Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The 'Run Run' Sisterhood

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, one of my goals for 2011 is to gradually build my exercise routine from fast-paced walking to running. I’m making more progress on the treadmill and while I haven’t set my sights on a 5k or mini-marathon yet, I feel good about what I’ve achieved so far.

Like many bloggers, I look for inspiration from my girlfriends, as well as from other bloggers and blogs. I began searching Blogland for who’s out there running, living healthy lives and offering advice on how to do so. One of the more popular bloggers of this genre is Skinny Runner. An avid marathon and recreational runner, she offers helpful advice on running gear, races to join and healthy eating. And for additional inspiration, she provides links to other other female runner blogs – a “Run Run Sisterhood,” if you will. Best of all, her posts are fun and upbeat.

In one of her posts, she answered many questions readers had posed about the gear she wears; everything from the shoes to her headband. I totally agree with her advice on finding the right shoe for your foot and not just going with what the running magazines are touting as the “it” shoe for 2011. For instance, last week I went to purchase new running shoes at my favorite locally-owned running store, Footworks. (Yeah, I just bought a pair of trail shoes over the holidays, but I also need a running shoe. Let’s analyze my spending habits another day, shall we?) They measured and analyzed my feet. My right foot pronates (rolls inward), so they took that into consideration when searching for the right shoe for me. Keep this in mind when shopping for gear - find a running store that will be willing to do this. At most smaller, locally-owned running stores, this is standard practice.

In addition to walking and running, my friends and I are always look for new, affordable fitness opportunities to help "shake up" our exercise routines, which is really helpful during the dreary winter months. We e-mail each other suggestions, such as Pure Barre, Zumba or cycling classes. It's a great way to stay motivated and socialize with your friends.

If fitness is one of your goals for 2011, what are you doing? What motivates you? Any great fitness/health blogs you'd like to recommend?

Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Images from Title 9 and Skinny Runner

16 comments:

Tote said...

I would love to be able to run. I admire runners so much. They love what they do.

Rob Boddice said...

Ah but Tote, some of us hate it but can't help it. I can't do without the buzz afterwards, but I find the pounding mind-numbing. It's a trade-off. Ran a marathon last year in Montreal. Half in Berlin this year, and then the five minute mile. And I shall be grimacing throughout, smiling after.
VB

LHD said...

I'm running the Derby mini in May! Maybe that could be a goal for next year for you! I only started running about 3 years ago. It gets easier I promise. :) Love your blog!

Glitterista said...

Although I ran in high school, I just cannot seem to get back into it. I am trying to make a habit of exercise of any kind, and classes are often what I enjoy most. Thanks for sharing such a great blog--maybe it'll help motivate me to continue to move it move it! ;)

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Haven't run in a while. Such great exercise for the body and mind.
Good luck, Jen!
have a great week.
Teresa
xoxo

Metropolitan Mum said...

I'd love to take up running again, but my back is so bad that I am afraid it won't do me any good at the moment. So I decided to go more often to yoga. I am actually going soon. In 30 minutes, to be exact :)
Happy running! xx

pve design said...

A jump rope is a great way to get in shape....and lunges....
I ran in 5 K with my daughter and it was great.
pve

bevy said...

You go girl! I will admire you from behind on my walk!!!

North of 25A said...

What an uplifting post and good for you! I am working up to posting about my current weight loss/get healthier journey...
Best,
Colleen

Chic Coles said...

This is great. We never thought about blogs about exercise and healthy eating.Thanks so much. New year new us.

Elizabeth said...

i will check out her blog. thanks for the link! i did couch to5k once. it's a great program!

Jo said...

This fits in nicely with my goals for the new year ~ 5k this fall. I'll pop by and visit her blog. I tried the couch to 5k but it just didn't do it for me at the time.

Just catching up with you ...

wanted to do a cruise but not sold after reading the comments.

hope you're thawing out and warming up!

Jo

Anonymous said...

thanks for the incredibly nice shoutout :)

LPC said...

I'm impressed with your intent. I can't run - shinsplint prone. But I've dance..d, lifted weights, done yoga, walked, all my life and am really glad I started the habit early

Cindy said...

Thanks for the great post!! Am going to check out skinny runner right now! And good luck to you... Sounds like you are well on your way. xo

Amanda Profumo said...

Go Girl! You'll be running a marathon in no time! My brothers are triathletes and they push and motivate me! I'm a happy runner... up to 5 miles a day! :)