I will admit, it's been a while since I was in a running groove. This race will be my motivation to get back on track, especially since one of my 2013 goals is to run another 10K. :)
Do you like running outdoors?
(Image 1, 2)
I did it! This weekend, I ran my very first 10K in New York. As a Christmas gift to my dad, I suggested we run a race together in the city. He runs much more than I do, so I figured it was a good way for me to get in shape and enjoy some father-daughter bonding, too. :) It was a success — and such a pretty route running around the perimeter of Central Park. The first pic is of me right before I crossed the finish line; the second is my dad and I post-run. I look a tiny bit tired, don't you think? But so happy to have accomplished one of my 2012 goals!
Happy Friday my darling readers! I can't believe another week has already gone by. This weekend, I'm excited (and a bit nervous) to report that I will be running my first 10K in Central Park. Last year, I ran a 4-mile race and this year, I'm kicking it up a notch. I'm also running with my dad, which should be lots of fun! Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:
The best Tumblr ever.
Inspiring words from CS Lewis.
What I'm reading now.
Delicious, decadent oatmeal brulée.
Take me here!
Be like Brigitte.
DIY seed packet favors.
An Easter treat.
HRH fashion advice.
(Image via Wit + Delight)
Since my new personal goal is to get my run on, I have been looking for a stylish pair of shoes to help support my efforts (and feet!). How cute are the shoes above? Designed by Asics, they are meant for the runner, and are quite fashionable too. I love the hot pink and turquoise color choices. What do you think — would you wear these shoes?